By the time it gently pushes itself down a cheek,
How many other hopes or fears have joined it,
To dwell on the cusp of a chin,
Before falling into oblivion;
So often, it is much more than the moment
There has been the welling
Until one single event produces the wound
And yesterday’s rain pours forth;
Hope produces a share
Hurt joins it there
Joys cannot resist its addition
Even love has its storm
There is a flow inside all of us
Fed from the heart
Gently coursing through all we do
Our lives resting in the serene lapping
Of the waves pressing our shores
Somewhere, off in the nether
A storm, almost unnoticed, rains down
A backwoods stream fills its banks
Rushing with a new urgency
To the mainstream
It may take minutes
It might take days
It could linger in the pool
Just waiting for its release
A word, a look, a rush
A tearing, a pouring, sweet release
Making room
A healing, a restoration, a patching
And the well begins to fill anew
A drop falls into oblivion
Giving its place to the next
Ron Simpson, Jr.
July 9, 2006
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Friday, July 07, 2006
Crack
Dang, I will be so glad to move.
We are having work done on the upstairs here. Yesterday, the guy that came to look at a problem with a door, knocked on our door, and presented Tammy with a bottle that he found in the drive way, well, to the side of the driveway in the grass. It was a prescription bottle for Hydrocodone (lortab). The contents were not what was on the label . In the bottom were three of four small rocks of Crack Cocaine. On top of those were two small (about as round as a quarter) plastic bags filled with a white powder, resembling cocaine.
I called the local police and reported this find. They sent an officer to the house to gather the stuff. He checked it out and agreed with us that it was most likely cocaine. The bottle was for a prescription that was filled on 6/27/06. So, it was fairly new. There was a name and address on the label that was still on the bottle. He said he would go to the address and ask if they were missing a prescription.
When I called the police, the guy working upstairs got in his truck and left. He wasn't the owner of the drugs, but he didn't want to be around cops and drugs, he said. He suggested that they would probably arrest me. I laughed. Why would I call them to report drugs on my property if I were a dealer or user? The officer did sit in his car for a bit after we gave him the drugs and our info. I am sure he was checking out the address and name on the label. I am also sure he checked me out as well. I have no record whatsoever. I have never been arrested. I have never been detained. I have never spent so much as a minute in any jail, unless I was working on it.
I am sure there are drug problems where we are moving. However, the road we live on is a major thoroughfare. It connects two main streets in our town. There is a constant stream of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, day and night. All of my neighbors are upstanding citizens. Both neighbors immediately to my sides are business owners. The neighbors across the street are business owners. Now, if you venture very far, you will come to some weekly rental properties. These do attract some bad elements. So, there are some problem neighbors a bit away, but it doesn't come here. Usually. The address on the bottle was 3 blocks from here.
I talked to the RE agent yesterday. I let her know that the home inspection and termite inspection are scheduled. I spoke to the Mortgage Broker, we are working on speeding up the process to give us an earlier closing date, to give us more time for the move and set up, before school starts back for me. He says things are going well, but would see if he can't speed things up a bit.
Moving day is coming ! Yeah !
We are having work done on the upstairs here. Yesterday, the guy that came to look at a problem with a door, knocked on our door, and presented Tammy with a bottle that he found in the drive way, well, to the side of the driveway in the grass. It was a prescription bottle for Hydrocodone (lortab). The contents were not what was on the label . In the bottom were three of four small rocks of Crack Cocaine. On top of those were two small (about as round as a quarter) plastic bags filled with a white powder, resembling cocaine.
I called the local police and reported this find. They sent an officer to the house to gather the stuff. He checked it out and agreed with us that it was most likely cocaine. The bottle was for a prescription that was filled on 6/27/06. So, it was fairly new. There was a name and address on the label that was still on the bottle. He said he would go to the address and ask if they were missing a prescription.
When I called the police, the guy working upstairs got in his truck and left. He wasn't the owner of the drugs, but he didn't want to be around cops and drugs, he said. He suggested that they would probably arrest me. I laughed. Why would I call them to report drugs on my property if I were a dealer or user? The officer did sit in his car for a bit after we gave him the drugs and our info. I am sure he was checking out the address and name on the label. I am also sure he checked me out as well. I have no record whatsoever. I have never been arrested. I have never been detained. I have never spent so much as a minute in any jail, unless I was working on it.
I am sure there are drug problems where we are moving. However, the road we live on is a major thoroughfare. It connects two main streets in our town. There is a constant stream of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian, day and night. All of my neighbors are upstanding citizens. Both neighbors immediately to my sides are business owners. The neighbors across the street are business owners. Now, if you venture very far, you will come to some weekly rental properties. These do attract some bad elements. So, there are some problem neighbors a bit away, but it doesn't come here. Usually. The address on the bottle was 3 blocks from here.
I talked to the RE agent yesterday. I let her know that the home inspection and termite inspection are scheduled. I spoke to the Mortgage Broker, we are working on speeding up the process to give us an earlier closing date, to give us more time for the move and set up, before school starts back for me. He says things are going well, but would see if he can't speed things up a bit.
Moving day is coming ! Yeah !
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Dang Illegal Aliens
We were watching the channel of eternal repeats of upcoming events, when they previewed yet again, an episode about the search for Atlantis. Ah, Atlantis, the mythical land that was perportedly swallowed by the sea.
The whole story started in 355BC with Plato, the Greek philosopher. Plato planned, but never got around to, writing a trilogy discussing the nature of man, the creation of the world, the story of Atlantis, and other subjects. He completed only the first of the trilogy.
Plato told stories with dialoge. If he wanted his reader to know something, he made it a point of conversation, debates, and/or arguments between characters in his stories. He often used real people in his stories, but the words they spoke were his.
In his book, Timaeus, a character tells the account of Atlantis that had been in his family for generations. According to Kritias, it was a powerful empire on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. The nation there had been established by Posideon. Posideon, supposedly, fathered five sets of twins on the island. Posideon divided the land in to ten sections, each to be ruled by one of his heirs.
The capital city of Atlantis was a marvel of architecture and engineering., composed of a series of concentric walls and canals. It had a hill in the center, upon which was a temple to Posideon.
About 9000 years before the time of Plato, the people became corrupt and greedy to the amount that the gods decided to destroy them. A violent earthquake shook the land, giant waves rolled over the shores, and the island sank into the sea, never to be seen again.
The ideas about the fact or fiction of Atlantis has been ballied back and forth for centuries. According to some believers, the gods were primative mens way of expressing their concept of aliens from outer space. They embrace the idea that aliens helped the ancient Egyptians build the pyramids. Aliens helped ancient men build Atlantis. When we find this city, we will have the proof that we have been visited by space aleins many times.
The kicker is: Even if/when we find the lost city, it will open more questions than it could ever answer. It wont prove anything and whatever is found will be used as fuel for each side to prove or disprove whatever theory to which they attach them.
This is where I say, "I said all that to say this."
I can almost (tongue in cheek) believe that aliens helped with the building of pyramids and Atlantis. Look around Lexington and the surrounding communities. There isnt anything being built that doesn't involve aleins working non stop. I can see it now, in my mind (scary place,) the space men, needing some pyramidding done, stopped by the Mars Labor Ready and picked up some alien day labor. They cruised up in their pick-up space ship and several aliens jumped in for a day trip to Earth. A quick trip to Earth, some nice work in the blazing desert sun, and they returned in the evening with enough space credits for a belly full of Martian hooch. Some of them might have slipped away and set up residence on Earth.
But that is another story ....
The whole story started in 355BC with Plato, the Greek philosopher. Plato planned, but never got around to, writing a trilogy discussing the nature of man, the creation of the world, the story of Atlantis, and other subjects. He completed only the first of the trilogy.
Plato told stories with dialoge. If he wanted his reader to know something, he made it a point of conversation, debates, and/or arguments between characters in his stories. He often used real people in his stories, but the words they spoke were his.
In his book, Timaeus, a character tells the account of Atlantis that had been in his family for generations. According to Kritias, it was a powerful empire on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. The nation there had been established by Posideon. Posideon, supposedly, fathered five sets of twins on the island. Posideon divided the land in to ten sections, each to be ruled by one of his heirs.
The capital city of Atlantis was a marvel of architecture and engineering., composed of a series of concentric walls and canals. It had a hill in the center, upon which was a temple to Posideon.
About 9000 years before the time of Plato, the people became corrupt and greedy to the amount that the gods decided to destroy them. A violent earthquake shook the land, giant waves rolled over the shores, and the island sank into the sea, never to be seen again.
The ideas about the fact or fiction of Atlantis has been ballied back and forth for centuries. According to some believers, the gods were primative mens way of expressing their concept of aliens from outer space. They embrace the idea that aliens helped the ancient Egyptians build the pyramids. Aliens helped ancient men build Atlantis. When we find this city, we will have the proof that we have been visited by space aleins many times.
The kicker is: Even if/when we find the lost city, it will open more questions than it could ever answer. It wont prove anything and whatever is found will be used as fuel for each side to prove or disprove whatever theory to which they attach them.
This is where I say, "I said all that to say this."
I can almost (tongue in cheek) believe that aliens helped with the building of pyramids and Atlantis. Look around Lexington and the surrounding communities. There isnt anything being built that doesn't involve aleins working non stop. I can see it now, in my mind (scary place,) the space men, needing some pyramidding done, stopped by the Mars Labor Ready and picked up some alien day labor. They cruised up in their pick-up space ship and several aliens jumped in for a day trip to Earth. A quick trip to Earth, some nice work in the blazing desert sun, and they returned in the evening with enough space credits for a belly full of Martian hooch. Some of them might have slipped away and set up residence on Earth.
But that is another story ....
Monday, July 03, 2006
still vacationing ... sorta
I am still vacationing, along with trying to get the home and termite inspection scheduled for the house we have under contract.
I started writing this a day or so ago.
The active or the passive life.
Several years ago, I looked over my life and discovered, at that point, that I was a floater, as I call it. I was floating through life. I got up each morning. I went to work. I paid my bills. I contributed to the economy. I talked to my friends. I went out occasionally. I went to bed. The whole process repeated itself again.
I wasn't under happy. I was content for the most part. Until, I inventoried. It was then I decided to make changes in my life. Some were small, while others were broad sweeping changes. One of those changes was getting married to Tammy, whom I had been dating for 18 months.
I became an active participant in my life.
Recently, I have seen the subtle nuances of 'settling down' creeping back in. Routine is trying to claw it's way back to dominance. Now, understand this, there is nothing wrong with getting up every day and going to work. There is nothing wrong with paying your bills. There is nothing wrong with having a group of friends and socializing with said friends. However, it is far too easy to become a passive participant in life.
There are times, and there must be, when you have to cut across the current. There are times you have to strike out against the status quo and shake up the normal. The people who do that are the ones you read about in the paper. I am not talking about the ones committing outrageous acts of violence or mayhem. Social disobedience for the sake of profit or attention is not actively participating in life. More often then not, those people are being drawn by the current they have created in their life . If we follow the progression of events that lead to such acts, we will most likely find a pattern escalating and leading to whatever event captured our attention.
I also think that social change most often comes from one individual rallying others to a common cause that may have began as a cause of one, and grew. Perhaps it was just too far to make it to the back of the bus that day for Rosa Parks, or perhaps she made a conscious choice to effect a revolutionary change. Either way, her active choice lead to sweeping changes in a nation.
There have been others throughout history that have, for the sake of one or the sake of the whole, effected change, by being an active participant. While I am not comparing myself to these individuals, I feel that everyone of us needs to be an active participant in our lives. Everest was not scaled because someone was following everyone. Continents and countries were not found and founded because someone was following the crowd.
Everyone should be an active participator. There are times that the flow of the current is taking you where you want to go. Others times, it is imperative to cut your rudder across the current and set your oars to water.
To be continued ....
I started writing this a day or so ago.
The active or the passive life.
Several years ago, I looked over my life and discovered, at that point, that I was a floater, as I call it. I was floating through life. I got up each morning. I went to work. I paid my bills. I contributed to the economy. I talked to my friends. I went out occasionally. I went to bed. The whole process repeated itself again.
I wasn't under happy. I was content for the most part. Until, I inventoried. It was then I decided to make changes in my life. Some were small, while others were broad sweeping changes. One of those changes was getting married to Tammy, whom I had been dating for 18 months.
I became an active participant in my life.
Recently, I have seen the subtle nuances of 'settling down' creeping back in. Routine is trying to claw it's way back to dominance. Now, understand this, there is nothing wrong with getting up every day and going to work. There is nothing wrong with paying your bills. There is nothing wrong with having a group of friends and socializing with said friends. However, it is far too easy to become a passive participant in life.
There are times, and there must be, when you have to cut across the current. There are times you have to strike out against the status quo and shake up the normal. The people who do that are the ones you read about in the paper. I am not talking about the ones committing outrageous acts of violence or mayhem. Social disobedience for the sake of profit or attention is not actively participating in life. More often then not, those people are being drawn by the current they have created in their life . If we follow the progression of events that lead to such acts, we will most likely find a pattern escalating and leading to whatever event captured our attention.
I also think that social change most often comes from one individual rallying others to a common cause that may have began as a cause of one, and grew. Perhaps it was just too far to make it to the back of the bus that day for Rosa Parks, or perhaps she made a conscious choice to effect a revolutionary change. Either way, her active choice lead to sweeping changes in a nation.
There have been others throughout history that have, for the sake of one or the sake of the whole, effected change, by being an active participant. While I am not comparing myself to these individuals, I feel that everyone of us needs to be an active participant in our lives. Everest was not scaled because someone was following everyone. Continents and countries were not found and founded because someone was following the crowd.
Everyone should be an active participator. There are times that the flow of the current is taking you where you want to go. Others times, it is imperative to cut your rudder across the current and set your oars to water.
To be continued ....
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
House news
There is major movement on the house news.
Sunday, we made an offer somewhat lower than the asking price and slightly lower than what we were willing to pay.
Tuesday, the counter offer came in. They agreed to all the terms (this stays, we do this, y'all do that.) The money counter was the exact price we had in mind to pay. We accepted and now have a contract on the house. It has to appraise for the agreed on price (which it should very easily.) It has to pass the home inspection and the termite inspection.
My mortgage broker is faxing the pre approval letter to the realtor. From there we get the appraisal. Then the inspections. The closing is set for July 28th. We hope to push that to the week earlier. It will give us time to get settled before I have to be back at school on August 1.
Dancing the happy feet dance.
Sunday, we made an offer somewhat lower than the asking price and slightly lower than what we were willing to pay.
Tuesday, the counter offer came in. They agreed to all the terms (this stays, we do this, y'all do that.) The money counter was the exact price we had in mind to pay. We accepted and now have a contract on the house. It has to appraise for the agreed on price (which it should very easily.) It has to pass the home inspection and the termite inspection.
My mortgage broker is faxing the pre approval letter to the realtor. From there we get the appraisal. Then the inspections. The closing is set for July 28th. We hope to push that to the week earlier. It will give us time to get settled before I have to be back at school on August 1.
Dancing the happy feet dance.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
What a day ...
It was a good day with friends.
The afternoon was spent at the picnic with about 50 friends. Then the eveing was spent singing karaoke with about 30 old friends. It was grand. I could stand a few days like that a week, lol.
The picnic was lots of fun with the good food, good company, and the water wars. It was a good eating, good talking, wet dripping time. I brought the Nuke dip. It was a great hit. The recipe:
2 lbs Velveeta Cheese (cubed)
2 lbs Ground Beef
1 lb. Hot Breakfast Sausage
24 oz Hot Pace Picante
16 oz Diced Hot Banana Peppers
16 oz Diced Jalapenos
12 oz Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
1 Onion (Diced)
Habanera Pepper Juice (to suit taste)
Cook the burger and sausage in the juice from the banana peppers. Melt the cheese with the picante. Add the other ingredients. Eat with chips. Eat with scrambled eggs. Eat on a hamburger. Eat it on your finger. It is good and hot.
It has a great taste along with the heat. The best thing is that you can adjust the heat to suit your own individual taste.
Try it.
The afternoon was spent at the picnic with about 50 friends. Then the eveing was spent singing karaoke with about 30 old friends. It was grand. I could stand a few days like that a week, lol.
The picnic was lots of fun with the good food, good company, and the water wars. It was a good eating, good talking, wet dripping time. I brought the Nuke dip. It was a great hit. The recipe:
2 lbs Velveeta Cheese (cubed)
2 lbs Ground Beef
1 lb. Hot Breakfast Sausage
24 oz Hot Pace Picante
16 oz Diced Hot Banana Peppers
16 oz Diced Jalapenos
12 oz Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
1 Onion (Diced)
Habanera Pepper Juice (to suit taste)
Cook the burger and sausage in the juice from the banana peppers. Melt the cheese with the picante. Add the other ingredients. Eat with chips. Eat with scrambled eggs. Eat on a hamburger. Eat it on your finger. It is good and hot.
It has a great taste along with the heat. The best thing is that you can adjust the heat to suit your own individual taste.
Try it.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Dead horses
Ode to a dead horse beater
through this site
here we gather
to beat the horse
that died in his lather
the subject is whipped
til nothing doth remain
but still our whips
know no refrain
even now we whip
not the horse laying dead
but the new horses
ridden by repliers instead
can we stop this nonsense
can we stop the bloody fray
before there are no more horses
to take us home today ?
Ron
through this site
here we gather
to beat the horse
that died in his lather
the subject is whipped
til nothing doth remain
but still our whips
know no refrain
even now we whip
not the horse laying dead
but the new horses
ridden by repliers instead
can we stop this nonsense
can we stop the bloody fray
before there are no more horses
to take us home today ?
Ron
“Life is a series of unexploded events
held precariously together
by this fleeting facade we call order."
held precariously together
by this fleeting facade we call order."
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Counting the days
I am counting the days until vacation time.
time to relax
time to relax
time to move slowly
time to sleep late
time to sing the night away
time to enjoy life
time to refresh for the new school year awaits
Vacation will start with a bang, albeit a wet bang. I am looking forward to the water gun wars of the coming weekend. There will be much mirth and laughter. It will be good to see some old friends. It is my understanding that some friends from Louisville are even making the trip.
Vacation will start with a bang, albeit a wet bang. I am looking forward to the water gun wars of the coming weekend. There will be much mirth and laughter. It will be good to see some old friends. It is my understanding that some friends from Louisville are even making the trip.
Today has been interesting. Usually, the school and the State are crying that we are spending too much money. Today, my Principal calls me and tells me that I absolutely must spend $800 today, on tools and material. I put my calculating skills to work and spent it all. I like it when they say "Spend."
Well, free time (lunch) is over.
Well, free time (lunch) is over.
Y'all have a great day.
"Semper et infirmi est animi exiguique voluptas Ultio."
Revenge is always the weak pleasure of a little and narrow mind.
"Semper et infirmi est animi exiguique voluptas Ultio."
Revenge is always the weak pleasure of a little and narrow mind.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Two more days of classes
I just finished two days of classes on some training equipment I inherited from the former program. The classes were in Danville. It was a nice 40 mile one way trip. The classes were fun and informative. That's the kind of classes I like. All I have to do now is convince my Principal and the state that I need the $30,000 that is required to purchase and update the systems that are there.
I have this week of school left and then vacation begins. I will be off 4 weeks over the summer, although I will spend some of that at a teachers conference in Louisville. I have to do that networking thing. For the most part, the teachers I have met are more than willing to share their teaching skills and secrets with the new guys like me.
There is not much else going on around here. We are getting things ready for a picnic this weekend. We are going to spend time with friends and colleagues. There will be burgers and dogs, water balloons and water guns, and vast amounts friends. It hopes to be a good time.
Y'all have fun.
I have this week of school left and then vacation begins. I will be off 4 weeks over the summer, although I will spend some of that at a teachers conference in Louisville. I have to do that networking thing. For the most part, the teachers I have met are more than willing to share their teaching skills and secrets with the new guys like me.
There is not much else going on around here. We are getting things ready for a picnic this weekend. We are going to spend time with friends and colleagues. There will be burgers and dogs, water balloons and water guns, and vast amounts friends. It hopes to be a good time.
Y'all have fun.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
OK .. I wrote something new
A Hero
As a growing boy
I had several heroes
Some wore capes
Some flew through the air
Some had webs
While others had glowing repulsor beams
My childhood heroes
Came in various sizes, shapes, and colors
They had special powers
With super secret identities
They had super foes
To provide spectacular battles
As I grew,
My heroes changed
They became more real
And worked their special abilities
In the real world
The same real world I lived in
They were leaders
Men and women of peace
Or champions of important causes
They battled injustices
With the powers of the mind
And the weapon of the pen
Older now
And looking across a stretch of time
That sees the changes
Wrought by a near lifetime
Of growing and changing
My heroes have become closer
The caped flying warrior of justice
Still brings the smile to my boyish heart
The champions of world issues
Still stir my being to fight the good fight
However, now I can see the heroes
That have been with me all my life
You didn’t put on a cape and fight my foes
But you did keep me safe
You didn’t fight hunger in the world arena
But you worked, everyday, and fed a family
You have always been my champion
Even when the sparkle in my eyes
Was captured by some far distant star
You are one of my heroes, Dad
Even when I didn’t know what heroes were
You were there filling those shoes
Today, you will just smile
And say you were doing what fathers do
But, I will know,
That is part of being a hero too
Thanks for all the years
Of being my unsung hero
Ron Simpson
June 18, 2006
As a growing boy
I had several heroes
Some wore capes
Some flew through the air
Some had webs
While others had glowing repulsor beams
My childhood heroes
Came in various sizes, shapes, and colors
They had special powers
With super secret identities
They had super foes
To provide spectacular battles
As I grew,
My heroes changed
They became more real
And worked their special abilities
In the real world
The same real world I lived in
They were leaders
Men and women of peace
Or champions of important causes
They battled injustices
With the powers of the mind
And the weapon of the pen
Older now
And looking across a stretch of time
That sees the changes
Wrought by a near lifetime
Of growing and changing
My heroes have become closer
The caped flying warrior of justice
Still brings the smile to my boyish heart
The champions of world issues
Still stir my being to fight the good fight
However, now I can see the heroes
That have been with me all my life
You didn’t put on a cape and fight my foes
But you did keep me safe
You didn’t fight hunger in the world arena
But you worked, everyday, and fed a family
You have always been my champion
Even when the sparkle in my eyes
Was captured by some far distant star
You are one of my heroes, Dad
Even when I didn’t know what heroes were
You were there filling those shoes
Today, you will just smile
And say you were doing what fathers do
But, I will know,
That is part of being a hero too
Thanks for all the years
Of being my unsung hero
Ron Simpson
June 18, 2006
Happy Fathers Day
I think I will cheat a post today ... (actually use someone else's words)
My dad chased monsters from the dark
He checked underneath my bed
And he could lift me with one arm
Way up over top of his head
He could loosen rusty bolts
With a quick turn of his wrist
He pulled splinters from his hand
And never even flinched
In thirteen years Id never seen him cry
But the day that grandpa died, I realized
Unsinkable ships sink
Unbreakable walls break
Sometimes the things you think could never happen
Happens just like that
Unbendable steel bends
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable
Ive learned to never underestimate
The impossible
From "The Impossible" by Joe Nichols
Dads are human too ...
And from my old bag of bones ...
The Child I Never Saw
When I met him,
He was as old as anyone I knew,
As we walked,
He aged, and I grew;
I never knew him unknowing,
I never saw him young,
I saw that shining warrior,
Of which many songs were sung;
He held me,
He clothed me,
He fed me,
I was the child,
He could not be;
As I played hide-n-seek,
He saw what my tomorrows might be,
He worked,And he dreamed, for me;
He held faith,
He harbored hope,
He kept the dream,
I never saw the child,
But, hand in hand,
We walked in times stream;
The man I am today,
Belongs to the child I never saw.
Thanks, Dad.
Ron Simpson, Jr.
June 21, 2001
My dad chased monsters from the dark
He checked underneath my bed
And he could lift me with one arm
Way up over top of his head
He could loosen rusty bolts
With a quick turn of his wrist
He pulled splinters from his hand
And never even flinched
In thirteen years Id never seen him cry
But the day that grandpa died, I realized
Unsinkable ships sink
Unbreakable walls break
Sometimes the things you think could never happen
Happens just like that
Unbendable steel bends
If the fury of the wind is unstoppable
Ive learned to never underestimate
The impossible
From "The Impossible" by Joe Nichols
Dads are human too ...
And from my old bag of bones ...
The Child I Never Saw
When I met him,
He was as old as anyone I knew,
As we walked,
He aged, and I grew;
I never knew him unknowing,
I never saw him young,
I saw that shining warrior,
Of which many songs were sung;
He held me,
He clothed me,
He fed me,
I was the child,
He could not be;
As I played hide-n-seek,
He saw what my tomorrows might be,
He worked,And he dreamed, for me;
He held faith,
He harbored hope,
He kept the dream,
I never saw the child,
But, hand in hand,
We walked in times stream;
The man I am today,
Belongs to the child I never saw.
Thanks, Dad.
Ron Simpson, Jr.
June 21, 2001
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Going on ...
I have thought about this a good portion of the day. I have even consulted the Bible a time or two. I was at a loss of how to proceed. Parts of me wanted to retaliate against those that would speak harshly to me. Parts of me wanted to break down and just cry. Still, there were other parts that wanted to hide in the corner and other parts that wanted to just stop thinking about it at all.
I have come to these conclusions.
I cannot stop people from thinking what they wish to think, no matter how vehemently I defend or decry the situation.
No matter how well thought or elegant, any response will change nothing and serve only to perpetuate the situation.
This cannot change who I have fought to become unless I allow it to get inside me and fester (Isaiah 59 about cockatrice eggs.)
I have come to these conclusions.
I cannot stop people from thinking what they wish to think, no matter how vehemently I defend or decry the situation.
No matter how well thought or elegant, any response will change nothing and serve only to perpetuate the situation.
This cannot change who I have fought to become unless I allow it to get inside me and fester (Isaiah 59 about cockatrice eggs.)
I will have to live with the consequences of my decisions, as will those around me.
I will not allow this to live in my heart or my head. (A friend told me once, you can't stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop him from making a nest in your hair.)
I have a wonderful circle of friends and the best 'best friend' ever.
I love my children and my hand will always be open to them.
The only door I have closed is the door to the past, and I refuse to open it again.
There was one chance to live a perfect life, and someone already beat me to that.
I am still looking forward to tomorrow and all the beauty it can bring.
Living is a good thing.
I will not allow this to live in my heart or my head. (A friend told me once, you can't stop a bird from flying over your head, but you can stop him from making a nest in your hair.)
I have a wonderful circle of friends and the best 'best friend' ever.
I love my children and my hand will always be open to them.
The only door I have closed is the door to the past, and I refuse to open it again.
There was one chance to live a perfect life, and someone already beat me to that.
I am still looking forward to tomorrow and all the beauty it can bring.
Living is a good thing.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
something I got in Email
Boycott Huge Success
The Counties of San Diego, Imperial, Los Angeles and Orange reported the statistics for the Boycott and Rally by the Latino Communities was a resounding success.
1. Retailers reported sales were down 4.2%
2. Shoplifting was down 67%
3. Traffic collisions involving Uninsured drivers were down 42%
4. Gang related violence was down 71%
5. Street corner 'Orange' sales were down 85%
6. Illegal dumping was down 53%
7. Hospital Emergency Rooms reported 86% fewer non insured patients.
8. County Services reported 65% fewer Welfare Claims.
The County Commissioners are recommending a Boycott be held at least once a week for the foreseeable future.
The Counties of San Diego, Imperial, Los Angeles and Orange reported the statistics for the Boycott and Rally by the Latino Communities was a resounding success.
1. Retailers reported sales were down 4.2%
2. Shoplifting was down 67%
3. Traffic collisions involving Uninsured drivers were down 42%
4. Gang related violence was down 71%
5. Street corner 'Orange' sales were down 85%
6. Illegal dumping was down 53%
7. Hospital Emergency Rooms reported 86% fewer non insured patients.
8. County Services reported 65% fewer Welfare Claims.
The County Commissioners are recommending a Boycott be held at least once a week for the foreseeable future.
Take it in the humor in which it is intended !!
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Unbelievable
My baby graduated from High School last night ... sniffle sniffle
part of my gift ...
My gift
For most of your life, we have held something in safekeeping for you
We have doled out small amounts when the situation warranted
But for the most part, have kept it, in trust, waiting for a day like today
Today, you fulfilled a parents dream, and trust me, we have had plenty
It started in your toddler years, in little bitty increments
It progressed through your early school years.
We trusted you with small amounts, but it is such a volatile substance,
It had to be so closely monitored and carefully measured
There were times you demanded it
However, you were still not ready
Even today, it is extremely dangerous to use,
Nevertheless, we must have faith that you are ready to handle it fully
It is not in this envelope
Although, additional gifts may gather here
It is out there,
Outside the doors
Out there in the real world
Out there, where it usage has the greatest impact
It is choice
You are standing under a caution light,
With roads running out past the horizon
In every direction
The World is open to you
There is no one there to make you go
Save choice
There is no one there to make you stop
Save choice
It is a gift more valuable than the checks you gather today
It is more valuable than the cards, or the party
You are now a creature of choice
There are no rules
You can do whatever you choose, from here
There are consequences to choice, but no barriers
Enjoy all the gifts you accumulate today
But, use choice the wisest
Dad
part of my gift ...
My gift
For most of your life, we have held something in safekeeping for you
We have doled out small amounts when the situation warranted
But for the most part, have kept it, in trust, waiting for a day like today
Today, you fulfilled a parents dream, and trust me, we have had plenty
It started in your toddler years, in little bitty increments
It progressed through your early school years.
We trusted you with small amounts, but it is such a volatile substance,
It had to be so closely monitored and carefully measured
There were times you demanded it
However, you were still not ready
Even today, it is extremely dangerous to use,
Nevertheless, we must have faith that you are ready to handle it fully
It is not in this envelope
Although, additional gifts may gather here
It is out there,
Outside the doors
Out there in the real world
Out there, where it usage has the greatest impact
It is choice
You are standing under a caution light,
With roads running out past the horizon
In every direction
The World is open to you
There is no one there to make you go
Save choice
There is no one there to make you stop
Save choice
It is a gift more valuable than the checks you gather today
It is more valuable than the cards, or the party
You are now a creature of choice
There are no rules
You can do whatever you choose, from here
There are consequences to choice, but no barriers
Enjoy all the gifts you accumulate today
But, use choice the wisest
Dad
Friday, June 09, 2006
Absentee
The Governor of KY is being indicted today. His lawyers will attend the arraignment, but he will not. The Governor is too busy to be there. He is in Florida on vacation.
I think this shows a complete contempt for the legal system. As Governor , he should be the shining example of legal compliance. Even if he thinks this indictment is politically motivated and has no merit, he, as our chief legal officer, should be using all diligence, to give credence to the legal system.
I know he is not required to be at the proceedings, but his disregard, considering his position, is contemptible, in my eyes.
I have not seen the evidence in the case. I have only seen the actions of the parties involved. The Governors actions speak volumes, maybe more than he intended. He should be in every court proceeding, proclaiming his innocence. He should answer every reporters question, proclaiming his innocence.
Just my take ...
I think this shows a complete contempt for the legal system. As Governor , he should be the shining example of legal compliance. Even if he thinks this indictment is politically motivated and has no merit, he, as our chief legal officer, should be using all diligence, to give credence to the legal system.
I know he is not required to be at the proceedings, but his disregard, considering his position, is contemptible, in my eyes.
I have not seen the evidence in the case. I have only seen the actions of the parties involved. The Governors actions speak volumes, maybe more than he intended. He should be in every court proceeding, proclaiming his innocence. He should answer every reporters question, proclaiming his innocence.
Just my take ...
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Quite a pair
A friend of about 40 years died this week. I have known his entire family most of my life. He was 42. I wrote this for his mom, in memory of him ...
Quite A Pair
It was a long time ago and yesterday,
you came into my life crying and cooing;
Eventually, you were toddling, holding my hand as you went
we made quite the pair;
One day, right on time and way too soon,
you let go of my hand and made it to the chair without falling;
Time passed, trikes gave way to bikes,
training wheels held you up and saved your knees;
That dreaded day came and the training wheels were gone,
my hand on the seat as you pedaled along;
I let go of that seat and watched you ride ,
filled with sadness and swelling with parents pride;
I let go of your hand the day you started school,
and watched you ride away on that big yellow bus;
I let go of your hand when you walked across that stage,
and someone gave significant paper and a handshake of congratulations;
I let go of your hand when you took the hand of your wife,
and I watched, as Mom's do, as you started a brand new life;
Today, I will let go of your hand one more time
and you will walk a walk you must take alone,
but ... before you go,
there is something you need to know
I really didn't let go the day you made it to the chair;
I still held the seat the day you circled the yard;
I held you all the way to school, in that big yellow bus;
I walked across that stage with you, hand in hand,
We made quite a pair;
I did watch you take her hand in yours, but mine remained there too;
Even today, as you walk the final walk, on the path you chose
I will not let go of your hand;
Someday, we may walk, hand in hand,
down a street of purest gold,
and the angels will stop and smile,
because, we make quite a pair.
Ron Simpson Jr.
June 7, 2006
In Memory
Ricky Blevins
Quite A Pair
It was a long time ago and yesterday,
you came into my life crying and cooing;
Eventually, you were toddling, holding my hand as you went
we made quite the pair;
One day, right on time and way too soon,
you let go of my hand and made it to the chair without falling;
Time passed, trikes gave way to bikes,
training wheels held you up and saved your knees;
That dreaded day came and the training wheels were gone,
my hand on the seat as you pedaled along;
I let go of that seat and watched you ride ,
filled with sadness and swelling with parents pride;
I let go of your hand the day you started school,
and watched you ride away on that big yellow bus;
I let go of your hand when you walked across that stage,
and someone gave significant paper and a handshake of congratulations;
I let go of your hand when you took the hand of your wife,
and I watched, as Mom's do, as you started a brand new life;
Today, I will let go of your hand one more time
and you will walk a walk you must take alone,
but ... before you go,
there is something you need to know
I really didn't let go the day you made it to the chair;
I still held the seat the day you circled the yard;
I held you all the way to school, in that big yellow bus;
I walked across that stage with you, hand in hand,
We made quite a pair;
I did watch you take her hand in yours, but mine remained there too;
Even today, as you walk the final walk, on the path you chose
I will not let go of your hand;
Someday, we may walk, hand in hand,
down a street of purest gold,
and the angels will stop and smile,
because, we make quite a pair.
Ron Simpson Jr.
June 7, 2006
In Memory
Ricky Blevins
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Something different
The Assault
I thought it was a shallow pool, like a rain puddle
The sun would come up in the morning and chase it away
I had no idea it would overwhelm my life and change it forever
There was no clue that it would be this engulfing force
By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late
I was in its terribly powerful grasp
As much as I struggled, it was to no avail
I only entangled myself more in this bondage
Wave after wave inundated me
Invading my very core
Surrounding me at every port
Leaving me without an avenue of flight
Fear crushed me
Hope of release fled
I was trapped
Without chance of liberation
Slipping under
I marveled that this could happen to me
All my care was undone
All my caution unraveled
How could this be
How could this happen
How could I
How could I fall in love?
Ron Simpson Jr.
June 2, 2006
I thought it was a shallow pool, like a rain puddle
The sun would come up in the morning and chase it away
I had no idea it would overwhelm my life and change it forever
There was no clue that it would be this engulfing force
By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late
I was in its terribly powerful grasp
As much as I struggled, it was to no avail
I only entangled myself more in this bondage
Wave after wave inundated me
Invading my very core
Surrounding me at every port
Leaving me without an avenue of flight
Fear crushed me
Hope of release fled
I was trapped
Without chance of liberation
Slipping under
I marveled that this could happen to me
All my care was undone
All my caution unraveled
How could this be
How could this happen
How could I
How could I fall in love?
Ron Simpson Jr.
June 2, 2006
Friday, June 02, 2006
FRIDAY !!!!
I used to work for a contractor that killed all the excitement of Friday. We worked 6 days a week, so Friday wasn't the end of the work week, and we got paid on Thursday, so it wasn't payday. Talk about your downer. Anyway, it is the end of the work week for me, today, so YEAH !!
My hand is somewhat better. It is throbbing at the moment. I probably shouldn't be typing this, but if I weren't, I would be typing something else for work, so there would be typing either way. I am working on a course syllabus for each of the classes I teach to put into my Program Assessment Box. They have to be ready for inspection by Friday next. I have a class all next week and will not be here at the school to work on mine. I will be working some at home in the evenings to finish it up, but am trying to get as much done now as I can. (pain not withstanding)
I just printed Syllabus number one, three more to go, yipeeee.
I am still sleeping in the sitting position. Tammy abandoned the bed last night to sleep on the couch with me. She says she just can't sleep as well or at all if I am not in there. That is one of my superhero powers, I guess.
I have discovered an activity that the pain loves more than typing. That is driving. It hates driving. There is something about the position it has to be in and the vibration of driving that seems to aggravate it. The combination of the days work and the drive home make it flare way up.
BUT ... It is FRIDAY !!!!
I know, my pain does not know it is Friday, but I do.
The tests from the DR visit should be available on Monday. Then we will know if we are pursuing the proper treatment. I know it still hurts like a Raz-a-fraz-a-braz-a-racker when I try to write.
well, it is time to get back to the grindstone, and there is a random thought running around in my head, that might need attention sooner than later.
I might be back ...
My hand is somewhat better. It is throbbing at the moment. I probably shouldn't be typing this, but if I weren't, I would be typing something else for work, so there would be typing either way. I am working on a course syllabus for each of the classes I teach to put into my Program Assessment Box. They have to be ready for inspection by Friday next. I have a class all next week and will not be here at the school to work on mine. I will be working some at home in the evenings to finish it up, but am trying to get as much done now as I can. (pain not withstanding)
I just printed Syllabus number one, three more to go, yipeeee.
I am still sleeping in the sitting position. Tammy abandoned the bed last night to sleep on the couch with me. She says she just can't sleep as well or at all if I am not in there. That is one of my superhero powers, I guess.
I have discovered an activity that the pain loves more than typing. That is driving. It hates driving. There is something about the position it has to be in and the vibration of driving that seems to aggravate it. The combination of the days work and the drive home make it flare way up.
BUT ... It is FRIDAY !!!!
I know, my pain does not know it is Friday, but I do.
The tests from the DR visit should be available on Monday. Then we will know if we are pursuing the proper treatment. I know it still hurts like a Raz-a-fraz-a-braz-a-racker when I try to write.
well, it is time to get back to the grindstone, and there is a random thought running around in my head, that might need attention sooner than later.
I might be back ...
Thursday, June 01, 2006
The hand news
Well, I am off work today. I do not need to be driving.
Writing is difficult. It is weird. I can bend the two outside fingers all the way to the palm with no pain. I can bend the middle two fingers all the way to the palm with not pain. But, if I try to bend any three fingers, the pain is nearly unbearable. Tuesday, at work, I was addressing the envelop to send my assignment to Dr. D. I had the pen in my hand, holding it with my first finger and my thumb, and writing very sloppily. I twitched my middle finger and bent it in, instinctively. The PAIN shot to a 15. I broke out in a sweat. I almost threw up.
In 30 years of working construction, I cannot remember a pain that hurt as much. I still had to finish the address (which I did, painfully.) Then I had to drive home, picking Chris up along the way. I was in so much pain in my left hand, I couldn't even grab my seatbelt. When I picked Chris up, I had him hand me the seatbelt. I drove to Lex and met Tammy. We did the switch (Chris.) Then, I went home and took drugs. Eventually, the pain waned.
I went to my DR yesterday. She suspects that it is Gout. I never thought of that. The symptoms fit. She put me on several meds and told me to continue with the neurontin, if it works. So, here I am, not hurting as much (pain is at a 3 level now on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being intolerable,) not stoned this time, and still sleeping on the couch because laying down makes it hurt more ('bout an 8.)
Doc put me on Methylprednisolone and Cephalexin. She sent me for X-rays.
I have a follow up appt next week.
Oh yeah, I can now bend three fingers at once.
Writing is difficult. It is weird. I can bend the two outside fingers all the way to the palm with no pain. I can bend the middle two fingers all the way to the palm with not pain. But, if I try to bend any three fingers, the pain is nearly unbearable. Tuesday, at work, I was addressing the envelop to send my assignment to Dr. D. I had the pen in my hand, holding it with my first finger and my thumb, and writing very sloppily. I twitched my middle finger and bent it in, instinctively. The PAIN shot to a 15. I broke out in a sweat. I almost threw up.
In 30 years of working construction, I cannot remember a pain that hurt as much. I still had to finish the address (which I did, painfully.) Then I had to drive home, picking Chris up along the way. I was in so much pain in my left hand, I couldn't even grab my seatbelt. When I picked Chris up, I had him hand me the seatbelt. I drove to Lex and met Tammy. We did the switch (Chris.) Then, I went home and took drugs. Eventually, the pain waned.
I went to my DR yesterday. She suspects that it is Gout. I never thought of that. The symptoms fit. She put me on several meds and told me to continue with the neurontin, if it works. So, here I am, not hurting as much (pain is at a 3 level now on a 1 to 10 scale with 10 being intolerable,) not stoned this time, and still sleeping on the couch because laying down makes it hurt more ('bout an 8.)
Doc put me on Methylprednisolone and Cephalexin. She sent me for X-rays.
I have a follow up appt next week.
Oh yeah, I can now bend three fingers at once.
Monday, May 29, 2006
The neurontin post
I am under the influence of Neurontin. It is a nerve pain kind of drug. I have done something to my left hand. It is screaming pain messages to my brain. The middle two fingers of my four fingers feel like that are in a vice. A dear friend, who happens to be a Physicians Assistant, told me to put some ice on it, take the neurontin, and ibuprofin. I took the N pill before talking to her. I was slurring slightly and rambling on like crazy. (Sorry, J)
Anyway ...
Anyway ...
There is a situation that may be coming to a close this week. It involves the old house that I gave up in my one and only divorce. It is causing trouble with Tammy and I buying a house. We think we have it resolved, though.
What it brought to mind was my 'closest to a Rod Serling' moment. It was a Twilight Zone moment.
What it brought to mind was my 'closest to a Rod Serling' moment. It was a Twilight Zone moment.
I was living in Northern Ohio (a displaced Kentuckian). I was working there and surrounding areas. At the time, I was working in PA on a Nuke Plant. There was work coming up at home and I decided to come back for it. It was the building of Toyota in G'Town. I drove back and forth for several months. While here in Lexington, I looked for a house.
I found a house and decided to buy it. Kaye (the then wife) was still in Ohio and very much pregnant. I told dad the address and he started looking. He owned a house in that neighborhood when I was two years old. He checked, and sure enough, it was the same house.
That wasn't the only thing though. Dad bought the house when he was 29 yrs old. I was 29 yrs old. It was the first house he bought. It was the first house I bought. Mom was pregnant with her 4th kid which turned out to be their 3rd girl. Kaye was pregnant with our 3rd girl. I fully expected to see Rod Serling in the front yard when we got there after signing the papers.
Anywho ... That was my Rod Serling moment.
I just took my 'before bed' dose. I am headed off to Stonerville now. It was odd earlier. I rarely take drugs. I take daily doses of Synthroid, but not regular anything for anything else. It took a while for the drugs to take effect, but when it hit, IT HIT. Tammy was having fun just watching me, she said.
She is about to watch me go to sleep. lol.
I found a house and decided to buy it. Kaye (the then wife) was still in Ohio and very much pregnant. I told dad the address and he started looking. He owned a house in that neighborhood when I was two years old. He checked, and sure enough, it was the same house.
That wasn't the only thing though. Dad bought the house when he was 29 yrs old. I was 29 yrs old. It was the first house he bought. It was the first house I bought. Mom was pregnant with her 4th kid which turned out to be their 3rd girl. Kaye was pregnant with our 3rd girl. I fully expected to see Rod Serling in the front yard when we got there after signing the papers.
Anywho ... That was my Rod Serling moment.
I just took my 'before bed' dose. I am headed off to Stonerville now. It was odd earlier. I rarely take drugs. I take daily doses of Synthroid, but not regular anything for anything else. It took a while for the drugs to take effect, but when it hit, IT HIT. Tammy was having fun just watching me, she said.
She is about to watch me go to sleep. lol.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
At the risk of over posting .....
Tendrils
Loves tender vines
Wrapped around my heart
Holding it secure
Feeling every reverberation
Entwined
Interlaced
Becoming more one
Than anything else
Holding
Embracing
Addicted to the caress
Of sweet bondage
Protecting
Bearing the pain
The tendrils of love
Wrapped around my heart
Growing
Feeding from the gentle stream
Nourished by the wound
Of loves barbed arrow
Symbiotic
Nurturing needs
Fulfilling the wants
Selfless and selfish
Reveling in the embrace
The tendrils of love
Wrapped around my heart
Never leave me free
Never leave me in want
Feel my feted breathing
Feel my coursing pain
Feel my anguished desire
Never leave me free
Wrap me more
In the tendrils of your love
Ron Simpson, Jr.
May 27, 2006
Loves tender vines
Wrapped around my heart
Holding it secure
Feeling every reverberation
Entwined
Interlaced
Becoming more one
Than anything else
Holding
Embracing
Addicted to the caress
Of sweet bondage
Protecting
Bearing the pain
The tendrils of love
Wrapped around my heart
Growing
Feeding from the gentle stream
Nourished by the wound
Of loves barbed arrow
Symbiotic
Nurturing needs
Fulfilling the wants
Selfless and selfish
Reveling in the embrace
The tendrils of love
Wrapped around my heart
Never leave me free
Never leave me in want
Feel my feted breathing
Feel my coursing pain
Feel my anguished desire
Never leave me free
Wrap me more
In the tendrils of your love
Ron Simpson, Jr.
May 27, 2006
Here are '100 or so' things about me.
Some may surprise ya. I am not sure they are in order of importance as much as in order of popping into my head. Some are very important , while others are trivial.
1) I am 48 and proud of every year it took to get here.
2) I am married for the second time (almost 3 yrs) after 20 years the first time and 6 years of being single.
3) I have seen 6 decades. I saw the last of the 50's, the 60's, the 70's, the 80's, the 90's, and now the 00's.
4) I have 3 daughters and share 2 sons and 2 daughters with Tammy.
5) Kyle (Tammy's youngest) has an obsession with favorite things and IS my favorite 10 year old living in the house with me.
6) I have four grandkids and one on the way.
7) Occasionally, Tammy and I take leave of our senses and bring 3 of them to the house to spend the night.
8) I am a licensed Master Electrician in the state of Kentucky (go CATS)
9) After 27 years working in the construction end of electricity, I have changed careers and started teaching in a high school vocational school.
10) I am overweight, if that matters, you may discontinue reading.
11) I have arthritis in my back.
12) My thyroid is seriously screwed up.
13) No matter how comfortable you get in your skin, you never completely get over the 'want to be liked' syndrome.
14) I was an Ordained Minister for 20 years.
15) I was assistant pastor of a church at one time.
16) I was head of the Church Growth Dept for the state of KY in the religious organization to which I belonged.
17) I was also head of the Christian Education Dept (foreshadowing?).
18) I believe in miracles.
19) I believe in Angels.
20) I believe in God.
21) I believe there is a Devil and I believe he works zealously.
22) I got my first transistor radio in 1970 for my 13th birthday.
23) I began singing at 8 years old, singing in church.
24) My first song was "Joshua fought the battle of Jericho," a Negro spiritual.
25) I have sung a capella in front of a crowd of 400.
26) The first time I sang Karaoke was in a small lounge at a bowling alley and it terrified me.
27) That was about 5 years ago and now my repertoire includes almost 50 songs.
28) I am singing the National Anthem at a local Triple A Baseball team home game (Go Lexington Legends!)
29) I love all kinds of music.
30) I listen mostly to country.
31) I can listen to anything except heavy metal, which is interesting, because I play the guitar and drums.
32) I played drums in elementary school until my grades dropped.
33) I played guitar in church (learned from my mom).
34) I miss the interaction of the construction site.
35) I do not miss the mud, rain, snow, sleet, cold, hot, crappy parking lots, and the general run of pricks ya run into on the average construction job.
36) I was and still am a dues paying union member.
37) I went to one year of college at UK when I was 17.
38) I got married the first time a few months before turning 20. We separated 20 days after our 20th anniversary.
39) I have worked on everything from putting lights in a garage to the backup steam redundancy system on a nuclear reactor.
40) I have helped companies build Ford trucks, GM trucks, Saturns, Subaru/Izuzu's, and Toyota's.
41) This year, 18 years after starting that job in the middle of a mud field, I took a tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing.
42) My first ever plane flight was on a 30 passenger plane, in 1986. I was 28 yrs old.
43) I loved it and have loved flying ever since.
44) My best flight was a flight from Louisville to Ft Lauderdale, when my flight was canceled and I was bumped up to First Class. (sweet)
45) My worst flight was the same one. The original airline lost my luggage, forcing me to attend an AIDS rally in jeans.
46) I have been in love more than once.
47) I believe in soul mates.
48) I believe there is more than one out there, though.
49) I believe in kindreds.
50) I am a hopeless romantic.
Deep breath here ...
51) I am head over heels in love with Tammy.
52) I will always love Alex, which Tammy completely understands and it doesn't constrain our love at all.
53) I have dated a psycho or two.
54) I protect my friends vehemently.
55) I make friends easy and let them go reluctantly.
56) I am a passionate person.
57) While I do not hold much with ESP, I do acknowledge that I have an empathic spirit.
58) I believe there are things that are unexplainable.
59) I believe in UFOs in as much as they are Unidentified Flying Objects.
60) I do not believe in life on other planets.
61) I am a creationist.
62) I do not believe in evolution.
63) I am not put off by others that believe differently than myself, only by those that insist on shoving their beliefs down my throat without respecting that I am capable of forming opinions of my own based on both facts and feelings.
64) The best thing on my desk at work is a picture of Tammy.
65) I have a great life.
66) I do not have a perfect life.
67) A friend told me years ago that life was too short to work a job you do not love or be married to a woman you do not like.
68) I have both.
69) For all the love that lives between Tammy and myself, I genuinely like her as well. I know how to keep those feelings separate.
70) I have wonderful kids and fully recognize that I am biased.
71) I worry too much about money, even when we have enough.
72) I can be a social butterfly and/or a loner, sometimes, in the same evening.
73) I am a procrastinator.
74) Tammy and Dad are both obsessive about getting things done NOW.
75) They drive me crazy with that as much as I drive them crazy with my procrastination.
76) When we began dating, Tammy and I were amazed at how alike we are. Now we see how different we are, and that enhances our love.
77) Love grows stronger when it reaches across a difference.
78) I am a poet.
79) I am a painter.
80) I am a singer.
81) I am an amateur photographer.
82) I love animals.
83) I have 4 sisters and 1 brother.
84) We are a close family.
85) My parents, both in their 70's are still living.
86) My granny is 91 and still going strong. She is a blog in and of herself.
87) My girls give me wings and provide me roots.
88) I have a slight heart condition.
89) I do not know why, but a cold or flu is the hardest thing on me.
90) I do not smoke.
91) I do not drink.
92) I love and am faithful to my wife.
93) I am old fashioned.
94) I am a walking contradiction.
95) I own 65 plus neckties and I wear about 5 a year.
96) I prefer jeans over a suit, but am just as comfortable in either. The suit makes others uncomfortable.
97) I have way too many clothes.
98) I prefer passionate opposition to mediocre agreement.
99) I support my causes even if they wane in popularity.
100) I used to volunteer for AVOL (AIDS Volunteers Of Lexington). The words 'used to' bother me there.
101) I have only scratched the surface.
1) I am 48 and proud of every year it took to get here.
2) I am married for the second time (almost 3 yrs) after 20 years the first time and 6 years of being single.
3) I have seen 6 decades. I saw the last of the 50's, the 60's, the 70's, the 80's, the 90's, and now the 00's.
4) I have 3 daughters and share 2 sons and 2 daughters with Tammy.
5) Kyle (Tammy's youngest) has an obsession with favorite things and IS my favorite 10 year old living in the house with me.
6) I have four grandkids and one on the way.
7) Occasionally, Tammy and I take leave of our senses and bring 3 of them to the house to spend the night.
8) I am a licensed Master Electrician in the state of Kentucky (go CATS)
9) After 27 years working in the construction end of electricity, I have changed careers and started teaching in a high school vocational school.
10) I am overweight, if that matters, you may discontinue reading.
11) I have arthritis in my back.
12) My thyroid is seriously screwed up.
13) No matter how comfortable you get in your skin, you never completely get over the 'want to be liked' syndrome.
14) I was an Ordained Minister for 20 years.
15) I was assistant pastor of a church at one time.
16) I was head of the Church Growth Dept for the state of KY in the religious organization to which I belonged.
17) I was also head of the Christian Education Dept (foreshadowing?).
18) I believe in miracles.
19) I believe in Angels.
20) I believe in God.
21) I believe there is a Devil and I believe he works zealously.
22) I got my first transistor radio in 1970 for my 13th birthday.
23) I began singing at 8 years old, singing in church.
24) My first song was "Joshua fought the battle of Jericho," a Negro spiritual.
25) I have sung a capella in front of a crowd of 400.
26) The first time I sang Karaoke was in a small lounge at a bowling alley and it terrified me.
27) That was about 5 years ago and now my repertoire includes almost 50 songs.
28) I am singing the National Anthem at a local Triple A Baseball team home game (Go Lexington Legends!)
29) I love all kinds of music.
30) I listen mostly to country.
31) I can listen to anything except heavy metal, which is interesting, because I play the guitar and drums.
32) I played drums in elementary school until my grades dropped.
33) I played guitar in church (learned from my mom).
34) I miss the interaction of the construction site.
35) I do not miss the mud, rain, snow, sleet, cold, hot, crappy parking lots, and the general run of pricks ya run into on the average construction job.
36) I was and still am a dues paying union member.
37) I went to one year of college at UK when I was 17.
38) I got married the first time a few months before turning 20. We separated 20 days after our 20th anniversary.
39) I have worked on everything from putting lights in a garage to the backup steam redundancy system on a nuclear reactor.
40) I have helped companies build Ford trucks, GM trucks, Saturns, Subaru/Izuzu's, and Toyota's.
41) This year, 18 years after starting that job in the middle of a mud field, I took a tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing.
42) My first ever plane flight was on a 30 passenger plane, in 1986. I was 28 yrs old.
43) I loved it and have loved flying ever since.
44) My best flight was a flight from Louisville to Ft Lauderdale, when my flight was canceled and I was bumped up to First Class. (sweet)
45) My worst flight was the same one. The original airline lost my luggage, forcing me to attend an AIDS rally in jeans.
46) I have been in love more than once.
47) I believe in soul mates.
48) I believe there is more than one out there, though.
49) I believe in kindreds.
50) I am a hopeless romantic.
Deep breath here ...
51) I am head over heels in love with Tammy.
52) I will always love Alex, which Tammy completely understands and it doesn't constrain our love at all.
53) I have dated a psycho or two.
54) I protect my friends vehemently.
55) I make friends easy and let them go reluctantly.
56) I am a passionate person.
57) While I do not hold much with ESP, I do acknowledge that I have an empathic spirit.
58) I believe there are things that are unexplainable.
59) I believe in UFOs in as much as they are Unidentified Flying Objects.
60) I do not believe in life on other planets.
61) I am a creationist.
62) I do not believe in evolution.
63) I am not put off by others that believe differently than myself, only by those that insist on shoving their beliefs down my throat without respecting that I am capable of forming opinions of my own based on both facts and feelings.
64) The best thing on my desk at work is a picture of Tammy.
65) I have a great life.
66) I do not have a perfect life.
67) A friend told me years ago that life was too short to work a job you do not love or be married to a woman you do not like.
68) I have both.
69) For all the love that lives between Tammy and myself, I genuinely like her as well. I know how to keep those feelings separate.
70) I have wonderful kids and fully recognize that I am biased.
71) I worry too much about money, even when we have enough.
72) I can be a social butterfly and/or a loner, sometimes, in the same evening.
73) I am a procrastinator.
74) Tammy and Dad are both obsessive about getting things done NOW.
75) They drive me crazy with that as much as I drive them crazy with my procrastination.
76) When we began dating, Tammy and I were amazed at how alike we are. Now we see how different we are, and that enhances our love.
77) Love grows stronger when it reaches across a difference.
78) I am a poet.
79) I am a painter.
80) I am a singer.
81) I am an amateur photographer.
82) I love animals.
83) I have 4 sisters and 1 brother.
84) We are a close family.
85) My parents, both in their 70's are still living.
86) My granny is 91 and still going strong. She is a blog in and of herself.
87) My girls give me wings and provide me roots.
88) I have a slight heart condition.
89) I do not know why, but a cold or flu is the hardest thing on me.
90) I do not smoke.
91) I do not drink.
92) I love and am faithful to my wife.
93) I am old fashioned.
94) I am a walking contradiction.
95) I own 65 plus neckties and I wear about 5 a year.
96) I prefer jeans over a suit, but am just as comfortable in either. The suit makes others uncomfortable.
97) I have way too many clothes.
98) I prefer passionate opposition to mediocre agreement.
99) I support my causes even if they wane in popularity.
100) I used to volunteer for AVOL (AIDS Volunteers Of Lexington). The words 'used to' bother me there.
101) I have only scratched the surface.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Our own little terrorist
I was trying to watch the news this evening when Kyle (10) came in to tell me that he and Caimon were playing in the yard with toy guns, running and shooting, when the troublemaker down the street drove by a few times. Within a few minutes they say police at his house. They came in to tell me. I told them to play inside for a while.
A couple minutes later there was a loud knocking at my door. I answered to find a police officer, slightly crouched, hand on his undrawn gun, in the foyer. He asked if Malcolm, who was straining to see, would bite. I assured him that he wouldn't, stepped through the door, and closed it behind me. He asked if anyone was at home. I told him that my 10 yr old son and a 9 yr old friend were playing in his room. He asked if they could step outside. Once outside, they asked the boys to tell them what happened. He told me that they had gotten a complaint from the neighbor that Kyle was brandishing a weapon and pointing it at him, threatening him.
It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud. There were at least 6 police officers on the porch and in my yard. There were two others, in no uniform, with orange wrist bands. They are part of Lexington's anti-terrorist squad. The one, most seemingly sensible officer, asked to see the gun that Kyle was playing with. Kyle brought it out. It was a pistol he got at the dollar store.
This officer said he was going down to talk to the neighbor. While he was gone, one of the bicycle cops told me that if Kyle had approached him holding that toy gun that he would shoot him. I was in shock. Here on my porch, a police officer was telling me that he would have no problem shooting a 10 yr old with a plastic gun. I was flabbergasted.
The first officer returned. He asked if there was any history with this neighbor. I told him about the neighbors charge, yet unproven, about Chris stabbing him. I told him about this neighbors repeated efforts to harass us and that this was just one more attempt at perpetuating that harassment. I told him that the boys usually play in the back when we know that JH is home. I didn't know that he was home. He added that it would be a good idea for the boys to play in the back yard. I have no problem with that, but refuse to be a prisoner in my home or yard.
The police begin to leave. The anti-terrorist boys headed back to their cars. Lexington was safe once again. In the past week or so, there have been three bank robberies. The police have not caught the robbers, but by damn, they did stop a 10 yr old terrorist with a plastic gun.
Doesn't that make you sleep better at night ?
A couple minutes later there was a loud knocking at my door. I answered to find a police officer, slightly crouched, hand on his undrawn gun, in the foyer. He asked if Malcolm, who was straining to see, would bite. I assured him that he wouldn't, stepped through the door, and closed it behind me. He asked if anyone was at home. I told him that my 10 yr old son and a 9 yr old friend were playing in his room. He asked if they could step outside. Once outside, they asked the boys to tell them what happened. He told me that they had gotten a complaint from the neighbor that Kyle was brandishing a weapon and pointing it at him, threatening him.
It was all I could do to keep from laughing out loud. There were at least 6 police officers on the porch and in my yard. There were two others, in no uniform, with orange wrist bands. They are part of Lexington's anti-terrorist squad. The one, most seemingly sensible officer, asked to see the gun that Kyle was playing with. Kyle brought it out. It was a pistol he got at the dollar store.
This officer said he was going down to talk to the neighbor. While he was gone, one of the bicycle cops told me that if Kyle had approached him holding that toy gun that he would shoot him. I was in shock. Here on my porch, a police officer was telling me that he would have no problem shooting a 10 yr old with a plastic gun. I was flabbergasted.
The first officer returned. He asked if there was any history with this neighbor. I told him about the neighbors charge, yet unproven, about Chris stabbing him. I told him about this neighbors repeated efforts to harass us and that this was just one more attempt at perpetuating that harassment. I told him that the boys usually play in the back when we know that JH is home. I didn't know that he was home. He added that it would be a good idea for the boys to play in the back yard. I have no problem with that, but refuse to be a prisoner in my home or yard.
The police begin to leave. The anti-terrorist boys headed back to their cars. Lexington was safe once again. In the past week or so, there have been three bank robberies. The police have not caught the robbers, but by damn, they did stop a 10 yr old terrorist with a plastic gun.
Doesn't that make you sleep better at night ?
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Troubled blogging
I have been unable to blog from work the last couple days. There is some glitch that will not allow blogs to come up. It is odd. Yesterday, It allowed some blogs and just ignored requests for others. Today, it ignores all requests. My attempts to pull up the blogger dashboard cause a "Gateway Timeout".
I thought I would jump on her at home and post a bit, since I will be out of town tomorrow for a Program Assessment Workshop.
Tammy and the kids are going as well. They will make a day of shopping and going to sights near Mt Vernon, KY. The last Workshop like this that I attended began at 9 am and ended around 1 pm. Hopefully, this one will follow suit. I have a friend that lives in Mt Vernon and I would love to catch up with him and grab a bite to eat.
The past couple days have been rather uneventful. My truck is fixed (fuel pump.)
Chella and Justin went to the store on Monday and the cops were called. The dude behind the counter accused her of stealing. He said she was in the night before. She wasn't. I am quite sure Chella let her mouth get away with her. He told her the cops were coming and she had to wait. They waited about 20 minutes and left. A police officer stopped them about half way home. By then, Tammy had gone out to see what was taking so long. She arrived to pick them up about the time the cop showed up.
She went to the store and talked to the dude. He told her that her son was stealing as well. Kyle is 10 yrs old. She raised her eyebrows, and her indignation, and said, "You wanna say that again?" He didn't say a word.
The cop showed up at the store, running his mouth. He told her she couldn't be there. She had requested to see the manager. She told him that everything was fine until he showed up with his bullshit. "You can't talk to me like that," he said. "I just did," she replied. She started to leave. "You cant leave," he said. "Watch me," she said. "Are you going to arrest me and charge me with asking to see a manager?"
gotta love her.
Just a regular day around here.
I thought I would jump on her at home and post a bit, since I will be out of town tomorrow for a Program Assessment Workshop.
Tammy and the kids are going as well. They will make a day of shopping and going to sights near Mt Vernon, KY. The last Workshop like this that I attended began at 9 am and ended around 1 pm. Hopefully, this one will follow suit. I have a friend that lives in Mt Vernon and I would love to catch up with him and grab a bite to eat.
The past couple days have been rather uneventful. My truck is fixed (fuel pump.)
Chella and Justin went to the store on Monday and the cops were called. The dude behind the counter accused her of stealing. He said she was in the night before. She wasn't. I am quite sure Chella let her mouth get away with her. He told her the cops were coming and she had to wait. They waited about 20 minutes and left. A police officer stopped them about half way home. By then, Tammy had gone out to see what was taking so long. She arrived to pick them up about the time the cop showed up.
She went to the store and talked to the dude. He told her that her son was stealing as well. Kyle is 10 yrs old. She raised her eyebrows, and her indignation, and said, "You wanna say that again?" He didn't say a word.
The cop showed up at the store, running his mouth. He told her she couldn't be there. She had requested to see the manager. She told him that everything was fine until he showed up with his bullshit. "You can't talk to me like that," he said. "I just did," she replied. She started to leave. "You cant leave," he said. "Watch me," she said. "Are you going to arrest me and charge me with asking to see a manager?"
gotta love her.
Just a regular day around here.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
This just in !!
More Than
That the link ... here is the actual poem ... without jumping across the web ...
More Than
When I think about what I say
When I say I love you
It mystifies me
I remember how I felt
The very first time I told you
What you already knew
And I finally admitted out loud
I know it still surprises you at times
That I still remember the day
September 17, 2002
In the dining room
In the house that is gone
On Ashland Ave
I remember how it felt
When I told you I loved you
After you said Yes to my Yes
August 2003
In the bedroom
On Oxford Circle
It was leaps and bounds beyond that day
In September
In October
In front of family and friends
On Limestone
I told everyone that I loved you
It was deeper still
Than in August
Last night
In the bed
In the bedroom
On Loudon Ave
With our legs intertwined
After watching a movie
Before falling asleep
I told you I loved you
It was more
Much more
Than that day
In September
Much more
Than that day
In August
Much more
Than that dayIn October
Tomorrow, for no real reason
I will tell you that I love you
And it will be more
Than ever before
It will still be the same three words
ButIt will be more
More than ...
Ron Simpson Jr.
May 21, 2006
That the link ... here is the actual poem ... without jumping across the web ...
More Than
When I think about what I say
When I say I love you
It mystifies me
I remember how I felt
The very first time I told you
What you already knew
And I finally admitted out loud
I know it still surprises you at times
That I still remember the day
September 17, 2002
In the dining room
In the house that is gone
On Ashland Ave
I remember how it felt
When I told you I loved you
After you said Yes to my Yes
August 2003
In the bedroom
On Oxford Circle
It was leaps and bounds beyond that day
In September
In October
In front of family and friends
On Limestone
I told everyone that I loved you
It was deeper still
Than in August
Last night
In the bed
In the bedroom
On Loudon Ave
With our legs intertwined
After watching a movie
Before falling asleep
I told you I loved you
It was more
Much more
Than that day
In September
Much more
Than that day
In August
Much more
Than that dayIn October
Tomorrow, for no real reason
I will tell you that I love you
And it will be more
Than ever before
It will still be the same three words
ButIt will be more
More than ...
Ron Simpson Jr.
May 21, 2006
added 8 new pages to the poetry pages
you can find them at the bottom of the New First Stop ...
It is still a work in progress. The new pages include such poems as:
Sometimes
Borrowed
He is Still Here
Theif & Liar
Heroes & Moved
For Every Other Day
and .. one of my personal favorites .. Folded Dreams
also some New Love Stuff 1
It is still a work in progress. The new pages include such poems as:
Sometimes
Borrowed
He is Still Here
Theif & Liar
Heroes & Moved
For Every Other Day
and .. one of my personal favorites .. Folded Dreams
also some New Love Stuff 1
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Busy time
this has been a busy couple days. This is the last week of school. Monday was finals. Tuesday was election day, no school, but a working day. Wednesday was our cookout, sponsored by Skills USA, for all the students at the ATC. (280 burgers, 216 sausages, 80 dogs, 622 assorted buns, 24 cases of pop [soda], sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cheese, etc ...) It was an adventure.
After the adventure (well, 1.5 hours before it officially ended) I was off to Louisville for an Electrical Trade Show. I made some new contacts and ran into some old ones. I saw some friends I hadn't seen for some time. It was a good time. There was a bonus. I got to take my honey with me. It is always a good thing when you can mix your business and your pleasure.
Today has been hectic. The Health teacher is out, so I was stuck downstairs for a while. I am now finally back in my room where I can get the access I need to blog !
I was working on something while I was down there. It started like this:
"Life is a series of unexploded events
held precariously together
by this fleeting facade we call order."
We will see if that goes far.
I have no students right now, and no grades to enter. Ah, a moment of my own.
I have no students right now, and no grades to enter. Ah, a moment of my own.
That is a dangerous thing....
Monday, May 15, 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
For every other day
posting it one day early ...
For Every Other Day
Looking back over almost 50 years,
There have been nearly countless days,
That were filled with special memories.
Forty-eight times, we have celebrated my birth,
Forty-eight Christmas days that we have shared,
Scattered in the midst, were graduations,
Holidays, family dinners, anniversaries, and such.
There were hospital stays on both sides,
And various sicknesses that brought a call or even a visit,
There were special prayers, and numerous events,
We watched my children grow and begin families of their own,
With me hoping, I did the same fine job as you.
It overwhelms my mind to sit and try to recall,
All the times I cried and you were there.
It brings a tear to my eyes even today, to think of it.
I cannot begin to call to mind all the times, I thought,
“What would Mom do?”
If I could recollect them all,
And write them down for the world to see,
If I could share all that I am,
Because of those special days,
It would still not begin to be enough
To say, “Thank you”
Even if it were possible to thank you
for every special time
I would still have to say,
“Thanks, for every other day.”
Happy Mothers Day
May 14, 2006
For Every Other Day
Looking back over almost 50 years,
There have been nearly countless days,
That were filled with special memories.
Forty-eight times, we have celebrated my birth,
Forty-eight Christmas days that we have shared,
Scattered in the midst, were graduations,
Holidays, family dinners, anniversaries, and such.
There were hospital stays on both sides,
And various sicknesses that brought a call or even a visit,
There were special prayers, and numerous events,
We watched my children grow and begin families of their own,
With me hoping, I did the same fine job as you.
It overwhelms my mind to sit and try to recall,
All the times I cried and you were there.
It brings a tear to my eyes even today, to think of it.
I cannot begin to call to mind all the times, I thought,
“What would Mom do?”
If I could recollect them all,
And write them down for the world to see,
If I could share all that I am,
Because of those special days,
It would still not begin to be enough
To say, “Thank you”
Even if it were possible to thank you
for every special time
I would still have to say,
“Thanks, for every other day.”
Happy Mothers Day
May 14, 2006
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Operator headspace
It is shaping up to be one of those morning .. Since yesterday afternoon.
After a great day at school, I drove toward the house. Tammy left my school shortly ahead of me, taking Chris (who was rained out) to Nicholasville. Chella and Justin were going to pick Kyle up and walk home with him. I decided, since I was in the area, to stop by and see if they wanted a ride. I couldn't get to the school. The police had the area barricaded. It seems they went to serve a warrant on someone a few doors up from the school and he decided to barricade himself in his house. The police and news media were there in masses.
I was able to back track around the area and come up to the school from another direction. The kids were fine and out of harms way. They even decided to walk home.
I proceeded to the house. I came in, well nearly, I opened the door and let the dogs out to 'doo doo' their business. I should have been suspicious when Malcolm ran out and proceeded with haste to fertilize the yard, while Lacey just ran around and looked. It didn't take long and they were ready to go in. I walked into the dark hallway and proceeded to step into Lacey's efforts to fertilize the hallway. Raz-a-fraz-a-raz-a-bracker !
A little later the kids arrived. Chella told me someone was on the porch telling her that his key to downstairs didn't work. It was the meter reader. He has to have access to the basement of the house to read the meter. We keep a padlock on the entrance to prevent (and it has happened) the local Hispanics from living under the house. It was off for a while and someone had gone in and pilfered through our stored items down there. There is no access to the rest of the house from this basement. It is where the electric panel and furnace reside.
I put the lock back on the door, or so I thought. It appears that I put the wrong lock on that door. It was another master lock. Not a problem, I had the key hanging on a nail by the computer. I went to get the key, and NO KEY !
I looked around the desk top and floor. NO KEY!
I told him I would find the key if he could come back tomorrow. He told me he would be back this morning at 6:30. No problem.
PROBLEM ! I looked everywhere and there was no key. It was not on any of the usual house rings or spare rings or individual rings. SO, at 11 o'clock last night, I was outside trying to remove the hasp to be able to open the door. With great effort I got 2 and a half screws out of the hasp ring. The third screw was being stubborn and the fourth screw was just refusing access all together. Finally, I got a pry bar and broke the hasp. Mission accomplished, the door would now open. I took my tools and my aching back (Arthur didn't like standing outside for that long) and went inside to bed.
This morning was going ok. I decided to stop at the Marathon instead of the Shell station. I was proceeding to Marathon when some student in an old blue Nissan got in front of me and decided to drive like he was from around here (like a moron.) I got aggravated with him and forgot to stop at Marathon. I turned around in the parking lot of the school and headed back out, passing a confused Principal coming in.
I got my breakfast sammich and my diet Dews, and went to pay. The change part of my bill was 36 cents. I fished in my pocket for sufficient change. Out came my keys, my jump drive, my folding money, my Bluetooth handsfree for my phone, 14 quarters, 6 dimes, 5 nickels, 14 pennies, and the LOST KEY to the lock. It was in my pocket all the time. AAARRRGGGHHH !
I went back to school while calling Tammy to tell her that I had found the key to the lock hanging on the broken hasp. She said that was a definite Tammy move.
School started, the bell rang, my students were gathered, we were going to work on our final project, when the classroom began to fill up with students. What?? I asked. The Welding students told me that Mr. B was not there and they decided to come to my class. I called Ms B (Principal) and asked what was going on. She was impressed with the students. They decided on their own to come into my classroom when their teacher was MIA. She called and he was not coming. So, it looks like I will be hosting the welding class today. Another day of productive class time shot to heck.
Did I mention yesterday about the dickhead teacher here getting on me for being out of my classroom while students were there. I had left my class to step next door to let the Automotive Teacher know that Tammy was bringing the Camaro in for an oil change. The dickhead Carpentry teacher came into the Auto class (out of his class with his student unattended) to tell me that I should not leave my students unattended. Am I the only one that sees the stupidity of his complaint ?
I don't leave my class often, or for very long periods of time, and only after assessing the behavioral attitude of my students. Hyper days, they are never left alone. Mellow day, they may be left for short periods.
Later, Mr G, was going to turn off the snack machines. Mr DH (DickHead) told him to leave them on. Then as each student entered the school, he stopped them and asked what class they were in. When they responded that they were in Mr G's class, he LOUDLY announced to them that they were not allowed to eat or drink in that class and must proceed away from the vending machines. One particular group, after their accosting, was asked, by me, LOUDLY, if this was "the first time they had heard this rule?" they responded, "NO."
Oh, to be perfect like Mr DH.
If the week proceeds down this path and doesn't improve over the weekend, I might 'entertain thoughts of suicide.' (vague reference to a commercial Kyle thought was strange)
Anyway, I hope your week is grand and weekend more grand. Send positive thoughts my way.
After a great day at school, I drove toward the house. Tammy left my school shortly ahead of me, taking Chris (who was rained out) to Nicholasville. Chella and Justin were going to pick Kyle up and walk home with him. I decided, since I was in the area, to stop by and see if they wanted a ride. I couldn't get to the school. The police had the area barricaded. It seems they went to serve a warrant on someone a few doors up from the school and he decided to barricade himself in his house. The police and news media were there in masses.
I was able to back track around the area and come up to the school from another direction. The kids were fine and out of harms way. They even decided to walk home.
I proceeded to the house. I came in, well nearly, I opened the door and let the dogs out to 'doo doo' their business. I should have been suspicious when Malcolm ran out and proceeded with haste to fertilize the yard, while Lacey just ran around and looked. It didn't take long and they were ready to go in. I walked into the dark hallway and proceeded to step into Lacey's efforts to fertilize the hallway. Raz-a-fraz-a-raz-a-bracker !
A little later the kids arrived. Chella told me someone was on the porch telling her that his key to downstairs didn't work. It was the meter reader. He has to have access to the basement of the house to read the meter. We keep a padlock on the entrance to prevent (and it has happened) the local Hispanics from living under the house. It was off for a while and someone had gone in and pilfered through our stored items down there. There is no access to the rest of the house from this basement. It is where the electric panel and furnace reside.
I put the lock back on the door, or so I thought. It appears that I put the wrong lock on that door. It was another master lock. Not a problem, I had the key hanging on a nail by the computer. I went to get the key, and NO KEY !
I looked around the desk top and floor. NO KEY!
I told him I would find the key if he could come back tomorrow. He told me he would be back this morning at 6:30. No problem.
PROBLEM ! I looked everywhere and there was no key. It was not on any of the usual house rings or spare rings or individual rings. SO, at 11 o'clock last night, I was outside trying to remove the hasp to be able to open the door. With great effort I got 2 and a half screws out of the hasp ring. The third screw was being stubborn and the fourth screw was just refusing access all together. Finally, I got a pry bar and broke the hasp. Mission accomplished, the door would now open. I took my tools and my aching back (Arthur didn't like standing outside for that long) and went inside to bed.
This morning was going ok. I decided to stop at the Marathon instead of the Shell station. I was proceeding to Marathon when some student in an old blue Nissan got in front of me and decided to drive like he was from around here (like a moron.) I got aggravated with him and forgot to stop at Marathon. I turned around in the parking lot of the school and headed back out, passing a confused Principal coming in.
I got my breakfast sammich and my diet Dews, and went to pay. The change part of my bill was 36 cents. I fished in my pocket for sufficient change. Out came my keys, my jump drive, my folding money, my Bluetooth handsfree for my phone, 14 quarters, 6 dimes, 5 nickels, 14 pennies, and the LOST KEY to the lock. It was in my pocket all the time. AAARRRGGGHHH !
I went back to school while calling Tammy to tell her that I had found the key to the lock hanging on the broken hasp. She said that was a definite Tammy move.
School started, the bell rang, my students were gathered, we were going to work on our final project, when the classroom began to fill up with students. What?? I asked. The Welding students told me that Mr. B was not there and they decided to come to my class. I called Ms B (Principal) and asked what was going on. She was impressed with the students. They decided on their own to come into my classroom when their teacher was MIA. She called and he was not coming. So, it looks like I will be hosting the welding class today. Another day of productive class time shot to heck.
Did I mention yesterday about the dickhead teacher here getting on me for being out of my classroom while students were there. I had left my class to step next door to let the Automotive Teacher know that Tammy was bringing the Camaro in for an oil change. The dickhead Carpentry teacher came into the Auto class (out of his class with his student unattended) to tell me that I should not leave my students unattended. Am I the only one that sees the stupidity of his complaint ?
I don't leave my class often, or for very long periods of time, and only after assessing the behavioral attitude of my students. Hyper days, they are never left alone. Mellow day, they may be left for short periods.
Later, Mr G, was going to turn off the snack machines. Mr DH (DickHead) told him to leave them on. Then as each student entered the school, he stopped them and asked what class they were in. When they responded that they were in Mr G's class, he LOUDLY announced to them that they were not allowed to eat or drink in that class and must proceed away from the vending machines. One particular group, after their accosting, was asked, by me, LOUDLY, if this was "the first time they had heard this rule?" they responded, "NO."
Oh, to be perfect like Mr DH.
If the week proceeds down this path and doesn't improve over the weekend, I might 'entertain thoughts of suicide.' (vague reference to a commercial Kyle thought was strange)
Anyway, I hope your week is grand and weekend more grand. Send positive thoughts my way.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
My weekend/weekstart
This has been a great weekend, for the most part. The drama has been extremely low.
Friday was Senior Skip Day, so all of my afternoon students were gone. I left work shortly after lunch. It was great to be home with Tammy, even though Chelsea's school accident caused her to invade our 'alone' time.
Saturday was a slow moving day. We made it Mom and Dad's to work on Dad's computer, cell phone, and collect checks for our cleaning labors at his rental house. We also went by another of his rental houses to look over some electric work to be done. We did a bit of running and visiting. We made it to more than a few yard/garage sales. Tammy collected several things she just couldn't live without. She did find a hand mixer, which she has been wanting for a while.
Then, later that night, we went to Todd's karaoke. We met Red and Steve, who were in from Chicago. Craig and Robin. Dwayne and Tina, Todd2, and Kendra were there as well. It was a great visit and a fun time. There was a Karaoke Contest that night. We didn't enter, in spite of the vehement objections of our friends and other patrons. I love to sing. I sing because it is fun for me. I don't need to compete. Karaoke makes room for everyone to sing, good or bad or somewhere in between. When it becomes a competition, the less talented singers drop away. I think we lose when that happens. I like listening to the singers that can't sing, but love to sing.
Still, it was great to see old friends.
Sunday was slow (or at least has been). We went to the grocery, spent money (never a good thing), and enjoyed shopping. Tammy can't process sugar and therefore must limit her sugar intake drastically. I got her some vanilla, no sugar added, ice cream. When we got home, I made her a Vanilla Milkshake with the ice cream and the 'new to us' hand mixer. She was like a little kid. She loved it. I am not sure which she liked most, but I am figuring it was the sweetness of my actions more than the sweetness of the milkshake. After all, I am a sweet guy. Just kidding.
The weekend/weekstart is progressing much too quickly, but there is still snuggling to be done, cuddling to happen, naked sleeping to occur, and much needed chest time.
Y'all enjoy ...
Friday was Senior Skip Day, so all of my afternoon students were gone. I left work shortly after lunch. It was great to be home with Tammy, even though Chelsea's school accident caused her to invade our 'alone' time.
Saturday was a slow moving day. We made it Mom and Dad's to work on Dad's computer, cell phone, and collect checks for our cleaning labors at his rental house. We also went by another of his rental houses to look over some electric work to be done. We did a bit of running and visiting. We made it to more than a few yard/garage sales. Tammy collected several things she just couldn't live without. She did find a hand mixer, which she has been wanting for a while.
Then, later that night, we went to Todd's karaoke. We met Red and Steve, who were in from Chicago. Craig and Robin. Dwayne and Tina, Todd2, and Kendra were there as well. It was a great visit and a fun time. There was a Karaoke Contest that night. We didn't enter, in spite of the vehement objections of our friends and other patrons. I love to sing. I sing because it is fun for me. I don't need to compete. Karaoke makes room for everyone to sing, good or bad or somewhere in between. When it becomes a competition, the less talented singers drop away. I think we lose when that happens. I like listening to the singers that can't sing, but love to sing.
Still, it was great to see old friends.
Sunday was slow (or at least has been). We went to the grocery, spent money (never a good thing), and enjoyed shopping. Tammy can't process sugar and therefore must limit her sugar intake drastically. I got her some vanilla, no sugar added, ice cream. When we got home, I made her a Vanilla Milkshake with the ice cream and the 'new to us' hand mixer. She was like a little kid. She loved it. I am not sure which she liked most, but I am figuring it was the sweetness of my actions more than the sweetness of the milkshake. After all, I am a sweet guy. Just kidding.
The weekend/weekstart is progressing much too quickly, but there is still snuggling to be done, cuddling to happen, naked sleeping to occur, and much needed chest time.
Y'all enjoy ...
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Crawling out of the BOX
We have been working all day on our Program Assessment Box. It is the states way of assessing that we are actually doing what we claim to be doing. It has been a full day of working on the documentation for the 21 various standards, each contained 4 or more individual folders. There are 80 plus folders in the box, all of which we hope to have some sort of documentation in. It has been a busy busy day.
On a great note, Kyle told me yesterday that he understood the idea of punishing him. It is "to show me that being bad brings punishments and being good brings rewards." I told you he was smart !
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Free Willy .. er Kyle
Kyle is off of all restrictions. He is a happy camper. We will see if he remains a happy camper or returns to his wicked way.
Actually, he is a fairly normal 10 year old with a few minor exceptions. Kyle is extremely bright. He absorbs information. He is the best reader in his school. He is in the fourth grade and the school has to bring books in from the middle school for him to read. He is not allowed to read the books they have at the elementary school.
His intelligence is his worst enemy, though. Kyle knows he is smart. He thinks he is smart enough to get away with things that he can not get away with. We allow him to get away with some trivial things. This creates the idea that he can get away with bigger things. That is where he fails. He doesn't realize that we see when he messes up in the minors, but that is his room to grow. When he tries in the majors, he has entered a new and different arena. There, more is expected.
He cannot lie for shit. He just isn't good at it. That is not a bad thing. Being an accomplished liar is not something to put on your resume, unless you are running for president.
Last night he returned to snack land. He is back to his regular bedtime.
He did make a small mistake during the day, for which he was scolded and not allowed to be on the computer for a bit. Chella was trying to sign online and the keyboard stopped working. It is a matter of hitting a few keys to restore it. Kyle promptly went to fix is and punched the keyboard. ERROR !!!
We explained that hitting electrical devices does not make them work better. (I know y'all are not abusing your electrical devices ... Right?)
Anyway, it was an uneventful evening. No one was shot, stabbed, punched (except the poor defenseless keyboard,) or run out of town on a rail. There were not outburst of crying or screaming. That is always a good night. There was cuddling. That makes for a better night.
Tonight should be good. It was pouring the rain this morning, so Chris didn't go to work. That means there will be no 2 hour 80 mile trip for Tammy this evening. Those two hours can be spent with me !
That is something to look forward to.
Actually, he is a fairly normal 10 year old with a few minor exceptions. Kyle is extremely bright. He absorbs information. He is the best reader in his school. He is in the fourth grade and the school has to bring books in from the middle school for him to read. He is not allowed to read the books they have at the elementary school.
His intelligence is his worst enemy, though. Kyle knows he is smart. He thinks he is smart enough to get away with things that he can not get away with. We allow him to get away with some trivial things. This creates the idea that he can get away with bigger things. That is where he fails. He doesn't realize that we see when he messes up in the minors, but that is his room to grow. When he tries in the majors, he has entered a new and different arena. There, more is expected.
He cannot lie for shit. He just isn't good at it. That is not a bad thing. Being an accomplished liar is not something to put on your resume, unless you are running for president.
Last night he returned to snack land. He is back to his regular bedtime.
He did make a small mistake during the day, for which he was scolded and not allowed to be on the computer for a bit. Chella was trying to sign online and the keyboard stopped working. It is a matter of hitting a few keys to restore it. Kyle promptly went to fix is and punched the keyboard. ERROR !!!
We explained that hitting electrical devices does not make them work better. (I know y'all are not abusing your electrical devices ... Right?)
Anyway, it was an uneventful evening. No one was shot, stabbed, punched (except the poor defenseless keyboard,) or run out of town on a rail. There were not outburst of crying or screaming. That is always a good night. There was cuddling. That makes for a better night.
Tonight should be good. It was pouring the rain this morning, so Chris didn't go to work. That means there will be no 2 hour 80 mile trip for Tammy this evening. Those two hours can be spent with me !
That is something to look forward to.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Field Trip !!
We took 34 students to Toyota Motor Manufacturing for a tour today. The criteria for attending this trip was: no failing grades in any classes; No regular or recurring discipline problems; and approved by teacher. It was a 'reward' trip. It was a day away from school. It was a free lunch (provided by our community liaison.) There were 5 teachers along for the ride. I think it was a reward for us as well.
The trip was good. There were no problems. The students were well behaved for the most part.
The trip was good. There were no problems. The students were well behaved for the most part.
While we were gone, some student entered the Auto class and removed the memory from the teachers computer. Dang, kids.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Winding down
Wednesday evening, we headed for yet another State Resort Park. It was the 2 day follow-up for my New Teacher Institute class. The first part was 5 days of intense broad scattered information. It was very much to be absorbed in 5 days. It created a basis of being able to say, "Yes, I have heard of that," when the numerous things that happen during your first year of teaching happens. It is the beginning of learning. It is the collection of all the things you didn't know that you didn't know about teaching. One can never learn until they admit to not knowing, and can never admit to not knowing when one does not know what it is that one does not know. OR ... You cant ask if you don't know.
This 2 day follow-up was more of us, the new teachers, releasing and sharing with instructors, professors, and each others, the lessons we have learned in our first year. By doing so, we weave together our collective strengths and thereby eliminate our individual weaknesses.
We were in the middle of nowhere. One turn and cell phones were useless. Inside any building, there was no signal. I think the state picks these places just for that reason. I tried to blog through my phone and it was useless.
The trip was great. I was able to take Tammy and the kids. They enjoyed the trip. It was at Rough River Dam State Park. The room was roomier than the last place. The beds were just as uncomfortable and there is apparently a limit on the number of pillows that state will buy for it's resorts. Tammy and I love an extra pillow. We have yet to be able to get more than one. It seems that, at any given time, at any state park, there may be only one extra pillow.
This 2 day follow-up was more of us, the new teachers, releasing and sharing with instructors, professors, and each others, the lessons we have learned in our first year. By doing so, we weave together our collective strengths and thereby eliminate our individual weaknesses.
We were in the middle of nowhere. One turn and cell phones were useless. Inside any building, there was no signal. I think the state picks these places just for that reason. I tried to blog through my phone and it was useless.
The trip was great. I was able to take Tammy and the kids. They enjoyed the trip. It was at Rough River Dam State Park. The room was roomier than the last place. The beds were just as uncomfortable and there is apparently a limit on the number of pillows that state will buy for it's resorts. Tammy and I love an extra pillow. We have yet to be able to get more than one. It seems that, at any given time, at any state park, there may be only one extra pillow.
The trip put us together for 4 days. That's a great weekend.
The year is winding down. Only 15 days left. School will be out. Then I work for one more month. Then 11 scattered days until August 1st. And the whole thing starts again.
The year is winding down. Only 15 days left. School will be out. Then I work for one more month. Then 11 scattered days until August 1st. And the whole thing starts again.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Skipping school
Yes, I took off work today because of my rapidly advancing cold.
Tammy asked me, first thing this morning, was I going to do the smart thing or was I going to work?
The smart thing won. I did make preparations yesterday in the event that this might happen. I felt terrible yesterday as well. I spent the majority of the day curled up in bed (some of that curled and tangled with Tammy.) Our legs intertwine when we are in the bed. We just fit so well together.
It did feel way too good to not be at school today. I took drugs and snoozed. My fever went up a few times, but Tylenol took care of that.
I am sitting here, sweating and chilling slightly.
Kyle got in trouble today at school. We are at a loss with his actions of late. Last Wednesday, he tried to lie his way out of going to school. He took his temperature and tried to say it was 101°. He turned the thermometer off when I asked to see it. I made him retake it. The second time, when I was looking at it, it said 97.7°. We told him that he was going to school and while he was gone we would decide his fate. He, very smartly, said, "I know what you will do. You will take away all my privileges."
Well we fooled him. We didn't take away any privileges. We added to his chore load by requiring him to do the dishes every night for a week, and he has to go to bed at 9 instead of 9:30 for that same week. He also got 3 swats with the paddle. Tammy gave those.
Well, when Tammy and I returned from the movies on Sunday, we brought home a tub of popcorn. It was the free refill. I told Kyle he could have some (he was obsessing.) After he had a bit, I told him he couldn't have any more until after supper. The police arrived and we were outside for a while. When I came back in, there was about 3 inches of popcorn missing from the tub. Kyle decided that it really didn't matter what we had said, he was apparently entitled to more popcorn. For this, he lost after dinner snack for one week. He also got 3 swats with the paddle. Tammy gave those, but her wrist was hurting and she didn't have a great grip on the paddle. He actually laughed when it was over. I informed him that from this point, all infractions considered major warranted 3 swats.
Today, he comes in from school, in trouble. He was running his mouth and told a kid to call a little girl stupid. His teacher threatened to remove him from the academic team. I took him into the bedroom and reminded him of the arrangement. I assured him that he would not be laughing this time. I gave him 3 firm swats. I told him, when he felt like sitting down, he was to sit in the living room. He was to stay sitting until time for bed, except to do his regular chores.
We explained to him that we loved him and that was why we were spanking him. He needs to know that wrong actions bring punishment. Right actions bring rewards. We have always rewarded his right actions. Now, we have to wear the other shoe.
Hopefully, he will get the message. Tammy is threatening military school if he doesn't straighten his act up.
Is there a Cadet Kyle in our future?
Tammy asked me, first thing this morning, was I going to do the smart thing or was I going to work?
The smart thing won. I did make preparations yesterday in the event that this might happen. I felt terrible yesterday as well. I spent the majority of the day curled up in bed (some of that curled and tangled with Tammy.) Our legs intertwine when we are in the bed. We just fit so well together.
It did feel way too good to not be at school today. I took drugs and snoozed. My fever went up a few times, but Tylenol took care of that.
I am sitting here, sweating and chilling slightly.
Kyle got in trouble today at school. We are at a loss with his actions of late. Last Wednesday, he tried to lie his way out of going to school. He took his temperature and tried to say it was 101°. He turned the thermometer off when I asked to see it. I made him retake it. The second time, when I was looking at it, it said 97.7°. We told him that he was going to school and while he was gone we would decide his fate. He, very smartly, said, "I know what you will do. You will take away all my privileges."
Well we fooled him. We didn't take away any privileges. We added to his chore load by requiring him to do the dishes every night for a week, and he has to go to bed at 9 instead of 9:30 for that same week. He also got 3 swats with the paddle. Tammy gave those.
Well, when Tammy and I returned from the movies on Sunday, we brought home a tub of popcorn. It was the free refill. I told Kyle he could have some (he was obsessing.) After he had a bit, I told him he couldn't have any more until after supper. The police arrived and we were outside for a while. When I came back in, there was about 3 inches of popcorn missing from the tub. Kyle decided that it really didn't matter what we had said, he was apparently entitled to more popcorn. For this, he lost after dinner snack for one week. He also got 3 swats with the paddle. Tammy gave those, but her wrist was hurting and she didn't have a great grip on the paddle. He actually laughed when it was over. I informed him that from this point, all infractions considered major warranted 3 swats.
Today, he comes in from school, in trouble. He was running his mouth and told a kid to call a little girl stupid. His teacher threatened to remove him from the academic team. I took him into the bedroom and reminded him of the arrangement. I assured him that he would not be laughing this time. I gave him 3 firm swats. I told him, when he felt like sitting down, he was to sit in the living room. He was to stay sitting until time for bed, except to do his regular chores.
We explained to him that we loved him and that was why we were spanking him. He needs to know that wrong actions bring punishment. Right actions bring rewards. We have always rewarded his right actions. Now, we have to wear the other shoe.
Hopefully, he will get the message. Tammy is threatening military school if he doesn't straighten his act up.
Is there a Cadet Kyle in our future?
Monday, April 24, 2006
Monday, here she comes ...
It is Monday morning and my week is starting just fine. First thing when I get to work, the Principal hits me up for a favor. It seems the Auto Teacher won't be in today, and I will have his class. That is an extra 15 to 20 kids added to mine, with nothing that he left for them to do, and nothing my class is doing pertains to them. Add to that that, the cold I am fighting and it promises to be an eventful day. I am starting this post around 8AM. No telling when I will finish it. I will work on it a little at a time as time permits. Fortunately, I do have some new DVD's about workplace principles, interviews, resumes, and stuff like that. They wont pay attention, but they should sit quieter.
Afternoon now ... Morning has gone fine .. Afternoon is progressing about the same. My sniffles are increasing in spite of medicating them. I have warned the Principal that I may be the next MIA.
There is the incident of yesterday to report.
Tammy had to take Chris to work yesterday at 1PM. She picked him up in Nicholasville and delivered him to Winchester for work. When she returned, we were going to the movies to see " Silent Hill". There were 2 boys on the porch visiting Chella. One was a friend of Chella and the other was a friend of his. (one of my pet peeves is friends of the kids bringing friends of theirs to the house. They know them, but they are strangers to us and I don't care for strangers hanging around the house.) The two kids, we will call them D & C, were told they had to leave. No one is allowed at the house when we are not home. They left as we were leaving.
We had been at the movies for about 5 minutes when the kids called from the house wanting to know if they could go walking. "No." They didn't have a key, and I didn't want the house left unlocked.
About an hour later, the phone rings again. Chelsea relates to me what has happened.
D & C came back to the house under the guise of D retrieving his lighter. While there, Kyle was outside and said something to C. C replied that Kyle was getting on his nerves and he needed to shut up. Chella told C, "you aren't supposed to be here anyway so you don't need to be getting on my brother." C responded that he "would kill Kyle and rape her."
Kyle went back into the house, while Chella tried to get rid of the unwelcome visitors. C tried to grab Chella's butt. She stopped him. He grabbed her and bit her neck. Yes, I said he bit her. She slapped him, He came toward her and D stepped in between them. He told Chella to go into the house. She did, and they both left. She told me that they were gone and she and Kyle we inside. We finished our movie and came home.
It was about 45 minutes from the call until we looked at her neck. There was a clearly visible bite mark. There was no broken skin, but a red imprint of teeth. We called the police and issued a report. We will file 4th degree assault charges against this punk. I cannot imagine where some kid could get the idea that behavior like that is acceptable. Even if he isn't convicted, I hope he gets the message. Otherwise, he is well on his path to a life of hardship and prison.
I cannot reiterate to the kids enough how important it is to know who is at our house. I cant reiterate how important it is to follow the guidelines we set down. They are for their protection. They think we are just trying to make sure they don't have any fun, but we are thinking of their safety.
Chella was having issues with the whole incident. Tammy called the rape crisis center and is scheduling an appointment for Chella to talk to them. She was not 'raped' but she was violated. She took several showers and still felt filthy, she said. We assured her that it wasn't her fault. This will give her more positive reinforcement.
That was our weekend. How was yours ?
We had been at the movies for about 5 minutes when the kids called from the house wanting to know if they could go walking. "No." They didn't have a key, and I didn't want the house left unlocked.
About an hour later, the phone rings again. Chelsea relates to me what has happened.
D & C came back to the house under the guise of D retrieving his lighter. While there, Kyle was outside and said something to C. C replied that Kyle was getting on his nerves and he needed to shut up. Chella told C, "you aren't supposed to be here anyway so you don't need to be getting on my brother." C responded that he "would kill Kyle and rape her."
Kyle went back into the house, while Chella tried to get rid of the unwelcome visitors. C tried to grab Chella's butt. She stopped him. He grabbed her and bit her neck. Yes, I said he bit her. She slapped him, He came toward her and D stepped in between them. He told Chella to go into the house. She did, and they both left. She told me that they were gone and she and Kyle we inside. We finished our movie and came home.
It was about 45 minutes from the call until we looked at her neck. There was a clearly visible bite mark. There was no broken skin, but a red imprint of teeth. We called the police and issued a report. We will file 4th degree assault charges against this punk. I cannot imagine where some kid could get the idea that behavior like that is acceptable. Even if he isn't convicted, I hope he gets the message. Otherwise, he is well on his path to a life of hardship and prison.
I cannot reiterate to the kids enough how important it is to know who is at our house. I cant reiterate how important it is to follow the guidelines we set down. They are for their protection. They think we are just trying to make sure they don't have any fun, but we are thinking of their safety.
Chella was having issues with the whole incident. Tammy called the rape crisis center and is scheduling an appointment for Chella to talk to them. She was not 'raped' but she was violated. She took several showers and still felt filthy, she said. We assured her that it wasn't her fault. This will give her more positive reinforcement.
That was our weekend. How was yours ?
Friday, April 21, 2006
Is that my nose ... I'll just cut it off
You have probably heard that old adage about cutting off the nose to spite the face. Also coming to mind is the military adage about crapping in your mess kit. Well, I have seen them both personified.
December, January, and February, just passed, the tenants upstairs did not pay their rent. They would call the Property Owner, hence known as Dad, and tell him some story, and make a promise to do certain things, which they never did. There were a couple reasons that Dad did not evict them.
First, it was Winter. This reason was a two part reason. Dad didn't want to put a family out during the cold months of Winter. He also did not want the apartment empty during the winter months, because he would have to pay to keep it warm.
Second, they said they would pay all of the back rent with their income tax refund.
The refund came and the rent was paid through March.
December, January, and February, just passed, the tenants upstairs did not pay their rent. They would call the Property Owner, hence known as Dad, and tell him some story, and make a promise to do certain things, which they never did. There were a couple reasons that Dad did not evict them.
First, it was Winter. This reason was a two part reason. Dad didn't want to put a family out during the cold months of Winter. He also did not want the apartment empty during the winter months, because he would have to pay to keep it warm.
Second, they said they would pay all of the back rent with their income tax refund.
The refund came and the rent was paid through March.
April came and there was no rent. Dad asked me to give them a 7 day notice to pay rent or move, which I did. They paid the rent late and did not pay the late fees. Then, the wife of the team decided to call Code Enforcement to report a broken stair rail (that she herself broke.)
Code Enforcement came out and made a report and created a list of repairs that needed to be made.
Code Enforcement came out and made a report and created a list of repairs that needed to be made.
Then, the dufus made threats against my honey and threats about doing damage to the apartment. Therefore, I wrote and delivered 2 letters yesterday. One stated that, pursuant to the terms of the lease, we would be entering the apartment on Saturday to do an inspection. The second stated that due to the nature of the repairs to be done, the apartment would be uninhabitable for a while, therefore they needed to be out of the apartment by the end of May.
Yeah, well, you asked for it.
Is that my nose ... I'll just cut it off.
Yeah, well, you asked for it.
Is that my nose ... I'll just cut it off.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
CATS testing !!
The students are CATS testing ... Hold on, I'll find out what CATS is ... OK ... Commonwealth Accountability Testing System ... Wow .. That's a mouthful.
Anyway, my students are all CATS testing this week. This means that I have no students until after lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. It is a paperwork catch up time.
Oh yeah, by the way, I finished my internship yesterday. Dr Davis observed me teaching. He checked out my portfolio. He gave me 3's across the board. My internship is completed. Now I just have to finish my New Teachers Institute class and my year is done. The NTI class is all the classes I needed in the first year. Next semester, I have to begin classes in earnest to complete my teaching degree.
Other than that, the weekend and week were quiet.
We are still awaiting word on the mortgage thing so we can proceed with the idea of buying the house in Mt Sterling.
I'll keep ya informed.
Anyway, my students are all CATS testing this week. This means that I have no students until after lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. It is a paperwork catch up time.
Oh yeah, by the way, I finished my internship yesterday. Dr Davis observed me teaching. He checked out my portfolio. He gave me 3's across the board. My internship is completed. Now I just have to finish my New Teachers Institute class and my year is done. The NTI class is all the classes I needed in the first year. Next semester, I have to begin classes in earnest to complete my teaching degree.
Other than that, the weekend and week were quiet.
We are still awaiting word on the mortgage thing so we can proceed with the idea of buying the house in Mt Sterling.
I'll keep ya informed.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Digging out my soapbox...
Stepping up to the mic ...
recently, in my beautiful home state of Kentucky, a student was ejected from the University of the Cumberlands for being gay. UC is a 1700 student institution in Williamsburg, KY. It is a Southern Baptist University. It states in its policies that homosexuality and premarital sex are not consistent with the Christian lifestyle. Regardless of how you or I feel about this policy, it is not my place to make such policies or rail against them.
It is a private university. It is a Baptist university. They have the right to make the rules for their university. They own it. I make the rules at my house, mostly. That is my right. No-one can tell me that I have to allow certain kids into my house. No-one has the right to tell me who I can refuse to hang out on my front porch. This is the same right that this school has.
It was spelled out in the policies in the admission forms that this student signed upon entrance. He knew the policies. Even knowing this, he opted to post in his MySpace that he was gay and discussed his homosexuality. I do not agree with the policy of the university, but it is their right.
He discussed his desire to leave the school on his MySpace as well. He stated that he hoped the school would kick him out.
This is all about the money, as usual. Avarice rears its ugly head. Greed talks the loudest. This kid, for whatever reason, was ready to leave the school, and figured he would bring it down and make a few bucks along the way. Look for a lawsuit. He is already bathing in the attention.
recently, in my beautiful home state of Kentucky, a student was ejected from the University of the Cumberlands for being gay. UC is a 1700 student institution in Williamsburg, KY. It is a Southern Baptist University. It states in its policies that homosexuality and premarital sex are not consistent with the Christian lifestyle. Regardless of how you or I feel about this policy, it is not my place to make such policies or rail against them.
It is a private university. It is a Baptist university. They have the right to make the rules for their university. They own it. I make the rules at my house, mostly. That is my right. No-one can tell me that I have to allow certain kids into my house. No-one has the right to tell me who I can refuse to hang out on my front porch. This is the same right that this school has.
It was spelled out in the policies in the admission forms that this student signed upon entrance. He knew the policies. Even knowing this, he opted to post in his MySpace that he was gay and discussed his homosexuality. I do not agree with the policy of the university, but it is their right.
He discussed his desire to leave the school on his MySpace as well. He stated that he hoped the school would kick him out.
This is all about the money, as usual. Avarice rears its ugly head. Greed talks the loudest. This kid, for whatever reason, was ready to leave the school, and figured he would bring it down and make a few bucks along the way. Look for a lawsuit. He is already bathing in the attention.
It doesn't matter if you are pro or anti gay. It is a fundamental right that the government seeks ways around everyday. All these liberalists calling for the school to lose funding or change the policy will be to ones screaming the loudest when the federal government invades their homes and tells them what they can and cannot do behind their doors. They are the loudest detractors when he government tries to invade our bedrooms and tells us what sexual games are allowed and what is not. Then they turn around here and call for that same Big Brother to step in here.
To me, the answer is simple. It is a private college. If you don't like the rules, do attend. Don't send your kids. Don't support them with your donations.
they are not alone.
Wayland Baptist University, Plainview TX: "The following behaviors may be grounds for probation, suspension or expulsion from the university: ... Premarital or extra-marital sexual relations or cohabitation on university property or in conjunction with university activities or functions."
they are not alone.
Wayland Baptist University, Plainview TX: "The following behaviors may be grounds for probation, suspension or expulsion from the university: ... Premarital or extra-marital sexual relations or cohabitation on university property or in conjunction with university activities or functions."
Asbury College, Wilmore KY: "Certain behaviors are expressly forbidden in the Scripture and therefore are unacceptable in the Asbury community. These behaviors include theft (including plagiarism), lying, dishonesty, gossip, slander, profanity, vulgarity (including crude language), sexual immorality (including adultery, homosexual behavior, premarital sexual intimacy), drunkenness, immodesty in dress, and occult practices."
California Baptist University, Howard Payne University, Cedarville University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University, all have similar policies.
They are private universities. They can make their own rules.
My daughter attends a public magnet school. They have a dress code that I do not agree with, but she abides by it. She does because we want her in that school. I can disagree. It is my right. They can impose the code and enforce it. It is their right.
I do not need more government butting into my life and telling me who I have to allow on my porch any more than I want them to tell private colleges how to run their affairs.
California Baptist University, Howard Payne University, Cedarville University, and Palm Beach Atlantic University, all have similar policies.
They are private universities. They can make their own rules.
My daughter attends a public magnet school. They have a dress code that I do not agree with, but she abides by it. She does because we want her in that school. I can disagree. It is my right. They can impose the code and enforce it. It is their right.
I do not need more government butting into my life and telling me who I have to allow on my porch any more than I want them to tell private colleges how to run their affairs.
Sliding my soapbox back under the bed.
Monday, April 10, 2006
ARRGH !
Trying to upload pics to my blog ... tried 2 programs already ... no luck ... will keep trying
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Wonderful !!
The hectic-acism has returned to my life.
Tammy, with all her usual drama in tow, has made it back for Florida. I say this 'tongue in cheek', as I knew trials and tribulations of raising kids before we married. I had a slight inkling as to the drama associated with her family (although it was from the outsider looking in standpoint.) You must understand, while my family is not perfect and we do have our little dramas here and there, Tammy's family is drama central. Someone is always going thru something that they think we need to be involved in or at the very least, know all the details of.
So, Tammy is back and has hit the ground running. I think the running part just helps keep her own natural nervous energy from driving her completely insane (partial insanity is required.)
This morning she had her usual running minus a bit (kids are out of school.) She still had to meet Chris across town and bring him back across and take him to work just inside Clark Co. She, then went home, showered, and headed to the courthouse to appear for dad in an eviction (it is actually the wrong term) hearing. ** According to one of the Real Estate instructors that taught in the school I attended (Yes, I have my RE license [in escrow]), eviction is when the house in not able to be lived in by reason of damage or lack of working utilities (ie. No heat or water.) The process of removing a non-paying tenant is 'ejection.' We have used the term wrongly for so long that most people (except the educated readers of blogs like this) think the wrong use is the right one. (Just a little FYI.)
I am seriously looking at what work I can take home and thinking of not coming back in after today until Monday. I like the idea of sleeping in for 4 days and spending more time with my drama magnet hunny.
I reviewed the bills for the trip to Florida to help Jim move. Not counting food and lodging, which were all by our choice, the cost was $972.13. In my reckoning, Jim owes at least half of that. Deducting the $50 he gave Tammy in Florida (and saying that made he and her even ... In his dream world) that leaves him owing us $436 (dropping the odd cents because we are just nice like that.)
He has furniture in the U-Haul that will be moved into the storage. When he comes up with his half, he can have his furniture. Until he comes up with his half, all assistance will come to an end. He will be finding his own apt. He will be finding his own DR. He will be making his way alone in this world (unless he can find someone else to con into doing it for him.)
Tammy has already called the nursing home where her mom is and warned them that he is in town and is still on the 'no contact' list. They assured her that he will not be allowed to see Carol. If he tries, he will be informed that he is to leave the building. 'Pitching a fit' about it will result in legal intervention.
OK ... Shaking off the drama.
Last night, I got to sleep beside that sexy red head. She was exhausted, even tho she did try to rest during the day. There were no activities that Russ couldn't know about. She told me this morning that she slept like a rock. I tend to disagree, cuz I have never heard sleeping rocks snore, but ....
She will tell you that I have no room to talk about anyone snoring, but I am not the one that claims I do not snore or fart, you know?
Let me tell you, I snore, and I fart, and I vote. (just thought of that bumper sticker I see in KY ... I smoke ... and I vote.) I do all three with exuberant passion.
Back to the grindstone ...
Tammy, with all her usual drama in tow, has made it back for Florida. I say this 'tongue in cheek', as I knew trials and tribulations of raising kids before we married. I had a slight inkling as to the drama associated with her family (although it was from the outsider looking in standpoint.) You must understand, while my family is not perfect and we do have our little dramas here and there, Tammy's family is drama central. Someone is always going thru something that they think we need to be involved in or at the very least, know all the details of.
So, Tammy is back and has hit the ground running. I think the running part just helps keep her own natural nervous energy from driving her completely insane (partial insanity is required.)
This morning she had her usual running minus a bit (kids are out of school.) She still had to meet Chris across town and bring him back across and take him to work just inside Clark Co. She, then went home, showered, and headed to the courthouse to appear for dad in an eviction (it is actually the wrong term) hearing. ** According to one of the Real Estate instructors that taught in the school I attended (Yes, I have my RE license [in escrow]), eviction is when the house in not able to be lived in by reason of damage or lack of working utilities (ie. No heat or water.) The process of removing a non-paying tenant is 'ejection.' We have used the term wrongly for so long that most people (except the educated readers of blogs like this) think the wrong use is the right one. (Just a little FYI.)
I am seriously looking at what work I can take home and thinking of not coming back in after today until Monday. I like the idea of sleeping in for 4 days and spending more time with my drama magnet hunny.
I reviewed the bills for the trip to Florida to help Jim move. Not counting food and lodging, which were all by our choice, the cost was $972.13. In my reckoning, Jim owes at least half of that. Deducting the $50 he gave Tammy in Florida (and saying that made he and her even ... In his dream world) that leaves him owing us $436 (dropping the odd cents because we are just nice like that.)
He has furniture in the U-Haul that will be moved into the storage. When he comes up with his half, he can have his furniture. Until he comes up with his half, all assistance will come to an end. He will be finding his own apt. He will be finding his own DR. He will be making his way alone in this world (unless he can find someone else to con into doing it for him.)
Tammy has already called the nursing home where her mom is and warned them that he is in town and is still on the 'no contact' list. They assured her that he will not be allowed to see Carol. If he tries, he will be informed that he is to leave the building. 'Pitching a fit' about it will result in legal intervention.
OK ... Shaking off the drama.
Last night, I got to sleep beside that sexy red head. She was exhausted, even tho she did try to rest during the day. There were no activities that Russ couldn't know about. She told me this morning that she slept like a rock. I tend to disagree, cuz I have never heard sleeping rocks snore, but ....
She will tell you that I have no room to talk about anyone snoring, but I am not the one that claims I do not snore or fart, you know?
Let me tell you, I snore, and I fart, and I vote. (just thought of that bumper sticker I see in KY ... I smoke ... and I vote.) I do all three with exuberant passion.
Back to the grindstone ...
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Slower than expected ... Complications
Tammy is almost home. It is about 9 o'clock Tuesday morning. She had to stop last night. We were on the phone until 2ish. She was nervous, and pissed. The truck was really wearing on her. Jim and Deanie left her long before. She was in the mountains with a 23 foot truck pulling car hauler trailer with a mini van on it, with 3 kids and a little dog in the cab. She was on her own, almost. I was her voice in the night. Cell phone reception in those mountains sucked. We got cut off a dozen times. It would take 5 minutes or better before I could get back through to her. They were very very long five minute stretches.
By 2 ish she had made it inside the state line. She tried to stop at the rest area welcome center, but it was already welcoming too many folks. She drove on down another 10 miles and stopped at the next exit.
I told her to stop and rest. She said there wasn't room in the uhaul truck. I was like, ok, sleep in the minivan. They did. They got in the back of the van, bundled up, and got some much needed off the road time.
Through the mountains, the weight of the load kept trying to push her down the down slopes. She had to hold back on it. She couldn't brake all the time or the brakes would get too hot. She had to use the brakes in conjunction with the transmission. I am quite proud of her. She was scared. She had two panic attacks, but she stayed together until she could stop.
She is within 30 to 40 miles of home. The road is better. The sun is up. She is pushing along now about 65 to 70 MPH. She is going home and crashing in the bed. Jim brought the car to work. I told him we could do the exchange tomorrow. He said he would just come to the house and pick the van up there. Way cool.
My baby will be home and safe soon !!!
We will deal with Jim and Deanie leaving her in due time. We will deal with Jim's lack of effort in funding this adventure as well, in due time. He needs his furniture. He needs Tammy's help finding a place. None of that is going to happen until he forks over the money due. Even then, he will get the help he needs and then he can forget our numbers. Tammy has raised herself since she was 10. She doesn't need this tadpole in her life bringing his drama.
Enough on that one. I don't need to waste any more of my time on him.
Tonight, I will sleep beside my hunny again. Life is good.
By 2 ish she had made it inside the state line. She tried to stop at the rest area welcome center, but it was already welcoming too many folks. She drove on down another 10 miles and stopped at the next exit.
I told her to stop and rest. She said there wasn't room in the uhaul truck. I was like, ok, sleep in the minivan. They did. They got in the back of the van, bundled up, and got some much needed off the road time.
Through the mountains, the weight of the load kept trying to push her down the down slopes. She had to hold back on it. She couldn't brake all the time or the brakes would get too hot. She had to use the brakes in conjunction with the transmission. I am quite proud of her. She was scared. She had two panic attacks, but she stayed together until she could stop.
She is within 30 to 40 miles of home. The road is better. The sun is up. She is pushing along now about 65 to 70 MPH. She is going home and crashing in the bed. Jim brought the car to work. I told him we could do the exchange tomorrow. He said he would just come to the house and pick the van up there. Way cool.
My baby will be home and safe soon !!!
We will deal with Jim and Deanie leaving her in due time. We will deal with Jim's lack of effort in funding this adventure as well, in due time. He needs his furniture. He needs Tammy's help finding a place. None of that is going to happen until he forks over the money due. Even then, he will get the help he needs and then he can forget our numbers. Tammy has raised herself since she was 10. She doesn't need this tadpole in her life bringing his drama.
Enough on that one. I don't need to waste any more of my time on him.
Tonight, I will sleep beside my hunny again. Life is good.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Still here
Seems I am reminding you lately that I am here more than usual. Life has caught up with me and has intruded on my blog writing time. The nerve of real life butting in like that. Here is the short list (maybe) of what has been happening.
Tammy was leaving for Florida (and did) on Saturday morning. We were trading vehicles with Jim, one of the teachers here at the school. He claimed to have a full size cargo van. We were leaving him the Camaro. When we got to Jim's place to do the swap, we found out that it was a Chevy Astro mini van, extended version. It wasn't what we had hoped, but still could haul much more than a '95 Ro. So, we made the swap. He informed us that the window on the drivers side quits sometimes, and several other quirks about the van. He did mention that the brakes (according to his wife) had just started making a sound.
OK. The sound was the sound of metal rubbing on metal. The pads were shot. We considered returning the van and having Tammy drive the Bravada. She didn't think that was necessary. She got used to the van and figured she would drive it. When she got it to FL she would have friends there fix the brakes. The gas gauge in the van is yelling. We stop and fill up. Even with our 10 cent per gallon discount, and the lower prices in Nicholasville, the first fill up is $55.
The gas mileage wasn't too bad. She filled up again in South Carolina, where the gas was $2.39 per gallon. She topped the tank off just before leaving SC to enter FL.
Along the way, she picked up her uncle to help with the driving. He was a tremendous help along the way. He did comment that she and I talk more to each other than any couple he knows. We did talk a few times during the drive.
Once in FL, she discovered that Jim (dad) had lied (surprise surprise). He didn't have as much done as he had indicated. As usual, there was more to do then he said, and he was still trying to get out of paying for anything.
There wasn't enough room to bring all of Tammy's furniture back, so we began looking for storage units. Tammy looked in FL and I looked online. I gave her a list to check out. The cheapest she could find was over $300 for three months. This also precipitated that we had to make arrangements in 3 months to retrieve the furniture. I told her to find a one way rental to bring it here. If it cost us $400, we would still be money ahead.
She went to the U-Haul place. It turned out the girl working there was a distant cousin. There were some bobbles, couldn't rent a pull behind because of no connector for lights, but we finally settled on a 14' truck with a car hauler for the van. We got 5 days rental, 1041 miles, and a free months storage at the U-Haul facility here in Lexington. That was right at $600. Still, it was cheaper than storing it there and returning to get it. Also, by hauling the van back, we didn't need an extra driver, we could load it full, and there was no gas expense for it. Mission accomplished.
She and the kids got everything loaded. Jim wanted to put some things in the U-Haul. She told him he had to pay for part of the rental. He gave her $50 and said they were even. Yeah, he is out of his mind. When we get to KY, we will store his stuff, and when he pay up, he can get it back.
Tammy was leaving for Florida (and did) on Saturday morning. We were trading vehicles with Jim, one of the teachers here at the school. He claimed to have a full size cargo van. We were leaving him the Camaro. When we got to Jim's place to do the swap, we found out that it was a Chevy Astro mini van, extended version. It wasn't what we had hoped, but still could haul much more than a '95 Ro. So, we made the swap. He informed us that the window on the drivers side quits sometimes, and several other quirks about the van. He did mention that the brakes (according to his wife) had just started making a sound.
OK. The sound was the sound of metal rubbing on metal. The pads were shot. We considered returning the van and having Tammy drive the Bravada. She didn't think that was necessary. She got used to the van and figured she would drive it. When she got it to FL she would have friends there fix the brakes. The gas gauge in the van is yelling. We stop and fill up. Even with our 10 cent per gallon discount, and the lower prices in Nicholasville, the first fill up is $55.
The gas mileage wasn't too bad. She filled up again in South Carolina, where the gas was $2.39 per gallon. She topped the tank off just before leaving SC to enter FL.
Along the way, she picked up her uncle to help with the driving. He was a tremendous help along the way. He did comment that she and I talk more to each other than any couple he knows. We did talk a few times during the drive.
Once in FL, she discovered that Jim (dad) had lied (surprise surprise). He didn't have as much done as he had indicated. As usual, there was more to do then he said, and he was still trying to get out of paying for anything.
There wasn't enough room to bring all of Tammy's furniture back, so we began looking for storage units. Tammy looked in FL and I looked online. I gave her a list to check out. The cheapest she could find was over $300 for three months. This also precipitated that we had to make arrangements in 3 months to retrieve the furniture. I told her to find a one way rental to bring it here. If it cost us $400, we would still be money ahead.
She went to the U-Haul place. It turned out the girl working there was a distant cousin. There were some bobbles, couldn't rent a pull behind because of no connector for lights, but we finally settled on a 14' truck with a car hauler for the van. We got 5 days rental, 1041 miles, and a free months storage at the U-Haul facility here in Lexington. That was right at $600. Still, it was cheaper than storing it there and returning to get it. Also, by hauling the van back, we didn't need an extra driver, we could load it full, and there was no gas expense for it. Mission accomplished.
She and the kids got everything loaded. Jim wanted to put some things in the U-Haul. She told him he had to pay for part of the rental. He gave her $50 and said they were even. Yeah, he is out of his mind. When we get to KY, we will store his stuff, and when he pay up, he can get it back.
I want to give a shout out to www.Travelocity.com. I did find her a cheap nice room thru them. They even called the motel to make sure there was no additional charges that might surprise us. I booked it and paid for it, so all Tammy had to do was check in.
I talked to her several times last night. She was tired but much better emotionally. The loading was done. All that lie ahead was the drive home. She is nervous about the drive. I told her to let her uncle, a former trucker, drive the truck hauling the van, and she could drive Jim's F-150. She will work those details out today.
I called her this morning. Man, she sounds sexy in the morning. I have missed her like crazy. I got new pillows for the bed while she was gone. They didn't help much when aching for her kept me awake.
Today, I am working on establishing a lesson plan database for the state and missing her. Seems my day will be full.
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