Simply having a wonderful Christmas time...

So far, so good. The past weeks have been hectic (as evidenced by no blogging!!!) I finally researched and found a car-dealership who would work with my not-so-hot credit. I bought a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. It is nothing special, but it has heat, a radio, and you can hear yourself bloody think when it's on the highway.

Not to panic...I did not go even temporarily insane and trade or sell Judy. The kids would have hated getting rid of her, and I don't think I could bear it. Besides, I know the dealership would not have given me anything for it...

I'll take a picture of the new (so far unnamed by the kids) car today and blog it with my phone.

Santa was good to the kids. I think they were happy. We had to return some clothes for Logan and boots for Lexie, but I figure that was going to happen no matter what.

Christmas Party

The HR lady here at work said we would have our office Christmas party on Friday night. Now they've changed it to having it at work. It's nice that they are doing something for us, but I rearranged my schedule with the kids to be without them this weekend. I have plans for tomorrow and Sunday. Now this has changed, the original reason I needed to switch. Oh well, I needed to have them next weekend (holiday weekend) on Friday and Saturday. I'm going to see if I might get them on Thursday evening too. I think I'm off Friday. Egads this time of year is crazy...

Harry Potter

Theresia and I went to see the new Harry Potter movie last night. It was pretty good, except for I had run to the restroom in the beginning of the movie and barf. I snuck 1/2 a sandwich from supper into the theater to finish it, and I must have eaten too quickly. Six months and I've only hurled three times...so I guess that's not too bad! I'm glad we didn't take our kids. They would have likely been scared witless!

The kids did Christmas shopping for their mother, a little something for a few other people and I have to wrap it up today after work. Also I have to wrap some of their presents... I want to get something under the tree. Right now there's a couple things they picked out for my room mate--candles from the "Dollar Tree", but that's it. They wanted to get me something this year, but I told them that I would rather keep what money we have to get gifts for the two of them, and the other people on our list. I explained that Christmas is exciting because you get presents, but the real fun comes from picking out things that you think other people will really like, seeing them unwrap the gift you chose just special for them, and looking at their face when they see what it is! They are excited about that part of Christmas now as well, and they understand why they don't really need to get me anything, because my fun comes from them!

In all honesty, I'm going to wait until everybody else on our list is taken care of, and then, if I have anything after Christmas, I'm going to shop bargains for some clothes I need. I've got some stuff that is just too damn big to even wear any more.

Girlfriend Bakes!!!

My girlfriend, Theresia, baked my Mother's recipe of Fresh Apple Cake for me! It was awesome! I hadn't had it in over a year, and she even substituted half the sugar out and used Splenda instead! She's so awesome. She invited Lexie, Logan, and I over for supper last night...she made this really good Fiesta soup, and then to go with cheese quesadillas. That's such a new twist on soup-and-grilled-cheese for the kids and me. It was very filling. Well, she had meant to have the Fresh Apple Cake for dessert, but it takes a whole hour to bake. She brought me three pieces to work today just a little bit ago.

My friend, Diane called me. Her boyfriend broke up with her. I really liked him and thought he was a good guy. Perhaps he is, but he's hurt Diane. I think it might be half that she let herself get hurt. I think in the logical part of her mind she knew he was not in love with her, but she needs someone to love her, so she told herself it was true. I met him on several occasions, and he seemed like he genuinely loved her as well, but...

Work issued me a (very) small bonus check for Christmas!! I was totally surprised!!! Every penny around this time of year counts!!!

Missing: 1 Chair Sleeper (not really)

Please help me out if you're able. Lexie used to have a chair-sleeper. I forget where I got it at, but it was probably at Wal-Mart or K-Mart, or something like that. See below for a picture of what they look like. If any of you see one while you're out doing your holiday shopping, please let me know. I know she would love to have on of these again, I just can't find one!!! You can e-mail me at the1weasel@gmail.com

My new hat!

i was totally freezing to death this morning so i stopped at wal-mart and got this hat to cover my ears. It looks very stupid but now i know why people wear them despite how the look. it really keeps your ears comfortably warm!

Dinner & a Movie

Last night, Theresia fixed dinner for me. I came over to her house directly after work, and she fixed this very tasty seafood dish. It was scallops (which I've not had since before the surgery) and shrimp in a wine sauce over pasta. She had me pick up cracked red pepper to go in it. It was really good. I'll admit, during the day I had asked about three people to pray for me, because she's (self-proclaimed) not a good cook. To be honest though, I think she's fine in the kitchen. It's not about ability, it's about practice. She seldom cooks. The poor thing has herself convinced that she can't cook, so she will do just about anything to get out of it. I told her once, "You're all about some food. Not free food, good food, fine food, authentic food, foreign food, home-cooked food, cheap food, greasy food or health-food. Just food that you didn't have to cook!!!!" It works out good for us most of the time though, because I love to cook. I have decent culinary instincts, and I can always fix something edible. Much of the time I can fix something tasty and good. Occasionally it's outstanding...

After dinner, we went to see "Walk the Line", the story of Johnny Cash starring Joaquin Phoenix. It was really a great movie. Theresia is so tender-hearted, she cried at several points. That's one reason I'm so crazy about her!!! Afterwards, we went back to my place and sacked out for the night. She gave me a ride to work today so we could have the morning ride together. She's so sweet...

Luncheon

Today was the pitch-in lunch for October, November, and December birthdays at work. There was deli-meat sandwiches, bbq smokies, meatballs, two (TWO) kinds of deviled eggs, green-bean casserole, macaroni salad, veggie pizza appetizer, and deserts-out-the-wazoo! I had a full-sized pre-op plate. I'm going to be eating for the whole rest of the entire day!!! Its a good thing this is only 4 times a year!!!

It was so damn cold this morning, I thought I was going to lose a body part! My fingers and toes were numb by the time I got to work. Of course, not everybody has to drive from one state, to another state, and then back again just to go to work!!! I'm not complaining about it though, Judy is old with a heater that barely clears the windows, I have lost 130 lbs now and I just don't have the insulation I used to have. Also, that trip allows me to spend more time with my kids, so I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm about ready to get rid of this beloved car for something more practical--you know--something with heat???

At about 11am or so, it was snowing pretty good...but it did not last long. I have high hopes for a White Christmas-Eve!!!

This past weekend

The kids and I had fun this weekend!!

Theresia and Rachael came over for dinner. Value Market had whole pork loin on sale, so I made stuffed chops (spinach, walnuts, garlic, apple, and parmesan cheese). I think Theresia and I liked it more than the kids. Room mate, who has been fairly sane recently (for some reason) liked the leftover chops on Sunday too... I put up the tree, the kids and I did the lights and the garland, then I just turned them loose on hanging ornaments. They really did good with it, and it came out looking very festive!!! Only one little ornament got broken, and it was a glass bulb. Logan was goofing around with the box they came in (they were new ornaments, not preciously collected old ones) and one broke and cut him. It was little more than a paper cut really, but I made everyone get out of the room while I vacuumed it all up...everybody else had no shoes on!!! Theresia took care of Logan's cut while I cleaned up. Later, we watched a movie I rented for the kids called "Like Mike". It was really cute...

Later, after the tree trimming, and dinner...

Theresia had told me about this thing--"Bardstown Road A-Glow". The merchants all along Bardstown road stayed open late and there were refreshments and hot cider all up and down the road. Kizito's Cookies had free samples of their shortbread cookies. I used to have a shortbread recipe that I got from my ex-brother-in-law George's mother. It was a really good recipe. These cookies from Kizito's were still hot, and melted in your mouth!!!! Lexie got her tongue burned on hot cider. It was raining, so the kids had scarves and hoods on their heads (as much as you could keep them on) and we had a fantastic time despite the rain. Lexie and Logan had a hard time understanding that they only got ONE treat each time treats were offered, but they learned quick enough for a four and seven year old. There was this one odd little shop...I don't remember the name, but Theresia got me a little button with a cartoon picture of a "donkey" that said JACKASS. I guess that tells you something. She has a wonderful sense of humor... She and I were both wearing Santa hats, so I pinned mine to the hat. It's still there...

Sunday, Joe and Dana (the kid's Grandparents on their mother's side) asked if they could take the kids to see Chicken Little. They had fun, and they took us all to Piccadilly's cafeteria afterwards. The kids had a really good time. When we were finished with supper, I called Theresia, and we all came over to her house for a little bit. Just as we were leaving, on 107.7 WSFR, they played "Burnin' Sky" by Bad Company, and the kids started freaking out, yelling "THAT SONG WAS ON CHICKEN LITTLE!!!" I thought that was soooo funny! I brought "The Pacifier" with me, and the kids played, while Theresia and I watched it. Theresia fixed popcorn. It was nice to just relax for a little bit. Kendall was up and I got to see her for a little, so that was really nice. I was really tired when we got home. The kids did not get up and get dressed when I woke them and went in to get my shower, and we got down to the car and Lexie says "Oh no, I forgot my glasses". I told her right before we walked out of my room to put them on. I was late. *sigh*

Thanksgiving Weekend!!!!

Last weekend was really cool, but exhausting. My friend Patrick, who I've known since second grade, needed my help. He got a corner cabinet from his grandmother, which was a huge old heavy antique. He drove here, had to rent a truck, and I drove the truck back. Theresia went with me to keep me company. It took about eleven hours to get there, and I was sorely grumpy by the time we got to Maryland. He lives very close to Washington D.C. I made several stops on the way up, gas, stretch legs, get maps, etc. Then we slept the night at Patrick's house. In the morning we unloaded the truck. That was kind of wonky because there was a low-hanging tree, and the truck wouldn't clear it. So I got the idea to let Patrick sit on top of the cab, and lift the branches up over the truck so they would clear. It seemed to work.

We didn't have a whole lot of time to visit, or see sights, but we got in about 3 hours of "tourism" with Patrick. He found a spot to park (an incredible feat it seems) and we walked around so we could get our pictures taken in front of the White House. Also, Theresia and I picked up t-shirts for Lexie, Logan, and Rachael. Logan's shirt said "Future President" and Lexie's just said "Washington D.C." Rachael's had a huge Presidential Seal. I got myself a ball cap that said "Air Force One Official Crew", and Theresia got a pewter picture frame. It was $9, but she talked the street vendor down to $6!

The drive back home was no better than the drive to D.C. We got back about 2am, slept, then got up that morning...the truck had to be back between 8am and noon, and Shellie was bringing the kids at 12:15. We went out to "brunch" after that...Theresia, the kids, and I. For about the next five days or so, every time I'd try to stay up past 8pm, I'd fall asleep... Next time I go see Patrick, I'm planning ahead, and flying.

Jay, the Christmas Tree

The kids and I went to the storage place on Tuesday. We dug around and dug around until we finally found Jay, our artificial Christmas Tree. When we got the tree two years ago at Walgreen's. They only had sample trees in the aisle, and all the boxed trees were in the back storage. Lexie was with me, so I let her hand the order tag to the cashier. When she did, the lady used the PA system to tell the stockers "Please bring the Christmas tree J to the front counter". I looked at Lexie and told her that they all had names, and that we got the one named Jay. I knew she knew better, but she went along with it, and our tree has had a name ever since.

We're going to have my girlfriend Theresia and her little girl over for supper on Saturday and put the tree up!!! I couldn't find our ornaments, so the kids and I went to the Dollar Tree and picked out a few things. We got lights at Wal-Mart for $1.88!!! I'm grilling stuffed chops, and I might try and get a movie ready for the kids to watch.

Moved to a Different Office

We had an entire switch-around of areas here at work. I moved over with Customer Service, who also moved to a different area of the building. I'm more central now, but I think I was already in the ideal spot. I was right across from the lunchroom, where the coffee is. Also about seven feet away was the men's room! That was awesome because also the lunchroom was the proverbial "water cooler" and I could hear all kinds of stuff! Now all I have is some lady from the legal department broadcasting information about the new dental and vision insurance to everybody in this corner of the building!!! I have music CD's and earbuds...

The kids and I are going to see Uncle Red after work (my mother's brother). He's going to look at Judy and see if he can get her tuned up. Mike and I put in that new carburetor, which was a manual-choke instead of an automatic. It came set however it came set, and I adjusted it lightly but it needs to be adjusted by somebody who knows what they are doing, and that's definitely Uncle Red. He's worked on cars his whole life--every family has somebody like that. Theresia's family has William. Between the two of them, I bet they could fix any car!

Wednesday I think they are having a pitch-in here at work. It's the day before payday, so I don't think I'll participate. I'm going over to Theresia's mother's house for Thanksgiving. I'm to bring Brussels sprouts per Theresia's request. I made them for her, and she REALLY liked them, so did her girls after she fixed them at her house. My kids hate Brussels sprouts. I don't get it either because Logan used to just wolf them down... I think his little impressionable self heard big sister complain about eating them. *sigh* I've warned her about that before... I make them with butter, garlic, orange zest, and parmesan cheese. My friend Brad, who's worked as a server most of his natural born life, and also has had some kitchen and chef training, taught me how to make them. I want to fix my mother's fresh apple cake as well, but I don't know if I can, or will have the time.

My Surgeon Dr. Gaar, Chuck, Weekend

My surgeon Dr. Gaar is leaving his practice to go full time at the VA hospital. While a noble endeavor, it leaves me in a predicament! He's been fantastic, really...and I don't want to change doctors! I'll try to get Allen if I can, but I really liked Dr. Gaar.

My good friend and lawyer Chuck was in town teaching this weekend. I didn't get to spend a WHOLE lot of time with him, but it was nice to see him, and it help him out financially not to have to spend what little he makes teaching on hotel and food.

This weekend I had the kids. Lexie went on a hike with Girlscouts, so Logan and I hung out. We got some gloves for them both at the store where everything is a dollar, and a few books at the Goodwill. I always like to get them a couple books when I can. Anything I can do to encourage them to read... We had a picnic lunch of bologna & cheese on crackers with skim milk to drink, then we went to the library where we read that awesome book "The Enormous Potato"!!!

We went over to Theresia's Sunday and they played with Rachael. We took Bailey (Theresia's dog) to Feeders Pet supply and gave her a bath. That was kinda cool because I'd never done it. Then we went back to her house for supper. I made a huge pot of my mother's vegetable soup. Actually I got the recipe from my sister and it didn't have measurements on the ingredients. By the time I got everything looking how it should, I had two huge kettles full of veg soup! Chuck and I, ate it Friday night while the kids were out to dinner and a movie with their Pawpaw and Granny Dana. I didn't make the kids have the vegetable soup Saturday because I called Theresia already knowing I had way too much and she said I could come over Sunday and her family would help us eat it. Everybody liked it quite a bit. I'm going to make another pot before the end of winter. Theresia and I, her oldest daughter and her boyfriend (and part-time Lexie, Logan and Rachael) watched Star Wars Episode I...well, most of it. Theresia's never seen I, II, or III. I am dying to get IV, V, and VI on DVD. One day I will.

The Enormous Potato

Logan and I spent some time at the library today while we were waiting
for Lexie to come back from her brownies hike. We read this book
called "The Enormous Potato" by Aubrey Davis. I want to try to get it
because it was so cute!!!

Prayer Box

This is the prayer box that my girlfriend Theresia got me. Its a little carved silver tube with a lid attached to a silver chain. You write prayers on paper and put them in the tube. It hangs near your heart. Theresia is so kind and wonderful...

Sunday, Corpse Bride!

X was kind enough to bring the kids over to me on Sunday.  She's always been really good about that since my car has been running not-so-well.  I give her money for gas to make it fair.  Also, through the week on Mondays and Tuesdays she brings them close to my work.  That's REALLY nice because I get to spend more time with them.  Well, she brought them over, and we went to lunch with Theresia.  It was Cracker Barrel, which was a 40 minute wait, but we had a good time rocking in the chairs out front, playing checkers, and also playing with the toys in the gift shop area.  After lunch, we split up and the kids and I went back to the apartment while Theresia got some stuff done.  Later, we met up with her and Rachael at the Village 8 to see Corpse Bride!  It was soooo cute and such a sweet movie.  I was worried that it might be too scary for Logan, but he really liked it.  And he slept fine with no nightmares or anything.  I mean, the "scariness" level was about like "The Emperor's New Groove", or "A Bug's Life".  It was really good.  My favorite part was the singing skeleton.  He only had one eye, and when he tilted his head the right way, it would roll from one socket to the other!

After that, we said good night to Theresia and Rachael, and we went to Wal-Mart.  Lexie has told me every time she comes over that her mother says she needs to bring home her training bras *sigh*.  I'm not happy  or comfortable about the WHOLE ISSUE of training bras at 7 years old, but...after some fits and grumping, I deferred to her mother about it earlier this year.  So, seeing as we could not find but one, and she was saying that she can't find ANY of them at her place, I decided to take her to get a couple more.  Man, that totally sucked.  I got her two, and I hope they work.  They were the same size as the one she had on, but...  Also I had to get some athletic socks.  Mine have all come up missing.  And I THOUGHT I was DONE spending money on clothes the other DAY!  By the time we got done, I knew I had to get them something to eat because it was late and I wouldn't have time to cook.  We got KFC, and ate at the restaurant, but took most of it home.  By the time we got home, it was wash-up-and-get-ready-for-bed time.

Betting on the Ponies, Cafe 360, The Predators!

Saturday we went to the track. Work gave me free tickets, so we went with Theresia's brother William, William's girlfriend Andrea, and then her friend from out of town. I'm horrible with names, so I will probably edit this later!!!!

The "friend from out of town" won like almost $60 on one race!!! I probably broke even. All in all I think everyone had a good time, and it was a really wonderful day. The weather was perfect, and the track was good.

After the track, we split up. Theresia and I went looking for some place "different" to eat. We ended up at "Cafe 360" on Bardstown Road. It was really pretty good. Later that night, we went to Stevie Ray's Blues Bar because The Predators were playing. The Predators are REALLY good. The only problem was that we got there late, and there was "standing room only". Also, since we didn't have a table, I had to go to the bar to get drinks. Each time it took longer and longer. Theresia was getting tired of standing by herself, and I was getting frustrated about waiting for so long... We left before the 3rd set. I hate to do that, but it was wearing on both of us.

My girlfriend, the cook... ;o)

My girlfriend, Theresia, said she was going to fix supper for me on Friday night.  You know what she did?  She brought over steaks for me to grill... She tells me she can cook, and I believe it.  I also believe that she'll do almost ANYTHING to get out of cooking.  That's ok with me though, I like to cook.  I think many times the food tastes better when you have the satisfaction of knowing you were the reason it turned  into a good meal.  And it's even better when other people like it.  I don't cook for myself.  I just either heat something up, or throw something together.  I don't usually care anymore, because I eat so little...

We were going to go see the Big Rock Show, but after the meal, we were both tired, so we just vegged out in front of the TV.  I had gotten a horror flick called "Dog Soldiers", which turned out to be pretty good!

Weight Loss & Work's Scale

Work has a scale!!!  They said it weighs heavy by four pounds, but even so...if it was accurate at all (and I think it could be because they use it for freight) then I've lost over 130 lbs!  I'll be under 300 lbs by Christmas at this rate!!!  And that mean's I'll reach my own personal goal by March if I stay at this rate!!!  If the scale is off by a lot it doesn't really matter.  I know I'm well on the way to losing all the weight I'm supposed to within the year that you're supposed to lose it...

Sizing & Stuff

Also, last night, I had to do some shopping for "mandatory unmentionables".  The cool thing is that I went to Wal-Mart instead of a big and tall shop!!!  Also, I found a t-shirt that I bought.  It's a retro-looking black Star Wars shirt.  It has a big Darth Vader masked head and beneath that are two crossed red light sabers!!!  It was like $11 marked down to $9, then $5.  When she rang it up, it came up as $3!!!!  It was 3XL, which I haven't worn in many, many moons!!!  Same with the other clothing!!!  Knit shirts fit me in 3XL, but non-knit (button up) I think I'll still need 4XL for a little while. 

Yesterday at work I ate some sugar-free candies and wound up on the john for like thirty minutes!  I'm never doing THAT again!  I felt like I was dying of dumpstergut.  I had to get two front tires on my car at lunch.  They were eating through, and you could see lots of steel belt showing.  They weren't too bad, but it tells me that something (else!) is wrong with the car. *sigh*  My friend Lynn came in her to work today and put in her application and had an interview.  I really hope she gets the job.  Its a Customer Service Rep and she'd be perfect for it.  I signed up for insurance yesterday.  Its just about going to cripple me financially...or at least it'll feel like it, but I have to get it.  We all need it.

My friend Patrick wants me to help him move some stuff (i.e. drive the truck) back to DC on Thanksgiving weekend.  He'll be in his car, and he wants me to drive the truck.  I'm thinking about asking Theresia to come if she's available--to keep me company on that long drive.  It'll probably take all day on a Saturday...

I'm eating small amounts of sugary stuff now...and going sippy-sip on carbonated beverages.  As long as I take it easy (REALLY EASY) and don't overdo it, everything seems fine and dandy in the gastric-bypass-world.  Next week it will have been five months.  I don't go see the surgeon until early next month.  I wonder how much weight I've lost??  I know I was coming up the steps to my 3rd floor flat last night and my pants were slipping.  That usually means I need to cut another hole in my belt.

Fourskins at PHT

Theresia and i went to Phoenix Hill Tavern for a little bit last night. The band playing was from Evansville called Fourskins. They were a lot better than i expected. They did some Rage Against the Machine, STP, and Ted Nugent. Aerosmith too!

AAMCO Customer Service National

AAMCO's corporate office just called me.  They asked me the stupid questions they ask everyone else about how their situation was handled and if I was satisfied.  Then, they had the audacity to ask me, "Would you recommend AAMCO to other people."  I told the lady "Look, I'm not trying to be rude, I just want to make sure you fully understand...not only would I NOT recommend AAMCO, but I'd recommend people go elsewhere."  I was able to keep my calm....somehow.

I need a glass of wine.  Good thing Theresia's coming over to share some with me tonight.  I was in a meeting at work that went over long and I didn't get out until almost 6pm.  Ugh...

Apologies & Crazy Room mate

Well, Judy has held up almost a week now. How many of you think I
shouls call up the AAMCO on Preston Highway and apologize for my
crappy comment??? When I picked Judy up I told the guy "I guess I'll
see you in about a week..." The guy asked me what I meant, and I told
him "You guys have had this car off and on for over forty days. I'm
ALWAYS back in with the car inside a week!!" Drop me a comment if you
want and let me know if you think I should call them back and say I'm
sorry...

My room mate has went completely nuts again. I don't want to go into
any details, but this woman is unbalanced, and I just have to isolate
myself from her as much as possible, which is fairly easy because she
works 2nd shift. The only times it's a problem is on Mondays and
Tuesdays. Those are her days of the week that she is off work. I
moved in here mainly because I needed a place where I could have the
kids live with me and we could be a family...I could fix meals, read
bedtime stories, watch Nickelodeon, brush teeth, give baths, and
launder clothes...all the normal stuff. But I also moved in because
I'd known her for a while and she desperately wanted to stay in this
apartment even though she lost her room mate. She needed somebody to
help with rent. I get myself into more trouble sometimes...

I just found out what I'm getting my girlfriend for Christmas...soft,
red, fluffy mittens...

Weekend & Turtle

Had a good weekend. For some reason Judy has held together for more than four days! I REALLY need to get the carburetor lined out asap before she burns through my wallet. Fri night i put the kids to bed then watched In The Mouth of Madness with Theresia. Then Sat Lexie had Girl Scouts - it was an art fair - so Logan and I went to Toys R Us to play. After that we went to see my friend Diane. Her grandsons were over and she has dogs and cats, so Logan had lots of fun. Sunday i had to put some time in on Sunday at my 2nd job--webmaster for a local freight company. The kids went in with me an drew on the whiteboard.

After work, we were going to get some lunch at we saw a box turtle in the middle of the road. I could see that it was only a matter of time before he was gonna get smashed, so we stopped and picked him up. I put him in a cardboard box. After lunch at Taco Bell, we brought him out some scraps of lettuce and tomato, then we went to the park with my wonderful girlfriend Theresia and her little girl Rachael. We released the turtle out where it most likely would not get smashed by a car. The kids had a great time playing together on the playground. We went to supper together at Fazoli's. The kids were all worn out from playing and we went home to get baths and go to bed

Weekend shaping up...manual choke.

Tomorrow morning, Lexie has a trip with her Brownie Scouts Troop. They are going to an art festival from 8am until 2pm. I have been trying to think of something fun to do with Logan so that he doesn’t feel left out. There will be plenty of opportunities for them to learn the lesson “life isn’t always fair”, so I try to make things fair whenever possible. Judy is running pretty good, but idles a little high. I think I need to put in that manual choke lever. The only trick will be drilling through the firewall of the car to get it inside where I can mount the push/pull knob. That reminds me…I have to go take back the OLD carburetor to Auto Zone so I can get my core fee back. I can use part of that to get the manual choke!!! I’ll do that at lunch today.

My Brother Don

I got a call last night from my niece Debbie, about my half-brother Don. Also, my brother Mike just called me this morning. Our brother Don is dying. Don was a child from my father's previous marriage. He's only in his late sixties or early seventies.

One time in the summer I stayed with him. He did pig roasts for the F.O.P. (he used to be on the police force) The preparation was an all-night ordeal, staying in his RV with the roaster outside cooking all through the night. The time we did this--I must have been 13 or 14...someone asked him who I was, and he said, "This is my brother Kelly." The guy says "Well there's quite an age difference between you two." I'll always remember what Don said. He said "He's actually my half-brother, but there's no halves or wholes between us."

Don is morbidly obese. He has been forever since I can remember him. He's had problem after problem until last year his kidneys failed and he had to be on dialysis. He's been in a nursing home the past year, and not doing well physically. I should have gone up to see him, but it's always been financially or transportationally impossible.

Driving on Eggshells...

I have been driving the car enough now that I don’t grit my teeth and my blood pressure doesn’t shoot up when I shift down into first gear. The carburetor needs adjusted, but I can work on that. I think I need to get a manual choke cable and install it. I’m hoping that at some point Theresia’s brother William might be able to help me with it. He’s extremely knowledgeable about cars, and has a great many tools to work on them.

Knocking on wood....HARD

Well, I got Judy back yesterday, and she’s doing well. The tell-tale sign that the car is going to get stuck again is that when downshifting into first gear when you come to a stop, you will feel and hear this loud noise like metal hitting against metal. The whole car will shudder. It’s not done this so far.

Repaired...yeah...right....

AAMCO called me and said my car was ready. They (shock) adjusted the throw on the shifter and now it’s fixed… Yeah, right. I’m doing trick-or-treating with the kids tonight, so I’ll have to pick Judy up tomorrow. Theresia said she doesn’t mind. I hate putting the burden of transportation on her. She’s such a sweet woman, and I don’t want to do this, but I don’t know of any other way than to accept her help. I need a second car if Judy is going to keep breaking down all the time.

Madagascar (oh yeah...and AAMCO SUCKS!)

My car broke down AGAIN. AAMCO has fixed the damn thing so many times now that I can’t keep track. Sunday, I took the kids to see Madagascar at the Village 8 (it’s only $3!) and on the way back home, IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY BUSY BRECKINRIDGE LANE, the car got locked in place between gears. Its done this numerous times. They “adjust the throw” every time, and then it happens AGAIN within a week! I am SO SICK OF THIS! Theresia, the worlds best girlfriend, is going to let me and the kids come with her and Rachael to go trick-or-treating with them so that Lexie and Logan don’t totally miss out on it. I am so upset I can’t see straight.

Grease Monkeys

Mike and I put the new carburetor in Judy. I have never heard the car run this good!!!! It responds and accelerates so much better now!!! I’m going to take the kids to see a movie later this evening after we play outside. The new carb is an manual choke instead of an automatic, but I don’t care one bit. It works so much better!

Halloween Party & Brakes with William

Theresia’s office had a Halloween party last night. She invited me as her guest. It was really nice. I’ve met many of the people in her office before, and everyone is always so helpful and kind. I’m glad she works there and is so happy there. They all treat each other like family. The party was at the home of the President of the company. The catering was really good, and they had a DJ. I did enough dancing that I was sore the next day. I think it would be safe to say that I had a couple too many glasses of Merlot. Theresia and I went in costume as vampires. I saw just about every kind of costume you can think of at the party! I think everyone had a great time. Theresia looked so beautiful, even as one of the undead *grins*. I got to dance with my friends Monica and Sarah.

Before the party, I went over with Theresia to her brother William’s house. I helped him put brakes on her car. He is a nice guy, and I instinctively like him. After we did Theresia’s brakes, she and I went to this little apple orchard she knows. It was all “picked out” but we had a great time just walking through the trees, talking, and we even found several apples way up in the top of a couple trees. I got out the trusty Swiss Army knife, and we shared one of the apples. I think we cut up the rest and fed the horses that are there also. It was an awesome afternoon.

Picked up Judy...AGAIN! AAMCO sucks!

Picked up my car from AAMCO yesterday. AGAIN. I hope it’s fixed this time since the Preston Highway shop worked on it and not the Dixie Highway. Those guys at Dixie are like a bunch of monkeys screwing a football!!! The carburetor is shot…the AAMCO guys said it was “dumping fuel”. I got another carb at Auto Zone. It’s the same 1-barrel Holley carb that is in the car, so that’s good. I had to order it, and it just came in today.

New belt, new pants...

I didn't really get a new belt or new pants. I had this pair of dockers that were 5 sizes too small. Now they're just right! Also i put another hole in my belt. Theresia says i need to get a new one.

Chuck spending the night...

Chuck called yesterday in the middle of my little "crisis". He said he was in town teaching this weekend and needed a place to stay. Well, I was reluctant, because I basically just have one bedroom, and the kids would be staying with me this weekend. I figured I owe it to him, he's been a great friend...so I thought I could sleep on the floor a couple nights for an old buddy. Well, my girlfriend, Theresia, came over last night. You know, it'd been one of those days for both of us, and we just needed to hang out for a little. We always seem better together than apart. We are able to cheer each other up and build each other's happiness. It's really great, and she is so truly a wonderful woman.

So Chuck calls, and I've been using my phone a LOT, and I was also getting the kids to bed, etc. Plus the phone died and I had to go re-charge it. Well, I missed his call. Every time I tried to call him back, I get the message "The Verizon Wireless customer you are calling is not available at this time. Please try your call again later." I stayed up until like almost 4am trying to get ahold of him. His voicemail to me said that he was lost! I knew he was very close, and when you can't get ahold of someone it's frustrating!!! I just tried it...just now. Still the same thing! I am very worried, but not really about his safety. Chuck is very resourceful and I know he'll be ok, I just really wanted to be there for him. We spoke about ETA and stuff before he left. Jokingly, I told him "You know, I'm kinda cramped on space--I have the kids this weekend, so you might have to share a bed with me." Chuck said "I've been waiting 20 years to hear you ask me to sleep with you." We both busted up laughing!!! He's a real good friend. I'm going to try and keep getting ahold of him today. I may call his house this morning and see if they know another way to get in touch with him.

Judy still screwed

Yesterday, Matt at AAMCO told me that the car was ready to be picked up. I didn't have time to get there after work, so I asked if I could come in today and get it. I came today at 2pm to get the car. Matt insisted he take full payment before letting me even test drive the car. I made the payment to him. The mechanics had trouble starting the vehicle. They said that there was something wrong with the carburetor. AAMCO replaced the fuel pump and filter. They'd gotten incorrect parts before. Since I'd never had any problems with the carburetor BEFORE they worked on it, I asked them to please check the fuel pump and filter. They said there was no problem with the new parts and that the carburetor was leaking.

Matt let me take the car on a test drive. I thought the shifter (although the same kind as the original) felt different. I just figured that's because it's new. I got about three blocks away from the AAMCO shop and the car got stuck again between gears. With the clutch in OR out, it would not go forward or backward more than an inch. I called the shop on my cell phone and they sent a mechanic to come fix it. He looked at it, tried to fix it, then went back for tools. He worked on it some more. He left and came back with another mechanic. When I left them with the vehicle, they were under it with a large hammer and the biggest damn screwdriver I have ever seen. They were under the car beating on it with the hammer. When I left, having used all my lunchtime, Matt refunded my money, and told me that they would have to adjust the shifter. He didn't know if it would take until the end of the day, or until next week, or another whole month.

I called right at 5pm to see if there was any chance that they had the car done. Matt said that they decided it would be best to transfer my vehicle to the Preston Highway AAMCO, because "Obviously our mechanics have done everything they could, and they cannot fix your car properly." Yeah, no shit. They're like a bunch of monkeys screwing a football over there at the Dixie Highway AAMCO!!! So, my wonderful girlfriend--again this being her DAY OFF WORK, goes out of her way to come pick me up. X is bringing the kids to a McDonald's close to my work so that it would not be 6:30pm before I get through traffic in the 'ville and across the bridge to get them.

My girlfriend calls me, and tells me that on the way over to get me, she stopped to put something in her trunk, and the ignition key broke off in her trunk lock!!! So basically, she's stranded with her daughter, I'm stranded at work, and obligated to meet with X at 5:30pm to pick up the kids. She has to call her ex-husband to come and help her. This is great! She should be able to count on me for that!!! Well, her sister ended up being able to bring her a key...and me??? I spent $40 of my repair money on a cab ride! I asked X if she could help me out (she and her mother had plans), I called my sister (still at work), I called several friends (either voicemail or were busy doing something)...I did what I had to do.

That's the problem...I'm always forced to do what I HAVE to do.

Judy Update

AAMCO has screwed me around on my car so much...I am dumbfounded. They keep finding more thing wrong, charging me more and more, and taking longer. The first time they had it in was 9/20! That's a whole bloody month! I contacted the WAVE TV3 Troubleshooter, and also the AAMCO (whos shops are privately owned and operated) Corporate Headquarters. I KNOW that the headquarters called and spoke with the manager of the shop. Its Matt, the same little s#|+ that I've been talking to. Doubt they'll get anywhere there.

Anyway, the car is supposed to be ready for pickup tomorrow. My girlfriend is going to come over (bless her heart...she really is going out of her way) and take me to work in the morning--on her day off--and then take me at lunch time to get Judy. I'm crazy about her! She's so sweet to me. She's been giving me rides back and forth to work (we work close together) the whole time Judy's been in the shop off and on.

My Girlfriend!

Finally I was able to take a decent picture (good lighting, not blurry, etc.) of my Girlfriend Theresia. Feast your eyes:And I just think she looks so cute in one of my old shirts... We had Chinese carry out for my birthday, and she didn't want to get her shirt all messy, so I loaned her one of my old ones. She is absolutely the best!

Pumpkin!

This is the awesome pumpkin Lexie made for me. Logan made one too for his mother. I helped him with it.

Judy....DOA

Judy got locked into first gear again.  I tried for about 45 minutes to get her out of lock, and she would not budge.  She's been having other problems as well.  F*ck*ng Aamco are a bunch of idiots!!!  I called the tow truck again, same guy as the last two times they had her back in, and he said he would get it Sat morning.  They are Monday thru Friday 8am to 5:30pm, so I told him no rush.  But I'm supposed to have the kids tomorrow after their cousin's bd party, then Sunday all day.  My girlfriend said she can take me back and forth to work next week, but that still leaves me without a way to see the kids on Monday and Tuesday.

3rd hole added

I'm a little excited about my belt today... Just a piece of leather, but i've now had to cut my 3rd new hole in it! I could barely keep my pants on last night! What i mean is ... Oh, you know. Things with Judy are rapidly deteriorating.

Grass Stains...

Today was a good day. We got up early, and I fixed breakfast. Then we watched a little TV. After that, we went for a walk up to the little park next to the complex's pool. I relaxed for a while and read while they played some more. I pushed Logan on the swing--he still hasn't gotten the hang of it yet. After they got hot and thirsty, we walked up to the Swifty Mart. We
got sodas and push-pop ice creams. Well, I got bottled water. The kids ate their ice cream and played some more. Meanwhile, Lynn, my room-mate's friend drove by. I couldn't figure out why at first she parked and was coming over to us. The kids had began to play with a
ball that they'd found there at the park. Lynn said that she left the apartment (she comes over to use roomie's computer) and that she locked up and forgot her phone. She wanted to ask me to let her back in to get it, instead of waking up my room mate who'd been working all day
and night. Well, meanwhile these two boys come over and are talking to Lexie and Logan. Lynn says to all the kids, let's play kick-ball!

This ended up being a pivotal moment for me in my weight loss. I was able to run, jump, slide and do just about everything I wanted to do while playing with these kids. I slid into 2nd base once! I was so happy, I wasn't watching the time at all. Pretty soon, Lexie and Logan were beat, and the two boys were saying they had to go home, and Lynn really needed to get her phone, and it was almost five o'clock! You know, with the good always comes the bad...the two boys not only referred to Lynn as "my wife", but they kept calling me "pops". Ugh. I feel young and old at the same time...

St. James Art Fair with T. and the kids.

Today I went to the St. James Art Fair. The kids got to meet T. for the first time, and they really seemed to like her. What's not to like, and besides, they like everybody! They quickly got bored with so much to look at and so little to touch, but the walking around was really good for them. Afterwards, we went and grabbed some Mexican food. Don't remember the name of the place, but it's on Taylorsville Rd, and the oddest thing--the bathrooms are outside!! Makes me think that it used to be a gas station!!!

I was supposed to meet up with Bobbi Jo, an old friend from Ball State University, but things just didn't work out. I was too preoccupied with the kids and making sure they didn't knock over anything that cost $3000. Speaking of which, there was this AWESOME painting...if I win the lottery, it's going to be mine! *laughs*

Judy is not running well at all. She started dying at every stop now. I've just about learned how to shift without putting her "in between gears", but I'm going to have to save like crazy to get this car straightened out completely. And since she's my car, the family pet, etc, I can't just bail on her. Besides, chicks REALLY dig this car.

Back to Aamco (Bastards!)

I took Judy back to Aamco at lunch today. Matt told me that the synch gears were allowing the car to get "between gears". He said he was sorry about all the problems and times the car had to be towed in. He said they would fix the transmission for only the cost of parts since they already had the car in, the transmission out, and working on it before. He said the only problem would be to get parts for it, being so old. I was upset because I took the car in to be fixed, and it came back not fixed. I'm thinking of contacting Wave 3 troubleshooter.

Back at Aamco

I drove Judy to work after picking her up at lunch. After work I get
in her to leave. I got two gears (1st and reverse) and neutral now.
It won't shift into 2nd or 3rd. I had to call X AGAIN and tell her I
couldn't pick up the kids. I am feeling as low now as I have in
about ten months or so. I tried to get a TARC schedule, but figuring
that crap out is rocket science. I sent off for a schedule, but it
said on their site that it would take days due to volume. I am so
screwed. If I lose this job, my life is done. I'm really feeling not
worth a damn right now.

Aamco sucks 2

Not only did Matt mislead me about the time it would take, but also he only called me once on Friday late to say Judy would not be ready. I had to call each time to find out what was taking so damn long! I don't think Judy ever wants to in back there

Aamco on Dixie sucks

I'm very upset with the level of customer service i've been given from the shop where I had work done on Judy. They told me Thursday, but more likely Friday. Matt in the office also said he would keep me informed. Now its Tues.

My Car & Quotes

Damn car is NOT DONE!!!! I AM VERY ANGRY!!!!!

I was reading on lunch today and I came across a quote from the book
that I found very powerful: "When on the brink of unleashing almost
inconceivable savagery, one did not hum a merry tune and remark on the
lovely day. One nursed dark thoughts."

And it made me remeber to go back and get the quote (same book) that
I'd read a few days before: "Love is a passion for life shared with
another person. You fall in love with a person who you think is
wonderful. It's your deepest appreciation of the value of that
individual, and that individual is a reflection of what you value most
in life."

Though copyrighted, I wanted to share these with the world.

Worried...

Aamco did not call me today. I had to call them. That's bothering me. I talked to the same guy as last time. He got a little snippy with me. But he said they are coming down to the wire and they close at 5:30. Judy had better be done or its on!

This week...

Judy is still in the shop. I have high hopes that she'll be done
tomorrow. I have enjoyed one thing about being without a car...this
girl I've been dating, T., has been so kind to let me ride with her
back and forth to work. She works close to my place of employment,
and lives close to where I live. We've been out to dinner & coffee,
to lunch, to see The Big Rock Show, and just last night went to see
The Exorcism of Emily Rose. I really like seeing her in the morning
when she comes to pick me up, and then after work. We talk the whole
time, both there and back.

I'm really growing very fond of her. She's beautiful, intelligent,
funny, charming, and she's the kindest woman I've met in a very, very
long time. I'm always worried that I'll say the wrong thing and
offend her, hurt her feelings or make her uncomfortable. I'd be very
angry at myself if I did that. I'm such a awesome jackass sometimes
when I don't want to be.

She has kids of her own, two girls mostly grown, and then another
daughter about Lexie's age. I was thinking of asking her if she
wanted to get together with her youngest and my two sometime so they
could play together. You know my kids never meet another child who's
not automatically a friend and playmate. That's good. I like to see
them socialize, especially Logan. I worry about him now because he's
not in daycare and doesn't get to spend much time around other kids
his age, except for big sister.

I got an offer, and accepted from my new job today. I'm officially a
full time employee beginning Monday. The bad thing is that I've been
getting paid weekly, and now I'm going to have to hold out for three
weeks between being paid by the temp agency, and the new job. Ugh.

Funny thing is that my hire day is the same day my sister starts HER
new job! Speaking of which, she came over tonight. I fixed supper,
then we sang some karaoke on my PC. After that we watched a movie she
had brought over called Joyride. I saw most of it but fell asleep
about 3/4 of the way through it and then woke up for the end. It
seemed OK. I'd probably like it better if I wasn't so tired. *shrugs*

I hope my car is ready tomorrow. I hope the old girl is "all better
now". I'll be glad to have my wheels back, and I'll be definitely
ready to see the kids on Sunday. Saturday night I originally had
planned to go take my sister out...Saturday is her birthday. But then
we cancelled, but now I think it's back on again. My friend Steven
really wants to go, and he talked me into it. The bar that we're
going to is not the kind of place where you have to spend a lot of
money at all. Cover, if anything will be about $4, and I'm not
supposed to drink much alcohol anyway, so I may just be doing
cranberry juice or ice water. No big deal to me.

Judy update

Judy is gonna be ok. She'll be in the shop until at LEAST friday. They had to order parts. I knew she would make it because not only do the kids and i love her, but chicks REALLY dig that car! She's irreplaceable.

David Ernspiker - Lead Guitar for BRS

A little better shot of lead ax-man: David Ernspiker. This guy is incredible. I think I enjoy this band so much because of how much they get into the music. You can tell they love it.

Jaymz St.Jaymz...Bassist for BRS

This is the bass player...Jaymz St. Jaymz. I love this guy's name, and I've seen his hammering on the bass knock pictures off the walls before! Awesome! He's also the vocals for most of the AC/DC stuff they do.

Williams...Drummer for BRS

A little better shot of David Lloyd Williams Jr.

David Lloyd Williams Jr. of BRS

This is David Williams, the drummer for BRS. He's a very talented guy!

David Ernspiker of The Big Rock Show

This is David. He's lead guitar. As you might be able to tell, he's in a wheelchair. It does not hold him back one iota from rocking then entire place!

THE BIG ROCK SHOW!!!

This is THE BIG ROCK SHOW!!! Saw them at the Golden Nugget! I'm taking my sister to see them for her birthday!

The Big Rock Show with T.

This is my friend T. We went Friday to see a band called the Big Rock Show. They do all classic rock music. They play here in town just about every night. They are very good, and you can tell they truly love the music that they play.

Cutting another notch on my belt!

Ok, its not really a notch, its a hole! I just made a hole in my belt about a week ago and i screwed it all up so i never used it. Yesterday while putting gas in Judy my damn pants almost fell off! Same thing walking into work, so i HAD to do it. :-)

Lunch with T.

Steven just called me...he said he and Kathy just talked until 5am.
He said that a half hour of that was Kathy talking and asking him
questions about me! So funny!

I went to lunch today with my friend T. She wouldn't ride in
Judy--she's very safety-consious, and Judy doesn't have front seat
belts yet. So she drove instead, and went to a Vietnamese restaurant.
The food was VERY good...just the right amount of spices. She got an
avacado shake that I really wish they made in diet form. She's been
embarrassed a couple of times by me...and she's always nervous around
me. She says its not anything to do with me, but I hate thinking
she's getting so stressed out when we're together that she isn't
having any fun... I'm flattered that a beautiful woman gets nervous
over me, but if you know me at all, you know how easy-going I am. Not
a person to get nervous about for certain.

Karaoke with Steven

Last night I went out with my buddy Steven. We ran into each other in
front of Office Depot so it was a spur-of-the-moment thing. We had
supper at Hooters--I can still put away a 10 pc hot wings if I order
'em naked (that's what they call ones they fix without breading).
While we were eating, my friend Diane sends me a YIM on my
phone...there's a karaoke contest at a local bar I go to sometimes.
Steven says he'll go too, so it works out good.

I had fun, sang several songs, did NOT win the contest, but I met this
pretty little gal named Kathy who told me that I sang very well, and
she admitted that i'm a phenomenal dancer. She sat with Steven and I
most of the night and we talked and played some pool. Steven never
would sing anything, but he says he had a great time. We ended up
taking Kathy home because she had a little too much to drink. Well,
they dropped me off first, so I don't know what happened from there...

Dr. Gaar, my Surgeon

This is Dr. Gaar, my surgeon. He's a hell-of-a guy. I like that he shows genuine concern and gives me lots of postive feedback. I went to see him today and he says i'm doing excellent. I go back in three months. I've lost a total of over a hundred pounds since I first came in to see him.

This is a test of the...

This is a test of the gastric bypass system. My first carbonated beverage in close to four months. I've been sipping very slowly, cautiously watching for warning signs. I have GB friends who drink sodas so i think i'll be ok.

McDonald's Play Place on Hurstborne

After church I treated the kids to McDonald's. They get the apple dippers, so there's some semblance of nutrition, and they get TONS of exercise. Lexie feels like a big kid. They have self-serve soda so I let her get her own refill on sprite.

Swimming, church, roast...

This morning we're going to church, then I hope to take the kids to McDonald's, then swimming at the apartment's pool. This morning I got up early and put a roast in the slow-cooker. It should be ready for supper tonight.

Checking in...

I noticed how beautiful the sunrise was on the way to work. Sometimes it is something simple and natural that puts things into perspective for me. Yesterday the kids and I went to see Fantastic 4 at the V8. They loved it! No deep questions though.

The Kids and Ladder 49

Tonight, for something different, the kids watched an adult movie with me. Now, please let me define that. I mean adult as in not-kiddie. No animation or slapstick humor throughout. It was Ladder 49. Their grandfather (not that he's much of one in my opinion--he never asks to see them or spend time with them) is on a fire department. The movie had a few choice bad words, but besides that was pretty clean. I always explain to them if I hear swearing in a movie that "they are going to say some words that you may or may not have heard before. They are bad words and kids never say them. Grown-ups should not say them either, but sometimes they do. If you are not sure if a word is bad or not, you can come to me and whisper the word in my ear and I will not get mad at you. I will tell you if it is a word that should be said and I will tell you what it means."

Well, even though it had some language, I really liked watching it with them. They asked questions...good ones when some of the firefighters got hurt, or especially when they died. I told them that sometimes bad things happen and it's not something that anybody did wrong. The movie did a good job (John Travolta is a damn decent actor--despite that he's a raving lunatic like most Hollywood types) and he stated simply enough even for my children to understand that firemen put their lives at risk doing very dangerous things--but for a good cause.

Lexie asked why didn't they just let the buildings burn down after all the people were out. I told her to pretend that she woke up tomorrow outside on the grass and all she had was the clothes she was wearing. No tv, no house, no pets, no books, no clothes, no food...and then I told her when someone's house burns down, that is what it is like for them. I told her that getting the people out is the most important thing--even more than dogs and cats. You could see the little light go on behind her eyes...the light of understanding. I live for that. It gives me so much satisfaction to live life, experiencing what they experience, and being there to answer questions--and to pose questions that make them think, fathom, comprehend, understand...

Awesome Date, and Flying Fish Eggs

I had the most awesome date tonight. An amazing woman (T) and I went to Shogun. We got a little sushi, and had lots of good conversation. I got Flying Fish, which I thought it would be similar to her order of tuna. It was not. It wasn't the meat of the flying fish, but the eggs. I was hesitant but tried not to show it...you know how I am. I try to keep my facade...calm, undaunted, unshaken. But this was the second biggest task of the night. The first being meeting such a beautiful woman for dinner. I made a minor fool of myself...too much wasabi all at once. I was trying to cover the texture of the little eggs. They crunched and broke apart in your mouth like little bitty paintballs--emitting a salty liquid. It really wasn't a bad flavor at all. I probably would not get it again. T seemed not to notice except (how could she not) when I had to run to the bathroom. I got some wasabi on my finger, then when I started crying due to eating a bit too much I rubbed my eye, which promptly caught on fire! I had to flush it out.

I got back to the table and we talked about movies (she likes horror!) and music (we share some of the same interests--but I think she might come hear me do karaoke sometime). We also talked a lot about our families. She hinted that with the help of a friend of mine named Jose Cuervo, that she might dance with me. She said she was very nervous. I can't fathom anyone being nervous over me. Well I was pretty nervous too, but then I think I hide it well...not just from other people, but (the trick) from myself. I think we are definately going to go see The Exorcism of Emily Rose. I made the mistake of watching the preview when I got home. I'm officially creeped out!

After dinner, we walked down to Starbucks to have coffee. They also had checkers at Starbucks. I don't really want to talk about the checkers we played, and I'm not saying I let her win either... Infer as you wish. (ok. she not only beat me, but badly) T has a wonderful laugh. She has a natural beauty. She has a good soul...a kind soul. I can tell these things and I am seldom far off. I knew she was nervous. When are date ended I asked for a hug. I got two. I didn't want to make T any more nervous than she already was, but in retrospect, I wish I would have told her how beautiful she is.

We make great pets...

I got the kids goldfish yesterday. One of three looks like he'll make it. Of course its the one I picked out, not one of theirs.

Jenni from HPL

This is the gal that came over and talked to me half the night. Her sister Melody lives here in the 'ville, but she was in visiting from NYC. Its one of the reasons I go out...just to meet and talk with new interesting people. They seemed really nice.

Hikes Point Lounge

This is the place where I went Friday night to do karaoke. I'd never been there before. They didn't have hardly any of 'my' songs, but I liked the place anyway. The drinks were VERY cheap (not that I drink much) and the people were all friendly.

Steve Leff

This is a picture of my friend Steve. He's a crazy son-of-a-bitch! He taught me most of what I know about international logistics, and all of what I know about sales. Most importantly he taught me you can not be personal friends with your manager.

Overdose

Anybody know what taking more than the recommended amount of Claritin will do to you? One per 24 hours just isn't getting the job done. It USED to work...

Sh¤te my pants over gas prices

I am very disturbed. Gasoline over three dollars a gallon is pure insanity. I motion for impeachment if Bush doesn't do something before i have to refill this coming week!

Lexie's open house

Last night was open house at Green Valley Grade School. Its the same as when I went there! All the teachers are different... Well, there was Mrs. Neeley. She was my Jr High choir teacher. It was delightful to see her again. I played catch-up...

Facing your fears...

..and weaknesses. I did NOT eat perfectly good, FREE, delicious Krispy Kreme doughnuts. That's not to say it wasn't painful...

Crazy monsoon weather

I had to drive 35mph, which is incidentally the same speed the WIND was going, all the way over to drop the kids off, and THEN back across a bridge with traffic flow like mud--in to work. No traffic in the last month has sucked more ass than this...

Cool new shower curtain

The kids picked out this shower curtain for me a couple weeks ago. Tooth brush holder goes with it, and K-mart has a whole set. I might end up with the whole damn set if the knot heads have anything to say about it...

Lexie in trouble

I got so upset with Lex tonight. She got a little attitude with me because her mother told her she didnt have to work on vocab with me. I went over the words anyway and she was not putting out any effort! I made her write what & word half a pg each.

This coming week...

I finally got my feet broken in to these Florsheims. This week i have the kids tonight and tomorrow night, then again on Sunday and Labor day. I don't know for sure if i'm off work on Monday, but i guess i'll know by Friday! wishing you a good week!

Day at the Kentucky State Fair

Sitting here at the end of the day, I feel tired, but really good. I feel tired because of all the damn walking we did. I had lots of fun with the kids, spent all of my budget, but remained within it. The best part is although I'm tired, I could have taken an hour rest and kept going the rest of the day. I was dragging a little on the way back, but I wasn't devestated. My physical condition is so much better than it was. There is so much more that I can do even just now...I wonder greatly what it will be like when I lose all the weight i'm meant to lose. Not just walking, but so many things are different. Its easier to pick things up off the floor, tie my shoes, walking more, more active with the kids, basically I'm about 50% better regarding ANYTHING physical than I was three or four months ago.

This is the kids at the Army Reserves or Recruiting blow-up thing. They had a good day and so that's mission-accomplished for Daddy.