Tuesday, June 30, 2009
50,000 Miles...My How Miles Fly
On May 24, 2006 Tracey and I made probably our smartest vehicle purchase in our lives. We bought a Toyota Camry. This car has been awesome. It is comfortable for me and the family and with 4 cylinders gets great gas mileage. I can honestly say it is the first vehicle that Tracey and I are not figuring to unload after 3 years.
Well this week the Little Green Rocket hit 50,000 miles. I remember when we drove it off the lot with 4 miles on it. Sniff....our baby is growing up.
Here is to you Little Green Rocket! I hope the next 50,000 miles go by just as easily. Thank you for looking after me and my family
Well this week the Little Green Rocket hit 50,000 miles. I remember when we drove it off the lot with 4 miles on it. Sniff....our baby is growing up.
Here is to you Little Green Rocket! I hope the next 50,000 miles go by just as easily. Thank you for looking after me and my family
Monday, June 29, 2009
Define Physically Handicapped Please
I do not follow the perfect diet by any means. I will say that I follow a more healthy diet after going through my cancer treatments. But an angel I am not. Having said that I have been observant of the diets of other people.
This past week I was in Austin with some fellow teachers and we all went out to eat each evening. On one evening we were out one of the teachers made mention that I eat like a bird. For whatever reason after going through my cancer treatments I can’t eat near as much as I could a couple of years ago…hence the maintaining of my weight loss.
So back to my topic of diet and overweight people. I went to the local QT this morning to pick up my 49 cent diet cola of my choice. It just so happen that the four people in front of me were HUGE. Like dear lord huge. It is 7:15-7:30 range. Here is what they were having for breakfast
Person One- Two Taquito’s (sp)
One Banana – healthy choice…
44oz Cola (could be diet)
1 chocolate milk
1 Regular Milk- Whole Milk
Person Two- 44 oz Drink is there a pattern here?
2 Hot Dogs- With six packets of Mayo- WTH?? Mayo on a hot dog?
1 Hostess Fruit pie
1 Hostess Ding Dong Package
Person Three- 44 oz Drink- Must be a club or something
4 hotdogs- Jalapeno variety- They are going to be fun to be around when those babies hit.
1 Serving of Nacho’s with the chili cheese already on the chips
1 ham and cheese sandwich from the heat lamp
So on person three I am confused…where are they going to go for lunch. I thought the hotdogs but then what about the nacho selection….already with the sauce on there those are going to have to be eaten pretty quickly. So then that would mean the FOUR hotdogs would be lunch…but where does the ham and cheese sandwich come in? Snack?
Person Four- 32oz drink….WOW they are cutting back!
4 Taquito’s- I guess they had to have one of every kind.
1 Ham Egg and Cheese Sandwich
1 Sausage Egg and Cheese Sandwich
1 Hostess Fruit Pie- Cherry (ah my personal favorite)
Here is another interesting note. Of these four VERY LARGE PEOPLE…THREE of them were parked in the handicapped parking. Why does this bother me? Because these people did not appear to be hindered in ANY WAY while making it to their vehicles. They walked right to their car and got in. I will admit that it took them a while to get into their car with all of their food purchases and adjusting of the seat and steering wheel. NOT E TO SELF…WHEN YOU HAVE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY UP TO GET OUT??? YOU ARE TOO BIG. Are these not the people that need to walk the farthest to their vehicle?
Don’t get me wrong…I don’t hate fat people. I have a few in my family. But when did fat become a handicap? If they had a limp or a cane or SOMETHING I might understand. But these people walked right to their car and got in with the handicap sticker hanging from their rear view mirror. WTH? My father in law is handicapped. He has a scooter and everything.
I would have LOVED to have a handicapped sticker when I was going through cancer treatments. I was doing everything I could to make it to the door of the store I was going to. But I did it. Sometimes even dragging my chemo bag in a suitcase with me. Sometimes I had to sit down in the deli and rest for a few minutes so I could make my way around the store. But I did it. Why? Because my kids needed milk or my wife needed something for work and I was well enough to do it. Now if you are SO BIG that physically you cannot do it I understand. But if you can make it to your car with your truck load of food with no problem then do what is right and get rid of your handicap sticker so that someone who REALLY is handicapped can use it.
Before you start zinging me with hate mail just hold on.
Finally, let’s assume that something IS wrong with them and they have a “condition” that makes their body not process foods correctly…… Are any of these four people doing anything to HELP their condition??? Read over their food selections again….out of all of that crap they are eating I only saw ONE fruit…ONE BANANA…THAT’S IT…ONE…. FREAKING…..BANANA….fruit PIES DO NOT COUNT….
I WAS considered obese prior to my cancer. Then I started following a healthier diet…got some exercise….lost weight.
All I am saying is TRY TO HELP YOURSELF…if I have a sprained knee and the doctor tells me to stay off of it am I going to go out and play some basketball? Probably not. Why? Because that pounding is not good on my hurt knee.
I am just saying…… If you are in a handicap space because you are WAY OVERWEIGHT…then do something about it. You are paying TOO HIGH OF A PRICE to be able park close my friend.
JDHTEACH
This past week I was in Austin with some fellow teachers and we all went out to eat each evening. On one evening we were out one of the teachers made mention that I eat like a bird. For whatever reason after going through my cancer treatments I can’t eat near as much as I could a couple of years ago…hence the maintaining of my weight loss.
So back to my topic of diet and overweight people. I went to the local QT this morning to pick up my 49 cent diet cola of my choice. It just so happen that the four people in front of me were HUGE. Like dear lord huge. It is 7:15-7:30 range. Here is what they were having for breakfast
Person One- Two Taquito’s (sp)
One Banana – healthy choice…
44oz Cola (could be diet)
1 chocolate milk
1 Regular Milk- Whole Milk
Person Two- 44 oz Drink is there a pattern here?
2 Hot Dogs- With six packets of Mayo- WTH?? Mayo on a hot dog?
1 Hostess Fruit pie
1 Hostess Ding Dong Package
Person Three- 44 oz Drink- Must be a club or something
4 hotdogs- Jalapeno variety- They are going to be fun to be around when those babies hit.
1 Serving of Nacho’s with the chili cheese already on the chips
1 ham and cheese sandwich from the heat lamp
So on person three I am confused…where are they going to go for lunch. I thought the hotdogs but then what about the nacho selection….already with the sauce on there those are going to have to be eaten pretty quickly. So then that would mean the FOUR hotdogs would be lunch…but where does the ham and cheese sandwich come in? Snack?
Person Four- 32oz drink….WOW they are cutting back!
4 Taquito’s- I guess they had to have one of every kind.
1 Ham Egg and Cheese Sandwich
1 Sausage Egg and Cheese Sandwich
1 Hostess Fruit Pie- Cherry (ah my personal favorite)
Here is another interesting note. Of these four VERY LARGE PEOPLE…THREE of them were parked in the handicapped parking. Why does this bother me? Because these people did not appear to be hindered in ANY WAY while making it to their vehicles. They walked right to their car and got in. I will admit that it took them a while to get into their car with all of their food purchases and adjusting of the seat and steering wheel. NOT E TO SELF…WHEN YOU HAVE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY UP TO GET OUT??? YOU ARE TOO BIG. Are these not the people that need to walk the farthest to their vehicle?
Don’t get me wrong…I don’t hate fat people. I have a few in my family. But when did fat become a handicap? If they had a limp or a cane or SOMETHING I might understand. But these people walked right to their car and got in with the handicap sticker hanging from their rear view mirror. WTH? My father in law is handicapped. He has a scooter and everything.
I would have LOVED to have a handicapped sticker when I was going through cancer treatments. I was doing everything I could to make it to the door of the store I was going to. But I did it. Sometimes even dragging my chemo bag in a suitcase with me. Sometimes I had to sit down in the deli and rest for a few minutes so I could make my way around the store. But I did it. Why? Because my kids needed milk or my wife needed something for work and I was well enough to do it. Now if you are SO BIG that physically you cannot do it I understand. But if you can make it to your car with your truck load of food with no problem then do what is right and get rid of your handicap sticker so that someone who REALLY is handicapped can use it.
Before you start zinging me with hate mail just hold on.
Finally, let’s assume that something IS wrong with them and they have a “condition” that makes their body not process foods correctly…… Are any of these four people doing anything to HELP their condition??? Read over their food selections again….out of all of that crap they are eating I only saw ONE fruit…ONE BANANA…THAT’S IT…ONE…. FREAKING…..BANANA….fruit PIES DO NOT COUNT….
I WAS considered obese prior to my cancer. Then I started following a healthier diet…got some exercise….lost weight.
All I am saying is TRY TO HELP YOURSELF…if I have a sprained knee and the doctor tells me to stay off of it am I going to go out and play some basketball? Probably not. Why? Because that pounding is not good on my hurt knee.
I am just saying…… If you are in a handicap space because you are WAY OVERWEIGHT…then do something about it. You are paying TOO HIGH OF A PRICE to be able park close my friend.
JDHTEACH
Saturday, June 27, 2009
The Week That Was
So I was out of town all this week for a training session in Austin with a large group of teachers. I have a TON of thoughts on the week that was.
1. I love my district that I work in but sometimes I am reminded that we are still small. Case in Point- I arrive Monday morning to pick up the vehicles for the trip. Now these vehicles have been reserved for weeks. The vehicles were not ready to go when I showed up. KUDDOS to the maintenance department for stepping up and getting those vehicles ready.
2. We walked into the bank to cash our checks and (again being a small town) the people that work there froze for a moment.
3. I don't think any bank in LE EVER has 13 people in it at once. EVER
4. 5 hours to get there....3 and a half WITH a stop to get home. Think we were ready to be home?
5. I was reminded daily just how lucky I am....thank you Sweety...thank you mom and dad.
6. The van ride was lonely at times. It was just me and the luggage.
7. Training was great...one part of the training go a bit old but they did change it up on the last full day.
8. LOVE ALL THE CHANGES TO THE HOUSE while I was gone. Tracey worked her tail off.
8. Five days is too long to be away from home.
1. I love my district that I work in but sometimes I am reminded that we are still small. Case in Point- I arrive Monday morning to pick up the vehicles for the trip. Now these vehicles have been reserved for weeks. The vehicles were not ready to go when I showed up. KUDDOS to the maintenance department for stepping up and getting those vehicles ready.
2. We walked into the bank to cash our checks and (again being a small town) the people that work there froze for a moment.
3. I don't think any bank in LE EVER has 13 people in it at once. EVER
4. 5 hours to get there....3 and a half WITH a stop to get home. Think we were ready to be home?
5. I was reminded daily just how lucky I am....thank you Sweety...thank you mom and dad.
6. The van ride was lonely at times. It was just me and the luggage.
7. Training was great...one part of the training go a bit old but they did change it up on the last full day.
8. LOVE ALL THE CHANGES TO THE HOUSE while I was gone. Tracey worked her tail off.
8. Five days is too long to be away from home.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Importance of Cross Training
My wife does a lot around the house. I do my fair share as well but I don't know if it is 50/50. Now that she is off work and I am still working she does more around the house but hey she is home and I am working.
Having said all of this my wife and I have "cross trained" one another so that we can fill in for each other when one of us is gone for a period of time.
When is this painful?
When she wants to show me anything about laundry Whats the difference in delicate and normal wash? (HATE IT)
When I try to teach her anything about a technique used in cooking,{SHE HATES TO COOK}. Well how do I know when it's done? Well LOOK AT IT. If it is still bleeding then its not done. Likes to bake but not cook....still trying to figure that one out.
The reason we cross train is so that when one is gone the home remains stable.
I am in Austin this week for a full week of training. I have brought with me 12 other teachers. 11 of those 12 are females who are married with children.
More than one of the ladies are having issues with the husband running the house.
One husband has I think total give up. The term that more accurately describes the situation is probably " I don't wanna". He has even told his wife....I don't know how to do that so I am not. Wife- SOOOOO that means you are going to let it sit for 5 days unitl I get home to deal with it....HUSBAND- Whatever..I am not doing it.
The other type of husband is the one who has questions. LOTS of questions...So he is calling constantly with how do I do this....How do I do that? and it is pulling the teachers out of training to answer the emergency phone calls.
So I have come to the conclusion that I may not be perfect but I am definately ahead of the curve.
Having said all of this my wife and I have "cross trained" one another so that we can fill in for each other when one of us is gone for a period of time.
When is this painful?
When she wants to show me anything about laundry Whats the difference in delicate and normal wash? (HATE IT)
When I try to teach her anything about a technique used in cooking,{SHE HATES TO COOK}. Well how do I know when it's done? Well LOOK AT IT. If it is still bleeding then its not done. Likes to bake but not cook....still trying to figure that one out.
The reason we cross train is so that when one is gone the home remains stable.
I am in Austin this week for a full week of training. I have brought with me 12 other teachers. 11 of those 12 are females who are married with children.
More than one of the ladies are having issues with the husband running the house.
One husband has I think total give up. The term that more accurately describes the situation is probably " I don't wanna". He has even told his wife....I don't know how to do that so I am not. Wife- SOOOOO that means you are going to let it sit for 5 days unitl I get home to deal with it....HUSBAND- Whatever..I am not doing it.
The other type of husband is the one who has questions. LOTS of questions...So he is calling constantly with how do I do this....How do I do that? and it is pulling the teachers out of training to answer the emergency phone calls.
So I have come to the conclusion that I may not be perfect but I am definately ahead of the curve.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sleeping Issues
One to three
That is the time in the morning that I have been up on a regular basis for about a week now. There is usually a lot of tossing and turning. Then my mind starts going about what all I have going on at work and I might as well get up and get dressed. I have tried battling this with staying up later. You see going to sleep is not the problem. I can conk out at 9:00 with no problem. This method of battle has failed. I tried staying up to TEN or ELEVEN...still I wake up between the dreaded ONE and THREE. SO WHY???
Well I think I have two major reasons. First, would be work. I do have a lot on my plate right now. Oh it is nothing compared to my previous position but still I have a lot riding on this I feel. You see I am working on setting up my FIRST staff development for our elementary campuses in August. Sure I have done staff development for a grade level and a campus...BUT A DISTRICT? Nope...never...I know I can do it and do it well it's just the preasure you put on yourself to get the job done right. I think that is a major part of it.
Next, Well I am getting ready to be in Austin for a week at a conference with a group of other teachers and we are going to be gone for a week. The conference is fine and working with and leading the teachers I don't have an issue with.
It's leaving my family for that long. I will miss Tracey and the kids terribly. I know...WEENIE...but I do. Tracey has activities planned and the kids are going to be spending time with my folks so I know Tracey is going to be getting some much deserved free time but I am going to miss everyone.
Lastly, I am READY for a vacation. I need a break from work. The schools have been shut down for a while now and slowly but surely the administrative department is starting to take their vacations. While that happens I get to step up and cover other events while they are gone in addition to try and get my stuff done. This is fine because in a few weeks the shoe will be on the other foot and they will be covering my responsibilities in my absence. I AM JUST READY TO GET THERE.
COME ON JULY 2NS
That is the time in the morning that I have been up on a regular basis for about a week now. There is usually a lot of tossing and turning. Then my mind starts going about what all I have going on at work and I might as well get up and get dressed. I have tried battling this with staying up later. You see going to sleep is not the problem. I can conk out at 9:00 with no problem. This method of battle has failed. I tried staying up to TEN or ELEVEN...still I wake up between the dreaded ONE and THREE. SO WHY???
Well I think I have two major reasons. First, would be work. I do have a lot on my plate right now. Oh it is nothing compared to my previous position but still I have a lot riding on this I feel. You see I am working on setting up my FIRST staff development for our elementary campuses in August. Sure I have done staff development for a grade level and a campus...BUT A DISTRICT? Nope...never...I know I can do it and do it well it's just the preasure you put on yourself to get the job done right. I think that is a major part of it.
Next, Well I am getting ready to be in Austin for a week at a conference with a group of other teachers and we are going to be gone for a week. The conference is fine and working with and leading the teachers I don't have an issue with.
It's leaving my family for that long. I will miss Tracey and the kids terribly. I know...WEENIE...but I do. Tracey has activities planned and the kids are going to be spending time with my folks so I know Tracey is going to be getting some much deserved free time but I am going to miss everyone.
Lastly, I am READY for a vacation. I need a break from work. The schools have been shut down for a while now and slowly but surely the administrative department is starting to take their vacations. While that happens I get to step up and cover other events while they are gone in addition to try and get my stuff done. This is fine because in a few weeks the shoe will be on the other foot and they will be covering my responsibilities in my absence. I AM JUST READY TO GET THERE.
COME ON JULY 2NS
Thursday, June 18, 2009
WWWAAAAYYYY TO INTO YOURSELF THERE BABE
Funny...I did not hear her call him a FREAKING GENERAL!!! Let's...see .. what is harder to do....Senator or BRIGADIER GENERAL...
Get over yourself lady
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
POKER... Foldem' Style
It has been quite a few months but Dad and I were able to get a way and play a little poker up in Oklahoma last weekend. Dad has just started really playing Texas Hold’em. We were torn about playing on the same table because we did not want to hurt one another. In the end though we decided to go for it.
I was a bit anxious at first. The stakes were not high. It was 4-8 limit poker. So why be so anxious? The reason being I am in a considerable slump when it comes to poker. About a year ago I was playing pretty regular and I was doing quite well. I would come home with the money I took plus I would at least double it if not triple it or quadruple it. Then…IT STOPPED…. Some of it was just not getting cards but many times I was getting outplayed. By that I don’t mean I was getting out smarted I mean I was trying to make things happen to win pots and instead would get burned.
Well yesterday I did not get any GREAT starting hands…a pocket ACES or face cards in 3 hours of playing. But I did see some decent starting hands. I came home with 90% of the money I took. Oddly enough a dealer error cost me a hand that would have put me about 100 dollars up AT THAT TIME but I have been on the receiving end of a dealer screw up as well so …THAT’S POKER…. I was very proud of the way I played. Considering the cards I got I felt I got the most out of what I was dealt. Here is what I did well….
I WAS FOCUSED- I did a nice job of staying patient and not doing anything too aggressive because you get tired of just sitting there. If the odds say fold I folded.
YOU GOT TA KNOW WHEN TO FOLD’EM- And I did. There were quite a few times that I had a very strong hand but the way people were playing and betting I would lay down my hand. It is hard to lay down TRIPS and a STRIAGHT but I did both on more than one occasion. If I would have stayed in the hand I would have LOST each one of them AND A LOT MORE MONEY. Live to play another hand.
KNOW YOUR PLAYERS TENDANCIES- After about two times around the table I pretty much had everyone pegged on their style of play. When they would do certain things I did a pretty nice job of knowing what they had in their hand based on their betting or lack thereof. This information comes in VERY HANDY when you end up going head to head for a pot later.
I have been on tables before where I KNEW I was probably the weakest skilled card player there. When you go up against a skilled card player they usually know what you are going to do before you do. And getting money out of them is like getting blood from a turnip. They NEVER fall for a trap.
Well Sunday I got to be on the other side of it. I played probably the best poker I had played in over a year. And I KNOW I had the highest POKER IQ at that table. If I would have had a bit better cards I could have done some serious damage to some people.
I was a bit anxious at first. The stakes were not high. It was 4-8 limit poker. So why be so anxious? The reason being I am in a considerable slump when it comes to poker. About a year ago I was playing pretty regular and I was doing quite well. I would come home with the money I took plus I would at least double it if not triple it or quadruple it. Then…IT STOPPED…. Some of it was just not getting cards but many times I was getting outplayed. By that I don’t mean I was getting out smarted I mean I was trying to make things happen to win pots and instead would get burned.
Well yesterday I did not get any GREAT starting hands…a pocket ACES or face cards in 3 hours of playing. But I did see some decent starting hands. I came home with 90% of the money I took. Oddly enough a dealer error cost me a hand that would have put me about 100 dollars up AT THAT TIME but I have been on the receiving end of a dealer screw up as well so …THAT’S POKER…. I was very proud of the way I played. Considering the cards I got I felt I got the most out of what I was dealt. Here is what I did well….
I WAS FOCUSED- I did a nice job of staying patient and not doing anything too aggressive because you get tired of just sitting there. If the odds say fold I folded.
YOU GOT TA KNOW WHEN TO FOLD’EM- And I did. There were quite a few times that I had a very strong hand but the way people were playing and betting I would lay down my hand. It is hard to lay down TRIPS and a STRIAGHT but I did both on more than one occasion. If I would have stayed in the hand I would have LOST each one of them AND A LOT MORE MONEY. Live to play another hand.
KNOW YOUR PLAYERS TENDANCIES- After about two times around the table I pretty much had everyone pegged on their style of play. When they would do certain things I did a pretty nice job of knowing what they had in their hand based on their betting or lack thereof. This information comes in VERY HANDY when you end up going head to head for a pot later.
I have been on tables before where I KNEW I was probably the weakest skilled card player there. When you go up against a skilled card player they usually know what you are going to do before you do. And getting money out of them is like getting blood from a turnip. They NEVER fall for a trap.
Well Sunday I got to be on the other side of it. I played probably the best poker I had played in over a year. And I KNOW I had the highest POKER IQ at that table. If I would have had a bit better cards I could have done some serious damage to some people.
It Ain't Easy..Bein' Green
It has been hard being Jack over the past week. I can’t put my finger on it exactly but Jack has really been struggling with talking back to Tracey and I. It is like he HAS TO HAVE the last word. I do not like to parent this way but the only thing that would seem to get Jack to understand that we mean business is the threat of (and sometimes the carrying out of) a whoopin. My normal action taken with Love and Logic was not working.
Now let me explain whoopin…. We are not beating our kids. We never even leave a mark on the boy. It is more of the embarrassment of him getting spanked or if he smart mouths Tracey has been known to get a little dab of liquid soap and stick it in Jack’s mouth. He HATES that.
As I mentioned here lately it has been one “whoopin” after the other for Jack. He declared that it was obvious to him that neither his MOTHER nor I LOVED HIM ANYMORE. We had had it. I told him it was not that we did not love him. It was quite the opposite as a matter fact. The reason we stay on him was because we loved him. I did tell him though that when he acted this way it made him not fun to be around. I told him that I HATED having to parent him this way. It made me feel bad for having to do it and I knew he did not like being parented this way.
So how has it gone? Well Jack has actually been having some really great days. He is helping around the house and helping his mother.
Little Funny- The other day he lost track and he talked back to his mother. Before she could say anything Jack said …. WAIT….LET’S GO BACK AND DO THAT AGAIN….I SHOULD HAVE SAID…….
YOUR EXACTLY RIGHT JACK….GOOD BOY!!
Now let me explain whoopin…. We are not beating our kids. We never even leave a mark on the boy. It is more of the embarrassment of him getting spanked or if he smart mouths Tracey has been known to get a little dab of liquid soap and stick it in Jack’s mouth. He HATES that.
As I mentioned here lately it has been one “whoopin” after the other for Jack. He declared that it was obvious to him that neither his MOTHER nor I LOVED HIM ANYMORE. We had had it. I told him it was not that we did not love him. It was quite the opposite as a matter fact. The reason we stay on him was because we loved him. I did tell him though that when he acted this way it made him not fun to be around. I told him that I HATED having to parent him this way. It made me feel bad for having to do it and I knew he did not like being parented this way.
So how has it gone? Well Jack has actually been having some really great days. He is helping around the house and helping his mother.
Little Funny- The other day he lost track and he talked back to his mother. Before she could say anything Jack said …. WAIT….LET’S GO BACK AND DO THAT AGAIN….I SHOULD HAVE SAID…….
YOUR EXACTLY RIGHT JACK….GOOD BOY!!
Teaching Economics to an 8 Yr Old
Jack has the biggest heart. He is such a sweet boy. Last week he had a friend have a birthday. Jack wanted to go to the store and have us spend 30-40 dollars on a toy for this child. I was against this for a couple of reasons. The first being money- We are extremely tight in that area right now due to me being docked the past couple of months repaying the district the time I owe them while I was in the hospital. That ends this month THANK GOODNESS. The second, I know the child and to throw any kind of money at this kid is a waste. The boy is nice and all but he does not exactly take care of his stuff. If this were a few other kids I know MAYBE but not this one.
So it was time to explain the economics of the situation to Jack. Tracey was getting a bit frustrated with Jack because anything she suggested as a gift that was less expensive he dismissed as LAME! So I decided to explain it in a way that Jack would appreciate. I thought I did pretty well and Jack seemed to really understand it. Here is where I went with it….
Okay Jack it is like this. We have the money to do whatever it is we want to do as a family. That does not mean that the money has no end. It means that we have a CHOICE of where to spend the money as a family Jack. If you want to spend the money we have on a very expensive birthday present for your friend we can do that. BUT…what that means now is that you will get to spend ONE LESS DAY on the beach next month in Corpus Christi. That means ONE LESS DAY exploring the LEXINGTON and going to the aquarium. You see Jack if we spend the money on your friend’s birthday present then there is no money to stay an extra day in Corpus. It is called a BUDGET Jack. Everyone has one. Mommy and Daddy have budgeted money to go on vacation. Because we moved our trip to next month we are getting to stay an EXTRA DAY because we will have more money in the budget. Now the choice is yours Jack. The money for the present is going to come from this budget. So what is it going to be? Are we going to buy an expensive toy from our vacation money and lose a day at the beach? OR do you want to get something for your friend within mom’s asking price and keep the extra day at the beach?
Now you and I both know that the present was not going to cost us a DAY of vacation but that is all I had that I knew Jack would see the sacrifice that would need to be made. He REALLY is excited about the beach and the USS Lexington.
So in about two minutes Jack made the decision. He approached Tracey and I and he held out his hand. In his hand was a Nintendo game that he never played. He made the announcement that he wanted his friend to have this game because he knew he would like it and Jack had grown tired of it. WELL ….. PROBLEM SOLVED….and it did not cost us a dime. Tracey wrapped it up and off we went to the party.
So it was time to explain the economics of the situation to Jack. Tracey was getting a bit frustrated with Jack because anything she suggested as a gift that was less expensive he dismissed as LAME! So I decided to explain it in a way that Jack would appreciate. I thought I did pretty well and Jack seemed to really understand it. Here is where I went with it….
Okay Jack it is like this. We have the money to do whatever it is we want to do as a family. That does not mean that the money has no end. It means that we have a CHOICE of where to spend the money as a family Jack. If you want to spend the money we have on a very expensive birthday present for your friend we can do that. BUT…what that means now is that you will get to spend ONE LESS DAY on the beach next month in Corpus Christi. That means ONE LESS DAY exploring the LEXINGTON and going to the aquarium. You see Jack if we spend the money on your friend’s birthday present then there is no money to stay an extra day in Corpus. It is called a BUDGET Jack. Everyone has one. Mommy and Daddy have budgeted money to go on vacation. Because we moved our trip to next month we are getting to stay an EXTRA DAY because we will have more money in the budget. Now the choice is yours Jack. The money for the present is going to come from this budget. So what is it going to be? Are we going to buy an expensive toy from our vacation money and lose a day at the beach? OR do you want to get something for your friend within mom’s asking price and keep the extra day at the beach?
Now you and I both know that the present was not going to cost us a DAY of vacation but that is all I had that I knew Jack would see the sacrifice that would need to be made. He REALLY is excited about the beach and the USS Lexington.
So in about two minutes Jack made the decision. He approached Tracey and I and he held out his hand. In his hand was a Nintendo game that he never played. He made the announcement that he wanted his friend to have this game because he knew he would like it and Jack had grown tired of it. WELL ….. PROBLEM SOLVED….and it did not cost us a dime. Tracey wrapped it up and off we went to the party.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Jury Duty in Dallas County
The names are changed to protect the innocent.
So I had jury duty today in down town Dallas. I had to report for duty at 8:30 AM. I had no idea what traffic would be like so I left the house early. Lucky for me I guess there was very little traffic.
My observations:
= The signs in the building telling you were to go are very small.
= The general jury room is a bit run down. Several rows of seats had broken chairs.
Many of the chairs had mystery stains...Now what could that be?
= Funny Line of the Day- The guy sitting next to me made this comment...I am a
minister. If we need this many people for jury's clearly I need to be doing a
better job.
= Don't look all annoyed when you can't find a seat to sit down in. You want a seat.
Get here early. It works in the movie theater...it works here as well.
= Clearly several people did not read the part on their summons about there being a
dress code. Hey I understand the jeans and a t-shirt I guess. The lady wearing a
Galveston t-shirt, capri jeans, and flip flops...WTH
= I am sitting there and the guy to my left falls asleep and is snoring..what the..
he is starting to lean on me....WTH...WTH...WTH...OFF .... OFF....OFF
= The guy to my right. Keeps coughing like THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG coughing. He is
covering his mouth with a rag but I am thinking TB here.
= The lady to right of the guy on my right. WOULD NOT SIT THE HELL DOWN. SHE GOT UP
SHE GOT DOWN...SHE GOT UP...SHE GOT DOWN...SHE GOT UP... SIT THE HELL DOWN WOMAN!!
= Civic Duty Video- It is old....so old that it is GRAINY...you can't read the
writing...time to upgrade.
= Juror number 2934- I am pretty safe..first pannel called 2-84. I AM REAL SAFE
= Second Juror Pannel- 85-675...WHAT THE??? Not so safe now.
= Did not get picked and got to leave at 11:30....THANK YOU
So I had jury duty today in down town Dallas. I had to report for duty at 8:30 AM. I had no idea what traffic would be like so I left the house early. Lucky for me I guess there was very little traffic.
My observations:
= The signs in the building telling you were to go are very small.
= The general jury room is a bit run down. Several rows of seats had broken chairs.
Many of the chairs had mystery stains...Now what could that be?
= Funny Line of the Day- The guy sitting next to me made this comment...I am a
minister. If we need this many people for jury's clearly I need to be doing a
better job.
= Don't look all annoyed when you can't find a seat to sit down in. You want a seat.
Get here early. It works in the movie theater...it works here as well.
= Clearly several people did not read the part on their summons about there being a
dress code. Hey I understand the jeans and a t-shirt I guess. The lady wearing a
Galveston t-shirt, capri jeans, and flip flops...WTH
= I am sitting there and the guy to my left falls asleep and is snoring..what the..
he is starting to lean on me....WTH...WTH...WTH...OFF .... OFF....OFF
= The guy to my right. Keeps coughing like THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG coughing. He is
covering his mouth with a rag but I am thinking TB here.
= The lady to right of the guy on my right. WOULD NOT SIT THE HELL DOWN. SHE GOT UP
SHE GOT DOWN...SHE GOT UP...SHE GOT DOWN...SHE GOT UP... SIT THE HELL DOWN WOMAN!!
= Civic Duty Video- It is old....so old that it is GRAINY...you can't read the
writing...time to upgrade.
= Juror number 2934- I am pretty safe..first pannel called 2-84. I AM REAL SAFE
= Second Juror Pannel- 85-675...WHAT THE??? Not so safe now.
= Did not get picked and got to leave at 11:30....THANK YOU
Friday, June 12, 2009
The UP charge
I HATE the upcharge. What is the upcharge? It is when you take your car or whatever for routine maintenance and you get hit with all of the THINGS they want to do or your car DESPERATELY NEEDS or it won't make it another mile.
Two weeks ago I took Tracey's car in to get the oil changed. I knew we were getting close on the tires and I even told them that when I dropped the car off. If they could work me a deal we can talk when I pick the car up. HENCE DON'T CALL ME.
Sure enough...My phone rings...Mr. JDHTEACH did you know your tires.....blah blah
Good Lord..DOES NOONE TALK TO EACH OTHER UP THERE???? Yes Sir was my response....gripping the phone ever so tightly yet being polite on the phone...if you guys can work me a deal we can talk when I pick the car up.
So what was their deal? Oh that would be 4 new tires for $1,235 dollars....that was THEIR DEAL...
Needless to say that was a VERY short conversation.
I looked online for about an hour looking over different places. I got 3 sets of tires with the same tread life guarantee. All three stores offered the same perks.
I went with the store that was offering buy 3 tires get one free.
I had a great conversation over the phone and I made an appointment so that we could get Tracey's car in and out because it was needed for a small car trip this weekend by my sister.
So I have there for the appointment and I decide to leave it because we have other places to go and I am needed for kid duty while Tracey does some other things. They say they will call me when to come pick it up.
Now last month when I bought my tires at another store I had to stay there with it because I had no other option. I got in and out in 45 minutes.
I check my phone and it is alomost NOON when we are leaving our last stop and I still have no phone call. This upsets me because I made an appointment for a reason.
Tracey drops me off and I go into the store.
The service guy asks if he can help me and I say YES, I am here to pick up my car. It's the cadilac up on stilts.
Ummm Yes Sir that car needs to be alligned pretty badly did you get our phone call?
No- I have been out running errands.
Well we called your home.
Obviously if I am out running errands I am not going to get that message. That is why I asked you to call my cell. YOU even asked me to clarify what number to call and I gave YOU my cell and asked YOU to repeat MY CELL number back to me. Which YOU did. (Freaking MORON) was my thought.
Well we called your home....
GOT IT...
Listen, (As I am remaining very calm and NOT SARCASTIC AT ALL) The reason I made an appointment was so I could get in and out. I need this vehicle for a car trip this afternoon. I bought tires from another store last month and was in and out in 45 minutes. Because I knew if I left it you would put it on the backburner I MADE AN APPOINTMENT. Why would I make an appointment for you to keep my car for 3 hours to put 4 tires on it.
Now I am paying you over 600 dollars for these tires. I would THINK that if I am giving you 600 dollars I would have the allignment done for free.
Well sir we do the allignment check for free.
Sorry not good enough....I need the car and I will have it checked out by my mechanic.
The last time I was told YOU GOTTA DO THIS...it turns out my mechanic said WHATEVER DUDE THIS CAR IS FINE.
I just hate the UP CHARGE...... They make you feel like you were LUCKY to make it in.
I LOVE MY SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAMRY. YOU DROP IT OFF FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND ANY LITTLE ADDITIONAL STUFF THEY JUST DO IT....NO CHARGE...ANYTHING SUBSTANCIAL THEY CALL ME AND USUALLY FIND A WAY TO SNEAK IT IN AT NO CHARGE OR MINIMAL CHARGE AT ALL.... THAT IS CUSTOMER SERVICE
Two weeks ago I took Tracey's car in to get the oil changed. I knew we were getting close on the tires and I even told them that when I dropped the car off. If they could work me a deal we can talk when I pick the car up. HENCE DON'T CALL ME.
Sure enough...My phone rings...Mr. JDHTEACH did you know your tires.....blah blah
Good Lord..DOES NOONE TALK TO EACH OTHER UP THERE???? Yes Sir was my response....gripping the phone ever so tightly yet being polite on the phone...if you guys can work me a deal we can talk when I pick the car up.
So what was their deal? Oh that would be 4 new tires for $1,235 dollars....that was THEIR DEAL...
Needless to say that was a VERY short conversation.
I looked online for about an hour looking over different places. I got 3 sets of tires with the same tread life guarantee. All three stores offered the same perks.
I went with the store that was offering buy 3 tires get one free.
I had a great conversation over the phone and I made an appointment so that we could get Tracey's car in and out because it was needed for a small car trip this weekend by my sister.
So I have there for the appointment and I decide to leave it because we have other places to go and I am needed for kid duty while Tracey does some other things. They say they will call me when to come pick it up.
Now last month when I bought my tires at another store I had to stay there with it because I had no other option. I got in and out in 45 minutes.
I check my phone and it is alomost NOON when we are leaving our last stop and I still have no phone call. This upsets me because I made an appointment for a reason.
Tracey drops me off and I go into the store.
The service guy asks if he can help me and I say YES, I am here to pick up my car. It's the cadilac up on stilts.
Ummm Yes Sir that car needs to be alligned pretty badly did you get our phone call?
No- I have been out running errands.
Well we called your home.
Obviously if I am out running errands I am not going to get that message. That is why I asked you to call my cell. YOU even asked me to clarify what number to call and I gave YOU my cell and asked YOU to repeat MY CELL number back to me. Which YOU did. (Freaking MORON) was my thought.
Well we called your home....
GOT IT...
Listen, (As I am remaining very calm and NOT SARCASTIC AT ALL) The reason I made an appointment was so I could get in and out. I need this vehicle for a car trip this afternoon. I bought tires from another store last month and was in and out in 45 minutes. Because I knew if I left it you would put it on the backburner I MADE AN APPOINTMENT. Why would I make an appointment for you to keep my car for 3 hours to put 4 tires on it.
Now I am paying you over 600 dollars for these tires. I would THINK that if I am giving you 600 dollars I would have the allignment done for free.
Well sir we do the allignment check for free.
Sorry not good enough....I need the car and I will have it checked out by my mechanic.
The last time I was told YOU GOTTA DO THIS...it turns out my mechanic said WHATEVER DUDE THIS CAR IS FINE.
I just hate the UP CHARGE...... They make you feel like you were LUCKY to make it in.
I LOVE MY SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAMRY. YOU DROP IT OFF FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND ANY LITTLE ADDITIONAL STUFF THEY JUST DO IT....NO CHARGE...ANYTHING SUBSTANCIAL THEY CALL ME AND USUALLY FIND A WAY TO SNEAK IT IN AT NO CHARGE OR MINIMAL CHARGE AT ALL.... THAT IS CUSTOMER SERVICE
A Little Taste of Summer Break
Today is the first Friday off of the summer four day work week. Even though we don't have a whole lot planned for today other than errands I am excited.
On the list:
Get new tires for Tracey's car. (Hoped to put off to regroup cost from my tires. CAN"T)
Help Tracey sort supplies for Vacation Bible School
Lunch- From??? Subway, Jack is on a roasted chicken sandwhich trip. He order's a footlong and eats half and saves the other half for dinner. Economical and HEALTHY!! The boy has not even ASKED about McDonalds in over a week.
Free time with the family.
This evening a picnic with the family as part of the close out activities with Twilight Camp with the Bear Scouts.
So see a lot to do but not so much.
Next Friday and the rest of the Friday's in June will be Field Trip Fridays. I think next Friday is a day trip to Dinosaur Park.
On the list:
Get new tires for Tracey's car. (Hoped to put off to regroup cost from my tires. CAN"T)
Help Tracey sort supplies for Vacation Bible School
Lunch- From??? Subway, Jack is on a roasted chicken sandwhich trip. He order's a footlong and eats half and saves the other half for dinner. Economical and HEALTHY!! The boy has not even ASKED about McDonalds in over a week.
Free time with the family.
This evening a picnic with the family as part of the close out activities with Twilight Camp with the Bear Scouts.
So see a lot to do but not so much.
Next Friday and the rest of the Friday's in June will be Field Trip Fridays. I think next Friday is a day trip to Dinosaur Park.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
What Is Running Through My Head
It seems as though my blogs have taken a bit of a negative view of society lately. Good for comedic value at times but I really and not that negative....interesting.
The more things change the more they stay the same....I have stated before that I am really digging my new assignment. I am finding that the month of June is really one of my busiest times of the year. I have A LOT on my plate right now but it still is nothing compared to what all CAMPUS PRINCIPALS have going on. Just being honest. What I find interesting though "in the more they stay same department" is if I wake up and am up for any reasonable amount of time my mind starts racing and I can't go back to sleep.....which is why I am blogging at 2:00 in the morning.
I have said this before but my wife is SUPERWOMAN. She has the kids on a great schedule for summer. It is the perfect mixture of daily responsibilities for the kids with fun activities mixed in AND the activities are varied.
Each day when I get home from work I love sitting down and listening to all of the FUN things the kids have done for the day. Sometimes it can't wait till I get home and one of the kids will call me to tell me what they are doing. AWESOME
Gotta give props to my Mother-In-Law... I got home from work yesterday and I was getting things out to prepare dinner. I was tired (had to lead a staff development that morning) and it was hot to me yesterday as well. I just was not looking forward to being around a HOT oven and a HOT stove. My mother-in-law was at the house watching Caroline until I got home. Jack and Tracey were at a bear scout activity. She came into the kitchen and gave me money to go get something for dinner. I usually tell her no and insist on cooking. Yesterday it was like a gift from God. I did not argue at all. I said thank you so much and was out the door in 30 seconds.
The more things change the more they stay the same....I have stated before that I am really digging my new assignment. I am finding that the month of June is really one of my busiest times of the year. I have A LOT on my plate right now but it still is nothing compared to what all CAMPUS PRINCIPALS have going on. Just being honest. What I find interesting though "in the more they stay same department" is if I wake up and am up for any reasonable amount of time my mind starts racing and I can't go back to sleep.....which is why I am blogging at 2:00 in the morning.
I have said this before but my wife is SUPERWOMAN. She has the kids on a great schedule for summer. It is the perfect mixture of daily responsibilities for the kids with fun activities mixed in AND the activities are varied.
Each day when I get home from work I love sitting down and listening to all of the FUN things the kids have done for the day. Sometimes it can't wait till I get home and one of the kids will call me to tell me what they are doing. AWESOME
Gotta give props to my Mother-In-Law... I got home from work yesterday and I was getting things out to prepare dinner. I was tired (had to lead a staff development that morning) and it was hot to me yesterday as well. I just was not looking forward to being around a HOT oven and a HOT stove. My mother-in-law was at the house watching Caroline until I got home. Jack and Tracey were at a bear scout activity. She came into the kitchen and gave me money to go get something for dinner. I usually tell her no and insist on cooking. Yesterday it was like a gift from God. I did not argue at all. I said thank you so much and was out the door in 30 seconds.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The Dark Lord Dance Company
The name of the dance company shall remain nameless. Most of what I am going to talk about are the observations that I have had over the past 3 years as Caroline has visited this dance company.
When Csroline began Dance and Tap a few years ago I was pretty shocked by the sticker price of doing business. But then again Jack's golf is not exactly cheap so I went with it.
Cost- The initial start up can get pretty expensive. Dance shoes, ballet shoes, a couple different dance outfits for practice. It gets up there quickly. Family and friends helped offset the cost by getting Caroline dance wear at Christmas and birthdays. The cost of the lessons is pretty surprising to me. Again, not knowing any different I went along with it thinking that this must be the price for DOIN' BIDNESS.
Business Atmosphere- There are no chairs in this place for you to sit in while you wait for your child to get out of class. There are only long benches with no backing to them. If I had to guess the age of the benches I could not tell you without using CARBON DATING!! Not comfortable!
Air Conditioning- This is a foreign concept to the Dark Lord. Usually you just sit there and sweat like you are in one of Kathy Lee Gifford's child work shops. I thought this was just a random occurrence but it seems that they either don't believe in air conditioning or the Dark Lord is too cheap to turn it on.
Recital- Tickets were I believe around 5 dollars this year. Down from 25 last year. Much better deal. However, why the hell am I being charged anything for the recital? The recital is for the PARENTS to SEE what they have been working on all year. You are paid WELL by us each month. WAY MORE than other dance companies who provide their recital for free in the same place you do it. That is like parents paying for private lessons in band and then CHARGING to see them perform a concert. Or in school your kid is in choir and we are going to charge you to come hear the choir. WTH.
Finished Product- With the little ones it was exactly what I expected....they are so cute and sure they are off but who cares?
Now the older participants....What the heck have ya ll been working on since Christmas. Spacing was off..they look around at each other as if to say...what are we doing? Now when I say older I mean high school age.Some of these girls are even in the high school drill team....(you want to talk about precision) and they are running around the stage with an occasional leap into the air...as if to say....I don't know what comes next so 1.2..3...what the hell..LLLEEEAAAPPPP..and land...now what...oh yeah...ROLE ON THE FLOOR.......I am just saying I was in band in high school. During marching season we were a finely tuned machine. You knew not only what you were doing but I was expected to know what others were doing as well. With what we invest I would expect a bit more of a polished finished product from the older kids.
I would like to say the oldest group of ballerina's were GREAT!
The Adult group is always GREAT
The African American young man who danced last night was AWESOME
Choreography- Rolling around on the floor seems to be a big player in whoever plans the dance moves of the older kids.- NOTE TO CHOREOGRAPHER= IF YOU HAVE A BIG BOY WHO HAS A HARD TIME GETTING UP YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO HAVE HIS DANCE GROUP TRY THAT MOVE FIVE TIMES IN ONE DANCE...JUST SAYING
I am glad to say that we are leaving The Dark Lord Dance Company. We (along with a few others) are moving to a dance company right across the street from my old high school. Nice sitting area for parents....along with air conditioning and heating. The cost is 40% LESS and the recital is FREE
Good Bye Darth Sandra...I am glad to be moving on.
When Csroline began Dance and Tap a few years ago I was pretty shocked by the sticker price of doing business. But then again Jack's golf is not exactly cheap so I went with it.
Cost- The initial start up can get pretty expensive. Dance shoes, ballet shoes, a couple different dance outfits for practice. It gets up there quickly. Family and friends helped offset the cost by getting Caroline dance wear at Christmas and birthdays. The cost of the lessons is pretty surprising to me. Again, not knowing any different I went along with it thinking that this must be the price for DOIN' BIDNESS.
Business Atmosphere- There are no chairs in this place for you to sit in while you wait for your child to get out of class. There are only long benches with no backing to them. If I had to guess the age of the benches I could not tell you without using CARBON DATING!! Not comfortable!
Air Conditioning- This is a foreign concept to the Dark Lord. Usually you just sit there and sweat like you are in one of Kathy Lee Gifford's child work shops. I thought this was just a random occurrence but it seems that they either don't believe in air conditioning or the Dark Lord is too cheap to turn it on.
Recital- Tickets were I believe around 5 dollars this year. Down from 25 last year. Much better deal. However, why the hell am I being charged anything for the recital? The recital is for the PARENTS to SEE what they have been working on all year. You are paid WELL by us each month. WAY MORE than other dance companies who provide their recital for free in the same place you do it. That is like parents paying for private lessons in band and then CHARGING to see them perform a concert. Or in school your kid is in choir and we are going to charge you to come hear the choir. WTH.
Finished Product- With the little ones it was exactly what I expected....they are so cute and sure they are off but who cares?
Now the older participants....What the heck have ya ll been working on since Christmas. Spacing was off..they look around at each other as if to say...what are we doing? Now when I say older I mean high school age.Some of these girls are even in the high school drill team....(you want to talk about precision) and they are running around the stage with an occasional leap into the air...as if to say....I don't know what comes next so 1.2..3...what the hell..LLLEEEAAAPPPP..and land...now what...oh yeah...ROLE ON THE FLOOR.......I am just saying I was in band in high school. During marching season we were a finely tuned machine. You knew not only what you were doing but I was expected to know what others were doing as well. With what we invest I would expect a bit more of a polished finished product from the older kids.
I would like to say the oldest group of ballerina's were GREAT!
The Adult group is always GREAT
The African American young man who danced last night was AWESOME
Choreography- Rolling around on the floor seems to be a big player in whoever plans the dance moves of the older kids.- NOTE TO CHOREOGRAPHER= IF YOU HAVE A BIG BOY WHO HAS A HARD TIME GETTING UP YOU MIGHT NOT WANT TO HAVE HIS DANCE GROUP TRY THAT MOVE FIVE TIMES IN ONE DANCE...JUST SAYING
I am glad to say that we are leaving The Dark Lord Dance Company. We (along with a few others) are moving to a dance company right across the street from my old high school. Nice sitting area for parents....along with air conditioning and heating. The cost is 40% LESS and the recital is FREE
Good Bye Darth Sandra...I am glad to be moving on.
A Family Secret is DISCOVERED- A Night To Remember Part III
So last night we are all sitting in the audiance watching Caroline and the other dancers perform. Jack is in his Pa's (my dad) hip pocket. He wants to sit by his Pa and be with him constantly. If Pa got up from his chair Jack was right there with him. This was really cute to watch because Jack is a MINI ME of my dad. He is built just like my dad. During intermission my dad got up to go out into the foyer to get a break from sitting in the auditorium chairs. Jack did not notice that PA got up because he was talking to Tracey during the intermission. When they wrapped up their conversation he looked over and saw that PA was gone. He paniced a bit and looked over at Tracey....Where is PA?!? He is stretching his legs. Was Tracey's reply. Jack got up and went into the foyer looking for my dad. He came back and he was a bit worried. He told Tracey "I can't find Pa!" So Tracey got up and said, "Well I will help you find him." Maybe he is in the restroom? Was Tracey's thought. They go to the foyer and Jack sees my dad outside with his back to them. Jack RUNS outside and yells PA!! As my dad turns around. Tracey is thinking OH NO!!!!
Jack sees my dad put out a cigarette QUICKLY!! Jacks world has just had a MAJOR event take place.
Jack turns around and runs off back down to our seats. Tracey is right behind him walking briskly as if trying to catch him. Jack gets our seats and says with loud authority...
HOW LONG HAS PA BEEN SMOKING????
Oh Shhh.... was my thought.
Everyone is stunned and noone really knows how to answer that question...
JACK- SO IS ANYONE GOING TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION???
Tracey catches up and says quietly....By the time I saw you dad Jack was already running up to him.
You see we have never told our kids that my dad smokes. Dad NEVER smokes around them and he only smokes when he is outside. When he is around me he does not smoke in the car even. He waits until we get somewhere and he gets out of the car.
Another reason we were not telling Jack is he knows CANCER kills people. He knows that I have had CANCER and that I am in remission. He knows through his schooling in HEALTH that cigarettes cause CANCER. AND JACK IS A WORRIER. There are two men in this world that Jack loves more than anyone. Me and HIS PA!! If PA says something it is LAW!!! End of story.
For the rest of the night Jack was GRILLING my dad about his smoking.
Pa- Promise me you will quit smoking please.
Do you know Pa that smoking causes CANCER ?
Did you know that CANCER can KILL you?
Why would you smoke anything if you know it can kill you?
Then there were the questions for Tracey and I...
Why would Pa smoke if he knows it can kill him. I don't get it.
Is Pa going to die soon?
What if Pa gets sick?
I am worried about Pa's health.
Tracey is doing her best to answer all of these questions during the recital but at the same time she is doing her best not to just start balling!!
Maybe THIS is what my did needs to get off of cigarettes and onto the gum.
Everyone please pray for Big Jack. He is truly worried about his PA. Hopefully we can get through this soon.
Teacher of Darkness Strikes Again- A Night To Remember Part II
So at the conclusion of the recital many of the dancers and "Darth Sandra" are going to a local restaurant for pizza. Knowing that the recital would not be over until 9:00 or later I was hoping Caroline would forget about it. No such luck. Plus I was exhausted. I was ready to hit the bed. Caroline REALLY wanted to go so Tracey agreed to take her for a bit. They dropped Jack and I off at the house and off they went.
Tracey and several of the dancers beat Darth Sandra to the eating establishment. When Darth Sandra entered the building I am told by Tracey that many of the girls were so excited to see her.
This is the part where I swear this woman has no freaking CLUE!!
Darth Sandra approaches Carolines table and Caroline says, HI MRS. SANDRA! and Darth Sandra acknowledges her with a smile and shakes her hand.
Then she comes back to Caroline's table (remember Caroline is so excited about her performance...This evening is ALL ABOUT HER!!)
Darth Sandra takes Caroline's hand and says: Caroline, do you know why you finished your routine quicker than some of the other girls? Caroline: No....again she is FIVE. Darth Sandra: Thats because you rushed your dance in the first part. Caroline becomes TOTALLY DEFLATED and now thinks her performance was HORRIBLE. That was the words she used when she got home to me.
Tracey could not believe she said this and sat there in stunned silence. If I was there I would have come UN FREAKING GLUED!
WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT WAS APPROPRIATE TO SAY??? CAN ANYONE ELSE HELP ME OUT HERE?
Congratulations DARTH SANDRA! You have successfully taken an event that was all about Caroline and flushed it down the toilet.
I don't use bad language in a public forum so I will refrain but I am so glad that we are done with Darth Sandra.
Tracey and several of the dancers beat Darth Sandra to the eating establishment. When Darth Sandra entered the building I am told by Tracey that many of the girls were so excited to see her.
This is the part where I swear this woman has no freaking CLUE!!
Darth Sandra approaches Carolines table and Caroline says, HI MRS. SANDRA! and Darth Sandra acknowledges her with a smile and shakes her hand.
Then she comes back to Caroline's table (remember Caroline is so excited about her performance...This evening is ALL ABOUT HER!!)
Darth Sandra takes Caroline's hand and says: Caroline, do you know why you finished your routine quicker than some of the other girls? Caroline: No....again she is FIVE. Darth Sandra: Thats because you rushed your dance in the first part. Caroline becomes TOTALLY DEFLATED and now thinks her performance was HORRIBLE. That was the words she used when she got home to me.
Tracey could not believe she said this and sat there in stunned silence. If I was there I would have come UN FREAKING GLUED!
WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT WAS APPROPRIATE TO SAY??? CAN ANYONE ELSE HELP ME OUT HERE?
Congratulations DARTH SANDRA! You have successfully taken an event that was all about Caroline and flushed it down the toilet.
I don't use bad language in a public forum so I will refrain but I am so glad that we are done with Darth Sandra.
A Night To Remember Part I
Last night was Carolines dance recital. This is one of our favorite nights out as a family because Caroline looks so beautiful and she loves to dress up. This year the recital was at my old high school. We were excited about this because that meant the tickets were going to be much cheaper this year. ( I am going to blog about cost later)
My favorite part or parts of the show are the little ones (2yr old up to Kinder) when they come out all dressed up in their dresses and Tutu's. That is truly one of the cutest things ever. Sure they are off (again I am going to post about this later) but the parents don't care. Usually with the little ones parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents are all present. Caroline had her cheering section. All of the immediate family and Caroline's great aunt came to see her perform.
It was a very cute routine. There were 5 little girls and one boy in her dance group. Sure they were not all together but that is not the point. They are FIVE. When it was done everyone in the audiance clapped loudly. They got the best applause all night. I was a very proud DADDY. My baby girl was a BALLERINA!!
Little did I know that Caroline's teacher would ruin it a few hours later.
My favorite part or parts of the show are the little ones (2yr old up to Kinder) when they come out all dressed up in their dresses and Tutu's. That is truly one of the cutest things ever. Sure they are off (again I am going to post about this later) but the parents don't care. Usually with the little ones parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents are all present. Caroline had her cheering section. All of the immediate family and Caroline's great aunt came to see her perform.
It was a very cute routine. There were 5 little girls and one boy in her dance group. Sure they were not all together but that is not the point. They are FIVE. When it was done everyone in the audiance clapped loudly. They got the best applause all night. I was a very proud DADDY. My baby girl was a BALLERINA!!
Little did I know that Caroline's teacher would ruin it a few hours later.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
When the Mentally Challenged Have Children
You get this.... take a good look ladies and gentleman. It get's better. It seems mom is upset with the school that sent him home when he showed up to school with this hair cut that can only be discribed as dumb ass. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that this kid has a history of doing stupid stuff and mom is tired of dealing with it. This parent thought is would be a good idea to let her kid go to school looking like this. Unfortunately for the school district there is nothing in their dress code that says anything about hair cuts. I find this extremely hard to believe considering most districts have something regarding this issue in their code of conduct and have had it for at least 5 years now. There has got to be something in there that states if a kid shoes up and is wearing something that would be distracting to the learning environment (AND I THINK THIS HAIR CUT COUNTS) that they can send him home. In this example here though the parent is so stupid she has her kids picture taken and it makes national media. HEY LOOK EVERYBODY IN THE U. S. of A. I AM AN IDIOT AND TO PROVE IT LOOK AT MY KID!!! Gene pool is more like a GENE puddle.
Things That I Will Be Honest....Piss ME OFF!!
I am a pretty mild manner fellow for the most part. I get along with everyone. I am the peace keeper. Here lately it seems that I have been getting P.O.ed at people quite frequently. Now before you judge me let me list a few things and please let me know if I am out of line. There are quite a few that have something in common.
Parking Lot= I am in the process of pulling into a parking space and someone zips their smaller vehicle into the spot and gets out of their car like it is on fire running into the store.
Parking Lot= As I am leaving an eating establishment I see someone getting into their car next to mine and when they open their door you hear BAM as their door colides into the side of my car. Said BAM leaves a half dollar size dent in my door and a scape right through the paint job.
Professional Athlete- Does something that results in him being put on waivers. Has been in this country for over 10 years and still needs someone to speak ENGLISH for him to make a statement to the press. You have been in this country for over a DECADE and earned MILLIONS....LEARN THE DAM LANGUAGE A-HOLE.
Parking Lot- Driving through parking lot trying to leave (with three cars behind me doing the same thing )when one person has pulled beside another and they have decided to get out of their cars and carry on a conversation. When they see me pull up they look over at me and CONTINUE FRIGGIN TALKING!! WTH??? Wrap up the conversation and get into your dam car.
Parking Lot- Trying to pull out of my parking space at a campus when parent pulls up behind me and parks their car at the curb- IN THE FIRE LANE- and walks into the building causing me to have to do a 17 POINT turn to get out of my parking space.
I seem to be running into a lot of peopele that are clearly starring in their own movie with me just being a little ol' extra.
Parking Lot= I am in the process of pulling into a parking space and someone zips their smaller vehicle into the spot and gets out of their car like it is on fire running into the store.
Parking Lot= As I am leaving an eating establishment I see someone getting into their car next to mine and when they open their door you hear BAM as their door colides into the side of my car. Said BAM leaves a half dollar size dent in my door and a scape right through the paint job.
Professional Athlete- Does something that results in him being put on waivers. Has been in this country for over 10 years and still needs someone to speak ENGLISH for him to make a statement to the press. You have been in this country for over a DECADE and earned MILLIONS....LEARN THE DAM LANGUAGE A-HOLE.
Parking Lot- Driving through parking lot trying to leave (with three cars behind me doing the same thing )when one person has pulled beside another and they have decided to get out of their cars and carry on a conversation. When they see me pull up they look over at me and CONTINUE FRIGGIN TALKING!! WTH??? Wrap up the conversation and get into your dam car.
Parking Lot- Trying to pull out of my parking space at a campus when parent pulls up behind me and parks their car at the curb- IN THE FIRE LANE- and walks into the building causing me to have to do a 17 POINT turn to get out of my parking space.
I seem to be running into a lot of peopele that are clearly starring in their own movie with me just being a little ol' extra.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The POWER of being THE FIRST BORN!!
The Power of Being Number One!
The school year officially comes to an end for Jack at 3:00 today. Why is this a big deal? Next year he will be going to a new school. He has known about this for a couple of months now and for the most part he is ready to go to his new school. He already knows some students that attend the school and he has some information about the school so he is not going into this school cold turkey.
Tracey wanted to have a meeting with the counselor of the new school to give her some background on Jack. Now I have been on the other end of these meetings as a campus administrator and quite honestly I did not see the need for such a meeting. But Tracey was pretty adamant that this meeting take place a couple of months ago so I let it go. I was hoping that with time she would come around to my line of thinking.
As the time passed we would talk up the new school when it was appropriate. Tracey even took the kids to schools spring carnival. Everything has been progressing well. So I was hoping that the need for a meeting would be dropped. I have no other reason than if I can get out of having to sit in an hour long meeting why not right?
Well Tracey mentioned about two weeks ago that she was setting up the meeting and needed to know the time and date that would work best for me. DANG! Was my first thought. Why was Tracey so adamant about having this meeting? Jack is doing fine. So I gave her what worked best for me and the meeting was set.
The day of the meeting comes and I am reminded that of the time and place. The time comes for me to leave and as I am pulling out of the parking lot I call Tracey to let her know I am on my way. In our conversation I make the following statement:
Me- Hey, can you tell me again why we are even doing this?
Tracey:- What do you mean?
Me: I mean why are we even having this meeting?
Tracey: We are meeting to give the counselor information about Jack and information about your health history and how that affects Jack.
Me: And you think this is necessary? Isn’t Jack doing fine?
Tracey: (Pause and silence)
Me: (Realizing that sounded really bad quickly blurted out) Okay, I will see you in a few minutes.
Well we get there and we are about 10 minutes into the meeting and I am sitting there being the silent participant mainly and letting Tracey do the talking. Then I pipe in with some information and I look over and Tracey is starting to cry. Then she says this:
Tracey: I know my Jack. Because of his size people often mistake him for a child that is older. But the fact of the matter is he is an 8 year old boy and he is MY first child. He is MY baby and I worry.
THIS IS WHY WE ARE HERE!!! Sure we are here to give information about Jack but the real reason we are here is for MOMMY!! A… HA!!
I have to admit the meeting was beneficial for everyone involved but we left the meeting and I could tell it was like a weight being dumped off of Tracey.
The POWER of being the first born child I guess I underestimated.
The school year officially comes to an end for Jack at 3:00 today. Why is this a big deal? Next year he will be going to a new school. He has known about this for a couple of months now and for the most part he is ready to go to his new school. He already knows some students that attend the school and he has some information about the school so he is not going into this school cold turkey.
Tracey wanted to have a meeting with the counselor of the new school to give her some background on Jack. Now I have been on the other end of these meetings as a campus administrator and quite honestly I did not see the need for such a meeting. But Tracey was pretty adamant that this meeting take place a couple of months ago so I let it go. I was hoping that with time she would come around to my line of thinking.
As the time passed we would talk up the new school when it was appropriate. Tracey even took the kids to schools spring carnival. Everything has been progressing well. So I was hoping that the need for a meeting would be dropped. I have no other reason than if I can get out of having to sit in an hour long meeting why not right?
Well Tracey mentioned about two weeks ago that she was setting up the meeting and needed to know the time and date that would work best for me. DANG! Was my first thought. Why was Tracey so adamant about having this meeting? Jack is doing fine. So I gave her what worked best for me and the meeting was set.
The day of the meeting comes and I am reminded that of the time and place. The time comes for me to leave and as I am pulling out of the parking lot I call Tracey to let her know I am on my way. In our conversation I make the following statement:
Me- Hey, can you tell me again why we are even doing this?
Tracey:- What do you mean?
Me: I mean why are we even having this meeting?
Tracey: We are meeting to give the counselor information about Jack and information about your health history and how that affects Jack.
Me: And you think this is necessary? Isn’t Jack doing fine?
Tracey: (Pause and silence)
Me: (Realizing that sounded really bad quickly blurted out) Okay, I will see you in a few minutes.
Well we get there and we are about 10 minutes into the meeting and I am sitting there being the silent participant mainly and letting Tracey do the talking. Then I pipe in with some information and I look over and Tracey is starting to cry. Then she says this:
Tracey: I know my Jack. Because of his size people often mistake him for a child that is older. But the fact of the matter is he is an 8 year old boy and he is MY first child. He is MY baby and I worry.
THIS IS WHY WE ARE HERE!!! Sure we are here to give information about Jack but the real reason we are here is for MOMMY!! A… HA!!
I have to admit the meeting was beneficial for everyone involved but we left the meeting and I could tell it was like a weight being dumped off of Tracey.
The POWER of being the first born child I guess I underestimated.
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