Sometimes, it's not so easy to interpret things when you are a parent...
Like, the latest note from Iraq Boy...
It was a Father's Day card...good to know how fast the mail moves, eh, but he is a last minute kind of dude, too..sooo...anyway...
"Hi Dad. Iraq sucks, but we made it this way and we are having fun fixing it."
Hmmm..says the analyst mother..what does THAT mean..it COULD mean so many things...
I think it means what it says...but...he has no basis for comparison. What was it like BEFORE. Bless his still innocent heart. Every mother worries that something is going to steal her child's innocence...so....I'm gratified there, but I do wonder..does he know the REST of the story? Yes, the technical details are correct...but ...
Thankfully..and I do thank God for that...he will be here to ELABORATE on things real soon...very soon, in fact.
Life is good..isn't it?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Computers...SIGH
Ok, so I knew I made a mistake when I bought this laptop and saw "made in China" stamped all over it. The other night, I was sitting here, cruising along..blah, blah blah...and turned it off...everything was fine. Fired it up the next morning..and no WLAN. Only I didn't know that was the problem exactly. I wound up doing a recover...and losing everything in the process, thankfully, I have backups of it all, so it wasn't a huge deal, except for my favorites...and my game that I spent so long working on.
Anyhoo...so after all that, still..no internet..it was like the little button on the front was turned off. Plugged and external into it...and voila..Internet. Sigh. Lost everything for nothing. Oh well.
So here I am...
Anyhoo...so after all that, still..no internet..it was like the little button on the front was turned off. Plugged and external into it...and voila..Internet. Sigh. Lost everything for nothing. Oh well.
So here I am...
Sometimes It's Good To Give In
So, last night, we were hanging by the grill, having a couple of beers, grilling up some good food and whatnot and whilst doing so..made an executive decision. It was one of those things that was a small thing, really, but it just seemed like a good idea at the time.
Somehow, with all the adult kids leaving their stuff behind..we wound up with an abundance of television sets. I know, it seems like a wierd problem. But, there wasn't enough for EVERYONE to have one in their rooms still..so we decided that the bigger kids would spend more of their time enjoying the big tv upstairs and the little kids needed a place where they could be sent to watch tv... As a result, we put a tv and vcr in one of the little kids rooms. Where it promptly began to collect dust. They never watched up there.
So last night, I asked little dude if it would be ok if the older brother put it in his room instead and it was all good there...so I made the decision..
Holy COW! The boy cleaned his room. He came out of his depression...like instantly. This kid has been in a depression for a while and I could not figure out what to do about it. Give him a television set...LOL! Seriously, though...he cleaned his room, took his eyepatch off...and that is a whole OTHER story in itself...I could spend my days blogging about all the crazy shit around here. I mean..clean, clean. No clothes on the floor...bed made all of that. I didn't know..it didn't seem like SUCH a big deal at the time...but apparently it was.
The senior chief just gave him another go at the IROC, too. I hope that goes ok. It is a bit easier to drive now that they replaced some sensor. I keep meaning to take the dash apart and rehook up the gauges...gauges are good...but I'm not that skilled. Sigh. I'm learning though.
Somehow, with all the adult kids leaving their stuff behind..we wound up with an abundance of television sets. I know, it seems like a wierd problem. But, there wasn't enough for EVERYONE to have one in their rooms still..so we decided that the bigger kids would spend more of their time enjoying the big tv upstairs and the little kids needed a place where they could be sent to watch tv... As a result, we put a tv and vcr in one of the little kids rooms. Where it promptly began to collect dust. They never watched up there.
So last night, I asked little dude if it would be ok if the older brother put it in his room instead and it was all good there...so I made the decision..
Holy COW! The boy cleaned his room. He came out of his depression...like instantly. This kid has been in a depression for a while and I could not figure out what to do about it. Give him a television set...LOL! Seriously, though...he cleaned his room, took his eyepatch off...and that is a whole OTHER story in itself...I could spend my days blogging about all the crazy shit around here. I mean..clean, clean. No clothes on the floor...bed made all of that. I didn't know..it didn't seem like SUCH a big deal at the time...but apparently it was.
The senior chief just gave him another go at the IROC, too. I hope that goes ok. It is a bit easier to drive now that they replaced some sensor. I keep meaning to take the dash apart and rehook up the gauges...gauges are good...but I'm not that skilled. Sigh. I'm learning though.
New Shoes
Remember being a little kid and getting new shoes? What is it about little kids and new shoes? Shoot, my little dude will still sleep in a new pair of shoes. (My daughter too, but she doesn't want anybody to know that.)
I wanted to sleep in my new shoes last night, too.
Let me tell y'all. I have been gimping around for LONG time, now that I stop to think about it...moaning and groaning about how my knees hurt. I, mean, my knees have been hurting. One of them, anyway. I even went and bought some of that NASTY crap they make for joints. I knew I couldn't take them gigantic assed pills...so I got the juice stuff. OMG..I threw up for an HOUR after taking that stuff. You couldn't even CHASE it with anything. So THEN I read a blog about how some dude had to have a gigantic needle in the knee to draw out the fluid. I would link but at this moment, I have had a problem with my dadgum computer...another post entirely and anyway, I decided I would try to take one of those stupid pills after I read that post and OH HELL NO!!!!! Same result..I was pissed, too, because we had just cooked a bunch of yummy kabobs and they were delicious and my night was over. Just DAMN!
Anyway, while gimping around the bulk store yesterday on those concrete floors...cursing the males in my family for not being there with me to heft the heavy stuff...I encountered the shoe display. I looked down at my woebegone sneakers and decided perhaps, just perhaps, a new pair of shoes would help a little anyway.
I wanted to put them on right there in the store, but I didn't. I waited until I got home and let me tell you...IMMEDIATELY the pain level was half. Unbelievable says I. I was a new person already.
At some point in the evening, I realized that I was COMPLETELY pain free. Seriously. I danced a little jig, even. A few times. Pain free. A new pair of shoes. Don't *I* feel like the complete dumbass. And that was the second time this week. Sigh. Sometimes, it's just that way. A new pair of shoes, though. I'm glad things are simple sometimes.
I wanted to sleep in my new shoes last night, too.
Let me tell y'all. I have been gimping around for LONG time, now that I stop to think about it...moaning and groaning about how my knees hurt. I, mean, my knees have been hurting. One of them, anyway. I even went and bought some of that NASTY crap they make for joints. I knew I couldn't take them gigantic assed pills...so I got the juice stuff. OMG..I threw up for an HOUR after taking that stuff. You couldn't even CHASE it with anything. So THEN I read a blog about how some dude had to have a gigantic needle in the knee to draw out the fluid. I would link but at this moment, I have had a problem with my dadgum computer...another post entirely and anyway, I decided I would try to take one of those stupid pills after I read that post and OH HELL NO!!!!! Same result..I was pissed, too, because we had just cooked a bunch of yummy kabobs and they were delicious and my night was over. Just DAMN!
Anyway, while gimping around the bulk store yesterday on those concrete floors...cursing the males in my family for not being there with me to heft the heavy stuff...I encountered the shoe display. I looked down at my woebegone sneakers and decided perhaps, just perhaps, a new pair of shoes would help a little anyway.
I wanted to put them on right there in the store, but I didn't. I waited until I got home and let me tell you...IMMEDIATELY the pain level was half. Unbelievable says I. I was a new person already.
At some point in the evening, I realized that I was COMPLETELY pain free. Seriously. I danced a little jig, even. A few times. Pain free. A new pair of shoes. Don't *I* feel like the complete dumbass. And that was the second time this week. Sigh. Sometimes, it's just that way. A new pair of shoes, though. I'm glad things are simple sometimes.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Friday Thoughts
I cannot believe it is Friday again already. I have been busy..we've relocated the grill and made a whole grilling station right next to the horseshoe pit. Things are starting to come together. Tonight we are cleaning out the fire pit area and doing a little fire..it is summer time, you know! I LOVE summer. I love hanging out with the kids, I love cooking on the grill, I love fireflys and washing cars and sunshine. I do miss the beach, but I love the mountains. The picture above is the view from the deck where we recently spent a weekend..a drama free weekend, I might add. Hey, I'm kind of proud of that.
Anyway, that's not what I came here to talk about today, although it is pleasant shooting the shit and all that. What I came here today is because as I was sipping on my wine, it occurred to me, and yeah, this may be obvious, but I don't think it is. Why are we wired, as Americans, well certain of us anyway..why are we wired to care about the rest of the world. Why do those of us that know we need to be involved...what is it exactly that we know that nobody else knows or understands?
The Melting Pot that is America. That is why we need to have a vested interest in the world. Because our country is made up of the world. Everything that happens everywhere...matters to either us, or a neighbor or a friend of a friend. Six degrees of separation and all.
I'm not saying we should open our borders any more than I would open my home. However, this just reinforces my belief in having a strong military. In peacetime, we are the saviors of the world with the resources and attitude that comes with the job. Who is always there..at the ready whenever disaster strikes anywhere. That is what it is all about...that and giving people a chance at freedom..because if we ..within these borders can achieve it with as much diversity as there is in this country...then surely the rest of the world can learn to get along already, eh?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Keeping It Simple
Really...is this the secret to life, or just to living with men..I do not know, but believe me..it works.
Example..I recently implemented a new towel plan. Storage in my house is ..well, non-existant. What I want them to do is to take a towel, use it ..and then when they are done, put it in the laundry basket so I can wash all the towels at once. We come upon a towel shortage every now and then, you see.
What do I tell them? How do I get them to comply? Simple, really. I took them to the new storage spot for the towels, opened the door and said..."Give a towel, get a towel. Got it?" Worked like a charm.
Example..I recently implemented a new towel plan. Storage in my house is ..well, non-existant. What I want them to do is to take a towel, use it ..and then when they are done, put it in the laundry basket so I can wash all the towels at once. We come upon a towel shortage every now and then, you see.
What do I tell them? How do I get them to comply? Simple, really. I took them to the new storage spot for the towels, opened the door and said..."Give a towel, get a towel. Got it?" Worked like a charm.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Cool Toys
Ok..yay! I hit the jackpot with gifts this year, hopefully. Little dude was hard, but we went with a ...hydrogen rocket...that thing is just COOL!!!! It's a science experiment, too. He knows a LOT about hydrogen, now and that rocket shoots HIGH!
For the senior chief, it was a new work radio, one of the rugged kinds. And a couple of extra batteries to go with it. This thing will charge the batteries, too, and they have a lot of tools that use those very same batteries...hell, the business partner was happy, too! Army boy called and the senior chief was very happy to hear from him and a couple of the surrogate kids stopped by, one in particular, made the senior chief feel very honored. The eldest and his woman stopped by with the pseudo-grandbaby and lets just say I'm not impressed at all. My son was having to change diapers on father's day. How f-d up is that? And, she's still being a snotty little you know what because I told her to put some damn clothes on last time she was here. I spent a little time with the baby...it's really not that hard to get them laughing. She was pissed about that. She says to him..."Well, is it ALL THAT, son?" I laughed and said..."Honey, you KNOW it's all that, but wait til you have to ask that in eighteen years in that tone of voice."
So, some mornings out of the week, not all, because that gets boring, and it depends upon the content..you know, parental discretion required and all...we watch ER. Yep, me and the little people watch that show and it's so funny to watch stuff like that with them..they just say the funniest things.
In this latest episode, some dad had od'd on some damn drug conction the son made up and it caused the guy to pretty much take his clothes off and act like an idiot. Little dude pipes up and says..."Well, it's bad to do drugs because then you might do really, really embarrassing things or even worse, your parents might get ahold of them and do really, really embarrassing things." Then he goes on and on about how he knew drugs were bad, but how the visual kind of brought it home to him. It made me laugh, really, because CLEARLY the worst thing was if your parents got ahold of them and did embarrassing things.
This summer is the BEST summer ever. I am finally used to my schedule not being interrupted by ..outside influences.. namely the evil ex-wife I barely mention anymore. Ha! Won that one hands down. Not even hardly a challenge, honestly. (ooops did I say that out loud?) Anyway, so we're taking a field trip once a week. This week it's over to some hiking trails to get a little closer to nature. Next week, I think the zoo, or someplace else cool. I love summer and I love hanging with my peeps.
In between, it's chores, chores, chores...but it's a lot more fun when we're all doing them together.
For the senior chief, it was a new work radio, one of the rugged kinds. And a couple of extra batteries to go with it. This thing will charge the batteries, too, and they have a lot of tools that use those very same batteries...hell, the business partner was happy, too! Army boy called and the senior chief was very happy to hear from him and a couple of the surrogate kids stopped by, one in particular, made the senior chief feel very honored. The eldest and his woman stopped by with the pseudo-grandbaby and lets just say I'm not impressed at all. My son was having to change diapers on father's day. How f-d up is that? And, she's still being a snotty little you know what because I told her to put some damn clothes on last time she was here. I spent a little time with the baby...it's really not that hard to get them laughing. She was pissed about that. She says to him..."Well, is it ALL THAT, son?" I laughed and said..."Honey, you KNOW it's all that, but wait til you have to ask that in eighteen years in that tone of voice."
So, some mornings out of the week, not all, because that gets boring, and it depends upon the content..you know, parental discretion required and all...we watch ER. Yep, me and the little people watch that show and it's so funny to watch stuff like that with them..they just say the funniest things.
In this latest episode, some dad had od'd on some damn drug conction the son made up and it caused the guy to pretty much take his clothes off and act like an idiot. Little dude pipes up and says..."Well, it's bad to do drugs because then you might do really, really embarrassing things or even worse, your parents might get ahold of them and do really, really embarrassing things." Then he goes on and on about how he knew drugs were bad, but how the visual kind of brought it home to him. It made me laugh, really, because CLEARLY the worst thing was if your parents got ahold of them and did embarrassing things.
This summer is the BEST summer ever. I am finally used to my schedule not being interrupted by ..outside influences.. namely the evil ex-wife I barely mention anymore. Ha! Won that one hands down. Not even hardly a challenge, honestly. (ooops did I say that out loud?) Anyway, so we're taking a field trip once a week. This week it's over to some hiking trails to get a little closer to nature. Next week, I think the zoo, or someplace else cool. I love summer and I love hanging with my peeps.
In between, it's chores, chores, chores...but it's a lot more fun when we're all doing them together.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The State Of Our Union
The current state of our union called these United States is sadly lacking. Union implies the act of being united for a common purpose. We Americans seem to be lacking common purpose these days, especially as evidenced by the divisions in the political race. When did words like HONOR, and INTEGRITY and PRIDE as applied to the office of the President...become mere words instead of philosophies to live by? As far as that goes, how do we hold our leader to a standard we are unwilling to adopt for ourselves? When did personal integrity become lost?
The things that I see make me very afraid for the state of our country. I expressed this somewhere, in a discussion, and got the following response. While it makes me feel better to know that there are people who do get it..I fear there isn't enough.
The following words belong to Lawmom...
The old saw "I love my country, but I fear my government" is fixing to come vividly true, I think. It's already here, just not as blatant as it's going to become. I don't like what I'm hearing from Obama-and I don't like that I'm hearing nothing from McCain. I don't want to ask where do we go from here; I'm afraid I know.
Well, kelly, it seems that Americans truly believe that man isn't naturally monogamous-and that he has a right not to be. And also that public figures have a right to do as they please in public. So far as I'm concerned, they give over that right in exchange for their ambition and position. As to the monogamy bit, why can't we demand that of the men when they demand it of us?
You can't tell me that Hilary didn't know of Bill's little games, although she played the wronged wife to the hilt for the American public-and then bought a house in New York, claimed it as her primary residence so she would be eligible to run as senator, even though it seems there is little evidence that she ever really lived there the required length of time. And we accepted it.
There's no relationship between the two? Of course there is: both things deal with dishonesty and lust-granted for different things, but lust all the same, and taking obscene advantage of the American public's sad mindset for compromise and not making waves.
Ronald Reagan (and I'm not a fan) respected the office of President so much that he always wore a coat and tie in the Oval Office. That, to a very minor extent, is the attitude which anyone in public office should adopt.
For private, personal rights, I'm a great advocate of that, as you can tell. BUT, there are lines between blatancy, stupidity, wilfulness, propriety, respect, and discretion. Old-fashioned as this may be, those lines shouldn't be crossed, certainly not by the President of the United States, and NOT IN MY HOUSE!
LawMom
The things that I see make me very afraid for the state of our country. I expressed this somewhere, in a discussion, and got the following response. While it makes me feel better to know that there are people who do get it..I fear there isn't enough.
The following words belong to Lawmom...
The old saw "I love my country, but I fear my government" is fixing to come vividly true, I think. It's already here, just not as blatant as it's going to become. I don't like what I'm hearing from Obama-and I don't like that I'm hearing nothing from McCain. I don't want to ask where do we go from here; I'm afraid I know.
Well, kelly, it seems that Americans truly believe that man isn't naturally monogamous-and that he has a right not to be. And also that public figures have a right to do as they please in public. So far as I'm concerned, they give over that right in exchange for their ambition and position. As to the monogamy bit, why can't we demand that of the men when they demand it of us?
You can't tell me that Hilary didn't know of Bill's little games, although she played the wronged wife to the hilt for the American public-and then bought a house in New York, claimed it as her primary residence so she would be eligible to run as senator, even though it seems there is little evidence that she ever really lived there the required length of time. And we accepted it.
There's no relationship between the two? Of course there is: both things deal with dishonesty and lust-granted for different things, but lust all the same, and taking obscene advantage of the American public's sad mindset for compromise and not making waves.
Ronald Reagan (and I'm not a fan) respected the office of President so much that he always wore a coat and tie in the Oval Office. That, to a very minor extent, is the attitude which anyone in public office should adopt.
For private, personal rights, I'm a great advocate of that, as you can tell. BUT, there are lines between blatancy, stupidity, wilfulness, propriety, respect, and discretion. Old-fashioned as this may be, those lines shouldn't be crossed, certainly not by the President of the United States, and NOT IN MY HOUSE!
LawMom
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Late..ANOTHER GRADUATE!!!
I wanted to take a minute and write a post for my eighteen year old son who just graduated from high school. As a mom, I'm four for four...and I could have never had that achievement and had a job at the same time. The first one was tough..he was older...the second two were hard, but not impossible, because their mother didn't manage to kill their love of learning.
This fourth one had a stable life from the first day of school though, and two parents that supported his efforts and his goals and he graduated in the top twenty five percent of his class. I am so proud of him because this last year was his toughest and we didn't make it any easier and he sacrificed A LOT to achieve that goal. Family is very important to him, as well, and he missed a couple of family gatherings that it was a HUGE tear for him to miss. But, the nature of family is that they SUPPORTED his decision.
Of course they missed him, but they wanted to see him achieve even more...and I believe there will probably be a celebration the next time we all get together..not soon enough for me, really.
He's a hard worker, he's overcome some serious attention problems to achieve what he's achieved, and I am so very, very proud of him. Words cannot describe. He's a good soul, he's never been a problem as a child, he's got heart, and he's the sweetest kid you'd ever meet. He's a giver for sure.
I remember when he was five or six years old..he was talking with his brother in the parking lot of the mall, and he said to his stepbrother.."But you don't understand, he's the ONLY dad I'VE ever had, too." And so began their friendship.
I could look at it one way...when I met and married my husband, this son lost a lot of my time and attention. I could look at it that way and feel bad..but the TRUTH of the matter is that though that may be true, but the time and attention he gained from other people that loved him and cared for him is ...well, I could put a number on it, but it is more than twenty five fold...and that's huge.
So, I can't take credit for it all, but enough...
He was 18 mos. when I knew something was..wrong..but at that point, I attributed it to my lack of parenting ability. When he was 2.5, I really knew...but I attributed it to my baby-sitter spoiling him. When he was 3 a friend of mine said, hey, you might want to look at him having ADHD. What's ADHD, I said, and she told me and I thought about it for a LOOOOONG time. I consulted with so many people...it took me an entire year to learn enough about it and to actually get him evaluated. As it turned out, he DID have ADHD and medication made an IMMEDIATE difference.
This kid had ZERO frustration level. I mean, he could not tolerate not understanding how to do something the very first time he was showed. If there was a task that required persistance in order to learn, he would just MELT down.
I have maybe talked before about his very last serious meltdown which occurred when he was 5. There was a fireworks show and I had not given him an afternoon dose of medicine and he was convinced that those fireworks were falling on him. I had to sit UNDER A BIG RIG TRAILER, with him balled up in a little ball....and cover his body with mine pretty much so that he felt shielded from the fireworks and still he did not calm down until it was over. Out in the open would have been worse.. The senior chief the very night before had had all the boys at that very same carnival and didn't stay for the fireworks. After all that, he said..."Gee, I'm really glad last night that I didn't stay."
Hey, I didn't often forget his afternoon meds after that, believe me. Unchecked, that could have been bad...so are medications good, you bet. But, they aren't forever. As soon as I taught him some coping skills and he got older...things were fine.
Thirteen years later...and he learned to persist through some pretty damn hard obstacles to achieve this top twenty five percent...a BIG HELL YEAH from momma on that! Way to GO!!!
This fourth one had a stable life from the first day of school though, and two parents that supported his efforts and his goals and he graduated in the top twenty five percent of his class. I am so proud of him because this last year was his toughest and we didn't make it any easier and he sacrificed A LOT to achieve that goal. Family is very important to him, as well, and he missed a couple of family gatherings that it was a HUGE tear for him to miss. But, the nature of family is that they SUPPORTED his decision.
Of course they missed him, but they wanted to see him achieve even more...and I believe there will probably be a celebration the next time we all get together..not soon enough for me, really.
He's a hard worker, he's overcome some serious attention problems to achieve what he's achieved, and I am so very, very proud of him. Words cannot describe. He's a good soul, he's never been a problem as a child, he's got heart, and he's the sweetest kid you'd ever meet. He's a giver for sure.
I remember when he was five or six years old..he was talking with his brother in the parking lot of the mall, and he said to his stepbrother.."But you don't understand, he's the ONLY dad I'VE ever had, too." And so began their friendship.
I could look at it one way...when I met and married my husband, this son lost a lot of my time and attention. I could look at it that way and feel bad..but the TRUTH of the matter is that though that may be true, but the time and attention he gained from other people that loved him and cared for him is ...well, I could put a number on it, but it is more than twenty five fold...and that's huge.
So, I can't take credit for it all, but enough...
He was 18 mos. when I knew something was..wrong..but at that point, I attributed it to my lack of parenting ability. When he was 2.5, I really knew...but I attributed it to my baby-sitter spoiling him. When he was 3 a friend of mine said, hey, you might want to look at him having ADHD. What's ADHD, I said, and she told me and I thought about it for a LOOOOONG time. I consulted with so many people...it took me an entire year to learn enough about it and to actually get him evaluated. As it turned out, he DID have ADHD and medication made an IMMEDIATE difference.
This kid had ZERO frustration level. I mean, he could not tolerate not understanding how to do something the very first time he was showed. If there was a task that required persistance in order to learn, he would just MELT down.
I have maybe talked before about his very last serious meltdown which occurred when he was 5. There was a fireworks show and I had not given him an afternoon dose of medicine and he was convinced that those fireworks were falling on him. I had to sit UNDER A BIG RIG TRAILER, with him balled up in a little ball....and cover his body with mine pretty much so that he felt shielded from the fireworks and still he did not calm down until it was over. Out in the open would have been worse.. The senior chief the very night before had had all the boys at that very same carnival and didn't stay for the fireworks. After all that, he said..."Gee, I'm really glad last night that I didn't stay."
Hey, I didn't often forget his afternoon meds after that, believe me. Unchecked, that could have been bad...so are medications good, you bet. But, they aren't forever. As soon as I taught him some coping skills and he got older...things were fine.
Thirteen years later...and he learned to persist through some pretty damn hard obstacles to achieve this top twenty five percent...a BIG HELL YEAH from momma on that! Way to GO!!!
Whooped...
Yesterday was little dude's birthday. You know, the double digits. He's a good kid. You know we were talking the other day about the day he took off..and he said all he remembers about that day is that he's sad when he thinks about it. Sometimes, I guess you gotta check on those lessons learned and have even further follow up talks. I had to laugh and told him that it was because the whole family yelled at him because we were afraid he would have gotten hit by a car.
"Well, I've LEARNED since then, Mommy." Good to know, son, good to know. He's had a lesson or two in worrying about a loved one since then. He's still not at all happy that his brother left us for the Army. In his mind, family stays together. He's pretty ok with the eldest being just down the road...but he's always up early enough to see him every morning too. Those little people of mine ADORE their big brother. He really wants Army boy to come home too. I wish I could have brought them with us to Texas in Feb. but those damn schools have their stupid rules about how many stupid days they can miss and it doesn't matter if they are on the honor roll....and times like that I do want to homeschool. But, that's a rant for another day...well, I hate when my kids hurt like that and he is a very avid learner...but he loves his brother, why should he have not been able to see him because of some stupid stuff like that. Yeah, I see how support your troops really goes because I wrote a note, too...but rules are rules. He gets it now..on a lot of levels and I'm glad and sad...you know how that works..at the same time.
So, we took the kids..even the big ones to Stone Mountain Park yesterday to celebrate his birthday. It was fun for them. It really was. I didn't get to wander through the museum but my goal was to you know, live up to the best birthday ever deal...and yep!!! He settled into the back seat and said in an exhausted little voice that it was the best birthday ever. He got to conquer some fears..they did the sky hike..that was pretty cool. I wasn't going up there, though...I really didn't like them being up there, but they didn't know I had mommy anxiety until they were safely down. I was down below and cheered them right on. I kind of remember being brave like that when I was a kid...funny how things change when you get older.
My knees for one thing...whew..they have been just hurting lately. Dayum. I think I figured it out, though. It's a use it or lose it deal. I mean, we walked all over that park yesterday from one end to the other. And my knees feel GREAT today. Just call me a lazy bitch. Curse technology in this case...
Anyway, the business partner and his family came along with their kids, too. They are the greatest people. I mean, really. When there's a family thing that comes along, that is priority. You can't put a price tag on that. On the big issues that come with the kids, we are all together and that's rather importantant, too, oddly enough. When you have a business relationship, there has to be a certain amount of personal involvement and agreement as well. Our kids just love each other and I think that's cool as hell. They all had a great time and they were worn out...
Me and the wife are buddies, too, and in agreement on a lot. We know who we're married to and how they are...hehe...she's happy letting me take care of the paperwork and whatnot, but if there is something that isn't getting done, then I know I can count on her to get it done. It's wierd to be able to just cut to the chase and make an agreement with someone without having to know..details..and the details come as they come and they really aren't important even. That's what I like about being older. You know everybody you're dealing with in your age group has a little baggage, and you just don't necessarily need to know how a person learned a particular lesson, unless they choose to share.
Anyway, back to little dude. He conquered some fears, he played with his friends, he got to spend some money on his friends (he's been saving his allowance since spring and he wanted to buy some light swords..so he did...it made him feel really good.) His was red, white and blue colored for Joe. He particularly enjoyed the laser light show on the lawn. That's the whole point of going to Stone Mountain, in my opinion. So much history...how many barbecues were held there back in the glory days of the south? And still, to sit and see the children playing and people congregating...it's very moving.
He was a tired little boy when he got home. He was very happy to see his bed, but it was the small, tired voice in the back of the car that announced..."This was the best birthday EVER!"
A side note to his personality..this child is one of the most beautiful children you've ever seen. I'm not saying that because I'm his mother, although I do feel that way...but it's because when people see his blonde curly hair, and his blue eyes, and those chubby cheeks, he's a Botticelli child..their response is to be apologetic for staring at him so and to tell me it's just because he's such a BEAUTIFUL child. He is. I've seen a couple of other kids in blogland that are as beautiful...super children, as a matter of fact. So, I feel the pain there.
He HATES it when people say that, too. His race car driver should be Kasey Kahne, really ..(how WILL they handle the cars for the ones who don't like the sponsor. When Jr. was driving, it was just Dale across those cars..somehow KK doesn't seem...right...all things considered. Seriously, though, he HATES it when people call him beautiful...he is a boy..dammit....he feels that strongly. It makes me laugh...I tell him later, when the girls are running their fingers through his hair, he won't mind so much...he says...Gross, Mom...
He's an incarnation of everyone good in the family. His resemblence to my father in law is uncanny. They used to have this unspoken communication. Little dude was my father in law's buddy. They were partners in crime...they would just twinkle at each other..in EXACTLY the same way and for some of the EXACT same reasons..they were done with the women fussing over them.
Ya know, I do love my babies....and because I'm not such a baby kind of person....I celebrate their triumphs with them, and though a part of me is sad that they grow up, ultimately I am so very proud of them for their achievements.
Ten years...it went by so fast.
"Well, I've LEARNED since then, Mommy." Good to know, son, good to know. He's had a lesson or two in worrying about a loved one since then. He's still not at all happy that his brother left us for the Army. In his mind, family stays together. He's pretty ok with the eldest being just down the road...but he's always up early enough to see him every morning too. Those little people of mine ADORE their big brother. He really wants Army boy to come home too. I wish I could have brought them with us to Texas in Feb. but those damn schools have their stupid rules about how many stupid days they can miss and it doesn't matter if they are on the honor roll....and times like that I do want to homeschool. But, that's a rant for another day...well, I hate when my kids hurt like that and he is a very avid learner...but he loves his brother, why should he have not been able to see him because of some stupid stuff like that. Yeah, I see how support your troops really goes because I wrote a note, too...but rules are rules. He gets it now..on a lot of levels and I'm glad and sad...you know how that works..at the same time.
So, we took the kids..even the big ones to Stone Mountain Park yesterday to celebrate his birthday. It was fun for them. It really was. I didn't get to wander through the museum but my goal was to you know, live up to the best birthday ever deal...and yep!!! He settled into the back seat and said in an exhausted little voice that it was the best birthday ever. He got to conquer some fears..they did the sky hike..that was pretty cool. I wasn't going up there, though...I really didn't like them being up there, but they didn't know I had mommy anxiety until they were safely down. I was down below and cheered them right on. I kind of remember being brave like that when I was a kid...funny how things change when you get older.
My knees for one thing...whew..they have been just hurting lately. Dayum. I think I figured it out, though. It's a use it or lose it deal. I mean, we walked all over that park yesterday from one end to the other. And my knees feel GREAT today. Just call me a lazy bitch. Curse technology in this case...
Anyway, the business partner and his family came along with their kids, too. They are the greatest people. I mean, really. When there's a family thing that comes along, that is priority. You can't put a price tag on that. On the big issues that come with the kids, we are all together and that's rather importantant, too, oddly enough. When you have a business relationship, there has to be a certain amount of personal involvement and agreement as well. Our kids just love each other and I think that's cool as hell. They all had a great time and they were worn out...
Me and the wife are buddies, too, and in agreement on a lot. We know who we're married to and how they are...hehe...she's happy letting me take care of the paperwork and whatnot, but if there is something that isn't getting done, then I know I can count on her to get it done. It's wierd to be able to just cut to the chase and make an agreement with someone without having to know..details..and the details come as they come and they really aren't important even. That's what I like about being older. You know everybody you're dealing with in your age group has a little baggage, and you just don't necessarily need to know how a person learned a particular lesson, unless they choose to share.
Anyway, back to little dude. He conquered some fears, he played with his friends, he got to spend some money on his friends (he's been saving his allowance since spring and he wanted to buy some light swords..so he did...it made him feel really good.) His was red, white and blue colored for Joe. He particularly enjoyed the laser light show on the lawn. That's the whole point of going to Stone Mountain, in my opinion. So much history...how many barbecues were held there back in the glory days of the south? And still, to sit and see the children playing and people congregating...it's very moving.
He was a tired little boy when he got home. He was very happy to see his bed, but it was the small, tired voice in the back of the car that announced..."This was the best birthday EVER!"
A side note to his personality..this child is one of the most beautiful children you've ever seen. I'm not saying that because I'm his mother, although I do feel that way...but it's because when people see his blonde curly hair, and his blue eyes, and those chubby cheeks, he's a Botticelli child..their response is to be apologetic for staring at him so and to tell me it's just because he's such a BEAUTIFUL child. He is. I've seen a couple of other kids in blogland that are as beautiful...super children, as a matter of fact. So, I feel the pain there.
He HATES it when people say that, too. His race car driver should be Kasey Kahne, really ..(how WILL they handle the cars for the ones who don't like the sponsor. When Jr. was driving, it was just Dale across those cars..somehow KK doesn't seem...right...all things considered. Seriously, though, he HATES it when people call him beautiful...he is a boy..dammit....he feels that strongly. It makes me laugh...I tell him later, when the girls are running their fingers through his hair, he won't mind so much...he says...Gross, Mom...
He's an incarnation of everyone good in the family. His resemblence to my father in law is uncanny. They used to have this unspoken communication. Little dude was my father in law's buddy. They were partners in crime...they would just twinkle at each other..in EXACTLY the same way and for some of the EXACT same reasons..they were done with the women fussing over them.
Ya know, I do love my babies....and because I'm not such a baby kind of person....I celebrate their triumphs with them, and though a part of me is sad that they grow up, ultimately I am so very proud of them for their achievements.
Ten years...it went by so fast.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Double Digits
Why is 10 (ten) such a wonderful age for boys? I mean, why does it mean SO much to them to finally hit double digits?
Little dude's birthday is tomorrow and we are going to go to Stone Mountain Park for the day. He's convinced that it's going to be his best birthday ever. Haha! EVERY birthday is his best birthday ever.
Boudicca wrote somethingnot too long ago that made me laugh because our boys would probably be best friends.
Having ADHD kids is a blessing because they ARE so very enthusiastic about things and they do not necessarily outgrow it. I have one that is eighteen.
He was diagnosed when he was four years old and the counselor at the time said...gee he has SUCH a gusto for life...yep. Gusto..I like that word.
So, little dude...isn't little dude anymore, I guess. That's what double digits means...I am BIG now, mommy. No more sweetpea, no more squirt, no more little dude.
If only we could keep them little forever, sometimes. I guess we all feel that way about our babies.
On another note, the senior chief should be getting laid a little more because after ten years, I guess it's safe to say the tubes are really tied.
Little dude's birthday is tomorrow and we are going to go to Stone Mountain Park for the day. He's convinced that it's going to be his best birthday ever. Haha! EVERY birthday is his best birthday ever.
Boudicca wrote somethingnot too long ago that made me laugh because our boys would probably be best friends.
Having ADHD kids is a blessing because they ARE so very enthusiastic about things and they do not necessarily outgrow it. I have one that is eighteen.
He was diagnosed when he was four years old and the counselor at the time said...gee he has SUCH a gusto for life...yep. Gusto..I like that word.
So, little dude...isn't little dude anymore, I guess. That's what double digits means...I am BIG now, mommy. No more sweetpea, no more squirt, no more little dude.
If only we could keep them little forever, sometimes. I guess we all feel that way about our babies.
On another note, the senior chief should be getting laid a little more because after ten years, I guess it's safe to say the tubes are really tied.
It Is the VETERAN...
It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,
It is
the
VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,
ETERNAL
REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM.
My Sea Momma sent these to me. She is always sending me cool stuff like this. Some of the fiercest veterans out there can be women. Just sayin'.
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,
It is
the
VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,
ETERNAL
REST GRANT THEM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON
THEM.
My Sea Momma sent these to me. She is always sending me cool stuff like this. Some of the fiercest veterans out there can be women. Just sayin'.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Relax????
Hahahahaha..that is one thing that you cannot do while here...or around here. As soon as you get in a groove, someone will sneak up behind you and just scare the SHIT out of you. And they come in droves, too.
I swear..and they appear from NOWHERE so that you're just sitting around..say writing a blog post, and then, there is a little kid..right under your elbow..and you didn't know he was there becasue he snuck up on you ..so when you do realize he's there, you jump like ...well, you're scared shitless.
And then there is the sneaking up behind you and then announcing something...HEY DAD..in a really loud voice...jumping out of your skin there, too. And the in and out and in and out and in and out of the door...good lord almighty, it's going to be a very long summer.
I swear..and they appear from NOWHERE so that you're just sitting around..say writing a blog post, and then, there is a little kid..right under your elbow..and you didn't know he was there becasue he snuck up on you ..so when you do realize he's there, you jump like ...well, you're scared shitless.
And then there is the sneaking up behind you and then announcing something...HEY DAD..in a really loud voice...jumping out of your skin there, too. And the in and out and in and out and in and out of the door...good lord almighty, it's going to be a very long summer.
Well, Hell...
I told the same damn story twice..hey, it's cool either way, though..one is a little more raw than the other..but basically the facts remain the same...
I find it a little interesting..one written fairly intoxicated..the other stone sober...I talk more when I'm sober, apparently..LOL.
I think I revert to guy speak....sign language and shit..when I've been drinking.
I know I did last night...they were all quizzing me and whatnot. They like to know that they can tell me things without revealing things...I don't get it necessarily...it's just one of those things I accept.
Ah well...I'm not taking either down...it's reaffirming somehow...
I find it a little interesting..one written fairly intoxicated..the other stone sober...I talk more when I'm sober, apparently..LOL.
I think I revert to guy speak....sign language and shit..when I've been drinking.
I know I did last night...they were all quizzing me and whatnot. They like to know that they can tell me things without revealing things...I don't get it necessarily...it's just one of those things I accept.
Ah well...I'm not taking either down...it's reaffirming somehow...
Easier to Raise...
Girls or boys..it has been the ongoing question since the dawn of time. They are each a pain in the ass, really. You just gotta worry about different things, but worry is worry when it's in the pit of your stomach.
Last night a few of the older kids stopped by to say hello before heading out for their evening activities. I like it when they do that..mostly.
The boys love me for at least TRYING to keep the pseudo-daughter in law in line. Her and the eldest were 2 of the three that stopped by last night, he and his woman having procured a babysitter were off to spend an evening..out. I can dig that. What I couldn't dig was her shirt that was white and see through and cut to her navel and her leopard skin bra that was too small. The shirt was way too small, too, but the senior chief and I have been discussing that lately and it did occur to me that her body has changed a bit and she may have outgrown all the clothes she's got and we need to chill a little...
That was until yesterday and upon seeing her...I blurted out..OMG girl, we have got to go shopping..you need some bigger clothes.
The boys snickered...and were grateful. Hey, one thing I do not play..and call me old fashioned..but I am not and never have been about showing all that I have. Geez, a little mystery is in order sometime. That's why the weekend to the cabin was great...I could dress skimpy and be a little eye candy for the husband without having seventeen drooling teenaged boys hanging around.
The senior chief was dogging her for how much she drinks and he should, but he has this way of picking the wrong battle at the wrong time...you know? I mean, y'all know I love my senior chief, but sometimes...sigh. Anyhoo, he was giving her shit for drinking while taking anti-biotics...which is true...I turned to the eldest and I said...Son, you do understand that anti-biotics renders the pill COMPLETELY ineffective, right? Judging by the look on his face, he didn't know. You know what's crazy though..and people think I don't pay attention...SHE knew. I KNOW she knew because I had told her that 3 days before. Yet, my son didn't know? Thankfully, yesterday was the first day she was on them. He was relieved to know it, because I know he doesn't want any children right now. I'm good with that too. I am not one of those mommas who has to have grandbabies. Really. I want my KIDS to be happy first and I want them to have children for the right reasons. I want them to have the opportunity to be the father and mother (for my daughter) that they would like to be. Would I condemn them if they screwed up,...well, no..but still..education and open communication goes a VERY long way.
And if that weren't enough, when they went to leave I instructed my son to take her to Wal-Mart or somewhere to get her a shirt to wear. He looked at me and I just said...Hey, I'm not being judgemental but if you're anything like your dad, then someone is going to say something or touch something and you're gonna be in a fight. Now, being in a fight wouldn't be a very fun way to spend your evening will it?
Man, that girl got PISSED at that point and gave me the hand and did the flouncing off routine...OH GOD it made me laugh so hard..it really did. So, I said...Fine, ya lil' bitch...and I grinned and she came back and hugged my neck. I told her I'm sorry I seem mean, but it'll be meaner when her man is laid out and she's getting her ass raped somewhere...and I truly do not want that to happen.
You know, the girl calls me mom now. She's never had anybody truly care and when you truly care, you're gonna say what needs to be said and you're gonna do what needs to be done.
THAT is why I am the cool mom.
Last night a few of the older kids stopped by to say hello before heading out for their evening activities. I like it when they do that..mostly.
The boys love me for at least TRYING to keep the pseudo-daughter in law in line. Her and the eldest were 2 of the three that stopped by last night, he and his woman having procured a babysitter were off to spend an evening..out. I can dig that. What I couldn't dig was her shirt that was white and see through and cut to her navel and her leopard skin bra that was too small. The shirt was way too small, too, but the senior chief and I have been discussing that lately and it did occur to me that her body has changed a bit and she may have outgrown all the clothes she's got and we need to chill a little...
That was until yesterday and upon seeing her...I blurted out..OMG girl, we have got to go shopping..you need some bigger clothes.
The boys snickered...and were grateful. Hey, one thing I do not play..and call me old fashioned..but I am not and never have been about showing all that I have. Geez, a little mystery is in order sometime. That's why the weekend to the cabin was great...I could dress skimpy and be a little eye candy for the husband without having seventeen drooling teenaged boys hanging around.
The senior chief was dogging her for how much she drinks and he should, but he has this way of picking the wrong battle at the wrong time...you know? I mean, y'all know I love my senior chief, but sometimes...sigh. Anyhoo, he was giving her shit for drinking while taking anti-biotics...which is true...I turned to the eldest and I said...Son, you do understand that anti-biotics renders the pill COMPLETELY ineffective, right? Judging by the look on his face, he didn't know. You know what's crazy though..and people think I don't pay attention...SHE knew. I KNOW she knew because I had told her that 3 days before. Yet, my son didn't know? Thankfully, yesterday was the first day she was on them. He was relieved to know it, because I know he doesn't want any children right now. I'm good with that too. I am not one of those mommas who has to have grandbabies. Really. I want my KIDS to be happy first and I want them to have children for the right reasons. I want them to have the opportunity to be the father and mother (for my daughter) that they would like to be. Would I condemn them if they screwed up,...well, no..but still..education and open communication goes a VERY long way.
And if that weren't enough, when they went to leave I instructed my son to take her to Wal-Mart or somewhere to get her a shirt to wear. He looked at me and I just said...Hey, I'm not being judgemental but if you're anything like your dad, then someone is going to say something or touch something and you're gonna be in a fight. Now, being in a fight wouldn't be a very fun way to spend your evening will it?
Man, that girl got PISSED at that point and gave me the hand and did the flouncing off routine...OH GOD it made me laugh so hard..it really did. So, I said...Fine, ya lil' bitch...and I grinned and she came back and hugged my neck. I told her I'm sorry I seem mean, but it'll be meaner when her man is laid out and she's getting her ass raped somewhere...and I truly do not want that to happen.
You know, the girl calls me mom now. She's never had anybody truly care and when you truly care, you're gonna say what needs to be said and you're gonna do what needs to be done.
THAT is why I am the cool mom.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Parent Power?
I swear, I do not even know how to title this post. I am MOTHER...hear me bitch??? roar???
Anyway, eldest showed up with is woman. I've been hearing about the ..choice of clothing ...what she wears, what she shows..and I defended her. I said...Perhaps..just perhaps her body has changed and she needs bigger clothes.
Tonight..see through white shirt..leopardskin bra. my drunk ass blurted out..OMG GIRL..do I NEED to take you shopping? Oh screw that..we are so going shopping..
Did I stop there..oh hell no..we is all standing round shooting the shit and I hear the senior chief educating her on antibiotics...well, he was on about drinking and antibiotics, but *I* am all about antibiotics and ..the pill. Yeah, the two counteract each other. I must say..SHE knew that..told her last week...eldest son..stopping at the store to buy some condoms now.
You know, I told him to stop by Wally world and buy her a shirt to cover those things up, too. Well, I DID give him a choice...I told him he could be in a fight because some dude thought he could touch them, and I told him what his dad would say and feel if *I* ever went out dressed like that....
His eyes were opened. God I hope he just stopped at Wally World on the way to wherever...pray with me peeps....
I got through enough that HER new nickname is "Lil' Bitch"...ha! Damn kids...
Anyway, eldest showed up with is woman. I've been hearing about the ..choice of clothing ...what she wears, what she shows..and I defended her. I said...Perhaps..just perhaps her body has changed and she needs bigger clothes.
Tonight..see through white shirt..leopardskin bra. my drunk ass blurted out..OMG GIRL..do I NEED to take you shopping? Oh screw that..we are so going shopping..
Did I stop there..oh hell no..we is all standing round shooting the shit and I hear the senior chief educating her on antibiotics...well, he was on about drinking and antibiotics, but *I* am all about antibiotics and ..the pill. Yeah, the two counteract each other. I must say..SHE knew that..told her last week...eldest son..stopping at the store to buy some condoms now.
You know, I told him to stop by Wally world and buy her a shirt to cover those things up, too. Well, I DID give him a choice...I told him he could be in a fight because some dude thought he could touch them, and I told him what his dad would say and feel if *I* ever went out dressed like that....
His eyes were opened. God I hope he just stopped at Wally World on the way to wherever...pray with me peeps....
I got through enough that HER new nickname is "Lil' Bitch"...ha! Damn kids...
Don't Call The Customers Honey, Honey.
Ha..this was a conversation that the senior chief and I had when we were discussing professionalism and whatnot. I am usually pretty professional and all but we ARE in the south...and southern women DO that.
I'm still the "Mom" persona, though, so it's well perceived.
I had a customer call me on the fax line the other day and one of the kids answered. Well, there goes professionalism out the window already. And, I get a LOT of sales calls on that line, so I do have an EXTRA professional sales voice I save just for those folks.
The discussion amongst the kids was about whether it was a sales call or not and of course the customer heard everything. I did not know this when they handed me the phone, so I used my sales call you're-wasting-my-time-and-I'm-pissed-voice. And my customer responded in kind..he announced who he was and who he was with and I put my friendly, I-like-you-because-you-pay-quick voice, which does include a honey sometimes. Ha! I actually said..Oh, I know you, I'm so sorry, honey I thought you were a saleman, what can I do to help make your day better? And it was ALL good, you know? He needed a couple of pieces of paperwork and to remember what he paid for to reconcile his bill and he was good. Service rocks. You can't get good service anymore anywhere you go. Imagine a company built on good customer service. Seems to be working well so far.
As a rule, though, it's not good to call the customer honey.
I'm still the "Mom" persona, though, so it's well perceived.
I had a customer call me on the fax line the other day and one of the kids answered. Well, there goes professionalism out the window already. And, I get a LOT of sales calls on that line, so I do have an EXTRA professional sales voice I save just for those folks.
The discussion amongst the kids was about whether it was a sales call or not and of course the customer heard everything. I did not know this when they handed me the phone, so I used my sales call you're-wasting-my-time-and-I'm-pissed-voice. And my customer responded in kind..he announced who he was and who he was with and I put my friendly, I-like-you-because-you-pay-quick voice, which does include a honey sometimes. Ha! I actually said..Oh, I know you, I'm so sorry, honey I thought you were a saleman, what can I do to help make your day better? And it was ALL good, you know? He needed a couple of pieces of paperwork and to remember what he paid for to reconcile his bill and he was good. Service rocks. You can't get good service anymore anywhere you go. Imagine a company built on good customer service. Seems to be working well so far.
As a rule, though, it's not good to call the customer honey.
Racing Fever
Somehow, it happened. I went from wanting to be a car girl..to actually being a car girl...it was a slow transition, but I got it bad, now.
I'm told that I got muy kudos from the men at the camp in Indy. I did call the senior chief more than I usually do and they did give him an appropriate amount of shit...initially.
Then, the senior chief reports, they started wondering what was going on with other racing and whatnot..what happened to who and it occured to them what their source of information was. Ha! And you know, I missed the very best race of the weekend that particular weekend...and that was the truck race where they went three wide with rookie Donny Lia taking the win.
It occured to me during the Indy 500 that I'm not really a NASCAR fan, exactly...I'm a RACE fan. I like it all. I wanna go fast...I wanna watch other cars go fast.
I had a racing dream the other night and it was cool. The only real outlet I have for this is the video games and if I don't thank the sweet lord for technology. That way ..I can get my fix, be safe, and have a loads of fun. But still..the thrill of the heartbeat of america on a lonesome highway, wind in your hair, music blaring....no feeling like it in the world.
Lots of good racing this weekend. Keeping an eye on Scott Speed. Oh yes...watch and listen...he's going to be getting the buzz. He raced the truck race last night and he is racing the Arca race today. Marco Andretti has been my indy driver for a couple of years, but I do like me some Danica, too. And not just because she's a woman...look at where she is in the point standings. She's just my kind of gal. Hadn't picked a formula driver yet...gotta watch a couple of more. And of course, who doesn't like Frank Kimmel. Poor Christy Passmore hasn't done much since that BAD wreck she had at Talladega a few years back.
Let me tell ya..that was the worst wreck I've ever seen. Well, we did see one death local and that put a pall on the evening... This little gal hit the outside wall coming out of turn 4 at full throttle, had to be knocked out then, continued and hit the inside wall ...at full throttle still...and FINALLY came to rest in the infield where the emergency crews to ENTIRELY too long to get to her. She was promising, but that right there is another reason they really need to evaluate whether women belong in those kind of cars or not. Women cannot take the hits that men can. It's purely a physical thing. IF women are to race cars like that, then they need their own league where they are competing against each other.
You hear all the feminists talking about equal this and equal that. The facts are..we are not equal. Back when the greatest generation of women took over things while the men were off fighting the war..they were competing against each other..not the men.
We need to have an all female racing league.
Besides that though the senior chief picked Scott Speed and I have picked Cale Gale. Saw him win one fantastic one at my little local track and picked him for the win that night. Wasn't too very long after that, that we saw him start racing with the big boys. My absolute favorites is the trucks, though. Someone said that truck racing was the best racing in Nascar right now and that is a fact, Jack.
Those guys race every lap like it's the last lap. Rubbing is DEFINITELY racing in the truck series, there's liable to be a BRAWL when it's all done, and there surely isn't any whining. Well, unless it's Kyle Busch. He's the only cat I know that can drive a car from 43rd to second and call it a piece of crap. Unbelievable. Kid needs a whooping. You know what they need to do? Give him a TRUE piece of crap car so he knows when he's driving a piece of crap car and when to say thank you for putting such a fine machine under him so that he can win week after week. You notice his big brother is a little humble these days? Yeah..well, there ya go.
I also want to know why...why..in the off season are we stuck with a bunch of auction video. Not that they aren't good cars and all but there are a whole buttload of races that don't get coverage during the season that could be replayed. There's ALL KINDS of racing that could be replayed that would be fresh and new to us ..and they show us auctions all season long. Way to take care of your race fans, SPEED channel.
Anyway, off to get some race munchies and pick the race project. I mean, we aren't couch potatoes during the race..we have things going on...but we are definitely paying attention the last 50 laps...it really depends upon the race. I like the sound of engines thundering through my living room. It's like music..it gets the adrenaline going..the food starts coming out of the kitchen, there starts to come an order to the chaos...hey, maybe it's my inner resonant frequency..who knows...I just love it!
I'm told that I got muy kudos from the men at the camp in Indy. I did call the senior chief more than I usually do and they did give him an appropriate amount of shit...initially.
Then, the senior chief reports, they started wondering what was going on with other racing and whatnot..what happened to who and it occured to them what their source of information was. Ha! And you know, I missed the very best race of the weekend that particular weekend...and that was the truck race where they went three wide with rookie Donny Lia taking the win.
It occured to me during the Indy 500 that I'm not really a NASCAR fan, exactly...I'm a RACE fan. I like it all. I wanna go fast...I wanna watch other cars go fast.
I had a racing dream the other night and it was cool. The only real outlet I have for this is the video games and if I don't thank the sweet lord for technology. That way ..I can get my fix, be safe, and have a loads of fun. But still..the thrill of the heartbeat of america on a lonesome highway, wind in your hair, music blaring....no feeling like it in the world.
Lots of good racing this weekend. Keeping an eye on Scott Speed. Oh yes...watch and listen...he's going to be getting the buzz. He raced the truck race last night and he is racing the Arca race today. Marco Andretti has been my indy driver for a couple of years, but I do like me some Danica, too. And not just because she's a woman...look at where she is in the point standings. She's just my kind of gal. Hadn't picked a formula driver yet...gotta watch a couple of more. And of course, who doesn't like Frank Kimmel. Poor Christy Passmore hasn't done much since that BAD wreck she had at Talladega a few years back.
Let me tell ya..that was the worst wreck I've ever seen. Well, we did see one death local and that put a pall on the evening... This little gal hit the outside wall coming out of turn 4 at full throttle, had to be knocked out then, continued and hit the inside wall ...at full throttle still...and FINALLY came to rest in the infield where the emergency crews to ENTIRELY too long to get to her. She was promising, but that right there is another reason they really need to evaluate whether women belong in those kind of cars or not. Women cannot take the hits that men can. It's purely a physical thing. IF women are to race cars like that, then they need their own league where they are competing against each other.
You hear all the feminists talking about equal this and equal that. The facts are..we are not equal. Back when the greatest generation of women took over things while the men were off fighting the war..they were competing against each other..not the men.
We need to have an all female racing league.
Besides that though the senior chief picked Scott Speed and I have picked Cale Gale. Saw him win one fantastic one at my little local track and picked him for the win that night. Wasn't too very long after that, that we saw him start racing with the big boys. My absolute favorites is the trucks, though. Someone said that truck racing was the best racing in Nascar right now and that is a fact, Jack.
Those guys race every lap like it's the last lap. Rubbing is DEFINITELY racing in the truck series, there's liable to be a BRAWL when it's all done, and there surely isn't any whining. Well, unless it's Kyle Busch. He's the only cat I know that can drive a car from 43rd to second and call it a piece of crap. Unbelievable. Kid needs a whooping. You know what they need to do? Give him a TRUE piece of crap car so he knows when he's driving a piece of crap car and when to say thank you for putting such a fine machine under him so that he can win week after week. You notice his big brother is a little humble these days? Yeah..well, there ya go.
I also want to know why...why..in the off season are we stuck with a bunch of auction video. Not that they aren't good cars and all but there are a whole buttload of races that don't get coverage during the season that could be replayed. There's ALL KINDS of racing that could be replayed that would be fresh and new to us ..and they show us auctions all season long. Way to take care of your race fans, SPEED channel.
Anyway, off to get some race munchies and pick the race project. I mean, we aren't couch potatoes during the race..we have things going on...but we are definitely paying attention the last 50 laps...it really depends upon the race. I like the sound of engines thundering through my living room. It's like music..it gets the adrenaline going..the food starts coming out of the kitchen, there starts to come an order to the chaos...hey, maybe it's my inner resonant frequency..who knows...I just love it!
Thursday, June 05, 2008
What If..
Does anybody else play the what if game? Or am I just neurotic? Ah, hell, I know I'm neurotic..but seriously, I always play the what if game...it helps me be prepared, I think.
It's like drilling when you're in the military. I still do it..only applicable to my circumstances well. Funny, how some habits don't change..they just mutate a little.
Like, when the husband went to Indy..what if his plane crashed or something happened while he was there and didn't come back? Hey, it would suck BIG TIME, but I feel confident, having played that game a time or two, that I am prepared should it ever happen.
What if this happened, or that happened..what would you DO? See, now with the daughter, I have to plan a whole list of other what if scenarios. I think, only by doing this and having your internal reactions long before you need to so that when it comes time to face something like this, you are already prepared, on your "A" game and can achieve the maximum effect.
When my one son ended up in the ditch..I had already played that scenario in my mind..ya know? So my reactions were not..over reactions..and that really I know made a difference in how it all played out.
Just sayin'
It's like drilling when you're in the military. I still do it..only applicable to my circumstances well. Funny, how some habits don't change..they just mutate a little.
Like, when the husband went to Indy..what if his plane crashed or something happened while he was there and didn't come back? Hey, it would suck BIG TIME, but I feel confident, having played that game a time or two, that I am prepared should it ever happen.
What if this happened, or that happened..what would you DO? See, now with the daughter, I have to plan a whole list of other what if scenarios. I think, only by doing this and having your internal reactions long before you need to so that when it comes time to face something like this, you are already prepared, on your "A" game and can achieve the maximum effect.
When my one son ended up in the ditch..I had already played that scenario in my mind..ya know? So my reactions were not..over reactions..and that really I know made a difference in how it all played out.
Just sayin'
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Summertime Evenings
Well, the norm is appearing to be fore the summer time evenings...supper, cleanup, and then a round of horseshoes. The senior chief built a junior pit for the little people.
Kids learn so much from playing games with their parents. First they learn to take turns...and with certain games like we have around..they learn etiquette. They learn how to be gentlemen and ladies. Pool is not a contact sport, it's all about finesse, as is horseshoes in a way. We have the..bowling thing going on with the side by side pits and it's good, very good.
I can never turn off the ...job...part of my job, but the best part of my job is that I have the technology to sit and observe, without having to be right there. Little dude and little gal both just scored ringers, and appropriate comments have been made.
Just sayin'.
All this has me thinking about how different all my kids are. Each and every one have their own little quirks, their desires, different ways they try to play momma, all of that..no two are alike.
The greatest testament to my ability as a parent is the very fact that I have been able to achieve the southern goal. I don't yell at them, nor do I hit them...but still, they obey..seriously. It's partly because they are allowed to speak their mind within the confines of the ranch, so to speak, as long as they are respectful when doing so. They can feel how they feel, but a home is a safe haven and all are dedicated to doing their part to keep it that way. In public, however, I get no lip, I get no resistance, and I get complete obeyance. It's a trust thing, really.
There is no doubt in anyone's mind, anywhere I go, that though my men aren't lacking in testosterone, they respect, love and trust me. It's enough that I am disappointed in them. To them, that is the absolute worst feeling in the world, and I try real hard not to take advantage of that and to express my displeasure in the least way to get the most possible. And if I have to use my MOM voice, then they all absolutely just hate it.
But, I don't use my mom voice every day. I say what I mean and I mean what I say..always have. I didn't tell them they were grounded for 2 days and let them out in one...if I said they had earned a punishment..they did their time. I didn't do the idle threat thing and I had to say things a few times before I'd get to it but they couldn't cry..it isn't fair when they knew damn good and well, I gave them plenty of warning it was coming.
And sometimes, when they thought they were horrible, they found that they weren't...trust is built that way. Sometimes, they confessed stuff that was just ..you know..feelings...stepfamilies are full of conflicting feelings, let me assure you of that..someone is always feeling something about something..and it usually isn't pleasant, it's usually a conflict.
I wish I had the magic parenting answer..all I know is that what I am doing is working and that there are many folks who just aren't willing to put the level of work into it that I am and make the sacrifices I have. I don't know what to say to those people except that you gotta do what it takes to get what you want. Period. Parenting is no different. It depends on what you want.
Kids learn so much from playing games with their parents. First they learn to take turns...and with certain games like we have around..they learn etiquette. They learn how to be gentlemen and ladies. Pool is not a contact sport, it's all about finesse, as is horseshoes in a way. We have the..bowling thing going on with the side by side pits and it's good, very good.
I can never turn off the ...job...part of my job, but the best part of my job is that I have the technology to sit and observe, without having to be right there. Little dude and little gal both just scored ringers, and appropriate comments have been made.
Just sayin'.
All this has me thinking about how different all my kids are. Each and every one have their own little quirks, their desires, different ways they try to play momma, all of that..no two are alike.
The greatest testament to my ability as a parent is the very fact that I have been able to achieve the southern goal. I don't yell at them, nor do I hit them...but still, they obey..seriously. It's partly because they are allowed to speak their mind within the confines of the ranch, so to speak, as long as they are respectful when doing so. They can feel how they feel, but a home is a safe haven and all are dedicated to doing their part to keep it that way. In public, however, I get no lip, I get no resistance, and I get complete obeyance. It's a trust thing, really.
There is no doubt in anyone's mind, anywhere I go, that though my men aren't lacking in testosterone, they respect, love and trust me. It's enough that I am disappointed in them. To them, that is the absolute worst feeling in the world, and I try real hard not to take advantage of that and to express my displeasure in the least way to get the most possible. And if I have to use my MOM voice, then they all absolutely just hate it.
But, I don't use my mom voice every day. I say what I mean and I mean what I say..always have. I didn't tell them they were grounded for 2 days and let them out in one...if I said they had earned a punishment..they did their time. I didn't do the idle threat thing and I had to say things a few times before I'd get to it but they couldn't cry..it isn't fair when they knew damn good and well, I gave them plenty of warning it was coming.
And sometimes, when they thought they were horrible, they found that they weren't...trust is built that way. Sometimes, they confessed stuff that was just ..you know..feelings...stepfamilies are full of conflicting feelings, let me assure you of that..someone is always feeling something about something..and it usually isn't pleasant, it's usually a conflict.
I wish I had the magic parenting answer..all I know is that what I am doing is working and that there are many folks who just aren't willing to put the level of work into it that I am and make the sacrifices I have. I don't know what to say to those people except that you gotta do what it takes to get what you want. Period. Parenting is no different. It depends on what you want.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Breakthrough?
I have to take a minute and brag on my kids. All of them. For our anniversary, what they gave us was a completely drama free weekend.
We left Friday afternoon and spent Friday night and Saturday night on top of a mountain in Blue Ridge, Ga. We called the kids when we got there and let them know that we had 5 bars and they could reach us any time.
The eldest and his girlfriend came by on Saturday and rounded everyone up and they all went down to the lake and had a little cookout and some swimming and some fun times. There were no..as in zero..parties while we were gone.
The over eighteens..my adult children, took the younger kids to the store to purchase a tangible present...in the form of a movie ..the new National Treasure to watch with us when we returned.
Beyond the contact of the initial phone call, we had no contact with anyone on the outside. Our business partner did not call us as well. Which is why he's a good business partner..he obviously understands the need to maintain relationships and me and the senior chief were overdue for some alone time.
And our wonderful children...came through for us. I am so thankful for them. My eldest also managed to remove the last of his wrecked vehicles from the backyard. It's gonna be hard to tell we're rednecks, pretty soon.
I am incredibly proud of each and all of them. Still, I miss Army boy. But, I am so very proud of him, too.
There are times that it is worth the investment.
We left Friday afternoon and spent Friday night and Saturday night on top of a mountain in Blue Ridge, Ga. We called the kids when we got there and let them know that we had 5 bars and they could reach us any time.
The eldest and his girlfriend came by on Saturday and rounded everyone up and they all went down to the lake and had a little cookout and some swimming and some fun times. There were no..as in zero..parties while we were gone.
The over eighteens..my adult children, took the younger kids to the store to purchase a tangible present...in the form of a movie ..the new National Treasure to watch with us when we returned.
Beyond the contact of the initial phone call, we had no contact with anyone on the outside. Our business partner did not call us as well. Which is why he's a good business partner..he obviously understands the need to maintain relationships and me and the senior chief were overdue for some alone time.
And our wonderful children...came through for us. I am so thankful for them. My eldest also managed to remove the last of his wrecked vehicles from the backyard. It's gonna be hard to tell we're rednecks, pretty soon.
I am incredibly proud of each and all of them. Still, I miss Army boy. But, I am so very proud of him, too.
There are times that it is worth the investment.
On To More Serious Thoughts..Child Neglect
I have found in life, that one of my talents isn't necessarily having the words, or the answer to a particular situation, but it is a talent that I can recognize the truth of a matter, or know where to find a particular answer. Having ADD, my short term memory..well, it sucks..so, I don't rely on it too awful much, instead I choose to exert my brainpower in analyzing things.
That being said, there are times when I come across other people's words, and things they have said that really captures the essence of the whole point I am trying to make in this blog.
The following words are those of LawMom, Mom to Lawdog the discussion being about the kindergartener being voted out of class.
Hey, we have teachers who ostrasize the kids in the Gifted and Talented program because they don't approve of it-and the principals and superintendents do nothing to instruct or discipline that teacher even though the school backs the GT program.
We have teachers who give a kid an 'F' on a paper because "a child in that grade simply can't have a vocabulary that large"-took the threat of a lawyer to get by that one, and yes, my children did and do have vocabularies that large at a very early age: they didn't have t.v and computers to distract them from reading and learning.
We have endless 'reality' programs on t.v. which appeal to the pack instinct in us, and the cruel 'realistic' side, such as The Donald's happy "You're fired!" that kids watch, and they think this is the way to be-their parents don't bother to tell them it isn't.
We have a mindset that doesn't allow kids to be kids these days. And, at the risk of infuriating all the feminists (like I care) part of this can be blamed on virtually no moms at home. Kids are left on their own in a day and time when a compromising, violent, unkind and uncaring society is the mean-and I do mean MEAN.
We also don't allow a good old-fashioned righteous anger when something is just flat WRONG-thank you, Mr. Clinton for eight years of teaching the American public to blame, deny, compromise and not make waves.
We have teachers who are just interested in collecting the paycheck and the benefits, whining about how put-upon they are, and are focussed on 1)whatever the current psychology book says, no matter if it's right or wrong, 2) there are no exceptions to the rules, and 3)becoming petty tyrants to get their ego jollies-the world's smallest dictatorship is a classroom.
And, we have parents who are interested only in their kid getting by with whatever they've done, not whether it's right or wrong-as per Dog's bong story; however, if that ancient child was a beloved child today who had become ill and who all the medical efforts couldn't save; this beloved little creature who had run laughing to you and clutched your knees with chubby hands just days before, has been put in the earth with much grief, and is still being mourned. What if these little monsters had gone out and dug that child up? No doubt their parents would have turned themselves inside out making up excuses. Such is the mentality of these days. Conform, evade, lie.
We need a good dose of sheer outrage, along with a lot of people who aren't too chickenshit to be independent thinkers.
Now, that said, my daughter, who is allergic to many, many things, couldn't have the milk and cookies that were served as a mid-morning snack in her elementary school room. I sent juice and chips with her at my own expense because that was what she could have. The teacher chose to point this out to the other students in a negative manner, and when I objected, I was told that "the children don't understand why she has something different to eat." Well, the answer to that is to EXPLAIN to them, not call negative attention to it; kids aren't stupid, but they are pack mentality animals and for the alpha person in their lives to call negative attention to something that is 'different' means that something should be attacked.That was nearly 30 years ago, but not only was nothing done about this, that particular teacher was recommended to go up on another of the rungs of the 'career ladder.'
Yep, there is something really bad wrong in our society, and we are beating futile heads against it.
On the other hand, had Ms. Portillo done something like that to a child of mine, I would have made sure she had no desire to 'teach' again-ever.
LawMom
Emphasis is mine. Look around you. We have a real shortage of stay at home moms. Moms who understand that having a child means that YOU are the ultimate teacher and who take that responsibility, the molding of young minds...seriously. To be there to defend their children against injustice, to discipline their children and TEACH them right from wrong. To comfort them, to guide them, to censor them and to interpret for them what they see and hear. We wonder why our children are so ANGRY. The reasons are illustrated in what Lawmom has to say. The breakdown of the family structure falls on our heads as mothers. It does. Because we are too interested in I don't know what..the fame and the glory. There is no fame and glory in being a stay at home mom and that's what makes it the best job of all.
What she just defined is child neglect. It is abuse as well, but it is much more insidious and invisible. A neglected child has no marks and may even appear to be healthy and thriving. It's only recognizable, when the neglect extends to the withholding of food and housing and whatnot. But, there are many parents who simply provide the physical necessities..and nothing much else. This still constitutes neglect and it's criminal. And what is sad, is that it is accepted as the norm by society. We stand around and wonder why our children are so angry...well, to me, it's ...DUH. We are looking at Lord of the Flys..remember that book? Yeah..it's happening in real time as we speak. And it's our fault.
Go read a book to your kid today. Go get in touch with what he's doing. Listen to what they are watching, check on who their friends are. TALK to them. Feed their minds, challenge them, search their rooms, read their email...do your job as a parent.
That being said, there are times when I come across other people's words, and things they have said that really captures the essence of the whole point I am trying to make in this blog.
The following words are those of LawMom, Mom to Lawdog the discussion being about the kindergartener being voted out of class.
Hey, we have teachers who ostrasize the kids in the Gifted and Talented program because they don't approve of it-and the principals and superintendents do nothing to instruct or discipline that teacher even though the school backs the GT program.
We have teachers who give a kid an 'F' on a paper because "a child in that grade simply can't have a vocabulary that large"-took the threat of a lawyer to get by that one, and yes, my children did and do have vocabularies that large at a very early age: they didn't have t.v and computers to distract them from reading and learning.
We have endless 'reality' programs on t.v. which appeal to the pack instinct in us, and the cruel 'realistic' side, such as The Donald's happy "You're fired!" that kids watch, and they think this is the way to be-their parents don't bother to tell them it isn't.
We have a mindset that doesn't allow kids to be kids these days. And, at the risk of infuriating all the feminists (like I care) part of this can be blamed on virtually no moms at home. Kids are left on their own in a day and time when a compromising, violent, unkind and uncaring society is the mean-and I do mean MEAN.
We also don't allow a good old-fashioned righteous anger when something is just flat WRONG-thank you, Mr. Clinton for eight years of teaching the American public to blame, deny, compromise and not make waves.
We have teachers who are just interested in collecting the paycheck and the benefits, whining about how put-upon they are, and are focussed on 1)whatever the current psychology book says, no matter if it's right or wrong, 2) there are no exceptions to the rules, and 3)becoming petty tyrants to get their ego jollies-the world's smallest dictatorship is a classroom.
And, we have parents who are interested only in their kid getting by with whatever they've done, not whether it's right or wrong-as per Dog's bong story; however, if that ancient child was a beloved child today who had become ill and who all the medical efforts couldn't save; this beloved little creature who had run laughing to you and clutched your knees with chubby hands just days before, has been put in the earth with much grief, and is still being mourned. What if these little monsters had gone out and dug that child up? No doubt their parents would have turned themselves inside out making up excuses. Such is the mentality of these days. Conform, evade, lie.
We need a good dose of sheer outrage, along with a lot of people who aren't too chickenshit to be independent thinkers.
Now, that said, my daughter, who is allergic to many, many things, couldn't have the milk and cookies that were served as a mid-morning snack in her elementary school room. I sent juice and chips with her at my own expense because that was what she could have. The teacher chose to point this out to the other students in a negative manner, and when I objected, I was told that "the children don't understand why she has something different to eat." Well, the answer to that is to EXPLAIN to them, not call negative attention to it; kids aren't stupid, but they are pack mentality animals and for the alpha person in their lives to call negative attention to something that is 'different' means that something should be attacked.That was nearly 30 years ago, but not only was nothing done about this, that particular teacher was recommended to go up on another of the rungs of the 'career ladder.'
Yep, there is something really bad wrong in our society, and we are beating futile heads against it.
On the other hand, had Ms. Portillo done something like that to a child of mine, I would have made sure she had no desire to 'teach' again-ever.
LawMom
Emphasis is mine. Look around you. We have a real shortage of stay at home moms. Moms who understand that having a child means that YOU are the ultimate teacher and who take that responsibility, the molding of young minds...seriously. To be there to defend their children against injustice, to discipline their children and TEACH them right from wrong. To comfort them, to guide them, to censor them and to interpret for them what they see and hear. We wonder why our children are so ANGRY. The reasons are illustrated in what Lawmom has to say. The breakdown of the family structure falls on our heads as mothers. It does. Because we are too interested in I don't know what..the fame and the glory. There is no fame and glory in being a stay at home mom and that's what makes it the best job of all.
What she just defined is child neglect. It is abuse as well, but it is much more insidious and invisible. A neglected child has no marks and may even appear to be healthy and thriving. It's only recognizable, when the neglect extends to the withholding of food and housing and whatnot. But, there are many parents who simply provide the physical necessities..and nothing much else. This still constitutes neglect and it's criminal. And what is sad, is that it is accepted as the norm by society. We stand around and wonder why our children are so angry...well, to me, it's ...DUH. We are looking at Lord of the Flys..remember that book? Yeah..it's happening in real time as we speak. And it's our fault.
Go read a book to your kid today. Go get in touch with what he's doing. Listen to what they are watching, check on who their friends are. TALK to them. Feed their minds, challenge them, search their rooms, read their email...do your job as a parent.
One Of Those Questions..
Sitting around the octagon table, just beating the heat sipping on some Dr. Pepper and sweet tea, the phone rings.
Then number 4 son comes out and asks..."Mom, do we know anybody in jail?" I reply, not that I know of, why would you inquire such a thing?
He then explains that the phone call was collect from the local jailhouse but since he didn't know if we knew anybody in jail, he didn't accept the charges. All of my people are present and accounted for, so I'm not too concerned about it.
The senior chief piped up, upon hearing a recount of events.."Just for future reference, son, the only way you know if you know someone in jail..is to accept the charges."
We all had a good laugh, but the question persists...do we know someone in jail?
Then number 4 son comes out and asks..."Mom, do we know anybody in jail?" I reply, not that I know of, why would you inquire such a thing?
He then explains that the phone call was collect from the local jailhouse but since he didn't know if we knew anybody in jail, he didn't accept the charges. All of my people are present and accounted for, so I'm not too concerned about it.
The senior chief piped up, upon hearing a recount of events.."Just for future reference, son, the only way you know if you know someone in jail..is to accept the charges."
We all had a good laugh, but the question persists...do we know someone in jail?
Protocol
Ok, I broke protocol. I disappeared for a few days without announcing and I had a blog post in particular that was in the works, but an opportunity presented itself and if I didn't take care of it, then I wouldn't be HALF the woman I claimed to be.
Y'all can remember quite a few bitchin' posts, I'm sure, about how I need a vacation..blah, fucking blah, blah blah....
So, for the occasion of the thirteenth anniversary of the senior chief and myself...I booked a cabin in the woods. TOTALLY secluded and let me just say that a new record has been set....
It was ever so relaxing and just what we needed ...as a couple. I mean, the only other time, in the history of our marriage, that we have had time to bond...purely as a couple...was when we first got married..that Christmas...my dad tipped the hand and provided the missing link..that made it happen.
We relaxed and felt very comfortable that empty nest...should it EVER occur..
haha..I have many other stories since this particular one occured...such is the life of a dedicated mom.
Nine days until the next celebration, little dude's birthday. Hitting the double digits this year..always a special time for little boys for some reason. And then father's day. I love seeing what they put up their sleeve to try and outdo each other and then there is the pseudo daughter in law..who is going to understand then that I am the alpha female and my son will be here to celebrate father's day and of course he will be honored as a stepfather too and this is where it needs to happen. He's matured a lot in the last year, I will say that.
Sometimes, all you can hope for is progress.
Y'all can remember quite a few bitchin' posts, I'm sure, about how I need a vacation..blah, fucking blah, blah blah....
So, for the occasion of the thirteenth anniversary of the senior chief and myself...I booked a cabin in the woods. TOTALLY secluded and let me just say that a new record has been set....
It was ever so relaxing and just what we needed ...as a couple. I mean, the only other time, in the history of our marriage, that we have had time to bond...purely as a couple...was when we first got married..that Christmas...my dad tipped the hand and provided the missing link..that made it happen.
We relaxed and felt very comfortable that empty nest...should it EVER occur..
haha..I have many other stories since this particular one occured...such is the life of a dedicated mom.
Nine days until the next celebration, little dude's birthday. Hitting the double digits this year..always a special time for little boys for some reason. And then father's day. I love seeing what they put up their sleeve to try and outdo each other and then there is the pseudo daughter in law..who is going to understand then that I am the alpha female and my son will be here to celebrate father's day and of course he will be honored as a stepfather too and this is where it needs to happen. He's matured a lot in the last year, I will say that.
Sometimes, all you can hope for is progress.
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