I overheard a couple of guys talking at work today.
One was telling the other that Mayo Clinic is looking for younger men to donate their testicles for stem cell research.
Supposedly, they offer $80,000 per "boy".
If this is true, I may have to call the ex and see if I can get mine back!
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
There goes the neighborhood
I was surprised when I looked at the local/area newspaper to find that an area man stated he is the leader of a Ku Klux Klan chapter.
He went on to state that he plans to hold a demonstration in the State Capitol against same-sex marriage.
While I'm taken aback to learn that the KKK is alive and well in North Iowa (as well as a group of hate-mongering pinheads can be)I can't believe that there is a chapter in North Iowa!
He went on to state that he plans to hold a demonstration in the State Capitol against same-sex marriage.
While I'm taken aback to learn that the KKK is alive and well in North Iowa (as well as a group of hate-mongering pinheads can be)I can't believe that there is a chapter in North Iowa!
Last rant of '05
I've had a subject looming around my head for sometime, but have not had a coherent enough string to be able to post. However, while still not well put together, I wanted to get it out before the new year.
Single Dads:getting the short end of the stick.
As a single Dad, and having friends that are single Dads, I can state with a certain amount of knowledge, that something must be done to gain us better rights when it comes to our children.
More times than none, when it comes to divorce and placement of our children, primary custody is awarded to the mother. It seems that as of late, however, some judges are awarding a shared or 50/50 placement. But, this is a rather new concept and not all judges are willing to go this route, as legislature only suggested this and has not passed down any guidelines for judges to follow.
On that note, single fathers are subjected to a wide variety of pangs from seeing their children being 'fathered' by someone NOT themselves to traveling great distances (if the divorce resulted in one of the parents moving) to see/get their children for a weekend. A move will also result in Dad missing out on a lot of their children's lives from not being able to attend any sport or music program that child may be involved in to just everyday situations a Dad would normally get to enjoy with their child.
Usually, it is the father that is told when they get to see their children (in the form of "visitation", which sometimes will result in the father being considered nothing more than a "big-brother".
We are assigned an amount to be paid to the mother in the form of "child-support", with the mother being given carte blanche in spending said support any way she deems fit.
Sometimes, the money will in fact be spent on the children, with other times the mother is seen with new clothes, cars, freshly done nails and hair on a weekly basis.
On the other side of the coin, the father is left to figure out how to fend for oneself on a partial income.
On a personal note, I have nothing against the idea of child-support. I'd just like to see some accountability on how it's spent to make sure it is going to the child.
But when a father is trying to make ends meet and the mother continues to ask for "extra assistance" in things like going halfsies on something in addition to the child support is a little out of line.
Now, personally, and this may ruffle a few feathers, I feel that with the divorce rates of today which results in creating "step-families", the result on "the big picture" of the world will be the downfall of our economic society. (ok, that was a bit dramatic but I couldn't come up with a feasible statement).
Basically, what I'm getting at is as we get older, more and more Americans are getting married only to end up in divorce.
When there are children involved, they become exposed to "another parent", maybe several in a span (due to the parent dating),and as we all know our children learn from experience, which could mean that in the future all marriage will be done away with from the knowledge that "it won't last anyway".
Children are having someone other than their own parent raise them and are in some cases, being told to respect this person only to have the child retaliate by stating "you aren't my mom/dad!".
We are taking families, breaking them up, and reshaping them at an astounding rate and all I can think of is the effect it has on the children.
Now, I have a good friend that has remarried to a wonderful woman. His children adore her as she does them.
Obviously each situation is different and not all turn out like mine, but overall the results are the same.
Anymore, a child having the same and only two parents for the duration of their upbringing seems to be going the way of the dinosaur.
With that being said, I (hopefully) now retire my angst,ire, and depressions on this subject and look forward to 2006 being a year where I can have a more upbeat outlook on life and postings that will reflect that.
Single Dads:getting the short end of the stick.
As a single Dad, and having friends that are single Dads, I can state with a certain amount of knowledge, that something must be done to gain us better rights when it comes to our children.
More times than none, when it comes to divorce and placement of our children, primary custody is awarded to the mother. It seems that as of late, however, some judges are awarding a shared or 50/50 placement. But, this is a rather new concept and not all judges are willing to go this route, as legislature only suggested this and has not passed down any guidelines for judges to follow.
On that note, single fathers are subjected to a wide variety of pangs from seeing their children being 'fathered' by someone NOT themselves to traveling great distances (if the divorce resulted in one of the parents moving) to see/get their children for a weekend. A move will also result in Dad missing out on a lot of their children's lives from not being able to attend any sport or music program that child may be involved in to just everyday situations a Dad would normally get to enjoy with their child.
Usually, it is the father that is told when they get to see their children (in the form of "visitation", which sometimes will result in the father being considered nothing more than a "big-brother".
We are assigned an amount to be paid to the mother in the form of "child-support", with the mother being given carte blanche in spending said support any way she deems fit.
Sometimes, the money will in fact be spent on the children, with other times the mother is seen with new clothes, cars, freshly done nails and hair on a weekly basis.
On the other side of the coin, the father is left to figure out how to fend for oneself on a partial income.
On a personal note, I have nothing against the idea of child-support. I'd just like to see some accountability on how it's spent to make sure it is going to the child.
But when a father is trying to make ends meet and the mother continues to ask for "extra assistance" in things like going halfsies on something in addition to the child support is a little out of line.
Now, personally, and this may ruffle a few feathers, I feel that with the divorce rates of today which results in creating "step-families", the result on "the big picture" of the world will be the downfall of our economic society. (ok, that was a bit dramatic but I couldn't come up with a feasible statement).
Basically, what I'm getting at is as we get older, more and more Americans are getting married only to end up in divorce.
When there are children involved, they become exposed to "another parent", maybe several in a span (due to the parent dating),and as we all know our children learn from experience, which could mean that in the future all marriage will be done away with from the knowledge that "it won't last anyway".
Children are having someone other than their own parent raise them and are in some cases, being told to respect this person only to have the child retaliate by stating "you aren't my mom/dad!".
We are taking families, breaking them up, and reshaping them at an astounding rate and all I can think of is the effect it has on the children.
Now, I have a good friend that has remarried to a wonderful woman. His children adore her as she does them.
Obviously each situation is different and not all turn out like mine, but overall the results are the same.
Anymore, a child having the same and only two parents for the duration of their upbringing seems to be going the way of the dinosaur.
With that being said, I (hopefully) now retire my angst,ire, and depressions on this subject and look forward to 2006 being a year where I can have a more upbeat outlook on life and postings that will reflect that.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
All I want for Christmas
VW has created a new "Super Car" that is extremely fast and extremely expensive.
I'll let the story speak for itself.
Our long national need for a car with more than 1,000 horsepower and costing more than $1 million has finally been answered.
If a Volkswagen Bugatti Veyron in your driveway with a bright red bow around it this Christmas, it's because the 16-cylinder monster doesn't go on sale until after its debut at the L.A. auto show next month.
The Veyron has a seven-speed transmission and will go 0 to more than 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and 0 to 188 mph in 14 seconds and has a top speed of 253 mph, meaning you don't want to be putting that bad boy in the wrong gear and stepping on the wrong pedal at the mall.
The car runs on special tires because it chews up regular tires, and if it breaks down, VW will bring someone over from Europe to do the repairs because ol' Ed down at the Gas 'n' Go probably isn't up to it.
If you get in on the ground floor, there's a certain amount of exclusivity because VW, when its assembly line gets fully rocking, will make about 300 a year and in the United States they will be sold at only half a dozen dealerships.
The Veyron has scoops and spoilers and swooping lines and looks — and this is meant as a compliment — like the fantasy of every 15-year-old, would-be car designer sketching intently away during history class.
The car has not met with universal acclaim. ``It's a complete waste of time and money,'' one German auto industry analyst told The Wall Street Journal.
And Volkswagen believes that Veyron owners won't drive the cars much at all, that they will treat them as works of art. If the Veyron flops, it indeed may become a rare, almost one-of-a-kind car for which wealthy collectors might vie for. But having a car just sit there, even if it's in a secure, climate-controlled garage, doesn't seem terribly different, other than kind and degree, from putting your '78 Ford LTD station wagon up on blocks in the back yard.
So why did Volkswagen, founded in the 1930s to produce inexpensive cars for working-class Germans, wind up building the world's fastest, most powerful, most expensive car? Because VW's then-CEO, Ferdinand Piech, scion of a famous auto-making family, wanted to, that's why.
The Journal says he has a Veyron on order for his wife. Surely your spouse will want to do likewise. Act fast; 45 have already been spoken for.
I'll take two.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
A "thank you" for all of the emails I got this year
My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all of you who have taken the time and trouble to send me "forwards" over the past 12 months. Thank you for making me feel safe, secure, blessed, and wealthy.
Extra thanks to whoever sent me the one about rat shit in the glue on envelopes 'cause I now have to go get a wet towel every time I need to seal an envelope. Also, I scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on their cans.
I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.
I no longer go to shopping malls because someone might drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
I no longer receive nor send packages by UPS or FedEx since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.
I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.
I no longer eat KFC because their "chickens" are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers
I no longer have any sneakers -- but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.
I no longer have to buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
I no longer worry about my soul because at last count I have 363,214 angels looking out for me.
Thanks to you, I have learned that God only answers my prayers if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl who is about to die in the hospital (for the 1,387,258th time)
I no longer have any money at all - but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates is sending me for participating in his special email program.
I will use that money for the entry fee I need to be a courier for $ 1.8 million to deposit for the wife of a slain African dictator of which I will keep 10% for my trouble.
Yes, I want to thank you so much for looking out for me that I will now return the favor!
If you don't tell at least 144,000 people in the next 7 minutes about this posting, a large pigeon with a wicked case of diarrhea will use your head for target practice at 5:00 PM (EST) this afternoon. (I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next-door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's who is a beautician, or was that a person in training down at the kennel?...hhhmm!
Extra thanks to whoever sent me the one about rat shit in the glue on envelopes 'cause I now have to go get a wet towel every time I need to seal an envelope. Also, I scrub the top of every can I open for the same reason.
Because of your concern I no longer drink Coca Cola because it can remove toilet stains.
I no longer drink Pepsi or Dr. Pepper since the people who make these products are atheists who refuse to put "Under God" on their cans.
I no longer use Saran wrap in the microwave because it causes cancer.
I no longer check the coin return on pay phones because I could be pricked with a needle infected with AIDS.
I no longer use cancer-causing deodorants even though I smell like a water buffalo on a hot day.
I no longer go to shopping malls because someone might drug me with a perfume sample and rob me.
I no longer receive nor send packages by UPS or FedEx since they are actually Al Qaeda in disguise.
I no longer answer the phone because someone will ask me to dial a number for which I will get a phone bill with calls to Jamaica, Uganda, Singapore, and Uzbekistan.
I no longer eat KFC because their "chickens" are actually horrible mutant freaks with no eyes or feathers
I no longer have any sneakers -- but that will change once I receive my free replacement pair from Nike.
I no longer have to buy expensive cookies from Neiman Marcus since I now have their recipe.
I no longer worry about my soul because at last count I have 363,214 angels looking out for me.
Thanks to you, I have learned that God only answers my prayers if I forward an e-mail to seven of my friends and make a wish within five minutes.
I no longer have any savings because I gave it to a sick girl who is about to die in the hospital (for the 1,387,258th time)
I no longer have any money at all - but that will change once I receive the $15,000 that Bill Gates is sending me for participating in his special email program.
I will use that money for the entry fee I need to be a courier for $ 1.8 million to deposit for the wife of a slain African dictator of which I will keep 10% for my trouble.
Yes, I want to thank you so much for looking out for me that I will now return the favor!
If you don't tell at least 144,000 people in the next 7 minutes about this posting, a large pigeon with a wicked case of diarrhea will use your head for target practice at 5:00 PM (EST) this afternoon. (I know this will occur because it actually happened to a friend of my next-door neighbor's ex-mother-in-law's second husband's cousin's who is a beautician, or was that a person in training down at the kennel?...hhhmm!
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Sadism vs. Masochism
This past weekend, and again today I took my children sledding.
Of course, being the "hip dad" that I am, I let myself be talked into giving it a go.
It's been years, nay EONS since I've hurtled myself down a snowy covered slope, riding upon a man-made vehical created for the sole purpose of cheating death again and again.
I mean, who in the world thought, "If I had something very slick, I could ride down this snowy hill and achieve break-neck speeds!"??
I'll admit, though, I had fun, except for the time the saucer I was riding in, turned me around backwards, allowing the ground to grab ahold of the lip thus ejecting me in a display not unlike the scene of a rag doll being tossed out a speeding car.
Next week, I'm takin the kayak.
Of course, being the "hip dad" that I am, I let myself be talked into giving it a go.
It's been years, nay EONS since I've hurtled myself down a snowy covered slope, riding upon a man-made vehical created for the sole purpose of cheating death again and again.
I mean, who in the world thought, "If I had something very slick, I could ride down this snowy hill and achieve break-neck speeds!"??
I'll admit, though, I had fun, except for the time the saucer I was riding in, turned me around backwards, allowing the ground to grab ahold of the lip thus ejecting me in a display not unlike the scene of a rag doll being tossed out a speeding car.
Next week, I'm takin the kayak.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Livin' la Small Town Loca
Ever since Jack Nicholson uttered these famous words, I've held them near and dear to my heart. They seem to emulate where I live very nicely.
I live in a small town of only 3500. I moved here about a decade ago from a town of about 35000. Needless to say, the move was like moving into another dimension entirely.
Before I ramble on, the answer to why I moved here is simple:I started a family with a gal from here. Otherwise, I probably would not have chosen this locale to exist in.
One would think a smaller town would be an ideal setting to live, and at first it seemed nice enough to raise a family in. But, now five years after my divorce, I find that this quaint little town is NOT the ideal place for a single person to reside in. (Although, this is one facet of what bugs the shit out of me about this place.)
Here, it seems like everyone knows your shit and has to voice their opinion on it.
I've never heard such complaining at work about the most trivial of topics.
When someone gets a raise either from years of service, or based on their performance, the comments I hear stem from jealousy and misunderstanding about how an actual factory, or any business is ran.
I am still an outsider here, but I stay because this is where my children are.
I actually half look forward to when one of the two occurs:either they turn 18 or their mum finds yet another new husband online and moves far far away.
Then and only then will I be free of this po-dunk hell hole and have the ability to move far from here.
I live in a small town of only 3500. I moved here about a decade ago from a town of about 35000. Needless to say, the move was like moving into another dimension entirely.
Before I ramble on, the answer to why I moved here is simple:I started a family with a gal from here. Otherwise, I probably would not have chosen this locale to exist in.
One would think a smaller town would be an ideal setting to live, and at first it seemed nice enough to raise a family in. But, now five years after my divorce, I find that this quaint little town is NOT the ideal place for a single person to reside in. (Although, this is one facet of what bugs the shit out of me about this place.)
Here, it seems like everyone knows your shit and has to voice their opinion on it.
I've never heard such complaining at work about the most trivial of topics.
When someone gets a raise either from years of service, or based on their performance, the comments I hear stem from jealousy and misunderstanding about how an actual factory, or any business is ran.
I am still an outsider here, but I stay because this is where my children are.
I actually half look forward to when one of the two occurs:either they turn 18 or their mum finds yet another new husband online and moves far far away.
Then and only then will I be free of this po-dunk hell hole and have the ability to move far from here.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
More inkwork
Today I got the second of two planned tattoo's.
Both were in "honor/tribute/whatever" to my to kids.
Being a single dad with only visitation is a huge slap in the face, and getting inked with their actual handwriting was a kind of therapy for me. And, the boys thought it was an "awesome idea".
You always hear about tattoo enthusiasts getting their wives or girlfriends names (which is a stupid idea) or even their childrens named tattooed. It was while watching a show on A&E that I saw a guy getting a tattoo of his sons name after his son actually "signed" the mans chest that I thought "that's an awesome idea".
So now I have my 8 and 10 year old sons handwriting on my skin for all eternity and I couldn't be more happy.
I plan on adding more "therapy" as soon as funds allow.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
New ink
As mentioned in my last posting, I've (finally) gotten another tattoo with a third being done in two weeks.
It's said that once you get inked, your addicted. That was true in my case, but my wallet was able to resist my craving.
But for now, I'm in a better financial standing and decided I wanted my next artwork to involve my children.
About a month ago, a young woman I know was telling me about her latest tattoo and when I asked her where she got it, I was surprised to learn that it was done by a guy I knew back in high school.
I'd seen his shop (in my home town about 30 miles from where I now reside) but never stopped in. Now that I knew who owned and operated it, I just had to go. Plus, now I had cash!
The following week, I stopped in and sure enough, there was ole Donnie, just the way I remembered him. We caught up a bit, and then got down to business.
I told him my idea and we soon came up with a design.
Before beginning, he asked me what kind of lettering I wanted and I told him "It's got to be just like you see it here". His response was classic Donnie:"This'll be the worst lettering I've ever done!" He continued, "no, you're gonna have to tell everyone that I did this on purpose!".
To make a long blog short, the actual tattooing part was just as I remembered it. Not too bad at all. It was either because I was older, wiser, looking forward to the pain, or the fact he popped in The Chronicles of Riddick to give me something else to concentrate on.
Either way, I've got the first of two 'set in stone' tattoos, and I'm happy with it.
When you care enough to send the very best
I love tattoos.
The artwork involved. The colours. The pictures.
I got my first (and subsequently the only) tattoo about ten years ago.
It was a picture of Opus, from a comic strip called Bloom County, playing an electric guitar. For me, it represented my playing guitar and my collecting of penguins. Plus, Opus rocks.
So ten years go by, and each year I tell myself I'm going to get another tattoo but my financial status won't support it. I know I know. Just save a little bit here and there and in time you'll have enough cash for more ink. But because of my personal situation over the past decade, not to mention the past five years, I just couldn't swing it.
I'd decided the next tattoos I got would have something to do with my boys.
Three weeks ago, I asked each of them to write their initials and birthdates down and I would put them in some sort of pattern. They were almost as excited as I was.
"We get to write on Daddy!". You could almost see it in their eyes.
For the past few months I've been working a lot of overtime and with my salary to date, the OT has really boosted my bank account.
This weekend, I decided to spend a little on myself and get the first of two tattoos, which I will chronicle in my next posting.
The artwork involved. The colours. The pictures.
I got my first (and subsequently the only) tattoo about ten years ago.
It was a picture of Opus, from a comic strip called Bloom County, playing an electric guitar. For me, it represented my playing guitar and my collecting of penguins. Plus, Opus rocks.
So ten years go by, and each year I tell myself I'm going to get another tattoo but my financial status won't support it. I know I know. Just save a little bit here and there and in time you'll have enough cash for more ink. But because of my personal situation over the past decade, not to mention the past five years, I just couldn't swing it.
I'd decided the next tattoos I got would have something to do with my boys.
Three weeks ago, I asked each of them to write their initials and birthdates down and I would put them in some sort of pattern. They were almost as excited as I was.
"We get to write on Daddy!". You could almost see it in their eyes.
For the past few months I've been working a lot of overtime and with my salary to date, the OT has really boosted my bank account.
This weekend, I decided to spend a little on myself and get the first of two tattoos, which I will chronicle in my next posting.
Friday, November 25, 2005
Why does everyone keep telling me marry a girl named Christmas??
Normally, I abhor the day after Thanksgiving, ding-ading-ading-ading but today was different.
I'd been wanting to get a smaller computer desk and relocate the whole conglomerate upstairs, freeing up my meager office for other purposes. ding-ading-ading-ading
Yesterday a buddy of mine told me what I was looking for would be on the "day after Thanksgiving six hour sale", for about half it's normal price.
Having been working overtime for about a month, I'd amassed a small amount I could actually make such a purchase. ding-ading-ading-ading
Since I was going to the town the store was in anyway, I figured I'd brave the crazed masses and give it a whirl. ding-ading-ading-ading
As a side note, I normally cannot stand crowds and shopping is my least favorite thing to do. ding-ading-ading-ading So I set out in search of my new acquisition, not really thinking I'd come away unscathed.
ding-ading-ading-ading
I got to the store with about half an hour to go on the 'special sale' and as before I could even open my car door, I heard it:the sound that's worse than nails on the chalk board. ding-ading-ading-ading
That's right: 'tis the season of the Bell Ringers.
Those poor souls that brave the elements (mainly due to the fact that most stores have now banished them from the comfort of their heated entry ways) ringing those little bells, alerting all incoming and outgoing shoppers where they can donate to the Salvation Army. ding-ading-ading-ading
But I'm getting off the subject a tad.
I made my way to where the desks were and lo-and-behold there were a few left! Imagine my surprise to find that with fifteen minutes to go on the special hours sale a few tickets for this item were uncollected! ding-ading-ading-ading I nearly did a jig right there in the aisle. (ok.........so anymore it doesn't take much to excite me).
I took what to me seemed like the Golden Ticket up toward the checkout lines.
By this time, there was something like six minutes and forty-two seconds left before eleven o'clock and all of the checkouts were teeming with row upon row upon row of people all wanting to check out before the 'magic hour'. ding-ading-ading-ading I mean, there were people lined almost all the way to the back of the store, and this is not a small store.
I had to act fast. What to do?
I didn't drive half an hour to get this desk only to be turned away while still in line waiting to purchase is. And yes, I did have another reason I'd come to town but that's for another entry. And that's beside the point!ding-ading-ading-ading
I looked around, hoping to see a hole in a line somewhere. Something created by Little Johnny wanting to find a piece of candy ding-ading-ading-ading that wasn't in his lane while his mother's eyes followed him, not paying attention to what was going on in front of her. No such ding-ading-ading-ading luck.
I did what any other red blooded shopping Guru would have done with having only one item to purchase, ding-ading-ading-ading :
I went right back to electronics where they have their own register, plopped down my ticket, paid cash and strutted right out the front door, making my way back to pick up said purchase. ding-ading-ading-ading
Frickin' bell ringers.
I was in and out of there WITH my new desk within four minutes and thirty-eight seconds.
Yet another HELL YA moment in the History of Men's Shopping
I'd been wanting to get a smaller computer desk and relocate the whole conglomerate upstairs, freeing up my meager office for other purposes. ding-ading-ading-ading
Yesterday a buddy of mine told me what I was looking for would be on the "day after Thanksgiving six hour sale", for about half it's normal price.
Having been working overtime for about a month, I'd amassed a small amount I could actually make such a purchase. ding-ading-ading-ading
Since I was going to the town the store was in anyway, I figured I'd brave the crazed masses and give it a whirl. ding-ading-ading-ading
As a side note, I normally cannot stand crowds and shopping is my least favorite thing to do. ding-ading-ading-ading So I set out in search of my new acquisition, not really thinking I'd come away unscathed.
ding-ading-ading-ading
I got to the store with about half an hour to go on the 'special sale' and as before I could even open my car door, I heard it:the sound that's worse than nails on the chalk board. ding-ading-ading-ading
That's right: 'tis the season of the Bell Ringers.
Those poor souls that brave the elements (mainly due to the fact that most stores have now banished them from the comfort of their heated entry ways) ringing those little bells, alerting all incoming and outgoing shoppers where they can donate to the Salvation Army. ding-ading-ading-ading
But I'm getting off the subject a tad.
I made my way to where the desks were and lo-and-behold there were a few left! Imagine my surprise to find that with fifteen minutes to go on the special hours sale a few tickets for this item were uncollected! ding-ading-ading-ading I nearly did a jig right there in the aisle. (ok.........so anymore it doesn't take much to excite me).
I took what to me seemed like the Golden Ticket up toward the checkout lines.
By this time, there was something like six minutes and forty-two seconds left before eleven o'clock and all of the checkouts were teeming with row upon row upon row of people all wanting to check out before the 'magic hour'. ding-ading-ading-ading I mean, there were people lined almost all the way to the back of the store, and this is not a small store.
I had to act fast. What to do?
I didn't drive half an hour to get this desk only to be turned away while still in line waiting to purchase is. And yes, I did have another reason I'd come to town but that's for another entry. And that's beside the point!ding-ading-ading-ading
I looked around, hoping to see a hole in a line somewhere. Something created by Little Johnny wanting to find a piece of candy ding-ading-ading-ading that wasn't in his lane while his mother's eyes followed him, not paying attention to what was going on in front of her. No such ding-ading-ading-ading luck.
I did what any other red blooded shopping Guru would have done with having only one item to purchase, ding-ading-ading-ading :
I went right back to electronics where they have their own register, plopped down my ticket, paid cash and strutted right out the front door, making my way back to pick up said purchase. ding-ading-ading-ading
Frickin' bell ringers.
I was in and out of there WITH my new desk within four minutes and thirty-eight seconds.
Yet another HELL YA moment in the History of Men's Shopping
Sunday, November 20, 2005
It was only a matter of time.......
I've posted a few offerings on my opinions of online dating services.
Now it seems that I may have been on to something.
Check it:
Call 'em Match.con
Lawsuit sez online dating service set up fake dates
By HELEN KENNEDY
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Match.com is being accused of sending ringers on fake dates with lonely hearts to keep them from dumping the service.
A racketeering lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Nov. 10 alleges the wildly popular online dating service secretly employs people as "date bait" to send bogus enticing E-mails and to go on as many as 100 dates a month - or three a day - to keep customers ponying up.
"Hiding behind Match.com's portrait of online success is a very big, very dirty secret," the lawsuit alleges. "Not everyone you meet and date through Match.com is just another Match.com member."
Company spokeswoman Kristin Kelly said Match.com "absolutely does not" employ anyone to tantalize customers, called the lawsuit "completely without merit" and said it would be fought "vigorously."
She said a survey showing 12% of last year's marriages resulted from meeting online is proof the service works and said membership is up 19% over last year, showing the company doesn't need to resort to tricks.
The lawsuit, filed by thirtysomething customer Matthew Evans, hopes to become a class action on behalf of Match.com's 15 million members and the 1million subscribers who pay $30 for one month or $80 for six.
The service has 850,000 members in New York City.
According to his lawyers, Evans went on many dates with dark-haired, buxom twentysomething Autumn Marzec, who allegedly confessed to him that she was a company ringer.
Evans alleges that Match.com employees identify customers whose subscriptions are about to lapse and send them "winks" - a way users show interest in each other - and scripted E-mails.
The suit alleges snooping employees read customers' E-mails to each other and use the information "to make themselves appear to be the 'perfect match' to that person."
"The paid Match.com employee then goes on a date with the subscriber, gives the deceptive appearance of having a lot in common with the subscriber [due in part to having read his or her E-mails] with the intent of luring the subscriber into re-signing with Match.com," the suit alleges.
Americans spent $245.2 million on online dating in the first half of 2005, up 7.6% from 2004.
and here's more
Now it seems that I may have been on to something.
Check it:
Call 'em Match.con
Lawsuit sez online dating service set up fake dates
By HELEN KENNEDY
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Match.com is being accused of sending ringers on fake dates with lonely hearts to keep them from dumping the service.
A racketeering lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Nov. 10 alleges the wildly popular online dating service secretly employs people as "date bait" to send bogus enticing E-mails and to go on as many as 100 dates a month - or three a day - to keep customers ponying up.
"Hiding behind Match.com's portrait of online success is a very big, very dirty secret," the lawsuit alleges. "Not everyone you meet and date through Match.com is just another Match.com member."
Company spokeswoman Kristin Kelly said Match.com "absolutely does not" employ anyone to tantalize customers, called the lawsuit "completely without merit" and said it would be fought "vigorously."
She said a survey showing 12% of last year's marriages resulted from meeting online is proof the service works and said membership is up 19% over last year, showing the company doesn't need to resort to tricks.
The lawsuit, filed by thirtysomething customer Matthew Evans, hopes to become a class action on behalf of Match.com's 15 million members and the 1million subscribers who pay $30 for one month or $80 for six.
The service has 850,000 members in New York City.
According to his lawyers, Evans went on many dates with dark-haired, buxom twentysomething Autumn Marzec, who allegedly confessed to him that she was a company ringer.
Evans alleges that Match.com employees identify customers whose subscriptions are about to lapse and send them "winks" - a way users show interest in each other - and scripted E-mails.
The suit alleges snooping employees read customers' E-mails to each other and use the information "to make themselves appear to be the 'perfect match' to that person."
"The paid Match.com employee then goes on a date with the subscriber, gives the deceptive appearance of having a lot in common with the subscriber [due in part to having read his or her E-mails] with the intent of luring the subscriber into re-signing with Match.com," the suit alleges.
Americans spent $245.2 million on online dating in the first half of 2005, up 7.6% from 2004.
and here's more
The war wages on..............
What war is he referring to, you may ask?
Is the ever growing war against keeping drugs out of the hands of our children?
How about the war on terrorism? That'd be a good topic.
No friends, the war I speak of is on a more personal level. It has waged on for many a year now and there seems to be no end in sight.
I now tell you of the battle between man and animal. This is my story, of my plight, against a mouse in my house.
While I am reminded of the epic story of Sir Ozzy, the Gerbil Tamer, mine is a simpler story.
One that does not end with a "huzzah", but continues with a heavy "sigh" for I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.
My story begins long ago when the first of his kind left signs he'd been there. (Why do I refer to it as a "he"? Makes for a good story. So there).
The strategically placed "markings" of where he had been were all to clear. He was toying with me.
He'd come and go as he pleased, mocking me at every turn.
I'd entice him,inviting him to partake of sustenance. Little did I know this breed was of a new era. One that could detect traps. One that could circumnavigate even the most creative of ensnare.
Each year, it seems that this assailant is nie invulnerable. Either that or has the ability to clone himself, having stockpile an amassed army, released one by one as another falls in battle.
As the war between man and mouse wages on, with a toll being applied to my psyche alone, I trudge on with my sights set on only one result:The eradication of this plight from my homestead.
Is the ever growing war against keeping drugs out of the hands of our children?
How about the war on terrorism? That'd be a good topic.
No friends, the war I speak of is on a more personal level. It has waged on for many a year now and there seems to be no end in sight.
I now tell you of the battle between man and animal. This is my story, of my plight, against a mouse in my house.
While I am reminded of the epic story of Sir Ozzy, the Gerbil Tamer, mine is a simpler story.
One that does not end with a "huzzah", but continues with a heavy "sigh" for I cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel.
My story begins long ago when the first of his kind left signs he'd been there. (Why do I refer to it as a "he"? Makes for a good story. So there).
The strategically placed "markings" of where he had been were all to clear. He was toying with me.
He'd come and go as he pleased, mocking me at every turn.
I'd entice him,inviting him to partake of sustenance. Little did I know this breed was of a new era. One that could detect traps. One that could circumnavigate even the most creative of ensnare.
Each year, it seems that this assailant is nie invulnerable. Either that or has the ability to clone himself, having stockpile an amassed army, released one by one as another falls in battle.
As the war between man and mouse wages on, with a toll being applied to my psyche alone, I trudge on with my sights set on only one result:The eradication of this plight from my homestead.
Friday, November 18, 2005
Tracking
I started tracking the hits my site gets back in Oct., as my friend OzzyC has been. I was amazed by what I began to see!
First, the not so amazing part was the fact that during the beginning and end parts of the month, I didn't get too many hits. But in the middle weeks, hit counts almost tripled.
The really amazing part, for me, was the fact that not only was my best bud checking my site religiously (as I do your site!), but I was getting visited by peeps in non-English speaking countries.
Most of the ways I would get read, was by hit words on search engines such as MSN and Yahoo!. But then there were the 'referrers' that were direct links.
And when I'd go back and check their sites out, from common courtesy of course, I'd see things like this:
characters only
or my fave:
Russain
*(11/19)I am attempting to insert a link to see if i can do it*
It makes me wonder if when these people see my page, if they can't read it's characters as well.
First, the not so amazing part was the fact that during the beginning and end parts of the month, I didn't get too many hits. But in the middle weeks, hit counts almost tripled.
The really amazing part, for me, was the fact that not only was my best bud checking my site religiously (as I do your site!), but I was getting visited by peeps in non-English speaking countries.
Most of the ways I would get read, was by hit words on search engines such as MSN and Yahoo!. But then there were the 'referrers' that were direct links.
And when I'd go back and check their sites out, from common courtesy of course, I'd see things like this:
characters only
or my fave:
Russain
*(11/19)I am attempting to insert a link to see if i can do it*
It makes me wonder if when these people see my page, if they can't read it's characters as well.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Validation
As I write this, there is less than an hour until the funeral service for my plant manager is to begin. I have elected not to attend.
While I knew him for eight years mainly through work and seldom in public settings, I can't help but wonder if it's a big deal I not attend.
I am at one with the events as they are and will indeed miss him. But do I need to attend his funeral to show this to others?
There was a 'ceremony' at work running the flag outside the plant at half mast with the president of the company saying words and the HR person leading prayer.
Not sharing a belief system of the rest, I did not hold any misgivings and stood along with the others.
The funeral will be held at the Catholic church, which happens to be down the street from my home.
While part of me feels a bit awkward concerning the proximity to my decision, I do not want to succumb to 'peer pressure' only to attend in body only.
I am not a religious person, per se.
At a younger age, I was turned off of religion as it is by the ways it was being presented to me and I've really not given organized religion a second chance.
To me, this is also another validation in not attending.
I will miss him, yes. But in not attending the funeral, does not mean I did not respect him, and the place in which he is now I believe he understands that.
While I knew him for eight years mainly through work and seldom in public settings, I can't help but wonder if it's a big deal I not attend.
I am at one with the events as they are and will indeed miss him. But do I need to attend his funeral to show this to others?
There was a 'ceremony' at work running the flag outside the plant at half mast with the president of the company saying words and the HR person leading prayer.
Not sharing a belief system of the rest, I did not hold any misgivings and stood along with the others.
The funeral will be held at the Catholic church, which happens to be down the street from my home.
While part of me feels a bit awkward concerning the proximity to my decision, I do not want to succumb to 'peer pressure' only to attend in body only.
I am not a religious person, per se.
At a younger age, I was turned off of religion as it is by the ways it was being presented to me and I've really not given organized religion a second chance.
To me, this is also another validation in not attending.
I will miss him, yes. But in not attending the funeral, does not mean I did not respect him, and the place in which he is now I believe he understands that.
I,Target
This weekend I went and played paintball with a small group of guys.
It was Steve's birthday wish to himself to play, so, of course I could not say I wouldn't participate.
Let me preface by stating that I am 37 and (after, paintballing finding out) that I am grossly out of shape.
I lasted four out of the five hours we were out there, but, the others being at least ten years my junior, still had a full head of steam to continue.
It was the first time I'd played, but I'd heard stories and seen it played. Basically, I had some idea of how it works.
It's a no-brainer: point and shoot. puh-puh-puh.
The sound alone makes it fun. puh-puh-puh. It's a unique sound that is made when the C02 propells a round paintball from the barrel of the gun. puh-puh-puh.
We had six guys, so we started off by doing a "three-on-three" battle.
The course we were using had man-made barracades as well as natural ones and was surrounded by woods, which we used later.
In the course of those four hours, we played several variations of war-fare:"President" in which one is chosen to be unarmed and gets two "Secret Service". The object is for the 'President' to get from one end of the course to the other without getting shot. The game ends when either he is successful in reaching his destination, or gets shot.
In another game, one is chosen to be "the rabbit" and gets one or two guns, depending on personal preference. The object of this game is to hold off all attackers. Basically, the 'rabbit' has no chance in hell of surviving so we chose the whiniest of the group and basically said "RUN RABBIT" and ganged up on the poor soul.
The best part of the day was in the beginning when we were doing a three-on-three in the woods, and it began to rain. THIS made it feel like what it must during real combat. (I word this statement this way because I've never been in real combat and I don't wish to assume anything and offend someone who has and may take offense. Respect)
The rain just made everything more intense. Not being able to hear the 'crunch crunch snap' of oncoming assailants made it more fun.
I'm not sure paintballing is a hobby I'll take up, but for the occasional opportunity to go out and shoot people without fear of prosecution is always appealing.
puh-puh-puh
It was Steve's birthday wish to himself to play, so, of course I could not say I wouldn't participate.
Let me preface by stating that I am 37 and (after, paintballing finding out) that I am grossly out of shape.
I lasted four out of the five hours we were out there, but, the others being at least ten years my junior, still had a full head of steam to continue.
It was the first time I'd played, but I'd heard stories and seen it played. Basically, I had some idea of how it works.
It's a no-brainer: point and shoot. puh-puh-puh.
The sound alone makes it fun. puh-puh-puh. It's a unique sound that is made when the C02 propells a round paintball from the barrel of the gun. puh-puh-puh.
We had six guys, so we started off by doing a "three-on-three" battle.
The course we were using had man-made barracades as well as natural ones and was surrounded by woods, which we used later.
In the course of those four hours, we played several variations of war-fare:"President" in which one is chosen to be unarmed and gets two "Secret Service". The object is for the 'President' to get from one end of the course to the other without getting shot. The game ends when either he is successful in reaching his destination, or gets shot.
In another game, one is chosen to be "the rabbit" and gets one or two guns, depending on personal preference. The object of this game is to hold off all attackers. Basically, the 'rabbit' has no chance in hell of surviving so we chose the whiniest of the group and basically said "RUN RABBIT" and ganged up on the poor soul.
The best part of the day was in the beginning when we were doing a three-on-three in the woods, and it began to rain. THIS made it feel like what it must during real combat. (I word this statement this way because I've never been in real combat and I don't wish to assume anything and offend someone who has and may take offense. Respect)
The rain just made everything more intense. Not being able to hear the 'crunch crunch snap' of oncoming assailants made it more fun.
I'm not sure paintballing is a hobby I'll take up, but for the occasional opportunity to go out and shoot people without fear of prosecution is always appealing.
puh-puh-puh
Friday, November 11, 2005
Am I lucky or what??
Today, I received the following email from ARTS & CRAFT COMPANY PLC.
DL0311 VAUXHALL CROSS LONDON UNITED KINGDOM.
Attn: Sir/Ma.
With due respect to you, I am sorry for any inconveniences or embarrassment this my letter of assistance may cause you. I am writing following an impressive information we got about you through a constancy firm under UK/USA/CA. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. Thus we assured your capability and reliability to champion a business of great magnitude.
I am Mr. Jackson Abraham, the managing director of the above-mentioned company. Base on the assurance given on your behalf, my company has appointed you as our debt collector from our overseas creditors. The creditors always send us CHEQUES for our payment, but foreign check take LONGER time to clear and sometimes some of them got lost on transit, which impact a great lost to this Company. It is on this effect, we the management outstayed a dept collector overseas. You haven been selected on these contract, the management has agreed that any debt YOU collected on our behalf, 5% is allowed for you as your share while the remaining will be remitted to us through wire transfer on our cooperate account.
To commence on this transaction, you are to send the following in your reply:
1. Name you want the cheque to be raised.
2. Direct telephone and fax numbers
3. Mailing address
4. Your company names if any.
5. Sex/ Age and Occupation.
NOTE: Your duty is ONLY to collect CHEQUES on our behalf from our creditors overseas and have 5% of the total fund paid to you. If you are interested, please reply through my secure email address: jacjulxx1@myway.com
awaiting your positive reply.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Jackson Abraham
I know this is spam of some sort, but allow me to rant over it anyway,(It's a slow blog night).
This is what gets me,the addressing of 'me' is very general. .
But then the email goes on to state I am writing following an impressive information we got about you through a constancy firm , suggesting at the possibility that I've become the subject of some very important study or something. I should be so lucky. Ed McMahon never knocked on my door and all of a sudden some 'overseas' venture plops in my lap?
Are we supposed to be this stupid by these agencies to think that we are getting personally contacted in the attempt to collect some checks for them?
Who are these people??
How do they come up with these things?
What are they really after?
Why can't I finish a blog in some witty fashion instead of getting so flustered I end with............
oy
DL0311 VAUXHALL CROSS LONDON UNITED KINGDOM.
Attn: Sir/Ma.
With due respect to you, I am sorry for any inconveniences or embarrassment this my letter of assistance may cause you. I am writing following an impressive information we got about you through a constancy firm under UK/USA/CA. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. Thus we assured your capability and reliability to champion a business of great magnitude.
I am Mr. Jackson Abraham, the managing director of the above-mentioned company. Base on the assurance given on your behalf, my company has appointed you as our debt collector from our overseas creditors. The creditors always send us CHEQUES for our payment, but foreign check take LONGER time to clear and sometimes some of them got lost on transit, which impact a great lost to this Company. It is on this effect, we the management outstayed a dept collector overseas. You haven been selected on these contract, the management has agreed that any debt YOU collected on our behalf, 5% is allowed for you as your share while the remaining will be remitted to us through wire transfer on our cooperate account.
To commence on this transaction, you are to send the following in your reply:
1. Name you want the cheque to be raised.
2. Direct telephone and fax numbers
3. Mailing address
4. Your company names if any.
5. Sex/ Age and Occupation.
NOTE: Your duty is ONLY to collect CHEQUES on our behalf from our creditors overseas and have 5% of the total fund paid to you. If you are interested, please reply through my secure email address: jacjulxx1@myway.com
awaiting your positive reply.
Yours sincerely,
Mr. Jackson Abraham
I know this is spam of some sort, but allow me to rant over it anyway,(It's a slow blog night).
This is what gets me,the addressing of 'me' is very general. .
But then the email goes on to state I am writing following an impressive information we got about you through a constancy firm , suggesting at the possibility that I've become the subject of some very important study or something. I should be so lucky. Ed McMahon never knocked on my door and all of a sudden some 'overseas' venture plops in my lap?
Are we supposed to be this stupid by these agencies to think that we are getting personally contacted in the attempt to collect some checks for them?
Who are these people??
How do they come up with these things?
What are they really after?
Why can't I finish a blog in some witty fashion instead of getting so flustered I end with............
oy
"Are you losing weight?"
This is the question my mother posed to me today.
The last time I saw her was only a week ago, and she didn't ask me then.
This comes up now and then which is sort of humourous as I do not diet, fluxuate dramatically in weight, or am constantly buying 'clothes that fit'.
After telling her that I didn't think I had, she commented on my face looking thinner.
Again, she's seeing things because I'm still as chubby as I have been. The only difference, as I pointed out to her, was the way I was shaving my facial hair.
*side note* Along with being vertically challenged, I am also follically challenged and find myself creating facial 'hair-styles' as one would with their hair on their head!
After debating about it, she noticed I was growing my hair (on my head) out again.
"You've got hair!". oy.
How having hair upon my head creates the illusion of weight loss is lost on me.
This cannot be a common occurrence as I've seen rather large people that with hair and they do NOT look thinner. (pause for uproarious laughter).
I suppose this spring when I shed my "winter cap", my mother will complain that I "need to go on a diet" as I've seemingly gained X-amount of weight.
The last time I saw her was only a week ago, and she didn't ask me then.
This comes up now and then which is sort of humourous as I do not diet, fluxuate dramatically in weight, or am constantly buying 'clothes that fit'.
After telling her that I didn't think I had, she commented on my face looking thinner.
Again, she's seeing things because I'm still as chubby as I have been. The only difference, as I pointed out to her, was the way I was shaving my facial hair.
*side note* Along with being vertically challenged, I am also follically challenged and find myself creating facial 'hair-styles' as one would with their hair on their head!
After debating about it, she noticed I was growing my hair (on my head) out again.
"You've got hair!". oy.
How having hair upon my head creates the illusion of weight loss is lost on me.
This cannot be a common occurrence as I've seen rather large people that with hair and they do NOT look thinner. (pause for uproarious laughter).
I suppose this spring when I shed my "winter cap", my mother will complain that I "need to go on a diet" as I've seemingly gained X-amount of weight.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
In honorum
Today I write in memory of my plant manager who passed away this morning.
He came to where I work almost eight years ago to fill a position that hadn't been filled since I'd been there already two years.
He was a good man in and out of the work place.
He filled his free time woodworking all sorts of items from intricately ornate clocks to canoes, but his passion was fly-fishing.
He will be missed by all that had the fortune to know him.
He came to where I work almost eight years ago to fill a position that hadn't been filled since I'd been there already two years.
He was a good man in and out of the work place.
He filled his free time woodworking all sorts of items from intricately ornate clocks to canoes, but his passion was fly-fishing.
He will be missed by all that had the fortune to know him.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Boy divorces parents
Honorable Judge Stone of Madison WI. heard the case of little 10 year old Timmy Smith who was divorcing his parents.
His reason was due to the fact that both his mother and his father beat him on a regular basis.
The judge sympathetic to young Timmy's plight, allowed a temporary placement with a family member of Timmy's choice.
Suggesting his Aunt, Timmy said she beat him more than his parents did.
Surprised to hear this, the Judge asked little Timmy who he would like to be placed with temporarily while the DHS conducted an investigation into the violent situation surrounding the family.
Timmy suggested the Green Bay Packers, as they have never beaten ANYone regularly.
;)
(had ya goin.......didn't i?)
His reason was due to the fact that both his mother and his father beat him on a regular basis.
The judge sympathetic to young Timmy's plight, allowed a temporary placement with a family member of Timmy's choice.
Suggesting his Aunt, Timmy said she beat him more than his parents did.
Surprised to hear this, the Judge asked little Timmy who he would like to be placed with temporarily while the DHS conducted an investigation into the violent situation surrounding the family.
Timmy suggested the Green Bay Packers, as they have never beaten ANYone regularly.
;)
(had ya goin.......didn't i?)
Sunday, November 06, 2005
To blog or not to blog.........
I started blogging after my good friend OzzyC, told me about it.
He said it was basically like an online diary that one could write about anything and other people could comment on it.
At the time he suggested blogging, I was having a difficult time dealing with my divorce and the changing of situations with my children. It sounded like it would be a good release.
I thought it would be a good idea to run some of my blogs past him, being as they'd sound a bit too much even to me. I was right. A few of my blogs were filled with too much angst, bitterness, and what could possibly come back on my if my situation were ever to go back to court.
So, even though my life is pretty mundane compared to my blogging bretheren, I trudge forward, trying to come up with subjects that will 'wow' and 'dazzle' the blogging community.
Ernest Hemmingway I am not, so just bear with me and I will do my best to get the point acrossed without setting myself up for a fall in the future.
He said it was basically like an online diary that one could write about anything and other people could comment on it.
At the time he suggested blogging, I was having a difficult time dealing with my divorce and the changing of situations with my children. It sounded like it would be a good release.
I thought it would be a good idea to run some of my blogs past him, being as they'd sound a bit too much even to me. I was right. A few of my blogs were filled with too much angst, bitterness, and what could possibly come back on my if my situation were ever to go back to court.
So, even though my life is pretty mundane compared to my blogging bretheren, I trudge forward, trying to come up with subjects that will 'wow' and 'dazzle' the blogging community.
Ernest Hemmingway I am not, so just bear with me and I will do my best to get the point acrossed without setting myself up for a fall in the future.
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Online dating and you
Ok, so, it'’s time once again for my rant concerning on-line dating sites.
(It'’s a slow day).
I'’ve talked about how eHarmony uses 29 dimensions in matching people.
As I'’ve also said, if she's 3-d I'd be happy. (pause for uproarious laughter)
Another site I'’ve used allows what are called "“winks"” between non-members.
Winks are a way to get someone'’s attention, such as in life. But unless you are a paying member, that's as far as it goes.
I'’ve only come across two completely free dating sites, Plenty of Fish and Matchdoctor.
While these two sites allow people to write actual messages to one another, they have an upgradeable feature allowing say one to view a persons multiple pictures, or seeing how many people have viewed your profile. No big whoop if you ask me.
In my experience, though, there seems to be no single women using these sites within an acceptable radius. For me, acceptable would be no more than 30-45 miles.
Aside from the obvious millions of women from other states and countries (the UK seems to be popular), a multitude of women seem to be in the southern part of the state, which really does me no good.
While I'’ve considered moving in the past, now that I have my children back in the same town as me, relocating is not an option.
I'’m sure that these sites have done what they promised in finding soul mates for people. Hell, there are plenty of testimonials to this fact!
But the whole online dating world has just left this single guy............single.
(It'’s a slow day).
I'’ve talked about how eHarmony uses 29 dimensions in matching people.
As I'’ve also said, if she's 3-d I'd be happy. (pause for uproarious laughter)
Another site I'’ve used allows what are called "“winks"” between non-members.
Winks are a way to get someone'’s attention, such as in life. But unless you are a paying member, that's as far as it goes.
I'’ve only come across two completely free dating sites, Plenty of Fish and Matchdoctor.
While these two sites allow people to write actual messages to one another, they have an upgradeable feature allowing say one to view a persons multiple pictures, or seeing how many people have viewed your profile. No big whoop if you ask me.
In my experience, though, there seems to be no single women using these sites within an acceptable radius. For me, acceptable would be no more than 30-45 miles.
Aside from the obvious millions of women from other states and countries (the UK seems to be popular), a multitude of women seem to be in the southern part of the state, which really does me no good.
While I'’ve considered moving in the past, now that I have my children back in the same town as me, relocating is not an option.
I'’m sure that these sites have done what they promised in finding soul mates for people. Hell, there are plenty of testimonials to this fact!
But the whole online dating world has just left this single guy............single.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Life..........what the hell??
In an attempt to gain more hits to my blog, I've decided to plagerize some other's blog site tag lines, (SORRY GUYS).
The perfect story for this particular tag line is this:
JACKSON RECRUITS KELLY FOR CHARITY TRACK
I haven't figured out how to link key words, so here's the story.
LATEST: MICHAEL JACKSON has recruited troubled R+B star R KELLY to perform on his charity single for America's hurricane victims.
It had initially been believed that Kelly, who is currently fighting child pornography charges, would not be able to perform on the single, which had initially been named FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, until Jackson altered and re-recorded it.
And while the many stars Jackson had mentioned - including MARIAH CAREY, LENNY KRAVITZ and JAY-Z - have yet to publicly confirm that they're participating on the track, Kelly has signed up not only to lend his voice to the project but also to serve as executive producer, reports MTV News.
Jackson, who has kept a low profile since his June (05) acquittal on child molestation charges, had started recording the single in London, but is now finishing it up in Los Angeles.
Kinda ironic, isn't it? I mean, two men involved in pedophile cases joining together for what is yes a good cause, but also kind of tacky.
In other news, Jackson is said to have also called Boyz II Men.
He thought that was the name of a delivery service.
The perfect story for this particular tag line is this:
JACKSON RECRUITS KELLY FOR CHARITY TRACK
I haven't figured out how to link key words, so here's the story.
LATEST: MICHAEL JACKSON has recruited troubled R+B star R KELLY to perform on his charity single for America's hurricane victims.
It had initially been believed that Kelly, who is currently fighting child pornography charges, would not be able to perform on the single, which had initially been named FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, until Jackson altered and re-recorded it.
And while the many stars Jackson had mentioned - including MARIAH CAREY, LENNY KRAVITZ and JAY-Z - have yet to publicly confirm that they're participating on the track, Kelly has signed up not only to lend his voice to the project but also to serve as executive producer, reports MTV News.
Jackson, who has kept a low profile since his June (05) acquittal on child molestation charges, had started recording the single in London, but is now finishing it up in Los Angeles.
Kinda ironic, isn't it? I mean, two men involved in pedophile cases joining together for what is yes a good cause, but also kind of tacky.
In other news, Jackson is said to have also called Boyz II Men.
He thought that was the name of a delivery service.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Just a Friend
We've all been there:we meet someone we like only to find that they want to be "just friends".
It's like the bane of all men. I can't speak for the women as if this is also the case, but for a guy, when a girl tells you that she feels you are just the "best friend" a little part of us dies.
That's they way it's been for me pretty much most of my dating life.
There were several girls I got along with that I could see myself having a more-than-friends relation with. But as is my curse, I seem to make a better friend than lover.
As if my height, or lack there of, doesn't fuel my complex on a daily basis, but then I have to contend that most every woman I am attracted to, treats me like "the gay friend", or "they guy they don't feel attracted to in that way". oy
(And as a side note, no:I am not I repeat not gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
So it seems that I am destined to be the friend to all women.
At least my kids think I'm cool.
It's like the bane of all men. I can't speak for the women as if this is also the case, but for a guy, when a girl tells you that she feels you are just the "best friend" a little part of us dies.
That's they way it's been for me pretty much most of my dating life.
There were several girls I got along with that I could see myself having a more-than-friends relation with. But as is my curse, I seem to make a better friend than lover.
As if my height, or lack there of, doesn't fuel my complex on a daily basis, but then I have to contend that most every woman I am attracted to, treats me like "the gay friend", or "they guy they don't feel attracted to in that way". oy
(And as a side note, no:I am not I repeat not gay. Not that there's anything wrong with that.)
So it seems that I am destined to be the friend to all women.
At least my kids think I'm cool.
Signs You're Living in 2005
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of five.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You go home after a long day at work, you still answer the phone in a business manner.
7. You make phone calls from home, you accidentally dial "9" to get an outside line.
8. You've sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three different companies.
10. You learn about your redundancy on the
11. Your boss doesn't have the ability to do your job.
12. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
13. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
14. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the
first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
15. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
16. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. >:)
17. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
18. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this
message.
19. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
20. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Tragedy v. comedy
Ok, so, overall this is a very tragic story.
A co-worker knew this couple and knows a bit of the "untold truth".
Basically, they both had health issues and had decided to end their lives together.
They first tossed their Pomeranian over the bridge, and then themselves.
What I want to know is what what right did they have to make this decision for the doggie?
I know pets love their owners and have been known to do tremendous feats in the face of their masters adversity. But this was a poof-ball!
It's main concern was looking cute and eating! (I should know because my mother has one)
Picture it:the couple takes a trip with their pooch riding in it's carrier. I'm sure the pup was thinking "OH BOY OH BOY! WE"RE GOING FOR A RIDE!!" (assuming that dogs yell to themselves when they think), only to end up thinking "why do these people think I can fly?".
I only hope that dogs can speak English in Heaven so this one can go off on these two "loving owners" that decided their pet's time was up as well as their own!
in times of adversity, we need to remember humour
A co-worker knew this couple and knows a bit of the "untold truth".
Basically, they both had health issues and had decided to end their lives together.
They first tossed their Pomeranian over the bridge, and then themselves.
What I want to know is what what right did they have to make this decision for the doggie?
I know pets love their owners and have been known to do tremendous feats in the face of their masters adversity. But this was a poof-ball!
It's main concern was looking cute and eating! (I should know because my mother has one)
Picture it:the couple takes a trip with their pooch riding in it's carrier. I'm sure the pup was thinking "OH BOY OH BOY! WE"RE GOING FOR A RIDE!!" (assuming that dogs yell to themselves when they think), only to end up thinking "why do these people think I can fly?".
I only hope that dogs can speak English in Heaven so this one can go off on these two "loving owners" that decided their pet's time was up as well as their own!
in times of adversity, we need to remember humour
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Me with my favorite boys!
Me with my favorite boys!
Originally uploaded by bat-a-ray.
These are the reasons I can continue on in the face of adversity.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Kids vs. Respect
This weekend, my youngest sons soccer coach held a pizza party for an undefeated season.
Afterwards, we all played "extreme soccer". Basically, there was no marked field where we were, so there was no "out" and we used picnic tables for goals.
At one point, I heard one of the children saying "you suck!" and to another "you suck!".
I commented, "Noone sucks", in an attempt to quash this type of talk during the game.
His response to me was, "YOU suck". oy.
Later, as I drove the ball down field, which in retrospect, I wish I were driving it using some sort of vehicle, (yea......I'm a bit out of shape), an opposing player took the it from me and dashed the other way. Now, I'm not upset by any means. These kids have been playing soccer twice a year for several years. It was a good move on his part! Of course, the coach (who happens to be a friend of mine) started laughing saying "OOOOOOOOOOh....................YOU got SCHOOLED". That "you suck" kid chimed in as well.
Now, when I was growing up, I cannot remember a child talking to an adult in this manner, let alone being on a first name basis with said adult. But nowadays, it's all the rage for a child to address a friends parent by first name.
Some will argue that perhaps, today's children feel more at ease calling an adult by their first name, whereas I feel it is disrespectful as I was brought up addressing adults by their last names.
I can remember having this same conversation with my now ex-wife and how she took the side of "it's no big deal". There's a reason she's my ex.
So what do you think?
IS it no big deal that we let our children address other parents by first names?
AM I just living in the past?
Will our heroes escape the diabolical trap that's ensnared them?(sorry........childhood flashback).
Afterwards, we all played "extreme soccer". Basically, there was no marked field where we were, so there was no "out" and we used picnic tables for goals.
At one point, I heard one of the children saying "you suck!" and to another "you suck!".
I commented, "Noone sucks", in an attempt to quash this type of talk during the game.
His response to me was, "YOU suck". oy.
Later, as I drove the ball down field, which in retrospect, I wish I were driving it using some sort of vehicle, (yea......I'm a bit out of shape), an opposing player took the it from me and dashed the other way. Now, I'm not upset by any means. These kids have been playing soccer twice a year for several years. It was a good move on his part! Of course, the coach (who happens to be a friend of mine) started laughing saying "OOOOOOOOOOh....................YOU got SCHOOLED". That "you suck" kid chimed in as well.
Now, when I was growing up, I cannot remember a child talking to an adult in this manner, let alone being on a first name basis with said adult. But nowadays, it's all the rage for a child to address a friends parent by first name.
Some will argue that perhaps, today's children feel more at ease calling an adult by their first name, whereas I feel it is disrespectful as I was brought up addressing adults by their last names.
I can remember having this same conversation with my now ex-wife and how she took the side of "it's no big deal". There's a reason she's my ex.
So what do you think?
IS it no big deal that we let our children address other parents by first names?
AM I just living in the past?
Will our heroes escape the diabolical trap that's ensnared them?(sorry........childhood flashback).
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Children
Something has been working at my brain and I thought it was time to let it out.
My topic:the innocence of children. OR more specific, the absence of innocence.
I remember when I was growing up, how much fun I had being a kid.
You never heard of child abductions, child pornography, or teenage pregnancies.
Either it wasn't prevalent, or it was kept more from children than it is nowadays.
It seems that whenever you turn around, there's a story about a 13 year old girl having an abortion, or someone's 8 year old was abducted.
What has happened?
Somewhere along the line, somebody had the idea that we had to protect our children in a different way:telling them that the world is a sick place and expose them to all sorts of evils in an attempt to keep them from it. But it backfired.
Kids are having sex earlier and earlier.
Kids are getting busted for crimes not only shouldn't be committed at all, but are usually 'reserved' for adults.
In some single parent families, the child is expected to help raise younger siblings because the parent is too busy, whether it be working or feeling sorry for themselves, or too lazy to take care of multiple children.
For some reason, we feel our children have to 'grow up and face facts'.
Some of the examples parents set for children are just way out of line. For example, I remember hearing a story of a woman that filed a sexual harassment suit against a six year old boy because he kissed her little girl on the cheek one day during Kindergarten. Her reason was that her daughter didn't want to be kissed. Well no duh! EVERY little kid doesn't want to get cooties!! But is there really a need to file a lawsuit? What kind of tone is this woman setting for her daughter? Maybe I'm getting off topic a bit.
I fear for the future based on how we are forcing our children to become adults w/o allowing them to experience just being a kid.
I for one continue to embrace my own childhood and help my children experience theirs.
My topic:the innocence of children. OR more specific, the absence of innocence.
I remember when I was growing up, how much fun I had being a kid.
You never heard of child abductions, child pornography, or teenage pregnancies.
Either it wasn't prevalent, or it was kept more from children than it is nowadays.
It seems that whenever you turn around, there's a story about a 13 year old girl having an abortion, or someone's 8 year old was abducted.
What has happened?
Somewhere along the line, somebody had the idea that we had to protect our children in a different way:telling them that the world is a sick place and expose them to all sorts of evils in an attempt to keep them from it. But it backfired.
Kids are having sex earlier and earlier.
Kids are getting busted for crimes not only shouldn't be committed at all, but are usually 'reserved' for adults.
In some single parent families, the child is expected to help raise younger siblings because the parent is too busy, whether it be working or feeling sorry for themselves, or too lazy to take care of multiple children.
For some reason, we feel our children have to 'grow up and face facts'.
Some of the examples parents set for children are just way out of line. For example, I remember hearing a story of a woman that filed a sexual harassment suit against a six year old boy because he kissed her little girl on the cheek one day during Kindergarten. Her reason was that her daughter didn't want to be kissed. Well no duh! EVERY little kid doesn't want to get cooties!! But is there really a need to file a lawsuit? What kind of tone is this woman setting for her daughter? Maybe I'm getting off topic a bit.
I fear for the future based on how we are forcing our children to become adults w/o allowing them to experience just being a kid.
I for one continue to embrace my own childhood and help my children experience theirs.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Monday, October 17, 2005
When is it ok to 'move on'
Here's an interesting question:when is it ok/expected to realize that you don't get to raise your children in a full-time family situation, and start living for yourself?
Five years ago, after my divorce, I chose to keep the house my boys had lived in for four years under the premise that I'd keep some familiarity for them after they were taken to another state.
Now, most would say that this was unnecessisary, but for whatever reason, it's what I did.
For the following five years, I chose not to date, not to associate with new people, and not pursue a few options that arose. All of which was influenced by what had occured with my now ex-wife.
The part that makes sense, I assume, is that I gave up a lot of personal wants in an effort to save all the money I could so when I did get my kids, I'd be able to spend it on them, i.e. going out to eat once in a while, going to movies, taking trips. Even though I wasn't able to save a lot, which was not because I was splurging on myself, but from the lack of money I was bringing home, I was able to do somethings with/for my children.
Now it's five years later, I've passed on a chance to get married and move to Southern Wisconsin, only fulfilling one vice, and basically stayed where I am now that my children are back in the same town. But did I make the right choice?
Now that I'm pushing 40, I find myself wondering a LOT about where the last five, hell TEN years have gone. I wanted to do so much.
I wanted a family, (kids AND a wife), I wanted to be comfortable income wise, hell I wanted a Harley by the time I was 35 and I probably could have done it, but I chose to live for my children, even though I only got them part time, instead of doing for myself.
I was reminded of my monetary situation the other day when I went shopping with my boys and my eldest wanted a toy. Cool toy too. But, because of a shortage of funds, which is pretty much the norm for me, I had to say "no". And while he understood why, he still teared up. But I couldn't be certain if he was upset because I couldn't get it for him (which by the way, he pointed out that it was for both he AND his brother...........he's such a good kid!), or because he was upset about the lack of money. As I said, he's a good kid BUT also a smart kid. He understands about child support and how I pay it, and his mother spends it...............not always on them (the boys).
So when do I realize that I have a part-time family and begin to attempt to live for myself and 'not' so much for my children?
It's like I have to realize that my life is not, nor will be that of normal people due to the fact that I love my children TOO much combined with my allowing my ex to always get/keep me down.
*I fell like this has become a incoherant rambling of thoughts so if you comment, be gentle! lol
Five years ago, after my divorce, I chose to keep the house my boys had lived in for four years under the premise that I'd keep some familiarity for them after they were taken to another state.
Now, most would say that this was unnecessisary, but for whatever reason, it's what I did.
For the following five years, I chose not to date, not to associate with new people, and not pursue a few options that arose. All of which was influenced by what had occured with my now ex-wife.
The part that makes sense, I assume, is that I gave up a lot of personal wants in an effort to save all the money I could so when I did get my kids, I'd be able to spend it on them, i.e. going out to eat once in a while, going to movies, taking trips. Even though I wasn't able to save a lot, which was not because I was splurging on myself, but from the lack of money I was bringing home, I was able to do somethings with/for my children.
Now it's five years later, I've passed on a chance to get married and move to Southern Wisconsin, only fulfilling one vice, and basically stayed where I am now that my children are back in the same town. But did I make the right choice?
Now that I'm pushing 40, I find myself wondering a LOT about where the last five, hell TEN years have gone. I wanted to do so much.
I wanted a family, (kids AND a wife), I wanted to be comfortable income wise, hell I wanted a Harley by the time I was 35 and I probably could have done it, but I chose to live for my children, even though I only got them part time, instead of doing for myself.
I was reminded of my monetary situation the other day when I went shopping with my boys and my eldest wanted a toy. Cool toy too. But, because of a shortage of funds, which is pretty much the norm for me, I had to say "no". And while he understood why, he still teared up. But I couldn't be certain if he was upset because I couldn't get it for him (which by the way, he pointed out that it was for both he AND his brother...........he's such a good kid!), or because he was upset about the lack of money. As I said, he's a good kid BUT also a smart kid. He understands about child support and how I pay it, and his mother spends it...............not always on them (the boys).
So when do I realize that I have a part-time family and begin to attempt to live for myself and 'not' so much for my children?
It's like I have to realize that my life is not, nor will be that of normal people due to the fact that I love my children TOO much combined with my allowing my ex to always get/keep me down.
*I fell like this has become a incoherant rambling of thoughts so if you comment, be gentle! lol
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Free Porn
This is actually a gif that a friend sent me, but I can't animate it on here.Just use your imagination
Monday, October 10, 2005
Gator-guzzling python comes to messy end
The pythons last words were said to have been "I sssssssssshoulda had a V-8!"
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Car for doggies.
WAKO, Japan - Honda Motor Co. has designed a car that's friendly for dogs — part of the Japanese automaker's ongoing effort to create vehicles that are easy to use and comfortable to ride in.
Why can't the U.S. come up with ideas like this??
Btw:check out the look on the pooch in the glovebox.
For more on this story, go to http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9599456/
Torn
Since my divorce over five years ago, I've been entered, (against my will and better judgement) in a battle over my children. More specifically, how they act towards me when they are with their mother.
To be even more precise, when we attend events the boys are involved in, if they are with her, she does not allow them to come over and say "hi" or get a hug. However, when they are with me, I encourage them to go over and talk to her and/or her husband. This has been going on since the onset.
Her excuse/reason has been, according to the boys, that I didn't allow them to come to her.
Now, I'll admit, perhaps in the first year or so after our divorce, I may have let my negative feelings override my better judgement and probably took the "f*ck her" attitude when I had my boys (not that I don't still feel that way, I just don't act upon it", but I've been more than accomodating when it comes to promoting their going over to her.
One would think, that after five years, and now being in a relationship, she would get over it and quite trying to turn my children against me/keep them from me in petty ways. It's gotten to the point where my oldest son won't even ask because "they'll probably just say no anyway".
I understand that in the end it doesn't even matter and that above all else I need to be the bigger parent here. But that doesn't allieviate the hurt feelings on my part.
Just think about it:to be at an event and have one's own child walk by them without as much as a 'hiya'. Compound that with the feelings one's ex already promotes and WHAMMO. ISSUES.
Sucks.
To be even more precise, when we attend events the boys are involved in, if they are with her, she does not allow them to come over and say "hi" or get a hug. However, when they are with me, I encourage them to go over and talk to her and/or her husband. This has been going on since the onset.
Her excuse/reason has been, according to the boys, that I didn't allow them to come to her.
Now, I'll admit, perhaps in the first year or so after our divorce, I may have let my negative feelings override my better judgement and probably took the "f*ck her" attitude when I had my boys (not that I don't still feel that way, I just don't act upon it", but I've been more than accomodating when it comes to promoting their going over to her.
One would think, that after five years, and now being in a relationship, she would get over it and quite trying to turn my children against me/keep them from me in petty ways. It's gotten to the point where my oldest son won't even ask because "they'll probably just say no anyway".
I understand that in the end it doesn't even matter and that above all else I need to be the bigger parent here. But that doesn't allieviate the hurt feelings on my part.
Just think about it:to be at an event and have one's own child walk by them without as much as a 'hiya'. Compound that with the feelings one's ex already promotes and WHAMMO. ISSUES.
Sucks.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
EVERYone should have an ex-wife....................
I say ex-wife in jest because my co-worker who is female, considers her b/f's ex-wife to be her's as well due to the sh*t she pulls.
Now, for my rant on my ex:
I've been divorced since 2000 and my ex-wife treats me with the same disrespect and ill-regard as she did back then.
To recap:she moved 10 hours away with our children and married the guy (twice her age) she met online. Since then she's considered him the boys father and created a role for me as the big-brother.
I, like a good friend of mine, will accomodate the ex when it comes to the children, and never expect anything in return (basically because one would be expecting for quite some time).
If she wants me to take them when I'm not scheduled to, I do because they are my children and I love spending ANY time I can get with them.
If she asks if she can "take" them when it's my time with them for a family event of hers, I do so without as much as a peep.
However, she's petty in the respects that when we attend one of our childrens sporting events, if it's not my weekend/week night with them, she does not allow the child not participating to come over and say hi to me. Her reason is that "the last game (I) had them I wouldn't let them come talk to (her)".
In my humble defense, after I'd gotten over my resentment, in the first few years after our divorce, of her and the man she wants to replace me as a father figure with, I'd practically have to shove the boys to go say hi to her.
Tonight was no exception, on her part.
Our youngest son had a flag football game and as usual, I went to watch. Nothing abnormal there.
About fifteen minutes in, my ex showed up with our other son, and met up with her husband.
I'd had my back to where they came in and I'd not had seen them if it weren't for the fact that they walked right by me. Well, within ten paces of me.
My oldest son, for the second week in a row, walked right by where I was without even an acknowledgement of seeing me! And to put the cap on things, he never once came over, again.
Now, I could have gone over to where they were (again), put myself in their court (again), and said hello to my child. But realize how I felt, when even after discussing with him how it hurt me when he didn't at least say hi in passing, that my own flesh and blood would ignore me, again.
Some would say "don't blame him" and "it's his mother's fault" but that doesn't lessen the pain of having one's child ignore you in public.
*Just as a side note, our divorce decree states we have joint-custody but after a failed attempt to gain 50/50 placement upon their moving back to the same town, my ex acts and treats me as if she holds the key to the golden crapper.
I chose to stay in this town after my children were moved back. Foregoing any possibility of pursuing my own interests and possibly creating a better situation for myself (with a trickle down of benefits onto my children) only to be snubbed by my own son that I stayed for??
It's enough to make a man rethink his entire life and the choices he's made and wonder what's it all been for.
On a final side note:I'd left as soon as the game was over, basically fuming and being pissy and decided to hit Subway on the way home.
After parking and walking towards the store, I noticed the mother of my daughter (that's for another entry sometime) getting out with her youngest daughter.
Now, this caught me off guard as she lives about 30 minutes south of here and I never expected to see her in my town.
Being naturally polite (which is why I think I get tromped on a LOT), I said "Hi (name withheld)".
She didn't even bat an eye but said 'hello' anyway as she was getting her child out of the car.
I can only assume it was my daughter sitting in the passenger seat, but they followed me into Subway (minus girl in question).
Talk about awkward!!!
Now, for my rant on my ex:
I've been divorced since 2000 and my ex-wife treats me with the same disrespect and ill-regard as she did back then.
To recap:she moved 10 hours away with our children and married the guy (twice her age) she met online. Since then she's considered him the boys father and created a role for me as the big-brother.
I, like a good friend of mine, will accomodate the ex when it comes to the children, and never expect anything in return (basically because one would be expecting for quite some time).
If she wants me to take them when I'm not scheduled to, I do because they are my children and I love spending ANY time I can get with them.
If she asks if she can "take" them when it's my time with them for a family event of hers, I do so without as much as a peep.
However, she's petty in the respects that when we attend one of our childrens sporting events, if it's not my weekend/week night with them, she does not allow the child not participating to come over and say hi to me. Her reason is that "the last game (I) had them I wouldn't let them come talk to (her)".
In my humble defense, after I'd gotten over my resentment, in the first few years after our divorce, of her and the man she wants to replace me as a father figure with, I'd practically have to shove the boys to go say hi to her.
Tonight was no exception, on her part.
Our youngest son had a flag football game and as usual, I went to watch. Nothing abnormal there.
About fifteen minutes in, my ex showed up with our other son, and met up with her husband.
I'd had my back to where they came in and I'd not had seen them if it weren't for the fact that they walked right by me. Well, within ten paces of me.
My oldest son, for the second week in a row, walked right by where I was without even an acknowledgement of seeing me! And to put the cap on things, he never once came over, again.
Now, I could have gone over to where they were (again), put myself in their court (again), and said hello to my child. But realize how I felt, when even after discussing with him how it hurt me when he didn't at least say hi in passing, that my own flesh and blood would ignore me, again.
Some would say "don't blame him" and "it's his mother's fault" but that doesn't lessen the pain of having one's child ignore you in public.
*Just as a side note, our divorce decree states we have joint-custody but after a failed attempt to gain 50/50 placement upon their moving back to the same town, my ex acts and treats me as if she holds the key to the golden crapper.
I chose to stay in this town after my children were moved back. Foregoing any possibility of pursuing my own interests and possibly creating a better situation for myself (with a trickle down of benefits onto my children) only to be snubbed by my own son that I stayed for??
It's enough to make a man rethink his entire life and the choices he's made and wonder what's it all been for.
On a final side note:I'd left as soon as the game was over, basically fuming and being pissy and decided to hit Subway on the way home.
After parking and walking towards the store, I noticed the mother of my daughter (that's for another entry sometime) getting out with her youngest daughter.
Now, this caught me off guard as she lives about 30 minutes south of here and I never expected to see her in my town.
Being naturally polite (which is why I think I get tromped on a LOT), I said "Hi (name withheld)".
She didn't even bat an eye but said 'hello' anyway as she was getting her child out of the car.
I can only assume it was my daughter sitting in the passenger seat, but they followed me into Subway (minus girl in question).
Talk about awkward!!!
Sunday, October 02, 2005
A friend of mine recently sent me the following email. It is one of those writings that gets forwarded among the masses.
In light of the many perversions and jokes we send to one another for a
laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke, it's
not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane
Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?"
(regarding the attacks on Sept. 11).
Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She
said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for
years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our
government and to get out of our lives.
And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How
can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand
He leave us alone?"
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I
think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body
found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we
said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . the Bible
says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as
yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they
misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might
damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an
expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they
don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill
strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it
out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the
world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but
question what the Bible says.
Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like
wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people
think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through
cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and
workplace.
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on
your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they
WILL think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about
what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Here's what I think. It in no way is meant to offend anyone.
I think our belief system is f*cked.
Basically, we as humans have passed down the stories of Christ and for the most part have kept it true to origins.
I get asked occassionally what I believe.
"Do you believe in God?"
"Do you believe in Heaven?"
"Do you believe in Life after Death?" believe...............
See, that's the key word. believe...............
Truth is a belief system was never instilled in me growing up. I like to think I followed more of a "show me" mentality. I was always searching for tangible proof, in anything.
I did attend a few church services in my youth, but was not impressed. Every one chanting words like they were automotons. No passion in what they were saying. Sounding like they didn't believe what they were saying.
Now, I'm not saying none of what is stated in the Bible didn't happen. Quite the contrairy.
Just some creative writing was done to keep the reader interested.
Too many people want to use religion as a crutch as stated in the above forwarded email and not realize that things happen. And when we don't like it we blame it on the absence of a belief system created who knows how long ago.
If you want to believe in something then go ahead. There's nothing wrong with that. Just don't put ALL your faith into it. Take some responsibility.
(This will probably be my one and only time I get out the giant spoon and stir things up)
In light of the many perversions and jokes we send to one another for a
laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke, it's
not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane
Clayson asked her "How could God let something like this happen?"
(regarding the attacks on Sept. 11).
Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She
said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for
years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our
government and to get out of our lives.
And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How
can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand
He leave us alone?"
In light of recent events...terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I
think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body
found recently) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we
said OK.
Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school . the Bible
says thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as
yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they
misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might
damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an
expert should know what he's talking about. And we said OK.
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they
don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill
strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it
out. I think it has a great deal to do with "WE REAP WHAT WE SOW."
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the
world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but
question what the Bible says.
Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like
wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people
think twice about sharing.
Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through
cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and
workplace.
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on
your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they
WILL think of you for sending it. Funny how we can be more worried about
what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Here's what I think. It in no way is meant to offend anyone.
I think our belief system is f*cked.
Basically, we as humans have passed down the stories of Christ and for the most part have kept it true to origins.
I get asked occassionally what I believe.
"Do you believe in God?"
"Do you believe in Heaven?"
"Do you believe in Life after Death?" believe...............
See, that's the key word. believe...............
Truth is a belief system was never instilled in me growing up. I like to think I followed more of a "show me" mentality. I was always searching for tangible proof, in anything.
I did attend a few church services in my youth, but was not impressed. Every one chanting words like they were automotons. No passion in what they were saying. Sounding like they didn't believe what they were saying.
Now, I'm not saying none of what is stated in the Bible didn't happen. Quite the contrairy.
Just some creative writing was done to keep the reader interested.
Too many people want to use religion as a crutch as stated in the above forwarded email and not realize that things happen. And when we don't like it we blame it on the absence of a belief system created who knows how long ago.
If you want to believe in something then go ahead. There's nothing wrong with that. Just don't put ALL your faith into it. Take some responsibility.
(This will probably be my one and only time I get out the giant spoon and stir things up)
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Family reunion
Last weekend, I and my two boys went with my mom to see her brother and sister in Northwest Missouri. It's the second 'vacation' I've taken with my sons in the last four months.
The last time I saw my uncle was about four years ago when I met him halfway to drop off my mom for her vacation. As for my aunt, it was five six years ago at my wedding.
She brought her son (whom I last saw when he was in diapers) and her husband, and one of my uncles children was there with his family. He also was last seen in diapers. Needless to say, it's been a while!
We swam in my unc's pool, fished in his private pond, and as for the cousins, we just got reaquainted.
On our drive home, my mom quipped,"I wonder if (Devin's) wife has a sister?".
oy..............everything turns into her trying to get me a woman!
The last time I saw my uncle was about four years ago when I met him halfway to drop off my mom for her vacation. As for my aunt, it was five six years ago at my wedding.
She brought her son (whom I last saw when he was in diapers) and her husband, and one of my uncles children was there with his family. He also was last seen in diapers. Needless to say, it's been a while!
We swam in my unc's pool, fished in his private pond, and as for the cousins, we just got reaquainted.
On our drive home, my mom quipped,"I wonder if (Devin's) wife has a sister?".
oy..............everything turns into her trying to get me a woman!
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Ya gotta love automated mass greetings.
Today, I celebrate my 37th birthday.
As I checked my email, I saw that I had a birthday greeting from eHarmony.
Of course, this is an automated greeting that is sent on any participants birthday, in hopes to make the recipient feel like they matter.
Now, I have no problem with receiving this type of greeting as ANY greeting will make anyone feel a little better about themselves, their situation, and just that the whole entire world is filled with happy-happy-joy-joy feelings. blech.
I only bring this to light due to the irony that I am faced with by the fact that when I set up a profile (see earlier posting), I was given a less than positive response, and due to the fact that I didn't immediately delete my profile, this site has more than made up for not being able to do what they claim by finding me at LEAST a couple women I MAY have SOME sort of similar interests with, by having HAL send me a heartfelt, and sincere birthday greeting.
Happy Birthday to me
As I checked my email, I saw that I had a birthday greeting from eHarmony.
Of course, this is an automated greeting that is sent on any participants birthday, in hopes to make the recipient feel like they matter.
Now, I have no problem with receiving this type of greeting as ANY greeting will make anyone feel a little better about themselves, their situation, and just that the whole entire world is filled with happy-happy-joy-joy feelings. blech.
I only bring this to light due to the irony that I am faced with by the fact that when I set up a profile (see earlier posting), I was given a less than positive response, and due to the fact that I didn't immediately delete my profile, this site has more than made up for not being able to do what they claim by finding me at LEAST a couple women I MAY have SOME sort of similar interests with, by having HAL send me a heartfelt, and sincere birthday greeting.
Happy Birthday to me
Monday, September 05, 2005
getting older
This year, I turn 37. My children are 8 and 10.
I still consider myself fairly young. But when it comes to physical activity, that's when I begin to feel my age.
A few months ago, my parents gave the boys a pair of tennis rackets and tennis balls to whack back and forth in their back yard. They have a rather large back yard, so neighbors don't need to cringe whenever they go back there.
It was something to pass the time when we'd visit them, and the boys soon formulated a "who-can-hit-the-ball-further" competition. It was like they were practicing for baseball.
I decided to take them to an actual tennis court and show them (kinda) how to play.
It's been years since I've played myself, and I also used to play racketball back in the day.
So I kind of knew what I was doing. Besides, they'd seen tennis being played on tv so how hard could this be?
My older boy didn't do too bad. I could get a few volley's out of him before he'd belt one out of the park. This created this "you hit it....you get it" rule.
My younger one was another story.
Luckily, or not, there are four courts side-by-side which my younger one got the ball to..........every time...................
Now, being 37 and not in the best shape, (wha?? a pear's not a shape??), I didn't really fell like chasing every ball he hit and fortunately we were alone so I didn't find myself yelling "INCOMING".
We've been playing a lot..........and that's where I start feeling my age.
I can begin to see where the term tennis-elbow comes from because as I type this I now have no feeling in mine.
I am fortunate to have understanding children in that all I have to do is say "Dad's elbow is starting to hurt" and they are ok with being done.
I'm guessing they are just happy to go out and do stuff with Dad.
And so am I.
I still consider myself fairly young. But when it comes to physical activity, that's when I begin to feel my age.
A few months ago, my parents gave the boys a pair of tennis rackets and tennis balls to whack back and forth in their back yard. They have a rather large back yard, so neighbors don't need to cringe whenever they go back there.
It was something to pass the time when we'd visit them, and the boys soon formulated a "who-can-hit-the-ball-further" competition. It was like they were practicing for baseball.
I decided to take them to an actual tennis court and show them (kinda) how to play.
It's been years since I've played myself, and I also used to play racketball back in the day.
So I kind of knew what I was doing. Besides, they'd seen tennis being played on tv so how hard could this be?
My older boy didn't do too bad. I could get a few volley's out of him before he'd belt one out of the park. This created this "you hit it....you get it" rule.
My younger one was another story.
Luckily, or not, there are four courts side-by-side which my younger one got the ball to..........every time...................
Now, being 37 and not in the best shape, (wha?? a pear's not a shape??), I didn't really fell like chasing every ball he hit and fortunately we were alone so I didn't find myself yelling "INCOMING".
We've been playing a lot..........and that's where I start feeling my age.
I can begin to see where the term tennis-elbow comes from because as I type this I now have no feeling in mine.
I am fortunate to have understanding children in that all I have to do is say "Dad's elbow is starting to hurt" and they are ok with being done.
I'm guessing they are just happy to go out and do stuff with Dad.
And so am I.
DUDE.................Dad's gettin a Dell!
For as long as I can remember, my folks have been pretty frugal with their money.
When it comes to electronics, they usually get the lowest priced item and then a year later wonder why it only lasted a year.
For example, when cd players first came out, they decided to get a shelf unit consisting of dual cassette, am/fm tuner and a five carousel cd player. Nice huh? Until you find out they got no-name brand unit.
And sure enough, with in a year or two, the cd player stopped working. So then it became a shelf unit that just took up space on the shelf.
As far as the internet goes, they went with WebTv. Here's a modern marvel in electronics.
You hook up this box to your tv that comes with a keyboard (there are wireless models as well).
On plus is space. If you have a small kitchen tv set, one could get a small stand and put the box underneath and then just bring out the keyboard when you wanted to go online.
Another benefit was that you weren't suseptible to virus attacks.
As far as "online" goes, having used their WebTv, I can honestly say I was not impressed.
The dial up time seemed like forever, the online time seemed like it locked up constantly, and you actually had to be online to look at anything. Needed to get a number from your address book? Dial er up. Need to recheck an email to see when Aunt Gertrude was coming? Dial er up.
And if you were like my folks, you only had the one phone line.
So imagine my surprise when my mother sent me an email (via WebTv of course), that my Dad was getting a Dell!
Maybe there's hope for my folks livin in the present day yet!
When it comes to electronics, they usually get the lowest priced item and then a year later wonder why it only lasted a year.
For example, when cd players first came out, they decided to get a shelf unit consisting of dual cassette, am/fm tuner and a five carousel cd player. Nice huh? Until you find out they got no-name brand unit.
And sure enough, with in a year or two, the cd player stopped working. So then it became a shelf unit that just took up space on the shelf.
As far as the internet goes, they went with WebTv. Here's a modern marvel in electronics.
You hook up this box to your tv that comes with a keyboard (there are wireless models as well).
On plus is space. If you have a small kitchen tv set, one could get a small stand and put the box underneath and then just bring out the keyboard when you wanted to go online.
Another benefit was that you weren't suseptible to virus attacks.
As far as "online" goes, having used their WebTv, I can honestly say I was not impressed.
The dial up time seemed like forever, the online time seemed like it locked up constantly, and you actually had to be online to look at anything. Needed to get a number from your address book? Dial er up. Need to recheck an email to see when Aunt Gertrude was coming? Dial er up.
And if you were like my folks, you only had the one phone line.
So imagine my surprise when my mother sent me an email (via WebTv of course), that my Dad was getting a Dell!
Maybe there's hope for my folks livin in the present day yet!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
eHarmony
eHarmony claims to be able to match people. They have some "29 dimension" matching system that promises results. I'm only interested in 3-dimensions.
(wait for it....................wait for it............)
So I figure "what the hell" and fill out the in-depth survey, which takes about half an hour.
I'll admit the questions are rather thought provoking and gives one a sense of "ok. maybe this'll get me somewhere ".
So after completing the survey, it takes about a minute (says so by those little progress bars at the bottom of screens that fill left to right).
With baited breathe I await the throngs of women that are about to be slung my way via internet, which in my case is easier than trying the local bar scene. Briefly, smalltown=(putting it as nice as possible)no dice.
Finally, the results pop up AND.....................................
Our matching system was not able to find any new matches for you right now.
The voices in my head tell me to go with the latter.
(wait for it....................wait for it............)
So I figure "what the hell" and fill out the in-depth survey, which takes about half an hour.
I'll admit the questions are rather thought provoking and gives one a sense of "ok. maybe this'll get me somewhere ".
So after completing the survey, it takes about a minute (says so by those little progress bars at the bottom of screens that fill left to right).
With baited breathe I await the throngs of women that are about to be slung my way via internet, which in my case is easier than trying the local bar scene. Briefly, smalltown=(putting it as nice as possible)no dice.
Finally, the results pop up AND.....................................
Our matching system was not able to find any new matches for you right now.
However, we are always automatically searching for new matches for you. Several thousand people join eHarmony each day and our matching system evaluates each one of them within 24 hours to see if they are a great match for you.
We will notify you via email when matches are found or you can check your My Matches page at eHarmony whenever you like.
Our matching criteria, based on the 29 dimensions of compatibility, is extremely strict, and is what makes eHarmony a unique and powerful tool in finding your soul mate. We will keep searching and hope to find some wonderful matches for you soon.
The voices in my head tell me to go with the latter.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Names v. Nicknames
Have you ever thought about how when naming out children, we choose names that have personal meaning? But when they get older, other kids give them nicknames that have other meaning?
When our children are born, the names we choose for them are given to them with much love and sometimes a LOT of thought. Take William for example,(which happens to be my middle name).
From the Germanic name Wilhelm, which was composed of the elements wil "will, desire" and helm "helmet, protection". The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans. It has belonged to several rulers of England, Prussia, and Germany, including William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England. Another famous bearer was William Tell, a legendary 14th-century hero from Switzerland. In the literary world it has been borne by dramatist William Shakespeare and poet William Blake, as well as contemporary authors William Faulkner and William S. Burroughs. Or, David.
Possibly derived from Hebrew dod meaning "beloved". David was the second and greatest of the kings of Israel, ruling in the 10th century BC. Several stories about him are told in the Old Testament, including his defeat of Goliath, a giant Philistine. Jesus was supposedly descended from him. Other famous bearers of this name include the 5th-century patron saint of Wales, two kings of Scotland, empiricist philosopher David Hume, and explorer David Livingstone. This is also the name of the hero of Charles Dickens' semiautobiographical novel 'David Copperfield'.
Regal names with almost definitions behind them. We give our children these names because we want,hope, and sometimes pray that our children will grow up to be of strong character and sound mind. But then, school comes and with it, a whole new set of 'names' for our loved ones.
"Butthead". "Buttmunch". "Buttkisser". (see a trend here?). Not much thought goes into these names but still, they seem to stick.
While we give our children names hoping to gain some sense of molding, is it possible that nicknames, not for the best mind you, aid in the shaping of them?
Could it be that sometimes our children take these schoolyard given tags to heart and as they grow older can't shake how they were taunted as kids?
In most cases, no. They/we get over it and realize that kids can be mean and move on.
But sometimes I wonder. I wonder about the Charles Mansons, the Ted Bundys, the Michael Jacksons (here comes the hate mail!). I wonder that as these people were growing up if they weren't the targets of ridicule on the play ground and that they just didn't get over it.
I also wonder about the types of parents these 'nickname slingers' have. What kind of family life do these kids have that they feel the need to lash out at others causing hurt and self-doubt.
In the end, it all comes down to us, people:the parents.
Make sure that you provide a loving and nurturing environment for your children so that they don't feel the need to be so hurtful to others and maybe we can return to the time when the "Williams" and the "Davids" filled the world with happiness and harmony.
(HEY! A guy can DREAM, can't he??)
When our children are born, the names we choose for them are given to them with much love and sometimes a LOT of thought. Take William for example,(which happens to be my middle name).
From the Germanic name Wilhelm, which was composed of the elements wil "will, desire" and helm "helmet, protection". The name was introduced to Britain by the Normans. It has belonged to several rulers of England, Prussia, and Germany, including William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England. Another famous bearer was William Tell, a legendary 14th-century hero from Switzerland. In the literary world it has been borne by dramatist William Shakespeare and poet William Blake, as well as contemporary authors William Faulkner and William S. Burroughs. Or, David.
Possibly derived from Hebrew dod meaning "beloved". David was the second and greatest of the kings of Israel, ruling in the 10th century BC. Several stories about him are told in the Old Testament, including his defeat of Goliath, a giant Philistine. Jesus was supposedly descended from him. Other famous bearers of this name include the 5th-century patron saint of Wales, two kings of Scotland, empiricist philosopher David Hume, and explorer David Livingstone. This is also the name of the hero of Charles Dickens' semiautobiographical novel 'David Copperfield'.
Regal names with almost definitions behind them. We give our children these names because we want,hope, and sometimes pray that our children will grow up to be of strong character and sound mind. But then, school comes and with it, a whole new set of 'names' for our loved ones.
"Butthead". "Buttmunch". "Buttkisser". (see a trend here?). Not much thought goes into these names but still, they seem to stick.
While we give our children names hoping to gain some sense of molding, is it possible that nicknames, not for the best mind you, aid in the shaping of them?
Could it be that sometimes our children take these schoolyard given tags to heart and as they grow older can't shake how they were taunted as kids?
In most cases, no. They/we get over it and realize that kids can be mean and move on.
But sometimes I wonder. I wonder about the Charles Mansons, the Ted Bundys, the Michael Jacksons (here comes the hate mail!). I wonder that as these people were growing up if they weren't the targets of ridicule on the play ground and that they just didn't get over it.
I also wonder about the types of parents these 'nickname slingers' have. What kind of family life do these kids have that they feel the need to lash out at others causing hurt and self-doubt.
In the end, it all comes down to us, people:the parents.
Make sure that you provide a loving and nurturing environment for your children so that they don't feel the need to be so hurtful to others and maybe we can return to the time when the "Williams" and the "Davids" filled the world with happiness and harmony.
(HEY! A guy can DREAM, can't he??)
Thursday, August 25, 2005
First day of school
Today I had the opportunity to take my boys to school ON their first day of classes.
I'd missed out the last several years due to either their having lived in Southern Illinois, or they just weren't with me.
This year we were finishing our summer visit and it overlapped into school starting.
Now, I've been doing the 'part-time-dad' thing (or as my ex-wife likes to refer to it as the "big-brother-role") but this is the first time I've really felt like Dad. For some of you, it may be hard to relate to that statement, but believe me when I say I don't make it light-heartedly. But, I'm getting off the subject a bit.
We woke up this morning, showered, and had breakfast which is amazing seeing as how it was so early in the morning for all of us.
All went off with out a hitch.
Everyone knew what they were wearing (picture day), everyone knew where they're school bag and/or musical instrument was, and all shoes were on the correct feet!
Dropping them off at school was no biggie for me other than "Dad get's to do it"!
After dropping off my third grader, I noticed as I pulled away there were a few mothers that were taking pictures of their children in front of the school.
Now, I didn't think anything negative, but found it interesting that this was occuring. I guess I'd not considered doing so, but none-the-less, did not feel left out.
Upon arriving at work, some of the women asked "did you cry?" and "did you take pictures?"
Obviously they know something I do not.
All in all, for me, just being able to take them to school ON their first day of school was a memory I didn't need a camera for.
I'd missed out the last several years due to either their having lived in Southern Illinois, or they just weren't with me.
This year we were finishing our summer visit and it overlapped into school starting.
Now, I've been doing the 'part-time-dad' thing (or as my ex-wife likes to refer to it as the "big-brother-role") but this is the first time I've really felt like Dad. For some of you, it may be hard to relate to that statement, but believe me when I say I don't make it light-heartedly. But, I'm getting off the subject a bit.
We woke up this morning, showered, and had breakfast which is amazing seeing as how it was so early in the morning for all of us.
All went off with out a hitch.
Everyone knew what they were wearing (picture day), everyone knew where they're school bag and/or musical instrument was, and all shoes were on the correct feet!
Dropping them off at school was no biggie for me other than "Dad get's to do it"!
After dropping off my third grader, I noticed as I pulled away there were a few mothers that were taking pictures of their children in front of the school.
Now, I didn't think anything negative, but found it interesting that this was occuring. I guess I'd not considered doing so, but none-the-less, did not feel left out.
Upon arriving at work, some of the women asked "did you cry?" and "did you take pictures?"
Obviously they know something I do not.
All in all, for me, just being able to take them to school ON their first day of school was a memory I didn't need a camera for.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Weddings: Part Deux
This weekend I attended yet another ceremony created for joining man and woman in holy matrimony. This time, it was for a friend that I've known for going on 25 years or so. (man I hate dating myself like that).
The ceremony began at eight in the morning due to the setting being rather popular for just such an event. But what made this one special (ok........extra special) was the fact that the ceremony was performed by the brides father.
I'm not sure what denomination he is, but arriving at the scene, I didn't think he was who he was.
You see, he had no white collar, or any collar for that matter as he was wearing a Mandarin collar shirt. He also wasn't wearing any type of robe, or other garb distinguishing him from the rest of us.
Not being very religious myself, I still enjoyed 'his' ceremony.
It had some religious reference, but nothing pointed. Just your basic "love each other" statements and the like.
So now I've attended two weddings in as many months it seems and I'm still no closer to going down the aisle myself.
But still, I wish my four friends all the happiness they so richly deserve.
The ceremony began at eight in the morning due to the setting being rather popular for just such an event. But what made this one special (ok........extra special) was the fact that the ceremony was performed by the brides father.
I'm not sure what denomination he is, but arriving at the scene, I didn't think he was who he was.
You see, he had no white collar, or any collar for that matter as he was wearing a Mandarin collar shirt. He also wasn't wearing any type of robe, or other garb distinguishing him from the rest of us.
Not being very religious myself, I still enjoyed 'his' ceremony.
It had some religious reference, but nothing pointed. Just your basic "love each other" statements and the like.
So now I've attended two weddings in as many months it seems and I'm still no closer to going down the aisle myself.
But still, I wish my four friends all the happiness they so richly deserve.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Back online
A few weeks ago, my pc finally took a digger and left me high and dry.
All my information was lost as not being a computer guru, didn't back up anything.
Addresses, pictures, passwords all gone.
So now I am back online with a brand new Dell (DUDE), and am making my way back to the sites I had in my faves. hoo-ray.
All my information was lost as not being a computer guru, didn't back up anything.
Addresses, pictures, passwords all gone.
So now I am back online with a brand new Dell (DUDE), and am making my way back to the sites I had in my faves. hoo-ray.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Uncle Ted
Uncle Ted
Originally uploaded by bat-a-ray.
It's that time of year again. That time which Uncle Ted, Great Gonzo, Natureboy, the Original Amboy Duke, Ted Nugent brings his unique style of music and philosophy to the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa.
This is the second year that I've gone w/my ma. Yep. You heard me right. Ma wanted to go, so I went with her.
I've been a fan of "The Nuge" for quite sometime and the first time I saw him perform, last year, was intense.
Being a guitar player myself, I got probably a bit more out of seeing him than most, as I was taken aback by his furious notes, screaming leads, and soulful rythms.
He opended his set this year as he did last year: a recording of Ray Charles (not Jamie Foxx) singing America the Beautiful. He allows Ray's entire rendition to complete before hitting the stage with a power chord, swinging the red white and blue passionately.
For the next two and a half hours we are taken back in time to his fury days and brought back to the present with even more releases from his arsenal of albums.
Just offstage, he has a guitar rack holding only seven of his many. He plays five.
He is a big proponant of America and lets us know each and every time he asks for "another american made guitar".
Some think he is full of it.
I think he's just Ted.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Nice guys.........
.....blada blada blada (Thanx DC!).
You know the old adage. And it seems to be true in my case.
I don't know what it is:either I pick the wrong ones, or there's something dramatically wrong w/me.
There was one girl back in high school that was very nice and nice to me. Buy ya know:girls mature sooner than guys. By the time I figured it out, it was too late.
Those that know me, know I've been divorced since 2005. In succession, those who know me say it was a long time coming, the best thing that could have happened to me.
I guess they're right, as the only reason I stayed w/her was for the fact that we had two wonderful sons together.
I tried to make it work but her personality was just too much for me (or anyone that knew her) to handle.
Since becoming divorced, I had two longer term relations, and dated a few other women short term.
All ended the same:there was something wrong with them.
Either they were still floundering from their own divorce either monetarily or emotionally, had serious issues, or just wanted "a jerk",(you know the types:gals that stay w/their a**hole boyfriends just because they are too scared to leave them).
So, living in the small town I do, trying to meet new, decent women leaves much to desire.
Either they're already married, involved, or way too young to even consider. Which leads to the online dating services. This endevor opens itself up to all SORTS of comments from a local friend of mine. Someone's gotta entertain him.
These sites promise making "finding the love of your life" sooooooooo much easier. Sure, easy if you have a credit card. I do not. (thanx to the divorce). Next there are the free sites. No credit card required, ever!
These seem to be the least used sites, either that or noone ever responds to MY emails.
Sure, there are plenty of area women looking for a mate on these sites, but again, who knows if or how often they use these sites. I sure don't.
So here I sit......broken hearted................blada........blada........blada..............
You know the old adage. And it seems to be true in my case.
I don't know what it is:either I pick the wrong ones, or there's something dramatically wrong w/me.
There was one girl back in high school that was very nice and nice to me. Buy ya know:girls mature sooner than guys. By the time I figured it out, it was too late.
Those that know me, know I've been divorced since 2005. In succession, those who know me say it was a long time coming, the best thing that could have happened to me.
I guess they're right, as the only reason I stayed w/her was for the fact that we had two wonderful sons together.
I tried to make it work but her personality was just too much for me (or anyone that knew her) to handle.
Since becoming divorced, I had two longer term relations, and dated a few other women short term.
All ended the same:there was something wrong with them.
Either they were still floundering from their own divorce either monetarily or emotionally, had serious issues, or just wanted "a jerk",(you know the types:gals that stay w/their a**hole boyfriends just because they are too scared to leave them).
So, living in the small town I do, trying to meet new, decent women leaves much to desire.
Either they're already married, involved, or way too young to even consider. Which leads to the online dating services. This endevor opens itself up to all SORTS of comments from a local friend of mine. Someone's gotta entertain him.
These sites promise making "finding the love of your life" sooooooooo much easier. Sure, easy if you have a credit card. I do not. (thanx to the divorce). Next there are the free sites. No credit card required, ever!
These seem to be the least used sites, either that or noone ever responds to MY emails.
Sure, there are plenty of area women looking for a mate on these sites, but again, who knows if or how often they use these sites. I sure don't.
So here I sit......broken hearted................blada........blada........blada..............
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Weddings..............
This weekend, I was in a good friends wedding. I say 'good friend' because I did what any good friend would do when asked to stand up at one's wedding:try to talk him out of it!
He and his bride have been together for nearly four years. They had only one instant where they split, for nearly a month, only to mutually decide they belong together. All together now:aaaaaaawwwwwwwwww.
Having been down that road before, only to have it blow up in my face, I will admit that it was a lovely ceremony.
It was quick, to the point, and included his two children into the service.
As I stood there listening to the Priestess (yep:it was a gal), I began to see my two friends as they should be:together at last. And it kinda made me a bit misty and almost, I say ALMOST wish I were doing it again.
There's something about attending a wedding whether it be standing up for someone, or sitting in the congregation in a mass witness that brings out feelings that seem to only come out during a wedding.
I can only speak from experience, that after the ceremony it all changes. We forget what we have just shared with that special someone and revert to just plain silliness. It seems that too many of us are afflicted with this and that's why the divorce rate is so high.
If we can truly find "that special person" and remember on a daily basis those feelings we feel during the cermony, the world would truly be a better place.
He and his bride have been together for nearly four years. They had only one instant where they split, for nearly a month, only to mutually decide they belong together. All together now:aaaaaaawwwwwwwwww.
Having been down that road before, only to have it blow up in my face, I will admit that it was a lovely ceremony.
It was quick, to the point, and included his two children into the service.
As I stood there listening to the Priestess (yep:it was a gal), I began to see my two friends as they should be:together at last. And it kinda made me a bit misty and almost, I say ALMOST wish I were doing it again.
There's something about attending a wedding whether it be standing up for someone, or sitting in the congregation in a mass witness that brings out feelings that seem to only come out during a wedding.
I can only speak from experience, that after the ceremony it all changes. We forget what we have just shared with that special someone and revert to just plain silliness. It seems that too many of us are afflicted with this and that's why the divorce rate is so high.
If we can truly find "that special person" and remember on a daily basis those feelings we feel during the cermony, the world would truly be a better place.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
"Batman Begins" has begun!!
I've been looking forward to this movie ever since I heard it was being made.
The idea that someone was taking the time to make a Batman movie surrounding the creation of the icon was just too much!
In the onset, I was unsure of how well it would be, but with the cast named and a 'batmobile like no other' held my curiosity.
I took my two boys tonight. We were in full Bat-glory as each of us had a bat-shirt of somesort or other on.
Yes, I am a Bat-geek and wear my cape and cowl with pride!
The movie lived up to it's promise of being like no other Batman movie.
Even though the run time was 2 hours 10 minutes, we left the theater wanting more. As a Bat-fan, I personally was not let down. The way the movie focused on Bruce Wayne becoming Batman was intriguing. Sure, we all know the story:Bruce witnesses his parents murder, he grows up feeling responsible for their death, is heir to the Wayne throne, uses his clout to create a symbol of justice, blada blada blada.
But this movie shows this story line in such a way that it is more conceivable that it could really happen to one of us. The movie has little to none 'campyness' so we the audience believe that Bruce Wayne really could exist.
For me, Batman is the greatest super hero ever simply because Bruce Wayne has no super powers, but only a mind that is honed, gadgets galore, and truly believes in what he is doing for the good of mankind.
The idea that someone was taking the time to make a Batman movie surrounding the creation of the icon was just too much!
In the onset, I was unsure of how well it would be, but with the cast named and a 'batmobile like no other' held my curiosity.
I took my two boys tonight. We were in full Bat-glory as each of us had a bat-shirt of somesort or other on.
Yes, I am a Bat-geek and wear my cape and cowl with pride!
The movie lived up to it's promise of being like no other Batman movie.
Even though the run time was 2 hours 10 minutes, we left the theater wanting more. As a Bat-fan, I personally was not let down. The way the movie focused on Bruce Wayne becoming Batman was intriguing. Sure, we all know the story:Bruce witnesses his parents murder, he grows up feeling responsible for their death, is heir to the Wayne throne, uses his clout to create a symbol of justice, blada blada blada.
But this movie shows this story line in such a way that it is more conceivable that it could really happen to one of us. The movie has little to none 'campyness' so we the audience believe that Bruce Wayne really could exist.
For me, Batman is the greatest super hero ever simply because Bruce Wayne has no super powers, but only a mind that is honed, gadgets galore, and truly believes in what he is doing for the good of mankind.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Summer fun
I picked up my boys yesterday for the first 'leg' of our six week summer time together.
Both boys are involved in one form of baseball or another.
My 8 year old is in his second and final year of tee-ball, while his older brother, 10, is in his second of three years with a pitching machine.
The older boys team is awesome this year with a 7 win 1 loss record with three games to go.
It's exciting to watch both games, even though we make an entire night of it!
We will enjoy swimming, walks, bike rides, movies (Batman Begins begun!!),and maybe some camping thrown in for good measure.
Both boys are involved in one form of baseball or another.
My 8 year old is in his second and final year of tee-ball, while his older brother, 10, is in his second of three years with a pitching machine.
The older boys team is awesome this year with a 7 win 1 loss record with three games to go.
It's exciting to watch both games, even though we make an entire night of it!
We will enjoy swimming, walks, bike rides, movies (Batman Begins begun!!),and maybe some camping thrown in for good measure.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Honest question
Ok, so, for my first entry, I figured I'd make it a doozie.
Long story short:I was married w/children, now divorced w/children.
My ex moved 3 states away to be with the man she met online, taking our children.
Five years later, she and her husband (guy from the 'net) moved back here buying a house.
I took her back into the court system under a 'considerable change of circumstances' only to be knocked down by the court system.
Now; I am to begin the first section of my summer time w/my boys.
In the past, she's gotten them a pool pass. This summer, she says she will send the passes (consisting of patches sewn on their swim trunks) IF I contribute to the purchase price.
As I've said, in the past, she's purchased them and sent them with the boys to use during their time w/me.
But, due to her husband losing his job a few months back (even though he has a new one now), she doesn't feel it's fair for her to buy the passes, for them to use during my time unless I give her money.
Why is it, child support never seems to be enough? Even though she enjoys 3 incomes (hers, her husbands, and a substantial portion of mine), she feels it necessesary to play this power struggle?
Long story short:I was married w/children, now divorced w/children.
My ex moved 3 states away to be with the man she met online, taking our children.
Five years later, she and her husband (guy from the 'net) moved back here buying a house.
I took her back into the court system under a 'considerable change of circumstances' only to be knocked down by the court system.
Now; I am to begin the first section of my summer time w/my boys.
In the past, she's gotten them a pool pass. This summer, she says she will send the passes (consisting of patches sewn on their swim trunks) IF I contribute to the purchase price.
As I've said, in the past, she's purchased them and sent them with the boys to use during their time w/me.
But, due to her husband losing his job a few months back (even though he has a new one now), she doesn't feel it's fair for her to buy the passes, for them to use during my time unless I give her money.
Why is it, child support never seems to be enough? Even though she enjoys 3 incomes (hers, her husbands, and a substantial portion of mine), she feels it necessesary to play this power struggle?
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