We broke our staycation plans and ran out of town today, to my old hometown. We needed to go to deliver our christmas gifts, which are now a couple days late. I refuse to distract our Christmas Eve and day plans by leaving our house. When we were ready to go, my folks went off on a mini vacation to Coushatta, so my dad could go to a casino. They had their fun and were back Monday night. We had plans on Tuesday to eat at Salt Lick, so that moved our plans to Today, Wednesday. It worked out better, because Boy was able and willing to join us to go down. We told him since it was just a daytrip he could bring his friends along. His two roommates joined us, the gifts were loaded and vamoose, on our way.
The truth is it took Wife about an hour and a half to wake me. I am a night shifter as I mention all the time, and we have been getting up about 1:00-2:00pm. She was trying to wake me around 9:30am, and I could muster no more than throwing the "finger" at her from under the sheets, to telling her to shut up, to kicking and tantrumming like that young Vader clone on the new Star Wars. I eventually got up around 10:30am and reluctantly farted and showered.
There was another wrinkle to our trip, which was "needing" to stop at SeaWorld. Wife bought season tickets for the four of us and had a note that we had until Jan 3 to get a picture ID taken onsite. We get to the gate, and the kid working the gate says we don't need to take pictures until we go in the park. I told her, just take the pictures, who cares if we are going in or not, after she said she could take the pics with the machine in her hand. It took her a second to realize it wouldn't hurt her.
We finally got on our way, I slept after driving to Buc-ee's from the house. It is nice to close your eyes, open them and be at your destination, once we left SeaWorld, I only opened my eyes to see the water in the Uvalde Crossing, which we used to occasionally go and swim there, growing up. Since we were all the way over in that part of San Antonio, I told Wife it would be quicker to drive down on 90.
Upon arriving, the gifts were handed out, thank-yous exchanged and we sat in the dining room for a couple hours. My mom took Boy and his friends for a quick tour of the city, they were kind of shocked to find a dessert named "queer" and both had to go and order it. They both agreed it was delicious, it is basically half Coke Icee over soft serve swirl ice cream, but name is weird. After that, Boy's female roommate asked Grandma for pics and we spent a couple hours looking through old photos, and of course sitting still means they got an earful of my brother putting on his show. Let's just say Boy's roommates left shock and awed listenning to my brother going on and on on various topics.
I managed to drive all the way to the rest area, Wife drove into San Antonio, where we were stopped and confused by a call from Wife's family. Turns out my Father-In-Law was making menudo with a pressure cooker, and something or other happened, but the chamber was opened incorrectly and he burned most of his stomach area and arms. We did a u-turn as we were almost all the way out of SA on northside, ran for some miles, then Wife talked to one of her sister's who said that their dad was already headed home, and he was put on some Morphine, so he wouldn't know we were there.
We headed back to Austin, but Boy talked us into trying the Fuego restaurant in San Marcos. It was actually very good. A lot like Torchy's, but better due to the homemade tortilla. We eventually made it home before midnight, and here we are, watching TV in our rooms.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
12/30/15 Salt Lick On A Tuesday Night Hit The Spot?
Eventually, I talked to my old buddy who I was best man for in his first marriage. We said Merry Christmas, and all that good stuff. He is actually divorced from that first wife and at the moment in a relationship with a woman who seems quite nice. We both decided we should try to get together sometime during the holiday. I do love me a good buffet, so I quickly suggested Salt Lick.
Salt Lick is an institution here in Austin. They do have a menu and one could order two or three ribs on a platter, but the fun way to eat there is to order family style. It is about $25 per person. This option opens it up to get as much brisquet, ribs, and sausage as you can handle. They also provide beans, cole slaw, and mashed potato, along with a fat bread that is excellent.
My buddy and his girlfriend got there a few minutes before we did. They were out checking the winery when we parked and walked on in. She comes into the relationship with two kids and he has three, but one is out of the house. We had our two boys with us, so we got a table for ten. It was a little crowded for the ten of us, and were too close to the fire, so it was very warm.
His girlfriend had a bottle of wine already open from the winery. They offered me some, and I did not want to be rude, so I helped her drink the whole bottle. I started getting a buzz about the time the meat started showing up. There is nothing more delicious than the first plate of that meat when one starts eating. I love the whole crispitty outside, the lightly sweet flavor of the sauce. The problem is that the meat is never ending and by the fourth plate, I am so full, I am contemplating throwing up.
If we did anything smart, it was eating earlier than normal. We were there by 5:00pm, and probably eating by 6:00pm. We talk often enough that he knows who the key people in our lives are and even my folks walked through his new house, meeting him on one of their visits this year.
After we finished, we had enough leftovers so both of us could bring home some trays. I decided I was still buzzy and now was so full I decided to jump in the back seat with Chubs. I cracked the window open just to get some coolness on me. Falling asleep on the way home, made it easy to not feel the pain of overeating. We stopped at Home Depot on the way home to get a couple space heaters and then went home.
Salt Lick is an institution here in Austin. They do have a menu and one could order two or three ribs on a platter, but the fun way to eat there is to order family style. It is about $25 per person. This option opens it up to get as much brisquet, ribs, and sausage as you can handle. They also provide beans, cole slaw, and mashed potato, along with a fat bread that is excellent.
My buddy and his girlfriend got there a few minutes before we did. They were out checking the winery when we parked and walked on in. She comes into the relationship with two kids and he has three, but one is out of the house. We had our two boys with us, so we got a table for ten. It was a little crowded for the ten of us, and were too close to the fire, so it was very warm.
His girlfriend had a bottle of wine already open from the winery. They offered me some, and I did not want to be rude, so I helped her drink the whole bottle. I started getting a buzz about the time the meat started showing up. There is nothing more delicious than the first plate of that meat when one starts eating. I love the whole crispitty outside, the lightly sweet flavor of the sauce. The problem is that the meat is never ending and by the fourth plate, I am so full, I am contemplating throwing up.
If we did anything smart, it was eating earlier than normal. We were there by 5:00pm, and probably eating by 6:00pm. We talk often enough that he knows who the key people in our lives are and even my folks walked through his new house, meeting him on one of their visits this year.
After we finished, we had enough leftovers so both of us could bring home some trays. I decided I was still buzzy and now was so full I decided to jump in the back seat with Chubs. I cracked the window open just to get some coolness on me. Falling asleep on the way home, made it easy to not feel the pain of overeating. We stopped at Home Depot on the way home to get a couple space heaters and then went home.
Monday, December 28, 2015
12/29/15 Who Is Wearing A Tie in 2015 at 10:30pm on a Monday?
We ended up eating Taco Cabana tonight (12/28/15) around 9:30pm, mostly because Wife is a burger hater and we have a lunch/dinner date with my friend and his kids at Salt Lick. Taco Cabana is one of the few places you can get a decent taco of barbacoa. I don't believe it is true cheek meat from the face of a cow, and it is definitely not smoked in a hole in the backyard overnight, since they have their drive through around back, but whatever meat they are using as substitute does a fine job and the seasoning is just right.
We were eating our food quietly and relaxing talking about nothing in particular, well we need to pick a place for Spring Break for our timeshare, I know, first world problems. There were two other families, Hispanic, bald headed dad, husky mom, 1-3 kids. Very standard for a Monday, I figured, One or two separate homeless guys, probably getting off their shift of working the corner for change there at William Cannon and I-35. Then walks in a group, all in ties, jackets, ladies dressed like they were out dancing. Who is this group? Who is still wearing a tie at 10:30-11:00pm? Even the kids were in ties, if this was a school night, then I would think these kids need to be in bed, but I guess if it is winter break, then the parents have a right to use them as child labor.
Taco Cabana has normal chairs where you sit like people, and they also have some bar height tables, I guess if you are more energized and need attention, you can stand, move around, bring attention to yourself, and maybe eat as you get your buzz on. Of course, I figured these tie wearers are from some Spanish religious tent or house. The lead man cannot help himself, just standing there with his people, he started talking in that rhythmic talk, louder and softer, louder and softer. I guess the key points are loud, and the bullshit is soft. Either way, it only takes a sentence or two to figure out people. These guys must have been celebrating either spreading the word of the lord in 30 degree weather, or enjoying the winnings of their kill by eating a little protein, Mexican style.
I know the thought is backwards, but in this day and age, who is running around in a suit and tie? Scammers, lawyers, and naïve graduates. I make a healthy salary, and have never had to wear a tie to work. I interviewed twice to get into the company and the first time I wore a suit and the manager said no, I will not hire you because you will learn from me and move on up. The second time, I said screw it and I just wore a polo shirt and I was then hired.
The last time I wore a suit and I meant it was for Boy's graduation, and I did it because I was proud of him and we had all sorts of family coming up to acknowledge him, so I wanted to look my best for him, but day to day, no. The tie is almost as antiquated as those square little graduate hats, what is up with those, anyway? Nobody ever wears anything resembling that in any other activity.
I could only feel the BS coming from that bow tie, and wondered what kind of a living do you get to make, using the word of the Lord, on the poor? Do you think this guy and his gang get to do their schtick up there near the lakes where all those high dollar houses are at? Or even a little west of I-35 where it's 95% white and definitely upper middle income folk? Nah, they were taking nickels and dimes out of poor suckers from the east side of town, but I guess it's better than panhandling, at least you get a story from them.
We were eating our food quietly and relaxing talking about nothing in particular, well we need to pick a place for Spring Break for our timeshare, I know, first world problems. There were two other families, Hispanic, bald headed dad, husky mom, 1-3 kids. Very standard for a Monday, I figured, One or two separate homeless guys, probably getting off their shift of working the corner for change there at William Cannon and I-35. Then walks in a group, all in ties, jackets, ladies dressed like they were out dancing. Who is this group? Who is still wearing a tie at 10:30-11:00pm? Even the kids were in ties, if this was a school night, then I would think these kids need to be in bed, but I guess if it is winter break, then the parents have a right to use them as child labor.
Taco Cabana has normal chairs where you sit like people, and they also have some bar height tables, I guess if you are more energized and need attention, you can stand, move around, bring attention to yourself, and maybe eat as you get your buzz on. Of course, I figured these tie wearers are from some Spanish religious tent or house. The lead man cannot help himself, just standing there with his people, he started talking in that rhythmic talk, louder and softer, louder and softer. I guess the key points are loud, and the bullshit is soft. Either way, it only takes a sentence or two to figure out people. These guys must have been celebrating either spreading the word of the lord in 30 degree weather, or enjoying the winnings of their kill by eating a little protein, Mexican style.
I know the thought is backwards, but in this day and age, who is running around in a suit and tie? Scammers, lawyers, and naïve graduates. I make a healthy salary, and have never had to wear a tie to work. I interviewed twice to get into the company and the first time I wore a suit and the manager said no, I will not hire you because you will learn from me and move on up. The second time, I said screw it and I just wore a polo shirt and I was then hired.
The last time I wore a suit and I meant it was for Boy's graduation, and I did it because I was proud of him and we had all sorts of family coming up to acknowledge him, so I wanted to look my best for him, but day to day, no. The tie is almost as antiquated as those square little graduate hats, what is up with those, anyway? Nobody ever wears anything resembling that in any other activity.
I could only feel the BS coming from that bow tie, and wondered what kind of a living do you get to make, using the word of the Lord, on the poor? Do you think this guy and his gang get to do their schtick up there near the lakes where all those high dollar houses are at? Or even a little west of I-35 where it's 95% white and definitely upper middle income folk? Nah, they were taking nickels and dimes out of poor suckers from the east side of town, but I guess it's better than panhandling, at least you get a story from them.
12/28/15 Star Wars Mostly Delivered?
As a surprise, Boy got us tickets to go see Star Wars tonight (12/27) at 9:30pm. I was kind of hesitant to see it, mostly because I heard a main character had died. As long as I don't see it, it doesn't happen, but once I have experienced then the truth as the story goes must move along. Well, not only did Boy pay for our tickets, he also paid for our food. I love the pepperoni pizza and of course a bowl of popcorn is always nice.
Most of the movie has to do with trying to find Luke Skywalker, he has gone into hiding, not clear in the beginning, but then it is learned that he started training a new group of jedi and one of them turns on him, killing all the other young recruits. a cocky likable x-wing pilot runs into an old man, in the manner of an Obi Wan Kenobi, english accent included, and he gives him information on Luke's whereabouts. Just as he is leaving, a group of Stormtroopers comes along looking for the information on Luke's location. He is captured, but not before putting the info into his robot, BB-8. BB-8 rolls his chubby round ass right into Rey, a plucky young girl who seems to survive by scavenging the grounds of a great war, various star destroyers are half buried in the sand there. She of course, instantly forms a connection with the robot and then risks her life to protect it. Finn then helps the cocky pilot escape being captured and on a destroyer. I don't want to give away too much, but it plays out how it should.
I loved the Millenium Falcon coming out suddenly, like a character you were waiting to see after all these years. Its round shape makes it unique on the inside, as in a few scenes where they are running around in circular fashion.
The story itself was a little ehh, Rey doesn't outright come out as a jedi, but she does fight the new Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, again a kid too young to be taken seriously, Boy said he had been dubbed emo Vader, with his big hair and oversized acting. He had two scenes where he destroyed two separate rooms with his lightsaber, if that isn't a temper tantrum, I don't know what is. But if Kylo Ren is the best of his kind and a girl who had never even fought with a lightsaber beats him in their first encounter, either she is something special, or he is just a spoiled kid wh should not have been trained at all. Luke Skywalker comes out at the very end, but doesn't even talk. Princess Leia Organa Solo is still the leader she always was, C3PO and R2D2 come out but only at the base and as comic relief, although R2 himself seems to have developed jedi powers as he has been in almost sleep mode, but then comes up with most of the puzzle needed to find Luke.
Finn, who is black, and didn't seem to fit in when the commercials first appeared was rumored to be Lando Calrisssian's kid, they don't outright say he is, but his character fits in seemlessly to the storyline. He becomes a hero out of necessity, not because he wants to be, but because he can't see his friend Rey get hurt.
Most of the movie has to do with trying to find Luke Skywalker, he has gone into hiding, not clear in the beginning, but then it is learned that he started training a new group of jedi and one of them turns on him, killing all the other young recruits. a cocky likable x-wing pilot runs into an old man, in the manner of an Obi Wan Kenobi, english accent included, and he gives him information on Luke's whereabouts. Just as he is leaving, a group of Stormtroopers comes along looking for the information on Luke's location. He is captured, but not before putting the info into his robot, BB-8. BB-8 rolls his chubby round ass right into Rey, a plucky young girl who seems to survive by scavenging the grounds of a great war, various star destroyers are half buried in the sand there. She of course, instantly forms a connection with the robot and then risks her life to protect it. Finn then helps the cocky pilot escape being captured and on a destroyer. I don't want to give away too much, but it plays out how it should.
I loved the Millenium Falcon coming out suddenly, like a character you were waiting to see after all these years. Its round shape makes it unique on the inside, as in a few scenes where they are running around in circular fashion.
The story itself was a little ehh, Rey doesn't outright come out as a jedi, but she does fight the new Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, again a kid too young to be taken seriously, Boy said he had been dubbed emo Vader, with his big hair and oversized acting. He had two scenes where he destroyed two separate rooms with his lightsaber, if that isn't a temper tantrum, I don't know what is. But if Kylo Ren is the best of his kind and a girl who had never even fought with a lightsaber beats him in their first encounter, either she is something special, or he is just a spoiled kid wh should not have been trained at all. Luke Skywalker comes out at the very end, but doesn't even talk. Princess Leia Organa Solo is still the leader she always was, C3PO and R2D2 come out but only at the base and as comic relief, although R2 himself seems to have developed jedi powers as he has been in almost sleep mode, but then comes up with most of the puzzle needed to find Luke.
Finn, who is black, and didn't seem to fit in when the commercials first appeared was rumored to be Lando Calrisssian's kid, they don't outright say he is, but his character fits in seemlessly to the storyline. He becomes a hero out of necessity, not because he wants to be, but because he can't see his friend Rey get hurt.
Saturday, December 26, 2015
12/27/15 President Me, Another Carolla Gem?
I bought President Me a couple weeks ago and have been reading it every chance I get on the throne. This is Adam's third book, and in this book he goes through an imaginary world where he is President of the United States. He has solutions for everything from graffiti on highways to bear attacks in state parks.
I have always found Carolla to be hilarious, his humor very sarcastic, but some people don't get it. His solutions are funny, but I had heard most of them, being that I have heard all ten years of his rantings on Loveline, and then followed him to his radio show accidentally, only to hear him going to his own and one of the first podcasts. His podcast plays every day, and it is very much like a radio show, including a news girl to come in and read the daily news, and of course Bald Bryan doing his drops and funny noises to keep the show flowing. Honestly, I got saturated, trying to listen to his daily show, then his show with Dr. Drew which is a rehash of Loveline, then the news gal Allison had her own podcast and Adam also had one dealing with cars, and for a while even his wife had a podcast, it just got to be too much to listen to, so I stopped it all. I went most of 2015 without any Adam, listening only to a handful of episodes, but I will get back to basics. For 2016, I will start listening to his main show and the Loveline copycat he does with Dr. Drew because I love their rapport when Adam is not being a dick with Drew.
The book is simple for him, as he has ranted on everything, and then some. Take the FAA, he travels a lot as a comedian, so he has a lot of complaints he notices in the airports and the people who are too comfortable walking around almost barefoot. Or The Department of Health and Human Services, which he spent time in an upscale hospital when his dad fell ill, only to find reminders of shitty humans there too. Toilets and water fountains graffiti'd by gangbangers and the wad of tobacco chew spit in the water fountain by some disgraceful animal that bothered him to no end. He even added pictures from his phone to the book. He also has complaints not about the doctors who spend half their lives training and hundreds of thousands of dollars investing in their education only to be bested by celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy and her crusade against vaccines. It is a shame, but I have already seen and read statistics showing measles and mumps making small comebacks because parents listen to these people who might be well intentioned, but they are not doctors and shouldn't be given mouthpieces to spread half-truths on daytime TV.
The core of the Carolla teachings I have already picked up by listening to his podcasts, and that is on a need to focus on family, men should not be allowed to procreate 14-20 times with nine different women and expect things to come out well. One never needs to worry about Dr. Drew's kids, they have two parents that care for their kids and they will do everything in their power to make sure they get an education and succeed. Worry about the mama with a handful of kids and all those absent fathers. They are what is dragging this country down.
I have always found Carolla to be hilarious, his humor very sarcastic, but some people don't get it. His solutions are funny, but I had heard most of them, being that I have heard all ten years of his rantings on Loveline, and then followed him to his radio show accidentally, only to hear him going to his own and one of the first podcasts. His podcast plays every day, and it is very much like a radio show, including a news girl to come in and read the daily news, and of course Bald Bryan doing his drops and funny noises to keep the show flowing. Honestly, I got saturated, trying to listen to his daily show, then his show with Dr. Drew which is a rehash of Loveline, then the news gal Allison had her own podcast and Adam also had one dealing with cars, and for a while even his wife had a podcast, it just got to be too much to listen to, so I stopped it all. I went most of 2015 without any Adam, listening only to a handful of episodes, but I will get back to basics. For 2016, I will start listening to his main show and the Loveline copycat he does with Dr. Drew because I love their rapport when Adam is not being a dick with Drew.
The book is simple for him, as he has ranted on everything, and then some. Take the FAA, he travels a lot as a comedian, so he has a lot of complaints he notices in the airports and the people who are too comfortable walking around almost barefoot. Or The Department of Health and Human Services, which he spent time in an upscale hospital when his dad fell ill, only to find reminders of shitty humans there too. Toilets and water fountains graffiti'd by gangbangers and the wad of tobacco chew spit in the water fountain by some disgraceful animal that bothered him to no end. He even added pictures from his phone to the book. He also has complaints not about the doctors who spend half their lives training and hundreds of thousands of dollars investing in their education only to be bested by celebrities such as Jenny McCarthy and her crusade against vaccines. It is a shame, but I have already seen and read statistics showing measles and mumps making small comebacks because parents listen to these people who might be well intentioned, but they are not doctors and shouldn't be given mouthpieces to spread half-truths on daytime TV.
The core of the Carolla teachings I have already picked up by listening to his podcasts, and that is on a need to focus on family, men should not be allowed to procreate 14-20 times with nine different women and expect things to come out well. One never needs to worry about Dr. Drew's kids, they have two parents that care for their kids and they will do everything in their power to make sure they get an education and succeed. Worry about the mama with a handful of kids and all those absent fathers. They are what is dragging this country down.
12/26/15 Isolated From Our Normal World, Working On Our Ressurection?
I almost feel guilty being home and off, but not visiting with family. I felt a need to disconnect though it is hard to explain. The last few weeks we had people coming in, even the start of Christmas break had my folks here until Tuesday. So then after they left, I feel like now I can start my little vacation, where I can stay up until 5:00am if I want, or get up at 2:00pm in the afternoon, if I feel like it.
I do enjoy my folks here, even my friends, but I need time alone, If I could send Wife and the boys away, I would probably enjoy that too. I need a cabin in the woods, so I can disappear to for reflection.
I see pics on FB of my family getting together, and I felt like we should be there, I just don't have the energy to go. Perhaps being with family would energize me? I wish this were true, but usually we argue over petty things and thus I feel less than superior when I leave.
The weather is also fixing to finally change, which should make the weather interesting, as it has been a boring and steady mid 70's the past week. Tomorrow looks to be only in the 60's, followed the rest of the week with highs barely in the 50's and lows touching the freeze mark in our area. We have even had to resort to running the A/C all week to make it cool and comfortable. Of course, Boy goes too far, as he feels the house cool from the A/C and he actually feels the need to run the space heater in his room, I wish he paid the light bill, once in a while, so he would not be so foolish.
Being the animals we are, we must always be looking forward, and what do we have coming up to focus on, but Spring Break in a couple months. We have had the use of our time share the last few years, and must soon decide where we are going to spend our week. Last year we were in Galveston, and the weather during the week was cooler than it has been this past week, but it was nice to be away from home. The Spring Break before was spent in the cabin in the woods, which I thought was very nice, but everyone else missed the internet connection. This next time I think I might want to try nearer to Houston, make day runs to Houston Zoo, malls, if my parents come maybe even make a day trip to Louisiana on I-35.
But for now, we shall continue our shut-in ways for a few more days. If we are making any headway, it is in catching up on our recorded shows. I did not want to give up on Once Upon A Time, but we have had too many shows to watch. At this point, I believe there are ten or eleven shows recorded, and after seeing Emma the Savior on House as a much younger version of herself, it will be interesting to see her as the bad guy. I don't want to get ahead of myself, I just want to look forward to the only stress in my life is from the one brought upon by seeing what will happen next on whatever dramatic show we decide to watch.
I do enjoy my folks here, even my friends, but I need time alone, If I could send Wife and the boys away, I would probably enjoy that too. I need a cabin in the woods, so I can disappear to for reflection.
I see pics on FB of my family getting together, and I felt like we should be there, I just don't have the energy to go. Perhaps being with family would energize me? I wish this were true, but usually we argue over petty things and thus I feel less than superior when I leave.
The weather is also fixing to finally change, which should make the weather interesting, as it has been a boring and steady mid 70's the past week. Tomorrow looks to be only in the 60's, followed the rest of the week with highs barely in the 50's and lows touching the freeze mark in our area. We have even had to resort to running the A/C all week to make it cool and comfortable. Of course, Boy goes too far, as he feels the house cool from the A/C and he actually feels the need to run the space heater in his room, I wish he paid the light bill, once in a while, so he would not be so foolish.
Being the animals we are, we must always be looking forward, and what do we have coming up to focus on, but Spring Break in a couple months. We have had the use of our time share the last few years, and must soon decide where we are going to spend our week. Last year we were in Galveston, and the weather during the week was cooler than it has been this past week, but it was nice to be away from home. The Spring Break before was spent in the cabin in the woods, which I thought was very nice, but everyone else missed the internet connection. This next time I think I might want to try nearer to Houston, make day runs to Houston Zoo, malls, if my parents come maybe even make a day trip to Louisiana on I-35.
But for now, we shall continue our shut-in ways for a few more days. If we are making any headway, it is in catching up on our recorded shows. I did not want to give up on Once Upon A Time, but we have had too many shows to watch. At this point, I believe there are ten or eleven shows recorded, and after seeing Emma the Savior on House as a much younger version of herself, it will be interesting to see her as the bad guy. I don't want to get ahead of myself, I just want to look forward to the only stress in my life is from the one brought upon by seeing what will happen next on whatever dramatic show we decide to watch.
Friday, December 25, 2015
12/25/15 Some Assembly Required?
After The Fat Man leaves, you would think free at last, free at last. Nope, I have spent the day slowly assembling a lamp, washing new sheets, putting new sheets on bed, installing batteries up this, that, and the other.
Chubs got us up at 9:30am to see the Santa loot, but honestly, after watching him excitedly react for awhile, I could do nothing more than fall asleep on the sofa. Mama and Daddy were celebrating 22 years together by playing "hide the salami" (well Vienna Winnie, but still) after all the Santa duties were done. We went to sleep around 5:30am, so 9:30 came fast.
By the time he was done looking through and I got released to go back to bed, they had piled plenty of gifts on top of me from my parents and other family members. I shook them off and went back to bed. We got up the second time after 2:30pm.
We have been relaxing all day, assembling something, eating something. It's good to be the king. This is the latest I have written a blog, at almost 8:00pm, but the smell of lasagna is slowing me down. We are expecting friends, but they are dragging ass, we will eat without them.
We have been discussing going down to Crystal, to drop off our gifts, unless the weather is bad Saturday, we shall be on the road. Although I would love to take my big truck, Wife won't drive it, so she may force my hand and we end up going in the bug.
I'm feeling too relaxed, so,
Merry Christmas, love you all.
Chubs got us up at 9:30am to see the Santa loot, but honestly, after watching him excitedly react for awhile, I could do nothing more than fall asleep on the sofa. Mama and Daddy were celebrating 22 years together by playing "hide the salami" (well Vienna Winnie, but still) after all the Santa duties were done. We went to sleep around 5:30am, so 9:30 came fast.
By the time he was done looking through and I got released to go back to bed, they had piled plenty of gifts on top of me from my parents and other family members. I shook them off and went back to bed. We got up the second time after 2:30pm.
We have been relaxing all day, assembling something, eating something. It's good to be the king. This is the latest I have written a blog, at almost 8:00pm, but the smell of lasagna is slowing me down. We are expecting friends, but they are dragging ass, we will eat without them.
We have been discussing going down to Crystal, to drop off our gifts, unless the weather is bad Saturday, we shall be on the road. Although I would love to take my big truck, Wife won't drive it, so she may force my hand and we end up going in the bug.
I'm feeling too relaxed, so,
Merry Christmas, love you all.
Thursday, December 24, 2015
12/24/15 Relaxing Like A Night Shifter?
I finally am letting go of the stress I usually carry day to day. We are done with the shopping and today (12/23) we went and got plenty of food for the next few days. We ended up going to Kyle for our shopping needs due to Austin's retarded stance on the plastic bag. Boy was having his own little "party" with his friends overnight and so he actually joined us to go shopping for groceries, so he could get what he needed.
We walked out with two carts after the cashier went through everything , and in the back of the truck it all went. I was worried stuff would fly out, but we closed most of the bags with a knot and the real light stuff I just told Chubs to put in the backseat with him. When we got home, Wife actually told me to take a nap, I did, and it was a wonderful idea. We then left for a last minute gift idea, and actually stopped at Goodwill, as we keep getting told it is not that bad. I just can't rummage through somebody else's old clothes, it feels dirty to me. We then went to JCPenney, found Chubs a great parka jacket for those few cold days we'll have, and then we finally went to Wal-Mart, mostly because I told Wife I am going to get through the shopping season and not make it into a Wal-Mart this year. I see the spoofs on TV and youtube about people not dressing up to go to Wal-Mart, you think they are kidding, but grown ass women in pajamas does not seem appropriate, what do I know.
We brought home our stuff, Chubs was up in his room, after pissing everybody off downstairs by being annoying. He is very good at getting on his brother's last nerve. Wife then decided she wanted to eat somewhere. so we invited Chubs, who said no. We left aiming for IHOP, but at midnight, it was quite packed, so we thought about all the other places we thought might be open, and missed them all by just a little bit. Even the Taco Cabanas that seem to be open 24/7 were closed where we checked. We went up all the way to Parmer Lane and then back down on I-35.
Eventually, we settled down and ate at Kerbey Lane Café, IHOP still had too many cars and people inside. I remember the food being better at Kerbey Lane, I ordered Migas, eggs with corn tortillas made crispy on the skillet beforehand. I never bit anything remotely crispy, it was more green chili sauce than eggs and migas, but then there was also black beans and rice. Wife took the rice, she normally likes rice, I don't, it's a filler food.
The ginger pancakes, on the other hand, were absolutely delicious, and so was the coffee for that matter. I enjoyed two cups of coffee, we left around 2:20am, it was nice to just hang out with Wife and not have to hear the blatherings of my two knuckleheads for awhile. Dr. Who adventures can get old after awhile, but since Chubs has been doing marathon sessions, it's the only thing in his brain right now. We got home to the Boys still up and entertaining, actually Boy left to Wal-Mart because he needed something or other for one of his games. It is nice to be off schedule, once in a while. I slept like a champ until 12:30pm the next day.
We walked out with two carts after the cashier went through everything , and in the back of the truck it all went. I was worried stuff would fly out, but we closed most of the bags with a knot and the real light stuff I just told Chubs to put in the backseat with him. When we got home, Wife actually told me to take a nap, I did, and it was a wonderful idea. We then left for a last minute gift idea, and actually stopped at Goodwill, as we keep getting told it is not that bad. I just can't rummage through somebody else's old clothes, it feels dirty to me. We then went to JCPenney, found Chubs a great parka jacket for those few cold days we'll have, and then we finally went to Wal-Mart, mostly because I told Wife I am going to get through the shopping season and not make it into a Wal-Mart this year. I see the spoofs on TV and youtube about people not dressing up to go to Wal-Mart, you think they are kidding, but grown ass women in pajamas does not seem appropriate, what do I know.
We brought home our stuff, Chubs was up in his room, after pissing everybody off downstairs by being annoying. He is very good at getting on his brother's last nerve. Wife then decided she wanted to eat somewhere. so we invited Chubs, who said no. We left aiming for IHOP, but at midnight, it was quite packed, so we thought about all the other places we thought might be open, and missed them all by just a little bit. Even the Taco Cabanas that seem to be open 24/7 were closed where we checked. We went up all the way to Parmer Lane and then back down on I-35.
Eventually, we settled down and ate at Kerbey Lane Café, IHOP still had too many cars and people inside. I remember the food being better at Kerbey Lane, I ordered Migas, eggs with corn tortillas made crispy on the skillet beforehand. I never bit anything remotely crispy, it was more green chili sauce than eggs and migas, but then there was also black beans and rice. Wife took the rice, she normally likes rice, I don't, it's a filler food.
The ginger pancakes, on the other hand, were absolutely delicious, and so was the coffee for that matter. I enjoyed two cups of coffee, we left around 2:20am, it was nice to just hang out with Wife and not have to hear the blatherings of my two knuckleheads for awhile. Dr. Who adventures can get old after awhile, but since Chubs has been doing marathon sessions, it's the only thing in his brain right now. We got home to the Boys still up and entertaining, actually Boy left to Wal-Mart because he needed something or other for one of his games. It is nice to be off schedule, once in a while. I slept like a champ until 12:30pm the next day.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
12/23/15 All The Gifts Have Been Bought, Almost Time To Chill?
Last night, Wife and I shook the boys and we got to go do a little shopping. It was nice in that we could focus on what we needed to do, not five minutes of shopping followed by "I'm hungry!", although Chubs did start that battle cry after a couple hours on his cell phone, when he finally noticed we weren't home. I told him to make himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and to shut the whining. It worked, at least for a couple more hours.
Anyways, we went to two Targets, the mall, and Academy. Wife took care of whatever nephews she still had, I looked for nick knacks to fit in our stockings. Everything is delicately hid all over the house, if Chubs was more of an inspector, this whole thing would unravel very easily, but he stays in his room.
I was dead tired last night, although I did make it to almost 2:00am before falling asleep on the sofa. We stayed up late watching Bones, mostly because we ate dinner at midnight, and I didn't want to get sick in bed. As a result, I am writing this blog around noon on 12/23/15. I mostly like to have them written the night before, but last night I had no juice left in me. Sleep was good, woke to pee a couple times, but 11:00am felt like a good time to get out of bed and start my day. I am off until 1/4/16, the Monday after New Year's, and I do not want to spend all my time in bed.
Today's plan is to run to the grocery stores and stack the kitchen with snacks and Wife is making a Christmas lasagna, just to change it from the usual turkey, there might still be a spiral ham, they are just too good.
I am thinking the pool pump needs to run before the city gets all in my beeswax again and starts threatening cause I have a dirty pool. DON'T BUY A POOL, worst way to spend a buck, it's like a kid, needs constant attention, I am too busy for that shit. They look great when the water is clean, but that is a fool's dream.
Oh yeah, we ran into our little pregnant friend, the one with no car. She texted Wife while we were in Academy, that she was working a couple stores down, if we would give her a ride. We had gone into Academy almost at 10:00pm and luckily they were having Christmas hours until midnight. We then swung around and picked her up, her belly has doubled in size, she was saying all the right things. Talking about eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, has had a hard time eating beef, and she says she loves meat, even mentioned prenatal vitamins.
Mentioned she is getting tired of BF not doing as he says, he was supposed to go out car shopping this past week, since she started working, she may just get a cheapie car ASAP on her own. Notices that the same people she would give rides to when she could all of a sudden are too busy or can't be bothered to help her out now. We told her people in general suck, she hates agreeing with the sentiment, but I reiterated "I am always right!"
Anyways, we went to two Targets, the mall, and Academy. Wife took care of whatever nephews she still had, I looked for nick knacks to fit in our stockings. Everything is delicately hid all over the house, if Chubs was more of an inspector, this whole thing would unravel very easily, but he stays in his room.
I was dead tired last night, although I did make it to almost 2:00am before falling asleep on the sofa. We stayed up late watching Bones, mostly because we ate dinner at midnight, and I didn't want to get sick in bed. As a result, I am writing this blog around noon on 12/23/15. I mostly like to have them written the night before, but last night I had no juice left in me. Sleep was good, woke to pee a couple times, but 11:00am felt like a good time to get out of bed and start my day. I am off until 1/4/16, the Monday after New Year's, and I do not want to spend all my time in bed.
Today's plan is to run to the grocery stores and stack the kitchen with snacks and Wife is making a Christmas lasagna, just to change it from the usual turkey, there might still be a spiral ham, they are just too good.
I am thinking the pool pump needs to run before the city gets all in my beeswax again and starts threatening cause I have a dirty pool. DON'T BUY A POOL, worst way to spend a buck, it's like a kid, needs constant attention, I am too busy for that shit. They look great when the water is clean, but that is a fool's dream.
Oh yeah, we ran into our little pregnant friend, the one with no car. She texted Wife while we were in Academy, that she was working a couple stores down, if we would give her a ride. We had gone into Academy almost at 10:00pm and luckily they were having Christmas hours until midnight. We then swung around and picked her up, her belly has doubled in size, she was saying all the right things. Talking about eating plenty of vegetables and fruits, has had a hard time eating beef, and she says she loves meat, even mentioned prenatal vitamins.
Mentioned she is getting tired of BF not doing as he says, he was supposed to go out car shopping this past week, since she started working, she may just get a cheapie car ASAP on her own. Notices that the same people she would give rides to when she could all of a sudden are too busy or can't be bothered to help her out now. We told her people in general suck, she hates agreeing with the sentiment, but I reiterated "I am always right!"
Monday, December 21, 2015
12/22/15 Improvements To Be Made Post Haste Per My Superiors?
You can get the feeling you're doing okay once you've been living alone with little to no adult supervision. We must thank the holidays for the chance to all come under one roof and be reminded how wrong you are. First and foremost, if I am going to be so bold as to own a home with five bedrooms, there had best be five beds for everyone's comfort. Now I know that pull out sofas and such are close, but no cigar. I should've tested them personally myself and if I wasn't comfortable, then how dare I a member of the family have to suffer. I am the oldest and therefore I should forever more be the test dummy for my sibling's comfort, never mind no one tells me of problems beforehand, it is still my fault for not having questionaire set bedside to find out comfort levels of all.
My Creators also like to take stabs at me on my gift giving etiquette. It would be one thing for them to say "I would really like a _____". Nah, too easy, It is better to shame me with "I would like ___, oh never mind, you don't spend that kind of money on your Creator." Even Wife stays out of it, the one person who I try to please year in and year out is the one accusing me of being what cheap, poor, insubordinate, uncaring, I don't know because I keep getting blindsided. I know enough to keep my hands up in a fight, look for the jab, careful with her uppercut. I've mastered those, now it seems I might be getting a glass of lighter fluid on the backside followed by a match, then a 2x4 swinging at my head. Don't forget the footwork fatboy, there's tacks on the floor and the lights are off. Only way I get beat in an argument is when the rules can be changed ad hoc, so congratulations.
I should just turn off all activities concerning where we live and act as if we are a Bed and Breakfast. Even taking one extra guest to dinner with us turned into a tumultuous exercise I shan't soon be forgetting, as I was cruelly castigated and henceforth reformed with pious indignation.
All this is my fault of course, I chose to live three hours away. My three siblings live within 50 yards of where they grew up, so of course they make me look like I ran away from home. Weird thing is, my mom does and does for them, she never mentions them doing for her, what with all the "FREE" babysitting, dropping off/picking up the kids, watching the kids while they go fart around at stupid concerts and baseball games. Meanwhile, I'm the jerk, even after all I've done. I ask for nothing, I take nothing.
But in the end, I guess Aristotle said it best: "There is only one way to avoid criticism:Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." So I guess bring it, I can take it.
My Creators also like to take stabs at me on my gift giving etiquette. It would be one thing for them to say "I would really like a _____". Nah, too easy, It is better to shame me with "I would like ___, oh never mind, you don't spend that kind of money on your Creator." Even Wife stays out of it, the one person who I try to please year in and year out is the one accusing me of being what cheap, poor, insubordinate, uncaring, I don't know because I keep getting blindsided. I know enough to keep my hands up in a fight, look for the jab, careful with her uppercut. I've mastered those, now it seems I might be getting a glass of lighter fluid on the backside followed by a match, then a 2x4 swinging at my head. Don't forget the footwork fatboy, there's tacks on the floor and the lights are off. Only way I get beat in an argument is when the rules can be changed ad hoc, so congratulations.
I should just turn off all activities concerning where we live and act as if we are a Bed and Breakfast. Even taking one extra guest to dinner with us turned into a tumultuous exercise I shan't soon be forgetting, as I was cruelly castigated and henceforth reformed with pious indignation.
All this is my fault of course, I chose to live three hours away. My three siblings live within 50 yards of where they grew up, so of course they make me look like I ran away from home. Weird thing is, my mom does and does for them, she never mentions them doing for her, what with all the "FREE" babysitting, dropping off/picking up the kids, watching the kids while they go fart around at stupid concerts and baseball games. Meanwhile, I'm the jerk, even after all I've done. I ask for nothing, I take nothing.
But in the end, I guess Aristotle said it best: "There is only one way to avoid criticism:Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." So I guess bring it, I can take it.
12/21/15 Twas Four Nights Before Christmas?
Twas four nights before christmas,
and all through the house
Everyone was stirring, even my Chubs
stockings were still missing, would Santa even care
we had three more days to hang them, before St. Nick flew over there.
The boys were up until three in the morning playing in their rooms
with plates of snacks piled high as each of them eats and consumes
Mama and Papa together in their private room watching TV loudly
enjoying their vacation and living it up quite proudly.
Grandma and Grandpa were visiting for a few days
Grandpa was happy just lounging and from our snacks allowed to graze
Grandma was on a mission to bring some holiday cheer
to all her lucky grandkids toys and fun gear.
My brother on the other hand
with a cup of coffee would like to demand
we remember the real reason of the holidays,
it shouldn't be the toys and all the magical craze,
we should be happy to spend time with one another
and say I love you my brother even when it is a friend from another mother.
We did see what appeared to be Santa's sled on a practice flight tonight
maybe that should be a sign, time to be good and act right
Let's be honest, nobody pays attention to all 365 days
just be good the last two days before Santa arrives, I do promise it pays in many ways!
we had three more days to hang them, before St. Nick flew over there.
The boys were up until three in the morning playing in their rooms
with plates of snacks piled high as each of them eats and consumes
Mama and Papa together in their private room watching TV loudly
enjoying their vacation and living it up quite proudly.
Grandma and Grandpa were visiting for a few days
Grandpa was happy just lounging and from our snacks allowed to graze
Grandma was on a mission to bring some holiday cheer
to all her lucky grandkids toys and fun gear.
My brother on the other hand
with a cup of coffee would like to demand
we remember the real reason of the holidays,
it shouldn't be the toys and all the magical craze,
we should be happy to spend time with one another
and say I love you my brother even when it is a friend from another mother.
We did see what appeared to be Santa's sled on a practice flight tonight
maybe that should be a sign, time to be good and act right
Let's be honest, nobody pays attention to all 365 days
just be good the last two days before Santa arrives, I do promise it pays in many ways!
Sunday, December 20, 2015
12/20/15 Another Smorgasborg At Estancia Churrascaria?
We had another feast yesterday night (Saturday) at our very favorite restaurant, Estancia Churrascaria. We only end up going there about once a year because it is so expensive, but this time around it was my sister suggesting us eat there. All I need is a little bit of a push, and I will agree to the experience, and it is an experience, not just a meal.
Once we agreed, Boy thought it would be awesome to take his crew, of course it's awesome, specially if Daddy and Mama are paying. I was hesitant at first, but got talked into it, as this would count as their christmas gift, a fancy feast for all. Wife then got on their website and noticed that if we were a group of fifteen or more, then we all get a $25 gift card, and the host would get a $100 gift card. Unfortunately, at that moment we were fourteen counting the babies and husband of my sister, and of course my folks and brother.
Once we agreed, Boy thought it would be awesome to take his crew, of course it's awesome, specially if Daddy and Mama are paying. I was hesitant at first, but got talked into it, as this would count as their christmas gift, a fancy feast for all. Wife then got on their website and noticed that if we were a group of fifteen or more, then we all get a $25 gift card, and the host would get a $100 gift card. Unfortunately, at that moment we were fourteen counting the babies and husband of my sister, and of course my folks and brother.
Friday, December 18, 2015
12/19/15 Next Stop, Vacation?
This is a good Friday for us. I got my folks and my sister and her husband and kids showing up tonight. Christmas vacation starts, we are closing on our refinance today around 1:00pm. It is one of those days where it will be so busy, it'll just fly by.
Wife said she has to work five hours, but has plans of leaving the house at 6:00am to make it to Bastrop by 7:00am. This will allow her to get out at 12:00 to give her enouh time to make it back for our signing at 1:00pm. This will be the first hurdle of the day. Boy has to be involved in the morning to take Chubs to school. He was still up at midnight when I was coming back to work, so I am sure he will be ugly and rude with Chubs. Chubs has a day of school in pajamas, and then his cousins will be here, so for him, it is looking pretty good.
My folks are uncharacteristically going to hang out more than the weekend. I suspect that my sister will need her home and she will run off to go be the good helper mom she is. But it would be nice if they actually hung out and looked relaxed here for a couple of days. They are bringing my brother, and it seems like they are not even going to try and get me to go down there. Good, if Mohammed won't go to the mountain, bring the mountain to Mohammed, or something like that.
My mom also mentioned that in the time between Christmas and New Year's, they will be going on an overnight trip to Louisiana, another one of those gambling trips. Mom says it is for dad, she has zero interest in casinoes, but my dad loves the cling cling cling of those one armed bandits. Oh well, my dad is not a high roller, he gambles their fortunes lose change at a time. The trip should allow them to go somewhere they haven't been, so that sounded interesting.
It was nice coming home, Wife suddenly remembered going to the store. She went and got a bunch of snack foods one would eat for fun, the counters are full. I am worried my big coffee maker broke, the Kierig may not be intended for my family who drink coffee all day long. It might serve me well to go buy them a cheap coffee maker that will make coffee by the gallon. If only we were fixing to have some super cold weather, that would have made this weekend perfect.
Wife said she has to work five hours, but has plans of leaving the house at 6:00am to make it to Bastrop by 7:00am. This will allow her to get out at 12:00 to give her enouh time to make it back for our signing at 1:00pm. This will be the first hurdle of the day. Boy has to be involved in the morning to take Chubs to school. He was still up at midnight when I was coming back to work, so I am sure he will be ugly and rude with Chubs. Chubs has a day of school in pajamas, and then his cousins will be here, so for him, it is looking pretty good.
My folks are uncharacteristically going to hang out more than the weekend. I suspect that my sister will need her home and she will run off to go be the good helper mom she is. But it would be nice if they actually hung out and looked relaxed here for a couple of days. They are bringing my brother, and it seems like they are not even going to try and get me to go down there. Good, if Mohammed won't go to the mountain, bring the mountain to Mohammed, or something like that.
My mom also mentioned that in the time between Christmas and New Year's, they will be going on an overnight trip to Louisiana, another one of those gambling trips. Mom says it is for dad, she has zero interest in casinoes, but my dad loves the cling cling cling of those one armed bandits. Oh well, my dad is not a high roller, he gambles their fortunes lose change at a time. The trip should allow them to go somewhere they haven't been, so that sounded interesting.
It was nice coming home, Wife suddenly remembered going to the store. She went and got a bunch of snack foods one would eat for fun, the counters are full. I am worried my big coffee maker broke, the Kierig may not be intended for my family who drink coffee all day long. It might serve me well to go buy them a cheap coffee maker that will make coffee by the gallon. If only we were fixing to have some super cold weather, that would have made this weekend perfect.
12/18/15 The Easiest Solutions Always Help Certain Groups of People?
This thought just came to me as I was sitting here on empty, ready for a vacation and just to get away from the same old same old. I really want the winter break to start, I like it when things change, if only a bit. Anyways, the thought concerns differences between Boy and Girlie. We told Boy when he started college he was going to need himself a little job, for his own money when he wants to go out, or do extra activities. It seems now that he quickly got hired at Alamo Drafthouse. It has been a good fit, they let him during the school year only work the weekends and during the summer and even winter break they will let him work almost forty hours a week.
The perks are great, he tells them when he can work, usually works early, so is out in the afternoon or early evening, he has been able to get us free tickets when we want to go to the movies, even though he grumbles they are thinking of removing that extra. He gets a discount on the food we eat,and it can add up. Alamo Drafthouse, for those that don't know, is a high end stadium style movie theater with tables so that one can enjoy food, such as burgers, pizza, wraps, wings, salads, simple stuff, I'm not sure about a pot roast, but maybe if it is part of a theme night, they might throw in a pot roast. Normal people that go, have some money to burn, let's face it, it gets expensive quick, the tipping is expected and it is usually good. For the most part Boy makes between $14-$18 an hour. Last summer for a few weeks he was even making over $20, but management figured a mistake had been made and brought them back down, but still.
On the other hand, is my buddy, Girlie. She has had a couple jobs at the mall, now is working for a cell phone company, still under $9 and hour. Boy told her at one point to apply. It is weird, but the waiters that take your orders are called servers, although all they do is take the order and possibly bring the drinks. Boy is a runner, and runners are the ones "running" to the kitchen and delivering the food to the people. He has tried explaining a couple times, as have I, that as a server she would not be touching food, but alas, she refuses to work "with food." The theater has a full bar and at one point, they were offering Boy the opportunity to work and train to be one of their bartenders, he said no because he is still in school, but there are so many options there.
She has been applying at banks and other more grown up stuff, but I just see the wasted potential where she could be making double her salary, but no. Not only would she make more money, but then she could get free tickets to the movies, and there is no better place to watch a good movie than there. We ended up going with friends to the Southpark Meadows theater after a few years of just going to Alamo, and it seemed like the people sitting down were "jokingly" fucking around. Half the people had their phones and tablets on, people jumping from one row to another, kids screaming. All these shenanigans gets you invited to leave at Alamo Drafthouse.
The perks are great, he tells them when he can work, usually works early, so is out in the afternoon or early evening, he has been able to get us free tickets when we want to go to the movies, even though he grumbles they are thinking of removing that extra. He gets a discount on the food we eat,and it can add up. Alamo Drafthouse, for those that don't know, is a high end stadium style movie theater with tables so that one can enjoy food, such as burgers, pizza, wraps, wings, salads, simple stuff, I'm not sure about a pot roast, but maybe if it is part of a theme night, they might throw in a pot roast. Normal people that go, have some money to burn, let's face it, it gets expensive quick, the tipping is expected and it is usually good. For the most part Boy makes between $14-$18 an hour. Last summer for a few weeks he was even making over $20, but management figured a mistake had been made and brought them back down, but still.
On the other hand, is my buddy, Girlie. She has had a couple jobs at the mall, now is working for a cell phone company, still under $9 and hour. Boy told her at one point to apply. It is weird, but the waiters that take your orders are called servers, although all they do is take the order and possibly bring the drinks. Boy is a runner, and runners are the ones "running" to the kitchen and delivering the food to the people. He has tried explaining a couple times, as have I, that as a server she would not be touching food, but alas, she refuses to work "with food." The theater has a full bar and at one point, they were offering Boy the opportunity to work and train to be one of their bartenders, he said no because he is still in school, but there are so many options there.
She has been applying at banks and other more grown up stuff, but I just see the wasted potential where she could be making double her salary, but no. Not only would she make more money, but then she could get free tickets to the movies, and there is no better place to watch a good movie than there. We ended up going with friends to the Southpark Meadows theater after a few years of just going to Alamo, and it seemed like the people sitting down were "jokingly" fucking around. Half the people had their phones and tablets on, people jumping from one row to another, kids screaming. All these shenanigans gets you invited to leave at Alamo Drafthouse.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
12/17/15 Nothing Nada Rien Nichts Ничто́ Niente
That is exactly what the Grinch known as Wife says we are exchanging with each other. We are closing this week on our refinancing efforts and now she wants to be good. She historically has been hard to shop for, my turtle in a box, does well with a little lettuce and a squirt of water. Now we have written a treaty, no gifts.
It has always sucked getting her gifts, no clothes, "I have to try it on." Her mom worked in a jewelry store for ten years, whatever watch she wears was the last one her mom bought her. Pearls, you would think, no, she has some from her grandma that are special to her. I try sticking to purses, they are an accessory women like, but it has to be small, and it has to have the strap to fit around her, because she doesn't want it slowing her hands down. Make-up? I wouldn't know where to start. She doesn't wear perfumes.
Me on the other hand, I love stuff, as long as it is good shit. I was thinking of a light bar for my truck, since it is new and it's the kind of truck that will always look good. Originally, I wanted the deal they offer at the car wash, about $500, I can take it in anytime to wash for a year. It is next to a couple places we eat in Southpark Meadows, it could get washed while we eat lunch, great since we can't wash it at home.
How about a new bed, we bought a stupid foam type that conforms to your body? That is fine, except the material is just hot, and in order to maintain the warranty, we must protect it from water, so we sleep on a waterproof plastic sheet, probably the real heat culprit. Since there are no springs in the mattress it also does not assist in the all important humping category, knees just sink in, you're on your own. My shoulders always hurt, not sure if it is the bed or just my big ego getting harder to maintain up daily.
I kept the window open, we can still get stuff that'll fit in our stockings. Cough cough, a Rolex would fit. A hoochie mama with giant boobs would also fit if she wore the stocking and stood on one foot. I shall remain optimistic until the 26th, then it's time to reset the clock to next year's Christmas.
It has always sucked getting her gifts, no clothes, "I have to try it on." Her mom worked in a jewelry store for ten years, whatever watch she wears was the last one her mom bought her. Pearls, you would think, no, she has some from her grandma that are special to her. I try sticking to purses, they are an accessory women like, but it has to be small, and it has to have the strap to fit around her, because she doesn't want it slowing her hands down. Make-up? I wouldn't know where to start. She doesn't wear perfumes.
Me on the other hand, I love stuff, as long as it is good shit. I was thinking of a light bar for my truck, since it is new and it's the kind of truck that will always look good. Originally, I wanted the deal they offer at the car wash, about $500, I can take it in anytime to wash for a year. It is next to a couple places we eat in Southpark Meadows, it could get washed while we eat lunch, great since we can't wash it at home.
How about a new bed, we bought a stupid foam type that conforms to your body? That is fine, except the material is just hot, and in order to maintain the warranty, we must protect it from water, so we sleep on a waterproof plastic sheet, probably the real heat culprit. Since there are no springs in the mattress it also does not assist in the all important humping category, knees just sink in, you're on your own. My shoulders always hurt, not sure if it is the bed or just my big ego getting harder to maintain up daily.
I kept the window open, we can still get stuff that'll fit in our stockings. Cough cough, a Rolex would fit. A hoochie mama with giant boobs would also fit if she wore the stocking and stood on one foot. I shall remain optimistic until the 26th, then it's time to reset the clock to next year's Christmas.
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| Light Bar on top |
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
12/16/15 A Life Unchallenged? Part 2 (part 1 on 8/7/15)
What has Deandra been up to? Seems like what most people in her position, rearranging chairs on the Titanic. Instead of looking out and seeing the boat anchor slowing her life and giving her slow kid after slow kid, she's gonna work on herself. By work on herself, I mean get some tattoos, and piercings, of course. Piercing #10 should be the one that turns things around, never mind it's on her hoo-haa and well few people will see it. A tramp stamp just seems like the perfect dose of color on one's back to add respectability and charm.
Joey had indeed installed those power seats in his car, but forgot to reinstall the seat belts and one night while out celebrating another pennant by the Yankees, even though Captain Charming was born and raised in Texas, well he got T-boned and his car was totaled. Not to worry, stupid drunk people never get hurt, he of course got thrown from the car, but his head broke his fall. Even though he was still himself, he lost his will to drive. He declared himself retired from the rat race. If my Princess wants me to work, she'll drive me to work, and with that, he cut his driver's license and bought himself a shiny bus pass.
Deandra swore she would not stoop to being his taxi, but week in and week out, there she was, driving him back and forth. She still told herself nobody takes advantage of me, hardly anyone was left in her life to listen, much less believe her rants. This time would be different at last, she had foolishly followed her mother out east with Joey the passenger man and two rugrats in the back. No sooner had they landed in Florida, when her mom decided to move to New York. She was convinced by her coworkers at the latest minimum wage endeavor to do a little stripping, they all did it, after all, and allowed for some extra cash to rehab Joey possibly back to driving and maybe even making more than her for once. Joey quickly found work, in real estate, he spun one of those big arrows on a street corner advertising the newest community down the way.
She was not comfortable with the idea of stripping, not because it was demeaning, but she felt fat and self conscious, having grown up a chunky kid. In reality, with her second kid, she had looked better, but overall, at least while she held onto the tail end of her twenties she was good enough to dance for a couple afternoon shifts. The manager made no bones, told her, lose 20 lbs and you can dance the night shifts, where the money almost doubles. There was the rub though, idiots could give advice and she would shine right to it, anyone with real knowledge, and she insisted it was some sort of trick. So no, she refused to lose even one pound, she had come this far on her own, now was not the time to start listening to men.
There she was dancing and jiggling about on the stage one summer. In walked Wife and I. This was the summer before Chubs was to graduate, but he managed to get a co-op job at Disney and we had gone alone to surprise him. Of course, being Mr. Perv, we would check out the local titty bars any chance we got. At first we didn't recognize her, she was older, hair curlier and gold-ish, glamorous and trashy all at once, nothing like the young girl who had grown up next door playing with our son. After a few minutes she realized who we were and she excused herself from the stage, meaning she ran off behind the curtains.
We weren't sure what to think or do. There had been a time we cared for her, thought of her as the daughter we never had, but those bridges get burned over time. At some point, the attitude just makes people turn away, I certainly didn't need the lack of respect I felt when we last talked years earlier. Eventually, she came out. Maybe she had been crying out of shame, maybe she was just defeated and always looked like this with the bloodshot eyes, maybe she even had a little shot of something running through her veins, who knows. All we felt was that this was a ghost of the person we knew. How are the kids? How else do you start a conversation with someone you're not sure wanted you to see her? Hubby, heard he got in some sort of accident? Fine, fine, everybody is fine. Cool, what can we say, if the person wants to be icy cold, it might be best to part ways, there were other strip bars for us. We got up and started to leave, she very awkwardly stopped us. "hold on, where are you staying, can I see you all again?" Tears started, "I treated you all badly, and you were there for me more than my family at times, I am sorry."
Joey had indeed installed those power seats in his car, but forgot to reinstall the seat belts and one night while out celebrating another pennant by the Yankees, even though Captain Charming was born and raised in Texas, well he got T-boned and his car was totaled. Not to worry, stupid drunk people never get hurt, he of course got thrown from the car, but his head broke his fall. Even though he was still himself, he lost his will to drive. He declared himself retired from the rat race. If my Princess wants me to work, she'll drive me to work, and with that, he cut his driver's license and bought himself a shiny bus pass.
Deandra swore she would not stoop to being his taxi, but week in and week out, there she was, driving him back and forth. She still told herself nobody takes advantage of me, hardly anyone was left in her life to listen, much less believe her rants. This time would be different at last, she had foolishly followed her mother out east with Joey the passenger man and two rugrats in the back. No sooner had they landed in Florida, when her mom decided to move to New York. She was convinced by her coworkers at the latest minimum wage endeavor to do a little stripping, they all did it, after all, and allowed for some extra cash to rehab Joey possibly back to driving and maybe even making more than her for once. Joey quickly found work, in real estate, he spun one of those big arrows on a street corner advertising the newest community down the way.
She was not comfortable with the idea of stripping, not because it was demeaning, but she felt fat and self conscious, having grown up a chunky kid. In reality, with her second kid, she had looked better, but overall, at least while she held onto the tail end of her twenties she was good enough to dance for a couple afternoon shifts. The manager made no bones, told her, lose 20 lbs and you can dance the night shifts, where the money almost doubles. There was the rub though, idiots could give advice and she would shine right to it, anyone with real knowledge, and she insisted it was some sort of trick. So no, she refused to lose even one pound, she had come this far on her own, now was not the time to start listening to men.
There she was dancing and jiggling about on the stage one summer. In walked Wife and I. This was the summer before Chubs was to graduate, but he managed to get a co-op job at Disney and we had gone alone to surprise him. Of course, being Mr. Perv, we would check out the local titty bars any chance we got. At first we didn't recognize her, she was older, hair curlier and gold-ish, glamorous and trashy all at once, nothing like the young girl who had grown up next door playing with our son. After a few minutes she realized who we were and she excused herself from the stage, meaning she ran off behind the curtains.
We weren't sure what to think or do. There had been a time we cared for her, thought of her as the daughter we never had, but those bridges get burned over time. At some point, the attitude just makes people turn away, I certainly didn't need the lack of respect I felt when we last talked years earlier. Eventually, she came out. Maybe she had been crying out of shame, maybe she was just defeated and always looked like this with the bloodshot eyes, maybe she even had a little shot of something running through her veins, who knows. All we felt was that this was a ghost of the person we knew. How are the kids? How else do you start a conversation with someone you're not sure wanted you to see her? Hubby, heard he got in some sort of accident? Fine, fine, everybody is fine. Cool, what can we say, if the person wants to be icy cold, it might be best to part ways, there were other strip bars for us. We got up and started to leave, she very awkwardly stopped us. "hold on, where are you staying, can I see you all again?" Tears started, "I treated you all badly, and you were there for me more than my family at times, I am sorry."
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
12/15/15 Baby Finally Came?
Our ex-neighbor's baby finally came. She started dialating on December 1st, was eventually induced, on December 10th but because of something or other it was decided baby should be taken out via cesarean section. Officially, he was born Thursday at 7:51pm, weighed 8lbs. 10oz., and was 20.5 inches long. I only know this because the information was sent to me multiple times by Girlie, my neighbor, and Wife. The new happy family all came home today.
Since Wife was in a conference in Dallas, I waited to go over until today (sunday). We were going to go last night, but the neighbor had just left the hospital when they talked, Wife was kind of tired from her trip, and my brother was still here. I think it was better to wait until they got home, everybody is more relaxed. We took them a book I found at Half-Price Books with 365 Nursery Rhymes, and Wife found a receiving blanket with an elephant, which was her character at the baby shower.
I feel anyone of average intelligence should know the nursery rhymes we grow up with. They make up the basic knowledge of our youth, even if we don't fully understand: Jack and Jill went up the hill..... Old McDonald had a farm..... Twinkle twinkle little star... who knew there were 365 of these little rhyming thingies?
Mama looked good with her baby in her arms, daddy was sitting there too. I thought that was nice. I also thought good man, when he got up at 6:30pm to go take a nap, since he was headed to work, working nightshift, somewhere. Our friend, now Grandma was sitting there happy as can be, everybody loves a new baby. This baby should be fine, new mama and her mama have always been very close, and I foresee them living together for the next few years, it is their other cousin I wonder about. We'll see around April how that starts out.
Wife had the baby in her arms and held him for about a half hour, very peacefully, while we got caught up with this and that. She enjoyed the baby doing little farts all wrapped up in his blanket, she could feel the putt putt putt on her arm. As a dude who does not want any more kids, nothing made me happier than the baby all of a sudden start crying and Wife saying "it's your turn mama, here you go."
Since Wife was in a conference in Dallas, I waited to go over until today (sunday). We were going to go last night, but the neighbor had just left the hospital when they talked, Wife was kind of tired from her trip, and my brother was still here. I think it was better to wait until they got home, everybody is more relaxed. We took them a book I found at Half-Price Books with 365 Nursery Rhymes, and Wife found a receiving blanket with an elephant, which was her character at the baby shower.
I feel anyone of average intelligence should know the nursery rhymes we grow up with. They make up the basic knowledge of our youth, even if we don't fully understand: Jack and Jill went up the hill..... Old McDonald had a farm..... Twinkle twinkle little star... who knew there were 365 of these little rhyming thingies?
Mama looked good with her baby in her arms, daddy was sitting there too. I thought that was nice. I also thought good man, when he got up at 6:30pm to go take a nap, since he was headed to work, working nightshift, somewhere. Our friend, now Grandma was sitting there happy as can be, everybody loves a new baby. This baby should be fine, new mama and her mama have always been very close, and I foresee them living together for the next few years, it is their other cousin I wonder about. We'll see around April how that starts out.
Wife had the baby in her arms and held him for about a half hour, very peacefully, while we got caught up with this and that. She enjoyed the baby doing little farts all wrapped up in his blanket, she could feel the putt putt putt on her arm. As a dude who does not want any more kids, nothing made me happier than the baby all of a sudden start crying and Wife saying "it's your turn mama, here you go."
Monday, December 14, 2015
12/14/15 Texas Land And Cattle Was Not Good?
We have not been eating out as much as we used to. Yet tonight (Saturday) felt like a night to celebrate. Wife got back from her conference, we're pretty much yes on refinance in about a week, Boy is home for a month, and my brother stayed which means he didn't rush off and maybe he is getting comfortable with the idea of coming back to Austin.
I asked boys what they felt like eating and Chubs quickly said he felt like a nice steak. I thought good idea boy, and then Boy said that sounded good. We've been going to Longhorn Steakhouse, since they closed the Outback we used to go to on Ben White and Lamar. Wife suggested the drive to the outlet malls to eat at the Outback over there, but with the crowds of christmas shoppers, it just didn't sound appealing. Wife and I discussed what other steak places we could go to and I remembered Texas Land and Cattle, which I used to think was almost too fancy for us. I also remember it being pricier, but Wife pulled up the menu online and it seems like they reduced the prices. Between that and remembering their nachos with sirloin meat, each individual nacho was loaded with cheese, beans, and meat that just melted in your mouth, we found our restaurant for the night.
We got there and they sat us pretty quickly, getting the drinks almost took too long, I started drifting and eventually got on the phone looking at Pinterest before waiter brought out drinks and nachos. These nachos had the meat cut into tiny squares, and just sitting on top like bacon bits. To make it worse, there were bits of corn and other veggie things in there. Plus anytime there are more chips than toppings, the nachos have already failed.
We were not even done with the nachos and our salads showed up. Again, no taste in the salad, lettuce was bland mostly white, the croutons were big and ready to cut my mouth up. Again, we were still not done with the salad and the main dinner came in, come on, give us a few minutes to finish the salad, there was barely anything in the bowl, but still.
On the main course, I absolutely never want my meat as they presented it. It was cut so thin it seemed like slivers of bologna. Plus each piece had a huge strip of fat, the length of the piece of meat. I ate some of it, but by the third strip I was almost gagging from the amount of fat and I decided to cut it off. I ordered with the meal a blue cheese twice baked potato, and it was gross. I like blue cheese, there was something else in the potato. When you finish your meat by telling yourself "two more bites big boy", it is not good meat. I can honestly say even the bread which was very hot and fresh and with its little butter containers was just not good. As we got up to leave, they brought Boy a fresh glass of iced tea, he was done, I had about half the glass, that tea was actually delicious. The color was strong brown, it was not diluted by the ice and it was just the right amount of sweet. Sorry, but everything else needs work.
I asked boys what they felt like eating and Chubs quickly said he felt like a nice steak. I thought good idea boy, and then Boy said that sounded good. We've been going to Longhorn Steakhouse, since they closed the Outback we used to go to on Ben White and Lamar. Wife suggested the drive to the outlet malls to eat at the Outback over there, but with the crowds of christmas shoppers, it just didn't sound appealing. Wife and I discussed what other steak places we could go to and I remembered Texas Land and Cattle, which I used to think was almost too fancy for us. I also remember it being pricier, but Wife pulled up the menu online and it seems like they reduced the prices. Between that and remembering their nachos with sirloin meat, each individual nacho was loaded with cheese, beans, and meat that just melted in your mouth, we found our restaurant for the night.
We got there and they sat us pretty quickly, getting the drinks almost took too long, I started drifting and eventually got on the phone looking at Pinterest before waiter brought out drinks and nachos. These nachos had the meat cut into tiny squares, and just sitting on top like bacon bits. To make it worse, there were bits of corn and other veggie things in there. Plus anytime there are more chips than toppings, the nachos have already failed.
We were not even done with the nachos and our salads showed up. Again, no taste in the salad, lettuce was bland mostly white, the croutons were big and ready to cut my mouth up. Again, we were still not done with the salad and the main dinner came in, come on, give us a few minutes to finish the salad, there was barely anything in the bowl, but still.
On the main course, I absolutely never want my meat as they presented it. It was cut so thin it seemed like slivers of bologna. Plus each piece had a huge strip of fat, the length of the piece of meat. I ate some of it, but by the third strip I was almost gagging from the amount of fat and I decided to cut it off. I ordered with the meal a blue cheese twice baked potato, and it was gross. I like blue cheese, there was something else in the potato. When you finish your meat by telling yourself "two more bites big boy", it is not good meat. I can honestly say even the bread which was very hot and fresh and with its little butter containers was just not good. As we got up to leave, they brought Boy a fresh glass of iced tea, he was done, I had about half the glass, that tea was actually delicious. The color was strong brown, it was not diluted by the ice and it was just the right amount of sweet. Sorry, but everything else needs work.
Saturday, December 12, 2015
12/13/15 Fifth Time Is The Charm?
Pending my own stupidity, it looks like we are finally going to be able to refinance the house. I have gotten in my own way before by being impatient and generally dumb. Wife had even given up on us being able to refinance, it's mainly because I didn't want to move that I kept reading and seeing that not all banks work the same, eventually there should be one willing to take a risk on most everybody, the hard part is finding the right entity.
Our biggest problem is we carry a huge load of debt. After we sold the other house, there was a moment where the sun almost started shining on us, but then I went and got a $56,000 truck to move my huge ego back and forth to work and home. I love the truck, but I know I should've waited until after we rifinanced. Instead, I wrote a check for $10,000, like I was a big shit from the money we saved aside for taxes on the sale of the old house, and I went and bought the first truck that matched what I kind of wanted, a newish F-250 that ran on gas, not diesel. I had seen some slightly used ones for as cheap as $43,000 that I liked, but when I got the urge to buy, all the used ones disappeared. The voices in my head said "come on little man, show us what you got!"
I say fifth time in the title because we tried the refinance thing a bunch of times over the last year and a half or so. Initially, I thought our bank would do it. They know we are good customers, we have never missed a payment or been late, but no. We didn't even get to the point of getting an appraisal, they said we had too much debt, they couldn't do it, this was before we sold the other house. We then tried to refinance the older house, we owed $52,000, it appraised for $135,000, but the banks still wouldn't let us touch the equity. That is a scam and a half, the banks run. Be a good customer, never miss a payment, then try and refinance, where you'll have a lower interest rate meaning a lower payment, and THEY have the right to say no. OF COURSE, who loses money? THEY DO. It shouldn't work that way, it is just wrong.
So we kept trying again and again. Finally, after Wife said she was done, I typed in on Lending Tree.com that we had a huge credit debt on one of the boxes and only 3-4 banks showed interest. I told Wife this seemed different, and it appears to have worked. We are supposed to close with Loan Depot by the 22nd this month. It seemed "fish-y" that we owed about $290,000 yet they were marking the payoff at $304,000 but Wife called to see what this was about and they are actually paying off like six of our smaller accounts directly, and not giving us the money. Guess they don't trust my spendaholic ways. It's fine, between this and the no payments for December and January plus the escrow account coming back to us from the current bank, we should still get $14,000 to payoff any other credit cards or do what we need to do.
I feel like this is finally going to put us in a good spot. We did payoff a bunch of credit cards when we sold the old house, it's just that our debt was nearing $90,000. Possibly more, which was tolerable when I was working non-stop OT, but those days seem like years ago. Overtime died, almost the exact weekend I bought the truck, it has sucked balls, but we have been limping along. We will probably still have about $30,000 in debt to pay down, but it will feel alot easier considering where we were at. If history holds true, work will pick up a bit at the start of the year, and any extra money will be focused on paying off one credit card after another. Much easier when it is like 4-5 accounts versus 20 or more we used to have.
Our biggest problem is we carry a huge load of debt. After we sold the other house, there was a moment where the sun almost started shining on us, but then I went and got a $56,000 truck to move my huge ego back and forth to work and home. I love the truck, but I know I should've waited until after we rifinanced. Instead, I wrote a check for $10,000, like I was a big shit from the money we saved aside for taxes on the sale of the old house, and I went and bought the first truck that matched what I kind of wanted, a newish F-250 that ran on gas, not diesel. I had seen some slightly used ones for as cheap as $43,000 that I liked, but when I got the urge to buy, all the used ones disappeared. The voices in my head said "come on little man, show us what you got!"
I say fifth time in the title because we tried the refinance thing a bunch of times over the last year and a half or so. Initially, I thought our bank would do it. They know we are good customers, we have never missed a payment or been late, but no. We didn't even get to the point of getting an appraisal, they said we had too much debt, they couldn't do it, this was before we sold the other house. We then tried to refinance the older house, we owed $52,000, it appraised for $135,000, but the banks still wouldn't let us touch the equity. That is a scam and a half, the banks run. Be a good customer, never miss a payment, then try and refinance, where you'll have a lower interest rate meaning a lower payment, and THEY have the right to say no. OF COURSE, who loses money? THEY DO. It shouldn't work that way, it is just wrong.
So we kept trying again and again. Finally, after Wife said she was done, I typed in on Lending Tree.com that we had a huge credit debt on one of the boxes and only 3-4 banks showed interest. I told Wife this seemed different, and it appears to have worked. We are supposed to close with Loan Depot by the 22nd this month. It seemed "fish-y" that we owed about $290,000 yet they were marking the payoff at $304,000 but Wife called to see what this was about and they are actually paying off like six of our smaller accounts directly, and not giving us the money. Guess they don't trust my spendaholic ways. It's fine, between this and the no payments for December and January plus the escrow account coming back to us from the current bank, we should still get $14,000 to payoff any other credit cards or do what we need to do.
I feel like this is finally going to put us in a good spot. We did payoff a bunch of credit cards when we sold the old house, it's just that our debt was nearing $90,000. Possibly more, which was tolerable when I was working non-stop OT, but those days seem like years ago. Overtime died, almost the exact weekend I bought the truck, it has sucked balls, but we have been limping along. We will probably still have about $30,000 in debt to pay down, but it will feel alot easier considering where we were at. If history holds true, work will pick up a bit at the start of the year, and any extra money will be focused on paying off one credit card after another. Much easier when it is like 4-5 accounts versus 20 or more we used to have.
12/12/15 Like It Or Not, Semesters Happen?
Boy just finished another semester, they seem to go faster and faster. The good thing is we get to have him home for about five weeks, the bad thing is, we get to have him for about four weeks too long. I love the Boy, but because he has his "own place", he carries an attitude that he is just a guest, and therefore, we shouldn't bother him too much. We'll be fine in the beginning, but about when school starts up again, I will be fine with his butt headed back to school.
Semesters are big markers though. As long as he passes everything, each end of the semester brings us closer to him actually getting a degree. As we feared, most of the kids he started going to college with, have stopped, or flunked out. He is hanging with a stable bunch of kids, which I say thank goodness for that. Part of the reason some kids don't advance is that they don't grow and change with who they associate with. I still feel "tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are." goes a long way to describing you. If you hang out with a bunch of minimum wagers, guess what you probably are. Hang out with a bunch of PhD candidates and again, guess what we expect you to be?
Seems like just a couple weeks ago, we were talking about him being scared of a statistics class he needed. Now that it ended, he says it wasn't the worst class he ever took. Like a good little soldier, he doesn't have much time to think and reflect on what he just learned. He already signed up for the next round of classes, there is a third calculus, a programming class, and I didn't catch the rest. He did say his minor is in math now. He mentioned a fourth calculus class, but I know there is more to math than calculus, oh yeah, some geometry class is in for next semester as well.
What else can we ask of Mijo? He seems to be in a zone. He's rooming with some of his best friends, which I hope is making college life better. Chubs has matured to a point that the two can kind of nerd out together. They have almost identical interests, it is weird. Wife said "well Boy was never into Dr. Who." He said he saw all of it in a couple weeks time a year ago. He did enjoy it. I almost wish I was more nerdy when I was their age. I just didn't have access to all the internet, and bookstores, and the cosplay, and LARP'ing. What an age we have come upon, like I said, the age of the nerd is upon us.
Semesters are big markers though. As long as he passes everything, each end of the semester brings us closer to him actually getting a degree. As we feared, most of the kids he started going to college with, have stopped, or flunked out. He is hanging with a stable bunch of kids, which I say thank goodness for that. Part of the reason some kids don't advance is that they don't grow and change with who they associate with. I still feel "tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are." goes a long way to describing you. If you hang out with a bunch of minimum wagers, guess what you probably are. Hang out with a bunch of PhD candidates and again, guess what we expect you to be?
Seems like just a couple weeks ago, we were talking about him being scared of a statistics class he needed. Now that it ended, he says it wasn't the worst class he ever took. Like a good little soldier, he doesn't have much time to think and reflect on what he just learned. He already signed up for the next round of classes, there is a third calculus, a programming class, and I didn't catch the rest. He did say his minor is in math now. He mentioned a fourth calculus class, but I know there is more to math than calculus, oh yeah, some geometry class is in for next semester as well.
What else can we ask of Mijo? He seems to be in a zone. He's rooming with some of his best friends, which I hope is making college life better. Chubs has matured to a point that the two can kind of nerd out together. They have almost identical interests, it is weird. Wife said "well Boy was never into Dr. Who." He said he saw all of it in a couple weeks time a year ago. He did enjoy it. I almost wish I was more nerdy when I was their age. I just didn't have access to all the internet, and bookstores, and the cosplay, and LARP'ing. What an age we have come upon, like I said, the age of the nerd is upon us.
Friday, December 11, 2015
12/11/15 What Do You Do?
It sucks when you stand from afar and slowly see the accident developing ahead. Wife and I are witnessing it in slow motion and there is not much we can do but watch the stupidity of it all. One of our friends is pregnant, fine you would think, her choice. I would agree, but it is like she is not living in the United States, all of a sudden she found a tiny third world like country here in Austin.
First of all, the dude is thick, he doesn't want her relating to her family. Upon finding out she was with child, she was almost put in isolation. She quit working because of nausea, we heard nothing from her for a couple months, then one of our friends tells us she is living without water. No cable, or internet goes without saying. Then there was word she is without gas. These are necessities I don't even think of being without, including internet. When it was down for a day, we at least had 3G on our phones to hobble until we switched from Time Warner to U-Verse. If you don't have gas, you can't cook. No water, you can't wash, shower, flush your poop. How long before the flies show up?
Just to add insult to injury, when we had a bunch of rain about a month ago, they drove out to his job site, and while waiting to see if it would clear up or just go home, the place where they parked flooded enough that the engine failed. They had only had the car for a couple months, so they don't even have mobility. Is this a matter of bad luck, or are the gods saying get away from that situation?
They had a get together, and the family went and got her, she showed up barefoot, shoes don't fit anymore, little problems of being pregnant. You have to be able to afford a couple of shoes and changes in size, if you're going to take on child rearing. When we talked to her alone for a few minutes, she mentioned that they had detected two heartbeats initially, but one disappeared. Twins in this situation would be too much. I am pretty sure this kid is going to have a rough go, as it is.
She was talking to Wife tonight, that Christmas is going to be hard for the other little girl, the dude has from a previous relationship (of course). Wife said it is too late to sign up for Blue Santa and those types of programs. This is where it gets muddy for me, I could help, a couple of toys don't change me one way or the other, throw in some shoes and I hardly notice in the piles and piles of crap we buy for our boys. Then again, this dude has not made himself likable in any way, why should I give two craps about his daughter? But we've known our friend since she was a little kid, running around with Boy. The ex or mama of the little girl decided she wanted nothing to do with raising the girl, so our friend has become de facto mom. When she started the relationship we all said run, there is no win here, but stupid is as stupid does, even Forrest knows that.
First of all, the dude is thick, he doesn't want her relating to her family. Upon finding out she was with child, she was almost put in isolation. She quit working because of nausea, we heard nothing from her for a couple months, then one of our friends tells us she is living without water. No cable, or internet goes without saying. Then there was word she is without gas. These are necessities I don't even think of being without, including internet. When it was down for a day, we at least had 3G on our phones to hobble until we switched from Time Warner to U-Verse. If you don't have gas, you can't cook. No water, you can't wash, shower, flush your poop. How long before the flies show up?
Just to add insult to injury, when we had a bunch of rain about a month ago, they drove out to his job site, and while waiting to see if it would clear up or just go home, the place where they parked flooded enough that the engine failed. They had only had the car for a couple months, so they don't even have mobility. Is this a matter of bad luck, or are the gods saying get away from that situation?
They had a get together, and the family went and got her, she showed up barefoot, shoes don't fit anymore, little problems of being pregnant. You have to be able to afford a couple of shoes and changes in size, if you're going to take on child rearing. When we talked to her alone for a few minutes, she mentioned that they had detected two heartbeats initially, but one disappeared. Twins in this situation would be too much. I am pretty sure this kid is going to have a rough go, as it is.
She was talking to Wife tonight, that Christmas is going to be hard for the other little girl, the dude has from a previous relationship (of course). Wife said it is too late to sign up for Blue Santa and those types of programs. This is where it gets muddy for me, I could help, a couple of toys don't change me one way or the other, throw in some shoes and I hardly notice in the piles and piles of crap we buy for our boys. Then again, this dude has not made himself likable in any way, why should I give two craps about his daughter? But we've known our friend since she was a little kid, running around with Boy. The ex or mama of the little girl decided she wanted nothing to do with raising the girl, so our friend has become de facto mom. When she started the relationship we all said run, there is no win here, but stupid is as stupid does, even Forrest knows that.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
12/10/15 At What Age Do You Make It All Real?
I am atheist, this breaks my mom's heart, after she encouraged us to think freely. Wife and I have been going around because I see Chubs taking the side of science more and more. He says he wants to be a geneticist, I say that's a nice start. On the other hand, he is still holding onto Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and God. This is cute, up to a point. I don't want him in high school thinking all these imaginary things are real, yet Wife doesn't want me speaking up. Boy took it kind of hard when we finally discussed the Santa issue. I very simply told him do you really think you are that much more good than all your friends? Come on, Son. Your friends get one or two toys, you get tons of crap, and Santa is doing that?
Last year Chubs started getting grumblings from his classmates, the little know-it-all-girls, "there is no Santa". He was in fourth grade, we told him, be a tough guy, say Santa doesn't exist, that way you make sure he doesn't stop at our house, go ahead, save him a trip. He played it on the side of caution. He hasn't said anything this year, I think maybe he knows, he's just going to keep it to himself for awhile.
I know I'm kind of a jerk for including God up in there with all the other make believe heroes, but... this is how I have felt for many years. Up until recently I was respecting Wife and not making Chubs think, but if he is going to throw down with the religion, like it gets stuff done, I will have to challenge the boy. It didn't take hardly any prodding on Boy, he is fiercely on my side now. I told Wife, "fine, I'll let him wander around in the dark for a while longer, but at some point, I will turn on the light for the boy" and I am sure he will come around too.
I just want people capable of thinking, to think. It is not for everybody, but I will push you that way, and my Boys will hopefully follow in my steps. Thought these were good:
Last year Chubs started getting grumblings from his classmates, the little know-it-all-girls, "there is no Santa". He was in fourth grade, we told him, be a tough guy, say Santa doesn't exist, that way you make sure he doesn't stop at our house, go ahead, save him a trip. He played it on the side of caution. He hasn't said anything this year, I think maybe he knows, he's just going to keep it to himself for awhile.
I know I'm kind of a jerk for including God up in there with all the other make believe heroes, but... this is how I have felt for many years. Up until recently I was respecting Wife and not making Chubs think, but if he is going to throw down with the religion, like it gets stuff done, I will have to challenge the boy. It didn't take hardly any prodding on Boy, he is fiercely on my side now. I told Wife, "fine, I'll let him wander around in the dark for a while longer, but at some point, I will turn on the light for the boy" and I am sure he will come around too.
I just want people capable of thinking, to think. It is not for everybody, but I will push you that way, and my Boys will hopefully follow in my steps. Thought these were good:
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
12/9/15 Holidays Are A Hemoroid?
Slightly more than two weeks remain until Christmas Eve
What could my boys to be impressed possibly receive?
This is what I mean that it has become a pain in the ass
when you outdo yourself each year, eventually you might reach an impasse.
I don't want lessons on volunteering and or learning how to pray,
remember volunteering is like working but without the pay.
I never understood why the poor must be serviced,
if there is food, can't they take turns, what exactly is their purpose?
I say this not because I am a dick, but the last few years we have donated
to Wife's aunt's church because those places can never be sated.
What started out as a meal for one hundred hungry has grown to over 500 people,
are they all needy who can't light an oven or just lazy free loading sheeple?
And how about all those sad sacks that hang out at every freaking light?
some with dogs, some with kids, no shame as long as your dollar is in sight
I would not say anything about them for it is hard and one must have the knack
except they can afford to smoke, and there was the idiot who exploded that beercan on my back.
Even in our house, we had that nosy neighbor "umm, you have 26 decorations on your yard"
wow, I thought, mind your own business, but I guess our HOA had in her a good guard.
But let's focus on the positive, I swear that is what I like
such as taking time off from work, maybe exercising on a bike
We need to get out of the city for a couple days
we'll probably go to my mom's for a couple nights if there is food to graze.
I do love being in my house wearing comfy old sweatpants
with nothing going on except scratching at my stuff like I got ants in my pants.
Merry Christmas to All, this is just a teaser
I'll do better on the 24th, I am such the pleaser.
Monday, December 7, 2015
12/8/15 Finally Changing Our Shopping Ways?
Boy has been using Amazon and other online shopping sites for awhile. I didn't want to trust them, but slowly Wife has pulled us into the new century. Chubs has an obsession with Dr. Who and it would be very hard to find anything, if not for doing it online. Online, she found a king sized comforter with the TARDIS and the matching sheets and pillow covers. We also found a Dr. Who lamp for his room, a couple shirts and sweaters. We would not have had so much luck at the mall.
Boy considers it normal, just casually asks "where's my box?" anytime he orders crap. I might be getting on this bandwagon soon enough. I remember growing up, I was always scared to order stuff from magazines, thinking they just want my credit card or check, not realizing this was a way to conduct business.
I did get two things by mail. The first one was Sea Monkeys, in the back of the comic books they always looked so cool, with their underwater cities and on the pictures you could see a whole family of adult and baby monkeys. Now that I am older and wiser, I realize they were brine shrimp and they can be halted in their egg cycle and kept dormant for long periods of time. I never saw them grow or move around, but I was a kid, salt water at the time meant putting some table salt in water and hoping for the best. Gradually the water turned brown and eventually my Mom just threw them away.
The other thing a lot of us ordered by mail was cassettes. Columbia House, get twelve cassettes for a penny and then just pay for about seven or eight more at regular prices. It seemed like a great deal, and I may have even completed my obligation, but living in a small town, this was about the only way to get music in my hands, other than the tejano music from the local radio.
If you spend anytime online, you can even notice the ads start becoming what you need. I got my big truck and looked at some accessories, now at work, all the commercials and ads, like on Youtube, seem to be for truck accessories. This is just evil, I love those steps that tuck into the truck when you are driving, but come down when you open the doors. That would be a nice christmas gift Wifey O' Mine, just saying. I say evil because I don't need ideas on spending money put in my head, I am already pretty good at spending a buck.
Boy considers it normal, just casually asks "where's my box?" anytime he orders crap. I might be getting on this bandwagon soon enough. I remember growing up, I was always scared to order stuff from magazines, thinking they just want my credit card or check, not realizing this was a way to conduct business.
I did get two things by mail. The first one was Sea Monkeys, in the back of the comic books they always looked so cool, with their underwater cities and on the pictures you could see a whole family of adult and baby monkeys. Now that I am older and wiser, I realize they were brine shrimp and they can be halted in their egg cycle and kept dormant for long periods of time. I never saw them grow or move around, but I was a kid, salt water at the time meant putting some table salt in water and hoping for the best. Gradually the water turned brown and eventually my Mom just threw them away.
The other thing a lot of us ordered by mail was cassettes. Columbia House, get twelve cassettes for a penny and then just pay for about seven or eight more at regular prices. It seemed like a great deal, and I may have even completed my obligation, but living in a small town, this was about the only way to get music in my hands, other than the tejano music from the local radio.
If you spend anytime online, you can even notice the ads start becoming what you need. I got my big truck and looked at some accessories, now at work, all the commercials and ads, like on Youtube, seem to be for truck accessories. This is just evil, I love those steps that tuck into the truck when you are driving, but come down when you open the doors. That would be a nice christmas gift Wifey O' Mine, just saying. I say evil because I don't need ideas on spending money put in my head, I am already pretty good at spending a buck.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
12/7/15 Hugging, Stepping Stone To Loving Humans?
I am still reading The Lucifer Principle and the latest chapter seems to simplify things way too much, but I do want to agree with his scientific claims. He boils down to hugging being the greatest difference between western and arab cultures. Men, specifically, are frowned upon to engage in forms of affection. Once a child reaches the age of 12-13, they are separated from the females and from this point start becoming men, and it is seen in bad form to comfort young males with hugging or forms of love.
Even with their spouses, they go through life not showing excitement at seeing each. "In relationships between the sexes, a display of caring is despicable. Anger is what wins repect." There is another example of when a lack of physical affection has gone hand in hand with a love of inflicting pain. These were the children of sixteenth and seventeenth century England. Displaying love to your kids was considered inappropriate. It seems, young children, cursed by the original sin of Adam, still carried the devil within them. His Satanic majesty could only be chased away with a good thrashing.
These children tethered chickens in the yard, then pelted them with stones, to death. These same children grew up with a love for violence. Instead of attacking chickens, they would set dogs on bulls for sport. The british didn't restrict thir delight in pain to animals, they whipped and hung their criminals in public. Huge crowds would gather to watch.
A few hundred years later, the British meme changed and they started showing their children a bit more affection and soon the scenes of brutality in English streets came to an end. Public warmth between Arab men and women and men and children is still considered an evil. Perhaps if this small symbol of affection, a hug, can weave its way into their society, perhaps a change can occur.
I fear a culture which doesn't hesitate to send off its youngest in sacrifices which promise rewards in an afterlife which may not even exist. But if they don't understand the simplicity and beauty of a hug here on earth, what are they going to do with 72 virgins in the afterlife?
Even with their spouses, they go through life not showing excitement at seeing each. "In relationships between the sexes, a display of caring is despicable. Anger is what wins repect." There is another example of when a lack of physical affection has gone hand in hand with a love of inflicting pain. These were the children of sixteenth and seventeenth century England. Displaying love to your kids was considered inappropriate. It seems, young children, cursed by the original sin of Adam, still carried the devil within them. His Satanic majesty could only be chased away with a good thrashing.
These children tethered chickens in the yard, then pelted them with stones, to death. These same children grew up with a love for violence. Instead of attacking chickens, they would set dogs on bulls for sport. The british didn't restrict thir delight in pain to animals, they whipped and hung their criminals in public. Huge crowds would gather to watch.
A few hundred years later, the British meme changed and they started showing their children a bit more affection and soon the scenes of brutality in English streets came to an end. Public warmth between Arab men and women and men and children is still considered an evil. Perhaps if this small symbol of affection, a hug, can weave its way into their society, perhaps a change can occur.
I fear a culture which doesn't hesitate to send off its youngest in sacrifices which promise rewards in an afterlife which may not even exist. But if they don't understand the simplicity and beauty of a hug here on earth, what are they going to do with 72 virgins in the afterlife?
Saturday, December 5, 2015
12/6/15 Suddenly, Too Many People?
Saturday was so busy, even getting up early didn't give us enough time to do everything. My brother was in town, and from the start they were joking about me needing to wake up early so we could go and do a couple things. Wife asked their daughter what she wanted to do and the only thing she cared about was going to the mall. I love the mall, so that was fine with us. Wife thought it would be cool to show her Charming Charlie, a cute store focused on costume jewelry in all sorts of colors. They'll have a table focused on pink, and everything will be pink on the table, from necklaces to bangles to sunglasses, and so forth. The table next to it, might be doing same thing in black or gold. She was ok with the store, but she did not get stuff, maybe the selection was too much for an 11 year old.
While they looked there, Chubs and I walked out, and we found a good old fashioned music store, the kind that sells saxophones, flutes, drums, and supplies. Saxophones started at $549.99, I was ready to walk out with one, then Wife came in and said "uhhh, no." I need some flexible cash to buy stuff like this. My niece bought some stuff, a Christmas ornament in the shape of a flute, and another something.
We walked to a couple more stores out there, including a pet store, before heading to the mall. At the mall, we only went to a couple stores the niece was interested in. Before long, her appetite was satiated and she was ready to head home. We were going to go to dinner, but we had told our friends that we would stop by to their baby shower for awhile.
We headed to the baby shower at 6:05pm, I was hoping to last maybe an hour, but it took us two hours to get back home. We saw all their whole family, including my male neighbor who suggested we should get together, maybe go to dinner sometime. I am always open to ideas, we'll see if he carries through. Girlie was there, with her boyfriend, but she was looking a little hungover and spacey, not a good look for a young pretty girl. Even her cousin, our summer maid was there, she's got her own belly going, and due sometime in April.
We hurried back home because my brother was there, and there was a car in our driveway. It was yet another old friend of Boy who had not visited in quite a while. We caught up with him, by now my brother had bought pizzas and pepperoni rolls, so I ate a couple. After talking with him in the kitchen for awhile, I felt like I had been ignoring my brother so I went and sat with him in the living room and asked if they wanted to go anywhere else, it was right before 9:00pm. My quickest and easiest thought was the bookstore, and niece got excited. Luckily, it was open until 10:00pm. Niece got a couple books and my brother did as well. We were home right at 10:00pm, I went upstairs, laid down, fell asleep hard and woke up at 11:15pm wondering where or when it was. It was still Saturday night, but Wife was still not around. I came down to see her and Chubs busily working on a new Legos set, this one a Dr. Who set. I figured this was a perfect time to be in the room with them and write this blog. It is now 12:13am, Saturday was a busy day.
While they looked there, Chubs and I walked out, and we found a good old fashioned music store, the kind that sells saxophones, flutes, drums, and supplies. Saxophones started at $549.99, I was ready to walk out with one, then Wife came in and said "uhhh, no." I need some flexible cash to buy stuff like this. My niece bought some stuff, a Christmas ornament in the shape of a flute, and another something.
We walked to a couple more stores out there, including a pet store, before heading to the mall. At the mall, we only went to a couple stores the niece was interested in. Before long, her appetite was satiated and she was ready to head home. We were going to go to dinner, but we had told our friends that we would stop by to their baby shower for awhile.
We headed to the baby shower at 6:05pm, I was hoping to last maybe an hour, but it took us two hours to get back home. We saw all their whole family, including my male neighbor who suggested we should get together, maybe go to dinner sometime. I am always open to ideas, we'll see if he carries through. Girlie was there, with her boyfriend, but she was looking a little hungover and spacey, not a good look for a young pretty girl. Even her cousin, our summer maid was there, she's got her own belly going, and due sometime in April.
We hurried back home because my brother was there, and there was a car in our driveway. It was yet another old friend of Boy who had not visited in quite a while. We caught up with him, by now my brother had bought pizzas and pepperoni rolls, so I ate a couple. After talking with him in the kitchen for awhile, I felt like I had been ignoring my brother so I went and sat with him in the living room and asked if they wanted to go anywhere else, it was right before 9:00pm. My quickest and easiest thought was the bookstore, and niece got excited. Luckily, it was open until 10:00pm. Niece got a couple books and my brother did as well. We were home right at 10:00pm, I went upstairs, laid down, fell asleep hard and woke up at 11:15pm wondering where or when it was. It was still Saturday night, but Wife was still not around. I came down to see her and Chubs busily working on a new Legos set, this one a Dr. Who set. I figured this was a perfect time to be in the room with them and write this blog. It is now 12:13am, Saturday was a busy day.
12/5/15 Busy Friday, Waiting?
Friday was busy busy. I got up and ran to Sam's before anything happened. Once Wife gets here, she tends to slow me down to her pace, and then it feels like forever to get anything done. Sam's is the easiest place for me to run in and buy a mattress for Boy which has been on the top of my to do list ever since he opened his mouth about all the aches and pains he has been feeling the last couple of months. I had to argue with the cashier for awhile because the rack had a price tag of $99.99 but the mattress she rang was $213. I had to run back to double check, make sure I wasn't being tricked.......
After verifying the price, the $99.99 was for a cheaper "hawthorne" mattress, I went ahead and purchased it. I only hope the mattress solves some of Boy's aches and pains. I paid for mattresss, threw it in back of my truck and went home. At this point, I figured might as well keep moving. I then went to Pan dulceria place, I love me some mexican sweet bread. There is a very good store at William Cannon and I-35, where the Academy is. I then rushed to pick up Boy, drop off Pan Dulce, wait for Wife and then head to Home Depot. The Dr. Who door is almost finished, we have to paint sign on top and install a small light that goes on very top.
At this point, it was almost 6:00pm and my brother and his family were on their way for a weekend visit, meanwhile my boys were both hungry. My brother said they would eat on the road, so Boy met us at Whataburger and we ate a simple burger meal. After the meal, Boy took off, he noticed a light was out in his Jeep, so they headed to Advanced Auto Parts to try and fix it, they did, and we went to Target.
Our friend's daughter still has not had her first kid, but the baby shower was scheduled for tomorrow. We couldn't decide on what to buy, so we went with an assortment of stuff, from some diapers, to little hats, to bottles with replaceable liners, and a little tub for bathing the baby.
At this point, my brother texted, we were paying, so we promptly headed home. This is where I love living so close to the shopping, we were home in five minutes after he texted. But now Boy has his mattress, we have some sweet bread for coffee in the morning, a gift for the baby shower, and there is no rush for rest of the weekend.
After verifying the price, the $99.99 was for a cheaper "hawthorne" mattress, I went ahead and purchased it. I only hope the mattress solves some of Boy's aches and pains. I paid for mattresss, threw it in back of my truck and went home. At this point, I figured might as well keep moving. I then went to Pan dulceria place, I love me some mexican sweet bread. There is a very good store at William Cannon and I-35, where the Academy is. I then rushed to pick up Boy, drop off Pan Dulce, wait for Wife and then head to Home Depot. The Dr. Who door is almost finished, we have to paint sign on top and install a small light that goes on very top.
At this point, it was almost 6:00pm and my brother and his family were on their way for a weekend visit, meanwhile my boys were both hungry. My brother said they would eat on the road, so Boy met us at Whataburger and we ate a simple burger meal. After the meal, Boy took off, he noticed a light was out in his Jeep, so they headed to Advanced Auto Parts to try and fix it, they did, and we went to Target.
Our friend's daughter still has not had her first kid, but the baby shower was scheduled for tomorrow. We couldn't decide on what to buy, so we went with an assortment of stuff, from some diapers, to little hats, to bottles with replaceable liners, and a little tub for bathing the baby.
At this point, my brother texted, we were paying, so we promptly headed home. This is where I love living so close to the shopping, we were home in five minutes after he texted. But now Boy has his mattress, we have some sweet bread for coffee in the morning, a gift for the baby shower, and there is no rush for rest of the weekend.
Friday, December 4, 2015
12/4/15 Oops, Cheering For The Wrong Team?
Wife and I are watching Manhattan, a series on TV. It follows the scientists and their challenges leading up to building the first atomic bombs. I would not want to walk in their shoes, although these were heroes who helped carve the path of America even to this day. The work they did there in New Mexico forged the path to the knowledge of building atomic bombs with Plutonium and Uranium, and I am sure subsequent work lead to the possibility of our current aircraft carriers running on nuclear energy which can go for twenty years on a softball size of radioactive material, or whatever the amount is.
In the show there are spies for Russia on site. In their conversations, the logic for being American and helping the Soviets is that no one country should have this much power and be able to wield it. They believe that without an equally big force with similar weapons the United States would exploit their power. They would like to sabotage the whole affair but it is too big and security is very high. I can almost see their side of it, no one country should be so strong that it can be a bully on others. The only problem is that even after the iron curtain came down under President Reagan, we did not launch out to expand to even one more state. We do kind of suck in our meddling in the middle east, but why is all the oil there, we need it?
My other bone to pick is that nobody said we were the only ones who could build nuclear weapons at the time. Instead of stealing and copying our plans, each country was free to go and figure it out. No, original thinking is hard. We have had luck in industrial endeavors because our people are free and enough of our population is educated enough to come up with the next big thing.
Their other argument which they mention as their heroic duty is "think of all the innocent people you are saving." This really pisses me off because what about the innocent people in Pearl Harbor? We were not even committed to fighting at that point. Japan thought they would neuter us with one airstrike and continue on its merry way. Sorry, but that is not the way World Wars work. I love the line whether Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto of the Japanese Navy truly said it or it just came from the movie showing it, I believe it to be true, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." More interesting is that he was the mastermind behind the attack. When we finally got done building the new weapons, it seemed only fair to pay back the Pearl Harbor attacks with a little science wrapped in a bomb. They should be thankful we had mercy and didn't drop it on a heavily populated city.
In the show there are spies for Russia on site. In their conversations, the logic for being American and helping the Soviets is that no one country should have this much power and be able to wield it. They believe that without an equally big force with similar weapons the United States would exploit their power. They would like to sabotage the whole affair but it is too big and security is very high. I can almost see their side of it, no one country should be so strong that it can be a bully on others. The only problem is that even after the iron curtain came down under President Reagan, we did not launch out to expand to even one more state. We do kind of suck in our meddling in the middle east, but why is all the oil there, we need it?
My other bone to pick is that nobody said we were the only ones who could build nuclear weapons at the time. Instead of stealing and copying our plans, each country was free to go and figure it out. No, original thinking is hard. We have had luck in industrial endeavors because our people are free and enough of our population is educated enough to come up with the next big thing.
Their other argument which they mention as their heroic duty is "think of all the innocent people you are saving." This really pisses me off because what about the innocent people in Pearl Harbor? We were not even committed to fighting at that point. Japan thought they would neuter us with one airstrike and continue on its merry way. Sorry, but that is not the way World Wars work. I love the line whether Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto of the Japanese Navy truly said it or it just came from the movie showing it, I believe it to be true, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve." More interesting is that he was the mastermind behind the attack. When we finally got done building the new weapons, it seemed only fair to pay back the Pearl Harbor attacks with a little science wrapped in a bomb. They should be thankful we had mercy and didn't drop it on a heavily populated city.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
12/3/1 Boy Was Nice, Hmmm?
I was at work last night around 8:30pm when I started getting texts from Boy. At the start of the semester, I was checking on him regularly, but as he tends to be busy and short and rude, I give him his space. But this time, it was him texting, so ok. His first text said "I love you, you're the best gift the world could give me." Huh?! was all I could think, before I could write something in response he said "I love you, sorry I'm ungrateful at times." Something is wrong, my thinking was Boy must be drunk. I asked him, are you drunk? Then he said "daddy, I need a new mattress, plz." At least he asked for something, this might be my son after all. I responded back "we were trying to get you one but you were in a hurry to get away from us. A couple more texts with my back hurts and plz, followed by "I'll cut the grass til I'm 50." Right there, no, no, no. Boy don't beg, first of all, he demands and expects stuff to just show up. And I have never heard him offer his services for more than a day, much less til I age anything....
I guessed "this your roommate, no way you beg for anything." She sent an emoticon waving her hand. Nice try, but from the start the conversation seemed weird. Boy is whiny to Wife, I am always telling him how I weigh 350-400lbs and I get up every morning and don't complain, you with your 120lb skinny ass should bounce on your tippy toes. I compare my working at his age on roofs during the summer while he gets to work in A/C theatres, you don't have it worse than me. If I have to, I throw in the warehouse work I did after graduation.
Maybe this is part of the reason he hadn't told us about all his joint pains over the last couple of months. Oh well, he mentioned it now. I will probably go get him a mattress today, run it to San Marcos tomorrow. Hopefully, that will help him out. He really does need to exercise though. At his age, I biked, and played basketball, and lifted weights. He has never really had an exercise he likes, just spends all his time on the computer.
Are we supposed to take the initiative and set up our own exercise routines? I miss my dude roommates who called me a pussy if I didn't want to go to the gym. That was all the prompting I needed. Knowing I'd be checking out some gals was nice too, my twenties seems so long ago. I need something to motivate me, I don't know. I guess I need to motivate Chubs too, at least Boy is naturally skinny, Chubs is well Chubs and we are both just kind of rolling downhill right now...
I guessed "this your roommate, no way you beg for anything." She sent an emoticon waving her hand. Nice try, but from the start the conversation seemed weird. Boy is whiny to Wife, I am always telling him how I weigh 350-400lbs and I get up every morning and don't complain, you with your 120lb skinny ass should bounce on your tippy toes. I compare my working at his age on roofs during the summer while he gets to work in A/C theatres, you don't have it worse than me. If I have to, I throw in the warehouse work I did after graduation.
Maybe this is part of the reason he hadn't told us about all his joint pains over the last couple of months. Oh well, he mentioned it now. I will probably go get him a mattress today, run it to San Marcos tomorrow. Hopefully, that will help him out. He really does need to exercise though. At his age, I biked, and played basketball, and lifted weights. He has never really had an exercise he likes, just spends all his time on the computer.
Are we supposed to take the initiative and set up our own exercise routines? I miss my dude roommates who called me a pussy if I didn't want to go to the gym. That was all the prompting I needed. Knowing I'd be checking out some gals was nice too, my twenties seems so long ago. I need something to motivate me, I don't know. I guess I need to motivate Chubs too, at least Boy is naturally skinny, Chubs is well Chubs and we are both just kind of rolling downhill right now...
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
12/2/15 Chubs Has Dr. Who On The Brain?
Chubs discovered Dr. Who sometime over the summer. Netflix released like 10 seasons all at once. He began watching but had no one to discuss with at the house. He told me I should watch it, so I reluctantly started watching, thinking it was kind of goofy in the beginning. It is a complex show, the Dr. is a "time lord", he is the last of his kind. His planet went to war with the Daleks and everyone was lost except for him. The Daleks, which are aliens that reside inside powerful robot shells keep popping up through different conventions, but the Dr. always defeats them.
The Dr. would be a lonely man, but he keeps picking up attractive gals and then proceeds to take them on adventures all around the universe. He has a TARDIS (Time And Relative Dimension In Space), it is his flying ship. It looks like a blue telephone booth, but inside houses a magical space much larger than a phone booth that the Dr. claims is almost alive. It translates their language, it provides the proper O2 supply, and in general lets them carry on in any environment.
I am now on season 3, almost at the end of the season, Chubs is on season 5. I was slowly catching up to him, but he went rogue and over the holidays watched like ten episodes in one day. He wants me to do the same, but I can only watch one or two episodes a night. Some can be light hearted and funny, but some just leave me a crying mess.
Chubs had the great idea that he wants to build his own TARDIS. I asked where are you going to put this huge (I was imagining) refrigerator box? He countered back "no, I want it made out of wood, and we could put it in the garage." I said no, how about if we encase the area around your desk? He liked it, but I thought it would just be hot in there, then it came to me. How about if we paint the door to your room blue, then your whole room is the TARDIS. He took a second with the idea before loving it, which I looked in Google as everything already seems to exist, and sure enough there were a few examples of bedroom doors painted blue and looking kind of like the real deal. Hopefully, this weekend we can paint the door, I already bought the paint as a show of not lying to him.
*from the internet, not mine.
I am now on season 3, almost at the end of the season, Chubs is on season 5. I was slowly catching up to him, but he went rogue and over the holidays watched like ten episodes in one day. He wants me to do the same, but I can only watch one or two episodes a night. Some can be light hearted and funny, but some just leave me a crying mess.
Chubs had the great idea that he wants to build his own TARDIS. I asked where are you going to put this huge (I was imagining) refrigerator box? He countered back "no, I want it made out of wood, and we could put it in the garage." I said no, how about if we encase the area around your desk? He liked it, but I thought it would just be hot in there, then it came to me. How about if we paint the door to your room blue, then your whole room is the TARDIS. He took a second with the idea before loving it, which I looked in Google as everything already seems to exist, and sure enough there were a few examples of bedroom doors painted blue and looking kind of like the real deal. Hopefully, this weekend we can paint the door, I already bought the paint as a show of not lying to him.
*from the internet, not mine.
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| TARDIS |
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| TARDIS idea for his door |
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
12/1/15 Babies Having Babies?
So it begins. Our old neighbor's daughter started going into labor last night. I guess she should be with child by today or tomorrow at the latest. I know other classmates of mine and even Wife's have already made them grandma's, but they don't live in my neck of the woods. This young girl is two days younger than Boy, at 21 she's not having the baby too young, but it just makes things real. We grew up with this family, this kid liked nothing more than bouncing on the trampoline and swimming. I guess now she gets to play the adult and repeat. We are such basic animals.
Boy, meanwhile has not had a girlfriend in a while. I kind of like it that way. He has dated some pretty girls, but they always seem a little needy. Boy is a busy man-child, he don't have time for girl problems, what with all the comic cons and wizard cons and other "nerdy" adventures. He is going to need a girl who comes ready to rock a cartoon costume and not ask too many questions. Until he can start hanging a degree or two on the wall, I will not pester him about his life choices. He seems to be happy with himself.
Girlie, our pregnant neighbor's daughter's cousin meanwhile texted she was home from work and was fixing to watch cartoons and eat cereal. She was aware of what was going on on the other side of her door (lives with pregnant cousin and aunt) and she was just happy it wasn't her. I would hope she would have homework of some kind, but no kids is still a win in my book.
My question is "when do we get old?" I remember being little and my grandmas were "old." They had the white hair, they both smoked so they had the rough voices. My mom is like a wizard, colors her hair a little bit, is still working, meanwhile my Dad has started shrinking, soon he'll fit in the luggage, and the way he complains, he might get tossed in with his underwear on long trips. Am I old to my boys? I keep my hair bald, but when it does come out, it is mostly grey. I still try to lift weights, but over the last six months, I've been on a downhill slide, not sure if I'm climbing back up. Am I in a slump because I have gotten "old" or am I getting old because I am in a slump. If I don't get out of this funk by the spring, might as well shop for cemetery plots, jumbo size, that is something old people do.
Boy, meanwhile has not had a girlfriend in a while. I kind of like it that way. He has dated some pretty girls, but they always seem a little needy. Boy is a busy man-child, he don't have time for girl problems, what with all the comic cons and wizard cons and other "nerdy" adventures. He is going to need a girl who comes ready to rock a cartoon costume and not ask too many questions. Until he can start hanging a degree or two on the wall, I will not pester him about his life choices. He seems to be happy with himself.
Girlie, our pregnant neighbor's daughter's cousin meanwhile texted she was home from work and was fixing to watch cartoons and eat cereal. She was aware of what was going on on the other side of her door (lives with pregnant cousin and aunt) and she was just happy it wasn't her. I would hope she would have homework of some kind, but no kids is still a win in my book.
My question is "when do we get old?" I remember being little and my grandmas were "old." They had the white hair, they both smoked so they had the rough voices. My mom is like a wizard, colors her hair a little bit, is still working, meanwhile my Dad has started shrinking, soon he'll fit in the luggage, and the way he complains, he might get tossed in with his underwear on long trips. Am I old to my boys? I keep my hair bald, but when it does come out, it is mostly grey. I still try to lift weights, but over the last six months, I've been on a downhill slide, not sure if I'm climbing back up. Am I in a slump because I have gotten "old" or am I getting old because I am in a slump. If I don't get out of this funk by the spring, might as well shop for cemetery plots, jumbo size, that is something old people do.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
11/30/15 Chicken Wings Have Us Fooled?
Whoever decided chicken wings and miniature drumsticks were a worthy meal is a genius, from a business standpoint. To prove the point just look at how many different wings places exist today. There is the original Hooter's, which forced their sale with a touch of orange colored ass, I still love that classic look. But today we can include Plucker's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Wingstop, Wings To Go, Wings and More, and an assortment of smaller knockoffs.
Today, both boys woke up demanding to eat wings. I really didn't want to get up, as I stayed up until about 6:00am screwing around on the internet. But they got the best of me and finally at the crack of 3:30pm I got up. Boy was already headed out with his friend, which I thought good, one less mouth to feed, but no, he kept checking in with "mama" to make sure we were in motion. He was even already waiting at a Plucker's when I decided if I have to eat crappy wings, I might as well enjoy them with a side of butt. I told wife to call him and relocate to the Hooter's downtown, which they did. I like wings, as an appetizer, I made them all summer, but only used a very light touch of flavor. The wings from Plucker's last time we were on the road in San Marcos were drenched in thick sauce. There had to be more weight in sauce than chicken meat. This was why I couldn't eat there again.
It had been at least two years since we had eaten wings from Hooter's, but last time Wife got a gift card or something for a party ended up ordering like two containers full of wings, I remember them being delicious. This time around, they were in the same gelatinous sauce, it's hard to even taste the meat. The girls, I was surprised, still wear the skimpy shorts, I was expecting they would be in yoga pants because of the cold, but no, the shorts still exist, but there were only four girls wearing them. As a man, I would like to see all young chicks walking in there have to change into the skimpy shorts, at least that what happens in my head.
Another curious thing was that as soon as we got there, his friend had to leave. I am not sure if it is because I changed the venue to Hooter's, Boy's friend is very religious, maybe he got nervous when he saw half naked girlies. He just said hi and "my mom just called, I have to go home." I figured if we're gonna eat wings, we're gonna eat wings. I suggested the party platter with like 50 wings for $44.99. There were then four sodas and a family size order of fries, somehow the order came to $80. Wife paid, but now that I'm thinking about that, there had to be a mistake. Either way, it'll be a long time before we do this again. I then sat on the sofa waiting to feel nauseaus from all the grease, but somehow, it all stayed calm.
Today, both boys woke up demanding to eat wings. I really didn't want to get up, as I stayed up until about 6:00am screwing around on the internet. But they got the best of me and finally at the crack of 3:30pm I got up. Boy was already headed out with his friend, which I thought good, one less mouth to feed, but no, he kept checking in with "mama" to make sure we were in motion. He was even already waiting at a Plucker's when I decided if I have to eat crappy wings, I might as well enjoy them with a side of butt. I told wife to call him and relocate to the Hooter's downtown, which they did. I like wings, as an appetizer, I made them all summer, but only used a very light touch of flavor. The wings from Plucker's last time we were on the road in San Marcos were drenched in thick sauce. There had to be more weight in sauce than chicken meat. This was why I couldn't eat there again.
It had been at least two years since we had eaten wings from Hooter's, but last time Wife got a gift card or something for a party ended up ordering like two containers full of wings, I remember them being delicious. This time around, they were in the same gelatinous sauce, it's hard to even taste the meat. The girls, I was surprised, still wear the skimpy shorts, I was expecting they would be in yoga pants because of the cold, but no, the shorts still exist, but there were only four girls wearing them. As a man, I would like to see all young chicks walking in there have to change into the skimpy shorts, at least that what happens in my head.
Another curious thing was that as soon as we got there, his friend had to leave. I am not sure if it is because I changed the venue to Hooter's, Boy's friend is very religious, maybe he got nervous when he saw half naked girlies. He just said hi and "my mom just called, I have to go home." I figured if we're gonna eat wings, we're gonna eat wings. I suggested the party platter with like 50 wings for $44.99. There were then four sodas and a family size order of fries, somehow the order came to $80. Wife paid, but now that I'm thinking about that, there had to be a mistake. Either way, it'll be a long time before we do this again. I then sat on the sofa waiting to feel nauseaus from all the grease, but somehow, it all stayed calm.
11/29/15 Every Chapter Is Wow?
I am still reading The Lucifer Principle and each chapter still feels like it teaches me something basic but grand. The latest chapter started with explaining the truth about Hinduism and how noble it is. It teaches one to reject materialism, to lay aside earthly desires, to go with the flow, accept the world as it is, and to strive for nirvana in a selfless world. The only problem with this is that this religion was used as a "device with which one conquering group managed to validate its theft of power, prestige and goods from a rival superorganism."
Turns out the people of India were invaded around 1500 BC by a cluster of Aryans that had two things their lives focused around, their cows and their fighting. These Aryans were simple nomadic folk who had seen nothing more complex than a temporary hut. The Indians had lived in elaborate cities for over a thousand years, with systems of reading and writing in place. Because the Indians lacked a fighting mentality, they were defeated quite easily, soon the Iranian invaders reduced the Indians to the shameful role of of a conquered people.
At Hinduism's heart is the simple notion that there are several classes of human beings, very distinct from each other. The term "twice born" came to refer to the men favored by the gods, and their oppposites, the shudras, loathsome and low, unworthy of gods to even accept their prayers. Who were the "twice born"? The descendents of the Iranians. This directly led to the development of the caste system in India. The top three castes were exclusively for the "twice born" Iranians. The warriors and aristocrats were at the very top, the Iraninan priests second, and the third casteholders were the landholders and merchants. All of the Indians were placed at the bottom and put to work in the fields to enrich their overlords.
Why does the Hindu religion tell its adherents to go with the flow, to set aside earthly desires, to hope for an improvement in the afterlife? Because it was written by the Iranian clergy to keep the Indians in line and not make trouble. These clergy actually convinced the lower caste members which were all darker skinned Indians "that if they were patient and tolerant you would be rewarded later by rebirth in the next caste up the ladder. In essence, if you were patient long enough, you could become an Iranian!"
Turns out the people of India were invaded around 1500 BC by a cluster of Aryans that had two things their lives focused around, their cows and their fighting. These Aryans were simple nomadic folk who had seen nothing more complex than a temporary hut. The Indians had lived in elaborate cities for over a thousand years, with systems of reading and writing in place. Because the Indians lacked a fighting mentality, they were defeated quite easily, soon the Iranian invaders reduced the Indians to the shameful role of of a conquered people.
At Hinduism's heart is the simple notion that there are several classes of human beings, very distinct from each other. The term "twice born" came to refer to the men favored by the gods, and their oppposites, the shudras, loathsome and low, unworthy of gods to even accept their prayers. Who were the "twice born"? The descendents of the Iranians. This directly led to the development of the caste system in India. The top three castes were exclusively for the "twice born" Iranians. The warriors and aristocrats were at the very top, the Iraninan priests second, and the third casteholders were the landholders and merchants. All of the Indians were placed at the bottom and put to work in the fields to enrich their overlords.
Why does the Hindu religion tell its adherents to go with the flow, to set aside earthly desires, to hope for an improvement in the afterlife? Because it was written by the Iranian clergy to keep the Indians in line and not make trouble. These clergy actually convinced the lower caste members which were all darker skinned Indians "that if they were patient and tolerant you would be rewarded later by rebirth in the next caste up the ladder. In essence, if you were patient long enough, you could become an Iranian!"
Saturday, November 28, 2015
11/28/15 Black Friday Wasn't That Bad?
I would rather not, but I did venture out during Black Friday. Although we did not head into the eye of the storm, that being the mall, the big box stores were just pleasantly vibrant, not too crazy. I was consigned to go to Home Depot to fix my garbage disposal which died in the great turkey war of 2015. Wife fed it like a hungry 50cal rifle cleaning the landscape of enemy combatants. There is very little Wife won't shove down there when she gets going in clean up mode. But alas, it too is just metal casing and rubber gaskets, eventually it failed at the seams and its innards oozed out quietly into the cabinet below.
Home Depot actually had more employees than normal, many wearing Santa hats, and there were donuts and coffee on a table coming into the store. I felt like I wasn't Christmas shopping, so I didn't enjoy a donut although I really wanted one, and now that I think about it, I might go to Krispy Kreme. It was nice, I went by myself, so I didn't feel Wife or the boys getting bored. I looked at the trimmers for a long time, as I have decided to get one for my dad. He tells me that he likes to putz around and trim the grass, but it hurts his shoulder to crank his gas powered trimmer. I have had a battery powered one for a couple summers and I love it. If there is a problem it is that the batteries don't last long enough. My Mom says that he doesn't aim to finish trimming the whole house in one afternoon. He does just enough that my brother-in-law's joke is that by the time he finishes the back, it is time to do it all over again. My mom agreed that a battery option will save him from having to crank with his old man shoulders.
We then went and bought Girlie lunch. She is fortunate enough to work at a store, and they had early hours today. She was whining on Snapchat about getting up early to wait for Black Friday shoppers that never came. From there, we headed to Half Price Books, got my niece a book, I have been bothered since my mom mentioned that she is not a fan of reading. Donkeys aren't fans of reading, she is one of us, she should be a full on nerd and over accomplishing by now.
After spending time there, we ate at our very first In and Out Burger place. Wow, it was a disappointment. Adam Carolla has been saying it is one of the better fast food burger choices in California, and they seem full now that we have a few here. We stopped today, and those burgers got nothing on Whataburger. At least it didn't make me sick, it stayed in the belly while we went to Lowe's. It was at Lowe's that I got my dad the trimmer, Wife called her mom and by chance said that my father-in-law could use a new trimmer too, so they get twin gifts. On top of that, the trimmer comes with a blower to push all the cut debris away from sidewalks, stuff like that. All this happened before 3:00pm and we did not see big crowds other than the overpass headed to the mall. That looked scary, just glad we didn't need anything from mall.
Home Depot actually had more employees than normal, many wearing Santa hats, and there were donuts and coffee on a table coming into the store. I felt like I wasn't Christmas shopping, so I didn't enjoy a donut although I really wanted one, and now that I think about it, I might go to Krispy Kreme. It was nice, I went by myself, so I didn't feel Wife or the boys getting bored. I looked at the trimmers for a long time, as I have decided to get one for my dad. He tells me that he likes to putz around and trim the grass, but it hurts his shoulder to crank his gas powered trimmer. I have had a battery powered one for a couple summers and I love it. If there is a problem it is that the batteries don't last long enough. My Mom says that he doesn't aim to finish trimming the whole house in one afternoon. He does just enough that my brother-in-law's joke is that by the time he finishes the back, it is time to do it all over again. My mom agreed that a battery option will save him from having to crank with his old man shoulders.
We then went and bought Girlie lunch. She is fortunate enough to work at a store, and they had early hours today. She was whining on Snapchat about getting up early to wait for Black Friday shoppers that never came. From there, we headed to Half Price Books, got my niece a book, I have been bothered since my mom mentioned that she is not a fan of reading. Donkeys aren't fans of reading, she is one of us, she should be a full on nerd and over accomplishing by now.
After spending time there, we ate at our very first In and Out Burger place. Wow, it was a disappointment. Adam Carolla has been saying it is one of the better fast food burger choices in California, and they seem full now that we have a few here. We stopped today, and those burgers got nothing on Whataburger. At least it didn't make me sick, it stayed in the belly while we went to Lowe's. It was at Lowe's that I got my dad the trimmer, Wife called her mom and by chance said that my father-in-law could use a new trimmer too, so they get twin gifts. On top of that, the trimmer comes with a blower to push all the cut debris away from sidewalks, stuff like that. All this happened before 3:00pm and we did not see big crowds other than the overpass headed to the mall. That looked scary, just glad we didn't need anything from mall.
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