Just *SHM* (Shaking My Head)

 I headed over to RM's blog this morning, and now I am sitting here, literally, just *smh*. Part of her post (rant?) today was about my cousin ... the one that had "moved" out here last year at the urgings of my brother. They were close in age growing up, and got along well. That was when they were kids. now both of them are messed up in the head. Anyways, RM mentioned some of the things that have 'gone on/been happening' with the Cousin, and how she is frustrated at how he is - about dealing with others, himself with his meds, etc, and that she is "ready to tell him to pack up and move back to Indiana". And I snicker. Yes, at my Mother. I knew this day was coming, and am not the least bit surprised. Family or not, I am tired of his antics, and told my brother Months ago to send the Cousin 'home'.

I have always considered myself a 'Family Man', though, I guess once you think about it, in some ways I am not. I distance myself from my family - my siblings especially. One is a drama queen, and the other is a 'better than thou' and I have grown to hate that about both of them. I try to keep an open line of communication with them, but don't reach out, or visit, them at all. I live my life, and lead my family, in so much of a different way. I even jokingly tell RM that I was adopted, because I am so different than the two siblings. We laugh at that, as we know I truly wasn't adopted. It was more being raised separately and differently than the sibs were, and having different life events/choices growing up in the childhood years. At least, that's all I can think of.

Speaking of family, we did a trip down to Tucson yesterday. I woke that morning and told the Wife and Youngest to get up we were going. Spent the day with Doodad and family. Got back home last night about 11pm. I was tired! But I did get to play with the Doodad for a bit, and just watching her play makes my heart swell with love. The Daughter was busy trying to finish up a craft project she had a deadline for, so didn't get to spend time with me until later in the day. The Wife of course was by her side the whole time chatting away. I watched TV, and Doodad. Even the SIL and I had time to sit and chit-chat. Not sure when the next time they will be up or we will go down there to visit. Daughter gave the Youngest his Bday gift early, in case they don't make it up before March.

Super Bowl game is here today. Whoopee. I just have not been into watching any football this year. With the forced mascot/name change for my Washington team, and the whole playing the BLM anthem before games in the early part of the season, I just gave up on football. I heard that Wash. won the division, but lost the first playoff game. So I have no horse in today's race, and care for neither team. A close friends BIL used to do a nice SB party but had to stop doing it the last few years due to the health of his wife. I'm sure most pubs will have drink specials and those that have food will do specials for that as well. But I ain't going. I think I will spend today playing Warcraft, and deciding on what to load up on my tablet for reading. I'm four books ahead of schedule for my goal. Just finishing up the Jesse Stone series that was started by Robert B. Parker - the guy that created 'Spenser for Hire' series. I might read those next. There are about 30 of them.

Alrighty, time to move on to something else today besides writing here.

PeacE

Over For Another Year

This year's "big match-up" for the SuperBowl was no big deal to me. I do not care for either team. I will admit though, it was a good opportunity to get with some friends and have a good time. This year, I went over to the BIL of a friend. This BIL always has a great party, with lots of family, friends and food. I had attended one several years ago, and remember the fun I had then. RM & PT invited me over to watch the game with them, but I didn't feel like going over there. Okay, I'll be honest. I hoped to go somewhere where I could have a couple beers. I called up my buddy, and he told me to come on over, so I did. By the end of the first quarter, I had a couple beers in me, and a plate full of food. By halftime, I was ready for a nap.

The party, as is the norm, was thrown out in the garage and drive. Yes, weather in AZ this year was so nice, we had the garage door up, and tables spread out. Only one large screen TV, so if you were out of the garage, you couldn't hear it, but you could at least see the action going on. Which was fine for me. I spent more time talking to friends and others I hadn't seen in awhile. Kids were running around everywhere, though I hadn't brought mine. They even did some fireworks after the game. I helped clean up, then headed home, feeling VERY tired.

That brings us into Monday morning. I am not making it to the gym this morning as the youngest son is coughing, and sounding congested int he chest. He is spending the day at home rather than in school. We also felt he shouldn't be over at Grandma's as with Grandpa, he is more easily susceptible to getting sick. So here's to hoping I don't get it, and that no one else in our family does...especially considering the two younger sons share a room.

The younger son is sitting at the other computer watching YouTube videos of Lego people, and T-rexes. He's so easily amused!

PeacE

Bad Entertainment?

I feel much better today. Throat is still a bit sore, but not as 'crappy' feeling overall. What I still feel crappy about, is this year's Super Bowl. OMG. I have once again been embarrassed by other 'Americans' by their actions. I could not believe the crappy half-time show. I have heard a song or two from the Black Eyed Peas. They aren't my favorite, but not terribly bad. But their show... atrocious! And what is up with those dancers behind them on the stage, with boxes over their heads? Hell, I would not want to be recognized as a performer in that show either!

I had watched the game up until the completion of the show at half-time. By then, I was just disgusted and went back to the computer for games. I missed the pre-game stuff, but after watching a replay, again.... OMG. I can't believe how the National Anthem was messed up. I think that was the biggest disappointment, and embarrassment of the night. The one part, and at the beginning when most of the people are watching, you screw up the Anthem. And I am not happy about the 'Artistic License' so freely used. I don't think one word needs 14 different notes played on it... or was that you trying to find the right pitch?

You are right. Maybe what talents I do have are not as good as those people/groups/performers, and we all know there is no way in Hell I would ever be asked to do any of the Super Bowl entertainment (which makes all of you happy I am sure). But can we just get back to something decent.... something everyone can enjoy (or the majority of people).

Super Bowl XXXV
'Nsync, Aerosmith, Brittany Spears, and Mary J. Blige



Probably one of the better shows from the past.

Okay, enough about the show. It's over until next year, though the next week, everyone will be talking about the commercials.

Here are some of the best Dortios ones I found this year....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcfViklWRsU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1yk85znbpY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amXqs4Nnzvc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0rR8HR-78I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVULdy9cVXs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRMMBXx3kqk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOZPOQQIcOU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvMbfC-Z8mc

Okay. I am sure I will find more later on.

PeacE

Time for the Super Bowl, or is it Super Blow?

Tomorrow is the "Big Game", at least, many here in the Valley say that phrase. Just because the Cardinals are finally in it. I am not complaining about their victories to get to this 'exalted' position, just sort of tired of hearing about it wherever I go in town. Seems like every commercial, news report, radio announcement, signs at restaurants, etc. Then again, maybe it is just me. More than likely that is the problem.

Either way, tomorrow I think will be spent up at my Sister's place. One of my aunts flew in from Indianapolis on Thursday to visit for a week, and she may be appearing there tomorrow. We had kept her visit in secret for my sister's birthday, and concluded with a surprise party Friday night. I believe this is my sister's favorite aunt.

Since the aunt is in town, I invited the Wife and Daughter to join Aunt, Reverend Mother, Sister, and Niece on a shopping expedition today. We are talking shopping at the malls, everyone getting pedicures, girly-girly convo and cackling and giggling I would not be surprised took place as well. The end result is nice though. The Wife is very happy I included her and that I watched the boys and let her have some "girl time". Plus she has pink toe nails now. The Daughter's are a reddish color.

Actually, the boys and I went to Fry's Electronics and picked up the HD converter box (had that $40 card from the Gov't) and hooked it up to the TV. Damn if we didn't get WAY better reception on regular channels, but picked up about 15 other HD channels. Kewl! Now if I ever get a chance to watch any TV shows considering the Wife and kids have each night planned out for the TV.... sigh. Can't win them all.

Tonight I managed to watch some show about the top 10 SuperBowl commercials ever, blah blah blah. They were able to show a very few seconds of some of the commercials to be shown tomorrow. Obviously they could not show the whole thing, but still.... $3 Million for 30 seconds, and no refunds - is the cost this year for an ad on TV. Are the commercials going to be any good? I am waiting to find out. If I can remember any by the time the game is over. I did leave that bottle of Maker's Mark over at the Sis's place...

Nothing else exciting. Kids seem to have most of their grieving over Spunky done now. I am going to wait and see if they bring up the convo of another pet. Hopefully they won't, but the Wife and have talked a bit just in case. For now we are going to wait on them.

It's getting to be after 10. I need to get my hiney to bed to be sure I am well rested for tomorrow. Good luck to both teams and their fans.

PeacE