Wife called yesterday, unusually early, for her. She is supposed to get out at 4:30, but ends up staying until 6:00pm most every night. Today though, she called me at 4:40 that she was leaving work because the power was out at the school. While she was telling me this, she was saying she needed gas and was pulling into a gas station. I said good, because I was in the middle of biting into a slice of pizza. A minute later she was back in the car, calling me back, which meant my pizza was going to get cold, saying that power was also out at the gas station. I figure when it is a small town like where she works, it doesn't take much to turn the city off.
Luckily, she stays at my mom's house, which is the next town over, roughly 15 miles away. The power was ok over there. Since she got out early and didn't have anything to do, she went and treated herself to a snow cone. We rarely eat those here, in the big city, but they were close to a daily thing down there, specially in the summer. Wife had an even closer connection, as her grandma was one of the places where you could go and buy "raspas" at. As a kid, I remember I loved my raspa to be made out of a sweet milk. It would seem syrupy and sweet as you bit through the ice. Later I converted to a cherry lime flavor as a favorite.
Now that I think about it, Wife knew of a place here in Austin where they would go get their snow cone fix up north somewhere. It was always when I was at work, I don't think I'd drive all the way out to Airport and IDK, close to the old Highland Mall, for one of those things.
Anyways, we haven't experienced too many blackouts, but someday I'd like to install one of those big house generators, if the power goes out, we can still be comfortable, at least with the air conditioning on. We could get a small generator and get a window air conditioner, if we ever need it, we could all cower into one room together to be in air conditioned comfort.
Small town life was different, I am thinking of the many times we went swimming in the river that was like 30 miles away. It was so much fun, I am feeling like I wish we had something similar here. Schlitterbahn is alright, but damn!, $150 for season tickets hurts. I hate the idea of being by the shore, like on Lake Travis, but maybe that could work until we can fit a new boat back in our budget.
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
3/30/17 Twinkle Twinkle Little STAAR Test?
Chubs just went through the honor of taking the STAAR test as a sixth grader. Because he is in the Einstein program, his class took the eighth grade test for math. As they were told, nobody in the Einstein program has failed the test in the past. This little factoid totally made him a nervous wreck. He doesn't want to be the weakest link and disappoint his teacher and us. He took a practice exam earlier and he didn't do too well, so he was getting extra tutoring in the mornings the last two weeks.
So what happens now? It's like this was the build up, now that the test is over, the student's have smoked their cigarettes and the tests have the proof of what Johnny knows or doesn't. It isn't even April yet and the kids are going to start getting antsy since the serious part of the year is clearly over, the days are getting longer, and the weather is warming up. We'll be in triple digit temps in no time, and summer will have arrived.
Let's say Chubs doesn't pass the test the first time, all is not lost. They get a second chance and even a third chance on the final week of school. Chubs was not cool with the lackadaisical efforts of most of his classmates and friends. Nobody else was walking around stressed about the big test. He was even telling Wife and I via text about the girl sitting next to him on the first problem dealing with the Pythagorean Theorem that the answer was 12, and the little girl seating next to him had 1000 as her answer. He whispered "may God have mercy on your soul." A bit dramatic, but the boy wants everybody to do well.
We told him not to worry about everyone. As far as I am concerned, only about 20-30 percent of his class will end up going to college, so most of the kids around him are at school to keep them out of trouble. His main worry seemed to be that if he did not do well, Wife might take him down to her neck of the woods, and he does not want to do that.
He has always done iffy on the practice exams and then done well when it counts, so I am not too worried. Like we told him though, the test is over, there is nothing to be gained from being paranoid or stressing over the tests. As far as we know, he has three attempts to pass the eighth grade equivalent test, I don't even want to contemplate what if he doesn't pass.
So what happens now? It's like this was the build up, now that the test is over, the student's have smoked their cigarettes and the tests have the proof of what Johnny knows or doesn't. It isn't even April yet and the kids are going to start getting antsy since the serious part of the year is clearly over, the days are getting longer, and the weather is warming up. We'll be in triple digit temps in no time, and summer will have arrived.
Let's say Chubs doesn't pass the test the first time, all is not lost. They get a second chance and even a third chance on the final week of school. Chubs was not cool with the lackadaisical efforts of most of his classmates and friends. Nobody else was walking around stressed about the big test. He was even telling Wife and I via text about the girl sitting next to him on the first problem dealing with the Pythagorean Theorem that the answer was 12, and the little girl seating next to him had 1000 as her answer. He whispered "may God have mercy on your soul." A bit dramatic, but the boy wants everybody to do well.
We told him not to worry about everyone. As far as I am concerned, only about 20-30 percent of his class will end up going to college, so most of the kids around him are at school to keep them out of trouble. His main worry seemed to be that if he did not do well, Wife might take him down to her neck of the woods, and he does not want to do that.
He has always done iffy on the practice exams and then done well when it counts, so I am not too worried. Like we told him though, the test is over, there is nothing to be gained from being paranoid or stressing over the tests. As far as we know, he has three attempts to pass the eighth grade equivalent test, I don't even want to contemplate what if he doesn't pass.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
3/29/17 Care For A Little Carbon With Your Oxygen?
Another wonderful benefit of having Trump as President is that he is going to make our air dirtier, effective yesterday. It had been a few years that we hadn't heard of smog being too thick in big cities, or the air is too dirty to let the kids play outside, well, those days will be back. King Genius thinks it will help to let the coal companies produce energy like it's 1917.
What the fuck? We have been making great strides in alternative and even clean and renewable energy sources and this old timer is spouting the benefits of coal, like he just discovered that train thing running on rails. A few mistakes with some nuclear reactors, which they have figured out what went wrong in all cases, and nobody wants to touch them? We have about ten aircraft carriers that are Nimitz class, meaning they run on nuclear power, and they don't burn any fuel for 20-25 years. Each aircraft carrier has 3000-5000 personnel, a small city, if you will. How come we trust to put those brave sailors and marines on a ship with a nuclear reactor and send it into hostile territories, but we can't set up a safe reactor to run the power to a small city inland?
Wife and I are in the process of installing solar panels on top of our house, we will supposedly cover 85% of our energy needs with this system, and it isn't going to be that much more expensive, why not more efforts from state or federal government to push people in this direction? I am sure we could even look to installing a wind turbine or two, hell farmers had them on their properties back in the black and white days of movies, why not improve those systems?
I wouldn't care that the president has chosen to get behind coal, but you see those men coming out of those tunnels and they are all blackened, and they get coal miner's lung and emphysema, it just seems like a hostile work environment. This has to be weighed with the risks of a nuclear reactor malfunction. Chernobyl was indeed horrible, but with time and improvements, I am sure reactors could work well and cleaner than coal.
It is an absolute joke to watch Bill Nye, the Science Guy be put up against these tools that do not believe in climate change. If Bill Nye is wrong, well at least we have cleaner air and maybe the polar ice caps stabilize. If whatever Idiot non-believer is wrong, we are just hurting ourselves for what? So the coal companies can experience a couple more years of profits? What does Joe Six Pack who supports not believing in global climate change get out of siding with the non-believers? Dirtier air for your kids? If you have stock in those companies, I understand, otherwise, you are in fact, an idiot. Trump may not understand, but if he helps solar and wind companies, those are growth industries, more people could be hired in those sectors as easily as in the coal mines. Unless he owns said coal mines, then I'm sorry, get Thyself richer.
What the fuck? We have been making great strides in alternative and even clean and renewable energy sources and this old timer is spouting the benefits of coal, like he just discovered that train thing running on rails. A few mistakes with some nuclear reactors, which they have figured out what went wrong in all cases, and nobody wants to touch them? We have about ten aircraft carriers that are Nimitz class, meaning they run on nuclear power, and they don't burn any fuel for 20-25 years. Each aircraft carrier has 3000-5000 personnel, a small city, if you will. How come we trust to put those brave sailors and marines on a ship with a nuclear reactor and send it into hostile territories, but we can't set up a safe reactor to run the power to a small city inland?
Wife and I are in the process of installing solar panels on top of our house, we will supposedly cover 85% of our energy needs with this system, and it isn't going to be that much more expensive, why not more efforts from state or federal government to push people in this direction? I am sure we could even look to installing a wind turbine or two, hell farmers had them on their properties back in the black and white days of movies, why not improve those systems?
I wouldn't care that the president has chosen to get behind coal, but you see those men coming out of those tunnels and they are all blackened, and they get coal miner's lung and emphysema, it just seems like a hostile work environment. This has to be weighed with the risks of a nuclear reactor malfunction. Chernobyl was indeed horrible, but with time and improvements, I am sure reactors could work well and cleaner than coal.
It is an absolute joke to watch Bill Nye, the Science Guy be put up against these tools that do not believe in climate change. If Bill Nye is wrong, well at least we have cleaner air and maybe the polar ice caps stabilize. If whatever Idiot non-believer is wrong, we are just hurting ourselves for what? So the coal companies can experience a couple more years of profits? What does Joe Six Pack who supports not believing in global climate change get out of siding with the non-believers? Dirtier air for your kids? If you have stock in those companies, I understand, otherwise, you are in fact, an idiot. Trump may not understand, but if he helps solar and wind companies, those are growth industries, more people could be hired in those sectors as easily as in the coal mines. Unless he owns said coal mines, then I'm sorry, get Thyself richer.
Monday, March 27, 2017
3/28/17 Having Mondays Off?
I still don't know how I feel about having my day off on Monday instead of Friday on the long week. I like that because the boys are in school, there is no pressure for me to do anything that requires leaving the house. Today, for example, I did wake up early, Chubs has to be in school by 7:30am for additional tutoring for this big test coming up on Wednesday. He is in sixth grade, but because he is in the Einstein program, he is taking the eighth grade test this week.
I still am also going to the Wound Care Clinic to have my leg looked at and bandaged every week on Mondays. Since my appointment is set at 8:30am, I dropped off Chubs at 7:30am and headed to the HEB right on the next block. I got a few different meat selections and assorted other goodies, like the iced oatmeal cookies and some bananas which Chubs enjoys with his breakfast. Knowing I was headed to the doctor's office, I took a cooler and put all the meat in it. I got to the clinic at about 8:00am and was still the first customer seen by the staff. This is the first time I might have gotten some sort of infection, the gash has been hurting since last week after the wrapping fell apart on me. I did notice and told the nurse that I didn't see her include the silver layer she usually adds after the layer of collagen. It did not seem like a problem, she said since I hadn't had any infection all along, but there you go.
I stopped and picked up the prescription, went home, had a cup of coffee, read up on all things our bumbling president has been up to, ate a light breakfast and headed upstairs to take a nap. If I had anything better to do, I might fight the sleep and work on being productive, but I didn't feel like cleaning. I woke up in time to pick up Chubs, came home and started to get grill ready to BBQ. I probably had grill going by 5:00pm and was grilling by 5:30pm. We had baked potatoes, chicken breasts, sausages, beef strips (almost long enough to make a taco each), and pork tenderloins in patty shapes. Chubs has gotten into the habit of adding a little pasta, he likes to cook and participate this way. I let him handle the macaroni and cheese.
I don't know what happens to the time, but we finished eating around 8:30pm, Chubs had already showered, I cleaned up the kitchen, and the two other boys disappeared into their rooms. Girlie was gone all afternoon with a coworker friend who's father passed away.
I managed to wash a load of clothes, every time I look in the wash room, the floor is loaded with dirty clothes, and caught up with more YouTube videos of the goings on in Washington DC. But I guess with Wife living three hours away, any free time is going to kind of suck. I really miss the days when we headed to the lake for an afternoon of relaxation. Nowadays, it seems like all we do is work.
I still am also going to the Wound Care Clinic to have my leg looked at and bandaged every week on Mondays. Since my appointment is set at 8:30am, I dropped off Chubs at 7:30am and headed to the HEB right on the next block. I got a few different meat selections and assorted other goodies, like the iced oatmeal cookies and some bananas which Chubs enjoys with his breakfast. Knowing I was headed to the doctor's office, I took a cooler and put all the meat in it. I got to the clinic at about 8:00am and was still the first customer seen by the staff. This is the first time I might have gotten some sort of infection, the gash has been hurting since last week after the wrapping fell apart on me. I did notice and told the nurse that I didn't see her include the silver layer she usually adds after the layer of collagen. It did not seem like a problem, she said since I hadn't had any infection all along, but there you go.
I stopped and picked up the prescription, went home, had a cup of coffee, read up on all things our bumbling president has been up to, ate a light breakfast and headed upstairs to take a nap. If I had anything better to do, I might fight the sleep and work on being productive, but I didn't feel like cleaning. I woke up in time to pick up Chubs, came home and started to get grill ready to BBQ. I probably had grill going by 5:00pm and was grilling by 5:30pm. We had baked potatoes, chicken breasts, sausages, beef strips (almost long enough to make a taco each), and pork tenderloins in patty shapes. Chubs has gotten into the habit of adding a little pasta, he likes to cook and participate this way. I let him handle the macaroni and cheese.
I don't know what happens to the time, but we finished eating around 8:30pm, Chubs had already showered, I cleaned up the kitchen, and the two other boys disappeared into their rooms. Girlie was gone all afternoon with a coworker friend who's father passed away.
I managed to wash a load of clothes, every time I look in the wash room, the floor is loaded with dirty clothes, and caught up with more YouTube videos of the goings on in Washington DC. But I guess with Wife living three hours away, any free time is going to kind of suck. I really miss the days when we headed to the lake for an afternoon of relaxation. Nowadays, it seems like all we do is work.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
3/27/17 Taxes Suck?
Just when you think you have overcome, that the sun will be bright every day, nope here comes the tax man, to throw marbles in your pathway and knock you down. We had some issues going in that Wife does not want discussed, but I think the main reason we got screwed was that Wife got a mean raise and we didn't account for that. Another thing that screwed us was that Boy is now on his own, so he is doing his taxes for himself, and thus, we cannot claim him.
We have always had issues with our taxes. When we first got married our father in law was doing them and it was good, but then we were audited over two years and we had to pay back a ton. After that, I heard that H&R Block has a guarantee that if we get audited, they take responsibility, up to about $6000 of overages. We have been using them for about ten years and all has been good. The returns are not as good, but at least I don't worry about getting audited again.
The technical problems started ten years ago when we bought our current house, and started renting our first house. All of a sudden, it was not a rental, it was a business, and we were supposed to keep track of stuff that depreciates and anything we provide. We suck at stuff like this, so eventually, I simply got tired of the shitty renters always with an excuse as to when the rent was going to be paid, or this or that. We went ahead and sold our first home, made a tidy profit, and tried to reign in our credit cards.
This was supposed to be an easy year to report our taxes, but of course, they were not. We kept worrying about one thing, but in reality, I now think it is because Wife did not change her exceptions so they took more now that she is making a decent salary. In reality, it wasn't all bad. Technically, we have to pay like $3100, meanwhile Boy, is supposed to be getting $1600. We kind of have an agreement that his money was going to come our way, so in reality, we are only coughing up $1500, but still.
I don't know that we can afford to keep going to H&R Block though. It used to be like $350 the first time we went in there. It has slowly crept up to this time it was $519. That is a huge amount for "peace of mind". We might just take care of our own taxes next year and save that cost. What I thought really sucked was that we asked how much it would be for Boy to go in there and get it done, and he said because he had something with school tuition and loans, that he would not be able to just use the 1040EZ, so instead of around $50, he might be looking more at $220 for his preparations. The tax preparer was a nice guy, he told us if we wanted to try and do Boy's taxes, he would give us his paperwork back. Wife said yes instantly, she had come up with the same amount he came up with, so she was on the right track, and if we can save +$200, I am all for it.
We have always had issues with our taxes. When we first got married our father in law was doing them and it was good, but then we were audited over two years and we had to pay back a ton. After that, I heard that H&R Block has a guarantee that if we get audited, they take responsibility, up to about $6000 of overages. We have been using them for about ten years and all has been good. The returns are not as good, but at least I don't worry about getting audited again.
The technical problems started ten years ago when we bought our current house, and started renting our first house. All of a sudden, it was not a rental, it was a business, and we were supposed to keep track of stuff that depreciates and anything we provide. We suck at stuff like this, so eventually, I simply got tired of the shitty renters always with an excuse as to when the rent was going to be paid, or this or that. We went ahead and sold our first home, made a tidy profit, and tried to reign in our credit cards.
This was supposed to be an easy year to report our taxes, but of course, they were not. We kept worrying about one thing, but in reality, I now think it is because Wife did not change her exceptions so they took more now that she is making a decent salary. In reality, it wasn't all bad. Technically, we have to pay like $3100, meanwhile Boy, is supposed to be getting $1600. We kind of have an agreement that his money was going to come our way, so in reality, we are only coughing up $1500, but still.
I don't know that we can afford to keep going to H&R Block though. It used to be like $350 the first time we went in there. It has slowly crept up to this time it was $519. That is a huge amount for "peace of mind". We might just take care of our own taxes next year and save that cost. What I thought really sucked was that we asked how much it would be for Boy to go in there and get it done, and he said because he had something with school tuition and loans, that he would not be able to just use the 1040EZ, so instead of around $50, he might be looking more at $220 for his preparations. The tax preparer was a nice guy, he told us if we wanted to try and do Boy's taxes, he would give us his paperwork back. Wife said yes instantly, she had come up with the same amount he came up with, so she was on the right track, and if we can save +$200, I am all for it.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
3/26/17 Breaking Bread For Boy's Birthday?
Saturday was a good day. Wife planned in about a week and a half a lunch where most of the family could join. Instead of making the lunch in Austin and expecting people to make the long drive and sleep there, we opted for a quick and lively lunch in San Antonio. That made it easy for Wife's family to join, but guess who was late. I guess because the lunch was in their territory, it was easy to go and work half a day, or go in and get some work done while the kids went to their football games or whatever. My mom was a little late since they had my brother's test in Uvalde. The test is to get him certified to teach, at least he has a path he can follow.
We had not eaten at Maggiano's before and the restaurant was quite nice. It is located in The Rim over by the Canterra where as far as I know is San Antonio's nicest part of town, next to Fiesta Texas. Every course of our meal was a pleasant surprise. The bread in the beginning was warm and flavorful with an outer crunchy touch. While we were waiting for the stragglers to show up, we had plenty of bread and I ordered a Mulo Romano, which is pretty much a Moscow Mule. It was served in a copper cup, which is supposed to affect the flavor. The little copper cup was enough for my brother to proclaim me drinking a woman's drink.
Once my folks showed up, the waitress moved us along and we switched from the warm bread to Bruschetta tray with garlic in oil, mozzarella chunks, and tomato caprese. Along with the tray we also got a plate of calamari and a salad that was one of the best I have ever tried. The mozzarella chunks were the best part of the appetizers. After we were done with all this, the waitress announced they were going to clean the tables and Wife panicked and tried to hide her plate in her purse. I figured we would be getting new plates and moving to the next fork.
The next part of the meal was lasagna, veal parmesan, steak parmesan, chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs. This was enough to fill me up but then we also had dessert which included lemon cookies, apple pie a la mode, and cheesecake.
After the meal, we went and walked around Bass Pro Shops for about an hour just to walk off some of the food. How I wish I could get a new boat. Even though I wasn't using mine for the last couple years, I still held onto the thought that it was just a matter of cleaning it and heading to the lake. I'll get another boat in a couple years, oh well. My folks followed us to Bass ProShops, but my mom got bored and they headed off to the mall, we headed back to Austin, getting home by around 8:00pm.
The one thing I do not enjoy about eating early is that by the time it becomes evening, we are in a hungry mood all over again. Wife and I ended the night by eating by the house at Rosa's Taco House.
We had not eaten at Maggiano's before and the restaurant was quite nice. It is located in The Rim over by the Canterra where as far as I know is San Antonio's nicest part of town, next to Fiesta Texas. Every course of our meal was a pleasant surprise. The bread in the beginning was warm and flavorful with an outer crunchy touch. While we were waiting for the stragglers to show up, we had plenty of bread and I ordered a Mulo Romano, which is pretty much a Moscow Mule. It was served in a copper cup, which is supposed to affect the flavor. The little copper cup was enough for my brother to proclaim me drinking a woman's drink.
Once my folks showed up, the waitress moved us along and we switched from the warm bread to Bruschetta tray with garlic in oil, mozzarella chunks, and tomato caprese. Along with the tray we also got a plate of calamari and a salad that was one of the best I have ever tried. The mozzarella chunks were the best part of the appetizers. After we were done with all this, the waitress announced they were going to clean the tables and Wife panicked and tried to hide her plate in her purse. I figured we would be getting new plates and moving to the next fork.
The next part of the meal was lasagna, veal parmesan, steak parmesan, chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs. This was enough to fill me up but then we also had dessert which included lemon cookies, apple pie a la mode, and cheesecake.
After the meal, we went and walked around Bass Pro Shops for about an hour just to walk off some of the food. How I wish I could get a new boat. Even though I wasn't using mine for the last couple years, I still held onto the thought that it was just a matter of cleaning it and heading to the lake. I'll get another boat in a couple years, oh well. My folks followed us to Bass ProShops, but my mom got bored and they headed off to the mall, we headed back to Austin, getting home by around 8:00pm.
The one thing I do not enjoy about eating early is that by the time it becomes evening, we are in a hungry mood all over again. Wife and I ended the night by eating by the house at Rosa's Taco House.
3/25/17 Am I On The Wrong Side?
Although it seems like a long time, the Trump administration has only been in charge for sixty days. If he has done one thing is make the common citizen much more interested in politics and what is going on in Washington DC. I have kept up with the big points, but with Trump I find myself reading and reviewing from both sides. I can't accept the idea that I could be cheering for the wrong side and as passionately as my brother and some coworkers defend his actions, I keep telling myself, maybe I am missing something.
First off, my position is socially liberal, I don't think the government should tell me what I can and can't do. You define the social rules, keeping the bible out of it, as much as possible, and I will do my best to play within the lines. I have never done drugs, rarely drink, nor do I gamble or abuse people. If I want to sit in my hot tub and play grab ass with whoever, that should be for Wife and I to discuss, not the city council or whatever group of Sunday Bible thumpers.
Second, on the hot issue of healthcare, I think if every other major country has managed to provide some sort of healthcare plan for all their citizens, then we should manage the same. What kind of chicken shit attitude if someone gets cancer, we're supposed to turn our backs on them and what pray for them? If we all pay in, then it becomes more equitable. Now that Obamacare has spread and so many are covered, the idea of taking it away from 16 million or more Americans sounds stupid. Trump needs better understanding of what "BETTER" means. His new plan would cover less people and cost more. Older people would surely feel it more than younger people, and of course there was the necessary tax cuts for the wealthy, because that's what you do.
Thirdly, someone take away his tweeter ability, it isn't helping him at this point. With no proof of Obama "wiretapping his lines", even with FBI director Comey testifying, Trump will not back down. Instead of putting this behind him, he is going to drag it along like an albatross around his neck for his full term?
So is Trump a monster, or just a selfish billionaire in charge? I am not sure, but I cannot get behind him. He wants to make the US an isolationist country. That might sound like a good idea, but I don't believe we can go from world's police to keeping to ourselves. The great Wall of America will cost billions, if it is ever made, and Mexicans will still climb over it or go under it, no big deal, so why spend the money out in the dessert? He keeps having these rallies like he is in campaign mode, but why? Get that old ass to your office and work. So far, you have a failed healthcare plan you were not prepared to tackle, twice you've been vetoed on your flight ban. Sixty days? what is your biggest win, what bs are you feeding these dimwits that keep showing up to your circus events? Like I said, I might be missing something, but unless Trump starts conjuring up something magical, he is just another straight up con man. Idiots, quit bringing up Hillary, your man won, did we?
First off, my position is socially liberal, I don't think the government should tell me what I can and can't do. You define the social rules, keeping the bible out of it, as much as possible, and I will do my best to play within the lines. I have never done drugs, rarely drink, nor do I gamble or abuse people. If I want to sit in my hot tub and play grab ass with whoever, that should be for Wife and I to discuss, not the city council or whatever group of Sunday Bible thumpers.
Second, on the hot issue of healthcare, I think if every other major country has managed to provide some sort of healthcare plan for all their citizens, then we should manage the same. What kind of chicken shit attitude if someone gets cancer, we're supposed to turn our backs on them and what pray for them? If we all pay in, then it becomes more equitable. Now that Obamacare has spread and so many are covered, the idea of taking it away from 16 million or more Americans sounds stupid. Trump needs better understanding of what "BETTER" means. His new plan would cover less people and cost more. Older people would surely feel it more than younger people, and of course there was the necessary tax cuts for the wealthy, because that's what you do.
Thirdly, someone take away his tweeter ability, it isn't helping him at this point. With no proof of Obama "wiretapping his lines", even with FBI director Comey testifying, Trump will not back down. Instead of putting this behind him, he is going to drag it along like an albatross around his neck for his full term?
So is Trump a monster, or just a selfish billionaire in charge? I am not sure, but I cannot get behind him. He wants to make the US an isolationist country. That might sound like a good idea, but I don't believe we can go from world's police to keeping to ourselves. The great Wall of America will cost billions, if it is ever made, and Mexicans will still climb over it or go under it, no big deal, so why spend the money out in the dessert? He keeps having these rallies like he is in campaign mode, but why? Get that old ass to your office and work. So far, you have a failed healthcare plan you were not prepared to tackle, twice you've been vetoed on your flight ban. Sixty days? what is your biggest win, what bs are you feeding these dimwits that keep showing up to your circus events? Like I said, I might be missing something, but unless Trump starts conjuring up something magical, he is just another straight up con man. Idiots, quit bringing up Hillary, your man won, did we?
Friday, March 24, 2017
3/24/17 Boy Is Turning Twenty Three Today?
Our anchor baby is turning twenty three today. Man, does time march along at a steady clip. I still remember bringing him to Austin from Uvalde in my little red Ford Ranger in the middle spot wondering what are we doing? I could barely drive with his baby seat blocking my shifting abilities. I was in my last semester at UT and living in a shitty apartment. Luckily, my roommate had graduated in December and because Wife was pregnant and our parents had married us, she became my newest roommate, by default.
Suddenly, we went from living in a perfect bachelor pad to a tiny family apartment. We lived there through 1994 when Boy was born until January 1996, when we bought our first house. I remember being all proud of myself, I had scored a job with AMD, and just left the warehouse, driving the forklift, and also left LCRA, working as a lab technician, seemed fine, but only paid $8 an hour as a temp. AMD seemed like a job from the future, and less than a mile from where we were living, I could bike to work, and I did a few times. I then had to figure out a way to fast track myself to more money and that happened about a year later, as I became a sustaining engineer by going on night shift. I had never worked nights before, but I was eager to do whatever for more money. It seemed easy, do the same job, but at night and we will pay you an extra 17%. I was married and had a kid what did I care about working every Friday and every other Saturday. I did this schedule for about fifteen years. It wasn't until I was the only one left in our group working nights that they eventually let me slip to this great schedule I have now where I work Mon-Thurs on the long week and Mon-Wed on the short week.
I call Boy the anchor baby, but I mean it in a good way. It was very scary and for a couple weeks we did even separate, but the life I have lived has been very easy and rewarding. Maybe we have been tight at times financially, but we get to do what we want most of the time, we now live in a great big house which I love, and Wife and I work and mesh very well. I cannot imagine life having gone any other way now. I have two boys who worship me, Wife moves the world to make me happy, and I in turn try to do the same for her, as long as I don't have to vacuum.
Maybe the blog didn't have much to do actually with Boy, but because of him, we do what we doIt may seem he made us stop progressing in school, but in reality he made us start using the shit we learned to feed, cloth, and shelter the baby. Because we are who we are, we both do it well. Happy Birthday Ditto, Love You.
Suddenly, we went from living in a perfect bachelor pad to a tiny family apartment. We lived there through 1994 when Boy was born until January 1996, when we bought our first house. I remember being all proud of myself, I had scored a job with AMD, and just left the warehouse, driving the forklift, and also left LCRA, working as a lab technician, seemed fine, but only paid $8 an hour as a temp. AMD seemed like a job from the future, and less than a mile from where we were living, I could bike to work, and I did a few times. I then had to figure out a way to fast track myself to more money and that happened about a year later, as I became a sustaining engineer by going on night shift. I had never worked nights before, but I was eager to do whatever for more money. It seemed easy, do the same job, but at night and we will pay you an extra 17%. I was married and had a kid what did I care about working every Friday and every other Saturday. I did this schedule for about fifteen years. It wasn't until I was the only one left in our group working nights that they eventually let me slip to this great schedule I have now where I work Mon-Thurs on the long week and Mon-Wed on the short week.
I call Boy the anchor baby, but I mean it in a good way. It was very scary and for a couple weeks we did even separate, but the life I have lived has been very easy and rewarding. Maybe we have been tight at times financially, but we get to do what we want most of the time, we now live in a great big house which I love, and Wife and I work and mesh very well. I cannot imagine life having gone any other way now. I have two boys who worship me, Wife moves the world to make me happy, and I in turn try to do the same for her, as long as I don't have to vacuum.
Maybe the blog didn't have much to do actually with Boy, but because of him, we do what we doIt may seem he made us stop progressing in school, but in reality he made us start using the shit we learned to feed, cloth, and shelter the baby. Because we are who we are, we both do it well. Happy Birthday Ditto, Love You.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
3/23/17 Glad I Do Not Have Daughters?
Yesterday's blog about what I expect from someone dating my boys seemed a cakewalk. Maybe I am sexist, but I put the burden of heavy lifting in the male. I expect both my boys degreed before they start families so they can afford to live a life equal to what we have provided or better. Just glancing over at Girlie who has been living with us for almost half a year, I get a little nervous every time she goes out on the weekends. As my mom constantly reminds me, she is not my daughter, but she is living with us and knowing her since she was a baby, I still worry a bit as she seems to take chances Boy has never been interested in, like going downtown. It doesn't help that she just broke up with her last boyfriend a couple weeks ago.
Since she is always at the house, I give her plenty of my sermons when it comes to dating, turning the advice with a feminine slant as I see things. For the most part, the man is going to make more money in a relationship, so I always tell her not to waste her time with "knuckleheads". Like most girls her age, she seems attracted to the pretty boys, which I have no affinity towards. To me, pretty boys are the same thing as pretty girls, nice to look at but really go nowhere.
Since 8th grade, she has always brought her boyfriends over so I can give her my opinion after. For the most part, they all seemed nice, if a little dull. There haven't been a lot, maybe five total, the 8th grade boy was more of a friend, the high school one was annoying and around for about three years. He was good enough to play in the NBA at 5ft 9in.(in his head), and he could write music and spent all his time in the studio (again, his head), glad he disappeared. There was one obnoxious artist in college (I could smell the other girlfriend on him), then a couple others, including one who will not man up and drive, but a nice guy.
I hate to be hard assed, but if there is no schooling, what is supposed to be happening in your early 20's? She talks about going back, but unless it becomes more than talk, I guess you jump from one crappy job to another trying to get to a decent salary. I've also talked to some other of Boy's friends and they seem to be making their way up from $7-8 to a more comfortable $13-15, but that is still not enough to live on your own. The biggest thing I get on her about is not to be stupid and get pregnant. If she thinks life is expensive right now, just wait until there is a baby to watch over. Just last week she came home saying that wouldn't be a problem for a couple years. I guess that is one less thing to worry about. It sounds kind of ugly, but worst case scenario if my boys were to get someone pregnant, they do have us, and we have a big house. I don't know that it works the same for her, she would have to at least go try to leave with the baby daddy at least. Good to know that problem has been kicked down the street at least four years or so.
Since she is always at the house, I give her plenty of my sermons when it comes to dating, turning the advice with a feminine slant as I see things. For the most part, the man is going to make more money in a relationship, so I always tell her not to waste her time with "knuckleheads". Like most girls her age, she seems attracted to the pretty boys, which I have no affinity towards. To me, pretty boys are the same thing as pretty girls, nice to look at but really go nowhere.
Since 8th grade, she has always brought her boyfriends over so I can give her my opinion after. For the most part, they all seemed nice, if a little dull. There haven't been a lot, maybe five total, the 8th grade boy was more of a friend, the high school one was annoying and around for about three years. He was good enough to play in the NBA at 5ft 9in.(in his head), and he could write music and spent all his time in the studio (again, his head), glad he disappeared. There was one obnoxious artist in college (I could smell the other girlfriend on him), then a couple others, including one who will not man up and drive, but a nice guy.
I hate to be hard assed, but if there is no schooling, what is supposed to be happening in your early 20's? She talks about going back, but unless it becomes more than talk, I guess you jump from one crappy job to another trying to get to a decent salary. I've also talked to some other of Boy's friends and they seem to be making their way up from $7-8 to a more comfortable $13-15, but that is still not enough to live on your own. The biggest thing I get on her about is not to be stupid and get pregnant. If she thinks life is expensive right now, just wait until there is a baby to watch over. Just last week she came home saying that wouldn't be a problem for a couple years. I guess that is one less thing to worry about. It sounds kind of ugly, but worst case scenario if my boys were to get someone pregnant, they do have us, and we have a big house. I don't know that it works the same for her, she would have to at least go try to leave with the baby daddy at least. Good to know that problem has been kicked down the street at least four years or so.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
3/22/17 Guide To Dating My Progeny?
I was without ideas to write tonight and then Wife suggested I do this. I haven't been real strict as far as who Boy dated, but he has hit a wall and it has been about two years of him being without a girlfriend. If there is one rule which I mention to them is that this person should be making you happy and excited to be around her. The right person should fit and blend well with your personality and the people who exist in your daily life.
If you are constantly disagreeing and having fights about minimal shit, like what movie to watch or what to eat, how are you going to get past harder issues later, like where should we live? Getting past that, I find it important that the parents of the girl like you, you are going to be spending time with one of their most valuable "things" on the planet, you should feel like they trust you.
I would want someone with the same goals and aspirations, such as since Boy is going to school, I would want a girl interested in higher education as well. As they say, birds of a feather, stick together. This doesn't need to be so, since relationships can work with just one of the individuals interested in school. This is how it worked with my parents, even their first move away to Corpus Christi where I was born was chiefly so my mom could finish her schooling at Kingsville A&I.
In this day and age though, having both being graduates should help financially, eventually. Another thing to consider is if both are aligned with the same number of kids. Some people are stuck in that mindset of needing 4-6 kids which just automatically makes things harder. You end up needing a bigger house and more food, and more clothing, and this is all a drain on the family income. I have constantly told both boys that 1-2 is ideal. To notice how much we spoil them, if there were more kids that wouldn't be as easy. Boy says he is not even interested in kids, which is the same thing I used to say. Chubs is more loving and he says that some day he would like some kids, but you never know.
Basically, I will be happy if the girls that come into our boys lives have the same energy they have and that they are doers and motivated with their own dreams. Last thing I want in my house is another freeloader looking for me to feed and support. Since Boy seems fairly happy and focused on his schooling, I will not force any issues on him that maybe he should explore dating right now.
If you are constantly disagreeing and having fights about minimal shit, like what movie to watch or what to eat, how are you going to get past harder issues later, like where should we live? Getting past that, I find it important that the parents of the girl like you, you are going to be spending time with one of their most valuable "things" on the planet, you should feel like they trust you.
I would want someone with the same goals and aspirations, such as since Boy is going to school, I would want a girl interested in higher education as well. As they say, birds of a feather, stick together. This doesn't need to be so, since relationships can work with just one of the individuals interested in school. This is how it worked with my parents, even their first move away to Corpus Christi where I was born was chiefly so my mom could finish her schooling at Kingsville A&I.
In this day and age though, having both being graduates should help financially, eventually. Another thing to consider is if both are aligned with the same number of kids. Some people are stuck in that mindset of needing 4-6 kids which just automatically makes things harder. You end up needing a bigger house and more food, and more clothing, and this is all a drain on the family income. I have constantly told both boys that 1-2 is ideal. To notice how much we spoil them, if there were more kids that wouldn't be as easy. Boy says he is not even interested in kids, which is the same thing I used to say. Chubs is more loving and he says that some day he would like some kids, but you never know.
Basically, I will be happy if the girls that come into our boys lives have the same energy they have and that they are doers and motivated with their own dreams. Last thing I want in my house is another freeloader looking for me to feed and support. Since Boy seems fairly happy and focused on his schooling, I will not force any issues on him that maybe he should explore dating right now.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
3/21/17 Spring Break Was Not Restful?
This Spring Break was not one I would call restful. I enjoyed most parts of it, but coming back to work always hits you in the face. My folks were in town and I do love seeing them, but they do love to burn energy arguing over nothing. We danced and took jabs at each other. I usually like to bait them and laugh at their responses, but they seemed to have lost their funny bones somewhere along the way. Other than that, I do enjoy getting up early and going to eat a good Mexican breakfast. We did on Tuesday morning, before my sister and her family took off, we enjoyed eating at Casa Garcia. I love a good barbacoa taco, or any taco really.
We also managed to eat at the Brazilian Steakhouse, Johnny Carino's Italian, and enough other places that I am starting to think our own stove doesn't work anymore. Thursday night, we even managed to slip in Pappadeaux in San Antonio for my father in law's birthday. It was a bit of a hassle, driving out there, but I did get to go see Moretti's Jewelry store where they sell high end watches. They had some of the Rolex watches I've been looking at in magazines and videos that they can't seem to get here at Ben Bridge in our mall. They carry the Patek Philippe line of watches, but those bad boys start at over $20,000. I still think the Rolex watches look like what they represent. The Patek watches looked dainty and I don't think they would stand the test of time.
Wife was here for the full week, starting her Spring Break by applying for a couple of jobs she was told about. I kind of want her back in town, having her home for awhile reminds me of how we are supposed to be. Still, I know that what she is doing is for our future and the experience she is getting will serve her in making her more valuable in the near future. We've been talking about it and considering all the responsibilities, we both think she is due a hefty raise if she is to continue down there. She is basically playing mother for the whole district, being the firm hand that says no to everyone.
I thought I was going to have an extra day, as I am supposed to be training Tuesday through Friday, but my trainer is taking the rest of this week off, and she told me to come in Monday, she was coming in before leaving the rest of the week. I feel like my break was one day short, that one day where I would take to myself and relax. Oh well.
We also managed to eat at the Brazilian Steakhouse, Johnny Carino's Italian, and enough other places that I am starting to think our own stove doesn't work anymore. Thursday night, we even managed to slip in Pappadeaux in San Antonio for my father in law's birthday. It was a bit of a hassle, driving out there, but I did get to go see Moretti's Jewelry store where they sell high end watches. They had some of the Rolex watches I've been looking at in magazines and videos that they can't seem to get here at Ben Bridge in our mall. They carry the Patek Philippe line of watches, but those bad boys start at over $20,000. I still think the Rolex watches look like what they represent. The Patek watches looked dainty and I don't think they would stand the test of time.
Wife was here for the full week, starting her Spring Break by applying for a couple of jobs she was told about. I kind of want her back in town, having her home for awhile reminds me of how we are supposed to be. Still, I know that what she is doing is for our future and the experience she is getting will serve her in making her more valuable in the near future. We've been talking about it and considering all the responsibilities, we both think she is due a hefty raise if she is to continue down there. She is basically playing mother for the whole district, being the firm hand that says no to everyone.
I thought I was going to have an extra day, as I am supposed to be training Tuesday through Friday, but my trainer is taking the rest of this week off, and she told me to come in Monday, she was coming in before leaving the rest of the week. I feel like my break was one day short, that one day where I would take to myself and relax. Oh well.
Monday, March 20, 2017
3/20/17 Texas Attorney General: Christianity Or Nah?
If not for hypocrisy, it looks like Texas AG, Ken Paxton, has painted himself into a corner. We tell these giant and powerful men to keep religion and prayer out of school, but they know better than us small people. Seems like this master of the universe thought it would be a good idea a couple years ago to fight in court over a poster mentioning a Bible quote on a nurse's door in the Killeen ISD. Even though the Principal, Superintendent, and all but one of the school board members were in agreement, the case went to court and AG Ken argued in a statement: "Religious discrimination has become a holiday tradition of sorts among certain groups. I am glad the court broke through the left's rhetorical fog and recognized a commitment to diversity means protecting everyone's individual religious expression."
I do not agree with this at all, but ok, your words, you're the man in charge, or so they say. Now comes out of the woodworks an interesting story. It seems that Frisco ISD has had a prayer room, which the principal admits was more of a mixed use room where all groups can pray equally and has been in use for more than seven years. The AG heard about it only recently because the jack-ass running the school paper (my opinion) put a spotlight on it and wrote a story in the local paper, otherwise Mr. AG never even hears about it.
My personal opinion is that none of these shenanigans should be taking place. The dim witted nurse's aid should not have been allowed to put up that poster, and the picture does not do it justice. It is a shitty brown piece of paper, and the quote is handwritten. Charlie Brown barely looks like himself, only the tree looks as shitty as the one in the cartoon. If the AG was of sound mind and went with the other leaders in agreement, sure, his word is one to listen to. His defense was a mess, but nonetheless, it is not surprising when old white guy wins over common sense. The same with these kids praying in school, I believe they should be doing this waste of time at home. But, if we are going to say one religion has rights, then buck up and allow other religions to do something, specially if it doesn't hurt anyone. They make us bow our heads at the start of football games, I don't like this practice, when a football player gets hurt, is it because Jesus ran to the fridge to get a soda? Kids get hurt randomly in the course of a game. All the prayer isn't going to change the game, it is one of violent collisions, why do we include our personal god into it?
Now, of course, ole Kenny P isn't so sure he likes what he hears from Frisco ISD. The office only released a statement that says "We sent the letter to clarify unresolved questions in the interest of protecting religious liberty in public schools across Texas (the same interest we sought to protect in the Charlie Brown matter)." I am sure the Christian majority running things will make it so that these students are not allowed to do what they have been doing in a short while. But if they could acknowledge that Jesus is their Lord and Savior as that poster said, that would be honky-dory. Bunch of fucking hypocrites. Either allow all
I do not agree with this at all, but ok, your words, you're the man in charge, or so they say. Now comes out of the woodworks an interesting story. It seems that Frisco ISD has had a prayer room, which the principal admits was more of a mixed use room where all groups can pray equally and has been in use for more than seven years. The AG heard about it only recently because the jack-ass running the school paper (my opinion) put a spotlight on it and wrote a story in the local paper, otherwise Mr. AG never even hears about it.
My personal opinion is that none of these shenanigans should be taking place. The dim witted nurse's aid should not have been allowed to put up that poster, and the picture does not do it justice. It is a shitty brown piece of paper, and the quote is handwritten. Charlie Brown barely looks like himself, only the tree looks as shitty as the one in the cartoon. If the AG was of sound mind and went with the other leaders in agreement, sure, his word is one to listen to. His defense was a mess, but nonetheless, it is not surprising when old white guy wins over common sense. The same with these kids praying in school, I believe they should be doing this waste of time at home. But, if we are going to say one religion has rights, then buck up and allow other religions to do something, specially if it doesn't hurt anyone. They make us bow our heads at the start of football games, I don't like this practice, when a football player gets hurt, is it because Jesus ran to the fridge to get a soda? Kids get hurt randomly in the course of a game. All the prayer isn't going to change the game, it is one of violent collisions, why do we include our personal god into it?
Now, of course, ole Kenny P isn't so sure he likes what he hears from Frisco ISD. The office only released a statement that says "We sent the letter to clarify unresolved questions in the interest of protecting religious liberty in public schools across Texas (the same interest we sought to protect in the Charlie Brown matter)." I am sure the Christian majority running things will make it so that these students are not allowed to do what they have been doing in a short while. But if they could acknowledge that Jesus is their Lord and Savior as that poster said, that would be honky-dory. Bunch of fucking hypocrites. Either allow all
Saturday, March 18, 2017
3/19/17 Eat My Dust OTR Drivers?
Growing up, my dad was an OTR, Over The Road driver, or more succinct, long distance truck hauler. He always warned that I should get out of the way from the big tractor trailers because they drive fast.
Tonight I encountered a jerk for lack of understanding behind the wheel of a big rig. I was in the San Marcos City Limits probably going over 75 and in the middle lane. The truck was probably 3-4 car lengths behind me and it flashed its lights, indicating I should move from my lane to let him pass. This was confusing because the inside "hammer" lane as my dad calls it was completely open. I'm not sure if the guy didn't want to change lanes but that means I should change lanes to make his life easier? I was then also worried maybe I had something wrong, like a low tire, or something that might fall off in the back of the truck. I hate getting honked at or flashed for no reason.
I kept going, not really accelerating for his dumbass, but getting some separation, nonetheless. I jumped to the inside lane to pass the mini van in front of me and before I knew it, I was about a football fields length from the trucker. Just when I had convinced myself that maybe he just flashed them accidentally, he flashed another car in front of him. That means this jackass thought himself a gift of god who should just stay in the middle lane and have everyone move out of his way. As we approached Kyle, he was finally trying to pass some cars on the outermost lane as I passed a few more cars in the inside lane.
My dad drove long distance for about 15-18 years and distinctly without an accident. His co-driver, my uncle, on the other hand, had a few scrapes over the years. The biggest one I remember my Dad describing was in Chicago where dad says the bridges are very old and lower than normal. On one trip, my uncle caught the front of the trailer they were delivering and it basically opened like a can of sardines, ripping down the middle and exposing all its delicate goodies to the elements.
I have no doubt that driving one of these trucks can be a scary proposition, which makes it even harder to understand why this idiot tonight would be flashing his lights trying to rush through a big city. Normally, if you're going to speed, wait and do it in the middle of nowhere, not in the middle of a city, specially when we both saw a couple of cops on either side of the highway.
My closest experience to driving a big rig was when I was in the Junior college and drove the commuter bus back and forth from Uvalde to Crystal City my second year in junior college. I was then able to use my knowledge to move the trucks and trailers around the parking lot when I worked at the moving company the year after I graduated.
I guess I just got pissed because I felt the flashing of the lights from the truck was a little dick-ish. I was already going fast, close to 80. The inside lane was completely open from the truck to ahead of me, he could have just jumped lanes and disappeared in front of me. He flashed another driver, proving he sucked, but he never did pass me.
Tonight I encountered a jerk for lack of understanding behind the wheel of a big rig. I was in the San Marcos City Limits probably going over 75 and in the middle lane. The truck was probably 3-4 car lengths behind me and it flashed its lights, indicating I should move from my lane to let him pass. This was confusing because the inside "hammer" lane as my dad calls it was completely open. I'm not sure if the guy didn't want to change lanes but that means I should change lanes to make his life easier? I was then also worried maybe I had something wrong, like a low tire, or something that might fall off in the back of the truck. I hate getting honked at or flashed for no reason.
I kept going, not really accelerating for his dumbass, but getting some separation, nonetheless. I jumped to the inside lane to pass the mini van in front of me and before I knew it, I was about a football fields length from the trucker. Just when I had convinced myself that maybe he just flashed them accidentally, he flashed another car in front of him. That means this jackass thought himself a gift of god who should just stay in the middle lane and have everyone move out of his way. As we approached Kyle, he was finally trying to pass some cars on the outermost lane as I passed a few more cars in the inside lane.
My dad drove long distance for about 15-18 years and distinctly without an accident. His co-driver, my uncle, on the other hand, had a few scrapes over the years. The biggest one I remember my Dad describing was in Chicago where dad says the bridges are very old and lower than normal. On one trip, my uncle caught the front of the trailer they were delivering and it basically opened like a can of sardines, ripping down the middle and exposing all its delicate goodies to the elements.
I have no doubt that driving one of these trucks can be a scary proposition, which makes it even harder to understand why this idiot tonight would be flashing his lights trying to rush through a big city. Normally, if you're going to speed, wait and do it in the middle of nowhere, not in the middle of a city, specially when we both saw a couple of cops on either side of the highway.
My closest experience to driving a big rig was when I was in the Junior college and drove the commuter bus back and forth from Uvalde to Crystal City my second year in junior college. I was then able to use my knowledge to move the trucks and trailers around the parking lot when I worked at the moving company the year after I graduated.
I guess I just got pissed because I felt the flashing of the lights from the truck was a little dick-ish. I was already going fast, close to 80. The inside lane was completely open from the truck to ahead of me, he could have just jumped lanes and disappeared in front of me. He flashed another driver, proving he sucked, but he never did pass me.
Friday, March 17, 2017
3/18/17 An Illiterate Society?
I read an article headline about this being the last generation of students that will be literate. It doesn't seem feasible, but with the dumbification of the country in general and the advances in electronics, it just might seem possible. I foresee a future where students get told to read a book and they can get the book read to them through the computer. This already exists on a few different apps. Another choice the student would have would be to watch the movie or stage play of whatever reading, again, everything is recorded nowadays, so it is just a matter of finding it. I was doing this a couple years ago with a free app and there were hundreds of books already available. I listened to about half of Moby Dick, but I couldn't stand the long lists of different whales and it just seemed to go on and on and on. Then I listened to Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn and those were much easier to get through.
If we then need the children to write reports or anything, they can talk to their computers and they can convert speech to text and put down whatever on paper. If this works, we will be in a new world in the classroom. Why spend the first few years teaching penmanship and the art of writing legibly, if everything will be done through our electronic devices, some I'm sure haven't even been invented yet.
Like it or not, Wife is working in a school where barely half the seniors read above a high school level. If this is happening everywhere, then it must be true that we are reaching a point where most of the population doesn't read or write. I don't think more than 20% of the adult population reads regularly or even focuses on anything for more than a few minutes at a time. If the only time people are reading is in school when they have to, then how literate is the average citizen?
This kind of scares and worries me. This makes the human more animal than man, as one of the hallmarks of what made the human race the alpha animal was learning how to write down our thoughts and ideas and pass them along to the next generation. This is shown really great in Spaceship Earth, the big globe as you walk into EPCOT. It follows from the beginning writing on papyrus leaves, then scrolls and eventually newspaper and going to computers. It did not show a tangent where the human starts learning less, but maybe it should.
I could think selfishly and say fuck it, my boys will be fine, one is almost done with his degree and the other will surely follow in the footsteps, but as a society, aren't we only as strong as our weakest link? I thought this was the reason we helped those on the lower spectrum, to help lift them up? If we are just carrying them indefinitely as Trump supporters would say, then let's cut the umbilical cords off from these leeches and let them starve. There's still plenty of street corners they can occupy.
If we then need the children to write reports or anything, they can talk to their computers and they can convert speech to text and put down whatever on paper. If this works, we will be in a new world in the classroom. Why spend the first few years teaching penmanship and the art of writing legibly, if everything will be done through our electronic devices, some I'm sure haven't even been invented yet.
Like it or not, Wife is working in a school where barely half the seniors read above a high school level. If this is happening everywhere, then it must be true that we are reaching a point where most of the population doesn't read or write. I don't think more than 20% of the adult population reads regularly or even focuses on anything for more than a few minutes at a time. If the only time people are reading is in school when they have to, then how literate is the average citizen?
This kind of scares and worries me. This makes the human more animal than man, as one of the hallmarks of what made the human race the alpha animal was learning how to write down our thoughts and ideas and pass them along to the next generation. This is shown really great in Spaceship Earth, the big globe as you walk into EPCOT. It follows from the beginning writing on papyrus leaves, then scrolls and eventually newspaper and going to computers. It did not show a tangent where the human starts learning less, but maybe it should.
I could think selfishly and say fuck it, my boys will be fine, one is almost done with his degree and the other will surely follow in the footsteps, but as a society, aren't we only as strong as our weakest link? I thought this was the reason we helped those on the lower spectrum, to help lift them up? If we are just carrying them indefinitely as Trump supporters would say, then let's cut the umbilical cords off from these leeches and let them starve. There's still plenty of street corners they can occupy.
3/17/17 Snap Judgment?
This blog has to do with the success of Snapchat and some of its differences to other sites. It is an "app" or application for our cell phones. With it, we can communicate by sending each other pictures of ourselves and our immediate world around us. Facebook is similar, but leaves spaces to write what is going on, where it is going on, who else is involved, and so on.
I wasn't sure I was going to even install the app on my phone, it seemed kind of dumb, but then I started noticing a lot of the attractive hotties from Instagram (Instagram does not allow naked pictures, for the most part) forwarding their newest Snapchat address and welcoming strangers and friends alike. I started following a couple of attractive chicks since they seemed to be no cost and seemed likely to eventually get naked. Another small note on Snapchat is that unlike Instagram where the images are saved forever, Snapchat holds a pic for 24 hours and then it is gone. Although the pics will remove themselves, one can capture a pic, copy it, and release the original, but the owners do not like that being done.
Turns out, the reason so many attractive girls seem to be advertising their bodies and being all sorts of sexy/slutty is that they are selling coded passwords to separate accounts to show off as much as can be shown. Girls give previews on generic accounts passed around between girls and available to pervs everywhere, their goal is to get you to buy the accounts where they sell their videos, live and recorded. Some of the girls sell lifetime passes to their accounts, which seems unfeasible as a money making job. This relies on an ever increasing supply of customers always joining. The other ways are to pay monthly or even for as short as a day. Usually, the amounts aren't even that much. During the holidays, most of the girls I am a fan of were offering "specials" like lifetime memberships for $20 or $30. I didn't trust them to take the money and run after a couple weeks, but most of the girls seem to stick around.
There are some very aggressive gals on the site too. I "friend" requested one or two gals that texted back with a "what do you want?" "Uhh, thought I was going to see you naked?" There was some half ass flirting trying to get me to set up an account to pay money, but no. These types of girls get deleted right away.
Some day I may even actually open my wallet and sign up for an account, some of the girls give you updates on their days, they don't seem that slutty, they include their kids just on day to day activities, driving around, then all of a sudden it gets dark and they are back to talking about doing dirty deeds. The only problem with all this is that porn already exists on my computer and it's free and there are thousands of hours of it and all kinds. I guess one can think of this as almost unique created just for you porn. I say this because you can get these girls one on one and talk about "whatever". It is only sex if you can touch them, they can say all they want, but if there is a phone or computer involved, it is just porn.
I wasn't sure I was going to even install the app on my phone, it seemed kind of dumb, but then I started noticing a lot of the attractive hotties from Instagram (Instagram does not allow naked pictures, for the most part) forwarding their newest Snapchat address and welcoming strangers and friends alike. I started following a couple of attractive chicks since they seemed to be no cost and seemed likely to eventually get naked. Another small note on Snapchat is that unlike Instagram where the images are saved forever, Snapchat holds a pic for 24 hours and then it is gone. Although the pics will remove themselves, one can capture a pic, copy it, and release the original, but the owners do not like that being done.
Turns out, the reason so many attractive girls seem to be advertising their bodies and being all sorts of sexy/slutty is that they are selling coded passwords to separate accounts to show off as much as can be shown. Girls give previews on generic accounts passed around between girls and available to pervs everywhere, their goal is to get you to buy the accounts where they sell their videos, live and recorded. Some of the girls sell lifetime passes to their accounts, which seems unfeasible as a money making job. This relies on an ever increasing supply of customers always joining. The other ways are to pay monthly or even for as short as a day. Usually, the amounts aren't even that much. During the holidays, most of the girls I am a fan of were offering "specials" like lifetime memberships for $20 or $30. I didn't trust them to take the money and run after a couple weeks, but most of the girls seem to stick around.
There are some very aggressive gals on the site too. I "friend" requested one or two gals that texted back with a "what do you want?" "Uhh, thought I was going to see you naked?" There was some half ass flirting trying to get me to set up an account to pay money, but no. These types of girls get deleted right away.
Some day I may even actually open my wallet and sign up for an account, some of the girls give you updates on their days, they don't seem that slutty, they include their kids just on day to day activities, driving around, then all of a sudden it gets dark and they are back to talking about doing dirty deeds. The only problem with all this is that porn already exists on my computer and it's free and there are thousands of hours of it and all kinds. I guess one can think of this as almost unique created just for you porn. I say this because you can get these girls one on one and talk about "whatever". It is only sex if you can touch them, they can say all they want, but if there is a phone or computer involved, it is just porn.
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
3/16/17 Staycation It Is?
Like it or not, this Spring Break is turning into a staycation, as the people are calling it these days. We almost made plans to go to the coast, but my mom had a hard time finding a place to take the RV's too. Add to that the fact that my leg is still not fixed and the whole thing fell apart. It did not help that the weather was crappy through the weekend. Even today, although it has been sunny, the wind has still put a chill in the air.
So we find ourselves home, not a bad thing, I love my house and being here isn't confining like it was in our old house. I have napped, cleaned, rearranged furniture. Wife cut the grass in the front, cleaned the pantry, yelled at the boys to do this and that, all good times.
Tomorrow, we will take a road drive as we head to San Antonio for the day. It is my father in law's birthday and we are going to go meet them at Pappadeaux, where Wife's younger sister works and we get a 25% discount. For those who have not been, the restaurant is top notch. They serve a Cajun Louisiana menu which is heavy on fish and shellfish animals. Last time we went I ate like 13 different fish and animals, they do a crazy job of mixing the food up.
Since we got a new roommate yesterday, we spent part of the day cleaning up the guest room downstairs. We had a bunch of boxes laying all along the edge of the room which we have stacked in the garage for now. I was just reminded by Wife his closet is full of bins from upstairs, I shoved them in there when I was making room for Girlie's clothes upstairs. We are now officially booked. If I had a vacancy sign on the window, I would turn on the little No. The revenue coming in will pretty much pay for my medical expenses that are stacking up on my credit cards.
After we spend Thursday with my in-laws, we will have three more days of Spring Break. I am not sure what we will do with the free time, but I would still love to go to some body of water and fish for an afternoon. I saw my Wife's nephew fishing by some new lake and I have not fished in quite a while. At this point, I would enjoy hanging out on the shore of some random lake or even a river. Knowing how we are though, if this happens, it will be on Canyon Lake after we go and check out the RV we have parked on our lot out there, although I can't complain, it is actually a very scenic and pretty lake. The water is deep enough in parts to look bluish green.
The end of Spring Break, Sunday will have us saying bye to our Woman as she heads back down for another stint in La Pryor. She was told to apply for a job at AISD where the person doing it is retiring. I am hoping she can land it and head back up here next school year. Oh well, we still have a few more holidays, such as Easter to get through.
So we find ourselves home, not a bad thing, I love my house and being here isn't confining like it was in our old house. I have napped, cleaned, rearranged furniture. Wife cut the grass in the front, cleaned the pantry, yelled at the boys to do this and that, all good times.
Tomorrow, we will take a road drive as we head to San Antonio for the day. It is my father in law's birthday and we are going to go meet them at Pappadeaux, where Wife's younger sister works and we get a 25% discount. For those who have not been, the restaurant is top notch. They serve a Cajun Louisiana menu which is heavy on fish and shellfish animals. Last time we went I ate like 13 different fish and animals, they do a crazy job of mixing the food up.
Since we got a new roommate yesterday, we spent part of the day cleaning up the guest room downstairs. We had a bunch of boxes laying all along the edge of the room which we have stacked in the garage for now. I was just reminded by Wife his closet is full of bins from upstairs, I shoved them in there when I was making room for Girlie's clothes upstairs. We are now officially booked. If I had a vacancy sign on the window, I would turn on the little No. The revenue coming in will pretty much pay for my medical expenses that are stacking up on my credit cards.
After we spend Thursday with my in-laws, we will have three more days of Spring Break. I am not sure what we will do with the free time, but I would still love to go to some body of water and fish for an afternoon. I saw my Wife's nephew fishing by some new lake and I have not fished in quite a while. At this point, I would enjoy hanging out on the shore of some random lake or even a river. Knowing how we are though, if this happens, it will be on Canyon Lake after we go and check out the RV we have parked on our lot out there, although I can't complain, it is actually a very scenic and pretty lake. The water is deep enough in parts to look bluish green.
The end of Spring Break, Sunday will have us saying bye to our Woman as she heads back down for another stint in La Pryor. She was told to apply for a job at AISD where the person doing it is retiring. I am hoping she can land it and head back up here next school year. Oh well, we still have a few more holidays, such as Easter to get through.
3/15/17 Maybe Austin Has Ruined Me?
My brother doesn't usually say much. When he does he has that Alex Jones barking in a low octave that irritates me right away. I don't doubt he might have more useless information than me. I am surprised whenever he lets out with any emotion at all. This weekend I pushed his last nerve and he let me have it. He said that I didn't matter anyway, I was a liberal and a degenerate. I was honestly not expecting this and was very much caught by surprise. He is a big time Trump supporter. I've tried joking about Trump and he does not find it funny at all. He is quick of course to block everything I say with a "but Hillary Clinton this and Benghazi that. I tried saying Hillary could be another eight years like under Billy. It was great, no wars, who cares if he got laid by some chunky gals, he brought down the deficit. You would have thought I insulted his mother. He started with Somalia and just kept going. He blamed Obama for keeping up the expenditures in Iraq and Afghanistan. I said those were George Bush's wars, he said nah, Obama had the power to get out. Yeah, then you blame Obama for being weak and letting Isis set up in Mosul. It is really a can't win debate. He loves everything that comes out of Trump's mouth, lies or not.
My mother came out of the gate hot and uncomfortable. We have been renting a room to Girlie, who is our old neighbor's niece, we met her when she was three or four and she has always had an instant closeness and trust with us. She was one of Boy's first friends, and because we were alone in Austin, acted like we were family with her. My mom starts every conversation with "she is not family" which I will not argue as a fact, but when it is someone I have known since diaper age, I will not turn my back on them either. My mom is sure there is something nefarious going on, I must be allowing her to stay here for free or worse. It did not help that while my folks were here, my roommate also had a friend show up and stay a couple nights. This does not bother me, but my mom was livid, that I was disrespecting my marriage by allowing these young girls to meddle in our lives, then Tuesday morning, Boy's old friend that stayed with us until he got a girl pregnant texted that it was not working out, and if he could come back. I, of course, promptly said yes, come over this afternoon. My Mom just gave a defeated guess we'll never be able to visit again. I reminded her she had slept in Chub's room during the weekend, because my sister and her hubby took the guest room. She used this to perfectly defend her comment that "maybe my financial problems are from this house, and I would be better off in a 3 bedroom 2 bath house and not this giant beast of burden." I had to smart mouth back "but then I wouldn't have space for all these sexy girls to move into."
My dad was pretty quiet all weekend, he even went along and joined us to eat, something he likes to complain about and avoid. On the way out though, he did tell me "keep an eye out on your trash, I am pretty sure I wet my smoked cigarettes, but still." I said "that's nice, y'all were like the three horsemen of the apocalypse one calls me a degenerate, the other calls me too poor for my living situation, and the third mildly threatens to burn my house down." If I include the dog, it could have been the four horsemen, as the dog peed and pooped in almost every room of the house that it could. Fun Spring Break so far.
My mother came out of the gate hot and uncomfortable. We have been renting a room to Girlie, who is our old neighbor's niece, we met her when she was three or four and she has always had an instant closeness and trust with us. She was one of Boy's first friends, and because we were alone in Austin, acted like we were family with her. My mom starts every conversation with "she is not family" which I will not argue as a fact, but when it is someone I have known since diaper age, I will not turn my back on them either. My mom is sure there is something nefarious going on, I must be allowing her to stay here for free or worse. It did not help that while my folks were here, my roommate also had a friend show up and stay a couple nights. This does not bother me, but my mom was livid, that I was disrespecting my marriage by allowing these young girls to meddle in our lives, then Tuesday morning, Boy's old friend that stayed with us until he got a girl pregnant texted that it was not working out, and if he could come back. I, of course, promptly said yes, come over this afternoon. My Mom just gave a defeated guess we'll never be able to visit again. I reminded her she had slept in Chub's room during the weekend, because my sister and her hubby took the guest room. She used this to perfectly defend her comment that "maybe my financial problems are from this house, and I would be better off in a 3 bedroom 2 bath house and not this giant beast of burden." I had to smart mouth back "but then I wouldn't have space for all these sexy girls to move into."
My dad was pretty quiet all weekend, he even went along and joined us to eat, something he likes to complain about and avoid. On the way out though, he did tell me "keep an eye out on your trash, I am pretty sure I wet my smoked cigarettes, but still." I said "that's nice, y'all were like the three horsemen of the apocalypse one calls me a degenerate, the other calls me too poor for my living situation, and the third mildly threatens to burn my house down." If I include the dog, it could have been the four horsemen, as the dog peed and pooped in almost every room of the house that it could. Fun Spring Break so far.
Monday, March 13, 2017
3/14/17 Logan (movie review with spoilers)
We just saw Logan, which Hugh Jackman mentioned was going to be his last movie. When he had looked everlasting and like a skilled and trained killing machine, in this movie we could tell he was not doing well. After being born before the Civil War and fighting in every war for the United States, suddenly in 2029, twelve years from now, he looks aged and in frail health. Suddenly, the adamantium skeleton he was gifted with by crazed scientists turned against him and started slowly poisoning him.
Anyways, the story picks up with him and Prof. X kind of living together/hiding in the middle of the desert. They have with them an albino which I was unfamilar with, Caliban. The main story is Logan is trying to secure enough money for a boat so him and Prof X can buy a boat and disappear in the ocean. A nurse/Mexican lady finds him and wants him to help her. As usual, Mr. Personality wants nothing to do with them. Fast forward fifteen minutes, the nurse is dead and he finds out the girl is a miniature Wolverine.
From this point, they are fighting a group of madmen, we find out the girl is from a Mexican experiment to bring back the mutants but for use as weapons, not to be thought of as people. The bad guys keep the albino who has tracking abilities and can locate mutants. Everywhere they go, they are surely to be found which makes for a nice slashy-slashy fight with Wolverine and his knives. At one point, Eriq LaSalle and his family befriend them on the road and invite them to dinner which makes me think, ahhh, they're all going to die. It never ends well, with people who help Logan.
To raise the stakes, they come out with a Logan duplicate who "has no soul" and just wants to kill and fight. He ultimately manages to kill Prof. X and the LaSalle family. Logan/Wolverine is not doing so good throughout most of the movie but he rallies like the soldier he is. His mission becomes to get the young girl to a location in North Dakota where the friends said they would all meet to head into Canada and somehow be free. Logan doesn't want to go because he is sure it is a bullshit place conjured from the comic books the kids have been reading. They get there and there is no fancy facility, but there is a shack which the kids use to gather and rest for the final showdown scene.
Like Popeye, Logan injects a magical green mixture and becomes the Wolverine we are used to in the other movies. He kills about half of the bad guys as he chases the doctor at the lead. He lets him talk for a minute before blowing his head off. The kids join in the mayhem and kill a couple guys themselves with their powers. Sadly, the soulless Logan comes out and pretty much kills him our Logan by stabbing him unto a tree. The young girl pays the favor back by blowing the bad guys head off with an adamantium bullet Logan has been carrying around for some time.
I don't particularly like when the hero dies, most of those Chinese movies do the same and it always pisses me off. I guess it is a good point for the kids to pick up and take the lead.
Anyways, the story picks up with him and Prof. X kind of living together/hiding in the middle of the desert. They have with them an albino which I was unfamilar with, Caliban. The main story is Logan is trying to secure enough money for a boat so him and Prof X can buy a boat and disappear in the ocean. A nurse/Mexican lady finds him and wants him to help her. As usual, Mr. Personality wants nothing to do with them. Fast forward fifteen minutes, the nurse is dead and he finds out the girl is a miniature Wolverine.
From this point, they are fighting a group of madmen, we find out the girl is from a Mexican experiment to bring back the mutants but for use as weapons, not to be thought of as people. The bad guys keep the albino who has tracking abilities and can locate mutants. Everywhere they go, they are surely to be found which makes for a nice slashy-slashy fight with Wolverine and his knives. At one point, Eriq LaSalle and his family befriend them on the road and invite them to dinner which makes me think, ahhh, they're all going to die. It never ends well, with people who help Logan.
To raise the stakes, they come out with a Logan duplicate who "has no soul" and just wants to kill and fight. He ultimately manages to kill Prof. X and the LaSalle family. Logan/Wolverine is not doing so good throughout most of the movie but he rallies like the soldier he is. His mission becomes to get the young girl to a location in North Dakota where the friends said they would all meet to head into Canada and somehow be free. Logan doesn't want to go because he is sure it is a bullshit place conjured from the comic books the kids have been reading. They get there and there is no fancy facility, but there is a shack which the kids use to gather and rest for the final showdown scene.
Like Popeye, Logan injects a magical green mixture and becomes the Wolverine we are used to in the other movies. He kills about half of the bad guys as he chases the doctor at the lead. He lets him talk for a minute before blowing his head off. The kids join in the mayhem and kill a couple guys themselves with their powers. Sadly, the soulless Logan comes out and pretty much kills him our Logan by stabbing him unto a tree. The young girl pays the favor back by blowing the bad guys head off with an adamantium bullet Logan has been carrying around for some time.
I don't particularly like when the hero dies, most of those Chinese movies do the same and it always pisses me off. I guess it is a good point for the kids to pick up and take the lead.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
3/13/17 Does The Brazilian Steakhouse Lose Its Flavor On The Bedpost Overnight?
My family is in town for a couple days and when my sister comes, she likes to go fancy and suggest nice restaurants. We hadn't been in a while so it seemed about time for the Brazilian Steakhouse in the Arboretum, Estancia Churrascaria. They all do not like eating late so Wife made reservations for 2:00pm.
Knowing we were going to pig out Sunday afternoon, I got up around 10:00am and drank some coffee and sat around the kitchen to discuss, argue, complain, and listen with my peeps. Wife finally pulled the plug on my morning fun, calling me up by phone to come upstairs to the bathroom and take a shower around 12:30pm. I did as I was told, showered and dressed without any problems and was ready to go by 1:10pm. I decided to take the scenic route around west Austin through highway 360. It is really a different Austin when you get out there past the mall on MoPAC. My mom and dad rode with us and they were surprised at how pretty it is with the hills and so many houses just hanging on the edges of the hills. I was expecting more boats on Lake Austin as we passed over the brown scenic bridge, but there was at least one boat doing its thing right down the middle of the river. We then got to the restaurant right before 2:00pm, had a little trouble deciding where to park since the parking lot was mostly empty.
They seemed to be waiting for us, and sat us down immediately. They seemed to have given us a slightly bigger table than necessary for the ten of us, but it gave us the ability to stretch and not feel confined. After ordering drinks, the waiter offered 3-4 different waters, I blankly said "I'll take the free variety, I don't care if it is from the hose outside. I will also take a tea." We were then free to move about the room and head to the salad. I got a few things which I know I like. The waldorf salad is always good with its little pieces of apple, but who are we kidding? We come here for the meat and I noticed Chubs on the other end of the table start before the rest of us. He flipped his little card over and started getting meat while I was halfway through my salad, and we could hear him ordering some of the stuff to be cooked medium well.
The rest of the meal was a smorgasbord of different meats. I really love the sirloin cuts, but the rest of them I could take it or leave it. The sausage is just OK, the chicken seemed a little dry. Although the big beef ribs were good, they also seemed excessively fatty. I noticed Wife stop eating abruptly after a while and reading her cues I slowed down and then kind of lost my appetite.
We were there another 40-50 minutes and I was not having a good time. I was full, I went to the bathroom, I felt dirty and just wanted to come home and shower. Wife drove, and I was asleep as soon as we hit MoPac to head back this way. This restaurant is more than a meal, it is an event.
Knowing we were going to pig out Sunday afternoon, I got up around 10:00am and drank some coffee and sat around the kitchen to discuss, argue, complain, and listen with my peeps. Wife finally pulled the plug on my morning fun, calling me up by phone to come upstairs to the bathroom and take a shower around 12:30pm. I did as I was told, showered and dressed without any problems and was ready to go by 1:10pm. I decided to take the scenic route around west Austin through highway 360. It is really a different Austin when you get out there past the mall on MoPAC. My mom and dad rode with us and they were surprised at how pretty it is with the hills and so many houses just hanging on the edges of the hills. I was expecting more boats on Lake Austin as we passed over the brown scenic bridge, but there was at least one boat doing its thing right down the middle of the river. We then got to the restaurant right before 2:00pm, had a little trouble deciding where to park since the parking lot was mostly empty.
They seemed to be waiting for us, and sat us down immediately. They seemed to have given us a slightly bigger table than necessary for the ten of us, but it gave us the ability to stretch and not feel confined. After ordering drinks, the waiter offered 3-4 different waters, I blankly said "I'll take the free variety, I don't care if it is from the hose outside. I will also take a tea." We were then free to move about the room and head to the salad. I got a few things which I know I like. The waldorf salad is always good with its little pieces of apple, but who are we kidding? We come here for the meat and I noticed Chubs on the other end of the table start before the rest of us. He flipped his little card over and started getting meat while I was halfway through my salad, and we could hear him ordering some of the stuff to be cooked medium well.
The rest of the meal was a smorgasbord of different meats. I really love the sirloin cuts, but the rest of them I could take it or leave it. The sausage is just OK, the chicken seemed a little dry. Although the big beef ribs were good, they also seemed excessively fatty. I noticed Wife stop eating abruptly after a while and reading her cues I slowed down and then kind of lost my appetite.
We were there another 40-50 minutes and I was not having a good time. I was full, I went to the bathroom, I felt dirty and just wanted to come home and shower. Wife drove, and I was asleep as soon as we hit MoPac to head back this way. This restaurant is more than a meal, it is an event.
3/12/17 Catholic Church Caught In Its Own Trap?
The new pope, Pope Francis, is the 266th pope chosen to lead the Catholic Church and the first Pope chosen from the Americas. I find that a little weird, that it has taken this long for the church to reach out this far to find a new leader. Already, this new leader is making groundbreaking changes. He actually sounds like someone fitting for the role.
The last pope had ties to the Nazi Party, as he was forced to become a Hitler Youth at 14, in preparation to serve in the Army for the Third Reich. Pope Benedict was the oldest person chosen to be the Pontiff, and served from April 19, 2005 to February 28, 2013. He just has a look of evil or something, in his eyes, to me. Ties to the Nazi Party are never going to help.
Pope Francis has been the Pontiff since 2013 when Pope Benedict stepped down. He is originally from Argentina, and was promoted to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. Pope Francis is the first Jesuit Pope. He insists on living in the Vatican Guest House instead of the Papal House because he can receive visitors and hold meetings. This newest Pontiff seems genuinely down to earth and willing to make groundbreaking changes.
One of his most extreme ideas is to allow married older men to serve as clergy to combat the shortness of Catholic Priests. This sounds extreme to me because each priest is supposed to be a conduit to a higher power. This is what I was told growing up and attending communion and confirmation classes. We needed our priests to be pure and not sullied by sex, even with a loving partner. I am now reading online that this is not the case. Celibacy is a newer thing and some Popes back in the day were married. If this is so, why make things harder on yourself? Open it up to more "normal" men. It is not totally believable that these men are celibate anyway. We would always hear word from some of the small town priests that the nuns would take care of the priest, if you know what I mean. Anyway, this is something Pope Francis could do to bring Catholicism to the new age.
I like that there is a shortage and even if women can refrain from sex easier than men, there is absolutely no mention of women as priests. Catholicism is so sexist, I don't think it is even capable of realizing it. Why not give the role to women? In any household, who drags the kids to Church? The woman, few men give two farts about going weekly to the house of god. If a family regularly attends mass, it is because the woman of the house is making it happen. It seems like a natural fit for me to have women running the show.
This is yet another reason I have a problem with organized religion. In nature, women have the responsibility in most animals of creating life. Women are the ones that push for family unity, for a place to live together, for all the things that the church wants us to do and be. But ultimately, women can't sit at the front and tell us how to live collectively. Leave that to a man who has lived alone all his life, he is somehow an expert.
The last pope had ties to the Nazi Party, as he was forced to become a Hitler Youth at 14, in preparation to serve in the Army for the Third Reich. Pope Benedict was the oldest person chosen to be the Pontiff, and served from April 19, 2005 to February 28, 2013. He just has a look of evil or something, in his eyes, to me. Ties to the Nazi Party are never going to help.
Pope Francis has been the Pontiff since 2013 when Pope Benedict stepped down. He is originally from Argentina, and was promoted to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. Pope Francis is the first Jesuit Pope. He insists on living in the Vatican Guest House instead of the Papal House because he can receive visitors and hold meetings. This newest Pontiff seems genuinely down to earth and willing to make groundbreaking changes.
One of his most extreme ideas is to allow married older men to serve as clergy to combat the shortness of Catholic Priests. This sounds extreme to me because each priest is supposed to be a conduit to a higher power. This is what I was told growing up and attending communion and confirmation classes. We needed our priests to be pure and not sullied by sex, even with a loving partner. I am now reading online that this is not the case. Celibacy is a newer thing and some Popes back in the day were married. If this is so, why make things harder on yourself? Open it up to more "normal" men. It is not totally believable that these men are celibate anyway. We would always hear word from some of the small town priests that the nuns would take care of the priest, if you know what I mean. Anyway, this is something Pope Francis could do to bring Catholicism to the new age.
I like that there is a shortage and even if women can refrain from sex easier than men, there is absolutely no mention of women as priests. Catholicism is so sexist, I don't think it is even capable of realizing it. Why not give the role to women? In any household, who drags the kids to Church? The woman, few men give two farts about going weekly to the house of god. If a family regularly attends mass, it is because the woman of the house is making it happen. It seems like a natural fit for me to have women running the show.
This is yet another reason I have a problem with organized religion. In nature, women have the responsibility in most animals of creating life. Women are the ones that push for family unity, for a place to live together, for all the things that the church wants us to do and be. But ultimately, women can't sit at the front and tell us how to live collectively. Leave that to a man who has lived alone all his life, he is somehow an expert.
Friday, March 10, 2017
3/11/17 Cults Today?
Wife woke today too early and got on TV to see what they put on for the insomniacs and unemployables. There was a documentary about what it is like to live as a member of a cult and then they were giving out facts, such as from the Jim Jones mass murder. Wife was surprised saying in one section they talked about the men all voluntarily ripping their genitals off. I remember Adam Carolla talking about Cults and that they exist mostly because older guys want to bang younger gals. The part of the story where the men were removing their genitals sounds perfect because once that happens, only the elders or leader would be the ones taking care of the women sexually.
So what is the difference between a cult and a religion? One story I wrote says a religion has existed for a few generations and a cult is newer. Another story says the difference is in how those leaving are treated. Leaving a cult, the theory goes, means being ostracized by those involved. I then put to this theory Islam. According to what I read, to leave Islam or apostasy, is punishable by death. It is mentioned in the Quran in different places. Being that Islam is one of the larger religions, then how people are treated is not a good system to differentiate.
I think we are going to see an increase in people joining cults in the next few years. These are going to be a very trying four years, hopefully just four. When the people in charge keep proclaiming to not trust the news or anything you call reliable, where are we going to plant our feet? We need to feel like we understand our environment. If Trump continues challenging everything we hear, what are we to do? He can turn around and make a declaration about the last sitting president and say "congress, figure out if what I said was real."
Cults make people feel like a part of something. Maybe the family structure is not strong at home for many of these individuals. The idea of falling for a modern day Jesus Christ and doing anything he commands is also intriguing for many foot soldiers. The females can get swept away believing that they are reproducing with essentially a god, and these guys love the feeling of absolute power. In high school, I wrote a research paper and I remember from then that the best way to get people away from these cults is to kidnap them and put them in deprogramming programs. This has been controversial and sometimes leads to the deprogrammers getting arrested for kidnapping. There are many strategies to deprogram but they need to start along the lines of discrediting the figure of authority, presenting contradictions (if the leader is so good, why does he do this or that), getting the person to the breaking point at which point the student starts listening voluntarily.
Be that charismatic leader in your own family. Why would your kids run to another cult leader of you yourself act like one? Promise you will get them to Valhalla, spend your time being their sun, don't be a self absorbed douche.
So what is the difference between a cult and a religion? One story I wrote says a religion has existed for a few generations and a cult is newer. Another story says the difference is in how those leaving are treated. Leaving a cult, the theory goes, means being ostracized by those involved. I then put to this theory Islam. According to what I read, to leave Islam or apostasy, is punishable by death. It is mentioned in the Quran in different places. Being that Islam is one of the larger religions, then how people are treated is not a good system to differentiate.
I think we are going to see an increase in people joining cults in the next few years. These are going to be a very trying four years, hopefully just four. When the people in charge keep proclaiming to not trust the news or anything you call reliable, where are we going to plant our feet? We need to feel like we understand our environment. If Trump continues challenging everything we hear, what are we to do? He can turn around and make a declaration about the last sitting president and say "congress, figure out if what I said was real."
Cults make people feel like a part of something. Maybe the family structure is not strong at home for many of these individuals. The idea of falling for a modern day Jesus Christ and doing anything he commands is also intriguing for many foot soldiers. The females can get swept away believing that they are reproducing with essentially a god, and these guys love the feeling of absolute power. In high school, I wrote a research paper and I remember from then that the best way to get people away from these cults is to kidnap them and put them in deprogramming programs. This has been controversial and sometimes leads to the deprogrammers getting arrested for kidnapping. There are many strategies to deprogram but they need to start along the lines of discrediting the figure of authority, presenting contradictions (if the leader is so good, why does he do this or that), getting the person to the breaking point at which point the student starts listening voluntarily.
Be that charismatic leader in your own family. Why would your kids run to another cult leader of you yourself act like one? Promise you will get them to Valhalla, spend your time being their sun, don't be a self absorbed douche.
3/10/17 Old Clunkers Need Love Too?
Our roommate had gotten a new car with the help of her mom and all was well with the world, but for some reason that I am entirely not sure about, Mama decided to take the car away from Girlie and gave her back her old clunker. The car was not that bad, but bad things keep happening to it. When she first got it, she and a previous boyfriend decided to help out an old lady at the mall or somewhere with a jump from her battery. Mr. Boyfriend did not lock down the hood correctly and that started one of her problems. The hood opened on her as she almost got on the freeway, luckily there was a grass meridian and she ended up there. The hood ended up bending and it smashed into the windshield and broke it. She used one of her fashionable belts to hold the hood down, got the glass repaired and kept going for a while. Of course, the next time it rained hard, it happened again. This time she called me that she was stranded between work and her house. I took some wire to hold it closed and actually looked inside. There were two screws missing on the hook that catches the hood. I found one in my tool box and the other cost .79 cents at Home Depot. Shortly after, she started driving the new car, so I thought her problems were gone.
Her problems are back. She got home all flustered today that she couldn't drive the car anymore. The wipers don't work anymore she exclaimed. I asked if they were moving, she said yes, I then said "you know you're supposed to replace the wiper blades like once a year, plus it helps if the glass is clean." I went out and looked at them, and I could see the glass was oily and you could see the streaking where the glass got wet but not enough. I stopped at Walmart on the way home because she'll keep driving that way, and it just seems dangerous. New wiper blades are like $5. I gave the glass a quick clean and hopefully she's ready for the weekend, as it is supposed to be storming.
She already mentioned the door handles. She says she feels very ghetto, the inside door openers have both stopped working on driver and passenger, so she has to roll the windows down and use the handle on the outside. I looked on YouTube and it looks like a fairly easy repair, I just need to catch her at home when we have time. You Tube is really great for tutorials and stuff like that. There is a video that shows you how to remove the door panels, down to where the screws are all hiding. I would never mess with my cars, I would rather take them to Ford and get it done right. For her though, either I can play with it or it can stay broken, this car is not going in for repairs.
This poor car has been through a lot. The trunk is also askew because the stepdad was driving it and he got into a fender bender. Oh well, that is something he can take care of, although I don't think that is in the plans at this point.
Her problems are back. She got home all flustered today that she couldn't drive the car anymore. The wipers don't work anymore she exclaimed. I asked if they were moving, she said yes, I then said "you know you're supposed to replace the wiper blades like once a year, plus it helps if the glass is clean." I went out and looked at them, and I could see the glass was oily and you could see the streaking where the glass got wet but not enough. I stopped at Walmart on the way home because she'll keep driving that way, and it just seems dangerous. New wiper blades are like $5. I gave the glass a quick clean and hopefully she's ready for the weekend, as it is supposed to be storming.
She already mentioned the door handles. She says she feels very ghetto, the inside door openers have both stopped working on driver and passenger, so she has to roll the windows down and use the handle on the outside. I looked on YouTube and it looks like a fairly easy repair, I just need to catch her at home when we have time. You Tube is really great for tutorials and stuff like that. There is a video that shows you how to remove the door panels, down to where the screws are all hiding. I would never mess with my cars, I would rather take them to Ford and get it done right. For her though, either I can play with it or it can stay broken, this car is not going in for repairs.
This poor car has been through a lot. The trunk is also askew because the stepdad was driving it and he got into a fender bender. Oh well, that is something he can take care of, although I don't think that is in the plans at this point.
Thursday, March 9, 2017
3/9/17 Divorce Is Higher In Couples Where Men Do more Housework?
A story came out today on Facebook about marriage longevity and how much men help out around the house. The study came out of Norway and states that the more men contribute to chores the higher the divorce rate. I personally have always tried to do my fair share. It is odd right now because Wife doesn't live at the house and I cannot expect her to show up Friday night and clean up after us. That being said, we both have different ideas of a clean house. I want the kitchen clean so we don't get roaches and ants in the house. This means the dishes don't stay in the sink overnight, we put away food in the fridge or at least cover it if it doesn't require refrigeration. The next thing I concern myself is with the clothes. I start washing normally on Thursday nights, so most everything has been washed by the time Wife comes up. After that, it is easy, we should all be responsible for our bedrooms, and then we vacuum as needed. I hate the sound of the vacuum, so I avoid it as much as possible, but Wife would have it on as background music, if it was up to her. If she yells about doing something, it is vacuuming.
When she was living at home, I admit I did less than I do, but I work more hours and she was home more. Occasionally she would complain, and so I got better at ignoring her whines. Sorry, but as much as I would love it, we will not have a magazine beautiful house with the young Turd Nuggets living with us. Those two little shits don't care about clean. Plus, as the man of the house and bigger contributor financially, I thought I was doing more than my half of the family work.
I do have three friends who have both gone through a divorce and both used to tell me how they used to do all of the housework so their spouse would have an easier time. My thought as I was gagging was always "for what?" Their explanation was the same, their wives work and they get home tired, "yeah, I'm tired too." These were two good guys and both were taken by surprise when their significant others walked out on them, so maybe there is something to the article. Wife could cheat on me, but it isn't going to be while I'm scrubbing the toilet making the bathroom smell lemony fresh. If she does, it'll be while I am at work, like a man, making money for the family. If she can betray me at that point, then she deserves all that comes her way.
You can see where and who my boys would choose. I sit like a king with my boys on either side of me. They just wait to strike if I give the command, like trained beasts from hell. If I take the chains off of Boy, you will get at least a "Fuck" headed your way as he methodically breaks you down with the quivers from his mouth. But if I unleash The Beast of Beasts, watch out ladies, he has perfected the elbow to the chest. Plus 230 pounds in the shape of a 5 foot fireplug coming at you low will probably knock you over.
When she was living at home, I admit I did less than I do, but I work more hours and she was home more. Occasionally she would complain, and so I got better at ignoring her whines. Sorry, but as much as I would love it, we will not have a magazine beautiful house with the young Turd Nuggets living with us. Those two little shits don't care about clean. Plus, as the man of the house and bigger contributor financially, I thought I was doing more than my half of the family work.
I do have three friends who have both gone through a divorce and both used to tell me how they used to do all of the housework so their spouse would have an easier time. My thought as I was gagging was always "for what?" Their explanation was the same, their wives work and they get home tired, "yeah, I'm tired too." These were two good guys and both were taken by surprise when their significant others walked out on them, so maybe there is something to the article. Wife could cheat on me, but it isn't going to be while I'm scrubbing the toilet making the bathroom smell lemony fresh. If she does, it'll be while I am at work, like a man, making money for the family. If she can betray me at that point, then she deserves all that comes her way.
You can see where and who my boys would choose. I sit like a king with my boys on either side of me. They just wait to strike if I give the command, like trained beasts from hell. If I take the chains off of Boy, you will get at least a "Fuck" headed your way as he methodically breaks you down with the quivers from his mouth. But if I unleash The Beast of Beasts, watch out ladies, he has perfected the elbow to the chest. Plus 230 pounds in the shape of a 5 foot fireplug coming at you low will probably knock you over.
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
3/8/17 Punks In Hoodies?
First of all, I hate the teenage boy, the Mr. Know-It-All Jackass, aged between 15-20. I've mentioned the run-in I had with the one group a while back with the Idiot Boy who flipped me off with a tiny plastic penis, kind of funny, but it could have turned ugly for the boy and he would have had it coming. Anyways, my complaint today is the moron who has to walk into an establishment and leave his hoodie on. What the fuck? It isn't raining, I am in shorts, it's not freezing, act like a man and present your face. I always kind of worry of a hold-up and Tuesday was a little too uncomfortable for me. Chubs and I just randomly chose Wendy's and while Chubs grabbed our normal spot, I grabbed the ketchup and napkins and my soda. About the time I was walking towards the table a future convict walked in, I think he was black, but that doesn't matter, he walked straight to the bathroom which made me think "fuck, this is where he pulls a gun on us." I guess he was harmless, but I noticed even Chubs staring at him while we ate. That is what these dumbfucks don't get. They don't want to be the center of attention, but they do stuff that makes them suspicious. If I covered my face and walked into a store, I realize I would look like trouble, even if I was just wearing a SpongeBob Mask.
He ate angry it seemed, sitting but on his heels, like he was ready to run out any second. As soon as he finished and left, Chubs asked me why he was wearing the hoodie in the store, I just told him "because he is a stupid child and no one told him any better." Coincidentally, I was skimming through Pinterest there in Wendy's and noticed a series of events after Trump has taken office. Many of the stories were of Muslim women feeling threatened to the point of they were voluntarily taking off the hijab to blend in with us westerners. Sorry, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Any type of unnecessary covering is suspicious as I just explained the hoodie and considering the thought of the regular "Merican linking muslims and suicide bombers, just get rid of the extra clothing. We don't see Indians running around half naked on horses, or pilgrim descendants dressed like nuns. We dress accordingly to match the surrounding modern environment.
You came to America for a better life and I welcome anyone, but put on some jeans and Nikes, put on about 40 pounds, buy a big SUV, drink expensive bad coffee, get into a little credit debt, come on, be a freaking American, it's what you dreamed of. It's easy, read tabloid trash instead of literature, swear your kid is a special snowflake who is really allergic to peanuts and or gluten...
He ate angry it seemed, sitting but on his heels, like he was ready to run out any second. As soon as he finished and left, Chubs asked me why he was wearing the hoodie in the store, I just told him "because he is a stupid child and no one told him any better." Coincidentally, I was skimming through Pinterest there in Wendy's and noticed a series of events after Trump has taken office. Many of the stories were of Muslim women feeling threatened to the point of they were voluntarily taking off the hijab to blend in with us westerners. Sorry, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Any type of unnecessary covering is suspicious as I just explained the hoodie and considering the thought of the regular "Merican linking muslims and suicide bombers, just get rid of the extra clothing. We don't see Indians running around half naked on horses, or pilgrim descendants dressed like nuns. We dress accordingly to match the surrounding modern environment.
You came to America for a better life and I welcome anyone, but put on some jeans and Nikes, put on about 40 pounds, buy a big SUV, drink expensive bad coffee, get into a little credit debt, come on, be a freaking American, it's what you dreamed of. It's easy, read tabloid trash instead of literature, swear your kid is a special snowflake who is really allergic to peanuts and or gluten...
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
3/7/17 Can Trump Get Past The Latest Scandal?
I have been surprised by the boldness of our latest president. He just makes me say wow one week after another. His supporters keep going farther and farther off the deep end. If he is right, how did I and the people who think like me feel like we are so wrong? The latest chapter of adventure has Trump accusing Obama of using the FBI and or NSA to wiretap his Trump towers where he lived prior to the elections in November. This is seen as a wild accusation, which the head of the FBI came out instantly and denied and explained that if this were to happen, he would know. The other head of the NSA also came out and denied the same thing later in the day.
What happens next when the President, like a woman accusing an attacker of rape, provides no evidence other than her word. This seems like par for the course for this new president. All day Sunday we heard on TV that there is no evidence that any of this happened. He heard it like my brother hearing stuff on one of those conspiracy theory shows and now he is running around pretty much trying to use this to ruin Obama's presidential run. This seems like a huge story, and to me, it seems like a huge distraction to move the attention away from the Russian interference of the elections which make Trump almost look treasonous.
Now, less than twenty four hours later, the Republicans and Trump are pushing the new Obamacare repeal and replace plan, so again it seems like the president likes flooding us with news as now the biggest conversation will turn to the medical care. If that is not enough from the white house, he is also pushing the travel ban 2.0 which he tried a couple weeks ago but was blocked by the courts. I personally don't care if he wants to block the world from coming into the United States, but pinpointing some random countries that happen to be in the middle east to protect us from attack is crap when again 15 of the 19 9/11 bombers were from Saudi Arabia, yet that country is not on the list. Hell, none of the countries where the bombers came from is on the list. The countries: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Sure these countries seem shifty and don't bring us much in the big picture, but blocking them on a hunch won't do anything to protect us, I don't think.
"Mr. I am here to save you money" has cost the US taxpayer in one month what Obama and his family cost in security costs a whole year. Protecting the President and his random family members flying around doing business for the Trump business is costing a lot compared to Obama, who Trump called out for spending too much time on vacation. Trump has now spent about half his weekends as president on "vacation" in his Mar-A-Lago resort, or the White House of the south as it is being called, comedically.
This is not since the start of his presidency, this is just the BS Trump has stirred this weekend. For a seventy year old fart, he sure is keeping everyone on their toes. He has only been president less than two months and yet he seems to have been in charge for a long long time. I don't think he can continue this crazy pace for a full four year term, but I guess we will just wait and see.
What happens next when the President, like a woman accusing an attacker of rape, provides no evidence other than her word. This seems like par for the course for this new president. All day Sunday we heard on TV that there is no evidence that any of this happened. He heard it like my brother hearing stuff on one of those conspiracy theory shows and now he is running around pretty much trying to use this to ruin Obama's presidential run. This seems like a huge story, and to me, it seems like a huge distraction to move the attention away from the Russian interference of the elections which make Trump almost look treasonous.
Now, less than twenty four hours later, the Republicans and Trump are pushing the new Obamacare repeal and replace plan, so again it seems like the president likes flooding us with news as now the biggest conversation will turn to the medical care. If that is not enough from the white house, he is also pushing the travel ban 2.0 which he tried a couple weeks ago but was blocked by the courts. I personally don't care if he wants to block the world from coming into the United States, but pinpointing some random countries that happen to be in the middle east to protect us from attack is crap when again 15 of the 19 9/11 bombers were from Saudi Arabia, yet that country is not on the list. Hell, none of the countries where the bombers came from is on the list. The countries: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Sure these countries seem shifty and don't bring us much in the big picture, but blocking them on a hunch won't do anything to protect us, I don't think.
"Mr. I am here to save you money" has cost the US taxpayer in one month what Obama and his family cost in security costs a whole year. Protecting the President and his random family members flying around doing business for the Trump business is costing a lot compared to Obama, who Trump called out for spending too much time on vacation. Trump has now spent about half his weekends as president on "vacation" in his Mar-A-Lago resort, or the White House of the south as it is being called, comedically.
This is not since the start of his presidency, this is just the BS Trump has stirred this weekend. For a seventy year old fart, he sure is keeping everyone on their toes. He has only been president less than two months and yet he seems to have been in charge for a long long time. I don't think he can continue this crazy pace for a full four year term, but I guess we will just wait and see.
Monday, March 6, 2017
3/6/17 Spring Break Countdown?
I am getting excited for the idea of a weeklong break. Every time I take a week off it seems to be a little bit of a catch-22. Either we have money because I work too much, but then I can't afford to take off. Taking time off but then worrying that renting a spot for a week in Corpus for our RV and the whole hassle of moving it is going to cost too much. We usually opt for the Corpus Christi vacation and a little credit card help, if we do fall a little short.
We are not relying on credit cards anymore. This year, Wife and I talked about it and although we told my folks we would join them in Corpus, with my leg, it seems like a fool's errand as I can't even get my leg wet, so what is the point of getting close to the water? Instead, we are taking advantage of living in the eleventh biggest city in the United States and entertaining my family for a couple days. I like the idea of hanging out here in town, as I rarely take a whole week off and stay home.
Part of the reason I am enjoying the week off is because I am under new-ish management. Even though this year Spring Break falls on a long week for me, meaning if I want to take the week off, I need to take four days off, and because I work a 12 hour shift, that leads to burning 48 hours and then because I get paid time and a half for last eight hours, I really need to take 52 hours to keep my check the same. My new supervisor is ok with us moving days around, so I can consider the Spring Break week my short week and only use 36 hours and not worry about losing the eight "overtime hours." This means I'll work the long week the week after I come back from vacation, but I don't mind that. Using only 36 hours and thinking forward, I'll do the same the week of 4th of July, and with the holiday pay, I will only need to use 28 hours, and Thanksgiving week when we get two holiday days or sixteen hours vacation, I'll need 20 vacation hours from my batch to take a week. Those three weeks only amount to 84 hours of PTO, or Personal Time Off. We get 160 hours a year, so I will easily still have 76 hours to take two weeks off during Christmas, if I want. Normally, it always seems like Spring Break and Thanksgiving have always been on the long week, and I hate the idea of burning up to 52 hours to keep my paycheck normal.
So, I will take a few weeks off and it should even be relaxing as I won't feel as I am consuming all my PTO in large chunks. I could theoretically take five weeks off, although that just sounds crazy to me. I want to kind of wait and see if Wife ends up getting the raise that she deserves for all the work she is doing, before I decide to take so much time off.
Knowing we are going to be here means I have to start thinking of activities to do with my family. I think if my brother comes with his family, it might be fun to take them to the skydiving place where you jump into an air tunnel and float in the air, much like jumping off a plane and then opening a parachute. We could possibly rent a boat for an afternoon, but that might be too expensive. We could take the drive to the San Antonio Zoo, the kids always like that, and my sisters kids are the perfect age to enjoy that, if they don't have to be playing with some sort of ball during the break. I always overthink this stuff as ultimately, they end up coming for the weekend and we end up just going to the mall and eating out. We are fluid, so whatever we do will be a fun different pace than week in and week out, plus Wife will get to be here all week.
We are not relying on credit cards anymore. This year, Wife and I talked about it and although we told my folks we would join them in Corpus, with my leg, it seems like a fool's errand as I can't even get my leg wet, so what is the point of getting close to the water? Instead, we are taking advantage of living in the eleventh biggest city in the United States and entertaining my family for a couple days. I like the idea of hanging out here in town, as I rarely take a whole week off and stay home.
Part of the reason I am enjoying the week off is because I am under new-ish management. Even though this year Spring Break falls on a long week for me, meaning if I want to take the week off, I need to take four days off, and because I work a 12 hour shift, that leads to burning 48 hours and then because I get paid time and a half for last eight hours, I really need to take 52 hours to keep my check the same. My new supervisor is ok with us moving days around, so I can consider the Spring Break week my short week and only use 36 hours and not worry about losing the eight "overtime hours." This means I'll work the long week the week after I come back from vacation, but I don't mind that. Using only 36 hours and thinking forward, I'll do the same the week of 4th of July, and with the holiday pay, I will only need to use 28 hours, and Thanksgiving week when we get two holiday days or sixteen hours vacation, I'll need 20 vacation hours from my batch to take a week. Those three weeks only amount to 84 hours of PTO, or Personal Time Off. We get 160 hours a year, so I will easily still have 76 hours to take two weeks off during Christmas, if I want. Normally, it always seems like Spring Break and Thanksgiving have always been on the long week, and I hate the idea of burning up to 52 hours to keep my paycheck normal.
So, I will take a few weeks off and it should even be relaxing as I won't feel as I am consuming all my PTO in large chunks. I could theoretically take five weeks off, although that just sounds crazy to me. I want to kind of wait and see if Wife ends up getting the raise that she deserves for all the work she is doing, before I decide to take so much time off.
Knowing we are going to be here means I have to start thinking of activities to do with my family. I think if my brother comes with his family, it might be fun to take them to the skydiving place where you jump into an air tunnel and float in the air, much like jumping off a plane and then opening a parachute. We could possibly rent a boat for an afternoon, but that might be too expensive. We could take the drive to the San Antonio Zoo, the kids always like that, and my sisters kids are the perfect age to enjoy that, if they don't have to be playing with some sort of ball during the break. I always overthink this stuff as ultimately, they end up coming for the weekend and we end up just going to the mall and eating out. We are fluid, so whatever we do will be a fun different pace than week in and week out, plus Wife will get to be here all week.
Sunday, March 5, 2017
3/5/17 Preparing For A School Dance?
Wife has been assigned to decorate for the father/daughter dance in her school, coming up this week on Thursday evening. Her Supervisor saw someone post images of a similar party at their school, and he thought it would be a good idea. He pitched it to Wife who was telling me about it Valentine's weekend. She did not want the responsibility and hassle of a dance, considering that she has 14 real programs she is in charge of and trying to get through TEA evaluations.
Once she is tasked with something though, she does the best she can. We got up around noon, ate breakfast tacos and went into the guest room where we watched TV and napped for a couple hours. At around 4pm, she finally panicked and got me going to go shower and get ready to leave the house. I didn't want to really go anywhere, but we started at the Dollar Store where I dropped her off and I left to go gas up my truck. I came back, hoping she would be done, but no, she said I could wait in the truck or get off and go inside. I figured I only see her one full day a week, so I should try harder and be next to her, not stay in the truck because of a little drizzle. She bought a couple of things to decorate the tables and a couple of Pepsis for us to drink.
The weather was quite shitty for a Saturday afternoon, but we made the most of it. It wasn't really raining, it was just wet and drizzly, normally, I love to lay in bed and let the day do what it wants when it is like this. Alas, there we were, across town, in a Party City wasting the day away, buying decorations for a party she is not wanting to be a part of.
The funniest part of all this was Wife was trying to get ideas and input from various coworkers and the superintendent, who has been at the casino since Thursday. He texted back that it was quite distracting to be getting pictures of pink decorations. It was his idea, but because he was doing his favorite thing, gambling, he would rather not be getting texts right now.
Between the two stores, Wife spent over $100 in decorations. They are just the tip of the iceberg. Between now and Thursday, the ladies in the administration building must come up with music (some teacher or aid is a part time DJ, so he may volunteer), food (superintendent was thinking all the teachers could donate something, like a cake, case of sodas, etc, but he hasn't told them yet), they are selling tickets and Wife said none had been sold yet, so the whole thing may be a moot point. Super keeps asking Wife "you had big house parties, you can handle this." She's told him a couple times that yes we did, but we would end up spending anywhere from $600-$1200, depending on what we were doing with the food. He doesn't seem to get this through his head.
I told Wife whether the dance works or not, the next day is Friday and we start our Spring Break week together. Although, I can envision the dance a success and then Wife will be doing it again the week after Spring Break for the mother/son dance. Wife even heard there is a party for the teachers at the end of the school year. This is your reward for doing good work, you get to do more work than other people.
Once she is tasked with something though, she does the best she can. We got up around noon, ate breakfast tacos and went into the guest room where we watched TV and napped for a couple hours. At around 4pm, she finally panicked and got me going to go shower and get ready to leave the house. I didn't want to really go anywhere, but we started at the Dollar Store where I dropped her off and I left to go gas up my truck. I came back, hoping she would be done, but no, she said I could wait in the truck or get off and go inside. I figured I only see her one full day a week, so I should try harder and be next to her, not stay in the truck because of a little drizzle. She bought a couple of things to decorate the tables and a couple of Pepsis for us to drink.
The weather was quite shitty for a Saturday afternoon, but we made the most of it. It wasn't really raining, it was just wet and drizzly, normally, I love to lay in bed and let the day do what it wants when it is like this. Alas, there we were, across town, in a Party City wasting the day away, buying decorations for a party she is not wanting to be a part of.
The funniest part of all this was Wife was trying to get ideas and input from various coworkers and the superintendent, who has been at the casino since Thursday. He texted back that it was quite distracting to be getting pictures of pink decorations. It was his idea, but because he was doing his favorite thing, gambling, he would rather not be getting texts right now.
Between the two stores, Wife spent over $100 in decorations. They are just the tip of the iceberg. Between now and Thursday, the ladies in the administration building must come up with music (some teacher or aid is a part time DJ, so he may volunteer), food (superintendent was thinking all the teachers could donate something, like a cake, case of sodas, etc, but he hasn't told them yet), they are selling tickets and Wife said none had been sold yet, so the whole thing may be a moot point. Super keeps asking Wife "you had big house parties, you can handle this." She's told him a couple times that yes we did, but we would end up spending anywhere from $600-$1200, depending on what we were doing with the food. He doesn't seem to get this through his head.
I told Wife whether the dance works or not, the next day is Friday and we start our Spring Break week together. Although, I can envision the dance a success and then Wife will be doing it again the week after Spring Break for the mother/son dance. Wife even heard there is a party for the teachers at the end of the school year. This is your reward for doing good work, you get to do more work than other people.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
3/4/17 The Lego Batman Movie (Movie)
We just saw the Batman movie and it was mostly good, but honestly, I fell asleep as I figured out the set-up for the movie. It started out loud and annoying enough. The Joker, played by Zach Galifinakis brings mayhem to the city and as usual is escaping capture but he is taunting Batman, played by Will Arnett, in a weird way, bringing up that he is Batman's arch enemy. Batman is in a mode of not wanting to accept anyone as being in a relationship with him, since the loss of his parents, he has turned into a recluse, only the honorable Alfred by his side. Before the Joker flees, Batman leaves him crying, proclaiming he is fighting a couple of different bad guys, he is not serious with only one, and never will be. Joker is hurt because he wants to be the bad guy in Batman's life.
The next day, Superman is on TV, talking about fighting his own bad guy General Zod and placing him in the phantom zone. You can see the Joker's face as he just got the idea to go get these guys from the phantom zone to help him. Meanwhile, in Gotham City, Batman has just been phased out by a new commissioner, played by Rosario Dawson, although the cartoon was red headed and lighter skinned, I was thinking it was Scarlett Johanssen because of the hair. She has evidence that although Batman encounters the bad guys, he never really catches them, they always escape and of course the simpletons in the city turn on Batman as they are supposed to.
While I slept, the Joker gained force and had Batman at the brink of defeat. He now has a young Robin by his side, as he adopted him accidentally while he was all lost staring at the hot new commissioner. Batman needs to learn to be a team member, to trust his partners and to be vulnerable and human again. He has been a tortured lone man for way too long, and only by accepting this will the guards in the phantom zone willing to let him go to save his friends.
Going to the Alamo Drafthouse is still cool. We are now sharing a pizza between Wife and I to cut down on the price. We share a big popcorn, soda and pizza, Chubs orders his wings and fries and the bill is now closer to $40. Much better than $70-80 when we were all ordering pretzels and cookies and milkshakes. They did bring back Coca-Cola products, which helps, those natural sugar sodas tasted cheap and quite shitty.
In the end, Batman and company win by playing together. Separately, they cannot defeat the forces of the Joker and his huge army, but the good guys round up their own army and then they go at each other. I liked how they mention some of the other movies in a tongue in cheek kind of way. Batman tells the Joker he is fighting Superman, the Joker says "that is not your enemy" in an exasperated voice. Then when the commissioner comes to ask him for help, some of the bad guys offer to help, and there is another reference, such as that idea cannot work.:
The next day, Superman is on TV, talking about fighting his own bad guy General Zod and placing him in the phantom zone. You can see the Joker's face as he just got the idea to go get these guys from the phantom zone to help him. Meanwhile, in Gotham City, Batman has just been phased out by a new commissioner, played by Rosario Dawson, although the cartoon was red headed and lighter skinned, I was thinking it was Scarlett Johanssen because of the hair. She has evidence that although Batman encounters the bad guys, he never really catches them, they always escape and of course the simpletons in the city turn on Batman as they are supposed to.
While I slept, the Joker gained force and had Batman at the brink of defeat. He now has a young Robin by his side, as he adopted him accidentally while he was all lost staring at the hot new commissioner. Batman needs to learn to be a team member, to trust his partners and to be vulnerable and human again. He has been a tortured lone man for way too long, and only by accepting this will the guards in the phantom zone willing to let him go to save his friends.
Going to the Alamo Drafthouse is still cool. We are now sharing a pizza between Wife and I to cut down on the price. We share a big popcorn, soda and pizza, Chubs orders his wings and fries and the bill is now closer to $40. Much better than $70-80 when we were all ordering pretzels and cookies and milkshakes. They did bring back Coca-Cola products, which helps, those natural sugar sodas tasted cheap and quite shitty.
In the end, Batman and company win by playing together. Separately, they cannot defeat the forces of the Joker and his huge army, but the good guys round up their own army and then they go at each other. I liked how they mention some of the other movies in a tongue in cheek kind of way. Batman tells the Joker he is fighting Superman, the Joker says "that is not your enemy" in an exasperated voice. Then when the commissioner comes to ask him for help, some of the bad guys offer to help, and there is another reference, such as that idea cannot work.:
Friday, March 3, 2017
3/3/17 Thoughts On The Whole Illegal Alien Issue?
I don't have a stance one way or the other in regards to the illegal alien problem, as long as they are here to work and probably at the shittiest jobs the market has to offer. If they were trafficking drugs, then yeah, they should be imprisoned and punished or whatever else you do to people that deliver products that get consumed somehow by a population that never has enough.
My problem with the issue is that the companies never get so much as a warning to cut the shit out. We all know that new houses are built 80% by illegals. Americans just aren't that small on average, anytime we drive through a community to look at new houses, even my younger boy can point out the Mexicans. How come Lennar Homes doesn't get fined? You can drive through there any time and there will be a few crews, I assume of illegals, if they are doing the jobs that Johnny can't or won't. If my son can figure them out, why can't immigration do the same? If this was done and then followed by a stiff fine, would Lennar or whoever be as tempted to do it again? I am not saying the Mexicans are roaches, but if there is food left out, your house will eventually have roaches. If you are clean and don't leave anything out for them to scavenge, the roach moves on.
Somehow, it always turns to hate on the lowest part of that chain, why? Because people like to bitch about "they're taking our jobs, but damn that house is now affordable." Put your money where your mouth is, don't eat where they hire a bunch of illegals (every restaurant it seems), don't buy houses where you see the 4 foot workers, don't eat any fruits or vegetables, unless machines are harvesting them, or shut the fuck up and let them do their shitty jobs. Grapes are expensive enough, if Billy and Sally are plucking them from trees, grapes will be as expensive as cherries, $10 a pound.
Trump keeps saying about keeping out bad "hombres", does that mean because they are brown or because they bring drugs? The drugs are here too. Meth is made on both sides of the border, most of us saw Breaking Bad, it looks fairly easy, specially if there is crazy money to be made. It is getting harder and harder to identify Marijuana as a bad drug, if it has medicinal value. If it is the magical elixir to cure all that ails you, we have to get over it and let it be available more openly.
We, the US, already have the highest percentage of our citizens arrested because of drugs, can we say that punishment is not getting it done? I know the prison system is a big money thing, so it isn't likely to change, and I do like the violent and sex offenders kept locked up, but surely not everyone in there is a drug mule carrying 200 pounds of drugs when they got caught. Some of these "bad hombres" might have been better off with some counseling and other options, if they are US peeps. To be funny, we should dump some of those illegal aliens from Mexico over in Europe, see how they get back or how they assimilate into other lands.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
3/2/17 Austin Is #11
So much for calling Austin a little city as I thought of it. Turns out that due to all the people moving in, it is now the eleventh largest city in the United States. We are not alone, Houston is No. 4, San Antonio is No. 7, Dallas is No. 9, and we are No.11. Texas is alive and doing well, if well means people moving into it. It's either that or the natives are reproducing like cable television and the internet were never invented.
I don't know that I am upset to have so many people living around me, what does bother me is that we have one ok mall, two if you count the one 30 miles away, Lakeline Mall. As many people as are moving in, though, I don't see the housing boom of ten years ago. I don't want to say that I want to move, but we do go and look at new houses and subdivisions now and then. Most everything new is headed out of the city. Easton Park which was touted as the Circle C of the east looks hokey as hell. I wanted to like it, our first house was close to that area, but the houses are mostly wood and cheap looking wood on the outside. We have been over there a few times and they have been slower than anticipated, but I think part of the problem is that they are overpriced. Othere than that, there's a large community across the freeway from Cabela's, but that is Buda territory, huge communities by Salt Lick, but that is outside of Austin as well. There is that Estancia place on 35, right before the toll roads, the community looks pretty good, but they are pricey, like upper $350's for an average house.
What is keeping Austin so hip and popular? There might be semiconductor jobs, but it can't be as good as it was in the 90's. There are the various universities, but they don't pay well, I don't think. The music scene is crap, back in the 90's there was at least Southpark Meadows for big open air concerts. I don't know that the big names come to town, like Metallica or Aerosmith. They usually go for San Antonio or Dallas.
The weather is fairly mild, except for the summer when we stay above 95 for like 4 months. The lakes are nice when we aren't in a drought and they are only half full. The parks are fine, if you don't mind paying to hang out in a public park, at least Zilker Park used to charge on busy weekends, to park, in a park! Traffic is a freaking mess. Anytime, nowadays, I-35 is going to be crowded and full. I leave work at 6:30am and nothing but white headlights headed into the city and red lights leaving the city.
I don't know that I am upset to have so many people living around me, what does bother me is that we have one ok mall, two if you count the one 30 miles away, Lakeline Mall. As many people as are moving in, though, I don't see the housing boom of ten years ago. I don't want to say that I want to move, but we do go and look at new houses and subdivisions now and then. Most everything new is headed out of the city. Easton Park which was touted as the Circle C of the east looks hokey as hell. I wanted to like it, our first house was close to that area, but the houses are mostly wood and cheap looking wood on the outside. We have been over there a few times and they have been slower than anticipated, but I think part of the problem is that they are overpriced. Othere than that, there's a large community across the freeway from Cabela's, but that is Buda territory, huge communities by Salt Lick, but that is outside of Austin as well. There is that Estancia place on 35, right before the toll roads, the community looks pretty good, but they are pricey, like upper $350's for an average house.
What is keeping Austin so hip and popular? There might be semiconductor jobs, but it can't be as good as it was in the 90's. There are the various universities, but they don't pay well, I don't think. The music scene is crap, back in the 90's there was at least Southpark Meadows for big open air concerts. I don't know that the big names come to town, like Metallica or Aerosmith. They usually go for San Antonio or Dallas.
The weather is fairly mild, except for the summer when we stay above 95 for like 4 months. The lakes are nice when we aren't in a drought and they are only half full. The parks are fine, if you don't mind paying to hang out in a public park, at least Zilker Park used to charge on busy weekends, to park, in a park! Traffic is a freaking mess. Anytime, nowadays, I-35 is going to be crowded and full. I leave work at 6:30am and nothing but white headlights headed into the city and red lights leaving the city.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
3/1/17 How Do You Become The Authority/Expert?
As I mentioned, this weekend I was looking to push buttons with Boy's friends concerning religion. As can happen in lively debates, new things get discovered, like when you shake a dirty blanket and out pops a cockroach you didn't know was there. I know some people would rather leave things alone and just not displace anything, but I love knowing where all the roaches in my domain exist, so I can deal with them.
A subtle thing that came out of discussing and learning about Lillith, other than men 2000 years ago really didn't like women, is that Boy's friend has an issue with how I bring up my debates. I think I do a very straightforward approach, because I want to be able to use it with Chubs all the way to when I discuss with some of the guys at work that really know a thing or two. Her point is that when one deals in absolutes, there is the risk of a slippery slope. I didn't really follow, and she was trying to bring up for example with gay rights which I didn't get her point.
When I debate, for example, in religion, I like to compare religions, and why does yours matter and not the others. Not to pick on my Mom, but last time I brought it up, I asked what about the Greeks, were they just wrong in believing in Zeus and Apollo and all those gods? "I got something like oh Junior, those make nice stories, but Jesus Christ is my god, so he is the one that counts." That is really great except we know Jesus came about later, even if we accept that notion, then all the people born before Jesus who did not get a chance to believe in him are seating in purgatory or some lesser place than heaven for not praying to the right god simply because he was not yet born? I am going from logical step to the next, I'm not trying to prove anyone a fool. These are facts. People did exist before Jesus, and they have a written record and they mattered, at the time.
As far as Boy's friend bringing up gay people, I am pretty much a liberal, whatever makes one happy, hey, as long as nobody is getting hurt. Why do old white men care so much whether they can get married or not? If marriage is such a holy affair, how come people are let off so easily? There should be some sort of classes to explain what marriage will be like. Wife and I could have split up a couple different times, but we don't. At this point, I want to see her succeed and I believe in her and what she is going to accomplish in the near future. We made offspring and it is both our responsibilities to see them grow and succeed, like mighty oak trees, they are both saplings right now, but someday, their roots will run deep, and I will take full credit for that. Not because I phoned it in and talked to them once a month, but because I deal with their shit every day, I get in their face and make sure they aren't being idiots. When they need a hug, I am there, and when they need a flick of the pointer finger on their forehead, I am there as well.
The point was how come some people get to talk like authority figures on things they barely comprehend? How come me asking simple yes or no questions makes me a slippery slope kind of guy? I think I also risk coming across as a jack-ass when I do that, I was told. Wife simply says I'm a jerk because I don't stop. I know I am not going to change people's minds, but those that I challenge and debate I believe are capable of arguing, and I am really looking to learn from you, not change your world view.
A subtle thing that came out of discussing and learning about Lillith, other than men 2000 years ago really didn't like women, is that Boy's friend has an issue with how I bring up my debates. I think I do a very straightforward approach, because I want to be able to use it with Chubs all the way to when I discuss with some of the guys at work that really know a thing or two. Her point is that when one deals in absolutes, there is the risk of a slippery slope. I didn't really follow, and she was trying to bring up for example with gay rights which I didn't get her point.
When I debate, for example, in religion, I like to compare religions, and why does yours matter and not the others. Not to pick on my Mom, but last time I brought it up, I asked what about the Greeks, were they just wrong in believing in Zeus and Apollo and all those gods? "I got something like oh Junior, those make nice stories, but Jesus Christ is my god, so he is the one that counts." That is really great except we know Jesus came about later, even if we accept that notion, then all the people born before Jesus who did not get a chance to believe in him are seating in purgatory or some lesser place than heaven for not praying to the right god simply because he was not yet born? I am going from logical step to the next, I'm not trying to prove anyone a fool. These are facts. People did exist before Jesus, and they have a written record and they mattered, at the time.
As far as Boy's friend bringing up gay people, I am pretty much a liberal, whatever makes one happy, hey, as long as nobody is getting hurt. Why do old white men care so much whether they can get married or not? If marriage is such a holy affair, how come people are let off so easily? There should be some sort of classes to explain what marriage will be like. Wife and I could have split up a couple different times, but we don't. At this point, I want to see her succeed and I believe in her and what she is going to accomplish in the near future. We made offspring and it is both our responsibilities to see them grow and succeed, like mighty oak trees, they are both saplings right now, but someday, their roots will run deep, and I will take full credit for that. Not because I phoned it in and talked to them once a month, but because I deal with their shit every day, I get in their face and make sure they aren't being idiots. When they need a hug, I am there, and when they need a flick of the pointer finger on their forehead, I am there as well.
The point was how come some people get to talk like authority figures on things they barely comprehend? How come me asking simple yes or no questions makes me a slippery slope kind of guy? I think I also risk coming across as a jack-ass when I do that, I was told. Wife simply says I'm a jerk because I don't stop. I know I am not going to change people's minds, but those that I challenge and debate I believe are capable of arguing, and I am really looking to learn from you, not change your world view.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)