Scott's Rant Spot: My little free speech soapbox on the internet.

My Sporadic Blogging

2007-01-03T23:57:00.000-06:00

Ok, once again some of you are wondering the hell I have been, and I know others will be saying I don't realy give a sh*t where you have been....for those of you who care, I will tell you.

Those of you who have read my blog before know that I have a 13 year old son, what you may not know is that for the past 3 or 4 years he has had occasional bouts of severe abdominal pain. Within the past 6 or 7 months his pain has gotten worse and more frequent.

Two months ago, he started having even more frequent bouts and he was seen by a specialist who performed some biospies. Those results were said to be normal, however two weeks ago he ended up in the emergency room and was admitted due to the pain putting him in a fetal position for hours. Last week while on Christmas break he had 3 days where the pain kept him from being able to get out of the apartment and do something fun.

This past Sunday morning he woke up and started having pain within 15 minutes. A call to the doctor sent us to the emergency room as the pain meds were not working.

So Sunday afternoon we were once again admitted and we spent New Years Eve in the hospital. On Monday they had him on a clear fluid diet and he was doing well. So in the afternoon they were gettting ready to discharge him and wanted to him eat a normal meal. Well within 5 minutes of eating he was in sever pain, so they kept him overnight again and yesterday they transferred him from our suburban hospital to one of the largest hospitals downtown.

As of now he is doing much better. This evening he was transferred from ICU to a regular room.

I have been functioning on about 11 hours of sleep over the past 84 or so hours.... I got about 4 hours of sleep last night though so I am feeling a little better but still tired. As I said, he has been in the hospital since sunday afternoon and I have spent every night with him. Monday night he offered that I could go home and try to get some sleep, but he also told me that he was sad and scared. I knew that I would not be able to go home and sleep while he was laying in the hospital. (I guess I take my job as a parent seriously...)

My ex-wife came by to see him for a couple of hours for the first time last night and then she decided to come down during the day today and stay with him for the afternoon.

Woop de do, she has spent a total of 8 hours with him since coming into either hospital....

They are planning a couple of tests for him tomorrow morning and hopefully they will have some answers tomorrow afternoon. It would be great if they could definitively tell us what is happening and either fix it, or treat it. He would be extremely happy if he could come home tomorrow.

So that is what has been taking up my time for the past few months. Hopefully an answer will be found soon for my sons sake.

Thanks for bearing with me, and thanks for understanding if this post is somewhat rambling and a little off my usual style.

Need sleep, need sleep.....

Later......

V-O-T-E !

2006-11-06T22:18:00.000-06:00

There’s less than 24 hours to go and while many politicians (and Liberals) are contemplating sedatives (if not something stronger) there is an election tomorrow and we at TBWA want everyone to get out and vote…

You can’t vote by sitting in front of your computer (at least not yet).

And you can’t vote by sitting on your couch at home…unless of course you have an absentee ballot.

You have to go to your respective polling place and pull the lever, punch the chad, push the button, scan the optic or fill-in the oval (which one of those do you think sounds sexual?).

In short; you must vote.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat, republican, Independent, Libertarian, Communist, Green or even a Mickey Mouse party fan… you must get out and vote.

If you think your ballot is worthless and doesn’t carry any weight you’re wrong.

According to The Voters Paradox by Leon Felkins and Mack Tanner the importance of any single vote declines the more voters as having made a rational decision.

The other side of the coin says that with fewer voters, the influence of an individual’s vote rises. Furthermore, if you don’t’ vote, you’re allowing others to speak for you… and that ain’t right.

You want another reason? Voting is a profound statement of our democracy, a birthright if you will, that no one, absolutely no one, should take for granted and ignore.

Every voice counts.

Every opinion counts.

Every vote counts.

So get your ass out to the polls and vote tomorrow.

Now… if you want to use your own brain and make an informed decision that will help our country, then vote Democratic.

If you want to screw the country with it’s collective pants on while maintaining the status quo, then vote republican.

If you feel guilty and want to vote your conscience while drinking coffee from a styrofoam cup, vote Green party.

If you want to vote with an eye on common ownership, vote Communist.

If you want to vote with an eye towards being free to do whatever you want, vote Libertarian.

However you decide to vote… just vote.

As so elequantly worded and cross posted on my poli-blog by my friend and colleague, Kemp.

Hmmmm....

2006-10-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

Does Ex-Lax work on Blogstipation???

If so, I need a horse sized dose.

Help!!

Another year older....

2006-07-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

43 years ago today, I was born.

Here I am at what is the prime of my life....at the beginning of a fresh start.

Days like this give me a chance to pause and reflect on my life. I am going to look at the positives.

I have a wonderful son
I have a great family
I have a few good friends
I have a chance to make things better the second time around

So nothing dramatic, I can't think of anything else at the moment. Just going to relax and spend the day with my son.

Later.

I'll tell you where I have been...

2006-07-16T00:41:00.000-05:00

My last post was on May 24th.... and you may be asking yourself, "Where the hell has Scott been?" or you may have given up on me ever posting again.

As to where I have been, well I have been working, moving into my new apartment, having moved items it is then a necessity to organize and put things where they belong, going to family gatherings and friends birthdays, and last but not least, spending a lot of time with my son. So other than the occasional post on my poli-blog that I co-author with my best friend Kemp, I have not had much time to post.

Plus the kicker is that about 6 or 7 weeks ago my employer blocked access to all Blogs or sites that allow feedback/commentary. I can't even look at comments or stats let alone post.

Have no fear, things are getting put away and I am getting into a routine, so the posts will become more frequent.

Thanks to those of you who have stuck around!

Later....

Wisdom from Lola x 2

2006-05-24T15:15:00.000-05:00

I was spending some time with Lola at the office and hit shuffle to see what wisdom she would throw at me. She had two songs that somehow just seemed appropriate. "Just Cruisin" by Will Smith and "Work in Progress" by Alan Jackson.

Just Crusin by Will Smith
- - - - - - - - - - -

Intro, the maestro, nice flow
Hot like nitro.. cool as ice though
That type of dichotomy, y'all know it's gotta be
Who else could it be BUT me?
Rub your eyes, behold the Big Williest
dream supreme beam straight from Philly it's the
eclectic female attractor
Rapper slash actor, right back at ya
And to the next millenium many come but few are chosen
See me servin like the U.S. Open
Another type of hustler listed at Blockbuster
.. go and ask a movie usher
Who is he? He or she - SFP
Movies, CD's, and TV's, but uh-uh
cause today I take a break from that
as I roll where a tank of gas'll take me at
I used to rock these red Iroq Z's
Now I rock the MB's with the twelves and V's
Today, sun high.. up in the sky
From N.Y. la la to M.I., just cruising

Where, baby, I don't care (just cruisin)
As long as you take me there (just cruisin)
Somewhere to clear my mind (just cruisin)
Just cruising

Zero to sixty, flossin - 90 degrees
Sony cartridges, ten CD's each
Reach to the beach, Southside leanin
It ain't often I'm off and I'm feenin for the -
- top down, drop down got me hot now
Heated up can't stop now
What up cutie wop? Sure sure is cookin yo
I know I'm spoken for, can't hurt lookin though
Pop CD's, B-I-G's, then Tupac's
While cruisin the blocks, hittin the hot spots
Got my celly on O-F-F
Golden Arches got my belly goin oh yes yes
So let's just - ease on down ease on down the road
No pager on my hip as I'm rollin my whip
Cause today I'm on the solo creep
Man, why you think I be workin so hard all week?
I'm just cruisin

Where, baby, I don't care (just cruisin)
As long as you take me there (just cruisin)
Somewhere to clear my mind (just cruisin)
Just cruisin (I'm just cruisin)
Where, baby, I don't care (just cruisin)
As long as you take me there (just cruisin)
Somewhere to clear my mind (just cruisin)
Just cruisin

Sun settin in the S-K-Y
Must say I've had the best day I'm..
tryin to find a exit, a place to chill
Not too hectic, so I can spend some time with Will
Let the, sunshine to the moonlight clear my mind
Soul search, see what I find
If I'm bein the best lover and friend
Am I being the best daddy I can?
I pray I am, and I feel good today
Reminisce as I'm cruisin around the way
Roll tight past the park where I used to play
Can't think of a better way to spend my day
Uh, still findin my way, still growin
Petrol blowin, moon soon showin
Gots to get goin, losin the light
And "The Freaks Come Out at Night," right
Just cruising

Where, baby, I don't care (just cruisin)
As long as you take me there (just cruisin)
Somewhere to clear my mind (just cruisin)
Just cruisin (I'm just cruisin)
Where, baby, I don't care (I’m just cruisin)
As long as you take me there (just cruisin)
Somewhere to clear my mind (just cruisin)
Just cruisin

Work in Progress by Alan Jackson
- - - - - - - - - - -
Okay, I forgot about the trash,
I didn't trim the long hairs on my moustache.
I did buy you a ring; I believe it was back in '93.
Alright, I admit it; I forgot our anniversary.
I did pick up the baby this morning at the nursery.
That ain't no big thing; It's a gold star for me.

You get tired and disgusted with me,
When I can't be just what you want me to be.
I still love you and I try real hard.
I swear, one day, you'll have a brand new car.
I even asked the Lord to try to help me:
He looked down from Heaven, said to tell you please;
Just be patient, I'm a work in progress.

I'm sorry I got mad, waitin' in the truck;
It seemed like hours, you gettin' all dressed up,
Just to go to Shoney's on a Wednesday night.
I read that book you gave me about Mars and Venus;
I think it's sinkin' in but I probably need to re read it,
But I'm starting to see now, what you been saying is right.

You get tired and disgusted with me,
When I can't be just what you want me to be.
I still love you and I try real hard.
I swear, one day, you'll have a brand new car.
I even asked the Lord to try to help me:
He looked down from Heaven, said to tell you please;
Just be patient, I'm a work in progress.

I know you meant well when you bought me those clogs,
But my heels get hot down by the muffler on my hog.
I'm sure they're stylish, but I'll take my boots.
I try to do that health thing like you want me to do,
But that low-fat, no fat's gettin' hard to chew.
Now, I love your cookin', honey,
But sometimes, I need some real food.

You get tired and disgusted with me,
When I can't be just what you want me to be.
I still love you and I try real hard.
I swear, one day, you'll have a brand new car.
I even asked the Lord to try to help me:
He looked down from Heaven, said to tell you please;
Just be patient, I'm a work in progress.

Oh honey, just be patient, now,
I'm a work in progress.

Oh, I need a major tune up.
Maybe a full, body-off, restoration.
I’m tore up.

Now, in my defense, during the time I was married I did take out the trash (plus cooking, dishes, vacuuming, etc.), I never forgot a birthday or anniversary and I did help out with taking care of our son, even when he was a baby.

Now that I am single, a little older and a little wiser I try to find some time with 'Scott' and do some soul searchin which is normally while I am driving my 11 hours a week behind the wheel. Always among the thoughts is if "I am being the best daddy I can?" as the song says, "I pray I am."

However as a guy I understand that I have room for improvement in other areas, so please.... just be patient, I'm a work in progress.

Is there a Chiropractor in the house ?

2006-05-21T15:34:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the official 'moving day' into the new apartment. I have been taking boxes over from the storage unit and from my folks house for the past two weeks, but yesterday was the furniture.

I rented a big (24 foot) U-Haul truck and moved myself. Couch, recliner, boxes, tables, bookcases, dressers, more boxes, entertainment center and a huge television... (36' Sony WEGA that weighs abotu 250 pounds !) and all this was carried up to a second floor apartment.

I had my son, my parents, my 2 brothers, a friend and her daughter, and two 'moving guys' that I hired from a local moving agency. I only had family and friends on the loading end. So at the apartment we let the agency guys carry the heavy stuff.

Everything went much smoother than I thought. (I plan well, but I still sweat the details)

My mom and my friend brought lunch, snacks and drinks. At the end of the day everyone went home and collapsed, but at least they were well fed.

Now I just have to unpack, organize and get things set up. Give me a couple of weeks and it will feel like home.

As for the Chiropractor, that would be my youngest brother. But I think he was also hurting a little himself at the end of the day. I'll wait a few weeks and hit him up for an adjustment.

Am I the only one

2006-05-15T12:09:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else think that James Blunt sucks as a singer? Obviously not....as here is another who agrees with me

I can't change the radio station quick enough when one of his irritating 'tunes' comes on.

He must have written "Goodbye my Lover" after a girl walked out on him after he sang "You're Beautiful" to her on a date.

Does rain bring out the idiots or are they always there and the rain just brings the idiot to the surface?

2006-05-11T10:31:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am working like crazy, moving into a new apartment and my grandmother just had a stroke at the end of last week. So I have been just a tad bit busy and have not had time to post. However this mornings drive into work pissed me off and I just had to post something real quick.

I left the house this morning to drive to work and it took me over 45 minutes to make what is normally a 25 to 30 minute drive.... why? Because it was drizzling!

A little rain and wet pavement and people lose their friggin minds and drive below the speed limit. Of course there are more accidents.... it's the slow scared out of their minds people that cause the accidents to occur. They are driving 45-50 in the left or center lane on the highway.

I travel on a highway with 3 lanes in each direction and on a normal day traffic is moving along at 55-60 and there is little congestion. However this morning it was 35-45 and just short of being bumper to bumper. I fully expected that there was an accident a few miles up ahead that was slowing everything down.

That would have been to easy an answer. Nope the culprit was a little moisture. Put a light drizzle on the road and the people who are afraid to drive on a clear, dry, sunny day become freakishly frightened assholes. They drive in the left and center lanes 10-15 miles below the posted speed limit with a death grip on the steering wheel and a look of sheer terror on their faces.

On suburban 4 lane roads they are again driving 5 to 10 miles below the speed limit and even though they are already going slow and messing up the flow of traffic, they have to brake and slow even down even more a mile before a turn.

A good many of these accidents are cars that have been hit from behind and spun around. Why? Beacuse they have been hit by someone who was driving 'normally'.

These slow people do not drive with their foot on the brake pedal or with their flashers on to show those around them that they are literally crapping in their pants and that everyone else should watch out as they may do something else stupid that could affect hundreds of other drivers within 5 miles. No they just creep along impeding the flow of traffic and when some driver comes up behind them driving normally they freak out even more and hit their brakes or worse take their foot off the gas without hitting their brakes and those behind them are forced into reactive situations that lead to accidents.

Here are some tips for the assholes-

If your car does not have good traction in wet weather..... get some new tires!
If you are afraid of driving in the rain.....drive in the right lane or car pool or just stay home.
If you are afraid of driving even when it is a clear, dry, sunny day.... stay off the road...period!

Get a job closer to where you live and ride a bike or walk, or take public transportation. Or get a job where you can telecommute and work from home.

Don't whine about your right to drive, driving is a PRIVILEGE not a right. Leave it to those of us who know how.

Every time a group of cars could get past one of these rainy day freaks you could see a look of relief come over the faces of all the drivers. That is until we came up on another rainy day freak....

I let off a nice road rage type yell in my car as I pulled into the parking lot at work. 8 hours in the office strapped to a desk will be more relaxing than the 45 minutes it took to get there......

Tunes in my head

2006-05-05T10:52:00.000-05:00

Many people included my best friend Kemp have talked about the various CD's that they own that they have loaded onto their i-pods or artists that they look forward to buying and loading.

I am coming up on having had Lola for 2 months and I have a number of CD's that I own that I have loaded and listen to.

A Flock of Seagulls
ABC
Adam Ant
Aerosmith
Alan Jackson
Berlin
Big & Rich
Bobby Brown
Brian Wilson
Cameo
Chris Cagle
Darryl Worley
Depeche Mode
Devo
Dixie Chicks
Duran Duran
Dwight Yokam
Fleetwood Mac
Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Garbage
Garth Brooks
Gretchen Wilson
INXS
Jimmy Buffett
Jedd Hughes
John Denver
John Mayer
Josh Kelley
Kenney Chesney
Maroon 5
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Montgomery Gentry
Outkast
Pet Shop Boys
Peter Gabriel
Rascal Flatts
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sade
Stevie Nicks
Suzanne Vega
Talk Talk
Terence Trent D’Arby
The Three Tenors
Toby Keith
Trace Adkins
Tracy Byrd
Travis Tritt
Veruca Salt
Wang Chung
Will Smith

for humor the Blue Collar Comedy Tour and a bunch of Bill Engvall....

Turning a new page in my life

2006-05-04T15:40:00.000-05:00

I just signed the lease on an apartment. It is a 2 bedroom unit close to work and my son. This is a good thing and will definitely not only turn a new page, but hell it's going to start a whole new chapter in my life!

The best thing is that I will get to spend more time with my son as I will now be close enough for him to stay overnight for visitation 2 nights a week. Yep, I am an involved dad who enjoys what the state calls 'robust' visitation.

However this enters into new unchartered territory as I have never previously lived on my own before.

I know, how is it that a 42 year old guy has never lived on his own? Easy, after high school I went to a local college and lived at home. When I was in the service I lived in barracks with 45 other guys. After returning from the service I lived at home with the family until I met my ex-wife. I married at age 22 and separated from my ex at age 40. I moved out the day she attacked me and with no place else to go moved back in with family. Finally I am moving into my own place and living on my own.....

and you know what?....... It scares the hell out of me.

I will be doing what most people do when they are 20 years younger. I know that everything will be fine and everyone tells me that I will enjoy it and I am sure that after the first few weeks that I will, but right now it's the unknown.

The other good thing that can come out of this is dating. It's really hard to date when you are divorced and living with family. Although a lot (literally a ton) of people are in the same situation, and understandably so, there is still a stigma attached to being older than 25 and living with family.

You know if I am going to be doing things that people do in thier 20's it would be nice if I had the body I had in my 20's!

I know, small steps...

6......6......6......6.....6

2006-04-26T21:43:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I am sitting around one day reading CNN, MSNBC, ABCNEWS, Sarah’s blog and my best friend Kemp’s blog. I am reading along having a good ole time and what do I see? I have been tagged by Kemp with the latest ‘meme’.

The tag is to divulge 6 weird or strange things about yourself that most people would not know. I like to think that my life is pretty much an open book, however there are some things that only a very few select people know about. So let’s see, what about me is weird, strange or hardly anyone would know about me?

I was a virgin when I met my now ex-wife. (I was 19 when we met. I know she was surprised)
I have no idea what ‘meme’ stands for?
When I was a kid I would watch the Wizard of Oz the one time a year it was shown on TV, and each year I would cry when Dorothy was trapped in the tower and the sand was running out in the hourglass. And no, I’m not gay…not that there’s anything wrong with that. (lol)
I can put a smiley face on a target using a handgun. (Think Mel Gibson in the first Lethal Weapon movie)
I don’t wear socks….(or briefs for that matter on most days)
I have seen 90% of the movies made before 1950.

Ok, so there are my 6. It wasn’t quite as difficult as my list of 100, but it took some thought.

Ok, so who am I tagging….
1.) Can’t tag her, she started this…
2.) Can‘t tag her either….
3.) He tagged me……
4.)…???
5.) I got nothing….damn I better start reading more peoples blogs.

Let the yard work begin !

2006-04-17T09:12:00.001-05:00

Saturday morning the neighbor rented a dethatching machine, he rented it for the day and was done in a little over an hour. So what did I end up doing on Saturday....you got it. I dethatched the yard, I raked the yard....then my son picked up all the thatch.

Since the ground was all loosed up I then decided to overseed the entire lawn.

Now with new seed down I successfully pushed off the first mowing until the first week of May!

It's coming... and my son is jazzed about it

2006-04-10T13:53:00.000-05:00

Looks like Issac Asimov was right, with each passing day we take another small step towards making the movie I-Robot (among others) a reality. It started years ago with 'Furby' and we are now at stage of Asimo and Pleo.

I can see it now, one day the Asimo will have to take the Pleo for a walk....

It had to happen some time

2006-04-05T11:12:00.000-05:00

let me backtrack a couple of days. On Sunday afternoon I was driving my son back to his mom's after having him with me for the weekend. I called to let her know that we were about 10 minutes away and she was all of a sudden very flustered and had to get off the phone. I figured something was up. (like she needed to get someone out of the house...)

Last night my son and I went to see Ice Age 2 (which btw is very good) and as I pulled up in the driveway at his moms I saw a mini-van in the driveway. I know that a number of her girlfriends have mini-vans but I have never seen this one before. I commented to my son that one of his mom's friends must have dropped by to which he responded "No, that's Tim's van". I of course said who's Tim? (A logical question..) to which he then responded "Oh that's mom's boyfriend"

So there it was, my thoughts on Sunday afternoon were obviously correct. (once a cop, always a cop...) My ex was evidently trying to keep this little fact from me.

I know that she tells our son not to tell me things (which is very wrong). I do not pry and ask him questions. So how do I know that she has told him to not tell me things? He has flat out told me that his mom has told him not to tell me about things. Nice. Nothing like putting your kid on guard about his life.

So there it is, the ex has a boyfriend. Hopefully he is a psychiatrist as she has a lot of issues. And no I am not saying this as a bitter 'ex-husband'. Ask any of my friends (Kemp for example) or my son. My son repeatedly tells me that his mom has issues and needs some serious help. One of the things she told me during the divorce (during one of her calm periods) was that she realized that she needed to see a therapist to help her deal with a lot of things. I had only tried to get her to see a therapist for, oh about 6 years...... So it was a breakthrough to hear her say it herself.

I have had a girlfriend already (over which my ex physically attacked me..but that is a whole other story). So it's nice that we are both moving on with our lives. Unfortunately I found out about her new friend on what would have been our 20th anniversary....

Life is not without it's irony.

I wonder why I drink...

2006-04-03T19:12:00.000-05:00

Ok, let me preface this by saying that I do not have a drinking problem. If you have read this site before you know that I enjoy a good scotch now and then as well as the occasional sherry before bed after a lonnnnng day. Well, this weekend had some 'longevity'.......

Friday afternoon I picked up my son for the weekend. While driving home the doctors office called and said that my sons test came back positive for Strep so he spent the weekend relaxing and laying around taking antibiotics.

My folks drove my sister and her boys to the airport as she was headed back home to Idaho on Friday. When my folks returned from the airport, my mom was hunched over saying that she hurt her back carrying the car seat with the baby through the airport. So she was in pain and hunched over all weekend.

My dad was fighting strep or bronchitis and coughing all weekend. He was on antibiotics as well.

Saturday morning my grandmother calls to say that my grandfather fell out of his wheelchair at the nursing home and hit his head either on the floor or the wall heater. He and his roommate called for assitance for an hour before someone came to get him off the floor. Being that my mom was slowly walking around the house and looking like a pretzel I went with my dad to the nursing home.

My grandfather was in his bed looking very pale and incoherent with a large bruise/ abrasion/lump on the top of his forehead. My dad and I challenged the staff as to what they were doing medically as a result of the fall and with regards to his current state. Now my grandfather is 86, has spinal stenosis and a severely degenerated hip. The nursing staff knows this as he is in constant pain. So with that being said, what was the staff doing about treatment for his injuries? They had called for an x-ray of his hip! (ok, you fall and hit your head so lets x-ray something that we already know about) So after deducing that the staff were not in any hurry to have him looked at we told them to call for transport and had him taken to the E/R. The hospital decided to admit him for a battery of tests.

By the time we got home Saturday night it was after 8:30.....

Yesterday afternoon I got an e-mail from my mom that said my dad is full blown sick, and my grandfather has pneumonia.... that just caps off the weekend...

Funny thing is that the weekend is fairly typical of the past year and a half.

Like I said, I wonder why I drink...

SOOO much going on...so little time.

2006-03-28T10:25:00.000-06:00

Ok, there is so much that is happening in my life right now that I would love to talk about, but the fact is that I am so stinking busy that I feel like I barely have time to eat lunch or dinner let alone find some time to crank out a post.

Quick thoughts-

My sister is in from out of town with her two sons and staying with me. Great to see her and the boys.
This past weekend was non-stop with a surprise party and family reunion on Saturday (all afternoon and into the evening). Sunday was my nephews Baptism and then a family get togther afterwards to celebrate that as well as my nieces birthday. I got home from church, got changed, and then cooked up a HUGE batch of biscuits and gravy (of which there was nothing left of the gravy...). Add to that needing to get birthday gifts, and baptism gifts, and driving my grandmother to and from the surprise party-reunion. Whew....
Busy season at work started, oh about 2 months earlier than normal and I am up to my eyeballs with accelerated deadlines.
My ex is still a piece of work (that's why they are ex's right?)
Andy Card just resigned from the White House (see my poli-blog for that)
Demonstrators are furious that the country is trying to stop the flooding of illegal immigrants into this country. (see my poli-blog for that also)

There are probably more things that I could list, but once again, I do not have time. Oh well, I should be used to the turmoil in my life. At least I don't have twins.....just a teenager.

Later....

Best day of your life

2006-03-15T16:32:00.000-06:00

I was watching city Slickers the other night and at one point in the film, the question is asked "What was the best day of your life?"

So I started thinking about that, and in keeping with the rules laid out in the film, the birth of children doesn't count as that is too easy.

The best day of my life was when I was about 7 or 8 years old. It was a summer day and my Great-Grandfather took me fishing at a place called the "Fisherman's Dude Ranch". It was a big lake in a suburb west and north of Chicago.

The property was fenced off with homes and apartments surrounding it and was along one of the main roads in the town. Besides the big lake which had your normal assortment of panfish, bass and even northern pike, they also had two or three smaller ponds. These ponds were only about 3 feet deep at the most and were stocked with trout, lots of trout, lots of hungry large (8 - 10 lbs was not unusual) trout. You rented a pole and could fish the ponds and pay by the pound for whatever fish you caught.

As a young boy these fish were absolutely huge to me. I remember putting the hook in the water (no bait needed as these fish were perpetually hungry and would nibble at your finger) and within about 3 seconds I had a bite. I pulled the fish out of the water (with help from my great grandfather and a net) and was amazed at how quick I caught this fish and the size. I wanted to do it again. My great-grandfather said that I could 'try' it one more time. So in went the hook and about 15 seconds later out came a fish. I was beside myself with pride.

The man at the counter cleaned and bagged the fish for us to take home. I remember sitting in the front passenger seat of the 1970 Oldsmobile Delta 88, the smell of the new car and the air conditioner, and talking fish tales with my great-grandfather about what I had just caught and the 'ones that got away'.

My Great-Grandfather died 26 years ago, but I will never forget that day almost 35 years ago. When a man took time on a summer day to take his great-grandson fishing.

So, what was the best day of your life? And no you cannot say the birth of your children...it's too easy. Leave a comment and share your story.

The ways people find you

2006-03-15T11:48:00.000-06:00

I know that I give the address of this blog to friends and family and they will pass it along. I am also linked on a couple of sites, my best friends personal blog and the other blog that I co-author with him. There may be a few others but those are two right off the top of my head.

I was reading the latest entries by Sarah (as I often do) and she had an entry about word searches that people have done that ended up at her blog. So I decided to see what kind of searches are bringing people to mine.

Here are some of the recent search phrases that have brought people to my door if you will:

scotts kid
scott's liquid gold (told ya I was worth my weight in gold..)
toby keith alien ford commercial
lola
i want to do bad things to you
career builder monkee

Interesting, but I have to work on getting people directed my way with weird words and combo's I will have to think about that. I'll do that while I cook up another batch of 'Bone Suckin Sauce' :-)

Words for search... Shrimp Alfredo Garcia

Today’s random tune from Lola

2006-03-14T11:30:00.000-06:00

This is appropriate considering I have been increasingly feeling the need to smell the sea air and walk in the sand…..cabin fever, you betcha….

“Boat Drinks” by Jimmy Buffett

Boat drinks. Boys in the band ordered boat drinks.
Visitors just scored on the home rink.
Everything seems to be wrong.

Lately, newspaper mentioned cheap airfare.
I've got to fly to Saint Somewhere.
I'm close to bodily harm.

Twenty degress and the hockey games on.
Nobody cares; they are way too far gone,
screamin' "Boat drinks," somethin'to keep them all warm.
This morning I shot six holes in my freezer.
I think I got cabin fever.
Somebody sound the alarm.
I'd like to go where the pace of life's slow.
Could you beam me somewhere, Mister Scott?
Any old place here on Earth or in space.
You pick the century and I'll pick the spot.

I know I should be leaving this climate.
I got a verse but can't rhyme it.
I gotta go where it's warm.

Boat drinks.
Waitress, I need two more boat drinks.
Then I'm headin south 'fore my dream shrinks.
I gotta where it's warm.

I gotta go where it's warm.
I gotta go where it's warm.
I gotta go where there ain't any snow,
where there ain't any blow,
'cause my fin sinks so low.
I gotta go where it's warm.

I can smell the ocean already. Fins to the left of me, fins to the right.....

Later.

Watch the lady with peanuts

2006-03-10T11:36:00.000-06:00

A bus is taking a group of seniors to a casino in a neighboring state. About an hour into the trip the driver feels a tap on his shoulder. He turns to see an elderly woman standing behind him and she offers him a handful of peanuts. He thanks her, takes the peanuts and eats them.

Over the next half-hour the same woman comes back 5 more times with handfuls of peanuts for the driver.

The sixth time the woman comes up the driver says ‘you and your friends must love peanuts”. The woman says “oh we don’t like peanuts”. The driver asks the woman “why do you buy them?”, to which the woman replies “we like to suck the chocolate off of them!”

Quick thought on driving

2006-03-09T11:26:00.000-06:00

This morning I am on the tollway driving to the office. I am moving along with traffic and we are all doing about 65 to 70. Up behind me comes a new Mercedes.

Now, it is nearing the end of the morning rush period and there are a lot of cars still on the road. All 3 lanes are filled with cars staggered as they are by speed, spacing, etc.

We are in the left lane and little 'Ms. Mercedes' begins to tailgate. I tap the brakes to get her to put a little more space between us, which she does for about 10 seconds. So as we continue down the road there is no room to just change lanes and let 'Speed Racerette' zip on by. However as we pass cars in the middle lane she continually moves over to the right to see if she has enough room to jump to the right, pass me and zip in front of me. Well there is not, as I said the lanes are full. But she continues on her mission and at least half a dozen times changes into the middle lane only to immediately come back to the left lane as the left is still moving faster.

Now the entire time she is jumping back and forth there is no signaling the lane change. No she just looks like she is driving on an invisible slalom course.

Eventually we pass a number of cars and I can see that the middle lane opens up ahead. Seeing that this opening exists (and that my exit is coming up in a couple of miles) I decide that I am going to move over to the middle lane and let little miss 'brain surgeon' zip on her way (or at least speed up for 300 feet before she hits more traffic...)

So as I was saying, we pass the cars and the middle lanes opens up. Just as I pass the lead car I begin to change lanes while at the same time using my turn signal to indicate that I am changing lanes. Just as I am simultaneously doing this maneuver the Mercedes has stepped on her accelerator and started to change lanes! (again without signaling her lane change)

At this point I move over to the middle as she jerks back to the left. I have my left hand raised inside the car and waving to signify "you're an idiot, what the hell is your problem?!" (no I am not flipping her the 'bird') She obviously sees this gesture as she slows down a little and proceeds to pass me a little more cautiously.

As she passes I look over. She is in her mid to late 30's, has tunnel vision and is staring straight ahead with a blank look of confusion on her face and a death grip on the steering wheel.

Great, another clueless person who has no business driving as she is obviously scared to death and can't even remove her left hand from the wheel long enough to activate the turn signal. And driving a Mercedes..how do clueless people end up with money and how did this one get a drivers license?? Can you image what her driving will be like when she is in 20 or 30 years?

Eventually we hit the off-ramp and get on the adjoining tollroad. I can see her up ahead still trying to pass other cars, weaving in and out of lanes, cutting over to the off ramp at the last second cutting off other cars and trucks again without signaling a lane change and barely using her brakes.

10 miles later as I am getting off the tollroad I see her. She is two cars in front of me at the stop-light. So in 15 miles she has almost caused at a minimum 5 possible accidents, pissed off probably about 50 other drivers. All this and she winds up 50 feet in front of me.

After the light changes she turns into a business park.

I hope she was late for her meeting.

Karma baby !

Random i-pod tune for the day

2006-03-09T09:41:00.000-06:00

Ok, last night was the first time I took Lola to the gym with me and was she inspirational! I normally do about 12 -15 minutes on the eliptical, but with Lola crankin out the tunes before I knew it 26 minutes had flown by. So I hit shuffle for one last tune to get me to an even 30 minutes of sweating and the song stuck with me the rest of the night and was in my head this morning. Enjoy.....

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
'Switch' by Will Smith

Mic check, mic check
Yeah here he go
Nah he over here, I heard he got that hot new thang
It's called SWITCH

Let's get it going
(Heeeeeeeey, Heeeeeeeey)
Turn it over and
HIT IT
Turn around now
SWITCH
Turn it over now
HIT IT
Heeeeeeeey

Vibe the vibe a second
It's a club girl
Why you arriving naked
Here that how
The veteran glide the record
But don't download go out and buy the record
(Heeeeeeeey... Heeeeeeeey)
There's something sexy about a girl on the floor
All her friends around her
I mean real clean
I ain't gotta touch or nothin
It ain't like I like it chick on chick or something
I'm just a sucker for a hot track
Gimme a drink and a chick to tell stop that
The dance is a hop and a clap
Flip it round, bring it on back, break it down
NOW SWITCH

(Heeeeeeeey, Heeeeeeeey)
Turn it over and
HIT IT
Turn it around now
SWITCH
(Heeeeeeeey, Heeeeeeeey)
Turn it over and
HIT IT
Ohhh La La La
SWITCH (repeat)

I got a question
I need to ask somebody
Why is it that when ya’ll see me at the party?
Ya’ll be looking like
Ooh He a movie star
He ain't suppose to be out on the floor with everybody
But oooh wait whooa
Ya’ll forgetting when I was amateur spitting
Before the scripts was written
I was the first one in, last one out the club
Bursting in, passing out in the club
Back at it this cat is the wit and the charm
Taking you higher like a syringe hitting your arm
Bringing the fire making you binge
Ring the alarm
Let me see you clap and spin baby
Come on

(Heeeeeeeey, Heeeeeeeey)
Turn it over and
HIT IT
Turn it around now
SWITCH
(Heeeeeeeey, Heeeeeeeey)
Turn it over and
HIT IT
Ohhh La La La
SWITCH (repeat)

Oh, you just gonna stand there, huh
What you too cute to dance or you scared

It ain't really that hard to do
I aint trying to be in love with you
All I wanted was a moment or two
To see if you could do that switcharoo
Shut ya mouth
Get ya crew
The thick body and the red one too
I'll be right hear waiting on you
To see if ya’ll can do that switcharoo
Heeeeeeeey, Heeeeeeeey
That's what I'm talking bout
Do that there ma
That's what I'm talking bout
Do that there ma
That's what I'm talking bout
Do that there ma
That's what I'm talking bout

(Heeeeeeeey, Heeeeeeeey)
Turn it over and
HIT IT
Turn it around now
SWITCH
(Heeeeeeeey, Heeeeeeeey)
Turn it over and
HIT IT
Ohhh La La La
SWITCH (repeat)

Ok, now I am ready to go back to the gym. It's amazing what the right tunes can do for your motivation.

Later.

Some Family Guy for a mid-week break

2006-03-08T11:24:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday and I know that I could use a laugh to break up the work week.

Enjoy.

Chris: Dad, what's the blow-hole for?
Peter: I'll tell you what it's not for son. And when I do, you'll understand why I can never go back to Sea World.

Tom Tucker: Stay tuned for our special investigative report on the clitoris, "Nature's Rubik's Cube".

Lois: Oh, I haven't been on a college campus in years. Eveything seems so different.
Stewie: Really? Perhaps if you laid on your back with your ankles behind your ears that would ring a few bells.

Lola Speaks

2006-03-07T09:19:00.000-06:00

You all know who Lola is from my previous post. Today, she officially spoke for the first time....

I hit shuffle on the i-pod and todays song is "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield. I remember summertime, 1981 (yes the song is 25 years old...), driving with all the windows down and this was just one of the tunes crankin out of the Pioneer... oh the memories...

Jessie's Girl by Rick Springfield from the album 'Working Class Dog'

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jessie is a friend
Yeah I know he's been a good friend of mine
But lately something's changed
It ain't hard to define
Jessie's got himself a girl and I want to make her mine

And she's watching him with those eyes
And she's lovin' him with that body,I just know it
And he's holding her in his arms late, late at night

You know I wish that I had Jessie's girl
I wish that I had Jessie's girl
Where can I find a woman like that

I play along with the charade
There doesn't seem to be a reason to change
You know I feel so dirty when they start talking cute
I wanna tell her that I love her but the point is probably moot

'Cause she's watching him with those eyes
And she's lovin' him with that body, I just know it
And he's holding her in his arms late, late at night

You know I wish that I had Jessie's girl
I wish that I had Jessie's girl
Where can I find a woman like that

Like Jessie's girl, I wish that I had Jessie's girl
Where can I find a woman
Where can I find a woman like that

And I'm lookin' in the mirror all the time
Wondering what she don't see in me
I've been funny, I've been cool with the lines
Ain't that the way love's supposed to be

Tell me
Where can I find a woman like that

You know I wish that I had Jessie's girl
I wish that I had Jessie's girl
I want Jessie's girl
Where can I find a woman like that
Like Jessie's girl
I wish that I had Jessie's girl
I want I want Jessie's girl

Now I am in the mood to hear "I've Done Everything for You".

Thanks a lot Lola, how about some AC/DC next time....

I would like to introduce Lola

2006-03-06T14:54:00.000-06:00

She's Black/Chrome, 30 gigabites with video, has 177 songs already loaded onto her and I call her Lola... That's right, I did it, I bought an i-pod.

I have had Lola for a little over 24 hours and I can see why so many people love theirs.

I already learned how to convert wma. files to mp3. Now I need to learn how to download movies and videos.

Lola is pretty cool and I can see her and I spending a lot of time together. More to come......

My list of 100

2006-02-20T23:50:00.000-06:00

Ok, some people have been asking me "So how's the list of 100 coming along" (thanks Kemp!)

Well it has taken awhile, but here it is, my list of 100......

I am 5’10”
I have put on 60 lbs in the past year as a result of stress, I have a few extra pounds…
My eyes are Hazel
They turn green when I am ‘in the mood’
I wear bi-focals and no one except my family and best friends know
I am blonde
However I am slowly balding (as my son keeps reminding me!)
I married the first woman I slept with
I am divorced after an 18 year marriage
And I am a better person because of it
I have a 13 year old son
I lost a second son at birth
I love being a dad
But I constantly worry if I am doing everything correctly
My relationship with my son has gotten better since the divorce
I am the oldest of 4 children
I wish I was closer with my siblings
I have 7 nieces and nephews
I don’t understand reality shows
I have seen 90-95% of the movies made before 1950
I love Dogs
I am a very good cook
I like to build things with my hands
I miss having that ‘one’ someone special in my life
I think Robin Williams is hilarious
I love Country and 80’s music
I have seen every James Bond film at least 15 - 20 times
I believe in the Right to Bear Arms
I am pro-choice
I am pro death penalty
I lean more to the left politically
I love the beaches of the southeast U.S.
I was born on the cusp of Cancer / Leo. Depending on the newspaper or magazine I read both horoscopes.
If I could do any job I wanted I would be a high school/college history teacher or psychiatrist
I hate tomatoes and onions
I love coffee……let me repeat that, I LOVE COFFEE……
I enjoy a good cigar (especially Cuban…)
I am very funny
I am right handed
I prefer Pepsi over Coke
I am not named after anyone in my family
I love a good scotch
I can do all my own remodeling work
I once took a vacation day from work in order to rearrange the kitchen to have the proper flow
I love classic horror tales
I have never been to Hawaii
I served in the U.S. Army
I can't say no to Dark Chocolate
I have a temper
But only when I am pushed
I think clowns are evil
If I do not have caffeine each morning I get a headache by noon
I collect coffee cups
And antique documents, my oldest is a newspaper from 1718
I am also a World War II history nut
I can finish the phrase ‘Signed, yours truly, ……” (hint -Old Time Radio)
I have a genius level IQ
But my sons is higher than mine!
I can shoot a smiley face on a target with a handgun (think Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon)
If I could live anywhere it would be in an oceanfront home
My first real job was in law enforcement
I know exactly what I would do if I won the lottery
I love walking through forest preserves
I do not understand the appeal of fantasy sports
I would like to learn how to fence (with swords, not selling stolen goods)
I can dance the Polka
I would like to learn how to Salsa and Rumba (all the latin dances)
A distant cousin of mine was the recent President of a European country
I enjoy a good Sherry before bed
I love Salt-Water Aquariums, they are very relaxing
I would like to get remarried
I come with a Pampered Chef dowrey! (Mom works at corporate!)
Snow is over-rated, I could live without it
If common sense was truly common there wouldn’t be a need for my other blog
I believe in a higher power and attend church, but question many aspects of religion and faith
Did I mention that I think questioning authority is a good thing
When I watch a good movie I develop an emotional attachment to the characters
A plot that contains a true love that is lost/sacrificed (man/woman or parent/child) brings a tear to my eye
I miss cars from the 60’, 70’s and 80’s…I could work on those !
I think we need another viable political party, because the two we got just aren’t cutting it
Give me a good movie and a fireplace any night of the week
My son always wanted me to put him to bed when he was younger
If I was on a business trip I called home at bedtime to tuck him in via long-distance
I got my bachelors degree at age 39 via distance learning
When I was in the service my nickname was ‘Gooch” short for ‘Gucci’ as I was always the first to get new things for my uniform, so my platoon thought I was stylin
I can remember things as early as my 3rd birthday
I was in the delivery room when both of my sons were born
The first was a c-section, man did I get an anatomy lesson
I am more comfortable speaking to an audience of 500 strangers than a group of 2 or 3 casual acquaintances
I get about 5 hours of sleep a night
That is because I am a night person
I sneak chocolate chips by the handful from the bag in the kitchen
“Human Sacrifice!, Dogs and Cats Living Together!”
BTW, Ghostbusters was brilliant
I am not lactose intolerant
I still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up
I am a compendium of useless information, like my best friend, therefore people don’t like to play trivial pursuit with me
I am scared of heights
I have great depth perception and can drive through barricades spaced 3-4 inches wider than my car at 60 miles per hour
I love to kiss (and have been told I am very good at it!)
My favorite number is 13
I love pecan pie
I got my ear pierced for my 40th birthday
I prefer hard liquor over beer
I am thankful for my close friends.

Ok, there you have it, 100 (actually 105) things about me. Oh did I mention that I am worth my weight in gold!

Who doesn't love Stewie !?

2006-02-10T09:33:00.000-06:00

I love the show "Family Guy", it's one of the funniest and quick witted shows on television. I was watching a couple of episodes (of course I would have them on DVD, what kind of fan would I be if I didn't?) and just had to put up a couple of hilarious quotes involving Stewie.

Lois: What's going on down here?
Stewie: Oh, we're playing house.
Lois: That boy's all tied up.
Stewie: Roman Polanski's house!

Stewie: Cut my eggs!
Butler: [cuts eggs] Your eggs are cut sir.
Stewie: Cut my milk!
Butler: I can't sir, it's liquid.
Stewie: Imbecile! Freeze it, then cut it, and if you question me again I'll put you on diaper detail and I promise I won't make it easy for you.

since I am on a roll, a great Quagmire quote:

Quagmire (running through mall and accidentally into the camera room): Where am I, am I dead?
Security Guard: No, this is where we monitor all the dressing rooms in the mall so we can keep an eye out for shoplifters.(Woman on Monitor has heart attack)
Quagmire: Oh my God! That one's having a heart attack! (Runs to womans dressing room, rubs womans chest and breathes in her mouth. Woman becomes conscious.)
Woman#2: That was amazing!
Woman#3: You saved her life!
Woman#4: Thank God you know CPR!
Quagmire: What the hell is CPR?

Hope you enjoy the Family Guy Quotes as much as I do.

Giggity, Giggity....awww right! Happy Friday!

Later.

Some random thoughts on the Superbowl

2006-02-06T12:09:00.000-06:00

Ok, not so much on the game, but on the things surrounding the game...

Bad commercials- Diet Pepsi ads (bland), Cadillac Escalade (boring), Shaq for Desperate Hosewives (stupid), Burger King (for all the hype, the guy that thought that idea up should be fired)
Good commericals- Ameriquest: Woman on the plane (made me want to fly somewhere), Ameriquest: Doctors and Fly (just plain funny), Budweiser: Streaking Sheep (made my teenager and I laugh), Career-Builder (monkeys are still funny), Emerald Nuts (gotta love a commerical with swords and druids- very original), Budweiser: Magic Fridge (you knew that was going to happen but it was still funny as hell when it did)
Best commercial- Budweiser: Junior Clydsdale trying to pull the wagon (Well done, you wanted to cheer the little guy on)
Honorable Mention- Paul McCartney (not exciting, but classy...and that is what you expect from Sir Paul)
All the other ads were mediocre at best.
Speaking of mediocre, the Stones need a new nickname, how about the Grandfathers of Rock and Roll? I hope Mic gave the clothes back to Kate Moss after the performance.
Nice stage for the performance though, they should keep it as they will be able to drive around on their 'Little Rascals' in the next few years.
The pre-game 'Dr. Seuss' reading by Harrison Ford was different...strange but good.
My son and I made some choc chip cookies prior to the start of the game. Nice treat for half-time.
I had not one beer before, during or after the game.
We had a non-traditional game dinner, spaghetti.....say what you will but it was good.

The most important thing was that it was fun watching the game with my son and commenting back and forth on everything during the game, commericals and half-time. I may not remember the score or who dropped what play in the years to come, but I will have great memories of another time when he and I spent a few hours together laughing and sharing. That is my favorite part of this years, or any years game!

Two pieces of wisdom that I will share-

Spend time with your kids, they grow up way to fast!
Think of each day as a chance to make a memory!

Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

Later.

p.s.- I lost the bet on the game and owe my son another model. I better get a part time job for next year as he intends to try and continue his winning streak against dear old dad.

Who would've guessed....

2006-02-03T14:49:00.000-06:00

My best friend Kemp posted this on his blog and as I am alwasy looking for a creative way to jump-start my writing 'jones' I thought this was as good as any place to start. Why?....cause we all gotta find a creative spot where we can...mine is just below my left shoulder....a little to the left....lower....that's it...

10 interesting and little known facts about yours truly:

1. Tradition allows women to propose to Scott only during leap years. (Next one is 2008..)
2. Scott cannot regurgitate!
3. Scott is worth his weight in gold - literally! (Sweeet)
4. In the kingdom of Bhutan, all citizens officially become Scott on New Years Day!
5. It took scott 22 years to build the Taj Mahal!
6.Owls cannot move their eyes, because their eyeballs are shaped like Scott.
7. Scott cannot jump.
8. Four-fifths of the surface of Scott is covered in water!
9. The pigment Indian Yellow was manufactured from the urine of cows feed only on Scott!
10. Scott is only six percent water! (The other 94 percent is coffee!)

These amazing facts were provided by "The Mechanical Contrivium" click on the link to find out 10 amazing facts about yourself. When you do, please let all of us know what those facts are by leaving a comment.

Well, hopefully this will get me started posting to this blog once again, instead of only to my other blog.

Later...

Why duplicate when you can redirect.

2006-01-16T14:29:00.000-06:00

Today is a national day of celebration and rememberance of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King.

I was going to write a post about Dr. King, but instead I thought I would direct your attention to a great post writen by my esteemed colleague, Kemp. You remember him, my idealogical twin and best friend.

You can click here to read Kemp's post or here and read the post on our political/social commentary site, The "Bush"-Whacked Administration.

I strive daily to teach my son tolerance and acceptance of all peoples, I hope you all do the same.

Keep the dream alive for all our children.

Scott

Just made me laugh..

2005-12-29T12:45:00.000-06:00

Ok, I am sitting here at work crunching numbers, looking over proposal documents, and other kinds of exciting underwriting stuff. (I know, but compared to actuaries we underwriters are a party posse.)

So into my head pops a scene from the episode of "Family Guy" that I was watching the other night. (Stewie is of course my favorite character on the show. How can you not love this kid?) I just start laughing to myself, and think if this is so friggin funny, why not share the hilarity.

So I present the quote of the day:

Peter: Hey hey I got an idea. Lets play "I Never." You got to drink if you did the thing that the person says they never did.
Cleveland: Oh I got one, I never slept with a women with the lights on.(They all drink.)
Joe: I'll go next, uh I never had sex with Cleveland's wife.(Quagmire and Cleveland drink.)
Peter: alright lets see uh, I never did a chick in a Logan airport bathroom.(Only Quagmire drinks.)
****About 33 drinks later****
Peter: God lets see what else is there um...I never gave a reach-around to a spider monkey while reciting the Pledge of Alligence.
Quagmire: Oh God.(Quagmire takes a drink.)
Joe: I uh I never picked up an illegal alien at Home Depot to take home and choke me while I touch myself.
Quagmire: Oh come on!(Quagmire drinks again.)
Peter: I never did the same thing except with someone from Joann Fabrics.
Quagmire: Oh God this is ridiculous. You guys suck! (Drinks more and passes out.)

Freakin sweet.... later

Thursday....

2005-12-28T14:59:00.000-06:00

It's two-fer Thursday. Ok it works better with Tuesday, but I still have two for today.

"Baby Doll" by Pat Green

and

"If IHad A Million Dollars" by The Bare Naked Ladies

Songs for a Hump Day....

2005-12-28T14:06:00.000-06:00

Today once again we have two songs both of which deserve equal billing.

"Bad Things" by Jace Everett

and

"Just The Guy To Do It" by Toby Keith

Two great songs by two great voices.

Later.

Christmas is over, time for blogging

2005-12-27T12:51:00.000-06:00

Wass Uppp?!

I took a few days off for the Christmas holiday. Spent time with my son and did some shopping and relaxing.

We had a lot of fun coming up with wacky ideas. We would both be laughing so hard we ended up with hiccups....

I can't say that I remember any songs from over the weekend but today I woke up with

"Honkeytonk Badonkadonk" by Trace Adkins

going through my head....

as I was driving to the office the following 2 songs get honorable mention as songs of the day:

"Swingin Door" by Joey Daniels

"God Bless the American Housewife" by SheDaisy

Strange combo of tunes, but hey that is how my mind works...

Later.

That's what friends are for...

2005-12-22T22:21:00.000-06:00

See, this is what happens when one complains. I complain on my blog and to my best friend Kemp that I have writers block, and then I get tagged by Kemp after he was tagged by Sarah… (Kemp was also suffering from writers block..)

In order to keep the game of ‘Tag’ going, I’m 'it". I guess I better start counting backwards, 100, 99, 98, 87 …yeah and tell me that you didn’t skip numbers when you were a kid either…..

Remove the blog in the top spot from the following list and bump everyone up one place. Then add your blog to the bottom slot.
1. Running2K's
2. Queen of Spain
3. Sarah and the Goon Squad
4. Kemp (although I’ve noticed everyone else has a cool nickname, so for this little exercise I’ll call myself…‘Dr. Spin’)
5. Scott (Kemp is right we need cool nicknames….’Big Guy’ as in “Life is good when you’re the Big Guy)

Then you get to select five people to pass the love on to. This is in no way mandatory.
1. Good thing as I can't think of any..... I'll have to get back to this one...
2.
3.
4.
5.

What were you doing 10 years ago?
10 years ago? Let’s see I was married to a woman I loved, a homeowner and father to a 2 year old. I was in the process of changing jobs and getting a nice raise in pay. Life was pretty good….or so I thought.

What were you doing one year ago?
Getting used to life as a statistic, an official divorcee’. I was also on my way to becomming a much happier and a much better dad (at least that what my son tells me) than when I was when married.

Five snacks you enjoy:
1. Coffee…what’s not to love.
2. Walnuts and Chocolate Chips.
3. Chips and Chili con queso
4. English Muffin Pizzas
5. Bourbon or Scotch…(depends on the time of day and my mood)

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics: (tough to limit to only 5)
1. ‘The Coast is Clear’ by Scotty Emerick
2. ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’ by The Monkees
3. ‘Save a horse, Ride a Cowboy’ by Big & Rich
4. Almost ANY song by Toby Keith or Montgomery Gentry (Yes, I am the guy doing ‘car karaoke’ to Toby or Eddie & Troy…I sound great in a 6 x 6 foot space)
5. ‘I’ve Got the World On A String’ by Frank Sinatra

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1. Travel and then more travel
2. Build a new house on the ocean and one near family
3. Invest the principal and try to live off the interest. (This depends on how many millions I would have)
4. Go back to college at the same time as my son…hey Rodney Dangerfield did it.
5. Put a 10,000 gallon salt water aquarium in my house.

Five bad habits:
1. Procrastination
2. Not wearing socks (according to some people that is a bad habit)
3. Not exercising enough
4. Not getting enough sleep
5. Not eating as healthy as I should

Five things you like doing:
1. Traveling/Camping
2. Making furniture.
3. Shooting at the target range.
4. Watching the Bears…sorry Da Bears!
5. Playing X-Box

Five things you would never wear or buy again:
1. Buy- Turkey Roll (don’t ask)
2. Wear – Anything with Polyester
3. Wear – Spandex (never have and never will)
4. Wear – socks (unless it’s 20 below…)
5. Wear – Members Only jacket

Five favorite toys:
1. Laptop
2. Motorola RAZR cell phone
3. R/C 4 wheel drive truck
4. Legos. As someone said “Never too old for legos.. “
5. ??? I think I need another toy….

Thursdays Song

2005-12-22T21:46:00.000-06:00

Well folks, I have been spending time with my son and enjoying it so I am posting a little late in the day.

This mornings song was a rockin little holiday ditty:

"Is that you Santa (Santi) Claus?" - by Buster Poindexter

I remember seeing this rendition performed on Saturday Night Live, and thinking of it this morning just put me in a great mood for the rest of the day.

I guess just being with my son has lightened my spirits and put me in the holiday mood.

Take care of yourselves...

Later.

Wednesday + Song = post

2005-12-21T10:25:00.000-06:00

What can I say I am an insurance underwriter so sometimes I can't help but put things into equations.

This morning I woke up with the following songs running through my head:

"Mr. Heatmiser" by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (If you have seen the old Rankin/Bass Christmas Special 'The Year Without A Santa Claus' you know this tune)

and also

"Jingle Bells" by the Brian Setzer Ochestra

Both are great 'hip' renditions of these two great holiday tunes. If these songs don't bring a smile to your face then you may need Prozac...

Later.

Songs....

2005-12-20T12:39:00.000-06:00

Ok, I am almost finished with the challenge post thrown down by Kemp, btw thanks Kemp. If nothing else it helps me get through the writers block and pass this time at this time of the year.

But I notice I slacked on my song postings. So in order to play catch up I will post the past few days worth of songs.

Saturday: "The Coast is Clear" by Scotty Emerick (Great song- I picture myself on that beach...)

Sunday: "Wild Wild West" by Will Smith

Monday: "XXL" by Keith Anderson (I think this is going to be my theme song!)

Tuesday: "Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroqai

Tonight I pick up my son and will have him with me until late Christmas morning. So please forgive me if I do not post these daily. You all know how much I love being a dad and spending time with my son.

Later.

Friday....Yippie! (and songs)

2005-12-16T12:06:00.000-06:00

It's Friday! End of the work week, time to spend 2 days relaxing. I have my son for the weekend (which is a great thing all by itself !) and one of my sister in-laws is having a combination birthday party (for her youngest) and family Christmas cookie bake. My son and I are also planning on going to see a movie with a friend and her kids. So overall it is going to be a good weekend.

Those of you who read my other blog are also familiar with my best friend Kemp and his blog. Well Kemp has been suffering from writers block also...sound familiar? So Sarah essentially "tagged" him with a challenge, which he has now "tagged" me with. (Thanks a lot Sarah!...just kidding, it's great to have cyber friends reach out and lend a hand.)

So now after my son goes to bed this weekend I will be working on the 'tag' project and passing it along. Kemp also did a list of 100...which, as I told him was a sort of 'unofficial challenge' so I have two projects to work on... I will have at least one of them done and posted this weekend. The other is a little more difficult and may take a day or two longer. So keep coming back and we will get through this together...ok, I'll get through it, you can relax and laugh at my postings.

Finally, the song of the day. Today there are two songs as both of them were going through my head.

"I Left Something Turned On At Home" - Trace Adkins

"Tequila Make Her Clothes Fall Off" - Joe Nichols

Well, I am writing a little more consistently, which is good. I haven't yet noticed a pattern with the songs, other than they are mostly country artists, which is what I mainly listen to so that is not really a surprise. Although I do listen to pretty much everything (especially 80's)

If you see a pattern developing, let me know. After all I am a guy and we do sometimes miss the obvious.

Later.

Thursday song...

2005-12-15T10:45:00.000-06:00

Todays song of the day is "I Swear" by John Michael Montgomery.

Song of the day

2005-12-14T09:38:00.000-06:00

I heard a song last night on the drive home and when I woke up this morning it was the tune I was humming in the shower.

Ok, last night I was in a great mood as I had just spent a few hours with my son (so of course I would be in a great mood!!) and this song came on the radio. Now I had never heard this song before but after the first verse I found myself singing along as the words just seemed to be logical, a no brainer if you will. (Ok, now that has got to be a great bit of songwriting if you can come up with a song that someone can sing along with never having heard it before!)

The song is "Christmas Cookies" by George Strait.

Notice it's not 'Holiday Cookies'....for that debate see my other blog.

Here are the lyrics:

Chorus:
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, sugar
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe
The ones that look like Santa Claus
Christmas trees, and bells, and stars
I sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe

Now Christmas cookies are a special treat
The more she bakes the more I eat
And sometimes I can't get myself to stop
Sometimes she'll wait till I'm asleep
And she'll take the ones I didn't eat
And put those little sprinkly things on top

Now those sprinkly things just makes things worse
Cause it makes them taste better than they did at first
And they're absolutely impossible to resist
Some disappear to who knows where
But I make sure I get my share
And those kids just stand there waiting for the ones I miss

I sure do like those Christmas cookies, sugar
Sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe
She gets mad that they're all gone
Before she gets the icing put on
Sure do like those Christmas cookies babe

Now there's a benefit to all of this
That you might have overlooked or missed
So now let me tell you the best part of it all
Every time she sticks another batch in the oven
There's 15 minutes for some kissin' and'a huggin'
That's why I eat Christmas cookies all year long!

Ah, Take it away boys

--- Instrumental ---

I sure do like those Christmas cookies, babe...

This song has become my new Christmas Favorite. If you get a chance, try and sample it on the net, or just go out and by it. It can be found on multiple compilation albums of Country Christmas songs, including an album appropriately named, what else...."Christmas Cookies".

Later.

Tuesdays Song

2005-12-13T10:47:00.000-06:00

This morning I woke with the song "I Ain't Your Mama" by Amber Dotson going through my head.

She has a great voice that is a perfect match with country music.

Writers block sucks !

2005-12-12T09:35:00.000-06:00

Ok, once again I haven't posted for a couple of weeks. I have however been posting on my other site.

So why haven't I been posting more? Two words....writer's block.

Don't ge tme wrong there are plenty of things for me to write about. It's just sometimes hard to come up with that one sentence from which the rest of the posting flows.

In order to try and help get me over the 'hump' so to speak....now I am thinking of the song by the Black Eyed Peas......wait that's an idea...I will start posting the name of the song going through my head when I wake up each day. Not really exciting but hey it's a start...

Ok, let's see.....here are the songs from the past couple of days..

Sunday- The Girl I Knew Somewhere- The Monkees
Monday- She Didn't Have Time- Terri Clark

It's a start...let's see where this goes...

A date which will live in Infamy !

2005-12-07T07:30:00.000-06:00

"Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

- President Franklin D. Roosevelt's address to Congress, December 8, 1941

My apologies

2005-11-28T09:41:00.000-06:00

I know that I haven't posted much lately. I have been working through some personal issues that have been weighing heavily on my mind.

I am sure that I have pisssed off or dissapointed a few people. For that I am sorry, but some issues are not easily discussed (see my post of 11/12) nor do I feel that I am able to deal with other issues. I have dealt with many things in the past few years and right now I am tired.

I am continuing to write about many things and will begin posting them soon.

I do currently continue to post on The 'Bush'-Whacked Administration, as I am able to discuss things that are important to us all.

Thanks for understanding.

Later.

Some Self-Realization

2005-11-20T12:42:00.000-06:00

Ok, those of you who know me, know that I am single (divorced), those of you who don’t know me, well now you also know that I am single….

When I woke up this morning I was laying in bed and for some reason starting thinking about how much I missed waking up and gently rubbing a woman’s shoulders and back while she is laying next to me sleeping. The smell of her hair, the softness and warmth of her skin.

I started thinking about some other things that I miss.

I also miss snuggling on a couch watching a movie or listening to music. I am leaned back into the corner of the couch and she is leaned back against me…..and I am rubbing her shoulders and neck.

I also miss holding hands while walking at the mall, in a store, across a parking lot, at the zoo, in a museum……pretty much anywhere.

I miss kissing in the morning, a kiss goodbye, a kiss hello, a kiss goodnight, a kiss …for no other reason than I love you.

I do miss all of those…. And in realizing this I also realize I am a touchy-feely kind of guy and maybe just a 'little' bit romantic.... that's not such a bad thing now is it....

Thanks Albert...

2005-11-14T19:57:00.000-06:00

What better endorsement than a certified genius! Why not give The Bush-Whacked Administration a try?

It's a great read, and you won't glow in the dark afterwards.

Later ...

A reflection on loss

2005-11-12T13:08:00.000-06:00

My youngest brother and his wife just had their first child last month and my sister had her second child last week. I am extremely happy for all of them and am proud to once again be an uncle x 2 (total is now 6 and step-uncle to 1), but the recent births bring back a flood of memories. I also just heard the song 'Who you'd be today' by Kenny Chesney and it really hits home.

So this weekend will be one of quiet reflection for me. Sure I will be busy with things around the house and outside. But I will also stop and be grateful for the wonderful son that I have and also remember the son that I lost.

Nine years ago on November 13 th, my second child was stillborn. My wife (now my ex) had become ill and unbeknownst to us the virus attacked the baby. I still remember how he looked holding him after the delivery. So small and so peaceful.

So I will take some moments to remember him and wonder who he would be today. Then I will smile knowing that I have a great son who makes me proud to be a dad. It may not be my weekend with him, but I will call him to hear how his weekend is going and tell him that I love him.

Thank a Veteran

2005-11-11T10:40:00.000-06:00

Today is Veterans' Day.

I had thought about writing about all the brave men and women who have fought and died for our freedom, but I will not. Today is a day for refelection.

Instead I want to say a very big thank you to my fellow veterans. No matter what time in history any of us served, even though the duties are varied and can be diffcult and troubling at times, you can hold your head high with pride and know that you were one of those who answered the call.

And as my friend Kemp say, a special shout out to fellow Veterans in my own family: My Uncles Don, Bill, Joe and Frank, Cousins Marcia, Patrick (serving now in Iraq) & Tom and my brother-in-law Steve. Thank you all.

The Great 8

2005-11-10T00:06:00.000-06:00

My best friend Kemp did this on his blog and threw down the challenge gauntlet. So I picked up the gauntlet, put it on and started typing. Well, life kind of interrupted answering the challenge in a timely manner (but those are subjects of other posts currently in progress)

Kemp you were right, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Honestly some things were harder than others..

Ok, take a deep breath, hold your nose....we're jumping in....

8 things I want to do before I die:
Run for political office (I have already held local elected positions as a Democratic Precinct Committeeman but aspire for more)
Write 2 bookschildren'srens book and a book ranting on politics/social climate)
Get Re-Married
Visit the Pyramids in Giza, Eqypt
Retire before the age of 62
Fly in a Fighter Jet
Go to Paris
Learn to Salsa dance and also dance Country (Line and 2 Step)

8 things I cannot do:
A brake job on a car with Anti-lock brakes ( I miss the good ole days wen you could work on a car yourself !)
Eat at 'White Castle' (There's a reason they call em 'sliders')
Watch a reality TV show ( If you gotta call it 'reality'....chances are good that it ain't !)
Tolerate Stupid People
Dance
Drink cheap Scotch
Smoke cheap or flavored cigars
Eat Onions (grilled, raw, doesn't matter...can't touch em..)

8 things that attract me to the opposite sex:
Confidence/Intelligence (without being cocky)
Sense of humor (sorry, no compromise....I am a funny guy!)
Lips
Legs
Eyes
Smile
Back of the Neck
The 'Honky Tonk Badonkadonk' (look it up !)

8 Things that I say most often:
I'm not sure, I have to check on that and get back to you
Nice
Maybe that is just too simple/ Am I simplifying this too much?
Yeah-Right
Just F***ing Brilliant
Hello..!?
Son of a ....
Mother Puss Bucket!

8 celebrity crushes: (tough to choose only 8...)
Gretchen Wilson (She's a hottie AND drinks Jack..)
Salma Hayek
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Angelina Jolie
Shakira
Liz Phair
Rachel Ray
Shania Twain

8 people I want to have do this exercise:
The Dalai Lama
Kelly
My son, when he is a little older...
Enigma4ever, a consistent visitor to all my blogs
My siblings
Former President Bill Clinton
President Bush (Although he would need help from Dick Cheney to spell the big words)
Colin Powell

Greasy hands, late night car repair and friends....

2005-11-03T10:15:00.000-06:00

Interesting evening last night...

My friend "PK" lives just down the road from work. She works for a major construction general contracting company and her current job site assignment is up north in a town about 50 miles away. Yesterday afternoon she calls me about 4:00 and tells me that he car is dead (starter is shot) and would I possibly be able to come and pick her up? Not one to leave a friend stranded 50 miles from home and her kids, I tell her that I will leave work in about 20 minutes and come pick her up.

As I am driving I call her and after some discussion around 'how are you going to get back to work', we decide to get a new starter and replace it on site. Now she has another Crown Vic, a year or two newer (that car is deader than dead) and was going to use the new starter off of that car however after a call to a parts shop she finds out that the starter cannot be used on the car she is driving.

So I go home, get changed and start grabbing tools.

2 socket sets
2 combination wrench sets
a special curved wrench for using on starters
hydrolic jack
jack stands
wheel chocks
extension cord (50')
halogen flood light
handhelp shop light
large rubber tarp for the ground to slide on under the car

So I stop and get the new starter and drive up to the site. I get there around 7:00 pm and start to work.

Being that it is a construction site the ground is not totally level. The spot where the car is dead is close to the site trailer, which is a good thing so I can get electricity for the lights, but the old pavement under the car is slightly 'convexed' and does not make it easy to get the jack under the frame. I am also a 'bigger' guy over the past year for obvious reasons (divorce, stress, long hours at work, etc.) and it does not make for an easy time of getting myself under the car, oh how I yearn for the days when I was in my 20's and beanpole thin......

Well it took approx 1 hr 45 mins to get the starter off. The first 30 to 45 mins was jacking up the car (using two jacks and jack stands), setting up the lights, checking everything out and getting off the bottom bolt. The rest of the time was a mixture of swearing, wanting to beat the auto designer, quiet reflection and thought, followed by more swearing, asking god to strike the guy who designed the placement of the starter dead where he stands, you know the drill, all this for trying to get the 'top' bolt off... I am trying to figure out which combination of sockets and extensions will work.

Oh yeah that special curved wrench for using on starters/alternators... 5/8" at one end and 9/16" at the other.... bolts to be removed are 1/2 "of course.

PK says that she has her own tools and will get out a longer extension that might help. She looks in the back of her car and comes back saying 'I'm gonna kill me a kid' at which point I know and she confirms that 'the fippin toolboxes are not there'....good thing I brought my own tools....

OK, I finally get the starter off. I go to put the new starter on and it takes me all of ......10 minutes...

Now, take the car off the jack stands, off the jacks (one of which, the hydrolic, has been destroyed as it is a 'jack in a box' and obviously not made to lift a 'real' car), put the tools away, and go to start the car......nothing. "PK" tells me that the battery was dead when she first tried to start the car after work.

So now we throw the jumper cables on and sit for about 20 mins trying to get the battery to charge. After this time all the car will do is 'click' the solenoid... the battery has obviously curled up and died.

So it's off to Wal-Mart to get a new one. The store is 4 miles away, by this time it is about 9:40 and the store closes at 10:00. Oh yeah, my gas tank is running on fumes as "PK" told me not to put gas in as she wanted to pay for my gas in exchange for driving up and helping her. So off to the 'Speedway' we go. After stopping and filling up the tank we go to Wal-Mart, I drop her off in front as it is now 9:55. I park and walk in and while walking towards the auto department the store announces that it is closed and please bring your purchases to the register.

PK is already back by the batteries but cannot get the code for the battery that we need as there is a couple standing at the rack who also need a battery, and they are using the electronic 'book' to figure out what they need, however there is a problem.....they obviously came across the border not too long ago, and barely speak english......let alone read it.... so they are punching buttons on the box like it is a 'leap-frog pad' for kids and will magically give them the answer

I found the paper manual and being that I understand the english language, in about 15 seconds found the code number. PK would of course been able to do the same thing, I just happened to find the manual first, as I wasn't going to wait for the other folks to learn the alphabet while at the same time impede the progress of two people who actually know what we are doing. So we grab the battery and head for the register.

While in line at the register two mennonite gentlemen in nice suits, white shirts and very nice 'fedoras' are in line ahead of us. Unfortunately someone else has noticed these two gentlemen. I do not know if I can describe this guy so that you get the picture but here goes.. 19 year old white male, jeans, white 'concert design' t-shirt, short dark hair with red highlights and a 'womans' red-brown short waisted 80's style leather jacket. To look at him you think 'white trash', then he opens his mouth and you KNOW 'white trash'.

This guy is talking on a cell phone to a girlfriend and is telling her that there is a guy about his age in a suit and a 'top hat'. Then he approaches the younger of the two and with cell phone in hand asks if he would tak to this girl on the phone as she dosen't believe that there is a guy in a top hat at Wal-Mart. The gentleman politely declines and tries to ignore this extremely ignorant guy in a womans coat, but this guy just stands there talking to his girlfriend and telling her that he is not lying and no he can't take a picture of the 'guy in the top hat' as he does not have a camera phone. Fianally this idiot just walks away. I was embarrased just listening to this idiot, but these two gentlemen handled the situation great.

So we pay for the battery and are on the way.

Once back at the site it takes 3 mins to take the old battery out and put the new one in. Keys in the ignition....it starts....

So after 3 1/2 hours car is fixed and we are on the road to our respective homes....it is about 10:45......

I helped a friend who was in need of assistance and got my hands dirty in the process. As a guy that is a great feeling. However now I am looking forward to getting back to the house and talking a nice hot shower.

Now those of you who know me are aware that as a result of my divorce I had to sell my house. My folks were generous enough to offer me the opportuntity to move back home for a period of time and get back on my feet financially.

On the way back home I have a message from my dad. The sewer is backed up, the village sent out a crew to try and clear the line to the street (it gets clogged with tree roots) however they cannot get close enough to the house with the cutter that goes into the pipe (due to city regulations) and it is still clogged. So a plumber is going to have to come out to try and figure out what the problem is and that means that we can only use the water 'sparingly'.

So no shower for me.....grease up to my elbows....crap in my hair.... When I get home I end up using some waterless hand cleaner and paper towels. Not like a shower but hey at least I get most of the stuff off my hands, arms, face/forehead.

I go to sleep feeling tired but good, but without a shower I also feel like a used 'Q-tip'....

Divorce and a childish ex...

2005-10-31T20:49:00.000-06:00

Ok, most of you do not know my full story or background. So a goal of mine will be to write up a summary soon. In the meantime those of you who have read my blog know that I am a divorced father of a terrific 12 year old son. He is the joy of my life and I am a better person because of him and what he means to me. I have been divorced for approximately 1 1/2 years and I have many a true tale to tell you....another time.

Ok, I was 'officially' divorced in August of 2004. At the time of my divorce I agreed to pay my ex a monthly amount 42% higher than child support alone, for a fixed period of 12 months, at which time the issue of chid support would be re-visited and settled. So, that meant that the 'unallocated maintenance' that she received from me would cease at the end of this past August and I would then pay to her the appropriate amount of child support as dictated by state mandate.

Over the past year, my ex and I were able to talk and be civil to each other. After all we have known each other for half of our lives and we also had a child to raise so why not be civil. Also, whenever a friend or relative was in the midst of a divorce and we heard about arguments or the couple not being able to talk to each other and come to agreements, she was always the one to say "Why can't they act like adults and talk to each other and come to terms like reasonable people".

Well, I guess whats good for the goose is not at all good for the gander. Let me explain.

In Illinois we have a straight forward approach, a schedule based on the number of children that are being supported. In my case the schedule calls for a flat 20% of income with allowances for reasonable expenses including taxes (state and federal) and the cost of health insurance for the child(ren).

So, back in July I called her and asked when we could meet to discuss the issue of child support. Well she did not give me an answer and I continued to request a sit down meeting. Finally in early August she advised that she wanted to sit down with me at 'her' attorney's office to go over the options. I advised her that there are no 'options', the state has a mandated formula and asked what were the numbers that her attorney had come up with? She advised that the attorney had developed some various possibilities and she had set up an appointment to meet and discuss at the end of August.

Now you can imagine my skepticism at saying that her attorney had developed 'options'. My first thought was that they had developed a plan with me continuing to pay her a higher amount than the mandate amount in exchange for allowing me to claim it as 'unallocated maintenance'.

Now, another thing to mention is that as part of the divorce, my ex had voluntarily agreed that after the initial 12 month period she would forever waive the right to contest and look to me for relief in the form of maintenance. Meaning that she would not receive nor could she ever come after me for alimony.

Some might say that I am uncaring, but let me premise this by saying that during the 18 years that we were married she had earned either a full or part-time income for 14 of those years. The only thing that had prevented her from continuing to bring in a paycheck during the final years of the marriage was her own depression and her unwillingness to get help. (Even though I had made every effort to help her.) For the past year she has been working either full-time or two part-time jobs to earn a living.

Now a lot of these issues will be topics for future blog entries so I will not go into greater detail right now.

Suffice it to say that I had advised my ex that I would not meet with her and her attorney alone, but would have my attorney get us a date in court to get the child support issue resolved. After all I was now into my second month of overpayments and wanted to get the issue settled. She had no reason to rush this as she was getting a continued elevated amount as it is automatically deducted from my check.

My attorney advises me that when the judge sets the revised amount of child support that I am entitled to a refund of the amount overpaid to my ex. I think, ok that is fair, I am helping to support my son, not subsidize my ex's income.

Fast forward to 2 1/2 weeks ago. This is our day in court.

I show up early, and having previously been a police officer and also growing up with respect for the law, I am dressed in a suit. While waiting in the hallway for the attorneys to arrive, I am approached by my ex, she is dressed in gym shoes, workout pants, a sweatshirt and knit jacket. (Not surprising...depression leads to low self-esteem, low self-respect and also a lack of respect for others. I know as I went through my own period of depression, however I got help.)

As I said, my ex approaches me in the hallway and knowing that she had been sick with the flu the week before I ask her how she is feeling? She gives me a sarcastic look hold up the court summons and says "Thanks for this (shaking the papers), this proves to me why I don't need you! Then she walks away.

Move forward about 2 hours. Both attorneys have met with the judge in chambers and have come out to tell us that we have one hour to resolve the child support issue or he (judge) will get involved and niether of us will be happy with the outcome. I am fine with this as all I have wanted is to agree to the mandated amount, agree on terms for the monies that have been overpaid and get my ex to sign the paperwork. After some discussion between the attorneys my ex agrees to not play games and the paperwork is signed. She even agrees to a payment schedule to repay the overpayment (which is only a few hundred dollars) over a period of a year.

Final forward to this past week. My ex was supposed to have the first overpayment check for me according to her own agreement the week prior. So I send her a polite e-mail asking her to please have the check for me when I pick up our son for visitation on Tuesday. Well the chek is not there on Tuesday. So on Wednesday I send her a second e-mail asking her to please have the check either taped to the inside front storm door or the storm door in the garage when I pick up our son for visitation on Thursday. Well on Thursday evening after taking our son shopping at a pet store for some things he needed and dinner out, I return him home to my ex.

Now I am not going to ask my son about a check as this issue is between me and his mom and he should not be involved. I walk him to the door in the garage and after giving him a hug and kiss goodnight and making sure he gets inside I notice no envelope on the garage storm door, I walk out front and notice that there is also no envelope on the front door either. So I think that I will have to send another e-mail on Friday. The e-mail server at work had been having problems and possbly she did not receive my previous messages. Well even though she never answered my e-mails nor acknowledged my alternative offers of one or two household items instead of the money, she must have received them.

As I am walking down the driveway my son comes running up to me with a check and says 'This is from mom'. I take it and put it in my pocket without even looking at it, and once again tell him goodnight and that I love him.

I get into the car and start to head home and when I pull into a gas station to fill up I take out the check and look at it. I start laughing out loud, the check is for the correct amount but has the following written in the memo section:

D.H. A.H. F.H !

Knowing her as well as I do I can deduce that they stand for 'Dick Head' , "A** Hole" and finally 'F**k Head"....

Very mature of her, so much for 'Acting like adults' and 'talking to each other to come to terms like reasonable people'....

A notable quote to live by

2005-10-27T14:55:00.000-05:00

Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.

Rosa Parks, who passed away this past Monday at age 92.

I know...where the hell have I been???

2005-10-27T13:10:00.000-05:00

Sorry all. I have had a few comments asking me if I am going to post again, or basically where the hell have I been???

Fear not, I am still here. October has been an interesting month with many varied activities happening in my life. Which are the things that I have been writing about. The problem is I have been writing all of them at the same time and finishing none.

That and the White Sox have been in the playoffs and the World Series....I digress, they have just WON the World Series. ( Note to Steinbrenner: Hopefully when you come calling with your wallet open the White Sox players will tell you to stick your cash as they still have some integrity and know that the ballclub will do right by them)

So, consider the past couple of weeks like my own Johnny Carson style vacation, except I didn't go anywhere or get a tan.

Talk to you all this weekend.

Scott

A quick post...

2005-10-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

First let me apologize to anyone who may be going through withdrawal from the fact that I haven't really been posting lately. (I know that's hard to believe, but hey it could happen..)

I have been very busy with both work, and being a single dad to a 12 year old son. What little time I do have left over has been spent either sleeping (kind of necessary..) or working on the political, nay socially conscious blog created by my myself and my best friend Kemp. In case you have forgotten, the address for that site is http://thebushwhackedleague.blogspot.com/ if you have a few moments take a look. You may not agree with everything that we have written, however it will most definitely make you think!

While you're at it why don't you also take a look at Kemp's own blog http://blogofkemp.blogspot.com/ I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Kemp offers opinion and perspective on life, family, parenting twins (not an easy job..), sports (as long as the teams have St. Louis in the name) and pretty much anything that he feels like. Go ahead take a look, you know you want to.....that's it, nice and easy......sorry got distracted..

Well the other reason I am posting is to smile about the White Sox and their 'sweep' of the Red Sox last night... What a game, a 58 minute long 6th inning. I only hope that their appearance in the World Series is just as intense.

Well, I have a fire in the fireplace, a hot cup of coffee and thoughts and contemplations to write up and get ready for posting.

Enjoy the rest of this fine fall day, I am certainly going to try and do the same.

Quote of the day

2005-10-04T22:52:00.000-05:00

"Of this job,I don't think so highly.
But hey -- it beats hangin' out with Charles Nelson Reilly."

Author, Comedian, Entertainer- Nipsey Russell who died yesterday at age 80.

Quick movie review....

2005-10-02T20:42:00.000-05:00

I just saw "Lord of War" with Nicholas Cage.

Cage plays an international arms dealer and the movie looks at his characters life and how the lives of his family and those around him are affected by his career choice.

This movie has a political message, without acually being political, and is based on true facts and occurences.

If you are looking for a good movie that will make you think without being preachy, then this is the movie for you.

Thought for the day...

2005-09-27T15:26:00.000-05:00

"We must be willing to fail and to appreciate the truth that often Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived."

M. Scott Peck - Author who passed away this past Sunday

Thought for the day...

2005-09-26T20:23:00.000-05:00

"Liberty without learning is always in peril; learning without liberty is always in vain.

-John F. Kennedy

The "Here's your Sign" quote of the week...

2005-09-25T20:16:00.000-05:00

"Now tell me the truth boys, is this kind of fun?"

-House MajorityLeader Tom Delay to three young hurricane evacuees from New Orleans at the Astromdome in Houston, Sept 9, 2005

A Word to the Wise..

2005-09-24T16:19:00.000-05:00

I was about to wax prophetically about a great new blog, but why re-invent the wheel when your best friend has already done so..

(Thanks Kemp ! http://blogofkemp.blogspot.com/ I couldn't have said it any better so I will grab your well written verses)

Spread the word, there’s a new sheriff in town. In the never-ending attempt to create thought in today’s society (a rare and, unfortunately, sometimes misunderstood concept), my friend Kemp and I have decided to launch another blog.

This one, of which we will be the prominent posters & writers, will have one subject. One topic that can bring people together…or tear them apart.

It will only be about politics.

Yes, you read that right: politics.

No family posts.

No entertainment posts.

No pop culture posts.

No coffee pos— (wait a minute, that one we may have to think about a little more)

Our other blogs will be for that (those links by the way are http://blogofkemp.blogspot.com/ & http://scottsrantspot.blogspot.com/

This one will only be about politics.

All day – all night – 24/7

We will have occasional guest posters, some of whom may even be less Liberal…or worse yet, Conservative Republicans. (I know what some of you are saying, but, let’s practice some tolerance for those who disagree with us – are you listening Bush administration??)

You never know what can happen in the world of blogging.So, if you are into politics, and I know many of you are, take a gander, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Here's the link: http://thebushwhackedleague.blogspot.com/

What's that link? It's http://thebushwhackedleague.blogspot.com/

In case you missed it, that link is http://thebushwhackedleague.blogspot.com/

Have a read.

The more things change the more they stay the same....

2005-09-19T21:36:00.000-05:00

Greetings all. Other than my 'Thought of the day' you may have noticed that I took a few days off from spouting my opinion. I have been very busy working and decided to try and not think over the weekend. Now its Monday and it's back to the real world, so here goes...

Over the weekend the mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, announced that the city would be re-opened as of this morning section by section starting with the least damaged areas. There was major disention among the various agencies (Local, State and Federal) about the call by the mayor of beginning to re-open the city. I agree with the dissenters, why rush to open the city? Why? My opinion, and it's just that, mine, is two reasons. 1st is so that Ray Nagin can thumb his nose at everyone else and say 'You can't tell me what to do, I am the mayor, and this is my city." The 2nd is the almighty dollar. Yes, what a surprise, let's get these people back in the city but first we will open the businesses that way the people will have a place to spend money and start the rebuilding process.

Now let's look at this from a distance and a distant perspective. If the businesses re-open there are a number of problems as I see it. I will list these in no particular order:

Before you can re-open a business you have to clean up whatever damage may have occured. Where do you place all the refuse from this clean-up? Do you prioritize the pick-up of this refuse over the clean-up of massive amounts of general refuse laying around the city?
Not only do you have general clean-up refuse, but what about decontamination of buildings that have been inundated by water contaminated by e-coli, cholera strains, human and animal waste, oil, gas and other toxic chemicals?
Many of the areas are without electricity. How do you operate your air conditioning, cash register, credit authorization terminals, security systems, etc.?
If you are a food store or are in any way connected with food service the 3 points above are even more critical. The clean-up and decontamination are going to be a much larger problem. (I know I wouldn't want to eat in any restaurant in that area for quite a while...)
If a business is operating, I am sure that the city and state will want there share of the taxes based on the revenue. How will they collect this from the businesses? And how will they know which businesses to collect from and how much to collect?

I am sure that there are many others that I am missing but this is not meant to be a comprehensive list, just some obvious thoughts.

Now if you are a private citizen who is planning on returning to the city, here are some points to ponder.

Decontamination of your residence. (Toxic chemicals in the surfaces of your home such as carpets and drywall.
Clean-up and disposal of refuse. (Same issue as a business)
Toxic chemicals in the soil.
There is no clean water.
There is no working sewer/sanitation system.
This is sporadic electrical service.
No 911 service.
No medical clinic
No Level 1 Trauma Hospital.
No banking access.
No grocery stores.
Do you really trust eating at any restaurants for the near future?
No fuel for driveable automobiles.

Again I am sure that I am missing a number of other things. But these are just obvious ones that quickly come to mind.

But even with all these things to consider, the mayor wanted to let people start returning. Then this afternoon comes word that after talking with the President (and I am sure a number of other smarter people) that the mayor is now reversing his decision and is tellin people to once again evacuate New Orleans and the surrounding areas.

The reason.....Hurricane Rita.

Yes, another Hurricane. Rita is is the western carribean and heading towards the Florida Keys. It is then expected to pass between the Keys and Cuba and into the Gulf of Mexico where it can then suck up the warm waters of the Gulf and Supersize itself into another kick-ass Hurricane. Will it become a monster the likes of Katrina? Who knows... I doubt that it will. However this hurricane is enough to have a lot of people wetting their pants.

Mayor Nagin announced that if the area was to receive 8 inches of rain, or a storm surge of at least 3 feet, that the city would once again be in dire straights. NO KIDDING !

Maybe the Mayor needs to think before speaking. Politically he got lucky, he can blame the change in plans on another hurricane. But really, did he maybe think about some of the points I have made above and think to himself that maybe people moving back so quickly is not a good idea? I doubt it, but I would like to think that.

Again, maybe that is just too simple.....

Thought for the day...

2005-09-19T21:32:00.000-05:00

"Men always want to be a woman's first love, women like to be a man's last romance"

– Oscar Wilde

Thought for the day...

2005-09-17T21:14:00.000-05:00

Tom Hardy: How was California?
Danny Detillo: Sunny..
Tom Hardy : Sunny? You’ve been in California 2 years and all you can say is sunny?
Danny Detillo: The Simpsons are on an hour earlier…

'Striking Distance' - 1993

Thought for the day...

2005-09-14T12:25:00.000-05:00

"I haven't felt this bad since I saw that Ronald Reagan movie"

-from the movie 'Airplane'....but I wouldn't be surprised if this is being said around Washington lately.

Thought for the day....

2005-09-13T21:10:00.000-05:00

"Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs."

submitted by a dear friend.

Thought for the day...

2005-09-12T21:39:00.000-05:00

"Wherever you go, there you are"

from the 1984 movie, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension

A picture (no matter how altered) is worth a few hundred words at least...

2005-09-12T21:22:00.000-05:00

....you never really know.....

I have to send out kudos to Kemp for sending this picture to me....

There is some balance in the Universe after all.....

2005-09-12T21:09:00.000-05:00

"Three Days After Losing Katrina Duites, FEMA Chief Resigns Post" - NY Times Sept, 12, 2005

nuff said.....

The "Here's your Sign" quote of the week....

2005-09-12T20:51:00.000-05:00

"I don't think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees." - President Bush on ABC's "Good Morning America, Sept 1, 2005

Hmmm....Mr President, didn't various experts give repeated warnings about the damage expected from Katrina. Also if I remember correctly, they have also said for years that the levees wouldn't stand up to a storm of Katrina's intensity.....

Here's your sign....

Efficient land use during a time of national crisis

2005-09-12T20:19:00.000-05:00

Ok, here is something that I have been thinking about for days and finally have a few minutes to put my thoughts down on cyber paper.

We have hundreds of thousands of 'evacuees' (we do not call them refugees for a number of reasons..) from the Gulf Coast region following the near total devistation by Katrina. We also have the government shuttling people all over the country in order to disperse this massive group of people and not strain the infrastructure and resources of any one or two metropolitan areas. Much of this on an admitted temporary basis.

Now, wait for it....here it comes....We also have closed military bases around this great nation with hundreds if not thousands of units of housing that could be put to good use. Ok, I will give you a minute to let this sink in.....

Think about it, you have entire subdivisions/communities that need to be relocated. Military bases were commuies in and amoungst themselves. Having spent time in the service of this country, I can tell you that many of the military bases were set up to be somewhat self-sufficient. They contained large storage facilities, medical clinics, barber shops, and a PX, to name but a few.

A closed base could be re-opened and set up to house a displaced community. Supplies that are being handed out of the back of trucks could be placed into some of the storage facilites and then used for distribution of blankets and clothing. The medical clinic(s) could be re-opened and staffed by the many volunteers who are now set up in make-shift clinics. The PX could be re-opened and used to keep and distribute food and other basic necessities (toothbrush, toilet paper and other hygiene items). The people from the community would have the ability to try and re-establish themselves and live in more of a stable environment. This would also allow for a mental healing from the events of the past almost 3 weeks to begin. Communities surrounding the closed bases would begin to see increases in purchases at local businesses. I know someone is going to say that there would also be an increase in crime in the surrounding communities, and yes, I think that is going to happen when you have an influx or large groups of people to an area. It doesn't matter the area, or the races involved, it is just a natural occurance associated with large populations.

Overall it would appear to be a win-win. Other than one or two things I have pointed out above, I don't really see a downside to this.......but then I am not in government helping to screw up things with the recovery.....

2005-09-11T13:11:00.000-05:00

No bitchin, moanin or complaining from me today.

I will be going to church and spending some time in rememberence of September 11, 2001.

I remember where I was, what I was doing and who I was with on that fatefull day.... I hope we all do, and that we never forget how the events of that day made every American feel.

Brownie and the Disaster...or How could one guy screw a bad thing up even more.

2005-09-10T19:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know it has been a few days since my last post. But as a single father of a pre-teen, working full-time and temporarily living 42 miles away from my son, I get really busy. Divorce support group 1 night per week, great visitation time with my son 2 nights and every other weekend, and some days returning to work in the evening after visitation, it doesn't leave me much time for anything else, like I said.....really busy. So while I have had attitudes and opinions about the happenings of the world around me, there have just not been enough hours in the day lately. Thank god for that miracle elixer "coffee". I could go on and on about the virtues of coffee, but instead why not read one hell of a well written blog by my best friend and coffee gourmet, Kemp at http://blogofkemp.blogspot.com/ . I could not have written it any better myself.

The only caveat that I can add is that I am what Kemp refers to as a coffee junkie. Now I love a great cup of fresh gourmet coffee as much as the next person, and can truly appreciate it. However, I am also the guy that can reheat the coffee from yesterday and enjoy it, and having been a police officer and having served in the U.S. Army I can drink any beverage that is hot, black, and able to pour without having to 'cut' it with a knfe as the cup fills... bring on the sludge!!

But I digress.. The big item to rant about this week, again, is Michael Brown. Would I much rather be spouting off about our puppet-in-chief, you bet, but I cannot let this one go by.

I am at work yesterday at lunch when I get an e-mail from CNN.com with Breaking News. The news turns out to be 'FEMA Director Removed From Katrina Duty". Wow, it only took the largest natural disaster in U.S. history and 11 days of incompetency for this 'yutz' to be taken off the front line of response.

Wasn't FEMA rolled into that newly hallowed institution known as the Department of Homeland Security in order to place our nations readiness and responsiveness resources under one centrallized chain of command? Now a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link, and in the supposed 'Steel Chain' known as the Department
of Homeland Security, Michael Brown is evidently a paper link. That's right, you get the paper wet and the chain will break. Almost two weeks ago his link was soaked !

You know it's bad when Democrats AND Republicans are essentially calling for his head on a platter. (I would prefer his head to be placed on a pike and placed near where Interstate 10 enters New Orleans, but that is just me....ah the good ole days...) When our President visited the Gulf Coast region on September 5, he was quoted as saying "And Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job. The FEMA director's been working 24 hours".

Now maybe someone forgot to tell the President that the hurricane hit the area on August 29th and that there were approximately 168 hours since the hurricane. So, what had 'Brownie' been doing the other 144 hours????
Obviously not much.

We also find out that Michael Brown was a longtime friend of Presidential campaign manager Joseph Allbaugh, who himself was a FEMA Director. 'Brownie' was Deputy under Allbaugh and was moved up when Allbaugh left the agency. Here my friends is the undeniable, living proof of the phase "Being promoted past your level of incompetency." What a surprise, patronage in a high ranking government position!!

Now you may say Michael Brown must have had a good deal of prior experience working with emergency situations or disaster preparedness in order to be placed in charge of the nations emergency response agency. You may say that, but remember, just cause you say it doesn't make it so!

According to CNN and many other reliable news agencies, before joining FEMA, 'Brownie' was a top official with the Arabian Horse Association. Reportedly in a capacity as overseeing the judging of Arabian equestrian events. And as reported on CNN, the secretary of that association says 'Bownie' was asked to resign in 2001. Ok, now how incompetent do you have to be that they ask you to resign from the Arabian Horse Association??

If working for a Horse Association qualifies you for running a goverment agency, I should be a shoe-in for 'Chief of Staff' for the next Democrat elected to the White House.

Now before you start thinking to yourself "Well he must have had the educational background or other previous work experience to justify his holding such a position"...not so fast. Time magazine and The Associated Press were both told by various officials with the City of Edmund, Oklahoma, and the University of Central Oklahoma that the information contained in his resume regarding positions held with the City and the University were not necessarily as stated.

So, how do we make sure that should another disaster, natural or man-made, god forbid, strike within our nation, the appropriate people are in the proper positions of responsibility. Simple, demand accountability from our elected officials. Nothing less.

After all they are elected by us, and are supposed to be in Washington or state government to represent the peoples (our) best interests.

You know, you're right, maybe that is just too simple....

'The Clue'

2005-09-08T00:13:00.000-05:00

Here is a quote that I came across on my explorations of the internet.

"Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."

Now most guys who have not yet attained 'the clue' would scoff at this notion that they have no control when it comes to the women in thier lives. However there are those of us who have discovered 'the clue' and this quote makes perfect sense. I shared this with my best friend Kemp, and not one to miss a beat he came back with the only statement that any honest man can, "That is such a true statement that it's almost pathetic". Yep, you can't slip anything past the man. Now I can also honestly say that quote is one of truths on the path to the elusive secret of life.

I am sure that my 'ex' would be surprised at my comments, but then, she never really knew me...except for the fact that I had obtained 'the clue'.

Now you may ask, how do men obtain 'the clue' ? Well you cannnot tell someone how to do it, it is one of those things that one day a light bulb goes on and a guy just gets it! Now don't misunderstand me, not every guy gets 'the clue', some will never get it. Just like some guys will never be able to ask for directions or admit they are wrong. Those are the same guys who will never get 'the clue' . But ladies, rest assured there are many of us who have, and not all of us are married. Keep looking and you will find us, sometimes where you least expect.

Birthdays and Water Filters

2005-09-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

What do these two things have in common? Normally nothing, except that is what happened yesterday, my dad's birthday and helping install a whole house water filter at my brothers house. Both of which on thier own would be an excuse for the family to get together, but combine them and you have one hell of a hootenanny!!

OK, not really a hootenanny, but a hell of a good time none the less.

It is always a good time when the men in the family get together to work on a project. Actually one of us would be fully capable of doing most of these projects on our own, with a few screw ups along the way to final completion. But it is just a whole lot more fun to have your parents and siblings involved to contribute to the many more infinate ways to possibly screw up and have people not only laughing with you but at you in a good natured way! We have done this for years over many a project and will hopefully be doing this for many more years to come.

So anyway, Dad was over helping my brother Eric put in the water filter. Yesterday was also Dad's birthday and we were going over to celebrate his birthday and since we were going to be ther anyway dad offered to help Eric with installing the water filter. I arrived about an hour and a half later and went down into the basement. Things looked like they were proceeding right along.... a work of art was created out of copper tubing and gate valves in order to create a bypass and 'loop' for directing water either through or around the filter. It looked exactly as it should (which was of course an improvement over the directions contained with the filter as over the years we have learned that obviously the people who write the directions have no clue as to the item they are writing about.) because we have a knack for doing things the right way.

As I said I went downstairs and saw that things were moving along at a good pace. Eric was about to cut the pipe coming out of the pressure tank which 'feeds' water to the house, when I had to open my mouth and say "There is no give anywhere in that pipe, how are you going to insert the filter assembly?" At this point Eric looks at my dad and all works stops. Now I said this, not because I am the 'smart one', nothing of the kind...I just happened to come along with a fresh view after Dad and Eric had been looking at the whole thing for almost a couple of hours. I am sure had the roles been reversed, that the newest arrival would have noticed the same thing.

Now indeed this pipe is where the filter needs to be inserted, however the pipe is rigidly fastened at either side of the area that is to be cut out, and there is no way to insert the plumbing assembly for the filter.... I feel bad that I have caused all work to cease, but I am glad that I said something before the pipe was cut...something about measure 8 times and cut once was bouncing around in my head.

So as the three of us pondered about what should be done we came up with the solution (as we always do...it may take a while, but we are always able to figure things out..) A run to the hardware store was made to aquire the needed parts and after a couple of beers, a number of soldered joints (good job Eric !) and about 6 hours (including a dinner break) the filter was installed and the house again had running water!!

Of course Murphy (of Murphy's Law fame) had to visit during the time the water was off. During dinner my youngest niece began to choke on items that she shoveled into her mouth (as kids will do..). Well after 4 adults sprung into action and she stopped choking, she proceeded to throw up. First thing everyone thinks of is "Get a wet rag".....no water. Take her into the bathroom and rinse her off.....no water. Thank god for wet wipes!

Well after trips to the hardware store, finishing installing the filter, eating dinner, baby excitement and a few other things. We finally sat down for Dad's birthday cake. Made by my Mom and very good of course. We all had some good laughs about the happenings of the day.

Why am I telling you this? Because it was part of my life, and it tells you about my family and any good family really. It doesn't matter what you are doing, the fact that you are doing it together, and that people are there because they care and want to be there, that is family. The ability to laugh at each other and yourself during mishaps and follies, that is family. And I wouldn't trade mine for anything. The past few years my family and a couple of really good friends (you know who you are) who are like family, have been there for me through some rough times, times when I wasn't sure which end was up, and even darker times. Without them who knows what my life would be like today, and I thank them with much gratitude. They have stuck with me and believed in me....... that is family.

The "Here's Your Sign" quote of the week...

2005-09-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

"It is clear our nation is reliant upon big foreign oil. More and more of our imports come from overseas." - George W. Bush, Sept. 25, 2000

I am glad that he cleared that up. I always wondered where imports came from...

Here's your sign....

Sometimes you don't want to know...

2005-09-03T15:10:00.000-05:00

So we are getting ready to go to my brothers house to celebrate my dad's birthday, and my son comes down the stairs with his shirt off to put it in the laundry. Now you think I would know better than to ask, but always curious to what the answer may be I ask, "You were just in the bathroom, how did your shirt get dirty?" To which he responds "I got poop on my shirt"..... I restrain myself from asking "How do you get poop on your shirt??"....some things are better left unknown.

Any of you who have children, feel free to shake your heads in agreement, thats right, you know that you little angels have all done similar things.....And if not, they will!

Thought for the day...

2005-09-02T22:25:00.000-05:00

"There's nothing wrong with America that can't be fixed by what's right with America"- President Bill Clinton

My first day as a blogger...

2005-09-02T20:51:00.000-05:00

Well so much for the work week. It was busy and frustrating at times..so what else is new. So my first day and this is pretty cool. I am hoping that in the coming weeks and months that I will be able to enlighten and entertain you with my ramblings.

I picked up my son for the weekend, and surprisingly he was not ready to go when I got to his mom's house. So I went in the backyard and played with Jessica Autumn Bear (Jessie for short..) she loves it when the Alpha comes over to play, and I just have the best time playing with my puppy.

One day when I have the time I will fill you all in on recent happenings in my life.

Oh I also stopped into the doctors office as they want to run another test. They said that the first test results showed a very high level of Cortisol. I would probably be a poster child for Corti-Slim. I told the nurse that they do not need to run the test again, that the abnormally high levels are accurate, I have enough stress to choke a small elephant!! But they insist on a confirmatory test...oh well... According to the doctor, the excessively high level of cortisol that I have would explain why I have gained weight in the past year despite eating right and exercising.

I am watching Fox News Channel and Bill O'Reilly is talking to Geraldo and the Police Chief of New Orleans and they are describing the situation at the convention center in New Orleans. I cannot believe the conditions that are described and the images that are shown of the human suffering in the Gulf Coast. This is America and what I am hearing and seeing is how you describe a third world country....the lack of response by the federal gvmt is inexcuseable.

"Long is the way, And hard, that out of Hell leads up to light" - John Milton

Has 'Brownie' been playing with himself since last weekend?

2005-09-02T15:27:00.000-05:00

I know it is mid-day and I would normally not post at this time but during lunch I was checking CNN to get an update on the situation in New Orleans and the other areas devistated by the Hurricane and I found this quote " FEMA Director Michael Brown told CNN on Friday, 'My heart breaks. What we're doing, we're ramping up.' "

Ramping up??? What the hell has he been doing for the past week?? And just how long does it take FEMA to 'ramp up'? Isn't thier job to be prepared for 'Emergency Management' ????? The response to this disaster has been disgraceful.

I'm a blogger, you're a blogger, she's a blogger, he's a blogger, wouldn't you like to be a blogger too.....

2005-09-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

Sorry, my first blog and I am breaking into a bad song from the days of free love and people singing with soda bottles in the streets of San Francisco. But I digress. Welcome to my blog, the 'Rant Spot', why 'Rant Spot', cause "Bitchin, Moanin and Complaining Spot' just seemed to ordinary.

I want to thank my good friend Kemp for turning me on (we're not gay...not that there's anything wrong with that) , as I was saying for turning me on to this great site. For lively quips of wisdom, keen insight and a little (ok a lot..) of politically and socially charged espression of free speech please visit his blog site at http://blogofkemp.blogspot.com/ you'll be glad you did. Join him on his never ending search for Truth, Justice and just some plain ole common sense in this crazy world.

Ok, now what are my intentions with this blog, purely honorable sir or maam as the case may be. I intend to share with you my thoughts on life as it happens. Whether it happens in my life or elsewhere in the world, you give me 10 minutes and I'll give you my opinion.

That's all for now. I really need to work.

You're still here....don't you people have homes...