deposit, but no return?

So I tried to get the refund on a 12 pack of the new WOW Dew cans. Of course, the machine wouldn't scan them. When asked, the clerk said "those are too new. they aren't in the system yet". Funny, i got CHARGED on the deposit when i BOUGHT the fukkin things!!!

i shoulda known better............................

When a child asks you something, do NOT tell them to just google it....................
As they get older, they no longer ask, but just google it, and you have to find out about it when going through the history............oy

Please, President Obama..........................

..........authorize an air strike on Rush Limbaugh

Updates, stuff, and a bombshell

As reported a few months ago, there was a possibility that my ex-wife and husband would be losing their home.
As of today, it seems that with the help of President Obama's influence of money loaners being more helpful to those that wish to stay in their homes rather than lose them to a Sheriff's auction, will do so.
Thus, they now have until mid August to get the home refinanced.

In other personal news, my older son has turned 14 and is ready for his learners permit! (silent shrill begins).
This weekend, I'll take him out in the car and put him behind the wheel for a little practice.
I HOPE that with all of his video game expertise, his hand-eye coordination will be a great asset.

My mom's Explorer got repaired, and not only does it look and drive like new, but out body man was able to get the total several hundred dollars UNDER what they received from the insurance company.
Ford parts were used, and parts that could be repaired were.
It helps that we've known this 'wonder of body work' since the 70's and has always worked with us on the repairs we've needed.
SHOUT-OUT BART!

Now, onto the bombshell. (stop salivating)

Two days ago, after months, nay years of inner debate, talking w/friends, and actually finding her, I contacted my now 19 year old daughter I'd signed off parental rights some 14 years ago.

Having a Facebook profile myself, on a whim I typed in her name and up came a list of possibilities, there was a pic of a young woman that resembled what I'd known her mother to look like.

I prepared a letter/message/note informing her of who I was, where I lived (in case she thought this could be some perv, she could actually verify my identity), and if she had ever had an interest in getting to know her birth father, my door was open.
I sent it off not expecting any type of response, but to my surprise the next day she'd added me as a 'friend' to her profile.

You can't even imagine how I felt, continue to feel. However, I've not re-contacted her and will not. Her first step was opening up her profile to my viewing, and also gaining access to mine. She has not written yet, but until she does, my initial message is all I will have offered.

I realized being contacted by her biological father would be a lot to process, but did now expect for her to 'open up' as quickly as she did.

The next few hours, days, months, or even years have no hints as to what to expect, but if this is all that happens, it would be enough having been given a glimpse into her life.

why do we really have insurance companies?

A few weeks ago, my parents were involved in a car accident.
A car driven by a 17 year old ran a yield sign, hitting the front passenger side of my mom's Explorer. No one was hurt, except for her truck which received extensive damage.

Turns out, the car had no insurance on it. The kids father commented that he had not put any on it because he "didn't think (kid) would have a second accident within six months". oy
SO, my folks' insurance company would issue a check, and THEN go after the father of the delinquent driver.

Both the bodyman and field agent commented that her truck was worth repairing.
But when it came to the 'guy that writes the check', he decided that Mom's truck will be totalled, and a check for substantially less would be issued to her.

Now, my Dad pays for an 'uninsured driver' policy, and the truck's value is more than the cost of repair, but going against the field agents recommendation, the company decides to total her truck, issuing a check that wouldn't even come close to replacing her ride.

So, can someone tell me why we even pay companies to protect our investments, such as vehicles, and when someone ELSE damages it, decide to go easy on the 'inflicter', and penalize the victim?

Ever know something you wish you didn't?

About a week ago,it was brought to my attention (by a co-worker of all people), that my ex-wife and husband will be losing their home to a Sheriff's auction.

It seems that they are way behind in not only property taxes, but mortgage payments as well.

As I said, I've known about this for a little over a week, and this weekend I had my boys. I can't tell you how hard it is knowing that they will be losing their home and not being able to say a word to them about it. btw:they don't know yet.

So as I bide my time, waiting for my ex to come to me with the news, I can't help but wonder if she will find a home here in town to rent, move 30 miles away to where she works (which wouldn't be the worst thing to happen), or move back to Southern Illinois where her husband's family resides (which is the worst thing that can happen).
What makes it worse yet is the face that I was unable to put a "can not move x amount of miles away" judgment on her, giving her Carte blanche to move where she wishes with no consideration for our children's feelings in the matter.

Stay tuned, as I'm sure I will have more to report on this situation.

X-box vs. Wii

I'm hoping the title grabs the attention than just the regular viewers to my blog, (yea, both of you).

I'm wanting some user input of pros and cons on these two game consoles as I am close to upgrading from my ps2.
I as well as my two boys (12 & 14) are interested in both the X-box 360 and the Nintendo Wii.
I've done some research as far as games availability and other tidbits of information, but when it comes to knowing about playability and the likes, well that's something they don't put on their websites.

So I ask you, the blogging/gaming masses to give me your 2 cents worth (yes, in addition to the both of you), and help me formulate a better knowledge base in helping me decide which console to go with.

Thank you in advance!

Try this one on for size............

The other night, I had a rather odd stream of consciousness. But over all, it made sense. Just how it came to be still eludes me.

"Faceoff".
This is the title of a movie starring John Travolta and Nicholas Cage.
The premise is that Travolta, playing some sort of Federal agent, must infiltrate bad guy Cage's 'world' in order to get something to put him away "for good this time".

In order to pull this off, doctors perform a surgical procedure where in they actually swap Travolta's characters face with that of Cages' characters face. (Later in the movie, Cage comes to, acquires Travolta's face, and the fun and merriment ensues.

Now, in the film, all the actors did was try to emulate the characteristics of the actor/character they were disguised as.

Here's my point:wouldn't the movie been a lot better if the producers actually went that extra mile by using green makeup on the actors and they did their scenes, and then in post production digitally added the other actors face on them?
Then we really would have believed that John Travolta really did have Cages face and vice-verse.

Ok, granted that this kind of technology wasn't really introduced until the Ed Norton version of "The Incredible Hulk", but dammit, other movies are being remade so just do another, better version of Face Off!

(ok, maybe not..........but it would have been soooooo much cooler).

Ever try to push a piece of string?

With the onset of a new year, I am forced to do a little 'self-evaluation' and try to figure out just what the hell has been going on for the past 8 years (if not much much longer).

(a warning:everything seems to come back to my divorce, so bear with me)

Since my divorce (see? told ya), my life has turned in on itself as my attentions have become split between my children, and the internet. Let me explain.
My two boys are the biggest joy in my life. Even though for 3 years after the divorce, they were moved 11 hours away from me, I did not waiver from being their Father. I never wrote them off, walked away, or neglected them (as if I'D been the one that left).
And since their return 6 years ago, my bond with them, especially the younger son, have grown at least to an enjoyable level not being awarded shared placement (even though we now live mere minutes away from each other).

The downfall from my divorce (see?), has become my addiction to the internet.
In the onset, I tried to gain that which my now ex wife did.(a mate), using the internet.
And while in the first two years, I did accomplish something of that, neither situation panned out.

But now, eight years later, my dependence on this infernal contraption has taken over what should have been a socialization of my being.
I'll be the first to admit that I spend way too much time between this site, Friendster, and a certain dating website and while I've been able to reconnect with classmates, and made new friends, the whole experience has torn down what used to be (in friends' ascertains) a really good person.

So what now?
Every New Year's for the past 7, I've told myself that "this year would be different". That I would put myself back out there and meet new people and hopefully find someone special.
One variable I blame my current situation on is where I am, geographically.
Now, while this town is really a good place, provided you are either A)raising a family or 2) being a descendant of a family that pretty much settled this little plot.
If you are an outsider, and a single outsider at that, you may as well call it game over.
And while I live a mere 30 miles from where I grew up (which for me holds more 'stimulus' for me personally) it seems like the distance I shared with my children some 6 years ago.

Now that I'm 40, maybe by some miracle I will tap into some long forgotten inner strength to proceed with the 'second half of my life'.
Or, I just may grow old to be known as the 'crazy guy on the corner that feeds the squirrels'.

Either way, I just know that I have to regain my independence from the internet and return to the 'land of the living'.

Let Obama do his job

I'm so full of positive emotions about the outcome of last nights Presidential election, I don't know where to begin!

My first thought is how we as a nation have "evolved" over the last 150 years so as to elect a "black man" to the highest position in the country. However, there are still signs that, while it is a step in the right direction as far as "maturing", we as a nation are not yet ready for this to happen.

Today while listening to an area radio station, there was a caller who was voicing her opinion that actually made me stop what I was doing, listen to her, and then when she was done, just stand there dumbfounded.
She sounded like a woman that was in her early sixties, more than likely a racist, alarmist, anarchist, and probably had more than 20 cats living with her.

She began her on-air tirade questioning the intelligence of "these college students" (assuming that they held a majority vote) that had helped put this country in the hands of man who will turn this country into a communism, Marxism, and socialism society. (this woman was flyin'!).
She just kept going on about her "isms", all the while the radio DJ was just saying "um.......well.....", until she was cut off after saying she was moving to "f*cking Canada".

If Obama DID want to turn this country the way of the "ism", he would have had to been working on setting up a structure for it at LEAST 20 years ago. Even then, he would have to have enough Democrats in the House of Representatives to back him.

The position of the President is really not much more than a "mouth piece" for structured government.
Yes, he has ideas. But isn't it the House that actually votes on whether or not to let him "do it"?

This is the first election of my adult life that I actually (kinda) got into.
And for me, Barack Obama presented a better campaign that John McCain.

But in the big picture of things, if Obama is allowed to actually serve out his four year term, it will serve in the annuls of history on how we as a people came together to elect a historically minority to lead us into a future of hope.

I for one, look forward to being able to tell my grand-kids how I was able to see a "man of colour" in the White House.

another one for the "creepy" factor...............

I'm starting to see a trend here, and I'm not sure how to take it.

My name has been used twice in the movies, and having a rather uncommon name, it's kind of a big deal. At least to me it is.

The first time was in the 1985 movie "Fright Night".
In that movie, "I" became a zombie and was killed.

Then in 1991, it was the opening sequence that "I" became a large black man playing football.
At the end of the scene, "I" blew my brains out.

Fast forward to tonight, where I watched "NCIS" with my kids.
Guess who was the dead body found in the opening scenes that started off this episodes story? That's right:"BILLY COLE".
I mean, come on!

There have been plenty of names used in film and tv. But "billy cole" isn't really the first name you'd think of when creating a character.
And what's with the fact that "I" have never made it through an entire storyline?
"Fright Night" found "me" lasting at least half way through the movie, but still "I" died.

My 13 year old says I'm cursed.

stuff

It's late, I'm still awake, so I thought I'd share stuff.

A few months ago, I decided to add on to my home, as it's becoming rather small for me and my two boys.
I had an enclosed porch, measuring roughly 8'x12' (which was used mainly for a catch-all), removed and in it's place a room measuring 19'x31'.
This will be a second 'tv' room with space for my kids to entertain friends, and an area to relocate my laundry room.

It's now in the final stages as I have begun to prime the walls for paint.
I'm still having difficulties not only with deciding on wall colours, but if in fact I will want to let my kids have this space!
~I could always move my entertainment 'stuff' out there and let them have the old living room~

Soccer season began last week and my younger boy is participating.
Our towns program only provides for students up through sixth grade, so this will be his last year.
He started things off with his teams only (and his personal first) goal!
It was pretty cool to see him succeed like that.

I've been contemplating my future at my job (which is pretty bad timing what with the car loan and 'construction' loan I've taken on), but sometimes you just know when things are going down hill.
I'm hanging on as long as I can, but it's becoming harder and harder each day.

My music has really suffered over the last ten years or so.

Beginning back in grade school, I started off taking up the violin. Something about strings just caught my ear over the brass and woodwinds. Odd considering I was living in "River City" at the time. One would think the memory of Meridith Wilson would have appealed to me, but after meeting with my first conductor/instructor, a Mr. Don Briceland, it was enough for me to pursue and continue strings.

From violin, I picked up a guitar (self taught), and though I could never achieve a lead guitar status, I still found it enjoyable.
I also learned banjo, and mandolin. All of this was before sixth grade.

Before my first son was born, I was with a group of guys that have now gone on to reformulate into a rather successful area band.
But, with the onset of becoming a family man combined with the frustration of not being able to get into a studio (we tried like three times), and with it being a three hour drive, I decided to put music on the back burner.

Now almost 14 years later, I long to play again but time away has taken a toll as when I try to practice, nothing comes of it.
It seem tedious as I can't just 'pick up and play' as I used to be able to and frustration takes over.

I'll hang onto my axes as maybe one day I'll get an epiphany and find the will to jam again.
In the mean time, it's time to paint and create my and my boys' "man space".

it's coming.........................

This coming Wednesday, I will begin my fourth decade of life on this rock, and I'm still not sure how I feel about that.

I suppose on the one hand, I should feel lucky to be alive, seeing as how the human body was originally designed to live to about the ripe old age of 35.
But, throughout the ages, Mankind has discovered ways of beating the odds through science.
But on the other hand, I feel like I've pissed away valuable time as I'm no where near where I thought I'd be.

I guess the fact is, no one ends up where they think they will be later in life.

first one theater, then another............

Today, I took my boys to see "The Dark Knight" here in town.
First off, wow. This picture is darker than the previous, but DAMN it's good!
I'll give props to the late Mr. Ledger for his portrayal of The Joker.
HIS was an offering of what the comics have been offering in recent years: a more psychotic and demented villain.
However, I will not compare his to Jack Nicholson's "Joker".
In the 1989 movie "Batman", Nicholson's Joker as perfect for that movie, just as Ledger's Joker is perfect for this one.

There was on occurrence that marred what should have been a 2 and a half 'vacation from reality'.
Just as technical difficulties blacked out about 10 minutes of the movie in a nearby town, so did they here.
The kicker here:no free passes afterwards.

I do plan to see this film in the theater again, not only to view what I along with others missed, but, as with the previous "Batman" movie(s) it's worth seeing again.

technology schmechnology

I'm pissed.
For some reason, half of my bookmarks have disappeared.

My PC is a few years old, but over the past year or so it's been showing "signs of age".
It takes me about an hour to do fifteen minutes worth of browsing, it gets "pissy" if I open more than three tabs at a time, and to boot my printer has decided it doesn't want to take in any more paper.

I've used a few restore points, ran multiple "fix it programs" but nothing has worked. (and I'm still missing my bookmarks!).

I can remember times before computers, less stressful times.
Sure, there wasn't the ability to pop into the next room and look up some pertinent information for the kids (cheat codes for their favorite video game), but there wasn't this umbilical cord tethering us to checking our email, looking for dates, or getting numerous emails on enlarging our penis'. (or enhancing ones' breasts).

I'm to the point where I don't want to shell out big bucks every few years just to see if "miss hot hot hottie" replied to my message or not. (it's usually not).

Maybe it's a sign for me to get back to "the real world" and make friend the old fashioned way.
(besides, you never know if when meeting someone from the Internet, if you're going to get raped in the butt! thanx ozzy)

*DING* End of round one

I've just ended the first of 3 two week 'visits' with my kids.
Being allowed only six weeks time with them during the summer, I've found it easier to schedule two weeks straight during the months of June, July, and August. And they seem to like it more as well.

During those two solid weeks of having my kids with me is great.
I get to realize being a REAL full-time parent, and not just a 'weekend warrior'.

It's this time when I get to have complete responsibility of my children ranging from summer band lessons, ball games, interaction and just being there if they need me.

It's this time with them that defines me, shapes me towards my full potential.
It's this time that I enjoy the most, because I know that in a few hours after getting off of work, they don't have to go back to their mother's.

Now that I have this 'down time' until our July visit, I want to do something different than in years past:actually DO something with my down time.

I've wasted a lot of time doing nothing when I should have been doing something, but it's going to be hard.
I'm a creature of habit. A creature of comfort.
It's time I venture out of my bubble and do some living for a change.

My children are my catalyst:I grasp that now.
I want them to be (more) proud of their Dad, so that come July, we begin to have even better times together than we already enjoy.

curse you Guitar Hero..........

Today at work, Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" came on the radio, and all I could think of was 'green red yellow, green red BLUE yellow'..................

a rant of a different sort.................

A few months ago, I got a letter from my insurance company that they were switching parent companies, and that my checks would from then on have to be sent directly to them instead of my insurance agent.

When I got my insurance bill in the mail, and it had increased by about $100.
Not having caused any accidents in the past year, or received any tickets or citations of any sort, I was immediately curious.

I called my agent asking about the 'mystery increase' and after looking into it, he said it was based on my credit score.
"What?"

As some of you know, I got divorced in 2000 and circumstances surrounding that episode (OK, thanks to my now ex-wife), my credit is fubar.

Concerning that, one would think that after 8 years my credit would have evened out, but even most recently when I was purchasing my new TV (which is KILLER BTW), I couldn't even apply for the Best Buy rewards credit card because of my still rotten credit.

But why should that affect my home and car insurance?
Seems to me that when someone is in an accident, their rates go up. (I'm not sure how it works for home insurance rates)
Why is my having bad credit, grounds for jacking my rates?
As I stated, I've not submitted any claims to my insurance company which by my understanding, is the only 'normal' grounds for having ones rates increased.

I don't know, but it just seems like one thing after another as of late.

LORDY LORDY LOOK WHO'S............(don't you f*kkin' say it.........)

That's right kids, in less than four months, yours truly turns the big 4-0.

Where has the time gone?
It's seems like just yesterday my kids were in diapers, I was starting out my new job and buying my first house. Of course the reality is that all of these events were about 13 years ago.

But now, I'm going to beginning the fourth decade of my life and I'm no where near where I thought I'd be.

When I was turning 21, and when I'd give a shit about where I'd be in life twenty years down the road, not once did I figure on being divorced, working a dead-end job and NOT doing anything with my music.
But on the flip side, now that I'm "that old", I didn't think I'd still find cartoons funnier than hell, enjoy playing D&D with friends, and thinking "Goth chicks are HOT".

Maybe it's just me, but when someone would turn 40, it'd be said they were "on the downslope" and thus they would show signs of being a "responsible adult".
But for me, it's like the only way to tell how old I am is to cut me in half and count the rings.

I have to admit, sometimes I do feel guilty (for lack of a better word), for not having really grown up, at least in my interests.
I mean, just because I can waste a couple hours watching 'toons with my kids (ok:sometimes alone), or read a comic book, doesn't mean I'm not a responsible adult.
I mean, I've owned my own home for going on 13 years now,and never been under the threat of foreclosure.

I recently saw an ad on a dating site from a woman that was looking for a man who "had given up the video games, cartoons, and comic books" and was ready for a real relationship. (It's almost like she knew I was coming!).
But who says you can't enjoy the simpler things and not have a healthy relationship with someone? (I'm sure there's SOME one, but they don't count).

On the one hand, I suppose being "childlike" is an advantage because it gives one an 'edge' when connecting with one's children.
But the down side is no one seems to take you seriously.

Story of my life.........

About a month ago, I went to an area music event.
I gal I'd met several years ago at a friends' wedding, decided she was going to come up and meet up with me. (we live about 3 hours from one another).

Now, she's someone I'd kept contact with through MySpace, and I'd always found her interesting.
That night, (this would be the first time we'd been face to face since the wedding)we hung out and got to know each other quite well.
Naturally, I became interested in her.

A few weeks would go by after that night, and for whatever reason, she stated she wasn't interested in dating, but would love to hang out again. (we both love gaming, and she was happy to finally find someone she could talk about (our mutual interests) and not have that person glaze over).

Most recently, she bought a house, furthering the fact that there will be no chance in dating.

SO, I meet a girl that actually has the same interests as I, is VERY interesting to hang around with, but will NEVER be anything more than someone to talk with.

Another four months and I qualify for a "Born-again-40-year-old-virgin"

*sighs*