Pleasantly Surprised

 I was able to get just over three hours of work in on Tuesday. I was surprised we had work that fulfilled the 8 hours/day, and that carries into today, and possibly tomorrow. Though I feel this is the final dregs of the project. Kind of glad....

The Wife and I have been talking about some sort of 'vacation' this summer. We haven't come up with much around the Southwest that we are really interested in doing - aside from going to Tucson to see Doodad. We even asked the Youngest if there was anything he would like to do - no. So we decided a 2-3 day trip down to Tucson, and then to Tombstone (you've heard of that place, right?) for a day. We checked with The Daughter about stealing Doodad for that day, gives them some quiet down time (to make more babies). Finding the dates to do it, though, are kind of difficult. We settled for later in July, but at Wife's work, we ended up having to do it sooner. So here in a couple weeks we will be out of town for a weekend.

Youngest starts his band camp in mid month. That is two weeks of having to take/pick-up I will have to do (sigh). I am so glad this is the final year of all the kids being in high school. Sixteen years (12 of them straight) of early mornings, late nights, special camps, Saturday competitions. I won't miss them ( I say that now).

Ugh. I am getting messaged this morning from the Project Manager. Seems she is questioning some of my work. Need to run....

PeacE

Is It Really Over?

 In theory, today is the last day of this project. Over the last few days they have enlisted the aid of additional people, to help make the deadline I assume. Looking at the workload (that I can see)I guess it'll be about a bit more than half a day of work. Hope it is true of another project we will be able to switch to after this one.

Vacations. I was reading this morning that the dear RM and PT have made arrangements to travel a bit north this August for a vacation. I know they usually do this around their anniversary (which is fine). I got to thinking, well maybe I could use a vacation, too. Now, one might think I already get one, with some of the time off between projects (last time was a month and a half) but that truly isn't a vacation. I'm still at home dealing with regular things. Vacations are to relax, and put the 'everyday worries' aside for a short time.

Only, I don't like flying (having to wear a mask, the whole rig-a-ma-roll of the getting onboard process. I could always ask the Wife, but she would say go to Tucson - because Doodad is there. But you know what? Sometimes I would rather just get away from everyone. Several years ago we went to Sedona for our 25th, and it was nice to get away from everyone for 2-3 days. I don't think I would do Sedona again, but still. I dunno. Got time to think it out since the Wife don't even know I'm thinking about it.

Middle Son texted me this morning with a pic of a flat tire. Seems the one that went flat last weekend, was able to be plugged, but ended up flat today. I sent back that at least he had the experience of setting an appt and know how long it will take at the tire store. He said he is going to go ahead and get 2 tires, as he has another that is getting very thin on tread. Though it may be mundane stuff, it's still good to hear from the Son. Which the Oldest Son would do the same. I don't think I have heard from him since Christmas.

Tomorrow is the Youngest's birthday, when he will be turning 16 years of age. I have already gotten his gifts ( a three book set he had asked for) so am ready. He hasn't picked out where he would like to eat out at (our little tradition - started by RM &PT). We might move it to another night though, so his older brothers may have a chance at joining us as well.

Welp, I should get to working since I may be off work after today....

PeacE

So Much For Vacation....

Already Wedsnesday of our supposed Vacation week. It has been a busy one, with us trying to get as much stuff done that we don't normally have time to take care of.

Last Sunday we got a new-to-us mini-van for the Wife from RM. So Monday we went and got the registration/title work done. We did have a nice little breakfast at McD's, too. Tuesday my Doodad and I got to spend some time together, as we went up tot he park to play, then stopped for ice cream. Rounded out our afternoon with the movie "Coco" in which she fell asleep. Which was good because I was beat. Took the Wife, Boys, Daughter and Doodad out for dinner.

Today is my youngest Son's birthday. Turns 14. Have a plumber scheduled between 12-6pm to come look t the water heater. Been having issues keeping the pilot lit. Wife has CPR recert class mid day, then some shopping for a gift for the Son.

Thursday I take my car to the shop and drop it off. Has a few smaller electrical issues to be addressed.I think from there the rest of the week is clear. I know at some point I need to get out and find some pants. All I have a re shorts basically. I figure I can try to look a bit more presentable at the new job when I start. Hoping to find some decent khakis or blue jeans.

Mid week and I am already worn out....I must be getting older.

PeacE

Boosting the Economy

Economic recovery ... is it happening? From what I have been hearing from our local news talk radio station, not really. I get the impression that many are in limbo. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop. The last recession is claimed to have started about 2008, and supposedly we have "recovered" but not to the level we were at before it hit. Consumer spending is still down, and there is good reason for that: no one is getting raises, yet the price of everything is pretty much only going up.

That's how I understand it anyways. If I got it wrong, please correct me. Better yet, don't. I kind of like my version.

Either way, I did my best to help give the local economy here a boost. Saturday I went out and bought a used (new to me) car. Or is it a van? I have had the 2000 Ford Windstar van for many years. Many problems with it. Too much money spent on repairs. I think I have told that story before. The Wife and I went out Saturday, and ended up purchasing a 2007 Dodge Magnum. Talked the dealer down $2,700 (before license/tax/etc) and feel that we did a pretty good job for the price we paid. I got it insured this morning (though, I guess I could have done that Saturday, but didn't think about doing it all online). I'm a little excited, as this is the newest vehicle I have ever owned ... and it is "mine". I say mine, as I will be the primary driver of it. The Wife has already said she would not feel comfortable driving it, which is fine with me.

The Daughter and SIL were up the whole week last week. He had some kind of training the company sent him up to do. She was along to spend time with friends/family. Why not? She still hasn't bothered to do her testing so she can work in the field that we paid for her schooling for. Yeah, still not happy about that. They left last night. I asked when they would be up next thinking July 4th, but no. I said it was fine, we weren't doing anything anyways.

I have a couple days coming up the week after the 4th that I have off. Thinking of taking the boys to the water park here. I still have a couple more days of vacation to use before the end of August or I lose them.

Guess it is about time I head into work.

PeacE

Weather, Dates, Scruffiness

As I stood washing my hands after using the restroom at work yesterday, I happened to take a look at my appearance in the mirror. I am not a vain person so usually don't do much more than make sure I don't have some dirt on the face, and make sure my cowlick isn't sticking up. But I paused while looking. I think the grey in beard caught my attention. Or maybe it was how long the beard is getting. I have been growing it out (again) for around 3 months now, and in my opinion it is starting to take on some character now. I have had a few compliments about it this past week. Maybe that's what made me stop and look. But while gazing on my amazing chin-hair, I noticed the 'wings' I had by my ears, being pushed out from the sides of my hat. I need a haircut.

With the Daughter's wedding coming up in May, I had thought I would just let my hair grow until about April, then go get it cut, giving it a good couple weeks or so to "grow in" so it doesn't look fresh-cut for pictures. But I don't think I can wait that long. It is getting long enough now that even with gel, I can't get it to stay in the style I keep it. Just too thick and heavy. The barber I go to, John, always botches about cutting my hair because it is so thick, it takes him twice as long to cut it. I tell him it helps him earn the tip I give him.

Desert temps are extreme. Over the weekend, we were having freezing/near-freezing temperatures for the outlying parts of the Valley, with daytime highs in the low 50's. I know, for you in the colder climes, you mock my bitching about the "cold". Monday was mid-60's. Tuesday high was 71, and today, last I heard, the expected high was 73. RM posted on her blog that PT said it was to be 80 today, but I don't see it, and surely do not know where he heard that weather report. I would stop listening to that one for sure. It's been nice with the warmer than usual temps for AZ, considering we still have snow in the high country just 2-3 hours from the Valley. No, I have no plans of going to "see the snow" though we have been invited on any given weekend to visit a BIL's family that lives up north. I do enjoy wearing shorts more than long pants, and have not yet had to wear jeans to work.

A couple weeks or so back, the Wife was looking at calendars on one of our short trips to the store. She was trying to think ahead and get a couple for 2015, and since we were at the 99 Cent Store, it was worth the price. Of course, being the woman, she had to go through EVERY SINGLE ONE to make sure she like the picture theme. OF course, there is at least one (of the 3-4 she bought) that has cats on it. Could be used for target practice later, I guess. But while she was flipping calendars, I came across a skinny, book-sized monthly planner that I decided was going to be for me. Simple. Efficient, Portable. No damn pictures of cats.

Anyway, I was just sort of flipping through the months last night, putting in the kids' birthdays, marking the Daughter's wedding date, days off from school for the boys, etc. Then I sat for a minute, and realized how empty the year looked. There were no days marked for a family trip. Nothing for just me, like a vacation day. Nothing specific for the Wife planned out. No schedule of meetings/events/classes for anything. I have seen the wipe-board calendar that RM keeps on their fridge, and it seems they have something put down for damn near every day, between church stuff, grandkids stuff, birthdays/anniversaries .... they seem busy. Too busy if you ask me.

So maybe not having so much filled in for the year is good ... or, I can just take it as it comes. Surprise trips are kind of nice. A random day off for no reason could be enjoyable, though I would probably spend part of it thinking about work. Maybe I will talk to the Wife about doing a 3-day weekend to Cali for a family trip ... and do something there less expensive than the trip to Disneyland was when we went last.

Eh. Who knows?

PeacE

Back Home Again

We just arrived back home from California about 30 minutes ago. See the dedication I have to get back on here and post for you readers?

We spent a very long day at Disneyland and California Adventure parks and I am just beat. Anything having to do with moving my legs was sore, as nature's repercussion for all that walking I did yesterday. But I am hoping it helped me lose a couple more pounds.

Tomorrow we are heading to Casa Grande to meet up with the Daughter's boyfriend. He is meeting us halfway, to pick her up and take her on back to Tucson. So, another 2 hours trip there in the making. Plus we can take care of the middle son's trumpet issue by replacing it from the company we are renting from. I may be in recovery a couple more days... we will see.

PeacE

DisneyLand, Here I Come!

We are leaving this morning for California. Well, I am hopeful when I say 'morning'. I would like to be on the road by 10 (it's a little past 7 now), but the Wife and kids always seem to delay an hour - even if I try to tell them an hour earlier than I mean. I can't win on that one.

The Daughter is coming along as well, though I am not happy about it. She pulled her unexpected arrival Friday night, and so we had to actually tell her that we were leaving Sunday, and why, and where to. She was upset because we hadn't included her. Why would I include a 20 year old, whom we fully support income-wise in another town, that doesn't work, isn't attending school.... why invite her on a trip with us? She doesn't include us on trips she does with her friends.... Bah! I am getting all angry about it. Bottom line is she got so upset her mother said she could go along. So now, I have to drive an extra 2 hours to get her back to Tucson, on our way home Tuesday.

Otherwise, I am hoping we have a safe trip, and a good time. See y'all in a couple days!

PeacE

I'm Going to Disneyland!!!

No, I didn't win the Super Bowl. Nope, not the lottery. Nyet - no major sporting event, or any other contest. The Wife and I had talked about a couple months back about possibly doing a 3 day trip over to Anaheim and take the boys to Disneyland about this time of year. The Wife brought the idea back up the other day. I had thought it died, with some unexpected expenses we have had lately (read: van repairs), but the Wife assures me that she has put away money for this trip. Though, that will be fast gone after seeing the ticket prices for admission!!!

Yesterday I spent part of the afternoon searching for possible discount admission tickets, but only found offers that were part of vacation packages. I did find a nice hotel very close by, and we will be checking with them if they possibly have some discount offers once we are there. We will be making final plans tonight, and looking to leave Sunday, return on Tuesday. It is about 7-8 hour drive for us from Phoenix, so plenty of time for driving, and spend the whole day Monday at both Disneyland and the California Adventure.

Two nice things about this trip. The boys don't know we are going. We are going to try to surprise them, and just announce Sunday morning we are doing a road trip. The other thing.... I have never been to Disneyland. Of course, the 2 younger boys haven't either, but still. I been the Magic Mountain (Six Flags) but never Disneyland. Yeah, taking every camera we have for pics of the boys... and maybe a few of me and the Wife. The boys are out of school next week for Fall break, so it works out good for the timing, and we are hoping the park won't be too crowded, like summer or winter breaks. Getting a tad bit excited I am.

The middle son has decided to learn trumpet this year for his first year of band. Everything worked out, where we have a rental for him, that applies towards a brand new one once it is paid off. Last week, he finally decided to inform us a piece was missing off the trumpet. I am not sure what it is called, but on the valve, where your finger sits to depress it, the top is missing. How it came off and he NOT notice it, is in contention. So is his lack of responsibility about letting us know, taking care of the instrument, and the 'sneaky' way he tried to get out of any possible blame/trouble are topics being reviewed daily by us to him. Grounding from the computer for an unknown length of time, is already wearing on him, and it has only been a handful of days. I called to the rental place, and they said to just bring it in, they will exchange it out, and all is good. Except, the only location they have is in Mesa, which amounts to about 45 minute drive one way for me, for 5 minutes, and then back home. I think it will wait until we are back from California next week before I do that.

In other good news, with the van now up and running fine again, I was able to get back to the gym this morning. It had been almost two weeks since I had been able to be in the gym, and no, I did not do any exercising while not going. Not even walking the block. I was worried about any possible weight gain, as I pretty much didn't watch the amount of stuff I ate, or what I ate. Kind of a vacation so to speak. I weighed in today, to the same weight I was back on 9/28 - 2 weeks ago. So, I think, could have lost a couple pounds if I had watched my diet better, and maybe a little exercise. But I don't care. I want to lose about 15 more before I see the Dr. again in Dec. I'm trying.....

So, family that may read this, don't say anything around us, or to the boys, about the trip!

PeacE

Ready For A Good Time!

WooHoo!! It's Thursday, and I am in the final stages of waiting.... I leave tomorrow for OTL in San Diego. Or as I call it, four days of drunken debauchery! Printed out my early boarding pass, got my clothes set out to pack, and now the anxiety of the trip is flowing through me!

Since I will be gone a few days, I won't be posting. I don't have a laptop to take with, and even if I did, I don't know if I would have the time, or sobriety, to be putting anything legible here, let alone anywhere else. I plan on taking lots of pictures, and am sure I will share a few once I get back. After that extremely warm weekend we had, and the haboob (that name makes me giggle) that hit us this week, I am ready for the upper 70's and sunshine that San Diego has.

See ya when I get back!

PeacE

Back Home Again - Barely

I am back from the trip to San Diego. Actually, I got back yesterday, but was too damn tired to post anything. I'll be getting some moments up over the next few days, but for now, I think I am going to head back to bed for a couple more naps - and lots of water to rehydrate.

Needless to say, weather was wonderful considering we left Phoenix getting rain all weekend. Had a super time at OTL. And have 2 cameras of pics once I get developed.

Glad to see some of you still come here! Be back later!

PeacE

From dull and boring to ...?

As you dedicated readers know, today is my favorite day of the week. I am always glad when it rolls around as I know I have 2 days that I can supposedly relax and spend time with the family. Only, it never seems to happen that way. Saturday is always spent doing errands we could not get done during the week, and I get up earlier on Sunday for softball than I do for regular work. Makes you wonder what happened to the R&R.

Saturday I will be off playing poker with the boys in the evening. We are doing an old round of nickle, dime, quarter - dealer calls the game. It's been quite a few months since we have done this. Usually we have a big gathering and play Texas hold'em with a $20 buy-in. I almost like it better just being about a handful of us playing smaller stakes and variety of games.

Sunday, I found out, we are having a double header in softball. Unfortunately, I don't think they are back to back, so I might be missing out on my steak breakfast I usually have afterwards. I guess I shouldn't bitch too much. It means more beer drinking at the park.

It has pretty much been finalized now at work that we will be having to move offices again. Currently we are just waiting for final documents to be signed, and return of advance rents so we can move. Fortunately, the places they are looking to go to are closer to home for me by an easy 15-20 minutes one way. I cannot express how much happier that makes me! I am tired of driving that long to go 5 miles in rush hour traffic. This way, now I will be able to go against the flow.

Possible summer plans are being drawn up now for us. We missed our Annual trip to Mexico this year due to other plans, and pretty much a lack of desire to go. Rocky Point is getting so commercialized that things are just as much there as here. No cheap vacation to be found there basically. Now we are shooting around the idea of a houseboat weekend up on Lake Powell. I have never been, but the other night I was hearing some fun stories of other trips they had done prior to me being around. Of course if we do that, we may not do the OTL trip this summer. Which almost sounds better. Trying to guesstimate costs for the houseboat trip come in lower than what I spent in San Diego last year!

Alrighty then! I haven't much else to say at the moment. Have fun and take some time to read some of the links to the right.

PeacE