I have been pretty lazy of late. I think I have been to the gym maybe twice in the past week or so, and I feel like it this morning. I feel fat. I mean, I know physically I am still fat, though slowly improving. But I just feel fat. My plan is to return to the gym this morning, and force myself back into going at least three mornings a week, if not four. I know I could use it. That being said, I am not weighing in today, instead, saving it for tomorrow so I feel I HAVE to go to the gym to do it. The mind games I play with myself.
Still working out my tax problem. As I was going through them yesterday, trying to make sure I had all paperwork needed in front of me, and making sure the figures were right (the Wife does the taxes), I came to a point that I realized I was missing some credit worksheet. I had to wait for her to get home to find out it was part of the online instructions that had the worksheet (to determine if you you can claim the credit). So now I know where to look, I will be back to that at some point today. The funny part is, the letter from the IRS said that no answer to the adjustment after 60 days, would result that they felt we agree, and they would issue the check. However, in yesterday's mail, we received our Federal refund, which was a higher amount than what they said we are actually due, but yet still lower than what our figure was to be. Confusing. Either way, I told the Wife we are depositing that check, and I will work on the problem to pursue the remaining amount due us.
Preacher Tom called me late yesterday afternoon, asking if I had some time this morning to come by his place. Seems he wants to speak to me, and Sis, about something. I called Sis last night, to see if she had any idea what it was to be about, and she did not. She thought it might be a health issue, but I know PT is pretty healthy, even at his age. I texted him last night asking if he would give me an idea, as I was beginning to worry a bit. I hate being asked to a talk, having no idea what it is to be about. I do not think it is fair to do that to a person. PT's response was that it was nothing to worry about. It is 'something personal he wants to share with me'. Yeah, so now I am worried. I didn't sleep good last night. The last time we went through this a few years back, it was him talking about how he felt (at that time) that he had wronged us with how he raised us back in our school days. (Face in hands) I don't need another one of *them* talks. Guess I will just suck it up and be there when I need to be though. Wonder how Stuman got out of it - must be because he couldn't get off work. Speaking of, why didn't we just plan this for the evening? I have no clue....
Last night the Wife and I got out for a short date. The boys had Vacation Bible School, and so we were able to get out to Outback for dinner. That rib-eye steak was soooo good! The meal came up for free, as we had a coupon for a free appetizer, plus a gift card that covered out meal and tip. It was nice to do that.
Guess I should get off here and get some other stuff done before heading to the gym, errands and meeting with PT.
PeacE
Tuesday, June 4
Monday, June 3
Obama Sent the IRS After Me
Saturday we received in the mail, a notice from the IRS that our taxes had been changed. In particular, they claim we inputted information wrong for the section regarding education credits. Thus, they reduced the amount of our refund by a considerable sum. I get the joy today of reviewing the information that they said should be adjusted, verifying our information, then contacting them - more than likely to explain to them just how wrong they are. Either way, it will delay our refund another estimated 4-6 weeks, plus any additional time they need in order to screw us. I wish the mortgage company would be understandable about this delay in our payments.
That being said, my Monday is already going to shit.
All the boys are home with me today, and so far this morning only one is awake. At least the fighting and bickering won't start until a little later. At least they will be gone in the evenings to Vacation bible school. Even the oldest will be there as a volunteer to help with the skits, etc. they do.
I suppose I should get started on some of the the things I need to get done today. Oh Joy.
PeacE
That being said, my Monday is already going to shit.
All the boys are home with me today, and so far this morning only one is awake. At least the fighting and bickering won't start until a little later. At least they will be gone in the evenings to Vacation bible school. Even the oldest will be there as a volunteer to help with the skits, etc. they do.
I suppose I should get started on some of the the things I need to get done today. Oh Joy.
PeacE
Friday, May 31
As Good As It Gets
Sometimes things just don't seem to go my way, but turn out somewhat right in the end.
Yesterday I went to the school around noon to pick up the computer the oldest son won. I was thinking (for some reason) it was going to be new. It isn't. It is a used one. I have not spent the time to set it up just to see what it has got "under the hood" just yet. In fact, it is still sitting in my van. I'll have the Son unload it today. And those damn fundraiser cards? I'm pissed about those. As I was walking to the office/bookstore, to bitch about them, I ran into the band director. I spoke to him about them. Basically, I am fucked since the Son knew they were to be turned in by a certain date. When I questioned the Son just a few short minutes later, he basically admitted it. So now, because he lied/told half-truths about the whole incident, I am out an additional $120, unless I can sell the remaining items. So I have 6 cards, for orders of cookie dough, at $20 each if anyone is interested.
That being said, Last night after picking up said Son (he had to perform at the graduation ceremony) he informed us the band director announced yesterday that he is no longer going to be at the school. Seems he was let go about two weeks ago, though he never told anyone until yesterday. The reason was the school administration said his communication with them was not clear. Duh! The Wife and I have been saying that all school year! So, the good news is that he is now no longer working for the school, band camp for the summer is on hold until they find someone new. So that dumb ass mother fucker (yes Reverend Mother, the name is deserved) is gone, but I am still screwed into having to pay that $120. But that is going to be somewhat paid back by labor from the Son - and he is not happy about that.
It is Friday, and I have work tonight. I am actually looking somewhat forward to it. I am keeping the oldest boy home today to help do some stuff. Plus I need to do some running around. I know I need to find some new shorts, as the jean shorts I have now are getting pretty worn out. Hope to find some. Not that you care, but it beats sitting and typing in the nude (great mental pic, eh?).
PeacE
Yesterday I went to the school around noon to pick up the computer the oldest son won. I was thinking (for some reason) it was going to be new. It isn't. It is a used one. I have not spent the time to set it up just to see what it has got "under the hood" just yet. In fact, it is still sitting in my van. I'll have the Son unload it today. And those damn fundraiser cards? I'm pissed about those. As I was walking to the office/bookstore, to bitch about them, I ran into the band director. I spoke to him about them. Basically, I am fucked since the Son knew they were to be turned in by a certain date. When I questioned the Son just a few short minutes later, he basically admitted it. So now, because he lied/told half-truths about the whole incident, I am out an additional $120, unless I can sell the remaining items. So I have 6 cards, for orders of cookie dough, at $20 each if anyone is interested.
That being said, Last night after picking up said Son (he had to perform at the graduation ceremony) he informed us the band director announced yesterday that he is no longer going to be at the school. Seems he was let go about two weeks ago, though he never told anyone until yesterday. The reason was the school administration said his communication with them was not clear. Duh! The Wife and I have been saying that all school year! So, the good news is that he is now no longer working for the school, band camp for the summer is on hold until they find someone new. So that dumb ass mother fucker (yes Reverend Mother, the name is deserved) is gone, but I am still screwed into having to pay that $120. But that is going to be somewhat paid back by labor from the Son - and he is not happy about that.
It is Friday, and I have work tonight. I am actually looking somewhat forward to it. I am keeping the oldest boy home today to help do some stuff. Plus I need to do some running around. I know I need to find some new shorts, as the jean shorts I have now are getting pretty worn out. Hope to find some. Not that you care, but it beats sitting and typing in the nude (great mental pic, eh?).
PeacE
Thursday, May 30
Another Year Wrapped Up
Today marks the final day of school for the oldest son. The two younger ones had their last day yesterday. That means summer vacation has started, and I am so not looking forward to it. Hopefully, I'll be working and won't have to worry about taking the boys one at a time in order for them to get alone time with me, or at home, or on the computer. I don't know.
The oldest son has won a computer from the school. Seems over the course of the year, they collected wrappers, etc from brand name chips, candies, and a whole lot of other food items, and turned them in for points. He finished up with over 5000 points, making the highest amount of points by over 1000 from the next competitor. Today, I will be meeting up at the school when they are released to pick it up. We even have a spot for it at home, and this will help with motivation to get the spot cleared for it. That, and so I can get the desk RM has been holding for me for ages.
Also while at the school I will be taking care of something else. Seems yesterday in the mail I received a notice from the school about fees outstanding. Three of them were miscellaneous late fees for library books, but the fourth was $120 for band. WHAT?!? I asked the Wife and Son about them yesterday evening, with the late fees the Son said he paid about 2 weeks ago, and the band was these damn fundraiser cards they had sold. I don't know if I explained about them in an earlier post, but they are $20 each, and for cookie dough orders. Needless to say, three times over the past two months he has tried to return them to the band director, each time the director will not take them. Last attempt was two weeks ago, and the director said he would call me, and he never did. So now they are trying to charge us for them. I think someone is not going to be happy today when I talk to whomever at the school. It is illegal to enter into a financial contract with a minor, and I never signed anything for this fundraiser. Neither did the Son.
Well, not that my heart rate is up, as I am a bit pissed and getting worked up about that whole damn situation....
PeacE
The oldest son has won a computer from the school. Seems over the course of the year, they collected wrappers, etc from brand name chips, candies, and a whole lot of other food items, and turned them in for points. He finished up with over 5000 points, making the highest amount of points by over 1000 from the next competitor. Today, I will be meeting up at the school when they are released to pick it up. We even have a spot for it at home, and this will help with motivation to get the spot cleared for it. That, and so I can get the desk RM has been holding for me for ages.
Also while at the school I will be taking care of something else. Seems yesterday in the mail I received a notice from the school about fees outstanding. Three of them were miscellaneous late fees for library books, but the fourth was $120 for band. WHAT?!? I asked the Wife and Son about them yesterday evening, with the late fees the Son said he paid about 2 weeks ago, and the band was these damn fundraiser cards they had sold. I don't know if I explained about them in an earlier post, but they are $20 each, and for cookie dough orders. Needless to say, three times over the past two months he has tried to return them to the band director, each time the director will not take them. Last attempt was two weeks ago, and the director said he would call me, and he never did. So now they are trying to charge us for them. I think someone is not going to be happy today when I talk to whomever at the school. It is illegal to enter into a financial contract with a minor, and I never signed anything for this fundraiser. Neither did the Son.
Well, not that my heart rate is up, as I am a bit pissed and getting worked up about that whole damn situation....
PeacE
Tuesday, May 28
Hello Monday - er, Tuesday
As usual following a holiday weekend that Monday is the holiday, Tuesdays always feel like Mondays. It's that return to the regular weekly grind, and we all feel a day off. No exception at my house. The boys are sluggish as we wake them up to get ready for the return to school, even though they only have a couple days left. I sit here and do my morning routine, trying to find something to write about today for you to enjoy. Heh. Yeah, like usual I haven't come up with much.
Yesterday was a nice day. We went out to Sis' house for the family get together. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, and so much other food was there, and I ate more than I should have. I had voiced that I had ate lighter earlier through the weekend so I could splurge, but I still had more than I should have. Even so, we brought home many leftovers, including enough salad for me to get back to eating healthy for most of the week. I sit here this morning thinking, I am still full from yesterday, and have not even an urge to eat anything. That's how much I ate yesterday. I did get in the pool with the boys, and have a slight sunburn. The water was a bit cool yet, as we have not had many days over 100 here.
The Daughter is in town until this evening when she, with her boyfriend, will return to Tucson. Right now she is still asleep, so I figure I will have to run her over to the MIL's once she awakes, as she will want to spend time with Grandma before she returns home. Heck, maybe I'll just let her use my van. I have no plans to go anywhere today. Figure it out later, I guess.
Not sure how I will spend the day. I have a new book to read (see previous post) so maybe I will do that.
PeacE
Yesterday was a nice day. We went out to Sis' house for the family get together. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, and so much other food was there, and I ate more than I should have. I had voiced that I had ate lighter earlier through the weekend so I could splurge, but I still had more than I should have. Even so, we brought home many leftovers, including enough salad for me to get back to eating healthy for most of the week. I sit here this morning thinking, I am still full from yesterday, and have not even an urge to eat anything. That's how much I ate yesterday. I did get in the pool with the boys, and have a slight sunburn. The water was a bit cool yet, as we have not had many days over 100 here.
The Daughter is in town until this evening when she, with her boyfriend, will return to Tucson. Right now she is still asleep, so I figure I will have to run her over to the MIL's once she awakes, as she will want to spend time with Grandma before she returns home. Heck, maybe I'll just let her use my van. I have no plans to go anywhere today. Figure it out later, I guess.
Not sure how I will spend the day. I have a new book to read (see previous post) so maybe I will do that.
PeacE
Sunday, May 26
Welcome 4:30am Sunday Morning
It's been awhile that I have been up at this hour of the early morning that didn't involve insomnia, or excessive drinking. But this morning, I am filled with excitement and elation to the surprise I came home to find on my desk.
As I mentioned before, the new part-time job I have is late evenings, doing security (bouncer, ID checks, etc) at my favorite pub. Thus, my hours are Friday & Saturday nights, from about 8pm-close+. I say the plus, as at the door lock, I help finish up whatever needs done. the past couple nights, it was 3'ish before we were able to leave. Add to it dropping off my friend as well, I wasn't seeing home to 3:30 or later. This morning it was about 4am when I made it home. All without an alcoholic drink. In fact, it has been since Wednesday since I had a drink ... but that is another story.
The Daughter has come home for the weekend, it being Memorial Day. She and her boyfriend decided last minute to attend the Phoenix ComiCon today, with some of his friends. I had brought up a couple weeks ago, I just financially could not afford to go, and was disappointed as there were several authors I wanted to meet, as well as for me to purchase, then have signed, a limited edition book special for this event, called Unfettered. Unfettered is an anthology of 21 fantasy fiction short stories from well-known authors in that genre. This limited edition is a short, 5-story, is an advance uncorrected proof, that the five authors were going to be at this event. Only 250 copies available. At what cost? I had no idea. I was disappointed I would not be able to attend to get the book, get it signed by all five, and meet the authors - possibly even get a quick picture with each.
Saturday morning, around 8am I think it was, I was brought to wakefulness by something, I know not what. I had only about four hours of sleep, and if you know me, you would know I require at least six to be human, and eight to be at least semi-non-grouchy. But the Daughter was awake, waiting on the boyfriend to pick her up to head downtown. My remembrance of the short conversation went something along the lines of:
1. Have fun today.
2. Oh, hey, here is $40. If you have the chance, could you see if any of the limited 250 copies of Unfettered are available, and if this is enough, get one for me? Would love to have it signed by any of the authors that will for no cost, and here is the list of the five (writes down 5 authors - only 4 were right, and the 5th I had scratched out was right, before I changed it).
3. Oh, hey, I have this book (Peter Orullian's The Unremembered) in hardback - he's one of the 5 authors, maybe he could sign this at least, in case you aren't able to get me Unfettered.
I don't remember much more than that. I did admit I was non-functional at that point basically. I remember giving her the $40, and the book (which we removed the cover sleeve, so it wouldn't get ruined). Then I somehow made it back to my bed.
Either way, around 8pm I texted her to see if they were still there, which she replied they had already been home, but she had a surprise for me when I got home from work. I replied it would be after 3am, but she was going to try to stay awake for my reaction when I got home. I walk in once I got home, to find two books on my desk.
On top was The Unremembered, with it's cover sleeve back on. I quickly opened the cover, the sleeve was marking a couple pages in from the front. On the title page Peter Orullian had signed with a personal message. Addressed to ME! I am excited now! My heart is starting to pick up pace. I set that book aside, to find a copy of Unfettered. I made a noise. I don't know what kind of noise it would be described as, but it came from my throat, and made me think of an excited screech that was attempted to have the decibels lowered DRASTICALLY in the split second it was made. My heart has just hit cardio speed level.
I frantically opened the cover, after spending just a quick moment overlooking the cover art (done by Todd Lockwood - who does Terry Brooks' Shannara covers) to the title page. Three autographs and messages were there done by Shawn Speakman (editor and contributor to the anthology, plus author of The Dark Thorn), Kevin Hearne (author of the Iron Druid series), and Peter Orullian (of aforementioned The Unremembered). WOW! Another smothered screech from me. I am sure I am acting like an over-excited school kid, but hey, this is exciting for me. I flip a couple more pages, hoping that I would find maybe on another page the other two authors signatures (Terry Brooks, and Brandon Sanderson) but I see them not. Instead I do find the Contents page, where each story is listed with a line below each for each signature, but only the three authors had signed it. I feel a bit deflated that the Daughter was not able to get all five signatures, considering all five authors were there this weekend. But then I think, oh my! She was able to get THREE of them, at a ComiCon that is packed with thousands of people, not counting the time spent in line for each signature (remember, one author signed TWO books for me), PLUS she was able to get the actual book I wanted, too!! I am back to squealing with glee!!!
I sort of flip through some of the book, and notice that at the start of each story there is a page with the author's name, and the three that signed it had also signed their respective page. So in one book, each of the three authors took the time to sign in TWO separate spots, plus a message & signature all on one page - THREE EACH!! I'm nearly ready to wet my pants at this point!!! Each title page had a book mark: $1 for Shawn Speakman, $1 for Peter Orullian, and a bookmark for Kevin Hearne. But this bookmark, is a limited one Hearne had said was only being handed out at his appearances, so it is sort of special as well. Plus, he signed the bookmark! That brings his total signatures up to FOUR!! Oh, and I found the receipt and the $10 left from change in the front of the book. And some small change sitting on my desk next to the books. The book was only like $27 and some change, so the Daughter had even given me back all my leftover change from the $40 I had given her. At this point, I don't care if she would have spent it all!!!
I am so happy I am damn near tears this morning. Okay. Fuck it. I really am crying.
Sometimes, our children turn out so damn good. Thanks Beth, for a wonderful, early Father's Day gift.
PeacE
Edit: it's hard to proof-read/edit when you have tears in your eyes.
As I mentioned before, the new part-time job I have is late evenings, doing security (bouncer, ID checks, etc) at my favorite pub. Thus, my hours are Friday & Saturday nights, from about 8pm-close+. I say the plus, as at the door lock, I help finish up whatever needs done. the past couple nights, it was 3'ish before we were able to leave. Add to it dropping off my friend as well, I wasn't seeing home to 3:30 or later. This morning it was about 4am when I made it home. All without an alcoholic drink. In fact, it has been since Wednesday since I had a drink ... but that is another story.
The Daughter has come home for the weekend, it being Memorial Day. She and her boyfriend decided last minute to attend the Phoenix ComiCon today, with some of his friends. I had brought up a couple weeks ago, I just financially could not afford to go, and was disappointed as there were several authors I wanted to meet, as well as for me to purchase, then have signed, a limited edition book special for this event, called Unfettered. Unfettered is an anthology of 21 fantasy fiction short stories from well-known authors in that genre. This limited edition is a short, 5-story, is an advance uncorrected proof, that the five authors were going to be at this event. Only 250 copies available. At what cost? I had no idea. I was disappointed I would not be able to attend to get the book, get it signed by all five, and meet the authors - possibly even get a quick picture with each.
Saturday morning, around 8am I think it was, I was brought to wakefulness by something, I know not what. I had only about four hours of sleep, and if you know me, you would know I require at least six to be human, and eight to be at least semi-non-grouchy. But the Daughter was awake, waiting on the boyfriend to pick her up to head downtown. My remembrance of the short conversation went something along the lines of:
1. Have fun today.
2. Oh, hey, here is $40. If you have the chance, could you see if any of the limited 250 copies of Unfettered are available, and if this is enough, get one for me? Would love to have it signed by any of the authors that will for no cost, and here is the list of the five (writes down 5 authors - only 4 were right, and the 5th I had scratched out was right, before I changed it).
3. Oh, hey, I have this book (Peter Orullian's The Unremembered) in hardback - he's one of the 5 authors, maybe he could sign this at least, in case you aren't able to get me Unfettered.
I don't remember much more than that. I did admit I was non-functional at that point basically. I remember giving her the $40, and the book (which we removed the cover sleeve, so it wouldn't get ruined). Then I somehow made it back to my bed.
Either way, around 8pm I texted her to see if they were still there, which she replied they had already been home, but she had a surprise for me when I got home from work. I replied it would be after 3am, but she was going to try to stay awake for my reaction when I got home. I walk in once I got home, to find two books on my desk.
On top was The Unremembered, with it's cover sleeve back on. I quickly opened the cover, the sleeve was marking a couple pages in from the front. On the title page Peter Orullian had signed with a personal message. Addressed to ME! I am excited now! My heart is starting to pick up pace. I set that book aside, to find a copy of Unfettered. I made a noise. I don't know what kind of noise it would be described as, but it came from my throat, and made me think of an excited screech that was attempted to have the decibels lowered DRASTICALLY in the split second it was made. My heart has just hit cardio speed level.
I frantically opened the cover, after spending just a quick moment overlooking the cover art (done by Todd Lockwood - who does Terry Brooks' Shannara covers) to the title page. Three autographs and messages were there done by Shawn Speakman (editor and contributor to the anthology, plus author of The Dark Thorn), Kevin Hearne (author of the Iron Druid series), and Peter Orullian (of aforementioned The Unremembered). WOW! Another smothered screech from me. I am sure I am acting like an over-excited school kid, but hey, this is exciting for me. I flip a couple more pages, hoping that I would find maybe on another page the other two authors signatures (Terry Brooks, and Brandon Sanderson) but I see them not. Instead I do find the Contents page, where each story is listed with a line below each for each signature, but only the three authors had signed it. I feel a bit deflated that the Daughter was not able to get all five signatures, considering all five authors were there this weekend. But then I think, oh my! She was able to get THREE of them, at a ComiCon that is packed with thousands of people, not counting the time spent in line for each signature (remember, one author signed TWO books for me), PLUS she was able to get the actual book I wanted, too!! I am back to squealing with glee!!!
I sort of flip through some of the book, and notice that at the start of each story there is a page with the author's name, and the three that signed it had also signed their respective page. So in one book, each of the three authors took the time to sign in TWO separate spots, plus a message & signature all on one page - THREE EACH!! I'm nearly ready to wet my pants at this point!!! Each title page had a book mark: $1 for Shawn Speakman, $1 for Peter Orullian, and a bookmark for Kevin Hearne. But this bookmark, is a limited one Hearne had said was only being handed out at his appearances, so it is sort of special as well. Plus, he signed the bookmark! That brings his total signatures up to FOUR!! Oh, and I found the receipt and the $10 left from change in the front of the book. And some small change sitting on my desk next to the books. The book was only like $27 and some change, so the Daughter had even given me back all my leftover change from the $40 I had given her. At this point, I don't care if she would have spent it all!!!
I am so happy I am damn near tears this morning. Okay. Fuck it. I really am crying.
Sometimes, our children turn out so damn good. Thanks Beth, for a wonderful, early Father's Day gift.
PeacE
Edit: it's hard to proof-read/edit when you have tears in your eyes.
Friday, May 24
Starting the Weekend
It is going to be one heck of a Friday, I think. We are heading into the Memorial Day weekend, which for many is a 3-day weekend. Myself, though it feels funny to say it, I have to work. My problem is I don't know how work will go. Being a holiday weekend, the customer traffic could be extremely light, or extremely busy. Personally, I prefer it to be light, especially considering they are doing the pay-per-view UFC match on Saturday night. Seems lie every month they have it, there is at least one person that thinks he can fight like they do on TV.
This morning I will be heading over to PT's to help in his computer. He had called me up yesterday, explaining a problem where he could not seem to access any log-in page through Chrome. I went over, and found myself at a loss as well, though I did write down the error code that was appearing, then spent time at home looking up possible solutions. I have a couple ideas to try this morning to get him back up and running, and RM's laptop as well, since the same thing was happening there. I am hoping one of these two ways will fix it, otherwise I have no clue what to do.
Other than that, I am sure I will be napping later today since I will be up late tonight. Have a good weekend!
PeacE
This morning I will be heading over to PT's to help in his computer. He had called me up yesterday, explaining a problem where he could not seem to access any log-in page through Chrome. I went over, and found myself at a loss as well, though I did write down the error code that was appearing, then spent time at home looking up possible solutions. I have a couple ideas to try this morning to get him back up and running, and RM's laptop as well, since the same thing was happening there. I am hoping one of these two ways will fix it, otherwise I have no clue what to do.
Other than that, I am sure I will be napping later today since I will be up late tonight. Have a good weekend!
PeacE
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