Before I start bitching, I want to share that yesterday the Wife and I celebrated our 22nd anniversary. We did so by going grocery shopping, and a lunch at Souper Salad. Extravagant, I know, but nothing but the best for my baby.
That brings us to the sun rising this morning on yet another day of religious fervor and merchants sitting back with contented sighs because they have my money. A portion of yesterday's shopping included the requisite candies in order for the Wife to make baskets for the kids. I don't see the purpose in the baskets anymore. Just give the kids a plastic shopping bag with assorted candies and say, "Here, kid. Happy Easter. Don't eat it all at once." I did not see here going out to the storage room looking for the actual baskets, nor did I see her searching for any plastic grass, or additional eggs, so I may get off easy, and she'll just throw some candy at the mob. I have no clue as to her plans, but I am not waking her at this hour to find out.
Today will be spent with the Wife and kids attending church, with the MIL. however, I guess the MIL feels she is not quite up to being sociable (with other families for a holiday meal) and does not want to go to Sis' today with us. I have not made up my mind of I want to attend church this morning or not. I will probably stay home. Though, I know it would make Rev. Mother happy to see me in church, but my comfort level is more important than doing that just to please her by faking an interest in practicing religion. But that's a WHOLE other topic.
With that all being said, best wishes to you that you enjoy your holiday, however you spend it.
PeacE
Sunday, March 31
Friday, March 29
What Can I Scrounge Up Today
I have sat here for about twenty minutes so far this morning, trying to come up with something even remotely interesting for you to read about. Nothing really comes to mind, so I guess I shall just ramble. It is Friday, and this particular one is Good Friday, as it is Easter weekend. Like many families, ours will be getting together at Sis' house this Sunday for lunch. With the passing of my FIL, Sis has offered invitation to my MIL to join us, rather than be alone for the holiday. The Wife is supposed to be checking with her mom this morning if she would like to go with us.
Wednesday night, my buddies and I discussed if we were going to attend OTL this year over in San Diego. I was the first to admit that I had to back out, as money was a problem for me. Even if they put in enough to cover the hotel, the money needed for our drinking and eating would still be a problem. One of the other guys admitted he more than likely would not be able to go as well. He has had some car problems of late, and they don't know what is wrong. Added to that, his wife and he have a family reunion in VA they are going back for next month. So this year's Days of Debauchery will not be taking place in San Diego. I doubt we would have it here in town - too easy for the Wives to know what we were up to.
But that does leave me Phoenix Comicon to attend! It takes place Memorial Day Weekend, and has a few fantasy authors doing panels and signings. I am looking forward to meeting a few of them. I have been in contact with one, that mentioned he may have some early published book copies of the new anthology he is putting out. One that has at least 5 of the authors at that Con. Plus, two of the authors are from here in the Valley area. Yeah, definitely would like to go do that. Would be my first Con.
Well, guess that is about all you get today. Not bad considering it took less time to type this compared to me sitting here trying to think of something to write.
PeacE
Wednesday night, my buddies and I discussed if we were going to attend OTL this year over in San Diego. I was the first to admit that I had to back out, as money was a problem for me. Even if they put in enough to cover the hotel, the money needed for our drinking and eating would still be a problem. One of the other guys admitted he more than likely would not be able to go as well. He has had some car problems of late, and they don't know what is wrong. Added to that, his wife and he have a family reunion in VA they are going back for next month. So this year's Days of Debauchery will not be taking place in San Diego. I doubt we would have it here in town - too easy for the Wives to know what we were up to.
But that does leave me Phoenix Comicon to attend! It takes place Memorial Day Weekend, and has a few fantasy authors doing panels and signings. I am looking forward to meeting a few of them. I have been in contact with one, that mentioned he may have some early published book copies of the new anthology he is putting out. One that has at least 5 of the authors at that Con. Plus, two of the authors are from here in the Valley area. Yeah, definitely would like to go do that. Would be my first Con.
Well, guess that is about all you get today. Not bad considering it took less time to type this compared to me sitting here trying to think of something to write.
PeacE
Thursday, March 28
Local Judicial System
About a month ago, I got my summons to appear for Jury duty for my county. As I have stated over the past few days, I dreaded going, mostly because of the sitting and waiting that seems to happen most of the times I have been previously. Plus, you hear the "horror stories" that others tell: of being on an 8-week trial, or having sat there all day and not being called to serve. I have had those days (the ones where you sit all day) but never an 8-week trial. My most recent previous time, I did get to serve as a juror, and the trial only lasted 2 days. Two half days at that.
Either way, I had a decent time of it yesterday for the most part. Having been summoned so many times over the years, I reflected yesterday about the changes they have made for the jurors. No, the random selection is still done via names that 1)registered voters, 2) have current AZ Drivers license, or 3) current AZ state ID card, which I had not known the last two were included in the selection process. Which could explain some of the "weird-o" people one sees when called to duty. But overall, the changes the court system has made for jurors, to make things more comfortable for them, to provide them with certain means of access for work, or entertainment to keep from being bored off their asses.
I think back to around when I first served, about 20 years ago. The waiting area was packed. The only thing they provided was two televisions, which aired whatever was on a local channel. Yes, that means in the afternoon it was soap operas. If you didn't bring a book, or other materials, you sat there watching TV, or went insane. Climate control was horrendous, and being summertime in AZ, cramped in an area where seating was like sardines.... you can imagine.
Over the years, I have seen several changes. Most were great changes. This trip, showed some of the best ones yet. The was wider seating and legroom, almost like theater seating on level ground. They had a kitchen where you weer allowed to bring in your own food/drink, plus a micro, toaster oven, vending machines, FREE COFFEE AND TEA, lockers to store personal items (free of charge). You did not have to sign out to go to the restroom, that other times would have been clear across the building, making it a 5 minute walk both ways. They play movies for those that want to watch one. They have a 'quiet room' where people can sit and work/read without noise distraction. Free public wifi, plus a few terminals you could use to do whatever. Their opening was with a video that helped explain the basics of what was to happen that day, for those that have never been before, and had an actual judge come down and speak about how much they thank us for appearing to do this duty. I was duly impressed. WAY better than the last time I was down there about 2 years ago.
Appearing for my Jury summons yesterday was overall quite nice. There were a few moments I did not care for, and I am actually glad I was not selected for the trial my group was sent to. Reverend Mother and I texted a bit before I needed to report in, about how I should watch for the weird people, and see what sort of blog post I could come up with. I really didn't see any though. Most of the crowd were my age or older, though a few were younger (not very many). By 1:30, I was back on the road headed home. Not much to say other than that.
PeacE
Either way, I had a decent time of it yesterday for the most part. Having been summoned so many times over the years, I reflected yesterday about the changes they have made for the jurors. No, the random selection is still done via names that 1)registered voters, 2) have current AZ Drivers license, or 3) current AZ state ID card, which I had not known the last two were included in the selection process. Which could explain some of the "weird-o" people one sees when called to duty. But overall, the changes the court system has made for jurors, to make things more comfortable for them, to provide them with certain means of access for work, or entertainment to keep from being bored off their asses.
I think back to around when I first served, about 20 years ago. The waiting area was packed. The only thing they provided was two televisions, which aired whatever was on a local channel. Yes, that means in the afternoon it was soap operas. If you didn't bring a book, or other materials, you sat there watching TV, or went insane. Climate control was horrendous, and being summertime in AZ, cramped in an area where seating was like sardines.... you can imagine.
Over the years, I have seen several changes. Most were great changes. This trip, showed some of the best ones yet. The was wider seating and legroom, almost like theater seating on level ground. They had a kitchen where you weer allowed to bring in your own food/drink, plus a micro, toaster oven, vending machines, FREE COFFEE AND TEA, lockers to store personal items (free of charge). You did not have to sign out to go to the restroom, that other times would have been clear across the building, making it a 5 minute walk both ways. They play movies for those that want to watch one. They have a 'quiet room' where people can sit and work/read without noise distraction. Free public wifi, plus a few terminals you could use to do whatever. Their opening was with a video that helped explain the basics of what was to happen that day, for those that have never been before, and had an actual judge come down and speak about how much they thank us for appearing to do this duty. I was duly impressed. WAY better than the last time I was down there about 2 years ago.
Appearing for my Jury summons yesterday was overall quite nice. There were a few moments I did not care for, and I am actually glad I was not selected for the trial my group was sent to. Reverend Mother and I texted a bit before I needed to report in, about how I should watch for the weird people, and see what sort of blog post I could come up with. I really didn't see any though. Most of the crowd were my age or older, though a few were younger (not very many). By 1:30, I was back on the road headed home. Not much to say other than that.
PeacE
Tuesday, March 26
Losing Things
This morning I did a regular trip to the gym after dropping the oldest son off at school. I needed to get in for the weekly weigh-in, as tomorrow could be a bit hectic. I dropped three pounds since last week, which brings me back to the lowest I have been (again) that matched two weeks ago. I am only four pounds away from the goal I had set for my self for last year. Four pounds, four months late. Sigh. The good side of it, is that at least a goal is being made, and it is a healthy one for all involved. Except all the companies that make the food that I don't eat as much of.... a whole other category in itself.
I mention that tomorrow may be hectic as the possibility of Jury Duty looms over me. I just don't like having to go. Tonight I will find out if I will need to attend via the recorded message I am to call after 5pm. Bah! I just don't want to do this.
One of the Wife's four older brothers supposedly arrived in town last night from Ohio. This was the one that could not make it out here when FIL was in the hospital/hospice. This one won't be staying for the memorial services scheduled for he 6th, either. Due to issues I won't go into here, he is only allowed so much time to come here and visit, but yet he couldn't schedule it for the time that services would have been held. Thus he avoids most of everyone that would be wanting to see him. Personally, I think he could fuck off and shouldn't have came out here at all. I get along with all my BIL's fine, but this one. It's been that way for 22 years, and I don't see it changing anytime soon. The Wife was telling me how long they are here for, and the 2 BILs that live in-state will be in town to see them. I told her I guess I got other things to do.... like Jury Duty and pool league.
Speaking of pool league... I need to win some games this week. I play on a 5-man team, where each of us play three games. I haven't won a game in two weeks. Though they have been close, the win just has not come in my favor. Tired of losing. Need to step my game up, if it is possible to do that.
Leaving the gym this morning, I gave Preacher Tom a call. We have not scheduled a breakfast for a couple weeks, and I was feeling hungry (plus I lost those three pounds) and offered to meet up. Unfortunately, he had some other things planned that needed to be done. I guess we will see about later this week. I was so looking forward to an ultimate omelette from Denny's, too. Oh well. Guess I will just have a granola bar here at home instead. Cheaper and probably better for me.
PeacE
I mention that tomorrow may be hectic as the possibility of Jury Duty looms over me. I just don't like having to go. Tonight I will find out if I will need to attend via the recorded message I am to call after 5pm. Bah! I just don't want to do this.
One of the Wife's four older brothers supposedly arrived in town last night from Ohio. This was the one that could not make it out here when FIL was in the hospital/hospice. This one won't be staying for the memorial services scheduled for he 6th, either. Due to issues I won't go into here, he is only allowed so much time to come here and visit, but yet he couldn't schedule it for the time that services would have been held. Thus he avoids most of everyone that would be wanting to see him. Personally, I think he could fuck off and shouldn't have came out here at all. I get along with all my BIL's fine, but this one. It's been that way for 22 years, and I don't see it changing anytime soon. The Wife was telling me how long they are here for, and the 2 BILs that live in-state will be in town to see them. I told her I guess I got other things to do.... like Jury Duty and pool league.
Speaking of pool league... I need to win some games this week. I play on a 5-man team, where each of us play three games. I haven't won a game in two weeks. Though they have been close, the win just has not come in my favor. Tired of losing. Need to step my game up, if it is possible to do that.
Leaving the gym this morning, I gave Preacher Tom a call. We have not scheduled a breakfast for a couple weeks, and I was feeling hungry (plus I lost those three pounds) and offered to meet up. Unfortunately, he had some other things planned that needed to be done. I guess we will see about later this week. I was so looking forward to an ultimate omelette from Denny's, too. Oh well. Guess I will just have a granola bar here at home instead. Cheaper and probably better for me.
PeacE
Monday, March 25
Feeling A Bit Gassy
Spring Break is now officially over, and it is back to our somewhat regular routine of things. Except it isn't quite the same today. I guess there is a gas leak at the Holiday Inn just down the street from us that has re-directed traffic all around the place. It has been going on since about 5am. The hovering helicopters making all the damn noise isn't helping any, I assure you. More irritating then the five seconds of video footage they will show on the news.
This week brings me to doing my voter registration penalty of having to possibly serve for Jury Duty. I am scheduled for Wednesday, and as the norm, will not know for sure if I need to go until Tuesday night. I last served about a year and a half ago or so. It seems to me that I have been selected to appear at least 9 times in the past 23 years. Of those 9, I have only served on a jury once, for a criminal charge of burglary, which we found the defendants guilty. Though I have the time to serve since I am not working, I would still prefer to not have to attend the whole event. I dread the drive to and from downtown Phoenix. At least parking is free for jurors though. I have my Kindle, and they have wifi available, so it may not be too bad.
As yet another helicopter arrives to make noise, I got to thinking I hope the Reverend Mother didn't get too caught in the traffic snafu this morning. She would normally drive by the area where the gas leak is, and get on the freeway on her way to work. Maybe she was detoured just a few minutes out of her regular route, and still made it to work on time.
Welp, I am off to fix something for breakfast.
PeacE
This week brings me to doing my voter registration penalty of having to possibly serve for Jury Duty. I am scheduled for Wednesday, and as the norm, will not know for sure if I need to go until Tuesday night. I last served about a year and a half ago or so. It seems to me that I have been selected to appear at least 9 times in the past 23 years. Of those 9, I have only served on a jury once, for a criminal charge of burglary, which we found the defendants guilty. Though I have the time to serve since I am not working, I would still prefer to not have to attend the whole event. I dread the drive to and from downtown Phoenix. At least parking is free for jurors though. I have my Kindle, and they have wifi available, so it may not be too bad.
As yet another helicopter arrives to make noise, I got to thinking I hope the Reverend Mother didn't get too caught in the traffic snafu this morning. She would normally drive by the area where the gas leak is, and get on the freeway on her way to work. Maybe she was detoured just a few minutes out of her regular route, and still made it to work on time.
Welp, I am off to fix something for breakfast.
PeacE
Friday, March 22
Craft Idea: Building Rock Cairns
Friday has finally arrived, and surprisingly, the boys are still alive. Mostly I think it is because I am too lazy to want to dig a hole in the sun-baked hard desert soil, and the idea of carrying who knows how many rocks to make a cairn is even more effort. I could be like some of the drug cartels out here, and just drive to the west side of the valley and dump the body on some empty stretch of road. Nah. My house is the first one they would come to when the ID the body...if I left enough evidence anyways. All in all getting to be too much work to even enjoy the thought of killing the boys - even when they are fighting among each other.
The mood to write has been bothering me more of late. I thought the other day I had slipped into the fugue that I like, and tried to hash out some stuff. Looking back over it later, it was crap. I mean, crap worse than my usual stuff. I guess I can't just whip out some really short story like I used to be able to do. I guess now I need to outline a form, work in character development, and pray for some sort of plot that can go somewhere. Kind of makes me want to give up just even writing anything. But I am sure I shall persevere.
Tomorrow is the 100th birthday celebration of one of the ladies that attends the church the Wife goes to. She is a family friend of Rev. Mom from back before I moved out here. She had 3 sisters, 2 of which have passed away since then. We called all of them "Aunt ****" as did so many of the younger generations. I have no idea if we are going or not. I am not sure I can tolerate being around the crowd I expect to be there.
Well, I guess I should enjoy this quiet time while the boys are still asleep. I still have the day to change my mind about the craft idea....
PeacE
The mood to write has been bothering me more of late. I thought the other day I had slipped into the fugue that I like, and tried to hash out some stuff. Looking back over it later, it was crap. I mean, crap worse than my usual stuff. I guess I can't just whip out some really short story like I used to be able to do. I guess now I need to outline a form, work in character development, and pray for some sort of plot that can go somewhere. Kind of makes me want to give up just even writing anything. But I am sure I shall persevere.
Tomorrow is the 100th birthday celebration of one of the ladies that attends the church the Wife goes to. She is a family friend of Rev. Mom from back before I moved out here. She had 3 sisters, 2 of which have passed away since then. We called all of them "Aunt ****" as did so many of the younger generations. I have no idea if we are going or not. I am not sure I can tolerate being around the crowd I expect to be there.
Well, I guess I should enjoy this quiet time while the boys are still asleep. I still have the day to change my mind about the craft idea....
PeacE
Wednesday, March 20
My Plans Foiled Again
Welcome to my mid-week crap-and-bitch festival.
The boys, already I have gone through two days that were exact replicas of each other. If any two are awake, and in the same room, there is fighting and yelling going on. The only time there was quiet (it seemed anyways) was when one of two of them were still asleep, and at lunch, when everyone had food in their mouth. By the time the Wife got home, both nights I put in a dvd on my computer and turned up the volume to shut them all out. Then I go to bed. So, the bed problem.....
Last night I was awakened by the Wife shutting the bedroom door. As a rule, we always keep it open, in order to hear if there is a sick child, or the animals knock something over and break it, etc. She had shut it as the middle son (with the problem) was whining and crying about not wanting to sleep anywhere but with Mom. It as 1am, and I was awake. I got up, and proceeded to berate him that this was enough. Within 15 minutes, he had tried twice more to creep into our room and into the bed. Both times I caught him, and the second time he got swatted. The third time, about 20 minutes later, was his last attempt, and he was grounded from the computer for the rest of the week, plus he had to go to his Grandma's (at least for Wed.) and work pulling weeds from her yard. He didn't try again, but everytime the Wife moved, or the dog jumped on/off the bed, it woke me looking to see if he was trying to sneak in again. So yes, I am a bit cranky and tired today.
I was able to get to the gym for the first time this week. I am sure if I tried harder I could have been there more, but - anything I say is just an excuse now. I did go this morning, and not happy about the weight as I gained a little back. The boys were all sent with the Wife to her mother's this morning, the goal being for them to work at pulling the weeds from the yard, so there is not just an infestation in what little grass she has growing. I have my doubts it will happen. Also, today is Pool Night, so I don't have to worry about leaving them at home alone for an unspecified amount of time under the command of the oldest. He has a "bossy attitude" like his sister does, and it reflects quite openly.
Did I get enough bitching in? Not yet.... The Wife, though I love her to death (most days) and I love her cooking. But WHY does she have to fix my favorite dishes on the night before I weigh in at the gym? Last night she fixed Turkey enchiladas (one of my favorites, obviously) and I could only have a small helping, as I knew I would weigh in this morning, and did not feel confident. This having to do with a weekly bet with a friend. She seemed disappointed in me (moreso than usual anyways) for not scarfing down two helpings, even after I explained to her why I had not done exactly that. Going to bed with a "feels pretty empty" stomach was not a joyful experience, though I know I actually had enough to eat.
Every bad thing/day seems to have a bit of silver lining though. Guess what I get for lunch today!
PeacE
The boys, already I have gone through two days that were exact replicas of each other. If any two are awake, and in the same room, there is fighting and yelling going on. The only time there was quiet (it seemed anyways) was when one of two of them were still asleep, and at lunch, when everyone had food in their mouth. By the time the Wife got home, both nights I put in a dvd on my computer and turned up the volume to shut them all out. Then I go to bed. So, the bed problem.....
Last night I was awakened by the Wife shutting the bedroom door. As a rule, we always keep it open, in order to hear if there is a sick child, or the animals knock something over and break it, etc. She had shut it as the middle son (with the problem) was whining and crying about not wanting to sleep anywhere but with Mom. It as 1am, and I was awake. I got up, and proceeded to berate him that this was enough. Within 15 minutes, he had tried twice more to creep into our room and into the bed. Both times I caught him, and the second time he got swatted. The third time, about 20 minutes later, was his last attempt, and he was grounded from the computer for the rest of the week, plus he had to go to his Grandma's (at least for Wed.) and work pulling weeds from her yard. He didn't try again, but everytime the Wife moved, or the dog jumped on/off the bed, it woke me looking to see if he was trying to sneak in again. So yes, I am a bit cranky and tired today.
I was able to get to the gym for the first time this week. I am sure if I tried harder I could have been there more, but - anything I say is just an excuse now. I did go this morning, and not happy about the weight as I gained a little back. The boys were all sent with the Wife to her mother's this morning, the goal being for them to work at pulling the weeds from the yard, so there is not just an infestation in what little grass she has growing. I have my doubts it will happen. Also, today is Pool Night, so I don't have to worry about leaving them at home alone for an unspecified amount of time under the command of the oldest. He has a "bossy attitude" like his sister does, and it reflects quite openly.
Did I get enough bitching in? Not yet.... The Wife, though I love her to death (most days) and I love her cooking. But WHY does she have to fix my favorite dishes on the night before I weigh in at the gym? Last night she fixed Turkey enchiladas (one of my favorites, obviously) and I could only have a small helping, as I knew I would weigh in this morning, and did not feel confident. This having to do with a weekly bet with a friend. She seemed disappointed in me (moreso than usual anyways) for not scarfing down two helpings, even after I explained to her why I had not done exactly that. Going to bed with a "feels pretty empty" stomach was not a joyful experience, though I know I actually had enough to eat.
Every bad thing/day seems to have a bit of silver lining though. Guess what I get for lunch today!
PeacE
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