Trick or treat Joe & Dana

We went over to see Joe and Dana right after the kids got done with their mom. Dana and Lucky aren't feeling well, but they still could visit for a few minutes. We always stop by whenever we are in Indiana. We didn't have much time because it is a school night, but it was really nice to see them. I miss seeing Joe. Sometimes I regret living in Louisville and having a car that only gets 22 miles per $3 gallon of gas. I don't go much of anywhere that I don't have to go. Maybe next year after I get my scooter, I can ride over and see them on a tuesday or wednesday night. Who knows, when I start saving on gas some with the scooter, I may be able to justify using the car for trips that aren't mandatory... I have always wanted to go over once a week and visit them. Now that the kids are not in the YMCA and I get them at 5pm, I could actually go visit!

Aunt Patti Trick or Treat...

We stopped over to do trick or Treat at Aunt Patti's. It was two tricks and no treat! The first trick was that she answered the door, the kids said "trick or treat!" and she didn't recognise them!! She started going on about how she was sorry because she didn't have any candy, then I stepped over and she realized that she was looking at Lexie and Logan! It was really funny. So we visited for a little bit, I had a cup of this chocolate decaf coffee that was really good, and we talked for a little bit while the kids fawned over Scout. I was a little disappointed because we missed Bob, but thats ok. After we went down to the car and Patti went back upstairs, we gave her the real trick! we put a little TP on her car!!!

trick or treat!

Bug!

i saw the preview for this movie and it looked pretty cool. im going to try to watch it this weekend. on the way home tonight i saw a really good bumpersticker: "MY OTHER RIDE IS YOUR MOTHER!" So let me know if u find this as amusing as i did

This crap is killing me!

Can you believe gas is almost $3 again? Sick b*stards! My car gets 22mpg in the city. I am very tired of being raped by the oil companies. I will be so happy when next year i have a 70mpg alternative! 250cc scooters get between 60-70.

Waverly Hills Fire-Breather

They had a guy breathing fire. I heard him say it was lamp oil! The guy standing there asked him "Doesn't it taste horrible?" He said "Its like c*ck to a whore, after a while, you just don't taste it..."

Waverly Hills Sanitorium

Theresia and I are at the Waverly Hills Haunted house. Its at Waverly Hills Sanitorium which used to be a TB hospital years ago. Many people believe that the place is truly haunted. This is just your run-of-the-mill haunted attraction that they have several different places, but what makes it a little unique is the fact that the "haunted house" has the possibility of literally being a haunted house. The place is the main resource of study for the Louisville Ghosthunter Society. It has been featured on the TAPS-Ghost Hunters! on the Sci-Fi channel. The statistics say that over 60,000 people died here. Isn't that the best odds you've heard of to see a ghost?

Happy Halloween, Mon!

Anyway, we were supposed to wear costumes to work for the Halloween party today so I got this cheap-ass hat and called it done. Oh, and you can't really see it in this picture but I have one gold tooth too. Pretty scary stuff.

Superintendent's Office

Well, I called the superintendent's office at around 11am. The lady explained that they were not in, but she would leave a message. I told her I would be happy to leave a message but that I would not wait long because it was concerning the security of a grade school and the safety of my children. I got a call back in about an hour from Mrs. Lightner. She is the secretary of elementary schools grand poo bah or something. She again was content to focus on the smoke-screen issues: Explaining what I can do to help make sure it doesn't happen again. The children have such a difficult schedule unlike most other children who do the same thing every day. My 9 year old daughter should know if she is riding the bus or getting picked up. I was getting a lot of nowhere fast. I told her that I never received an apology for what happened, only "I'm not going to place the blame on any one person." and "I will address the situation with the individuals involved." Not once did she admit that the staff is ultimately responsible for the safety of students, that she regretted this incident happened to Lexie, or that the staff had done anything wrong in losing my child. As my ex-wife pointed out, they are just probably more concerned about getting sued than protection of the children in their care.

Followup from the Principal

The principal, Floria Clay, called me about an hour ago. We talked
for probably half an hour about what happened to Lexie. She was all
about 'the solution'. She said that "in special circumstances like
yours" we need to remind the children daily of their transportation
arrangements. She said "I'm not going to try and put the blame on
anyone." and "A weekly note sent to the school would help" and "it is
part of the responsibility of 4th and 5th graders to know their
schedule." I was getting hotter by the minute. She was
blabbermouthing things and making very little constructive sense. I
asked her if special circumstances was when a child is picked up
sometimes, and then on other days rides the bus. She said no, that
was not unusual. She said the words "in custody situations" several
times, and I kept thinking that really had absolutely nothing to do
with it. As a matter of fact, everything she said did not address the
issue, and it seems now it was just a smokescreen. She doesn't want
to get into trouble. She is covering her ass.

I got a phone message from the admin manager. She said basically the
same thing--obviously they have conferenced and prepared for this
beforehand. I'm not going to bother calling her back. I have a call
to the superintendent that I'm waiting on. My main points were not
addressed, only smoke-screened.

I see now where the mistake was made. It was allowing a 9 year old
child to be 100% responsible for their own safety and well being. It
was only for a few minutes...but that is all it takes. What if they
didn't know where she was for a few minutes and she was getting into a
strange car instead of on the bus on the wrong day?

The other point I made to her was the lack of concern that was shown.
She specifically asked me if I was referring to the secretary. I said
that it was her partly, but that the only person (including Lexie's
teacher Ms. White) who showed any concern was the councilor, Tanya. I
was not there, this was from my ex-wife. I told her the help that was
offered was "Here is your child's bus number, and this is the phone
number for the bus depot. You can call and see if they can find her."
I told her even if you are in a mere Wal-mart or Target store and you
tell them your child is lost--they shut the place completely down and
nobody gets in or out. I said "I know with bus schedules and parents
waiting in their cars that is not practical, but I would still expect
the same level of concern"--or even more concern. I mean, its NOT a
department store, it's a public grade school for Christ's sake!!"
Wouldn't they be MORE concerned??? "Be assured I will address that
situation." was all I got. Yeah, right. I have two little white
children in a primarily African-American school. Both of them have
African-American teachers. The principal is African-American. The
administrative manager is African-American. Now you have to ask
yourself, if the kids would have been African-American, would they
have cared more? Sadly, the answer is I don't think that made any
difference.

You don't become an educator for money. No teacher makes enough to
put up with 50+ screaming kids each day. You have to love it, and
love the children, and care with all your heart. If you do not, then
you are in the wrong profession.

Call from Price Elementary

Well, my mental deadline to hear back was 10am this morning, and I got
a call from Pat Chapman, the administrative manager for Price. She
seemed intelligent enough at first impression. I told her the
situation, and that while I am unable to be with them all day at
school, I rely on the school to be responsible for the safety of my
children. She said she understood. I told her that I am aware of the
safety measures the school takes such as a secure front door, car
rider numbers, and having to submit a change in transportation in
writing several hours before the end of school. I just want to know
if they value the children's safety, then how did this happen. She
said she did not know and that she would have to find out and call me
back.

I think it's time to involve the superintendant of schools.

JCPS LOST MY CHILD!!!

Price Elementary school in the Jefferson County Public School (Louisville, KY) system lost my daughter Lexie today. My ex-wife went to school to pick up the kids like she always does on Tuesday and Wednesday. Well, our son Logan was there, but not his sister! You can imagine how panicked I was! They had no clue, for at least half an hour where she was! They THOUGHT she MIGHT be on the bus. You know how concerned they were??? They gave their mother the bus number, and the telephone number for the bus depot so she could check! I want a full written explanation of how they f*ck*d this up, whose fault it is, and why they didn't show the level of concern that is expected. How could you misplace a child when you supposedly take such great care with security. The door to the school is locked, they require change of transportation in writing before 1pm, you have to be on a pre-approved list and have a car-rider plackard for your car to pick them up... Now I am seeing this is all crap. Its probably something they have to appear to do in order to get government funding! I have spoken with the principal a couple times and I have not been impressed. She seems neither intelligent nor enthusiastic. Well I placed a call at 4:45pm while waiting in the pouring rain. Big surprise - all the staff were in a meeting. Its probably a brainstorming meeting to cover their asses! It is now past 5:30 and she has not returned my call. Logan was almost hysterical because he thought he might never see his sister again. When Lex got off the bus (a different bus than the one they told my ex-wife she would be on) I could see her face was red and she had been crying. The first thing she said was "I'm sorry daddy..." and I hugged her and told her it was ok and it was not her fault. I told her that it was the responsibility of the adults at her school to keep her safe and make sure things like this don't happen, and that they just messed up and didn't do their job. I will call the superintendent tomorrow if I don't hear back from this Ms. Clay idiot who runs Price Elementary.

$1.98 at Wal-mart!

I had to go yesterday to get Lexie's costume for Halloween. I found this for $1.98 and the kids thought it wss soooo cool, so I got it!

...Fried Corn on The Cob!

I have never seen this stuff before, but is was pretty damn awesome! Best corn I ever had!!!

My sister rocks!

Patti came over tonight and brought me a bag of birthday presents. She got me this bank that calculates The change you put in it, a kick-ass mix tape (well...on CD), a new vat of burt's bees (which i needed), and a bottle of tag spray and deodorant. Also a hallmark card that sings "bad to The bone".

You Big Chicken!

Right down The road from Camp Carlson was this Joe-Bob fried chicken place. I wanted to stop for a cup of coffee but when we got in there, The fried chicken smell was overwhelming and so we got a 6 pc chicken strips and...

Birthday...

Well, when we laid down to go to sleep, I reminded the kids that it had been my birthday. They seemed upset with themselves that they'd forgotten. I told them that it was no big deal and that I understand. I told them Theresia forgot too, but we've all had a busy weekend. The kids told me Happy Birthday and then we went to sleep. I slept a lot better last night. I started out The night with my sweatshirt on, plus I had socks and my winter hat (pictured). Its dorky looking, but very warm. I was finally able to get a decent signal and checked my voice mail. It was 2 messages from T. One of them was telling me Happy Birthday. So I guess all is right in my world!

Scout Shop

This is a picture of the kids at the Scout Shop on Thursday. They have had a fun weekend. When I wokevlar up this morning I had a text from my friend Lara that said "happy 40th Birthday!" I got a call this morning from Patti wishing me a happy Birthday. My ex-wife sent me a happy Birthday text message this afternoon. Around 230pm Mike called me from work and also wished me a happy Birthday. Just around 6pm my best friend Partick sent me a text message that told me "congratulations on getting old". Its great to have people remember. The only thing is I wish the kids and Theresia would have remembered, but all three have been very preoccupied.

The Patriot Games 'copter

This was really cool! This helicopter landed on the field and I even got video of it!

Logan of Troop 77

This ian Logan next to the troop 77 camper

King Logan 2005

Here's Logan in his Halloween costume for 2005. Man, they have both gotten a lot taller!!!

Lexie Halloween 2005

Here's a flashback for you...

Fell off the Wagon

I started Friday...no cookies, candy, cakes-nothing with a hard core sugar content except for natural or canned fruit. Well I took a dive today. This morning before lunch, I had two Pecan Shortbread cookies with my morning java. Now this afternoon I have gotten a Hershey's kiss out of the Halloween candy bowl that one of these ladies brought in! I pass it ten times a day!!!

Bus Crash

When I left for work, the kids bus was still at the bus stop. Lexie and Logan were waving and I was boxed in by ANOTHER bus. The driver of the second bus got out and was looking around. She asked me what happened. I told her that I didn't know. She asked said "Is that your kids waving at you?" Sure enough it was! I asked Lexie what happened and with an excited gleam in her eye, she told me "We had a wreck!" The other bus driver backed up to let me out. I am late. *sigh*

Work = Done

I called in to work Saturday. I worked friday night and the next day my feet were hurting so bad I could barely walk around the apartment. I got a call about 15 minutes later saying basically that I don't work enough hours in a week for them to keep me if I'm going to call in. I played hooky about a month ago- I just needed the down time. I called in this past Saturday because my feet. I felt better Sunday, but they didnt have me on the schedule! Its really ok. I was thinking about quitting and I really only meant to work the summer- not any after the kids got back in school. I told them that when I was first hired...

Garden Ridge

This weekend, Theresia was looking for wedding stuff for her daughter Lauren who is getting married on Saturday (which is also my Birthday). I have had this plant in my office for two years now and it's really needed a bigger pot. Well I found this one. I had potting soil here at work so I repotted it after I got the first round of EDI processed.

Stooge's NOW HIRING!

I pass this bar: Stooge's every day on the way to work. The "NOW HIRING" sign has been out for a while. I think maybe I will see if they pay any better than A. J. Wright... Don't know what kind of place it is, but its on Grade Lane right down from Ford and UPS.

Charlie, my buddy

charlie is so cool. we went to dinner at Skyline Chili. he was nice enough to take off his tie!

2 Years at My Job - Increase

I have been with this company for two years now.  Last year, my boss Jennifer was very impressed with me.  She went to her boss and her boss's boss and got it ok'd to give me an increase of 4%.  The maximum last year was 3.5% (that's what she told me).  This year, her boss is now my boss because the department shut down.  I was a big help to the company with the transition, managing after she left, and helping in a lot of ways, most of which was above and beyond for me.  Regardless of all that, my increase this year was not as much.  I feel a little slighted too, because I didn't have an 'evaluation' per se, but just found out from the lady who does payroll.  There was no meeting with my boss, not even a phone call or an email.  I just feel like that since I took on more responsibility and went the extra mile from what was expected, I should do better than last year, not worse.  My girlfriend Theresia brought me back down to reality when she told me "Sometimes its just about what the company can afford in the budget that year."  So there are other variables.  Perhaps the max this year was only 3% and I really totally rocked with my 3.7%...

Logan at 50 years old

This is Logan after going through "The Time Machine" at the Science Center. I think it looks more like "The Burn Victim Machine" to me...

50 year old Lexie

This was from "The Time Machine" at the Science Center. It takes your picture then ages it.

Logan's Origami

There was this whole section about shapes and sounds at the Science Center. Anything creative really draws Logan in.

The 3 Musketeers

This is outside the Louisville Science Center.

Louisville Science Center

Theresia and I took the kids to the Louisville Science Center on Sunday. It was too hot to do much else. Figures...I have a three day weekend to go camping with the kids and it is God-awful hot. We had a good weekend anyway!

Dead Rachael

Rachael modeled the makeup for Lexie's costume. Lexie wanted to see how i would do it, but didn't want to put the makeup on today.

Alien costume

Logan saw this costume and wanted to be an alien. Lexie has the idea to be The Grim Reaper. I still need to find her a hooded robe; but she has her scythe and we have some makeup to give her a skull face.

Logan in his tree

Logan in his tree at Mc Neeley Park also.

Lexie in her tree

this is also at the park...

Tailless Cat

They have cats at the park too (which is I suspect the real reason they wanted to go). People take care of them and feed them...this one has no tail!

Mc Neeley Park Cave

Lexie took my picture at the park cave.

Mc Neeley Park

The kids were dying for me to take them to Mc Neeley Park and it has been miserably hot this weekend. I had to go in to work and pick up my check and we were going by there so we stopped for just a few minutes. This is the cave they showed me.

Scooter update

I've done more research on these two-wheel machines called scooters, or motor scooters. I know now that I'll need one with a slightly larger 250cc engine. There are several brands to choose from, they all seem to be low-end lower price vehicles, and al made in China. The assembly quality is questionable on these things; so the first thing you have to do is make sure every hose and wire is good, replace the fluids, belt, and sparkplug, possibly even the battery. Then you have to go over it with a set of metric wrenches and tighten every bolt, nut, and screw. After its all inspected like a dealer would prior to selling it, they you have to break it in. Might need some carbureator fine-tuning after that; and all fluids changed again. The fantastic news is that I have this awesome friend named Chuck who has a full garage and is going to help me assemble the scoot. I will just have it delivered to his place, and then go up that next weekend I don't have the kids.

Lexie's 6 week report

Not quite as good as her brother's, but still very good! Her study habits and legibility need to improve. She's off to a good start, and we are starting on her first project which is an animal habitat diorama.

Logan's 6 week report

Logan did awesome. He's already in advanced math and they're putting him into other advanced classes soon.

Breakfast!

Lexie and Logan left this granola bar in beside my coffee with the note "to: daddy". I asked them why they did it and they said "we didn't like it so we wanted you to have it." How many kids would have just thrown it away?