Heeellllllloooooo Monday!

Yeah. Monday morning at its finest. For a change, this has been a decent start of the week for me... aside from having to get up early.

I took our minivan into the shop to have the oil leak situation looked at. Once again it was just the oil filter had worked loose. They recommend a new one, I decided to do it later. I asked about my other vehicle. The radiator has started to leak again. I had brought it in just a few months ago, and had the radiator replaced for a leak, and they said it is still under warranty. So I will be taking it up there after the holiday. For now I am grounding the car anyways. I can't go more than a few miles and it is starting to get in the hot zone...even after topping off the radiator. Hopefully, it won't cost too much to fix that problem. This morning only cost me 20 minutes of my time.

I need to call my Sis today. The BIL had asked about me bringing my boys to their house this week for the day to let them play with their cousins. Prolly will set up a date and time for that. Whatever day it is, that morning we can run out and pick up some stuff for the Wife for Christmas too. I got an idea or two from her from Saturday while we were out. Plus I gotta get that last present yet. Gads, I hate shopping.

Friday is the holiday. For everyone traveling, be safe.

PeacE

Decisions, decisions

It's a nice, bright Sunday morning here in the Valley of the Sun. I am debating what I should do this morning.

I did my rounds on the Internet: my emails, Facebook, Myspace. I don't need to update my Netflix as I have movies here to watch. No one loves to comment here, so no new comments to read.

The Wife asked me what my plans were this morning, and that's where my dilemma is. She had asked on the pretext of once they get out of church, and were to stop somewhere to grab some lunch to bring home, would they need to bring for me as well? Or will I be out and about and not interested?

So - do I stay at home sitting on my fat butt playing World of Warcraft this morning, which would probably end up being most of the day.... Or do I head over to one of the local pubs and get a free breakfast buffet, a beer, and sit on my fat butt reading a book for most of the day... Such a hard choice. At least I know I will be doing it sitting down.

The kids were at Reverend Mother's yesterday afternoon. They made a variety of cookies, and brought them all home. All of them have already told me to stay out of them, that they are for them, not me - (some Christmas spirit, huh?). With the afternoon free, the Wife and I finished the shopping that needed to be completed. Well, so I thought. About mid-way through dinner at RM's, I realized we had forgot one person. So I will need to go back out this week to get that one thing. At least that isn't too bad.

Monday I got to take our minivan in to the shop. We have had an oil leak for about a month or so. Had the same problem earlier this year, that turned out to be a loose oil filter. I am hoping that this is the same problem this time. I just can't get to the damn thing to find out. Will have the mechanic do it for me. Maybe do an oil change while they are at it.

Okay, that's it for now. I need to make a decision in the next few minutes about what I am, doing for lunch.

PeacE

It's Saturday Morning

Things are starting to look good. Not that they were bad, but just, looking good. The sun is out and shining; the boys are actually cleaning up what I told them to clean up; and it's almost lunchtime. Yeah, I slept in that late today. I felt I deserved it.

The Wife has taken the daughter (at some point earlier today) to go get her eyes checked. This will also include new lenses for her glasses, and new contacts. At least we won't have to get new frames too.

The Reverend Mother is due to call early this afternoon. She will be having all four of my kids over to her place for the afternoon. She has does this the past several years with each family's kids. Does the whole "Grandma and kids getting Christmas-y" thingy-ma-jig-bobber-doo-hickey. As an added bonus, the Wife and I come over for dinner in the evening (the Wife doesn't have to cook - happy for her!). So, while we adults have a free afternoon, I have emphasized the past couple days we should take that time to finish the shopping and sort thru everything. What do I mean sort? I mean, I need to know who gets what, as next week will be full of wrapping paper and tape for me. Yee Haw.

Okay, I am off to do some other stuff whilst waiting on the phone call from Reverend Mother.

PeacE

Another Small Change

As many have read from other blogs, Haloscan (current comment program) is changing over to a pay service. I am cheap. I don't see paying $10/mo just so I can get 5 comments (if lucky).

So, I think I got it removed from here. If not, would you email me any probs at ralphd00d@gmail.com and let me know? Maybe, if you removed it yourself, you could even hint at where I need to look and delete something still....

PeacE

Tuesday, another yeehaw day

It is still fairly quiet around the house this week. Thankfully, the kids have school until Friday, then they start the Christmas break. Otherwise, it's just the spawn of Satan running off the walls around here, and me yelling at him to settle down. Like the damn cat is gonna listen to me.

Not much else going on. I guess Reverend Mother is debating taking my 4 kids for the day Saturday to help her do some baking, and maybe dinner. Then have hte Wife and I over to share the dinner. I likes them free dinners...lol.

Yup. That's pretty much it today. Unless I find something of interest.

PeacE

Welcome to the Weekend

It's Saturday, thank goodness, and just under 2 weeks to that damn holiday I don't care much for.

This week has been another ordinary one, here at my place anyways. We had a nice birthday dinner at Olive Garden for the Wife's bday (it was her mom's as well, and so we invited her and dad along).

Tonight we have a Christmas party at a friend's house we will be attending. I got the daughter for once in her life (it seems) to do something around the house and watch the boys. Plus they are to be getting the Family Room ready for us to put up the tree. Another thing I don't mess with. But the Wife and kids love doing it.

The Wife went shopping today, and I think she pretty much concluded what else we needed to get for people. There might be one or two more runs for items to round it all out.

That's it for now.

PeacE

Happy Birthday My Dear Wife

Today is my Wife's birthday. I won't disclose her age, because she would probably beat me to a pulp if I did, and those marital extras that happen every now and then would be fewer and farther between. I know where my bread is buttered.

I thought of posting a pic, but I don't have a really recent one. Though, she wouldn't like me doing that either.

Maybe a little humorous story? Hmmmm, I can't think of one off the top of my head.

I guess the important thing is I am glad she is with me, and I love her. Happy Birthday Honey!

Tonight the family will go out to dinner to the restaurant of her choosing. Last night she was hinting at Olive Garden, but I don't know if she will change her mind during the day. The daughter has an orthodontist appointment this afternoon. She will be getting some more of her appliances put in for her braces.

Yesterday I spent most of the morning getting shopping done. The Wife's birthday presents were picked up, as well as some for her for Christmas. I was able to scratch a couple more names off the list for gifts.

Not much happening otherwise. Maybe watch a movie this morning since WoW is doing its regular Tuesday maintenance and I can't play yet.

PeacE

We're off to the show!

It's been another slow week around the house here. Trying to get things in order, to figure out what shopping still needs to be done for whom, and when am I supposed to go do that. Yeah... I need a list. I can't just "go looking" for a gift for someone. I'll never find anything.

And my wife's birthday is Tuesday - guess who is screwed?

Soooo, what else is new? Well, today my daughter had an Honor band concert. Seems her's is the only HS district to do it, but they compete (similar to Regionals) for chair position, and then have a concert. She made 4th chair out of 6 high schools. This Thursday she has a choir concert - at the same time as the oldest son's Christmas concert for band. Again! You'd think the damn school district would not schedule things like this for the third year in a row!!! My god! I can't be the only one with kids in HS and grade school!!!

Okay... and tomorrow, we are going to see Trans Siberian Orchestra, for the third year. My wife and I really enjoy it, and the kids have as well. Tickets were bought months ago, and I almost missed the date. I was thinking it was next weekend....

My brother Stuman is off to Germany today for two weeks for some Army stuff. He called yesterday. He has started a tradition thing where every time he goes to Germany, he brings me back a stein. He called to see which ones I had again, and he is trying for another this time as well.

We ordered the announcements for the daughter's upcoming graduation. Over the next three months, I am sure we will be getting the needed addresses from family members and friends for her to bankrupt us with getting postage for them.

Ok. That's all I got for today.

PeacE

Life is going on....

So it was a week that I care not to repeat. Though, knowing how things go around here, it will at some point in time.

The daughter and I are at least back on speaking terms. I sat down the other night and let her know what I thought about the whole thing. Told her basically I was tired of it all; it wasn't worth having a heart attack over; and that if she didn't start acting her age and responsibility level, something else was going to have to be done. I guess it helped.

Other than that, we are prepping to go into the Christmas shopping season. Thanksgiving will be spent up at my Bro-In-Law's place in Payson. I am making dessert. I have to make double, as my side of the family has already requested it too, though we won't be eating with them.

Be putting in a new garbage disposal tomorrow. Yee haw.

That's it for now.

PeacE

dot dot dot

It's been awhile. I almost missed being here. I say almost, because, for once in my life, I was doing the right thing. The 'right thing' as I see it is spending the time I have with my family. Yes, I can see many of you agree, it is a great and noble thing to do. Why waste your time here, when you have those things to do....

Which brings me back to here.... it feels like home.

In the last month, and maybe some more days than that, I have devote myself back to the family unit. Back to being more in the daily life of my children than I had been before. Trying my best to be more of a father than I had been before. Sounds pathetic, in a sense doesn't it? Why would I have to be more of one, if I was a good one before?

Simple answer. I wasn't/weren't/ain't the good father I thought I was....

No. None of the children are in welfare. None are in danger in our home. None are beaten senseless in drunken rages, or abused in physical way. And as I see it, none are verbally abused either....

Best place to start, they always say, is at the beginning...... I like to drink.

You'd think drinking is bad enough, but that is what I do... now. And even that is being controlled by me. How much you can trust an alcoholic? Well, my Wife trusts me. That trust has done wonders.

But, that's not the home problem. It's about growing old. Or for some, growing older.

I am a 38 year old male, who loves his High School Sweetheart, (whom I married) and we have had 4 WONDERFUL children together. My extremely talented daughter (18) and the three boys (11,7, 4). That's if I got their ages all correct. I am not a stickler for that.

Last night, there was an altercation. Mom and the daughter were in another room, and the all I heard was the daughter 'sassing back' to her mother. Strictly my interpretation of it. So I verbally broke in, and told daughter to not speak to her mother that way.

From there, it went to hell.

I have an 18 year old daughter telling both her parents to "fuck off" (yes Reverend Mother, exact words of your 'Princess') and not listening to anything. It's all about her. Let the police show up and take everyone to jail, because she can be out of this house.

Gotta love that. In fact, it sounds so good, I should have a PBR in my hand, and live in Kentucky!

Needless to say, the Wife and I are at wits end. The Daughter graduates in June, and is going to U of A in Tucson. We have told her for years, she gets R&B there, plus whatever else we can help pay over what grants/scholarships she gets.

It's all true. But to me it ain't right. The Daughter still has what they call here, 'Early Hour' band practices. So, she still needs to be driven to school early, before regular hours. This week, the Wife has vacation - one of those job things. Use it or lose it. This is her week she took to get it used.

So, after last night's 'fiasco', I awake and find a letter from the daughter. After reading it, I assume it is an apology from the 'fit' she had the night before. No, it is a letter placing blame on every family member for her problems, and total blame on me, for how she has become a failure in life.

The letter stated that *I* did not: support her choir concerts, her band concerts, the marching band activities, the theatrical plays, the class plays, in short... everything she has extracurricular in HS. True, I have not been to all of them. And the important ones, like the seniors walk at last home game.... she verbally said she did not want me to walk with her.

If this don't sound like a bad 'redneck' family, you tell me!

Tonight... I went to a bar. I drank. More than I have in over a month. I waited purposefully, before coming home. I wanted all the kids in bed. I said ALL.Especially the daughter, tonight. I asked my loving Wife, if the daughter and her had talked about the 'letter'. No.

(sigh)

I don't know how ot phrase it, but I have had the WORST kind of things happen in my life, been presented with the WORST sort of situations, and SUFFERED the consequences of my actions.... but this instance with the Daughter... I am at a loss.

I gave up on Christ years ago. I gave up on believing in family about the same time. My self belief - heh, I question it at the most important times. My Wife, who has been there through it all, has been the one thing I don't question.

So, what do I do?

(sigh)

I ain't really asking for no one's opinions..... just getting shit off my chest I guess.

Like the song says... 'God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy".

Good luck to the fucker that can figure my life out. Call me if ya do.

PeacE

Been busy!

The last few days I have actually been sorta busy. That's my official excuse anyways.

The Daughter had Senior Recognition night on Friday. Which turned into the last home game of the season. And a loss of who knows what. I left after halftime, and the score was 48-7. Saturday, the band has State marching competition. They placed an Excellent with a caption for percussion. Unfortunately, they will not be going further - so marching season is basically done now.

Had a nice evening with the family last night. We sat down and watched GI Joe. Wasn't the greatest movie, wasn't the worst. Wasn't too bad coming form a toy/cartoon beginning.

Thinking about heading to the pub today to watch the race with some friends.

PeacE

A Weak Relapse

Gee. I hadn't realized it had been a week since I last updated. You'd think I would notice these things more, but I don't. What's happened in that week? I mean, besides all the hoopla about the N1H1 (or whatever numbers and letters) vaccine and other BS from the Gov't.....

I was sick. Yep. Arizona had a nice little cool down last week where it dropped to 60's during the day (one day prior being in the 90's). The wind had kicked up bad for the whole day before the temp drop, and I think between allergies and the common cold, I caught it. The cold that is. I was out about Thursday through the weekend. I am feeling much better now though.

The daughter had a marching band competition Saturday and received an 'Excellent' rating, but no captions. Tonight the HS district had all 9 HS bands perform their shows for free. It was a nice family night to watch them all play and brings back memories of my high school days. This coming Saturday she has State Competitions going on. I need to find out where to see if we are going to attend or not. If they place high there, the following weekend may send them going the big game representing Arizona.

And see... that's about all that happened. Oh yeah. Exciting.

Tomorrow morning, I once again return to the dentist chair. I have been having some pain near where the last bit of dental work had been done. I shrugged it off as residual pain - I mean, I had had 2 root canals and a tooth rebuilt plus 2 visits for 'planing and scaling' my teeth all within like 5 weeks of each other. I figured it was my mouth adjusting to sore gums (and would lessen as they healed) and the teeth being a bit more temperature sensitive. But after the last week living on ibuprofen every chance I get, and waking up with a major pain at early hours of the morning.... no. So tomorrow the dentist gets to play exploratory dentistry as he dives in to find out what the problem is. I am hoping it is just a bad cavity and easily fixed.

That's it for now. Try to post some Halloween pics of the boys tomorrow.

PeacE

Back Around to Monday

It's actually nice this Monday. To be able to feel like slowing down a little bit from the activity over the weekend. For the most part, things went well.

Saturday the daughter had the marching band invitational. I don't know what they scored...considering she did not make it home until after her curfew we had set. Yeah. A big, bad mistake. This is the second time she has pulled that shit, and frankly, I am fed up about it. She has just decided in the past 2 months that being 18 means she 'doesn't have to follow house rules' and that because she is going to college, she can do as she pleases now, as she will when she is there.

We decided that she needs to learn a few things more before we release her to the world. First being, what Daddy says, he means, and that's the rules.

Needless to say, we have ruined her life now and she informs us she is a "failure" because of it all. I smile and just say "I love you". Mainly, because if I say anything else, I'll lose my temper - and no one wants that. I try to think to myself that in 10 or maybe 15 years, she'll be more appreciative to the things we allowed/didn't allow her to do at this stage of her life. She'll see the "WHY" behind the parenting. We're not asking for thanks.... just for he hope that the children she has grow up to be just like her at this age. PLEASE!!!!

Had a nice time at the Sis's yesterday. We celebrated the Stuman's bday and that of his middle child and wife. I threw in the presents for his daughter too, as it looks like we may not make the party in a couple weeks or so.

I feel like I have put on some poundage this weekend. The food that has been placed before me has been terrific. The Wife made Pork roast, mashed potatoes, and corn on Friday night. It was so juicy and tender... I had to have seconds. And Sunday at Sis's we had meatloaf, turkey, cornbread, mac & cheese, some kind of apple dish, plus crackers with salami and chips, salsa, etc. Oh man. I ate another 2 plates there, and then one of my boys didn't finish half of theirs, so that went to daddy too. Too much good Food!!!

Got nothing exciting planned this week. Halloween is Saturday. No clue what we are doing yet. See ya laters.

PeacE

It Seems to have been a long one

This past week has been so uneventful, it feels as though it has dragged on forever. Not that I was THAT bored, just seemed longer than a normal week. It's ending on a busy weekend though.

It is Friday, and I am getting ready to let one of the boys on to play some WoW. Then I won't have the computer back til later. Saturday will be busy as the daughter has a band invitational to attend, that we may go and watch as well. It is being held at my Alma Mater. Then Sunday we are getting together at Sis's place for a 4 birthday get together.

The Wife had scheduled today off from work. It was pick a day or lose it basically. But it made for a nice day. We went to lunch and did some shopping (for the mentioned kids birthdays on Sunday). It was nice, even if we had the youngest with us. Tried out a place we hadn't eaten before - Golden Corral. I was unimpressed, and for the drive it definitely is not worth it to me.

Guess that is it for now. We'll see how I hold up through the weekend...

PeacE

Geez, Where does it go?

It's been a few days since I last threw something up on here. Seems like it was yesterday I posted last, but I see it wasn't. And it is not like I was so busy I forgot the time...

Nothing exciting happening. Kids are back in school after a week off for fall break (and being sick too).

I got nothing else today.

PeacE

Cuz I is Lazy - with a Z

Here it is, late Friday night. All week you have been wondering where the d00d is, how is things going, kids well? found a job? all that other normal bullshit.

Yeah. Nothing has changed. Except the kids are better. The oldest came down with bronchitis nd an ear infection, but a 'script and rewst does wonders.

Okay, not much time cuz the Wife is on me about other things. I gotta look up the first marching competition location for tomorrow, and a bunch of other stuff I put off to the lat minute.

Til next time.....

PeacE

Quick Words before Bed

I am headed to bed, but figured I better throw some words up here to make sure you have something to waste your time on. Heh.

Sunday was good day. Enjoyed about a little over half the Cards-Houston game, and the blast at the tailgate party. Today though I am a bit sore from all the walking.

Daughter ended up in UrgentCare today from being sick. She has come down with Bronchitis and an ear infection. Some antibiotics and rest will do her up fine. We had to re-schedule her SATs until January though. Boys seem to have recovered well enough.

Tomorrow morning I go in for the remaining planing and scaling. It should be the last trip for the year for me. I hope.

That's it til next time.

PeacE

Late Posting

It's 2am. Yes, I truly am headed to bed at this nice early hour. Too much gaming I guess. Tomorrow is a big day though. A friend invited me out to the Cardinals football game, so some tailgate partying and NFL action going on. Plus Church of Holy Beer and Softball first in the morning.

RM reminded me I forgot about the shirt they had given me for my bday. It was a late gift, but I love it anyways. Across the front is says D.A.D.D. (Dads Against Daughter Dating). Definitely cute. I am wearing it soon to somewhere in public to see what sort of comments I will receive. And RM, no, as usual I forgot to call the next day.

So oldest son is well, all other kids are still sick. The Wife and I are doing everything w can to care for the sick ones, and not catch it ourselves. Makes for a boring weekend (except for later today). At least they are off this next week for break.

I am taking my camera - maybe get some good pics to share!

PeacE

Wait. How much does it cost me?

I think every teenager, or son-to-be ones, start hating this question early. I know at my house, the daughter *still* hasn't learned to provide that info up front when asking me about something. It is almost the first phrase out of my mouth every time, answered with "I don't know" from her.

Well, not every time. But it sure feels that way. The Wife and I have been pretty well blessed, even with the economy today, and the job market (interpreted as my lack of a job) we have been able to "get by" and still do extra things family-wise. OF course, sometimes that means just going out to eat considering the size of the family.

So what brought up this topic today? Nothing really. Just me thinking. Saturday the daughter has her SAT testing scheduled. No one has mentioned the need for a possible fee. I am sure there is going to be one. Isn't there for everything when it comes to college prepping? And no one (meaning the daughter) has provided me (read as The Driver) any idea what time and exact place she needs to be. Evenings at my place are going to be repetitious for the next few evenings I am sure.

On the growing up side, the daughter is supposed to "instruct/teach" the 11 year old son how to operate the mower and weed-eater Friday evening. She has had the 'employment opportunity' of landscaping maintenance for the past few years, and now they pass on to younger shoulders, to allow her to prepare for Life's 'real work' ahead. This should be interesting. Wondering if I can find a place to take pics and listen in without them noticing too much.

Enough of my rambling. On to other important matters....

I wanna throw a quick shout out to MLAH over at this place. Someone had the balls to stand up for the Cowboys (though we will never figure out why...). Go give them a quick read. I did, and had a few laughs, too.

I received some email this morning from a family relative. Sorry Reverend Mother, but the desire to share is here. I was informed that today is SYBSTD. For those of you not able to figure out them acronyms, it's Show Yer Buddies Some Titties Day. So, (might as well end reading here RM, and go to the next site) here ya go to all my online buddies!

PeacE

Starting the Week off

Yesterday gave the week a good start. The Redskins won, Dallas lost; I won third place in my NASCAR pool (won money) and I won some money at GoldenTee 2010. All in all it was a good Sunday afternoon.

Of course, that was after the oldest son knocked out the middle son's tooth (which was loose anyways). Yeah, that was fun.

The daughter has her SAT tests this coming Saturday. I need to figure out where the HS that they are having them at is located. Be my luck will be across town. Which means I can cancel trying to get to my nephew's bday party out in BFE.

Tomorrow I got for a planing and scaling of my teeth - well, at least the left half. Then next Tuesday will be the other side. I am learning the meaning of a "million dollar smile". Been feeling less pain now. Maybe it is just some pressure on the teeth that has adjusted now - I don't know. Just glad it doesn't hurt as much.

PeacE