Bush gave his State of the Union Address last night before a Congress that was made up of a Democratic majority. He started off graciously enough by recognizing that he was the first president to begin the speech with the words, "Madame Speaker" referring to newly minted Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He even mentioned that Pelosi's father, former Congressman Thomas D'Alesandro Jr.would have been proud to see his daughter ascend to the office.
However he showed how out of touch with the country he was soon after that opening. His plan to overhaul health care in America is laudable but confusing. The proposal for a standard tax deduction for health care would make it more affordable for low-income individuals but would pay for the subsidy by taxing pricier health plans for any amount above $7,500 a year for individuals or $15,000 a year for families.
His energy plan to reduce gasoline consumption is laughable. He fails to understand that his idea to increase the production of ethanol would cause shortfalls in corn exports, feed to chickens and cows, and would not reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are worsening global warming.
On the immigration front, he favors a guest worker plan. Frankly I am of two minds on this plan. On one hand, this would legitimize many of the illegal immigrants that come here for work, but would not address the reported 11 million already here. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are against any form of amnesty which to his credit, Bush is not advocating. However he really has no plan to help Mexico find a reason for their citizens to stay home.
The elephant in the room however, continues to be Bush's disastrous war in Iraq. He stood at the podium one year ago telling us we are winning. Now he is asking us to commit more American blood to a lost cause. He talks about how we are bringing democracy to the Iraqi people. I hate to tell you Mr. Bush, but the Iraqi people do not want our democracy. What works in America, and in Western Europe simply does not work in a country like Iraq. I understand that there are democracies in the Middle East, well, one perhaps. Israel, but that is the exception rather than the rule. Islamic countries just do not lend themselves to the democratic process. Iraq was a dictatorship for so long, that to expect them to change overnight is completely unrealistic, and that is what is costing us American lives. The country has dissolved into a bloody civil war, and if Bush can't see that he needs to open his eyes.
All in all, Bush shows that he is completely out of touch with reality, and gives us more of the same. I however didn't expect anything else. In that I guess I was not disappointed.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
What to do when your wife gets a Mammogram!
Sue is getting a mammogram done tomorrow. As she mentioned in her blog, she is not looking forward to getting her "boobs squished" as she puts it. Several years ago, I had lump on my left breast and had to have a mammogram done. ( Yes, men actually have been known to get breast cancer.) When I first discovered the lump, I was not sure what it was, so I went to see my doctor. The mammogram confirmed it was nothing, just a fat cell tumor fortunately. There was really no need to do anything for it. Eventually, it went away on it's own.
Having had the test done, I can understand Sue's trepidation. There are these two metal plates that you have to place your breast into. Then they tighten these plates up until you tell them to stop. They want you to wait until it "just starts to hurt a little" Difficult enough when you are male, but I can just imagine what it must feel like for a woman, especially if you are well endowed.
I suspect Sue is going to be black and blue for a week or more. Especially since she bruises at the drop of a hat.
So the question is, what to do? Well, I plan make sure she doesn't have to cook dinner for a few days. I will take care of all of the chores she might try to do. I will also make sure to give her lots of tender loving care. But then I usually do that anyway.
Having had the test done, I can understand Sue's trepidation. There are these two metal plates that you have to place your breast into. Then they tighten these plates up until you tell them to stop. They want you to wait until it "just starts to hurt a little" Difficult enough when you are male, but I can just imagine what it must feel like for a woman, especially if you are well endowed.
I suspect Sue is going to be black and blue for a week or more. Especially since she bruises at the drop of a hat.
So the question is, what to do? Well, I plan make sure she doesn't have to cook dinner for a few days. I will take care of all of the chores she might try to do. I will also make sure to give her lots of tender loving care. But then I usually do that anyway.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Prayer among friends, and other subjects.
We just got a call from Joan, a friend of ours from our church. It seems that the son of our Church secretary has sustained some type of injury to his arm, crushing it. We don't know all of the details, but at this time we don't need to.
This is an example of our prayer chain in action. When someone at our church needs prayer either due to an illness, an injury, or some type of need in the family, the prayer chain goes to work. In fact one doesn't have to be a member of our church to benefit from our prayers. Many times we are praying for a neighbor, or a co-worker of a church member. It's nice to know that when something happens to one of us, or we have a need, we can get prayer from a lot of people. I can guarantee when you have lots of people praying for you, you will feel it.
Other subjects:
I called the phone company this morning, and was assured that the tech would be there between 12 noon and 6 this evening. As it turned out he called me at around 1 this afternoon, and was there about 15 minutes later. Within a half an hour I had my second line up and running. I was actually impressed. So maybe the phone company doesn't suck as much as I thought.
The weather today has been a bit cooler, but not bitterly cold. I do not believe we have any major winter weather coming, but the fortune tellers ( I mean meteorologists) don't really seem to know what the weather is gonna do until just before it does it!!! We will see.
This is an example of our prayer chain in action. When someone at our church needs prayer either due to an illness, an injury, or some type of need in the family, the prayer chain goes to work. In fact one doesn't have to be a member of our church to benefit from our prayers. Many times we are praying for a neighbor, or a co-worker of a church member. It's nice to know that when something happens to one of us, or we have a need, we can get prayer from a lot of people. I can guarantee when you have lots of people praying for you, you will feel it.
Other subjects:
I called the phone company this morning, and was assured that the tech would be there between 12 noon and 6 this evening. As it turned out he called me at around 1 this afternoon, and was there about 15 minutes later. Within a half an hour I had my second line up and running. I was actually impressed. So maybe the phone company doesn't suck as much as I thought.
The weather today has been a bit cooler, but not bitterly cold. I do not believe we have any major winter weather coming, but the fortune tellers ( I mean meteorologists) don't really seem to know what the weather is gonna do until just before it does it!!! We will see.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Warmer Weather? No thanks! Not in Winter anyway!
We got up to 55 today. However it looks like colder weather is coming back. We have had a lot of rain over the last several days. We definitely need it. We have had a couple of really dry years. It's funny in a way. We left Arizona in the midst of a drought, and get here to Texas and found the same thing.
We had unseasonably warm temperatures until recently too. Then Bam! We got winter weather. Ice, snow, sleet! Down to the point where Sandy got her first snow day. ( As I mentioned in a recent blog) I really do not have a problem with the weather getting cold. One thing I missed in Arizona was the change of seasons.
One thing I have noticed in Texas, is that the weather is very changeable. It can be cool one day then hot the next. So having winter weather show up, is a welcome change for January. When you consider that January in Arizona, the temperatures are usually in the 60s most of the time, I like having to put on a coat when I go outside, instead of having to wear shorts. Bring on the winter weather!
We had unseasonably warm temperatures until recently too. Then Bam! We got winter weather. Ice, snow, sleet! Down to the point where Sandy got her first snow day. ( As I mentioned in a recent blog) I really do not have a problem with the weather getting cold. One thing I missed in Arizona was the change of seasons.
One thing I have noticed in Texas, is that the weather is very changeable. It can be cool one day then hot the next. So having winter weather show up, is a welcome change for January. When you consider that January in Arizona, the temperatures are usually in the 60s most of the time, I like having to put on a coat when I go outside, instead of having to wear shorts. Bring on the winter weather!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
The Phone Company REALLY Sucks!
We slept in this morning, as we often try to do on Saturdays. (When I say slept in - I actually just mean we didn't get up at 6:30 to get Sandy off to school - sleeping is a relative term!)
Sandy had gone out to get the paper, and discovered a door hanger from... You guessed it, the Phone Company!
It seems that the same moron who showed up the other day showed up at 8:15 this morning to install the new line. I spent 15 minutes on the phone on Thursday getting this straightened out, or so I thought! I had made an arrangement for said moron to come out on Monday, January 22, in the afternoon, I might add - to install this line. Had I known it was even a possibility of him coming out today, I would have jumped at the chance, and been waiting with baited breath!
But NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! The idiot shows up at 8:15 this morning, and leaves another stupid door hanger, stating that he had no access to the back yard or to our house. Of course he didn't! We were sleeping! What part of Monday, January 22, 2007 - Afternoon - does this dip wad not understand? Or is it simply that the guy I talked to in scheduling and the repair schmuck just do not communicate? Either way this does not bode well, especially for a company whose sole reason for existing is to enable us to communicate with the outside world.
Sandy had gone out to get the paper, and discovered a door hanger from... You guessed it, the Phone Company!
It seems that the same moron who showed up the other day showed up at 8:15 this morning to install the new line. I spent 15 minutes on the phone on Thursday getting this straightened out, or so I thought! I had made an arrangement for said moron to come out on Monday, January 22, in the afternoon, I might add - to install this line. Had I known it was even a possibility of him coming out today, I would have jumped at the chance, and been waiting with baited breath!
But NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! The idiot shows up at 8:15 this morning, and leaves another stupid door hanger, stating that he had no access to the back yard or to our house. Of course he didn't! We were sleeping! What part of Monday, January 22, 2007 - Afternoon - does this dip wad not understand? Or is it simply that the guy I talked to in scheduling and the repair schmuck just do not communicate? Either way this does not bode well, especially for a company whose sole reason for existing is to enable us to communicate with the outside world.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Friday Blog 2 or The Real Blog
Here is the real blog for tonight. I missed last night, and this morning I did my usual Friday At the Movies guide. Of course there were only 2 movies to cut and paste into the blog this morning, but I did it anyway!
Now for the real blog of the day.
Last night, I was reading a book called "Growing Deep in the Christian Life" by Chuck Swindoll. The use of the word "Hell" came up. Actually the discussion was on the overly casual use of the word. He quoted from an article called "Whatever Happened to Hell?" by Jon E. Braun. In the article Braun points out that we often say things like, "What the hell were you thinking?"or "who the Hell do you think you are?" Sometimes I have even jokingly said to someone, " Go to Hell!" At any rate this kind of made me stop to think for a moment. How often do I casually use the word "hell" myself on any given day? Probably more than I realize. I would be willing to wager that most of us do.
Braun asks us to consider if we are actually wanting to know, "What the place of punishment were you thinking?" or "Who the opposite of Heaven do you think you are?" Or are we actually suggesting that someone literally go to Hell? Part of the problem, according to Braun is that Hell has become an unreal concept to us. If the concept of Hell is not real, then the word is just a word. However words are very powerful. This leads to the question, if Hell doesn't seem like a real place to us, is Heaven any more real? If so, why? If we accept that Heaven exists, then to me, we must accept that Hell also exists. Hell is a place where lost souls are punished for eternity. So using the word with impunity is plain wrong. Maybe not as wrong as using the name of The Lord in vain, but wrong nevertheless.
I know that I have used the term quite a bit without thinking about it, but as a general rule I usually don't invite anyone to go to Hell, though I probably have said it flippantly in the past. I obviously can't speak for anyone else, but as for myself, I intend to try to think a bit more, before I casually use the word, Hell. I know I will probably forget this from time to time, being human. I do plan to try. It's interesting what God places in your heart and in your thoughts. Perhaps we would do well to wish for someone to go to Heaven, and then showing them the way.
Now for the real blog of the day.
Last night, I was reading a book called "Growing Deep in the Christian Life" by Chuck Swindoll. The use of the word "Hell" came up. Actually the discussion was on the overly casual use of the word. He quoted from an article called "Whatever Happened to Hell?" by Jon E. Braun. In the article Braun points out that we often say things like, "What the hell were you thinking?"or "who the Hell do you think you are?" Sometimes I have even jokingly said to someone, " Go to Hell!" At any rate this kind of made me stop to think for a moment. How often do I casually use the word "hell" myself on any given day? Probably more than I realize. I would be willing to wager that most of us do.
Braun asks us to consider if we are actually wanting to know, "What the place of punishment were you thinking?" or "Who the opposite of Heaven do you think you are?" Or are we actually suggesting that someone literally go to Hell? Part of the problem, according to Braun is that Hell has become an unreal concept to us. If the concept of Hell is not real, then the word is just a word. However words are very powerful. This leads to the question, if Hell doesn't seem like a real place to us, is Heaven any more real? If so, why? If we accept that Heaven exists, then to me, we must accept that Hell also exists. Hell is a place where lost souls are punished for eternity. So using the word with impunity is plain wrong. Maybe not as wrong as using the name of The Lord in vain, but wrong nevertheless.
I know that I have used the term quite a bit without thinking about it, but as a general rule I usually don't invite anyone to go to Hell, though I probably have said it flippantly in the past. I obviously can't speak for anyone else, but as for myself, I intend to try to think a bit more, before I casually use the word, Hell. I know I will probably forget this from time to time, being human. I do plan to try. It's interesting what God places in your heart and in your thoughts. Perhaps we would do well to wish for someone to go to Heaven, and then showing them the way.
The Quick and Easy Friday Post
I missed yesterday, no excuse. Here is the Quick and Easy post: The movies opening today. Actually the list is rather short. Don't worry though, I will write a real post later. Who knows, this list is so short I may feel obligated to write more than one more....
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New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
Flannel Pajamas
The twin specters of Ingmar Bergman and Woody Allen hover over this talky history of a relationship.
The Hitcher
A hitchhiker (Sean Bean) torments a couple in this remake of the 1986 thriller.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
***********************************************************************************
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
Flannel Pajamas
The twin specters of Ingmar Bergman and Woody Allen hover over this talky history of a relationship.
The Hitcher
A hitchhiker (Sean Bean) torments a couple in this remake of the 1986 thriller.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Sandy gets a snow day!
We got up this morning at 6:30 as usual so Sandy could get ready for school. I looked at Weatherbug, and discovered there was a winter storm warning in effect, and that we had overnight accumulations of snow and sleet. I mentioned this to Sandy, and she looked out the back door, and could see some snow on the ground. There was probably less than a half an inch but to a kid who has spent the bulk of her life in Arizona, this is a lot of snow.
I looked up to see if her school had canceled, and lo and behold it had. Sandy had her first snow day ever! The downside is that there wasn't enough snow on the ground to make a snow man, or snow angels. Well, we may yet have a chance for this as we have more winter weather heading this way.
She spent some of the day attempting to catch up on her homework. She has until Friday to complete one assignment in World Geography, but I have this suspicion she will put that off hoping that she will get another day off of school. Considering we just had to prod her to finish her math homework... We are hoping she will get her act together. Time will tell.
I looked up to see if her school had canceled, and lo and behold it had. Sandy had her first snow day ever! The downside is that there wasn't enough snow on the ground to make a snow man, or snow angels. Well, we may yet have a chance for this as we have more winter weather heading this way.
She spent some of the day attempting to catch up on her homework. She has until Friday to complete one assignment in World Geography, but I have this suspicion she will put that off hoping that she will get another day off of school. Considering we just had to prod her to finish her math homework... We are hoping she will get her act together. Time will tell.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The Phone Company Sucks!!!
Yeah I know, we all think the Phone Company sucks. I have proof! A couple of weeks ago, I went online and ordered a second phone line installed so that I could go back to working from home for a few bucks extra a month. I got an e-mail acknowledging the order, and with it a notice that I would receive an e-mail letting me know when they would be coming out to the house to install the second line.
Last week I went online to look to see what the status of the order was. My order showed up, marked complete. Excuse me? How was it complete when they hadn't even been to the house to install the flippin' line...Might I ask? So I figured that I would wait till today to call to find out what the hell was going on.
We got up at 6:30 this morning with Sandy as usual, and after she left for school, Sue and I went back to bed for a couple of hours. When I got up the phone was flashing, telling me there was message. The Phone Company installation tech had called at 9:15 to say he was on his way. Naturally he knocked and we never heard him. He left a door hanger telling us to reschedule.
What really gripes my cookies is that they never bothered to send me the promised e-mail letting me know the date the guy was going to show up! Had I known he was coming today, I would have made certain to be up and semi-coherent so I could get the line in. Now I have to wait till next Monday, the 22nd to get the line in. CRAP! So I offer this as proof of what we have all known for many years. The Damn Phone Company (Any one of them be it AT&T, General Telephone, or what ever stupid company you have near you that gives you phone service {an oxymoron if I ever heard one} SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Last week I went online to look to see what the status of the order was. My order showed up, marked complete. Excuse me? How was it complete when they hadn't even been to the house to install the flippin' line...Might I ask? So I figured that I would wait till today to call to find out what the hell was going on.
We got up at 6:30 this morning with Sandy as usual, and after she left for school, Sue and I went back to bed for a couple of hours. When I got up the phone was flashing, telling me there was message. The Phone Company installation tech had called at 9:15 to say he was on his way. Naturally he knocked and we never heard him. He left a door hanger telling us to reschedule.
What really gripes my cookies is that they never bothered to send me the promised e-mail letting me know the date the guy was going to show up! Had I known he was coming today, I would have made certain to be up and semi-coherent so I could get the line in. Now I have to wait till next Monday, the 22nd to get the line in. CRAP! So I offer this as proof of what we have all known for many years. The Damn Phone Company (Any one of them be it AT&T, General Telephone, or what ever stupid company you have near you that gives you phone service {an oxymoron if I ever heard one} SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Winter Weather
We seemed to have gotten lucky here. I woke up at 8:00 this morning, and after I fed the kitties, I went outside to get the paper. Although the lawn was crunchy... We didn't have the expected ice covering everything. There was some ice on the bridges around the area from what I have heard, and the news reported several accidents.
We have been using our fireplace with the cold weather. It is nice to have a fire going on a cold night like the ones we have been having. I am glad that this house has the fireplace. It wouldn't have been a deal breaker if we didn't, but it had been a dream of both Sue and I to have a house with a fireplace.
Since the weather has been cold, we have been keeping the car in the garage. That's another nice thing about having a house. When we were living at the apartment we naturally didn't have the option. I am glad we don't live there any more. Especially when they had our car towed because we were literally one half an inch over the line in the parking lot. That was how the picture they took showed it. Sheesh! Like I said, thank God we are out of there. Living in a house definitely has its advantages.
We have been using our fireplace with the cold weather. It is nice to have a fire going on a cold night like the ones we have been having. I am glad that this house has the fireplace. It wouldn't have been a deal breaker if we didn't, but it had been a dream of both Sue and I to have a house with a fireplace.
Since the weather has been cold, we have been keeping the car in the garage. That's another nice thing about having a house. When we were living at the apartment we naturally didn't have the option. I am glad we don't live there any more. Especially when they had our car towed because we were literally one half an inch over the line in the parking lot. That was how the picture they took showed it. Sheesh! Like I said, thank God we are out of there. Living in a house definitely has its advantages.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
This and that!
I asked Sue what she was blogging about, and she indicated she was going to blog about various subjects. That makes sense, as I can't think of anything in particular to blog about. Let's see, where to start.
When I got up this morning, I had a couple of e-mails stating that church services had indeed been canceled today. We did not have any ice on the ground, but Terry decided to err on the side of caution. I can't say that I blame him.
As of 10:00 this evening, we only have a little ice on the ground, but we do have more coming apparently. In fact the news blurb just said the next wave is hours away. It is beginning to sound nasty. Oklahoma got nailed really bad, but they don't think we are gonna get it as bad here. We can count ourselves fortunate. Even more fortuitous, we don't really need to go anywhere tomorrow, Sandy is out of school because of MLK day, so no worries there.
This computer is really beginning to piss me off. Half the time I have to restart it because it starts to bog down, It's less than a year old! It slows down, or refuses to open a program. I scan disk, and defrag it and it still screws up! AARRGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Once I get myself back to work, I plan to pick up a couple of 1 gig memory sticks. One for my system, and the other for Sue's real system. She is using the one I had given to Sandy because her newer system (a few months newer than mine actually) kept crapping out, so I had to switch it out for the older system. I am convinced that the memory is the problem. I want to update that, and get video cards that will run all of the features of Vista, which is supposed to come out the end of this month.
As to going back to work, I had ordered a second phone line from AT&T, and have heard nothing yet. I went up online to check the status of the order, and it states that it is complete. Complete? My ASS! So Tuesday I have to call these idiots and explain to them that there is no bloody way that it's complete! I need the second line, with nothing on it like voice mail, call waiting etc. The flip side would to have our voice mail taken off of this line, and that's not an option. It was a pain in the ass to have to tun off the answering machine, and then remember to turn it back on, then half the time the stupid thing didn't work! Sigh. I hate having to deal with morons. If I want the line installed I will have to though. More news when it becomes less available!!!
When I got up this morning, I had a couple of e-mails stating that church services had indeed been canceled today. We did not have any ice on the ground, but Terry decided to err on the side of caution. I can't say that I blame him.
As of 10:00 this evening, we only have a little ice on the ground, but we do have more coming apparently. In fact the news blurb just said the next wave is hours away. It is beginning to sound nasty. Oklahoma got nailed really bad, but they don't think we are gonna get it as bad here. We can count ourselves fortunate. Even more fortuitous, we don't really need to go anywhere tomorrow, Sandy is out of school because of MLK day, so no worries there.
This computer is really beginning to piss me off. Half the time I have to restart it because it starts to bog down, It's less than a year old! It slows down, or refuses to open a program. I scan disk, and defrag it and it still screws up! AARRGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Once I get myself back to work, I plan to pick up a couple of 1 gig memory sticks. One for my system, and the other for Sue's real system. She is using the one I had given to Sandy because her newer system (a few months newer than mine actually) kept crapping out, so I had to switch it out for the older system. I am convinced that the memory is the problem. I want to update that, and get video cards that will run all of the features of Vista, which is supposed to come out the end of this month.
As to going back to work, I had ordered a second phone line from AT&T, and have heard nothing yet. I went up online to check the status of the order, and it states that it is complete. Complete? My ASS! So Tuesday I have to call these idiots and explain to them that there is no bloody way that it's complete! I need the second line, with nothing on it like voice mail, call waiting etc. The flip side would to have our voice mail taken off of this line, and that's not an option. It was a pain in the ass to have to tun off the answering machine, and then remember to turn it back on, then half the time the stupid thing didn't work! Sigh. I hate having to deal with morons. If I want the line installed I will have to though. More news when it becomes less available!!!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Ice - and not the kind that scares illegal immigrants!
We are bracing for a major winter blast. We have had rain since last night... and apparently it is going to turn to ice tomorrow. We are looking for up to an inch of ice accumulation by Monday. I have gone out several times, but nothing so far. If we do get any ice out there, I will take some pictures and post here.
I remember an ice storm in January of 1968 or 1970, not really sure of the year. I seem to remember Mom and Dad taking pictures of the ice on the trees. It is certainly pretty to look at, but Hell to drive on. I called our Pastor today to let him know we would likely not be making it into church tomorrow. I was going to do the announcements, so I wanted to let him know. He indicated the possibility of canceling services. We just don't want to run the risk of wrecking the car. I am pretty good at driving but there are a lot of idiots out there that don't.
If church gets canceled tomorrow, it will be the first time since Sue and I have gone to Covenant that services have been canceled. The weather looks like it might be a really big mess. The news was showing people stocking up on everything, batteries, water, food. I guess they think the power is going to go out. I guess being prepared is a good idea. We have some food that can be prepared without cooking, and we have candles, and a hurricane lamp, and a fireplace. We'll see what happens.
I remember an ice storm in January of 1968 or 1970, not really sure of the year. I seem to remember Mom and Dad taking pictures of the ice on the trees. It is certainly pretty to look at, but Hell to drive on. I called our Pastor today to let him know we would likely not be making it into church tomorrow. I was going to do the announcements, so I wanted to let him know. He indicated the possibility of canceling services. We just don't want to run the risk of wrecking the car. I am pretty good at driving but there are a lot of idiots out there that don't.
If church gets canceled tomorrow, it will be the first time since Sue and I have gone to Covenant that services have been canceled. The weather looks like it might be a really big mess. The news was showing people stocking up on everything, batteries, water, food. I guess they think the power is going to go out. I guess being prepared is a good idea. We have some food that can be prepared without cooking, and we have candles, and a hurricane lamp, and a fireplace. We'll see what happens.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Here is the real blog!
If you have read this blog for any time, you may have noticed that on Fridays, I usually copy the "At the Movies"guide from the Dallas Morning News, and post it on the blog. It was easy, and gave me a quick, sort of down and dirty blog. No thinking, no hassles, just a quick cut and paste. Sue pointed out that this was cheating. She's right. If my goal is to write in this blog on a daily basis, then a quick cut and paste, not matter how easy it is, constitutes cheating. At the least it's somewhat lazy!
So I have come up with a compromise. I will post the movie guide in the morning, then write a real blog later in the day. Well, here it is, later in the day.
Sue has been feeling bleckie ( Her word) lately, and has been running a low grade fever for the last couple of weeks. She got hold of her doctor, and we went in to see her. (Yes she actually called at 1:30 and got an appointment at 3:30. When we left the house, it was raining a little, just a drizzle actually. By the time we came out of the doctors office, it was pouring rain. The streets were flooding and when we got in the house, we discovered the temperature had dropped from 67 to 40. This was in the space of an hour and a half. Sheesh!
The fun part is that now I gotta go back out to get Sue's meds. The doctor gave her a prescription for anti-biotics. I am waiting for the rain to let up a tad, because on top of this rain we have a winter storm coming, and are expecting about a half inch of ice on the ground by morning. Loverly!!!!
So I have come up with a compromise. I will post the movie guide in the morning, then write a real blog later in the day. Well, here it is, later in the day.
Sue has been feeling bleckie ( Her word) lately, and has been running a low grade fever for the last couple of weeks. She got hold of her doctor, and we went in to see her. (Yes she actually called at 1:30 and got an appointment at 3:30. When we left the house, it was raining a little, just a drizzle actually. By the time we came out of the doctors office, it was pouring rain. The streets were flooding and when we got in the house, we discovered the temperature had dropped from 67 to 40. This was in the space of an hour and a half. Sheesh!
The fun part is that now I gotta go back out to get Sue's meds. The doctor gave her a prescription for anti-biotics. I am waiting for the rain to let up a tad, because on top of this rain we have a winter storm coming, and are expecting about a half inch of ice on the ground by morning. Loverly!!!!
Friday Movies or The Easy Post
Here are the movies opening today. The real blog will be done later...
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New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
Letters from Iwo Jima
Flags of Our Fathers follow-up offers outstanding performances, mostly by actors you've never heard of.
Pan's Labyrinth
Guillermo Del Toro's engrossing, visually stunning tale follows a little girl coming to grips with Fascist Spain.
Alpha Dog
Justin Timberlake shines as one of the kidnappers in this true-life tale of criminals digging their own graves.
Stomp the Yard
Rhythmic step dancing is infectious in this formulaic underdog flick of a L.A. teen transplanted to Atlanta.
Arthur and the Invisibles
Redubbing and recutting scrubs all the charm right off Luc Besson's first children's film.
Primeval
A news team heads to South Africa to capture a 25-foot crocodile. This film was not screened in advance for critics.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
**************************************************************************************
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
Letters from Iwo Jima
Flags of Our Fathers follow-up offers outstanding performances, mostly by actors you've never heard of.
Pan's Labyrinth
Guillermo Del Toro's engrossing, visually stunning tale follows a little girl coming to grips with Fascist Spain.
Alpha Dog
Justin Timberlake shines as one of the kidnappers in this true-life tale of criminals digging their own graves.
Stomp the Yard
Rhythmic step dancing is infectious in this formulaic underdog flick of a L.A. teen transplanted to Atlanta.
Arthur and the Invisibles
Redubbing and recutting scrubs all the charm right off Luc Besson's first children's film.
Primeval
A news team heads to South Africa to capture a 25-foot crocodile. This film was not screened in advance for critics.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Armed & Famous Opinion
This show turned out to be more interesting than we thought it would be. For anyone who is not familiar with this show, Armed and Famous takes "D" list Celebrities, and follows them as they go through the Police Academy in Muncie, Indiana, and become real Police Reserve Officers. At first glance the idea of having Eric Estrada, Latoya Jackson, Jack Osbourne, Jason "Wee-Man"Acuna of MTV's JackAss, and former WWE Wrestler Trish Stratus being given guns and let loose on the unsuspecting citizens of Muncie seemed a bit ridiculous. Initially, Sue and I were not going to watch it.
Out of curiosity we decided to watch the first episode last night. I actually got interested in seeing Eric Estrada get zapped with a Taser. The Sergeant that was put in charge of training these Celebs had a look of disgust when they first filed into class. However during the academy training, they had to experience being zapped with the Taser. (The part I was waiting for) Apparently there is a rule that before you are allowed to carry a Taser, you have to have experienced it. All of the "D" listers with one exception opted to have alligator clips applied and then get the 50,000 volt current. Trish Stratus however decided to let the training officers shoot the barbs into her back. She decided that she wanted to know what it really felt like. I applaud that.
On the gun range, Jack Osbourne fired one of the best target scores the T.O's said they had seen in quite some time. The original Training Sergeant admitted that he was impressed how serious the Celebs took the program. Frankly I was kind of surprised that the show didn't suck.
Then they graduated, and were given guns and badges, and sent out on the streets of Muncie with experienced Officers. Latoya Jackson cracked up her partner when they went to a steak restaurant, and Jackson wanted a tablecloth, and a finger bowl. Estrada helped arrest an elderly crack dealer, who went GA GA over being busted by "Ponch" from Chips! Trish Stratus showed compassion when she and her partner helped a family whose home had burned.
They ran another episode tonight. Jackson freaked out when she went on a call in which the complainant owned a cat. Apparently she watched a relative who was attacked by a cat when she was young, and has a phobia about cats. Eric Estrada and his partner had an older woman walk up to their patrol car, and ask him to sign her boob. He was rather taken aback, ( as were we...) The woman reached into her blouse, and I think Estrada thought ( as we did) that she was gong to flop out her breast. The woman pulled out a prosthetic breast. He gamely signed it, while his partner sat there shaking her head, not having a clue how to react.
All in all, I was surprised that these "D" listers actually take this bit seriously. Even Jason "Wee-Man"Acuna whose claim to fame is doing "JackAss" on MTV. Latoya actually went to see a shrink to try to get past her fear of cats, so she could function on the job.
It will be interesting to see how long this thing is set to last. I suspect it's just a limited run show. We may not go out of our way to watch it, but might check it out again.
Out of curiosity we decided to watch the first episode last night. I actually got interested in seeing Eric Estrada get zapped with a Taser. The Sergeant that was put in charge of training these Celebs had a look of disgust when they first filed into class. However during the academy training, they had to experience being zapped with the Taser. (The part I was waiting for) Apparently there is a rule that before you are allowed to carry a Taser, you have to have experienced it. All of the "D" listers with one exception opted to have alligator clips applied and then get the 50,000 volt current. Trish Stratus however decided to let the training officers shoot the barbs into her back. She decided that she wanted to know what it really felt like. I applaud that.
On the gun range, Jack Osbourne fired one of the best target scores the T.O's said they had seen in quite some time. The original Training Sergeant admitted that he was impressed how serious the Celebs took the program. Frankly I was kind of surprised that the show didn't suck.
Then they graduated, and were given guns and badges, and sent out on the streets of Muncie with experienced Officers. Latoya Jackson cracked up her partner when they went to a steak restaurant, and Jackson wanted a tablecloth, and a finger bowl. Estrada helped arrest an elderly crack dealer, who went GA GA over being busted by "Ponch" from Chips! Trish Stratus showed compassion when she and her partner helped a family whose home had burned.
They ran another episode tonight. Jackson freaked out when she went on a call in which the complainant owned a cat. Apparently she watched a relative who was attacked by a cat when she was young, and has a phobia about cats. Eric Estrada and his partner had an older woman walk up to their patrol car, and ask him to sign her boob. He was rather taken aback, ( as were we...) The woman reached into her blouse, and I think Estrada thought ( as we did) that she was gong to flop out her breast. The woman pulled out a prosthetic breast. He gamely signed it, while his partner sat there shaking her head, not having a clue how to react.
All in all, I was surprised that these "D" listers actually take this bit seriously. Even Jason "Wee-Man"Acuna whose claim to fame is doing "JackAss" on MTV. Latoya actually went to see a shrink to try to get past her fear of cats, so she could function on the job.
It will be interesting to see how long this thing is set to last. I suspect it's just a limited run show. We may not go out of our way to watch it, but might check it out again.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
What a surprise! NOT!!! RANT ALERT!!!
Shrub addressed the country. As expected, he is committing 20,000 more troops to Iraq. In my opinion, this is like putting a band-aid on a gaping wound. Many people, and in fact many in Congress agree with this assessment. He claimed that his mistake was in not sending enough troops to do the job properly in the first place. I disagree, we should not have gone into Iraq in the first place.
I will admit that initially, when the war started, I was in favor for it. Simply for the fact that the economy usually takes an upturn during a war. Also the last war we got into lasted less than a month, and caused the death of less than 200 American Troops. Obviously I was mistaken to support the war. Let me emphatically state that I do support the troops.
Bush made several statements in his speech that don't seem to square with reality. For example: "Most of Iraq's Sunni and Shia want to live together in peace." Really? Then whey the hell are they doing their level best to annihilate each other?
"We benefited from the thoughtful recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, a bipartisan panel led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton." So why the upsurge in troops, when the Baker-Hamilton Commission clearly came out against adding additional troops. Did you see a different copy of that report then we read about in the news?
It is clear that this is a President who is completely out of touch with reality. He claims to understand what families of our soldiers are going through. I say bullshit! Unless he sends his twin drunken, partying daughters over there, he will never have a clue. What am I saying. From his speech tonight, it is obvious that he never has.
In a related story, The Israeli Army has developed an Anti RPG system that can protect our armored vehicles, and save American lives. The system is known as "Trophy." Army official have done everything to block this system from even being tested, after declaring it"98% effective" The army wants a Multi-billion dollar system built by Government sponsered Contractor Raytheon that will not even be ready until 2011. Why are American lives so worthless to this government, that a system that works will not even be considered. Even several Army engineers have said this system works. Other top Pentagon officials have threatened certain engineers over "Trophy" Why is it that the Pentagon insists on waiting for several years for the Raytheon system to be put in place? Kickbacks,that's why. This is a government that lives off of kickbacks and deals. Obviously the Pentagon, like George W. Bush do not give a damn how many lives they waste.
I will admit that initially, when the war started, I was in favor for it. Simply for the fact that the economy usually takes an upturn during a war. Also the last war we got into lasted less than a month, and caused the death of less than 200 American Troops. Obviously I was mistaken to support the war. Let me emphatically state that I do support the troops.
Bush made several statements in his speech that don't seem to square with reality. For example: "Most of Iraq's Sunni and Shia want to live together in peace." Really? Then whey the hell are they doing their level best to annihilate each other?
"We benefited from the thoughtful recommendations of the Iraq Study Group, a bipartisan panel led by former Secretary of State James Baker and former Congressman Lee Hamilton." So why the upsurge in troops, when the Baker-Hamilton Commission clearly came out against adding additional troops. Did you see a different copy of that report then we read about in the news?
It is clear that this is a President who is completely out of touch with reality. He claims to understand what families of our soldiers are going through. I say bullshit! Unless he sends his twin drunken, partying daughters over there, he will never have a clue. What am I saying. From his speech tonight, it is obvious that he never has.
In a related story, The Israeli Army has developed an Anti RPG system that can protect our armored vehicles, and save American lives. The system is known as "Trophy." Army official have done everything to block this system from even being tested, after declaring it"98% effective" The army wants a Multi-billion dollar system built by Government sponsered Contractor Raytheon that will not even be ready until 2011. Why are American lives so worthless to this government, that a system that works will not even be considered. Even several Army engineers have said this system works. Other top Pentagon officials have threatened certain engineers over "Trophy" Why is it that the Pentagon insists on waiting for several years for the Raytheon system to be put in place? Kickbacks,that's why. This is a government that lives off of kickbacks and deals. Obviously the Pentagon, like George W. Bush do not give a damn how many lives they waste.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Time for a little change
You may notice the blog looks a little different. I decided I wanted to make a change. I do this periodically, on my wallpaper, the skin for Weather bug, My Yahoo front page. and various other things. I guess I get tired of things after a while, at least on the computer.
This Template is called "Harbor" I told Sue I was making a change, and she said she had thought the other one was too dark. Sometimes I like dark backgrounds...
Well, lets see, what to blog about... Hmm. In Austin, Texas, yesterday thousands of birds just dropped dead in the downtown area. No definite answers yet but a couple of theories have been offered. One: They at some fermented berries, and were drunk - Two: They saw their reflections in th windows of the high-rises and attacked - Three: They ate poisoned misltletoe... In a related story, KFC has offered to clean the birds up for free. (Hey I know, a cheap shot! I stole that one form Leno what can I say!)
Anyway, that's the blog for tonight. Don't worry, tomorrow Bush will give us the details of his new plan for Iraq. Watch this space for a major rant. Dennis Miller would enjoy!
This Template is called "Harbor" I told Sue I was making a change, and she said she had thought the other one was too dark. Sometimes I like dark backgrounds...
Well, lets see, what to blog about... Hmm. In Austin, Texas, yesterday thousands of birds just dropped dead in the downtown area. No definite answers yet but a couple of theories have been offered. One: They at some fermented berries, and were drunk - Two: They saw their reflections in th windows of the high-rises and attacked - Three: They ate poisoned misltletoe... In a related story, KFC has offered to clean the birds up for free. (Hey I know, a cheap shot! I stole that one form Leno what can I say!)
Anyway, that's the blog for tonight. Don't worry, tomorrow Bush will give us the details of his new plan for Iraq. Watch this space for a major rant. Dennis Miller would enjoy!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Warning - Rant Ahead!!!
There was a story on the news tonight about another City Council vote about the illegal immigrant issue in Farmers Branch. (Farmers Branch is the Texas community that has passed a spate of ordinances dealing with the illegal immigrants. English is to be the official language in FB, Apartment Managers must rent only to people who can prove they are here legally etc. ) Tonight the FB City Council decided to send the Apartment Ban to the voters. Okay fine. There were the requisite protests, of course. The local news showed this Latino grandmother who complained (through an interpreter, naturally - ) that all she wanted to do was get a job. She now is afraid to go outside because she might get deported.
My answer is, GO HOME THEN!!! Nobody asked you to come here. If you are so damn worried about being deported, then save ICE the trouble, and get the hell out of the country! I do feel sorry for the children who are ether dragged across the border, or are born here, simply so the parents can get welfare. Frankly I think you should not be allowed welfare unless you are a citizen.
What part of illegal do these protesters not understand?
I am all for people wanting a better life. I fully understand this. Come here legally then. OR better still, why can't Mexico, and the Central American countries make some changes at home, so their people would rather stay there than cross into another country illegally.
I realize that this makes me sound like a bigot. If wanting to have a country where jobs are not taken by a group of people who come here to supposedly find a better life, but refuse to make the slightest attempt to assimilate into the culture of the country they illegally entered into, then I guess that makes me a bigot.
If I went to Mexico to live permanently, I would be expected to learn Spanish. Rightly so. If these folks want to avoid being hunted down as illegal, the first thing they should do is to learn English. If they took this one simple step, it would make it less likely that ICE would even look at them twice.
That's my rant for the week. If any one is offended, well, I am not going to say I am sorry. That's what's great about this country. We are allowed to have opinions, no matter how lousy they might be.
My answer is, GO HOME THEN!!! Nobody asked you to come here. If you are so damn worried about being deported, then save ICE the trouble, and get the hell out of the country! I do feel sorry for the children who are ether dragged across the border, or are born here, simply so the parents can get welfare. Frankly I think you should not be allowed welfare unless you are a citizen.
What part of illegal do these protesters not understand?
I am all for people wanting a better life. I fully understand this. Come here legally then. OR better still, why can't Mexico, and the Central American countries make some changes at home, so their people would rather stay there than cross into another country illegally.
I realize that this makes me sound like a bigot. If wanting to have a country where jobs are not taken by a group of people who come here to supposedly find a better life, but refuse to make the slightest attempt to assimilate into the culture of the country they illegally entered into, then I guess that makes me a bigot.
If I went to Mexico to live permanently, I would be expected to learn Spanish. Rightly so. If these folks want to avoid being hunted down as illegal, the first thing they should do is to learn English. If they took this one simple step, it would make it less likely that ICE would even look at them twice.
That's my rant for the week. If any one is offended, well, I am not going to say I am sorry. That's what's great about this country. We are allowed to have opinions, no matter how lousy they might be.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
An honor to Serve
Today in church we ordained and installed our new Church Officers. Yesterday at our officers retreat we, the current elders officially voted to accept them as officers. Today they stood in front of the church and responded to questions that were asked of them by Terry, our Pastor. Questions like "Will you fulfill your office in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture and be continually guided by our confessions?", and other questions like this. This is part of our ceremony in the Presbyterian Church. Once the questions were asked of the elders elect, then the congregation had to respond to ceremonial questions as well. Once this was done, we had the laying on of hands. This, like other parts of our ceremonies, go back to the beginnings of the church, in some fashion.
As the elders elect were responding, then when I joined the other ordained members of the congregation for the laying on of hands, my thoughts went back to a year ago, when I was first ordained. To me it is an honor to have been asked to serve in this church. In a way, this morning as I placed my hands on the shoulders of the elders elect I was closest to, it occurred to me that this is yet another way to serve. By supporting th newest officers of the church at their ordination and installation, I am helping to ensure the future of Covenant Presbyterian Church. I am beginning the second year of my first three year term, and feel incredibly blessed to have a voice in the shaping of this church. I pray that God gives me the ability to serve in the best way that I can.
As the elders elect were responding, then when I joined the other ordained members of the congregation for the laying on of hands, my thoughts went back to a year ago, when I was first ordained. To me it is an honor to have been asked to serve in this church. In a way, this morning as I placed my hands on the shoulders of the elders elect I was closest to, it occurred to me that this is yet another way to serve. By supporting th newest officers of the church at their ordination and installation, I am helping to ensure the future of Covenant Presbyterian Church. I am beginning the second year of my first three year term, and feel incredibly blessed to have a voice in the shaping of this church. I pray that God gives me the ability to serve in the best way that I can.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
When God calls watch out!
We had our officer's retreat today. Part of the day included the new Committee assignments. This year the church went from a two body form of government, Deacons and Elders to a one body form, Elders alone. Because this change actually went into effect in the middle of the year, the committees that were in place continued as they were. With the new year, and the election of new officers, while others rotate off, the format of committees has changed. The work done by th committees that used to be in place, will continue to be done. Essentially the names are all that really changed.
With this new format, I now find myself on three committees. Because I take care of the library, I am now part of the Christian Education Committee. I used to be on the outreach committee, which is now under the umbrella of Congregation Care and Personal Enrichment. I am also there because of my involvement with the new Health and Wellness Ministry Team. Last year I was also considered to be the sole member of the Communications Committee, this now falls under the Infrastructure and Facilities Committee. (Which used to be Building & Grounds!!!) Hoo Boy!!!
I knew God was calling me to get more involved with the Church, but three committees? Well, I guess if He wants me there, He will give me the ability to serve! God has a tendency to find people that didn't think they were ready or able to serve. I certainly didn't think I had been at the church long enough to serve on the Board of Deacons. God proved me wrong. I hope that I have added something to the church leadership over the last year, and that I can continue to be of service over the next two years, that I have left in my current term.
With this new format, I now find myself on three committees. Because I take care of the library, I am now part of the Christian Education Committee. I used to be on the outreach committee, which is now under the umbrella of Congregation Care and Personal Enrichment. I am also there because of my involvement with the new Health and Wellness Ministry Team. Last year I was also considered to be the sole member of the Communications Committee, this now falls under the Infrastructure and Facilities Committee. (Which used to be Building & Grounds!!!) Hoo Boy!!!
I knew God was calling me to get more involved with the Church, but three committees? Well, I guess if He wants me there, He will give me the ability to serve! God has a tendency to find people that didn't think they were ready or able to serve. I certainly didn't think I had been at the church long enough to serve on the Board of Deacons. God proved me wrong. I hope that I have added something to the church leadership over the last year, and that I can continue to be of service over the next two years, that I have left in my current term.
Friday, January 05, 2007
New & Old
Tomorrow, we are having our yearly Church Officer's retreat. This is the second one of my 3 year term. We will have our newly elected officers for the Class of 2009 joining us. We will welcome them, and prepare our hearts and minds to lead the church in this new year.
A volunteer was needed to offer a devotional and a prayer for the Pastor as we do every month at our Session meetings. Although I was warned against doing so when I was in the Navy, I volunteered. As I was researching for a devotional to deliver, I discovered that January 6th (tomorrow) is the Day of Epiphany, which is the close of the Christmas Season. This is a day that commemorates the Wise Men bringing gifts to the Christ Child. I was able to find a devotional that takes this into account. What a perfect timing for our retreat. Epiphany begins tomorrow and last through the last day of Lent.
As I am going to be gone tomorrow, this will leave Sue and Sandy together. Both of them were hoping that Sandy would be able to attend a drill meet, unfortunately I did not get any response from LTC White. I emailed him, and left him several voice messages as well to no avail. We need to know she has permission to go, as she failed the teen leadership class. Oh well. Maybe he will yet call tonight, but I doubt it. Hopefully, Sandy will continue to be respectful tomorrow, as she has for the last several days. I guess an IPOD is a powerful inentive....
A volunteer was needed to offer a devotional and a prayer for the Pastor as we do every month at our Session meetings. Although I was warned against doing so when I was in the Navy, I volunteered. As I was researching for a devotional to deliver, I discovered that January 6th (tomorrow) is the Day of Epiphany, which is the close of the Christmas Season. This is a day that commemorates the Wise Men bringing gifts to the Christ Child. I was able to find a devotional that takes this into account. What a perfect timing for our retreat. Epiphany begins tomorrow and last through the last day of Lent.
As I am going to be gone tomorrow, this will leave Sue and Sandy together. Both of them were hoping that Sandy would be able to attend a drill meet, unfortunately I did not get any response from LTC White. I emailed him, and left him several voice messages as well to no avail. We need to know she has permission to go, as she failed the teen leadership class. Oh well. Maybe he will yet call tonight, but I doubt it. Hopefully, Sandy will continue to be respectful tomorrow, as she has for the last several days. I guess an IPOD is a powerful inentive....
Friday Movies
Okay, here's the easy one. I will write a real blog later, but as this has become a regular feature....
*********************************************************************************
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
Notes on a Scandal
An older admirer (Judi Dench) makes life hard for a teacher (Cate Blanchett) who sleeps with a student.
Freedom Writers
True story of an inspirational teacher (Hillary Swank) offers ho-hum filmmaking, but it connects emotionally.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Fabulously twisted tale follows a perfume maker who becomes a serial killer to capture women's scents.
Thr3e
First-rate thriller by FoxFaith is proof that a dark movie doesn't have to resort to buckets of blood.
Miss Potter
Story of Peter Rabbit creator Beatrix Potter is worth seeing for its excellent performances.
Code Name: The Cleaner
A custodian (Cedric the Entertainer) believes he is a super spy in this lame and inane comedy.
Happily N'Ever After
The wicked stepmother upsets all the happy endings in this inept, incompetently scripted animated flick.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
*********************************************************************************
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
Notes on a Scandal
An older admirer (Judi Dench) makes life hard for a teacher (Cate Blanchett) who sleeps with a student.
Freedom Writers
True story of an inspirational teacher (Hillary Swank) offers ho-hum filmmaking, but it connects emotionally.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Fabulously twisted tale follows a perfume maker who becomes a serial killer to capture women's scents.
Thr3e
First-rate thriller by FoxFaith is proof that a dark movie doesn't have to resort to buckets of blood.
Miss Potter
Story of Peter Rabbit creator Beatrix Potter is worth seeing for its excellent performances.
Code Name: The Cleaner
A custodian (Cedric the Entertainer) believes he is a super spy in this lame and inane comedy.
Happily N'Ever After
The wicked stepmother upsets all the happy endings in this inept, incompetently scripted animated flick.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
First Rant of 2007
Far be it for me to let too much time go by without spouting my opinion of things in the political world, the national scene, and the crazy rock in space we call earth, in general. Oh and yes, I know the old saw about opinions... "They're like asses. Everybody's got one and most of em' stink!"
Okay let's see, where to start? How about the Dems. As of today, we have a woman closer to the presidency since Hillary Clinton was pres... (Yeah I know, Bill was the one that was actually erected er... elected but when did he have time to run the country? Between interns? )
Any way, Nancy Pelosi is now our first woman Speaker of the House. Applause applause.. etc. While I am glad to see a woman in this position, I do have some issues with Ms. Pelosi. When Shrub gave his State of the Union address after 9/11, Pelosi and Lloyd Bentson sat there talking and rolling their eyes every time Shrub said anything or made a point. I don't care for the son of a bitch either, but I keep saying respect the office even if you don't respect the man.. Pelosi is a Beltway player.Time will tell if her agenda is really for the people or her own political power. She hasn't made any claims in that direction, but would it surprise anyone to see her toss her hat in the ring in 2008?
Sodamn Insane... I mean Saddam Hussein. May he rot in Hell. (I know not a very Christian attitude. ) God forgive me, but I can't work up a whole lot of sympathy for his family at this tyrants death. He had how many thousands if not millions of deaths laid at his feet, and he claimed to still be the President of Iraq right up till he swung? The guy had to be nuts. Good riddance to bad garbage.
Global Warming. How can an intelligent, thinking being see the pictures of he 100 odd square mile chunk of Arctic Ice shelf broken off above Canada, and not believe in Global Warming. Oh I said intelligent thinking being. That lest out Shrub and his cronies, doesn't it. I doubt if Shrub would sign the Kyoto Accords if the White House flooded and he and Cheney were waiting rescue in a row boat!
Well, that's about all I can think of at the moment. I could probably go on, (Sue will probably say I always do go on, and on, and on, and on...) But I gotta pace myself. This could be a long year on the Rant front!
Okay let's see, where to start? How about the Dems. As of today, we have a woman closer to the presidency since Hillary Clinton was pres... (Yeah I know, Bill was the one that was actually erected er... elected but when did he have time to run the country? Between interns? )
Any way, Nancy Pelosi is now our first woman Speaker of the House. Applause applause.. etc. While I am glad to see a woman in this position, I do have some issues with Ms. Pelosi. When Shrub gave his State of the Union address after 9/11, Pelosi and Lloyd Bentson sat there talking and rolling their eyes every time Shrub said anything or made a point. I don't care for the son of a bitch either, but I keep saying respect the office even if you don't respect the man.. Pelosi is a Beltway player.Time will tell if her agenda is really for the people or her own political power. She hasn't made any claims in that direction, but would it surprise anyone to see her toss her hat in the ring in 2008?
Sodamn Insane... I mean Saddam Hussein. May he rot in Hell. (I know not a very Christian attitude. ) God forgive me, but I can't work up a whole lot of sympathy for his family at this tyrants death. He had how many thousands if not millions of deaths laid at his feet, and he claimed to still be the President of Iraq right up till he swung? The guy had to be nuts. Good riddance to bad garbage.
Global Warming. How can an intelligent, thinking being see the pictures of he 100 odd square mile chunk of Arctic Ice shelf broken off above Canada, and not believe in Global Warming. Oh I said intelligent thinking being. That lest out Shrub and his cronies, doesn't it. I doubt if Shrub would sign the Kyoto Accords if the White House flooded and he and Cheney were waiting rescue in a row boat!
Well, that's about all I can think of at the moment. I could probably go on, (Sue will probably say I always do go on, and on, and on, and on...) But I gotta pace myself. This could be a long year on the Rant front!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Out and about again!
Today I had a meeting at the church. It was nice to be able to get there without having to find a ride! I am on a new committee at church, The Health and Wholeness Ministry Team. The team is made up of 2 retired nurses, an ex Navy Hospital Corpsman, (me) an Insurance expert, a business woman, and a person who had endured the health care system without the benefits of health insurance. We have obtained a resource room at the church, and are putting together information about health concerns.
We initiated a survey a few weeks back asking the congregation to let s know what health care concerns they had. Today we went over the surveys that came back and discovered what was most on the minds of our people. It seems that proper diet and exercise is number one on the hit parade. This gives us a place to start. A jumping off point, if you will.
We were able to place some donated furniture in the room that was set aside in the church. We are also going to be placing a computer in the room that our Youth Director is not using. I am going to donate a printer that we have sitting in the garage that is no longer used. Our internet guy at the church is going to run a line to the computer to get us on the internet.
The idea is that we will have health information for anyone in the congregation who needs it. Te survey was to assess the needs and interests of the congregation. We will be available after church on Sundays for people to have their blood pressure checked, or to help guide them to internet sites that can give them information can help them understand medical conditions they or a loved one may have.
Eventually, we hope to open this resource room to the community as well. That will take a little time. We are off to a good start though.
We initiated a survey a few weeks back asking the congregation to let s know what health care concerns they had. Today we went over the surveys that came back and discovered what was most on the minds of our people. It seems that proper diet and exercise is number one on the hit parade. This gives us a place to start. A jumping off point, if you will.
We were able to place some donated furniture in the room that was set aside in the church. We are also going to be placing a computer in the room that our Youth Director is not using. I am going to donate a printer that we have sitting in the garage that is no longer used. Our internet guy at the church is going to run a line to the computer to get us on the internet.
The idea is that we will have health information for anyone in the congregation who needs it. Te survey was to assess the needs and interests of the congregation. We will be available after church on Sundays for people to have their blood pressure checked, or to help guide them to internet sites that can give them information can help them understand medical conditions they or a loved one may have.
Eventually, we hope to open this resource room to the community as well. That will take a little time. We are off to a good start though.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Good News, Bad News
When Sandy got up this morning, I had good news, and bad news for her. She had gotten an I-Pod from a Friend of our at Church. It had belonged to one of the kids in the Youth Group. Gerri, her mother had asked us before if it was okay to give it to her. Sue and I had said it was okay.
Yesterday, I played around with it for a couple of hours, and couldn't figure out how to get it working. I had come to the conclusion that it didn't work. Late last night, I decided to try using Sue's computer, just in case it was my computer that the I-Pod wasn't getting along with. Well, that assumption turned out to be the case.
This morning we told Sandy that I had figured out the problem, and would be able to place music on the I-pod for her. There was the good news. The bad news was that she had several pages of "I will nots" to write before we would let her use the I-Pod. She took it very well.
So all day today, she was working on getting them done. She has been respectful, and pleasant to be around. I hope it lasts. Time will tell!
Yesterday, I played around with it for a couple of hours, and couldn't figure out how to get it working. I had come to the conclusion that it didn't work. Late last night, I decided to try using Sue's computer, just in case it was my computer that the I-Pod wasn't getting along with. Well, that assumption turned out to be the case.
This morning we told Sandy that I had figured out the problem, and would be able to place music on the I-pod for her. There was the good news. The bad news was that she had several pages of "I will nots" to write before we would let her use the I-Pod. She took it very well.
So all day today, she was working on getting them done. She has been respectful, and pleasant to be around. I hope it lasts. Time will tell!
Oops, I missed New Years' Day!
No I wasn't hungover. I just got busy. We did get to bed late ( or was it early? ) early yesterday morning, (4:30 am) and slept till noon. We had gone over to our friends, Mary and Earl's house for a New Year's Eve Celebration. We had done the same thing last year. Mary had printed out a list of different time zones from Germany to our time zone, Central Standard Time, and when each one came up, we twirled noisemakers, and wished Happy New Year to the different countries. One that was of interest was somewhere in Canada where there was a half hour difference. SO at 9:30 Texas Time, we were wishing Happy New Year to Newfoundland (I think) Sandy spent the night at Mary and Earl's, so we were kidless last night.
So today after we got up, and veg out for a while, we made a trip to the store for a couple of things. When we got back, I decided to take down the Christmas lights from the front of the house. Next thing I knew, Sue was taking down the lights inside. Well, we decided to just go ahead and take all the decorations down. We even took down the tree. After 8 years we decided that we would get a new tree for this years Christmas. This will be our second Christmas tree together. Time flies when you're having fun! Or as one frog said to the other...
{BAD PUN ALERT!!!-BAD PUN ALERT!!!}
Time's fun when you're having flies!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!
So today after we got up, and veg out for a while, we made a trip to the store for a couple of things. When we got back, I decided to take down the Christmas lights from the front of the house. Next thing I knew, Sue was taking down the lights inside. Well, we decided to just go ahead and take all the decorations down. We even took down the tree. After 8 years we decided that we would get a new tree for this years Christmas. This will be our second Christmas tree together. Time flies when you're having fun! Or as one frog said to the other...
{BAD PUN ALERT!!!-BAD PUN ALERT!!!}
Time's fun when you're having flies!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Goodbye 2006 - Hello 2007
At this point in the year, at the end many people talk about how lousy the outgoing year was and how they hope the incoming year will be so much better. Truthfully, I really can't complain about this year we are about to leave behind. 2006 was pretty good to us.
Sue has already mentioned many of the same things I will refer to, but what can I say. I read her blog last night, and noted that she has the same idea I had for tonights blog. What can I say. great minds think alike. ( Of course this begs the question as I'm a man, what mind...)
As Sue has mentioned, 2006 was the first full year Sandy has spent with us. It was also the first summer visit we have had with Tara and Elisa for quite some time. We got our first car that Sue and I have owned together, and we bought our first home. All in all a pretty good year.
In November, our first car, a 1989 Ford Crown Victoria we named "Vicki" died on us. However, thanks to our wonderfully generous Church Family we are now the owners of a 2000 Dodge Intrepid we have named "Doddi". So even the negative things have had a positive outcome.
In the world around us, the war in Iraq continues, although Saddam Hussein has been hanged in a move that surprised many and outraged others... I hope I am wrong, but personally I fear the backlash may be more than we bargained for. When you consider the execution came on the eve of Eid the festival that signals the end of Ramadan, a high Muslim religious event, it is not surprising that the soldiers on the ground are on High Alert.
We also lost several notable people this year. Most recently President Gerald Ford, and The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Others who passed away this year were Steve Irwin, the Famed Crocodile Hunter, M*A*S*H* and Nashville Director Robert Altman, Character Actress and Academy Award Winner Shelly Winters, Funnyman Don Knotts, Character Actor Darrin McGavin, TV Star Dennis Weaver, among many others whom we will miss.
Some things in this world are better, some are worse. We need to trust God that what happens to us is within his plan for us. I gave up the idea of making resolutions many years ago. I do however plan to continue to love God, and to attempt to be a good example of what a Christian is to those around me. My wish for 2007 is that all who read these words find the peace and calm that I have. I have much to be thankful as we put 2006 behind us. I have a lot to learn also. I also need to continue to trust God, and learn to recognize what it is He wants me to do. May God bless you and keep you in 2007, and in the years to come. Happy New Year!
Sue has already mentioned many of the same things I will refer to, but what can I say. I read her blog last night, and noted that she has the same idea I had for tonights blog. What can I say. great minds think alike. ( Of course this begs the question as I'm a man, what mind...)
As Sue has mentioned, 2006 was the first full year Sandy has spent with us. It was also the first summer visit we have had with Tara and Elisa for quite some time. We got our first car that Sue and I have owned together, and we bought our first home. All in all a pretty good year.
In November, our first car, a 1989 Ford Crown Victoria we named "Vicki" died on us. However, thanks to our wonderfully generous Church Family we are now the owners of a 2000 Dodge Intrepid we have named "Doddi". So even the negative things have had a positive outcome.
In the world around us, the war in Iraq continues, although Saddam Hussein has been hanged in a move that surprised many and outraged others... I hope I am wrong, but personally I fear the backlash may be more than we bargained for. When you consider the execution came on the eve of Eid the festival that signals the end of Ramadan, a high Muslim religious event, it is not surprising that the soldiers on the ground are on High Alert.
We also lost several notable people this year. Most recently President Gerald Ford, and The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Others who passed away this year were Steve Irwin, the Famed Crocodile Hunter, M*A*S*H* and Nashville Director Robert Altman, Character Actress and Academy Award Winner Shelly Winters, Funnyman Don Knotts, Character Actor Darrin McGavin, TV Star Dennis Weaver, among many others whom we will miss.
Some things in this world are better, some are worse. We need to trust God that what happens to us is within his plan for us. I gave up the idea of making resolutions many years ago. I do however plan to continue to love God, and to attempt to be a good example of what a Christian is to those around me. My wish for 2007 is that all who read these words find the peace and calm that I have. I have much to be thankful as we put 2006 behind us. I have a lot to learn also. I also need to continue to trust God, and learn to recognize what it is He wants me to do. May God bless you and keep you in 2007, and in the years to come. Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
A Lazy Saturday!
This is Saturday, but I am in somewhat of a lazy mood. I am hurting a little bit. Not a lot, just enough to have very little ambition to do much of anything today. Sue is coughing, seems like she has a bit of a cold. She is taking Creomulsion to stave off the cough... (Yeah I know that rhymes Whoop de do!)
So today I basically did nothing. I got up, read the paper, and later on when Sue went to lay down I ended up watching one of my favorite Cold War movies of all time, "Ice Station Zebra". I had recorded it from TCM the other day. Sue isn't all that big on the movie, so I figured today would be the perfect time to watch it. I like some types of movies that she doesn't like, for example Horror movies. I generally don't end up watching them. It isn't that I can't watch them, I just haven't taken the opportunity to do so. Sue could easily go into our room to watch something else, or she could sit and read a book. She doesn't have a problem with me watching what I want, like I say, I just haven't bothered to watch those movies. One of these days I will probably get a copy of "50 Horror Classics" this collection that I've seen advertised. I also plan to get a copy of all of the Universal Horror Classics such as "Frankenstein", "Dracula", "The Wolfman" etc.
If she were so inclined Sue could get romance movies if she wanted to. They periodically run movies based on Janette Oakes novels on The Hallmark Channel. I don't really care for some of those, but the same thing applies. I can read, or go into another room. That's what is great about our relationship. We don't need to entertain each other.
A lot of times though, in fact the majority, we do agree on what we want to watch. We also usually read the same books. This can make it a bit difficult when we both want to read a new book we have just gotten our hands on... I read bit faster, so nine times out of ten, I get the new book first.
At any rate, this has turned into a blog not unlike what Seinfeld was supposed to be ... A blog about nothing!
So today I basically did nothing. I got up, read the paper, and later on when Sue went to lay down I ended up watching one of my favorite Cold War movies of all time, "Ice Station Zebra". I had recorded it from TCM the other day. Sue isn't all that big on the movie, so I figured today would be the perfect time to watch it. I like some types of movies that she doesn't like, for example Horror movies. I generally don't end up watching them. It isn't that I can't watch them, I just haven't taken the opportunity to do so. Sue could easily go into our room to watch something else, or she could sit and read a book. She doesn't have a problem with me watching what I want, like I say, I just haven't bothered to watch those movies. One of these days I will probably get a copy of "50 Horror Classics" this collection that I've seen advertised. I also plan to get a copy of all of the Universal Horror Classics such as "Frankenstein", "Dracula", "The Wolfman" etc.
If she were so inclined Sue could get romance movies if she wanted to. They periodically run movies based on Janette Oakes novels on The Hallmark Channel. I don't really care for some of those, but the same thing applies. I can read, or go into another room. That's what is great about our relationship. We don't need to entertain each other.
A lot of times though, in fact the majority, we do agree on what we want to watch. We also usually read the same books. This can make it a bit difficult when we both want to read a new book we have just gotten our hands on... I read bit faster, so nine times out of ten, I get the new book first.
At any rate, this has turned into a blog not unlike what Seinfeld was supposed to be ... A blog about nothing!
Friday, December 29, 2006
No Movie Guide Today
I guess I will have to write an actual blog today. I looked at the movie guide I usually cut and paste in this space on Fridays, and there was one lousy movie listed as opening today. (Okay, it might not have really been a lousy movie, but I didn't see the point in cutting and pasting just one. )
So, what the heck to blog about? Let's see, it's wet and rainy today. Our new car is getting wet. I went out to get the paper and discovered the car had not melted! I was going to take some pictures of the car for Mom & Dad, but no such luck.
Sandy and Sue are making some cookies today. We are gonna decorate them later. Yum Yum. Sandy is being pleasant today, I hope it continues. We will see. For the time being, we will enjoy her good mood. At any rate that's the blog. What can I say, we are rather boring folks!
So, what the heck to blog about? Let's see, it's wet and rainy today. Our new car is getting wet. I went out to get the paper and discovered the car had not melted! I was going to take some pictures of the car for Mom & Dad, but no such luck.
Sandy and Sue are making some cookies today. We are gonna decorate them later. Yum Yum. Sandy is being pleasant today, I hope it continues. We will see. For the time being, we will enjoy her good mood. At any rate that's the blog. What can I say, we are rather boring folks!
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Driving along in my automobile....
I couldn't resist the Chuck Berry shtick! It's nice to have wheels again! We have only been without a car for 52 days, but it felt like forever. Sue and I have been together for almost 9 years, and to be honest, we didn't get a car until February of this year. We got used to be able to go where we wanted to go, without taking a bus, or asking for a ride, or taking a cab. There are many things we will be able to do now. I have somewhat been neglecting the library, as getting there even with the Ford was problematic. I couldn't afford the gas. Every time we went past a gas station, Vickie would gasp and say "Feed me!!!!!!!!!!!!" So it was difficult for me to get to the church to get any work done in the library.
We are so blessed to have a church that is so generous to have helped us with the money to purchase this car. We have been told we don't have to pay it back, our only obligation is to return the favor someday, and to take good care of this car. We will definitely do that. We will also make some donations to the love fund at the church
We have also named the new car. We tried out several ideas, but nothing quite seemed right. Finally Sue hit on Doddi. Well, she figured she is a Dodge Intrepid, So, Doddi. ( I thought she was saying Dottie) I had tossed out Trep, Sandy waned to name her Christine... Paging Stephen King... I think Doddi works pretty well.
We are so blessed to have a church that is so generous to have helped us with the money to purchase this car. We have been told we don't have to pay it back, our only obligation is to return the favor someday, and to take good care of this car. We will definitely do that. We will also make some donations to the love fund at the church
We have also named the new car. We tried out several ideas, but nothing quite seemed right. Finally Sue hit on Doddi. Well, she figured she is a Dodge Intrepid, So, Doddi. ( I thought she was saying Dottie) I had tossed out Trep, Sandy waned to name her Christine... Paging Stephen King... I think Doddi works pretty well.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Today's the day - But When???
It's Wednesday. Car day supposedly. I called the guy this morning, and he said the tires had come in this morning, and he would call me when it was ready. That was at about AM, it's now going on PM. We are getting just a tad impatient. I am anyway.
I am almost wondering if we jinxed ourselves by telling everyone about the car. It's just frustrating as ll hell! We have the check for the car sitting here, and nothing to show for it yet!!!
I did get the guy to agree to bring the car to us, so part of me wonders if he is gonna make us wait till the end of the day.
Well, I will blog when we actually get our hands on the car!
I am almost wondering if we jinxed ourselves by telling everyone about the car. It's just frustrating as ll hell! We have the check for the car sitting here, and nothing to show for it yet!!!
I did get the guy to agree to bring the car to us, so part of me wonders if he is gonna make us wait till the end of the day.
Well, I will blog when we actually get our hands on the car!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
One day closer!!!
We are one day closer to getting our car. I was able to get hold of the church secretary this morning, She prepared the check, and then from what we were told, the wife of the Church Treasurer was kind enough to take the check to where he was at work (I think) so he could sign it.
Then a friend brought the check to us. Now all we need is the car. I called the dealership today, and he said they would not likely get th tires until late this afternoon, at the earliest, and perhaps not till tomorrow morning. I will call around noon to see if the tires came in and have been placed on the car.
I asked the guy if he would be able to bring it out to us, and he said he could meet us half way. I told him I wasn't sure we would be able to get a ride. He said he should be able to get someone to follow him over to the house.
I hope we don't end up waiting till late tomorrow afternoon. I will let both of he readers of this blog know.
Then a friend brought the check to us. Now all we need is the car. I called the dealership today, and he said they would not likely get th tires until late this afternoon, at the earliest, and perhaps not till tomorrow morning. I will call around noon to see if the tires came in and have been placed on the car.
I asked the guy if he would be able to bring it out to us, and he said he could meet us half way. I told him I wasn't sure we would be able to get a ride. He said he should be able to get someone to follow him over to the house.
I hope we don't end up waiting till late tomorrow afternoon. I will let both of he readers of this blog know.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas
Here it is, Christmas day. We can't really complain. We are getting a new (to us) car the day after tomorrow, we have a house we are buying, we have food in the house, we are reasonably healthy - Well, sort of you know There's an expression: "I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in" )
I decided to watch a little of the Cowboys/Eagles game. Our church Youth Leader James is there at the Cowboys Stadium in Irving. James is a major Eagles fan. (Well, he's still a nice guy, I guess I can't hold that against him. Well not too much anyway!)
So naturally the Cowboys are getting their asses kicked at the moment. 23 - 7 with 4:52 left to play. Off hand, I'd say they're screwed.
It just goes to show, I should not watch the game if I want to see the team win!
All in all tho, I have to say this is a good Christmas. The best thing about is, that My Lord Jesus Christ has blessed us wonderfully this year. Merry Christmas to all who may read these words. May God Bless you.
I decided to watch a little of the Cowboys/Eagles game. Our church Youth Leader James is there at the Cowboys Stadium in Irving. James is a major Eagles fan. (Well, he's still a nice guy, I guess I can't hold that against him. Well not too much anyway!)
So naturally the Cowboys are getting their asses kicked at the moment. 23 - 7 with 4:52 left to play. Off hand, I'd say they're screwed.
It just goes to show, I should not watch the game if I want to see the team win!
All in all tho, I have to say this is a good Christmas. The best thing about is, that My Lord Jesus Christ has blessed us wonderfully this year. Merry Christmas to all who may read these words. May God Bless you.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Sue's lost voice... and other stuff.
Sue has managed to lose her voice. How many husbands would rejoice at this? ( I honestly don't as I am the one who usually runs his jaws non-stop 24/7 /365 )As to Sue's missing voice, we are theorizing that she lost it yesterday afternoon. On our way home from buying the car, we were driving back to The Colony when a woman started to run a stop sign, and nearly T-boned Terry's car. Sue made the comment that she wanted to go back and pick up her heart, Terry and I both considered we each may need to change our shorts. We are wondering if at that point in time, Sue may have said something along the lines of: YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If so, then that's likely where her voice went.
Today was a nice Christmas Eve worship service, and after, we went to a friends house for lunch, but neither Sue or I were feeling very great. Sue because of the aforementioned voice loss, and allergies, and general blahs, me because last night I slept lousy. Oh well, what else is new.
We would have liked to made it to the Christmas Eve Service but didn't Sandy was able to go, and hopefully she represented our family positively.
For all who read this blog (both of you) Merry Christmas.
If so, then that's likely where her voice went.
Today was a nice Christmas Eve worship service, and after, we went to a friends house for lunch, but neither Sue or I were feeling very great. Sue because of the aforementioned voice loss, and allergies, and general blahs, me because last night I slept lousy. Oh well, what else is new.
We would have liked to made it to the Christmas Eve Service but didn't Sandy was able to go, and hopefully she represented our family positively.
For all who read this blog (both of you) Merry Christmas.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
NEWS!!!NEWS!!!NEWS!!!
The long national nightmare is over! (Well, not really. The war in Iraq is still going on, our troops are still dying for no damn good reason, and Shrub is still sitting in the White house. )
However, we have gotten a car!!!
We won't actually get it home until Wednesday, but we found her and made a deal. With much help and generosity from our church family. Some very generous folks donated to the cause of helping us get a car, and with that help we were able to get set up with one today.
Our new car is a 2000 Dodge Intrepid, with 91,000 miles. Sandy and I saw the color as a Silvery-Green, Sue saw it as just Silver. At any rate, we took it for a test drive. I drove it first, Sue took over , and then our friend Terry drove it as well. He was helping us find a car, and brokering the deal for us in a manner of speaking.
Sandy thought it had a decent amount of room in the back, and when I started driving, Terry (who is 6'3") said he had plenty of room as well. So I guess that thee teen age girls ought to have enough breathing room for a trip down to the southern part of Texas this coming summer.
One slight problem we had was that we needed new tires on the back. They wee willing to put them on, but added to the amount for the deal. We went back and forth a little bit, and finally came up with a figure we could all be happy with.
They should be able to get the tires by Tuesday and have everything together, cleaned etc and we will be able to pick up the car on Wednesday!!!
Thanks to God, and thanks to the wonderful people at our church. We were told that our only obligation is to return the favor some day when we are able, and take good care of the car. We will definitely do that.
However, we have gotten a car!!!
We won't actually get it home until Wednesday, but we found her and made a deal. With much help and generosity from our church family. Some very generous folks donated to the cause of helping us get a car, and with that help we were able to get set up with one today.
Our new car is a 2000 Dodge Intrepid, with 91,000 miles. Sandy and I saw the color as a Silvery-Green, Sue saw it as just Silver. At any rate, we took it for a test drive. I drove it first, Sue took over , and then our friend Terry drove it as well. He was helping us find a car, and brokering the deal for us in a manner of speaking.
Sandy thought it had a decent amount of room in the back, and when I started driving, Terry (who is 6'3") said he had plenty of room as well. So I guess that thee teen age girls ought to have enough breathing room for a trip down to the southern part of Texas this coming summer.
One slight problem we had was that we needed new tires on the back. They wee willing to put them on, but added to the amount for the deal. We went back and forth a little bit, and finally came up with a figure we could all be happy with.
They should be able to get the tires by Tuesday and have everything together, cleaned etc and we will be able to pick up the car on Wednesday!!!
Thanks to God, and thanks to the wonderful people at our church. We were told that our only obligation is to return the favor some day when we are able, and take good care of the car. We will definitely do that.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Okay, okay! I'll do a real post!
Sue considers my copying the movie guide on Fridays cheating. So I guess I will write a real blog. Nothing new on the car front, so now I need to come up with a subject to blog about.
Mac,our youngest kitty, has been a royal pain in the ass today. Being a kitten he is into everything. He is up on the counters, he is in the sink, he has also come up with a new little trick. He has learned how to open the laundry room and linen closet doors. (They're the accordion type doors.) He manages to get his paw underneath the doors, and pulls them open. Sheesh! There are days when I feel like skinning the little %$@#!!!
Now for a minor rant. Bush is apparently hanging out at Camp David over Christmas trying to figure out what he is going to do to change the situation in Iraq. My answer, figure out how t bring the soldiers home! Sending more troops over there is essentially putting a bandage on a gaping wound. Frankly I think he should end his twin party-hearty daughters over there. Then lets see how fast he gets the troops home. Oh well, the idea of Bush having an intelligent thought is about as likely as another lawyer going pheasant hunting with Dick Cheney.
Mac,our youngest kitty, has been a royal pain in the ass today. Being a kitten he is into everything. He is up on the counters, he is in the sink, he has also come up with a new little trick. He has learned how to open the laundry room and linen closet doors. (They're the accordion type doors.) He manages to get his paw underneath the doors, and pulls them open. Sheesh! There are days when I feel like skinning the little %$@#!!!
Now for a minor rant. Bush is apparently hanging out at Camp David over Christmas trying to figure out what he is going to do to change the situation in Iraq. My answer, figure out how t bring the soldiers home! Sending more troops over there is essentially putting a bandage on a gaping wound. Frankly I think he should end his twin party-hearty daughters over there. Then lets see how fast he gets the troops home. Oh well, the idea of Bush having an intelligent thought is about as likely as another lawyer going pheasant hunting with Dick Cheney.
Friday Movies
Here are the Friday movies for this week.
Merry Christmas
New releases this week
Christmas holiday edition
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
The Good Shepherd
Taut psychological epic about the early CIA focuses on the toll that secrecy takes on one agent's life.
The Good German
This homage to '40s Hollywood works as both a tale of postwar intruige and an experiment in film history.
Night at the Museum
A night watchman (Ben Stiller) must fend off dinosaurs, cowboys and Atilla the Hun when exhibits come to life.
We Are Marshall
Tale of a tragedy-torn university and its football team has its heart in the right place, but that's not enough.
Volver
Secrets are revealed when a dead mother reappears to her two daughters in this Spanish melodrama.
Curse of the Golden Flower
Director Zhang Yimou's domestic squabble set in 10th-century China is cursed by its own excesses.
Rocky Balboa
Sylvester Stallone's unhurried, quiet approach may leave longtime fans of the series a bit restless.
Dreamgirls (opens Monday)
Big screen adaptation of the stage hit fictionalizes the rise of Diana Ross and the Supremes.
Children of Men (opens Monday)
Tale of a future world beset by infertility blends an atmosphere of gloom with traditional chase elements.
Black Christmas (opens Monday)
This remake of the 1970 horror movie follows sorority sisters who are killed one by one over the holidays. This film was not screened in advance for critics.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
Merry Christmas
New releases this week
Christmas holiday edition
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
The Good Shepherd
Taut psychological epic about the early CIA focuses on the toll that secrecy takes on one agent's life.
The Good German
This homage to '40s Hollywood works as both a tale of postwar intruige and an experiment in film history.
Night at the Museum
A night watchman (Ben Stiller) must fend off dinosaurs, cowboys and Atilla the Hun when exhibits come to life.
We Are Marshall
Tale of a tragedy-torn university and its football team has its heart in the right place, but that's not enough.
Volver
Secrets are revealed when a dead mother reappears to her two daughters in this Spanish melodrama.
Curse of the Golden Flower
Director Zhang Yimou's domestic squabble set in 10th-century China is cursed by its own excesses.
Rocky Balboa
Sylvester Stallone's unhurried, quiet approach may leave longtime fans of the series a bit restless.
Dreamgirls (opens Monday)
Big screen adaptation of the stage hit fictionalizes the rise of Diana Ross and the Supremes.
Children of Men (opens Monday)
Tale of a future world beset by infertility blends an atmosphere of gloom with traditional chase elements.
Black Christmas (opens Monday)
This remake of the 1970 horror movie follows sorority sisters who are killed one by one over the holidays. This film was not screened in advance for critics.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The Car we almost bought
We went out today with Terry, to a lot that apparently is owned by an acquaintance of one of our church members. Terry had talked to the people at the lot, and explained what we were looking for, and what our limitations were.
We looked at a 1996 White Mazda MPV minivan. It was clean inside and out, had good tires, and cold A/C, and good heat. All of the seat belts worked, and there was plenty of space inside for all of the kids.
One downside: 133,000 miles. Well we could possibly live with that. We test drove it, and it drove decently, brakes worked well, it had good pickup. We went back to the lot, and decided we would work out a deal.
Before we went on the test drive they were initially talking $6995.00 Just prior to leaving, they said they could discount it to $4995.00 to get our payments under $100.00 per month. ($92.50 give or take) We are sitting there talking deal and we tell him the amount we can put down, and all of a sudden the salesman gets a call from the owner of the lot. He can't possible let it go for less than what they have in it. According to them they have $5895.00 into the van. Kelly Blue Book is $4995.00 fr the year in question. We balk. Then we discover that they have given us ( without our requesting it) a 1 year warranty at the cost of nearly $900.00. Well once the price went up, they cut that to a 6 month Warren, at $475.00. Supposedly we can still get the thing at $92.50 a month. W decided that this deal was beginning to smell.
Well, to make a long story short, we walked. Sue and I have been talking, and decided that we might just as well gt something newer with less miles on it. I have done some more research and we can get into a 2000 to a 2004 for under $9000.00. This would keep our payments under the required $100.00 a month. I continue to have faith!
We looked at a 1996 White Mazda MPV minivan. It was clean inside and out, had good tires, and cold A/C, and good heat. All of the seat belts worked, and there was plenty of space inside for all of the kids.
One downside: 133,000 miles. Well we could possibly live with that. We test drove it, and it drove decently, brakes worked well, it had good pickup. We went back to the lot, and decided we would work out a deal.
Before we went on the test drive they were initially talking $6995.00 Just prior to leaving, they said they could discount it to $4995.00 to get our payments under $100.00 per month. ($92.50 give or take) We are sitting there talking deal and we tell him the amount we can put down, and all of a sudden the salesman gets a call from the owner of the lot. He can't possible let it go for less than what they have in it. According to them they have $5895.00 into the van. Kelly Blue Book is $4995.00 fr the year in question. We balk. Then we discover that they have given us ( without our requesting it) a 1 year warranty at the cost of nearly $900.00. Well once the price went up, they cut that to a 6 month Warren, at $475.00. Supposedly we can still get the thing at $92.50 a month. W decided that this deal was beginning to smell.
Well, to make a long story short, we walked. Sue and I have been talking, and decided that we might just as well gt something newer with less miles on it. I have done some more research and we can get into a 2000 to a 2004 for under $9000.00. This would keep our payments under the required $100.00 a month. I continue to have faith!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Car Update
For those whom have been keeping up with our quest for a car, we have some more news. No we don't have a car yet, but we got told that generous people of the church have added more money to the down payment fund. This gives us some more options. We have expanded our horizons a bit.
We did some more research into the Plymouth Voyager, as it turns out one of the things that Consumer Reports says is a potential problem is the transmission. Well, so much for that one. We are looking into further ideas.
We are going to go take a look at a few cars that might work for us, sometime in the next couple of days, I hope... Today it's raining though, so it doesn't look promising. Terry, our Pastor, might have some time tomorrow to go with us to help us look. If that doesn't work we may have to wait till after Christmas.
I am trusting in God that we will find something soon.
We did some more research into the Plymouth Voyager, as it turns out one of the things that Consumer Reports says is a potential problem is the transmission. Well, so much for that one. We are looking into further ideas.
We are going to go take a look at a few cars that might work for us, sometime in the next couple of days, I hope... Today it's raining though, so it doesn't look promising. Terry, our Pastor, might have some time tomorrow to go with us to help us look. If that doesn't work we may have to wait till after Christmas.
I am trusting in God that we will find something soon.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
A lesson in Klingon Swearing
I was attempting to add a new picture to my profile. I thought it would be a simple matter of linking the picture I wanted to the right place here on edit profile. WRONG!!!!! Every bloody thing I tried, flat out refused to work! (Insert Klingon swearing here!)
I had the stupid thing working a couple of days ago. but today, inexplicably the link was not working. No picture. (Insert more Klingon swearing here!)
I thought maybe the problem was with Yahoo Photos. I tried the same thing with Picasa... (Insert even more Klingon swearing here!)
So I finally realized about the only way I was gonna get the damn picture here so I could pace it in the profile... I have to upload a picture of my smiling face here on this post... So here I am! Anyone else want to swear in Klingon?
Monday, December 18, 2006
Monday, and I have to fight with Social Security
Here is is, Monday. I am apparently going to have to call Social Security and sit on hold for hours because they don't keep their word. At any rate, here I am now waiting on hold. According to the automated system, the wait should be approximately 8 minutes. So I am waiting to see if this works out.
ARRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was about one minute into the 8 minute wait, and I moved wrong, or something and the phone cut off. This has happened before, usually when I am on hold for a long time about something. I am never quite certain if it's our phone, or I have gotten cut off by the place I am calling.
At any rate, I am trying to find out what the heck happened to Sandy's SSI check for this month. screwed up last month and forgot to move her check to go into direct deposit into the new account, due to extenuating circumstances. (Namely the car crapping out on us) and didn't get the call in to them until the beginning of December. I called them and was assured that the money would be deposited into the correct account in 3 to 5 business days... It never got there. SO I called again today.
I actually got through within the projected 8 minutes. The guy checked and discovered that the money should have gone in, but if it isn't thee by tomorrow am, I have to call back... What can I say, Our government tax dollars at rest!
ARRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was about one minute into the 8 minute wait, and I moved wrong, or something and the phone cut off. This has happened before, usually when I am on hold for a long time about something. I am never quite certain if it's our phone, or I have gotten cut off by the place I am calling.
At any rate, I am trying to find out what the heck happened to Sandy's SSI check for this month. screwed up last month and forgot to move her check to go into direct deposit into the new account, due to extenuating circumstances. (Namely the car crapping out on us) and didn't get the call in to them until the beginning of December. I called them and was assured that the money would be deposited into the correct account in 3 to 5 business days... It never got there. SO I called again today.
I actually got through within the projected 8 minutes. The guy checked and discovered that the money should have gone in, but if it isn't thee by tomorrow am, I have to call back... What can I say, Our government tax dollars at rest!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
End of the Year at Covenant
Today we had our end of year congregational meeting. As usual, this includes a meal. In past years, it has been a pot luck. Today we had a soup and salad lunch prepared by the ladies of the church. There was a Caesar Salad, and a tossed salad. We had a choice of Bean soup, Turkey soup, a Chili with hamburger, beans, tomatoes, and onions. There was also a Minestrone type soup. Sue had the Chili and said it was delicious. I had the Turkey and thought it was pretty tasty.
We also had cookies, fudge, and a banana/vanilla wafer pudding, along with a chocolate pudding that had chocolate chips, and cherries in it. The latter is similar to a dessert Sue makes that has Chocolate pudding, cherries, whipped cream, and Oreo cookies. That one is to die for, but what we had at the church was pretty tasty!
We then got to the reason for the meeting. We always have a congregational meeting to explain the budget for the next year. Earlier in the morning, before the service, we folks on the Session met to approve the budget to present to the congregation. Later at the congregational meeting, we also had to approve the salary and housing budget for Terry, (Our Pastor) While that was discussed, we had to request Terry and his wife Kay leave the room. When we called them back in, we all applauded them. Terry quipped:, "I don't know if that applause means you're glad we're staying, or glad we're leaving!"
To be perfectly honest, we can't envision Covenant Presbyterian Church without Terry. He became the Pastor about a month before Sue and I became members of the church. We got a ride home from Terry and Kay last week, and we had mentioned a Presbyterian Church that is in The Colony. I commented that we might check out this church sometime, and Terry said, "Oh no you don't. You can't leave!" We laughed and assured them that we have no intention of leaving Covenant. Terry knows this of course, he was just kidding. But he did tell us tat they enjoy having us as members of the church. This really makes Sue and I feel good. It is nice to be a part of something. Covenant is a very warm, caring church. We have felt welcomed from the first day we walked through the doors. You can worship anywhere, but when you find a church home, home is a very apt word.
We also had cookies, fudge, and a banana/vanilla wafer pudding, along with a chocolate pudding that had chocolate chips, and cherries in it. The latter is similar to a dessert Sue makes that has Chocolate pudding, cherries, whipped cream, and Oreo cookies. That one is to die for, but what we had at the church was pretty tasty!
We then got to the reason for the meeting. We always have a congregational meeting to explain the budget for the next year. Earlier in the morning, before the service, we folks on the Session met to approve the budget to present to the congregation. Later at the congregational meeting, we also had to approve the salary and housing budget for Terry, (Our Pastor) While that was discussed, we had to request Terry and his wife Kay leave the room. When we called them back in, we all applauded them. Terry quipped:, "I don't know if that applause means you're glad we're staying, or glad we're leaving!"
To be perfectly honest, we can't envision Covenant Presbyterian Church without Terry. He became the Pastor about a month before Sue and I became members of the church. We got a ride home from Terry and Kay last week, and we had mentioned a Presbyterian Church that is in The Colony. I commented that we might check out this church sometime, and Terry said, "Oh no you don't. You can't leave!" We laughed and assured them that we have no intention of leaving Covenant. Terry knows this of course, he was just kidding. But he did tell us tat they enjoy having us as members of the church. This really makes Sue and I feel good. It is nice to be a part of something. Covenant is a very warm, caring church. We have felt welcomed from the first day we walked through the doors. You can worship anywhere, but when you find a church home, home is a very apt word.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Saturday without a blog subject
Here it is, Saturday afternoon, and I can't think of anything to blog about. So, I suppose I can write about not having anything to write about.. It's as good a subject as any. So I guess I can mention that Sue cleaned the oven today. We figure that the house had been a rental before we bought it, it's unlikely that the renters had bothered to clean it. God only knows how many years of gunk she cleaned away today.
Sandy had some things she had to do today, which she did. One thing was a homework essay. She also had laundry, and other cleaning she needed to take care of.
I basically took it easy. Sometimes I feel guilty doing that. I racked my back up on Thursday, so I guess I shouldn't feel bad about taking it easy under those circumstances. I still feel like I should be doing something though...
On a good note, Sue is trying some new meds that will hopefully help her to get a better night sleep. She tried it last night for the first time, and said she did sleep better. We slept in today though, so the first real test will be tomorrow when we need t get up at 7 am to get ready for church. I am hopeful that this will help her. It seems to me, that if she sleeps better, that should help hr energy level, and hopefully in turn will help her have less pain. Then at least one of us will be able to do more. Of the two of us, Sue has dealt with chronic pain a hell of a lot longer, so frankly, I would rather see her get to feeling better.
Sandy had some things she had to do today, which she did. One thing was a homework essay. She also had laundry, and other cleaning she needed to take care of.
I basically took it easy. Sometimes I feel guilty doing that. I racked my back up on Thursday, so I guess I shouldn't feel bad about taking it easy under those circumstances. I still feel like I should be doing something though...
On a good note, Sue is trying some new meds that will hopefully help her to get a better night sleep. She tried it last night for the first time, and said she did sleep better. We slept in today though, so the first real test will be tomorrow when we need t get up at 7 am to get ready for church. I am hopeful that this will help her. It seems to me, that if she sleeps better, that should help hr energy level, and hopefully in turn will help her have less pain. Then at least one of us will be able to do more. Of the two of us, Sue has dealt with chronic pain a hell of a lot longer, so frankly, I would rather see her get to feeling better.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Friday Movies
Here are the Friday movie openings. Today there are several films that look like they have some potential. "Eragon", based on the books by Christopher Paolini boasts some marvelous looking special effects. "Charlotte's Web" a new live action adaptation stars Dakota Fanning, and the voice talents of Julia Roberts as Charlotte, and some fine digital effects ( animals talking etc ) Will Smith has a new look for "The Pursuit of Happyness". At any rate, read the reviews, and judge for yourselves. If wee get the chance to see any of these films we will have a review here on the blog.
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
Charlotte's Web
Fans of the E.B. White book are rewarded for their patience with this endearing live-action adaptation.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Inspired-by-a-true-story film spends much time making us feel bad, but ends on a towering note of uplift.
The History Boys
Alan Bennett's hit play about aspiring Oxford-Cambridge students becomes a witty, well-acted film.
Eragon
Fantasy tale about a teen hero who raises a dragon and does battle with evil warlords is strictly for kids.
Cave of the Yellow Dog
Docudrama of a precocious girl and her dog offers a beautiful setting but a slight story.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
Charlotte's Web
Fans of the E.B. White book are rewarded for their patience with this endearing live-action adaptation.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Inspired-by-a-true-story film spends much time making us feel bad, but ends on a towering note of uplift.
The History Boys
Alan Bennett's hit play about aspiring Oxford-Cambridge students becomes a witty, well-acted film.
Eragon
Fantasy tale about a teen hero who raises a dragon and does battle with evil warlords is strictly for kids.
Cave of the Yellow Dog
Docudrama of a precocious girl and her dog offers a beautiful setting but a slight story.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Tonight, a short Blog
As the title indicates, this will be a short blog tonight. I am in a lot of pain, and just can't sit here to write for very long. Sue and I had some errands to run today. Namely, Sue needed to see her Rheumatologist. (Actually she saw a doctor that is filling in for her regular Rheumatologist, who is out on Maternity leave. We found out today that she had a baby girl on December 6th. Congrats!)
We also needed to stop to pick up a few things, and at one stop, I got out of the car, went to take a step back, and didn't realize how close I was to a curb. I started to lose my balance, and twisted my back unintentionally, and now am in a great deal of pain
Such is life with chronic pain. This is what I was talking about the other day. I never know from one day to the next, if I am going to step wrong, turn wrong, or just breathe wrong. Then boom. Severe pain. I don't know how Sue has been able to deal with this for so long. Oh well, time to stop whining. I promise to try to blog more tomorrow.
We also needed to stop to pick up a few things, and at one stop, I got out of the car, went to take a step back, and didn't realize how close I was to a curb. I started to lose my balance, and twisted my back unintentionally, and now am in a great deal of pain
Such is life with chronic pain. This is what I was talking about the other day. I never know from one day to the next, if I am going to step wrong, turn wrong, or just breathe wrong. Then boom. Severe pain. I don't know how Sue has been able to deal with this for so long. Oh well, time to stop whining. I promise to try to blog more tomorrow.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Proof that we need a life!
While she was clearing the table tonight after dinner, our daughter Sandy said she thought that one of the floor tiles was loose, and that it made a strange noise. Not really sure if she was making a joke or not, I got up to investigate. I bent down to look, and discovered it was not loose, but as I tapped on it I discovered something really odd. Underneath this particular tile, is a hollow spot.
Let the wild speculation begin! To confirm the hollow sound, I brought over my cane and tapped it on the offending tile and several around. Just the one was hollow. Okay. Why would there be a hole underneath the floor in my dining room? Buried treasure? Jimmy Hoffa? Who knows. One thing for certain, we will not be likely to find out until we get around to remodeling the kitchen. I definitely don't plan on prying the thing up just to find out.
Now of course it is likely to make us wonder from time to time what the heck could be under that spot. I am considering trying to find a friend with ground penetrating radar to see what might be there. (NOT!!!) It could have something to do with plumbing, or electrical wiring. God ( and the contractor that built the house ) only knows. This does however go to show one thing for certain...
We really gotta get a damn life!
Let the wild speculation begin! To confirm the hollow sound, I brought over my cane and tapped it on the offending tile and several around. Just the one was hollow. Okay. Why would there be a hole underneath the floor in my dining room? Buried treasure? Jimmy Hoffa? Who knows. One thing for certain, we will not be likely to find out until we get around to remodeling the kitchen. I definitely don't plan on prying the thing up just to find out.
Now of course it is likely to make us wonder from time to time what the heck could be under that spot. I am considering trying to find a friend with ground penetrating radar to see what might be there. (NOT!!!) It could have something to do with plumbing, or electrical wiring. God ( and the contractor that built the house ) only knows. This does however go to show one thing for certain...
We really gotta get a damn life!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Birthday Yesterday and Car Update
Yesterday was my birthday. In case anyone wonders (Sue, the only one who seems to read this already knows,) I turned 48. Yep 2 years away from the big 50! Actually as far as birthdays go, 50 doesn't bother me. I have already mentioned it here, that I plan to have a party for that one. My birthday was a pleasant one though. I got several cards from Sue, Sandy, and Mom & Dad. ( Maybe they read this too!) The one thing I was hoping to get for my birthday, didn't pan out though. I was kind of hoping we might at least find a car we wanted.
Segue to the Car Update. We were unable to get everything together yesterday to go look at the place we wanted to go, but today we did. We went out to a dealership in Lewisville, and looked at a 1998 Plymouth Voyager that was in really nice shape. It had 96,000 miles, good tires, clean inside and out, the engine is very clean, the A/C works great, yada, yada, yada. Pretty much a decent car. We both drove it, and decided we liked it. It was selling for $4495.00.
We had looked it up online, got good marks on it from Consumer Reports, and according to the online payment calculator, could afford the monthly payments. We go in to talk to the salesman about it, and find out that he would be happy to sell it to us for cash, but they would not finance anything under $6000.00. He tried to put us through a credit union, but no go. The best they could do is offer to sell it to us at their cost which is $2900.00 plus tax, license, and dealer prep. In all if we could come up with $3500.00 we could buy it for cash.
We have a certain amount that the Church can help us with for a down payment, but not enough to cover the $3500.00. Oh well, back to the drawing board. the next trip out will have to be to one of these rip-off lots that will finance there. We will probably get screwed in interest, but oh well. God will help us into th car He wants us to have. In the mean time, we keep the faith!
Segue to the Car Update. We were unable to get everything together yesterday to go look at the place we wanted to go, but today we did. We went out to a dealership in Lewisville, and looked at a 1998 Plymouth Voyager that was in really nice shape. It had 96,000 miles, good tires, clean inside and out, the engine is very clean, the A/C works great, yada, yada, yada. Pretty much a decent car. We both drove it, and decided we liked it. It was selling for $4495.00.
We had looked it up online, got good marks on it from Consumer Reports, and according to the online payment calculator, could afford the monthly payments. We go in to talk to the salesman about it, and find out that he would be happy to sell it to us for cash, but they would not finance anything under $6000.00. He tried to put us through a credit union, but no go. The best they could do is offer to sell it to us at their cost which is $2900.00 plus tax, license, and dealer prep. In all if we could come up with $3500.00 we could buy it for cash.
We have a certain amount that the Church can help us with for a down payment, but not enough to cover the $3500.00. Oh well, back to the drawing board. the next trip out will have to be to one of these rip-off lots that will finance there. We will probably get screwed in interest, but oh well. God will help us into th car He wants us to have. In the mean time, we keep the faith!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Monday Rant!
Last week, the Baker-Hamilton report on Iraq came out, with the stunning, unexpected news that the current policy in Iraq isn't working. Here are some recommendations by the panel. Beginning of a phased withdrawal of US combat forces from Iraq and direct US dialog with Syria and Iran over Iraq and the Middle East. The Iraq Study Group also found that the Pentagon has underreported significantly the extent of the violence in Iraq and that officials have obtained little information regarding the source of these attacks. The group further described the situation in Afghanistan as so disastrous that they may need to divert troops from Iraq in order to help stabilize the country.
Well, Duh. Ya think? Now the question is going to be, what will Shrub do about it? He seems to be off in his own little world, convinced that no Civil war exists. Excuse me, but when you have more than one faction using violence against another, and both of these groups are citizens of the same country, then I would call that a civil war. ( Of course the term "Civil War" has always bothered me. George Carlin did a bit about it. "Civil War? Kind of sounds like " Excuse me. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPP! BANG, KAPOW!" )
Civil War is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary - n. A war between factions or regions of the same country.
Gee, isn't that what I just said? Okay Mr. Bush, let me say this to you slowly, You have Shiites on one side, and Sunnis on the other ( I won't even bring the Kurds into this right now ) They are shooting, killing, maiming, and generally fighting each other. They are two different factions (Sorry, I know you need to have people use those little words) factions means groups - You have these two separate groups and they are both in Iraq. They are fighting and killing each other. Mr. Bush, This is called a Civil War. Wake p and see that reality of the situation. What you are doing over there is not working. Start bringing our troops home, and just let the damn Iraqis battle it out on their own. You got rid of Saddam, you killed his sons, you got your revenge for him trying to kill your old man. Now stop killing our young people. Better yet, let you two fun loving, hard drinking twin daughters go over there for a few months. Then you will have a common ground to talk to Jim Webb!
A friend of ours has mentioned the possibility of impeachment. I am reaching the point that I think maybe that might not be a bad idea. The only down side is, it won't get our troops home any quicker.
Well, Duh. Ya think? Now the question is going to be, what will Shrub do about it? He seems to be off in his own little world, convinced that no Civil war exists. Excuse me, but when you have more than one faction using violence against another, and both of these groups are citizens of the same country, then I would call that a civil war. ( Of course the term "Civil War" has always bothered me. George Carlin did a bit about it. "Civil War? Kind of sounds like " Excuse me. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRPPP! BANG, KAPOW!" )
Civil War is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary - n. A war between factions or regions of the same country.
Gee, isn't that what I just said? Okay Mr. Bush, let me say this to you slowly, You have Shiites on one side, and Sunnis on the other ( I won't even bring the Kurds into this right now ) They are shooting, killing, maiming, and generally fighting each other. They are two different factions (Sorry, I know you need to have people use those little words) factions means groups - You have these two separate groups and they are both in Iraq. They are fighting and killing each other. Mr. Bush, This is called a Civil War. Wake p and see that reality of the situation. What you are doing over there is not working. Start bringing our troops home, and just let the damn Iraqis battle it out on their own. You got rid of Saddam, you killed his sons, you got your revenge for him trying to kill your old man. Now stop killing our young people. Better yet, let you two fun loving, hard drinking twin daughters go over there for a few months. Then you will have a common ground to talk to Jim Webb!
A friend of ours has mentioned the possibility of impeachment. I am reaching the point that I think maybe that might not be a bad idea. The only down side is, it won't get our troops home any quicker.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
A fortuitous walk
Last night, Sue and I went for a walk around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. This is something we have enjoyed doing since we have been together. We have fun looking at how other folks have decorated, and get ideas for things we might want to do ourselves. Last nigh we also came up with a dividend. In front of one house was some cut up wood. Apparently a branch had come down, and the homeowner had cut it into smaller pieces.
After church today, we went over to the house to ask if we could have some of the wood. They told us sure, and we went back home to get something to carry it in. We dumped out the papers we had in the recycle bin, and used that.
Unfortunately, by the time we got back, the guy had taken a goodly portion of the wood, and stuck it in his garage. Oh well, we still ended up with a few pieces. We did learn something though, keep your eyes open, and you just might find something useful. I figure that we may just come across more wood somewhere along the line.
We enjoy having a fireplace. Sue has never had one, I lived with a girl years ago that had one, so I have a little experience with starting fires. Sue loves messing with the fire, and helping to keep it going. I love watching her eyes light up as she finds something that she enjoys. I plan to do as much as I can to help her find new things that she can have fun with. That gives me a great deal of enjoyment.
After church today, we went over to the house to ask if we could have some of the wood. They told us sure, and we went back home to get something to carry it in. We dumped out the papers we had in the recycle bin, and used that.
Unfortunately, by the time we got back, the guy had taken a goodly portion of the wood, and stuck it in his garage. Oh well, we still ended up with a few pieces. We did learn something though, keep your eyes open, and you just might find something useful. I figure that we may just come across more wood somewhere along the line.
We enjoy having a fireplace. Sue has never had one, I lived with a girl years ago that had one, so I have a little experience with starting fires. Sue loves messing with the fire, and helping to keep it going. I love watching her eyes light up as she finds something that she enjoys. I plan to do as much as I can to help her find new things that she can have fun with. That gives me a great deal of enjoyment.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Sleeping in!
One of the most enjoyable things is sleeping in on a Saturday. Actually sleeping in on any day of the week works too! When you don't sleep very well to begin with, sleeping in can be bliss!
Sleeping at all can be bliss. It used to be that I would only get insomnia a couple times of year. Maybe I was stressed about something, or had something on my mind ( such as it is.) On those nights I would find myself looking at the clock every five to ten minutes, and thinking, jeez, if I can go to sleep now, I can get 5 hours. Then soon it would be, if I can go to sleep now I can get 4 hours, then finally screw it, I may as well just get up now!
What I would give now for that once in awhile insomnia. Now, I don't sleep well because of chronic pain. Just as you get to sleep, you turn ever so slightly, and the pain receptors light up like a ( excuse the use of this analogy in December) freakin' Christmas Tree! Then it's back to staring at the clock going, jeez you mean it's only ( insert whatever time you want here!)
Sue has had to deal with this for many years. I have been leaning this little joy of chronic pain over the last 4 or 5. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. There are days, I just don't feel like doing anything. I can relate to Sue a lot more now than I used to. I understood, a little, from having been a medic. I used to take care of Sue, and now there are days she has to take care of me. Thank God I have a woman like Sue. I know that she doesn't mind helping do things when I can't Unfortunately, I have to accept that there are days when I can't That, for me is probably the hardest thing to deal with. Even harder than the insomnia.
Sleeping at all can be bliss. It used to be that I would only get insomnia a couple times of year. Maybe I was stressed about something, or had something on my mind ( such as it is.) On those nights I would find myself looking at the clock every five to ten minutes, and thinking, jeez, if I can go to sleep now, I can get 5 hours. Then soon it would be, if I can go to sleep now I can get 4 hours, then finally screw it, I may as well just get up now!
What I would give now for that once in awhile insomnia. Now, I don't sleep well because of chronic pain. Just as you get to sleep, you turn ever so slightly, and the pain receptors light up like a ( excuse the use of this analogy in December) freakin' Christmas Tree! Then it's back to staring at the clock going, jeez you mean it's only ( insert whatever time you want here!)
Sue has had to deal with this for many years. I have been leaning this little joy of chronic pain over the last 4 or 5. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. There are days, I just don't feel like doing anything. I can relate to Sue a lot more now than I used to. I understood, a little, from having been a medic. I used to take care of Sue, and now there are days she has to take care of me. Thank God I have a woman like Sue. I know that she doesn't mind helping do things when I can't Unfortunately, I have to accept that there are days when I can't That, for me is probably the hardest thing to deal with. Even harder than the insomnia.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Friday Movies
Here are the Friday movie releases.
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
The Holiday
Beautiful, flawless film is both an homage to and an update of the classy romantic comedies of the 1940s.
Apocalypto
Mel Gibson's odd Mayan epic is a unique, great-looking film that's a bit too in love with its own carnage.
Blood Diamond
The acting of Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou holds your attention through a predictable storyline.
Unaccompanied Minors
Small kids may laugh as a rascally gang of kids traveling alone run wild during a Christmas Eve blizzard.
Coffee Date
Wry romantic comedy of sexual confusion deftly turns increasingly serious without losing its sense of humor.
Candy
Tale of a heroin-addicted couple (Abbie Cornish and Heath Ledger) is careful not to glamorize drugs.
The Architect
Strong performances give a firm foundation to this tale of an architect whose building and family are crumbling.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
The Holiday
Beautiful, flawless film is both an homage to and an update of the classy romantic comedies of the 1940s.
Apocalypto
Mel Gibson's odd Mayan epic is a unique, great-looking film that's a bit too in love with its own carnage.
Blood Diamond
The acting of Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou holds your attention through a predictable storyline.
Unaccompanied Minors
Small kids may laugh as a rascally gang of kids traveling alone run wild during a Christmas Eve blizzard.
Coffee Date
Wry romantic comedy of sexual confusion deftly turns increasingly serious without losing its sense of humor.
Candy
Tale of a heroin-addicted couple (Abbie Cornish and Heath Ledger) is careful not to glamorize drugs.
The Architect
Strong performances give a firm foundation to this tale of an architect whose building and family are crumbling.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Thursday Musings
Well, here it is, Thursday. We are still looking for car deals. We know what we want, and as I wrote yesterday, we at least now have a down payment amount we can give to the dealers. We will find something. I need to give Bob Ingibritson a call, and give him some specific places that we want to go to look at cars. Then we can see what kind of time he has to help us go to look.
Next Monday is my 48th birthday. Not that I really care, as there isn't much we can do even if I wanted to do to celebrate. Frankly next birthday tat is going to really mean anything to me will be in '08 when I turn 50. To me that is a milestone. Of coarse Mom will not likely see it that way, as on December 30th of that year when will be 75. I suspect she won' really want to be reminded of that!
I have been using looking for a car as an excuse not to do any writing. I have at least one short story idea, have gone as far as writing the idea down, and have come up with some characters names, but done little else. Sue and I also need to get our butts in gear and start working on the screenplay in earnest. ( It's a bit outside of Timbuktu, I think... )
Anyway, we both need to get our rears in gear and start writing.I need to get going ton the Roadblock story, and get both Sue and I working on the screenplay. By now Karin has probably given up on us. It has been several months since we had the preliminary meeting. What do I need to do to kick myself in the ass and start writing again??? When I figure it out, I will blog it here!
Next Monday is my 48th birthday. Not that I really care, as there isn't much we can do even if I wanted to do to celebrate. Frankly next birthday tat is going to really mean anything to me will be in '08 when I turn 50. To me that is a milestone. Of coarse Mom will not likely see it that way, as on December 30th of that year when will be 75. I suspect she won' really want to be reminded of that!
I have been using looking for a car as an excuse not to do any writing. I have at least one short story idea, have gone as far as writing the idea down, and have come up with some characters names, but done little else. Sue and I also need to get our butts in gear and start working on the screenplay in earnest. ( It's a bit outside of Timbuktu, I think... )
Anyway, we both need to get our rears in gear and start writing.I need to get going ton the Roadblock story, and get both Sue and I working on the screenplay. By now Karin has probably given up on us. It has been several months since we had the preliminary meeting. What do I need to do to kick myself in the ass and start writing again??? When I figure it out, I will blog it here!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Updates
Well, the Food Stamp wait is over. The mail showed up ( at 1:00pm - this is early lately, as it's been showing up after 6:00 for the last several days!) Lo an behold, there was the letter with the EBT card in it. Yea! At first I got torked because the paper the card was inserted into had a notice that the pin number would be mailed separately within 10 days. Sue kept a bit more of a level head than I did. There was another paper included in the envelope that told how to set up a pin number.
So we now have access to $78.00 worth of food stamps. Not much but better than nothing. We also found out that we will get access to the monthly $32.00 on the 11th of each month. It's not much, but it is better than nothing.
So it looks like I don't have a reason for any more rants today.
Also on the plus side, we got word how much we can get for a down payment from different members of the church. Now, armed with this information, we can now start looking for a card in earnest. We can tell a car dealer how much we can put down on a car, so that will make it a little easier to go look at cars. This makes me feel a lot more confident that we will find a car soon.
So we now have access to $78.00 worth of food stamps. Not much but better than nothing. We also found out that we will get access to the monthly $32.00 on the 11th of each month. It's not much, but it is better than nothing.
So it looks like I don't have a reason for any more rants today.
Also on the plus side, we got word how much we can get for a down payment from different members of the church. Now, armed with this information, we can now start looking for a card in earnest. We can tell a car dealer how much we can put down on a car, so that will make it a little easier to go look at cars. This makes me feel a lot more confident that we will find a car soon.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Tuesday Rant!
It's Tuesday, and here the promised rant. Remember I mentioned before that we had applied for Food Stamps, and been approved? Well, we got a letter a while back telling us we are entitled to $32.00 per month. You read correctly. $32.00 per month. This is supposedly a supplement. When I asked the lady how we were expected to buy food for two parents and a 15 year old girl with $32.00, I could envision the Prince-nez glasses perching on the end of her up-turned nose as she said:
"Food Stamps are only supposed to be a supplement, sir!"
She actually made the 'sir' sound like a curse.
Okay fine. According to the statement we got we are entitled to $12.00 for September, and the aforementioned $32.00 for October and every month thereafter. Fine. Great. The next hurdle is how do we access the $32.00? (Now that it's December, we're up to $108.00) We had a card when we lived in Dallas County. We tried calling the information from that card. Nothing. We finally get hold of the lady with the snotty attitude again. She tells us ( oh so contritely now)the card we have is just fine, and that there is a computer glitch, and we should be able to access the Food Stamps by the next day. You see she and her assistant were working on the problem until 7PM the night before, until the computers were taken down for the night. Okay I'm an idiot. I buy this one.
I try back the next day. Still no access. I try for a couple more days. No dice. I call the lady again. She gives me more song and dance that they are still having computer problems. After going round and round about this thing for another 2 weeks, she suddenly decides that we do need a new card, after all. We have to go into the Denton County office to get it. I leave a message asking if they could possibly mail the card. She responds to the phone tag, and says she will send the card. That was last Wednesday, As of today's mail, no Food Stamp card. One begins to wonder if she sent the bloody thing via Pony express! Hell, I could have walked to Denton and back ( even with my screwed up back and sciatica) faster than this!
Don't ya just love a bureaucracy!
"Food Stamps are only supposed to be a supplement, sir!"
She actually made the 'sir' sound like a curse.
Okay fine. According to the statement we got we are entitled to $12.00 for September, and the aforementioned $32.00 for October and every month thereafter. Fine. Great. The next hurdle is how do we access the $32.00? (Now that it's December, we're up to $108.00) We had a card when we lived in Dallas County. We tried calling the information from that card. Nothing. We finally get hold of the lady with the snotty attitude again. She tells us ( oh so contritely now)the card we have is just fine, and that there is a computer glitch, and we should be able to access the Food Stamps by the next day. You see she and her assistant were working on the problem until 7PM the night before, until the computers were taken down for the night. Okay I'm an idiot. I buy this one.
I try back the next day. Still no access. I try for a couple more days. No dice. I call the lady again. She gives me more song and dance that they are still having computer problems. After going round and round about this thing for another 2 weeks, she suddenly decides that we do need a new card, after all. We have to go into the Denton County office to get it. I leave a message asking if they could possibly mail the card. She responds to the phone tag, and says she will send the card. That was last Wednesday, As of today's mail, no Food Stamp card. One begins to wonder if she sent the bloody thing via Pony express! Hell, I could have walked to Denton and back ( even with my screwed up back and sciatica) faster than this!
Don't ya just love a bureaucracy!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Monday, Monday
Here we are, another week. The first week of the last month of the year. Last night we had our Christmas play at church. The youth group put it on. It was called, "A Cricket County Christmas Cruise." This was a sequel to a Christmas play the youth group did 2 years ago. "A Cricket County Christmas."
In the original story the city cousins ended up in Cricket County at Christmas to meet their country cousins, and attend the reading of their rich uncle Zeke's will. It turned out the country cousins of Cricket County ended up with Zeke's millions. However the city cousins learned that Christmas was truly about a lot more than money.
In this story, the cousins end up on a cruise ship. The Country cousins are mistaken for the ship's custodians by the cruise director, they mistake an actor portraying one of the wise men in the Ship's Nativity play as the real thing, and everyone thinks a country man posing as a millionaire, is the real deal. Hilarity ensues. The play was a lot of fun, and the kids had a great time with it. Sandy played Pete, one of the city cousins, and enjoyed herself.
We started out the evening with a pot luck (We're a Presbyterian Church what a surprise!) We finished up by making some Christmas stockings to go to The Austin Street Shelter, that we support throughout the year.
Today, Sue and I tried to relax, as last night when we got home, I threw my back out. ( I really gotta replace that back one of these days. The damn thing goes out more than I do!!! Tonight we had a fire in the fireplace, so Sandy could get a chance to see it. Sue and I broke the fireplace in Friday night while she was gone. Anyway, that's about it today. Tomorrow, I will attempt to think of something to rant about. It's been awhile since I have blogged a good rant. I will have to see what I can do about that!
In the original story the city cousins ended up in Cricket County at Christmas to meet their country cousins, and attend the reading of their rich uncle Zeke's will. It turned out the country cousins of Cricket County ended up with Zeke's millions. However the city cousins learned that Christmas was truly about a lot more than money.
In this story, the cousins end up on a cruise ship. The Country cousins are mistaken for the ship's custodians by the cruise director, they mistake an actor portraying one of the wise men in the Ship's Nativity play as the real thing, and everyone thinks a country man posing as a millionaire, is the real deal. Hilarity ensues. The play was a lot of fun, and the kids had a great time with it. Sandy played Pete, one of the city cousins, and enjoyed herself.
We started out the evening with a pot luck (We're a Presbyterian Church what a surprise!) We finished up by making some Christmas stockings to go to The Austin Street Shelter, that we support throughout the year.
Today, Sue and I tried to relax, as last night when we got home, I threw my back out. ( I really gotta replace that back one of these days. The damn thing goes out more than I do!!! Tonight we had a fire in the fireplace, so Sandy could get a chance to see it. Sue and I broke the fireplace in Friday night while she was gone. Anyway, that's about it today. Tomorrow, I will attempt to think of something to rant about. It's been awhile since I have blogged a good rant. I will have to see what I can do about that!
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Free to good home: 2 Cats, and one kitten!
Yesterday I mentioned about the decoration fest that Sue went on. When Sandy got home, she helped Sue put the rest of the ornaments on the tree. After they were done, I got a picture of the newly decorated tree. Fortunately that is.
When we got up this morning, the tree was on the floor. Ornaments were on the floor. 2 cats and one kitten were sitting there looking at me like"So where's our breakfast, man?" The only thing we can figure is that when we went to bed, they decided to help decorate the tree themselves. Being kitties, they couldn't go down the street to Dollar General, so they used the next best thing for ornaments. Themselves!
Obviously the wight of 2 cats and a kitten was just a bit too much for our five year old artificial tree. Hence, he tree on the floor. We put the tree back up, and tied it to a plant hook in the ceiling above the tree, with some twine. The angel tree topper didn't quite fit correctly, so I used the ribbons at the neck of the angel and tied her to the twine. Hey, you gotta use what you can to make things work.
Needless to say I can't wait to see innovative decorations our felines come up with in the middle of the night tonight... just wont guarantee they will live to do any more decorating after that...
When we got up this morning, the tree was on the floor. Ornaments were on the floor. 2 cats and one kitten were sitting there looking at me like"So where's our breakfast, man?" The only thing we can figure is that when we went to bed, they decided to help decorate the tree themselves. Being kitties, they couldn't go down the street to Dollar General, so they used the next best thing for ornaments. Themselves!
Obviously the wight of 2 cats and a kitten was just a bit too much for our five year old artificial tree. Hence, he tree on the floor. We put the tree back up, and tied it to a plant hook in the ceiling above the tree, with some twine. The angel tree topper didn't quite fit correctly, so I used the ribbons at the neck of the angel and tied her to the twine. Hey, you gotta use what you can to make things work.
Needless to say I can't wait to see innovative decorations our felines come up with in the middle of the night tonight... just wont guarantee they will live to do any more decorating after that...
You've got to be $#@ing Kidding!
I get humor from a newsletter entitled: Joke of the Day. ( If anyone wants the link to this just let me know)
Usually the jokes are a bit lame, and they also have pictures that are often pretty funny. Every now and then they have a gem.
This one is a brilliant, flawless diamond!
Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens...
In a recent issue of Meat & Poultry magazine, editors quoted from ''Feathers,'' the publication of the California Poultry Industry Federation, telling the following story:
It seems the US Federal Aviation Administration has a unique device for testing the strength of windshields on airplanes. The device is a gun that launches a dead chicken at a plane's windshield at approximately the speed the airplane flies. The theory is that if the windshield can withstand the carcass test impact, it'll survive a real collision with a bird during flight.
Apparently, the British were very interested in this and wanted to test a windshield on a brand new, high-speed train they were developing. They borrowed the FAA's chicken launcher, loaded a chicken and fired. The ballistic chicken not only shattered the windshield, but went through the engineer's seat, broke an instrument panel, and was embedded in the back wall of the engine cab. The British were stunned and asked the FAA to review the test to see if everything was done correctly.
The FAA reviewed the data thoroughly and had one recommendation: ''Use a thawed chicken.''
Usually the jokes are a bit lame, and they also have pictures that are often pretty funny. Every now and then they have a gem.
This one is a brilliant, flawless diamond!
Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens...
In a recent issue of Meat & Poultry magazine, editors quoted from ''Feathers,'' the publication of the California Poultry Industry Federation, telling the following story:
It seems the US Federal Aviation Administration has a unique device for testing the strength of windshields on airplanes. The device is a gun that launches a dead chicken at a plane's windshield at approximately the speed the airplane flies. The theory is that if the windshield can withstand the carcass test impact, it'll survive a real collision with a bird during flight.
Apparently, the British were very interested in this and wanted to test a windshield on a brand new, high-speed train they were developing. They borrowed the FAA's chicken launcher, loaded a chicken and fired. The ballistic chicken not only shattered the windshield, but went through the engineer's seat, broke an instrument panel, and was embedded in the back wall of the engine cab. The British were stunned and asked the FAA to review the test to see if everything was done correctly.
The FAA reviewed the data thoroughly and had one recommendation: ''Use a thawed chicken.''
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Decking the Halls ( or at least the Walls!)
Today, Sue went on a decoration fest. She added some more lights to the tree, and some garland, and dug out the ornaments for Sandy to put on the tree later. (Sandy was at a drill meet, so will have to do her thing later.)
Sue usually does a pretty good job decorating for Christmas, but I think this year she will go all out. And who can blame her. This is the first Christmas in our new hose, the first house we have ever lived in, let alone own. So I figure if it makes her feel good to decorate why the hell not! I take care of the outside, not because it's a man;s domain or any of that macho bullshit, just because that's how we usually do it. She decorates inside, and apart from setting up the tree, she does the inside!
I like being festive. It makes it feel like we are getting closer to Christmas, the more lights we string up, and the such. Soon we will be making cookies, Chex mix, and Slushies.. (I still remember my mom getting sloshed on Slush! She maintains she wasn't blitzed, just well organized. I'll have to ask mom if she is going to make slushies this year.
Well, getting near time to make dinner.
Sue usually does a pretty good job decorating for Christmas, but I think this year she will go all out. And who can blame her. This is the first Christmas in our new hose, the first house we have ever lived in, let alone own. So I figure if it makes her feel good to decorate why the hell not! I take care of the outside, not because it's a man;s domain or any of that macho bullshit, just because that's how we usually do it. She decorates inside, and apart from setting up the tree, she does the inside!
I like being festive. It makes it feel like we are getting closer to Christmas, the more lights we string up, and the such. Soon we will be making cookies, Chex mix, and Slushies.. (I still remember my mom getting sloshed on Slush! She maintains she wasn't blitzed, just well organized. I'll have to ask mom if she is going to make slushies this year.
Well, getting near time to make dinner.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Friday Movies
Here are this weeks movie reviews. Enjoy!
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
The Nativity Story
Kid-friendly adaptation of the Christmas story focuses on teenage Mary's remarkable task of bearing Jesus.
Turistas
A Brazilian tour bus wrecks, forcing its passengers to face a conspiracy aimed at picking them off one by one.
Sleeping Dogs Lie
A finacée confides that she once performed a sex act on her dog in this blunt, provocative comedy.
Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj
Kal Penn returns in this sequel to the 2002 film from National Lampoon. This film did not screen for critics before press time.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
New releases this week
Click on the film's title to read a full review.
The Nativity Story
Kid-friendly adaptation of the Christmas story focuses on teenage Mary's remarkable task of bearing Jesus.
Turistas
A Brazilian tour bus wrecks, forcing its passengers to face a conspiracy aimed at picking them off one by one.
Sleeping Dogs Lie
A finacée confides that she once performed a sex act on her dog in this blunt, provocative comedy.
Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj
Kal Penn returns in this sequel to the 2002 film from National Lampoon. This film did not screen for critics before press time.
More movie reviews
Read about all the movies now playing in local theaters.
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