I Really Should Have Taken a Picture

I didn't know what I was doing though.

Seriously.

All I know is that I went downstairs to wake the sleeping teens at 11:30. Shocking, I know. I was trying to get young master Andy up so that he could deliver his application for another scholarship. I realized that it was probably a futile effort (waking him up, not the scholarship), so I left with the application in hand and three bags of clothing for Goodwill. I also told the boys that they needed to get up and start cleaning/picking up the basement, because I need to get started on the great basement do-over, as I have named it. Of course, I should just name it the get-that-ugly-carpet-off-the-floor-and-build-your-daughter's-room-already project, but it was a bit wordy - even for me.

While out taking care of Andy's application and the Goodwill drop off, I decided to go and get the oil changed in my minivan, since I was about five hundred miles overdue. No, I do not change my own oil, see previous posts about my inability to handle such mechanical functions. No links, because if you really cared to laugh at me, you will have to search them out yourself. Hey it's only about six hundred posts. I digress.

The oil change went quick, so I called home to see if the kids started lunch, or if the wanted me to pick something up. Jessie said that she already was making some Mac-n-Cheese, so I figured that I just saved a bit of coin, because my oldest daughter has some initiative. I also asked her if the boys were up.

Nope.

Two minutes later, my phone rings and it is Maggie telling me that she doesn't want the Mac-n-Cheese, and wants chicken instead. Are you serious? Fine. Then, lo and behold, Andy is on the phone requesting food. How do they always know? FINE! I ask if he has started cleaning up. Not yet. When will you be starting? Soon.

Uh-huh.

I get the McDonald's - I wanted a Diet Coke anyway, and get home to find. Benjy, still asleep and Andy taking a shower. Oh and the basement was immaculate, with everything in it's proper place. NOT! I think you might have known that already.

Daddy was not a happy man. No, not one bit.

What I did next, after waking the neighbors with my baritone, shocked even myself. I cleaned. I organized. I made it so that I have room to relocate some stuff while working on the great basement re-do. It actually felt pretty good even, kind of refreshing, even had a sort of calming affect on me.

Don't tell my wife.

Please.



“When making a fire people like to join you, when cleaning the ashes you are often alone” - African Proverb

That Fresh Clean Feeling

"Gain -- To smell it, is to love it."

So how is everyone doing today? I'm doing good, thanks for asking. Still haven't watched last week's LOST, but I've read all about it. Still would like to see it though. See how much calmer I am. :)

PITA has been rather painful. We have someone that wants to leave our service, but they have a contract through 2011, so they can't, unless they can find something wrong, service-wise. Now, it's coming down to a 'we said - they said' kind of battle, and they being the customer means that they are going to win, right? What sucks is all the extra work and hoops-jumping that we are going through. Oh well, we'll see what happens, at least I'm still getting paid, right?

A bit of a downer came yesterday, when Andy got his letter from Loras, telling him that he was not chosen to be a part of the Breitbach Thinkers and Leaders program at Loras. So, now we are looking into other opportunities. Not giving up, yet. Besides we have an overnight retreat there in two weeks, so we still have to give it our best shot. I wonder what there is to do in Dubuque? Any ideas?

Okay, I'm nodding off as I type, which means there will be a strange looking word, somewhere, if I don't just call it a night.

So, Night.


“No man should go through life without once experiencing healthy, even bored, solitude in the wilderness, finding himself depending solely on himself and thereby learning his true and hidden strength.” - Jack Kerouac

Saved By The Colleen

So Colleen saw that I was floundering in my efforts for giving you a high quality product, so I read her post from a couple of weeks ago, where she answered questions posed to her by Maria. Knowing full well that January is a bad month for me, creatively and otherwise, I asked Colleen to ask away.

She took me seriously.

So now what? I guess I have to answer the questions, right? I mean I don't want to get a reputation for not posting something that I said I would. (Krissa, I promise to get to that meme, someday.)

So here are the five questions from Colleen and answers from me. :)

1) If there's one thing you could "implant" in your children's brains - just make them know without having to teach it to them, or fight to get your point across - what would it be?

That's easy and I wish I had the same thing, at times, and that would be the ability to manage their finances. I can't tell you how many times they get a little bit of money, for their birthdays, Christmas, or doing some sort of job like babysitting. They want to immediately go out and spend it. I swear it seems like they just want to spend, spend, spend, and on what? Some cheap piece of plastic that they will forget about in twenty minutes. Of course, the apple didn't fall too far from the tree there, but I am getting better. I think. Heck, I'm not going to Disney this year, so that's a start, right?

2) If you could "undo" anything from your past, what would it be?

I would have never bought the Toyota Celica, that I surely couldn't afford, yet managed to 'steal' my own savings to get it. What makes this incident even dumber, is that I had just bought a new car about ten months prior, so I was majorly upside-down on that loan. Let's see, what else about that car, I bought it in Colorado where you don't really need AC, but I lived in Texas, where you do. That's right, I bought a new car with no air conditioning and it didn't even have a cassette player, nor a CD player. Yeah, I can pretty much say that was my biggest mistake. Ever.

3) What was your favorite game as a child?

That would be Risk. We used to spend hours and hours playing that game of World Domination. I still play it today, only on a computer because the play is faster. In fact, I wonder where my CD is for that game. I need to do some domination again. :)

4) Crocs - love 'em or hate 'em?

Believe it or not, I like them a lot. Heck I've even worn them this winter, outside, in the snow. I don't recommend trying that, but it shows how comfortable they are. I forgot that I was wearing them. Now my Crocs are special because they are Denver Broncos Crocs. :) Andy, who swore that he wouldn't wear them, tried mine and now owns a pair of Chicago Cubs Crocs. They were very comfortable to wear in Florida, and I actually preferred wearing them over sandals.

5) Your house is on fire. Other than your family and any pets, what are the three things you'd hope to save?

To be honest the only things that I would care about saving would be my family, but since you said that they were okay. Number one would be Jenni's grandfather's hat - I love that hat and I see it everyday. I would wear it, but it's a few sizes too small. Number two would be my external hard drive, since it has all my music and pictures. Maybe someday, it will even have my great American novel on it. Finally, I would make sure that I had my car keys and wallet since I will need them to get away from the flaming carcass formerly known as my house. :) I know, I'm quite the sentimental one.

Okay, those are my answers, now here is the BEST part!!

Now you can sign up for me to interview YOU! I know you're gonna want to experience my fine journalistic skills, and you know that it has been a dream of yours to have me ask you questions, as well. All you need to do is follow the following steps:

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions.
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Not LOST, but A Missed

I missed LOST tonight, and I hear it was AWESOME... Here's a tease

Now, I will go to bed and cry, or whine, or whatever.

I'll be better tomorrow.

Oh, I need to thank the Republicans in Congress for having some backbone and NOT approving the first step to socialism.

That is all.

Tuesday Night Blah

Okay, it's Tuesday which calls for an American Idol update, right? Uh, I kind of forgot to watch it. So no dice.

I have a new fluffy bunny story, but Jenni threatened me with bodily harm if I do that again. So that will have to wait until she's not going to be near a computer. Know what I mean? So, it may be a while.

FAFSA application is completed.

Taxes are completed.

Octuplets were born today, and Praise God, all are doing well. I find it amazing that in one felled swoop, they now have more kids than we do. Amazing.

Our new president is leading us down the slippery slope of socialism, and no one seems to be noticing. The USA is quickly becoming the USSA (United Socialist States of America).

Did I mention that I missed American Idol tonight? I'm not really caring, but more Americans do, and that is what is sad and so wrong lately with this country.

I'll put my soapbox away for a later date, when I spend more than eight minutes composing my thoughts. Or maybe I'll just keep venting until my first amendment rights disappear right before my eyes.

Seriously, I'm putting it away now.

And Then the Fight Started...

I saw these and thought of Damama, for some reason. Maybe because she already posted them, who knows. I just wanted a giggle or two, and since I couldn't take the picture of her wearing Danny's night time pull up on her head, these will have to suffice:

My wife and I are watching Who Wants To Be A Millionaire while we were in bed.
I turned to her and said,"Do you want to have sex?"
"No," she answered.
I then said, "Is that your final answer?"
She didn't even look at me this time, simply saying "Yes."
So I said, "Then I'd like to phone a friend."
And then the fight started....

****

After retiring, I went to the Social Security office to apply for Social Security.
The woman behind the counter asked me for my driver's license to verify my age.
I looked in my pockets and realized I had left my wallet at home.
I told the woman that I was very sorry, but I would have to go home and come back later.
The woman said, 'Unbutton your shirt'.
So I opened my shirt revealing my curly silver hair.
She said, 'That silver hair on your chest is proof enough for me' and she processed my Social Security application.
When I got home, I excitedly told my wife about my experience at the Social Security office.
She said, 'You should have dropped your pants. You might have gotten Disability, too'
And then the fight started.....

****

I rear-ended a car this morning.
So, there we were alongside the road and slowly the other driver got out of his car.
You know how sometimes you just get soooo stressed and little things just seem funny?
Yeah, well I couldn't believe it....
He was a DWARF!!!
He stormed over to my car, looked up at me, and shouted,'I AM NOT HAPPY! !!'
So, I looked down at him and said, 'Well, then which one are you?'
And then the fight started.....

Have a pleasant evening...

My Wife's New Love

My wife has found my replacement.

Yep, it looks like I had one smart-Alec remark too many, and I have been replaced as the love of my wife's life.

The children are upset about it, as you can well imagine, except maybe Andy, because he really likes the new guy. Benjy seems to be warming up to him as well.

He has many great new features; I think the main one is that he doesn't need to be awakened after his alarm goes off, again and again. Hey, in my defense, I'm getting old AND tired.

Jenni also loves the fact that he can apparently be programmed to do things when she needs them done, as opposed to, say, whenever I get around to it. She can also program how much of his new guy that she wants. I mean I can be a bit too much at times, not the new guy though, when Jenni tells him it's enough, then it's enough. She always said it would be nice if I knew when enough was enough, but it's not really my style; I like to push her buttons. Now with the new guy, she's the only one pushing buttons.

Still, you would think that hanging around for sixteen and a half years would have been good enough. Nope, she went for the shiny and new guy. One that can perk her up, on command. Again, in my defense, I am getting older and more tired - maybe I should get involved in some more exercise. That might help, right? I guess she just wanted someone that was a little more fresh, you would think that after six kids and with one on the way, getting fresh would be the least of her worries.

So should I now start looking for a new love? I mean it's not like I started this whole deal, I have been loyal to the core, never wavering. Ever.

It breaks my heart, but I do have a picture of the new guy and I will share it with you. Please if you see this guy around, kick him in the shins for me, okay?



And to think that she didn't even like coffee when we got married. :)

The Two-Year Old Mind

Bedtime at the ole house is always an adventure, especially with my two-year old son.

Tonight is a prime example; Jenni was putting Danny to bed tonight and turned off the TV/DVD player. Well, Danny took exception to that, because there was still a DVD in the player, and Jenni wouldn't get it out.

Bad move.

Danny got mad, and called Jenni a brat. Jenni got mad, and left him to cry. I should mention that Jenni also rode in a car for nearly seven hours today, due to the miscommunication from last week, so she wasn't in any sort of mood to be sassed at. Especially by a two-year old.

Daddy's turn.

I get the DVD out of the player and get Danny to lie down. He grabs his blue blankie, and I ask him if he wants his Thomas the Tank Engine blankie, he says yes. Then the trouble began. You see, I then moved his blue blankie up closer to where he could hold it. He didn't want that and then proceeded to tell me that he didn't want me either. Okay. I'll go back out and watch the rest of LOST.

Out comes Danny. He grabs my hand and says that he wants me now.

Okay.

Back to his room we go (he was pulling me along), where he continues his little crazy-boy meltdown. First, he doesn't want to lie down. Then he doesn't want to sit down. So, I tell him that he can just stand there. He doesn't want to do that either. He has snot running down his nose, so I grab a tissue to wipe it.

More meltdown.

After six children, I am convinced that there is no such thing as the TERRIBLE TWOS, nope, it's the THREES that you need to look out for. So any new parents out there that might be thinking that their terrible twos aren't so bad. Just you wait, because the threes are coming and you will be so wanting those sweet little two-year old back. Trust me on this one.

Five minutes later.

Danny comes out in the best giggly mood, and apologizes to me and Jenni. Such a little angel. I took him back to his bed, prayed with him gave him several hugs and kisses, and he was asleep within minutes. He turns three in forty-one days. I better get all the hugs and kisses that I can, because for the following three hundred and sixty five days, it's gonna be a crap shoot trying to figure out what kind of mood he'll be in.

God Bless!

What a Tangled Web

I think I will try to do my LOST recap, as promised, in bullets.


SPOILERS, there may be SPOILERS...

You

Have

Been

Warned.

• Daniel Faraday know A LOT about what is going on
• John Locke is one confused dude
• Richard Alpert, never ages. EVER
• Jack's beard is dead. Amen!
• Sun is playing out the whole "woman scorned" bit, to a hilt.
• Kate is running again
• Sayid is too cool for words
• Hurley, probably the best, and most important character
• Benjamin Linus, still creepy
• Desmond, no longer at peace, but rather with purpose
• Sawyer, shirtless for the ladies, and snarky for the rest
• Juliet, she's still there?
• Aussie chick whose name I can't remember, soon to be dust methinks
• Miles, another bad ass.

See what I mean, easy!

In all seriousness, I left last night (this morning) very impressed with the writing and the story. I'm liking the more Sci-Fi bits and have always loved time travel, hence my love of Stargate SG-1. Maybe the island is part of a wormhole. Watch out for those Egyptian gods. :)

Okay, I'm going to go and watch them again. Or go back to Twitter.

Tough choice. :)

I'm Lost! (and a day late)

Because of the events that took place yesterday (did you know that I am now a referee of youth soccer, as well as a coach?), I missed the much ballyhooed season premiere of LOST.

I know. I can hardly believe it myself.

Anyway, I don't have TiVo or a DVR, but I do have the Internet.

Thank you Al Gore!! (first and last time)

So, for the last two and a half hours I have been trying to watch the first two hours of LOST. I only have one more hour to watch. In case you all forgot, I have six kids and they LOVE their Daddy. So, I've been distracted a bit, including the five or seven minutes I allotted myself to write this up because you know I'm doing the whole Blog 365 again, and I need to get further than I did last year, at least. Which is still a couple of months away.

Anyway, season five, episode one... WOW! I am so hooked right back in. I'll tell you more about it later, maybe even after I finish episode two. :)

Damaste!

I'm a Ref

Yep.

I can now referee U8 and U9 soccer games.

Aren't you excited? I am.

See good things can happen with an Obama presidency. :)

Can you tell that this is going to be a post that leaves you scratching your head and saying to yourself, why am I reading this again?

Remember that I can be funny and I am a really nice guy.

I just told my son to break a rule... what the heck is wrong with me? There is a reason, and it's kind of involved, and it is also late, so I will have to explain it later - if I remember. :)

Colleen over at Mommy Always Wins has sent me a questionnaire, and I look forward to answering her questions for you all to see. Be afraid, be very afraid.

I will stop now, because seriously this has absolutely no point, other than to be a 'To Do' list for myself, for future blogs. I also need to catch up on my reader, Obama fever made y'all write a lot apparently. :)

Oh, and to tell you that I am a Ref!

Hello, President Obama

Dear Mr. President (nice ring to it, don't you think?)

Hello, and welcome to the most powerful position in the world, President of the United States of America. Now, it is true that I do not agree with most of what you do, however, you are the president of my country and will treat you with the respect and admiration that the position deserves.

Now, I have a few things that I'd like to say. Your inauguration speech was good, but I've heard you do better. Okay, that sounds pretty petty, and I apologize but I have heard you make some pretty good speeches and this one only garnered an eight from me - if you cared.

Some highlights for me:

"We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you."

And this:

"As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains.They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages."

There was one more, but I can't find it, so either I imagined it or something. :)

A couple of things I would like you to reconsider. The Freedom of Choice Act, also known as FOCA. Bad idea. Really, really bad idea. You talk on the one hand about loving life, yet you want to sign into law a bill that will basically allow women, for any reason, to get an abortion. It will also force hospitals, including Catholic hospitals, which by Canon Law are not allowed to perform such violent acts of murder, to either perform abortions or get sued for not performing an abortion. The Bishops in the United States have already, unanimously agreed (which never happens) to close all Catholic hospitals. Do you realize that this is more than a third of all the hospitals in the country? It will effectively keep Catholics from performing various acts of charity, because they would be required to mention that abortions are a viable option.

Sorry, but ending the life of another human being, and make no mistake that is what they are, should NEVER be an option.

Dude, may I call you dude? If not, I apologize for my informal tone. Please shake yourself loose of the Chicago politicians that will bring you closer to Satan. Okay, maybe that's a bit extreme, but really, how can you associate with these people? They are crooked. They perform illegal acts on a regular basis. They like to tax the snot out of everyone and everything. Please just stop it. You don't need them.

Speaking of taxes, do you realize that by raising taxes you will be stifling the economy that you say you want to help. It's time for you to realize that, I mean just read a history book. One of the great icons of your own party, John F. Kennedy, even lowered taxes in his first 100 days.

Terrorists? They need to stay somewhere safe, and out of trouble (meaning not back on the front lines). They also cannot be brought into our country, because of a funny thing called the ACLU will immediately file all kinds of trouble, because they feel like they are "helping" some poor man. Guess what, these guys are evil, and would not hesitate to do something bad to man and country. Keep them on Gitmo, hell they are living better than most of their fellow terrorists, they probably don't want to leave anyway. Remember that they hate us, just because of who we are. Just see how much they love you in Iran today.

I think that I have taken up enough of your time, I mean you do have a country to run - after the parties are over, that is. Just remember that America is strong and will do anything to keep it that way, in other words even if we disagree with you, we still got your back!

Good luck and

God Bless,

Goodbye, President Bush

Thanks for the good times.

Sure there were times I didn't agree with you, hey it happens. I mean I am sure that there are times that my wife and kids don't agree with me either.

Thanks for doing the best you could with the terrorists - they don't fight fair, and neither do the liberals. I think you have a done an excellent job keeping us safe here in the U.S. of A. No attacks on American soil, by people and groups that do not like us, since that terrible September day.

Thank you for the tax cuts, that helped to keep this economy growing for most of your time in office. It's too bad that you will probably be remembered for the last year when it all went down hill. Some of it was your fault, most of it wasn't. I believe you when you say that you put your free market principles on hold, to do this whole bailout crap. Yes, I mean crap. I don't remember getting a bailout when I lost my job. Yet, here I am four years later, still surviving and without any government assistance. So why can't the big three automobile makers, and various banks and insurance companies so it without the government helping out.

I appreciate that you stuck to your guns, no matter how unpopular you became. Of course, Congress has a lower approval rating than you did, and we the moronic Americans, put them back in office. Personally, I think they all need term limits; the House gets two terms, while the Senate gets one. no more Kennedy's, and Thurmond's and Pelosi's and any one else that has made a career out of what was only envisioned to be a short term "service project" of sorts. I know there is a better term, but my son has decided to eat chips next to me, so I am a bit distracted.

Thank you Mr. President for keeping your head up when dealing with the idiots in the media that like to try and keep you down. I appreciate your service to this country and wish you the best in your future endeavours.

God Bless,

Oops

Andy and Jenni, along with Jenni's parents had a lovely drive to Dubuque Iowa yesterday.

Too bad that Melissa gave them the wrong date!

Andy and Jenni, along with Jenni's parents had a not-quite-as-lovely trip back to Batavia yesterday.

Will try again next week.

Today is the Day

Andy, his mother and grandparents are in Dubuque, Iowa today for Andy's interview for the Brietbach Catholic Thinkers and Leaders Program, which will greatly help out with paying for Andy's college education, AND make him a part of a great program.

He had to write an essay, and then wait to be chosen for an interview.

We waited.

And waited.

The deadline said Dec 23, 2008, and here it was January already. Andy contacted his admission counselor, and was told that they hadn't selected the thirty applicants for an interview yet. This is thirty out of a couple of hundred essays, I imagine especially since this is such a great program to get into. A very competitive, that if chosen will do tons towards helping Andy, not only in college, but also in life itself. Just going through the whole interview process itself will be a great help for him, when he's interviewing for those all-important jobs of the future.

Anyway, a few days ago - forgive me for I cannot remember the exact date, I'm no good at that. Andy received a text message from his counselor at Loras, as we were about to start our family Rosary (a good habit that we are getting back into - thanks Jenni!), telling him that sorry, Andy was not going to be invited for an interview.

Andy took it very well, and we discussed other options, like community college and FAFSA, for his future plans. Then we prayed and asked God to help us with dealing with the disappointment of not getting an interview, and for guidance regarding the future. It was a nice evening of prayer, aside from a giggling eleven year old, and we went back to our normal activities; the girls and Danny get settled in to bed, while the older boys do what older boys do, Facebook, Youtube, The Office, the Wii, whatever it was.

*** I think I remember that this was on Sunday now. Jenni will correct me if I'm wrong. :)

The next day, I was in various meetings and missed Jenni's phone calls, she left a message on my work phone and cell (I know, I should be carrying with me all the time, but...) with a message to call her back as soon as possible. Uh oh, my first thoughts were that something bad happened. So I call home and no one answers, yet it doesn't go to the machine, which means Jenni or one of the kids are on the phone. Hopefully that's a good sign, because at least they are still home.

I try again a couple of times before Jenni picks up and says that since I didn't answer, she had to tell somebody.

"Loras called and he has an interview, on Saturday."

"This Saturday? I thought that they were scheduled for next week?"

"They are, but he gets one on Saturday."

This was good news, because Andy has a Winter Retreat scheduled for next weekend and didn't want to miss that, but would have if it came down to it. Now he gets to do both.

Anyway, in exactly one hour from now, 2:15PM CST, Andy will be meeting with members of the Breitbach Catholic Leaders and Thinkers committee, and God willing, he will be accepted to join this program, which will be a life changing event, in my opinion, and will start to show the world (one step at a time) what a great person Andy is, and how he will be able to change the world with his knowledge and skills.

It's my blog and he's my son, so I am allowed to brag, thankyouverymuch!

Anyway, Andy I am very proud of you and know that you will do well and regardless of the outcome, this has been a great opportunity for you.

Now go get 'em!

One Little Question

I promise.

Why is the baby food in the middle of the pet care section at Target?

I look forward to your responses, and whether or not, your Targets do the same. I should clarify one thing, this is a Super Target.

Good Night!

This is Not What I Started To Write

I know, I know. You are all thinking, Roger you said that you don't edit what you write.

I lied.

Plus I had this whole mean thing about how I hate IKEA furniture, and it wasn't going anywhere.

Kind of like this, eh?

Stop it! Please don't mind the italics - it's one of those voices.

No, no, not one of those voices, but THE voice.

Whatever.

Dude, who do you think stopped you from going on and on about some stupid piece of inexpensive furniture and their silly little allen wrenches and putting everything together, AND you have to scramble to find said allen wrench only to not find it and then about how you had to scramble to find one in your pathetic little tool collection because you are pretty much not into tools for some reason.

Huh? What do you mean pathetic tool collection, I have both a slotted and phillips head screwdriver.

Exactly. I mean where's your power tools, and all the other cool stuff that normal men have.

Don't really know, but it might have something to do with writing being my hobby, and well you know, the novel.

Oh yeah, who could forget that. You going with the psychopath, the elf, or the priest?

I was thinking of going for the story of a man that works in a job that he doesn't like while dreaming of another, with occasional voices popping into his head.

I wouldn't try that, not believable. Besides I think it has been done before.

EVERY story has been done before, it's all a matter of presentation. However, we need to wrap this up, because my bed is calling.

Like I said, you're a big wimp.

****

Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth. - Katherine Mansfield

Why I Need To Go To Bed Before 11PM

I love late night commercials....

ActivStyle

So in.your.face. about your incontinence.


I should go to bed now. :)

What Social Networking Can Do To You

I think I need to reschedule my time for blogging, because these late nights are starting to get to me. I mean here it is a quarter to eleven and my mind is mush. I blame the late hours, because you just know that I am full of fresh ideas when I wake up at *cough* 4:11AM *cough*.

Hey, my alarm goes off at 4:11, I just choose to snooze for a little while. Sometimes I snooze until Jenni kicks me out of bed. Trust me when the temperatures are this cold, it takes a few kicks!

ANYWAY. I need to do this blogging in the morning I think, but the reason really isn't because of brain mush. I mean does my brain sound/look mushy to you? Didn't think so. Nope, I think my real problem is that I'm getting too into the whole social networking thing. You know Twitter and Plurk, well they are taking over my life. By the way if you want to find me, I'm @mylhibug on Twitter and Mylhibug on Plurk, look me up, if you are there?

Dang it. See what I mean?

Actually, I gave up on Plurk there for a while - it was GREAT during the Olympics, but then the election took front and center, and I felt like I couldn't say anything without getting someone upset. It hasn't happened yet on Twitter, although I know some friends/acquaintances that feel the same way about Twitter that I did about Plurk. Funny how that works, isn't it? Funnier still, I think we agree on most things politically.

For those of you that don't know already, I am Catholic and very proud of it. I also lean more to the right than most, not like David Duke extreme, and not as tame as McCain. Truth be told, I'm more of a Libertarian, and like as little government intervention as possible. So you can probably see where me and the 'Anointed One' may differ. Does this make me a crazy lunatic? To some, maybe. That is there opinion, and I respect that, but I don't think I am any crazier than the next guy or girl.

Yikes, where did the personal stuff come from? Oh yeah, this is a personal blog. :)

Now, I can see why people might think my brain is mushy. I is what I is, I guess.

Updates... Danny is feeling much better, and thank you whoever invented melt away medicine. We wrap a piece of gum with that stuff (Danny loves him some gum) and voila, he doesn't know that he is taking medicine, and he doesn't throw up. Which is awesome! Of course tonight he might be catching on. He told Jenni that his gum tasted funny. Smart kid that Danny. :)

Okay, I need to wake up in five hours (in theory), So I must depart. What was I talking about anyway?

***

Don't forget to click the PMS link on the right and join us in reading About the Author by John Colapinto. We shall be discussing it starting Feb 16.

Also, stop by Colleen's site for a cool giveaway. Just comment to qualify. :)

Bye-bye!

Ice Cream, College and Vomit Oh My!

As I sit here with my bowl of Moose Tracks AND Mackinac Fudge Ice Cream, enjoying every spoonful mind you, I have a few thoughts on my mind.

I must share them.

Momma always said that I need to share.

First off, keep Andy in your prayers this weekend as he interviews for a really awesome scholarship program at Loras. I know he will do great, but a little extra can't hurt, right?

FAFSA is fun, you all should try it. Just make sure that you have all your paperwork ready, otherwise it will take longer than an hour. Now where did I hide those tax returns?

Danny has a cold. He is not enjoying life at the moment, as he tries to sleep.

-------------------------------------------

Okay, he threw up! Poor guy, is just not having a good evening. The reason he threw up was because he just HATES medicine, and we being the good parents that we are, gave him tried to give him some. And then came the gusher of, chocolate milk, mac n cheese, and snot. Yummy.

The other thing he apparently doesn't like is taking a bath. You guessed it. I swear he was re-enacting a scene from The Wizard of Oz, and I don't think that he has ever seen it before. He would give Margaret Hamilton, a run for her money.





Did you all watch American Idol tonight? I'm not admitting that I did, or not, but using a bikini like that should not be allowed. I mean their are children watching.

Hey did you all see the button up there, on the right? You know the one talking about PMS? Well, I think you all should join us in Holly's reading club. She was disturbed when Steve Jobs said that 40% of Americans read one book or less last year, and was inspired!

Okay, I think that is all I had to say, and my pillow awaits!

Good Night and God Bless!

How About an iPod Meme?

Benjy tagged me on Facebook with this little meme, and I thought I would share it here. Feel free to join.

The Rules:

1. Put your iPod/Zune/MP3 Player/etc. on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

4. Tag 10 (or more) friends who might enjoy doing the note as well as the person you got the note from... (I'm not tagging, but I am encouraging you all to try.)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? Wind Beneath My Wings - Bette Midler (How'd that get there?)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? I'm Not Alright - Santus Real

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? The Broad Majestic Shannon - The Pogues

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? On Your Porch - The Format (I wonder if it should be couch?)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? This is Me - Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas (Camp Rock Soundtrack)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Thank You - 33 Miles

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? Rocky Mountain Way - Joe Walsh

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Pictures of You - The Last Goodnight

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? You Are Being Loved - Steven Curtis Chapman (Good to know)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Snowblind - Styx (Interesting)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE? Seven Days of Lonely - I Nine

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? I Go Back - Kenny Chesney

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? Praise You - Fatboy Slim

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? The Name of The Game - Amanda Seyfried & Stellan Skar... (Mama Mia Soundtrack) (I don't know the rest of Stellan's name as it doesn't show up on my iPod)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? If I Should Fall From Grace With God - The Pogues

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Scary Kids Scaring Kids - Snake Devil

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? Funkytown - Lipps Inc.

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? Keep On - The Brady Bunch

HOW WILL YOU DIE? The Great Escape - Boys Like Girls

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? All Summer Long - Hit Masters

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? Come Together - Joe Cocker (Across The Universe Soundtrack)

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? Misery - Good Charlotte

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED? If You're Going Through Hell (Be... - Rodney Atkins (Same thing applies as to the song above, my iPod doesn't show the whole title, sorry)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? Who Are You - The Who

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU? Eddie's Coming Out Tonight - Night Ranger (Sorry, I really don't know any Eddie's and his coming out wouldn't concern me one bit, thankyouverymuch)

Now it is your turn, if so choose. Let me know if you do, as I am curious to see what everyone else's shows. :)

My Great American Novel

My novel is well underway - in my head.

I actually came to the library thinking that I could get some writing done, because it's a library. Well Jenni suggested that I bring the kids along.

I said no.

She said, how about only the kids that can read independently. Only one of them wanted to go, and that was Katie. Now Katie is an excellent reader and I have seen her get completely buried in a book, in fact she has been known to read complete books in one sitting. I'm not talking your Dr. Seuss here either. So, I figured that she would find a book and immerse herself in whatever world she finds.

Oh, how I wish I could say that I had to drag her away kicking and screaming with a book in her hand. Nope. No such luck today. She has picked up at least three different books, started to read them and they couldn't hold her interest. Not good.

"Dad, there are no good books here."

"Uh, there are thousands of books here and I am sure that one of them is good."

"No. I looked."

"Have you ever heard of Stephen King, maybe Cujo or Pet Semetary will do ya.**"

"Huh?"

"Okay, how about you just walk up an aisle with your eyes closed, reach out and see what you get. Never know, you may be surprised."

"No way."

"Okay, go to the B's and look up Terry Brooks. I read The Sword of Shannara when I was your age and loved it - maybe you will too."

She came back three times asking for the title again, the last time she said "Part three?" Then I said no, but how about Magic Kingdom For Sale/Sold? "I saw that." Good.

Now, I'm curious as to how she will like it. I will let you know if her nine year old mind can comprehend the story.

Since my novel got sidetracked for a while there, I noticed that Benjy will be happy because the Philadelphia Eagles won again. Now the must beat the mighty Arizona Cardinals. Did I really just write that?

Well Katie has settled in, and the library closes in an hour, so I better get back to writing that novel.

God Bless!!




** Didn't really send her Stephen's way, that'll be next year - maybe. :)

Hats from the House of the Mouse!

Having over a thousand pictures from our trip to Disney last month has made for a challenge for me, in trying to figure out how I should present them. A fun challenge, but also a timely one. Hey we all have time, right? So today, I am presenting you with a hat theme. Yes, I said hats. Because we're cheap smart, we take pictures of various hats that we like while in the store and leave with our money still firmly in our pocket.
Of course there are exceptions to the statement above, because sometimes the kid looks too cute with a hat, and we HAVE to get it. (Danny with Buzz)
Oh, and Mommy looks cute too. :) Even when she is wearing Danny's hat.
Benjy is just being Goofy!Jessie is also being Goofy.
Here is Princess Maggie riding in the front of the monorail, on her 'birthday' (we celebrated three of the kids birthdays while we were down there - Andy, his is the twenty-third so it wasn't too much of a stretch, Maggie, hers was the second of November, and Jessie who turned eleven on October twenty-fifth). I guess we will just have to go back again for Danny and Benjy's birthdays now. Bummer. :)Andy is being a pirate, maybe he was their priest. :)


This is Dominic, our plus one. Uh, no comment.

Here is Jessie and Maggie in their Minnie Mouse Christmas hats - we just had to get them!


Katie is more of a Tinkerbell kind of girl. :)

Me, I'm just a big Grump! I would have bought this hat, but apparently my head was too big, go figure.

Have a great day!

Seven Things I Learned Today

Seven things I learned today, sort of a take on the seven quick takes that I've seen at a couple of blogs, but I'm too lazy to link, sorry.

1. Countries of the World by Yakko Warner. Cracks me up STILL!



2. Shopping for eight is NOT for the weak, nor the meek. WOW! Granted we haven't been shopping like that in a while, and we needed everything we bought, including the twenty-seven pound mayonnaise from Sam's Club*.

3. "Everywhere we go. People want to know. Who we are. So we tell them. We are Tigers. Mighty, Mighty Tigers." - That is the 'theme song' for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, and ere I thought that they were just grrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttttt!!

4. My two year old wants to be like Troy, from High School Musical. He can dance with a basketball and with a baseball bat. If you haven't seen the original or HSM2, you might not understand.

5. When cleaning up the kitchen Jenni found several items that had expired a long time ago. Moral of the story, rotate your stock kids, and make sure that the kids like everything you buy.

6. I can be one weird dude, see yesterday's post. Unfortunately, I have a head full of white fluffy bunny stories and their battle against the big, bad, large-toothed wolves. Be forewarned.

7. Praying the Rosary with the family is very peaceful and relaxing - you should try it sometime.

Have a great weekend, and don't forget I'll still be here. :)

God Bless you all!



* Not really twenty-seven pounds, in fact, we didn't even purchase it.

A (bunny)Tale

The little white fluffy bunnies decided that they wanted to take some chances.

They wanted to cross the river.

They wanted to cross the river, into wolf country.

Yes, the big, bad, huge toothed wolves country.

They were nervous.

They were scared.

They were CRAZY!!

They were also determined. They had meetings, and they made a plan.

First off, they needed a distraction, you know, that unlucky bunny that was going to have to sacrifice him or herself for the greater good. They were equal rights bunnies, so the lady bunnies were in the running to be picked.

Lucky them.

Next, they needed a car. A big car, with big wolf smashing tires, and an engine that would wake the dead. An engine that used a little nitro, for that little extra something to grind those wolf heads with, when the torque of the wheels grabbed hold of some big, bad big toothed wolf hair.

They had a messy plan.

Their plan had one major problem.

They had a "volunteer" - it was Charlie, he was crazy and didn't really care about the other bunnies, the choice was a natural selection.

No, that wasn't the problem.

Their problem was worse.

No one was sixteen.

One Month Ago

Our little family, plus one, went to Disney World (Yay!) So, now is a good time to upload some pictures, don't you think?

Here the kids are posing in front of the Welcome to Florida sign. Trust me, it's there. We love this rest area/welcome center because it means that we are about two hours away from the House of Mouse, and they give you orange and grapefruit juice, for free even! The kids love it because they pick up all kinds of tourist fliers that will litter my car to this day.

Here Andy is getting a massage, from a chair. Doesn't that look comfortable?

One funny/creepy story from this rest area/welcome center. Now normally I don't partake in the finer study of bathroom stalls - I mean it just isn't something I enjoy doing. Everyone thinks I'm weird, but I'm sure others agree with me. Plus, they aren't always the cleanest of locations.

Anyway, last year I had no choice, and just HAD to use the facilities. So, I did my thing and I'm trying to get some paper, darn thing would give me two, maybe three sheets at a time, single-ply. Anyway, it took a while and had a noisy roll. Apparently, the noise attracted a crowd, well one guy. One guy standing right outside my stall. I mean right outside, as in I open the door and Hello!

"Uh, hi."

"So, did you use enough?"

"What?"

"Did you use enough paper?"

"Yes, thank you."

I almost didn't wash my hands. I mean, who does that?

As luck would have it, I had to do the two again, same place, same stall even. No creepy state of Florida employee. Yes, he was an employee of the state. Apparently concerned that a tourist used too much paper, which I didn't by the way, just so the record is straight on that.

The kids, minus our plus one, in front of one of the many Christmas trees at Disney World. This one was in Downtown Disney, near The Earl of Sandwich. Don't they look happy? Or maybe tired? I mean we did just spend some twenty plus hours in a car.

Here they are with Mr. Potato Head. I think they are still getting used to the sunshine, we hadn't seen it in a while, so they were kind of freaked out by it.

Here's Stitch spitting on us, no really, the kids love getting spit on by Stitch. At least I think that was why all the kids were congregating there. Either that or they didn't want to go shopping in the ginormous World of Disney store. Downtown Disney equals lots of shopping opportunities, and is a great place to start our little trip.

More later...

Who Knew?

That skiing could ruin your dignity?

That stealing an election is now en vogue in Minnesota?

That Doctor Who could be so addictive?

That snow is very pretty, until it gets stuck in your shoe. Then it's just pretty darned annoying.

That President Elect Obama can make mistakes?

And have enemies?

Maybe he is human after all?

There would be no conflict of interest here?

Okay, enough of that. What an interesting news day and it's only Tuesday!! I have a question, I know another one right, but is George W. Bush still president of the United States of America? I mean he's pretty much nowhere to be seen. Maybe it's for the better. I mean if he isn't seen, he can't get blamed for anything, right?

The Chicago Blackhawks are going to win the Stanley Cup, as long as they don't have to play Detroit that is.

Finally, if you are so inclined, my friend Laura posted this the other day and I feel very strongly about president-elect Obama's intentions to signing FOCA, which is just a bad law all-around, so please join me in anyway you can.

Thanks.

If you are opposed to abortion, please read the information below and join us in prayer and fasting January 11-19, 2009.

The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) will be signed into law if Congress passes it on January 21-22, 2009. The FOCA is the next sick chapter in the book of abortion. If signed into law, all limitations on abortion will be lifted, resulting in the following:

1) All hospitals, including Catholic hospitals, will be required to perform abortions upon request. If this happens, Bishops vow to close down all Catholic hospitals - more then 30% of all hospitals in the U.S.

2) Partial birth abortions will be legal and have no limitations.

3) All U.S. taxpayers will be funding abortions.

4) Parental notification of abortions on minors will no longer be required (regardless of age).

5) The estimated number of increase in abortions is 100,000 annually.Just as important, the government will now have control in the issue of abortion. This could result in a future amendment that would force women by law to have abortions in certain situations (rape, Down Syndrome babies, etc) and could even regulate how many children women are allowed to have.

Needless to say this information is disturbing, but sadly true. As Catholics, as Christians, as anyone who is against the needless killing of innocent children, we must stand as one. We must stop this horrific act before it becomes a law.

PLEASE JOIN US IN saying a novena and fasting from January 11-19. For Catholics, the prayer of choice is the rosary for the special intention of stopping the FOCA. For non-Catholics we encourage you to pray your strongest prayers with the same intention for 9 consecutive days.

We hope and pray this will branch and blossom to become a global effort.Please do the following 3 things:

1) Pass this information on quickly (so as many as possible can start praying on January 11)

2) Say a novena from January 11-19, asking God to prevent the FOCA from becoming law in the U.S.

3) Fast at least 2 days during this novena (either a complete fast of bread and water, or a Lenten fast of no meat and meals limited to 1 regular meal and 2 lesser meals during the day).

Remember that with God all things are possible and the power of prayer is undeniable. If you are against the senseless killing of defenseless children, please join us in prayer and fasting.


Good Night and God Bless!!

Two Words: Sput Nik

Those seem to be the only words on my TV lately, thanks to Danny's fascination with all things "Toy Story 2" or as he puts it, "Woody,Buzz and Jessie." I just marvel at the fact that he can watch it over and over again.

Then again, I'm the same way with M*A*S*H, I guess.

500 Dancers for 500 Posts

Okay, I had nothing once again, well at least nothing worthy of my Five Hundredth Post. Can you believe that I am actually posting my 500th post? Me neither.

Anyway, the title comes from the following video...



Maybe it's not exactly 500 dancers, but it has Michael Flatley in his most arrogant persona, okay maybe not as arrogant as "Lord of the Dance" but close.

So where have I been?

Uh, telling silly stories that occasionally get read, and even commented on.

Where am I going?

Hopefully, at least another 500 posts by year's end, and even more readers and commenter's. Oh and maybe some real writing jobs, and a winning lottery ticket would be really sweet! I'll let you know when I win, I am sure.

Back to dancing! NBC was feeling left out of the whole "Dancing With the Stars" craze by having an international dance contest, hosted by the one and only Michael Flatley - he's the blond one with the poofy shirt.

I think I've seen one actual dance since I turned it on, and that was a Tango.

The rest is all this interpretive stuff - I really don't get it, sorry. Now River Dance (above) I get, and it even looks like dancing.

Now we have India, and she is...

Okay, no more live blogging international dance competitions. I mean, I appreciate that they are bringing to our attention to different dance cultures, but how can these judges judge these dances, unless they know them all.

Ugh. I'm not making any sense anymore, so.

Like the saying goes, "You ain't seen nothing yet!"

Good night and God Bless!

Supply and Demand? Really, Wendy's?

I have no plan.

I have no notes.

I have no idea how this will end up.

I have no idea what I am going to write.

I have no idea if my title will work, as it hasn't been written yet, and I will refuse to go back and change any of what I have already written. I'm funny like that.

Today is Saturday, and it was a great day. Wanna know what I did the most? Sure you do. It all had to do with these five words, "I have to go Dad." I swear I took Danny to the bathroom at least twenty times today. I can't wait until that next step in potty training, you know the one where he asks, and I say go for it, and he goes all by himself. Yet, I am also not looking forward to that day, because you know, he becomes less dependent. Yeah, it's still tough to get used to, even after six.

Currently the Colts and Chargers are in overtime tied at seventeen. That sucks. I really wanted the Chargers to get their butts beat. I don't like the Chargers, sorry.

I think I need to change my schedule around, or at least add a morning session for the blog, because I get a little loopy the later it gets.

Hey gang, apparently Walt Disney World bookings are WAY down for the next three months, and they are giving you seven nights for the price of four. Now might be a good time to get yourself a nice little trip.

Oh quit talking about Ed Hochili, the Chargers should rot in Hell. Crap! They just won. Now we'll see if my writing turns mean and bitter, eh?

So I was going for a little walk today, when I saw some white fluffy bunnies. I thought this was odd, because my neighborhood is full of wolves, that like to eat said bunnies, but maybe these bunnies were just new to the neighborhood.

Sure enough, as I continued along my walk, here come the wolves, and they looked hungry. Now you might be wondering why I wasn't afraid of these big, bad wolves.

Who says I'm not afraid?

But, I know that these wolves always pass up my massive, meaty smorgasbord, and go for them bunnies.

Weird, isn't it.

These wolves did just pass me by, without even a second glance, and continue on towards and easy snack.

**** See that, even with the Chargers quarterback and Tight End talking, I still wrote a lovely tale about a walk, with no blood or violence. No I don't think that this is making any sense either, but it sure doesn't stop me, right?****

Just for anyone that wants to hear this -- I think Wendy's new commercials are just plain stupid. Oh, and they can retire the Geico caveman now, as well.

Okay, have to get some sleep, Mass tomorrow, celebrating the Epiphany, although the three kings won't be stopping by until Tuesday. Here's hoping that they leave some gold this year. :)

Good Night, and God Bless!

An Apology

Okay folks, this is some serious business here.

I OWE my mother in-law an apology, because I am a bad, bad, BAD son in-law.

Let me start at the beginning...

My in-laws are AWESOME! I mean that sincerely, I mean they are always there for us and they take the kids to Disney World - all by themselves, for something like TWO WEEKS! I can also talk to them about pretty much anything and my father in-law knows how to keep my old house alive, and doesn't lose patience when my non-mechanically inclined mind has to ask the same question, over and over again. And get this, he even does it in a way that I still do the work! How cool is that?

But I don't owe him an apology.

It's my dear sweet, loving and kind mother in-law. I have known this woman for over twenty years, and she has entrusted me with looking after her only daughter - something you don't take lightly. Now, I have, on occasion, made her mad at me and maybe, just maybe I knew what I was doing. Sort of a game. You know, it's fun until someone gets hurt, well, sometimes my joking around can get a little on the unreasonable side, let's say.

Anyway, this has to do with the birth of one of our children, and a trip to Disney World. As luck, or bad planning, would have it one of our children was due to be born close to the time that they would be in Disney - with our niece, and her family (which would be totally cool if they did it with us, but our family is way bigger than theirs - slackers!). As luck would have it, our child was born early and they could not be there, because they were in the Happiest Place on Earth having a jolly good time. I'm not sure if we called or not, probably Jenni did - she's like that.

Everything went well, and the in-laws made their way back home - they live five minutes away, and no that is not a bad thing. Because of the long trip they didn't come over right away, even though we had their dogs. At this point, let me tell you something about myself.

I love my family. I will do anything to make them, or keep them happy. I will fight for my family whenever I feel that they have been wronged. That being said, I continue.

Bill and Pat (the in-laws) come over to look at their latest grandchild, and I was not happy. Why? Well, because they weren't there for the birth, irrational yes, but it's apparently how I am wired. Which makes the fact that Jenni has stuck with me all this time very remarkable, wouldn't you say? So, I'm not happy, and the in-laws are thrilled to see their latest grandchild - Pat's shooting for twelve, and we are definitely holding up our end of the bargain. Still, I couldn't help myself and, let's just say, words were exchanged.

Hurtful words.

Really bad words, no swearing, just mean.

Bill and Pat left, with Pat in tears and my father in-law ready to kick my butt. Not to mention Jenni. At least the couch was comfortable, sort of.

So, she needs an apology and here it is.

Pat, I am truly sorry for the words I used and if I could take them back I would. Can you please forgive me?

Now, for the real zinger, in this whole story. Ready.

It isn't true. In fact, I may have some of the facts wrong, because I never experienced any of it. It was all a dream that Pat had, about our upcoming addition. Now the baby is due July 5, and the are going to Disney with my niece and her family in June. The only way the above scenario happens is if the baby come early, and unless Jenni's health were an issue I wouldn't expect to see them until the end of their trip. Oh and you can be assured that I will not say anything about missing anything. That is a promise.

Pat, I am sorry that you had this bad dream about my behaviour, but I promise that I will not misbehave or say anything mean.

Sweet Dreams!

Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life. - Joan Lunden

12 Crazy Days of Christmas

Because it's still Christmas, and this is really funny. See if you can relate to any. :)






h/t The Ironic Catholic

The Beginning

Alrighty then, day one of a new year, and I came two and a half hours away from blowing one of my goals. Writing everyday. You know the whole Blog365 thing without officially signing up.

Anyway, I need to thank Jeff from View from the Cloud for reminding me. Good thing I read my comments, eh?

Then I had a minor anxiety attack. Seriously. I don't know if anyone else has ever suffered writer's block - okay I'm sure many of you have, otherwise they wouldn't have named it, right? So, there I was trying to find something to start the year off right. When what do my wondering ears do I hear, "M, M, M, O, P" from Danny. First I thought of getting the video camera, because it is so cute to see. Then I thought I have no idea how to upload it anyway, so I didn't. Sorry. Just envision him singing his A,B,C's, and when you get to "L.M,N,O,P."

You're right, I should have video taped it.

Is it just me, or does 'Deal or No Deal' have just a bit too much drama? That and a lot of dramatic pauses that are just irritating.

Just saw some video of, for lack of a better word, CRAZY people jumping into Lake Michigan today. I mean don't they know what goes in that water? Oh yeah, and it's JANUARY!

I think I have finally found some inner peace with the Mike Shanahan firing. Still can't believe it, but life and football coaches go on.

That's it for me on January 1, see you tomorrow. :)


“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding one’s self in the ranks of the insane.” —Marcus Aurelius