So It Starts...

Christmas Eve 2011

2011-12-24T11:41:00.002-07:00

Yeah, just not that excited this year. Christmas will be small for all of us as I have had some financial burden these last few months and am scraping by just to keep the bills paid, but then again, aren't we all. I ended up in the hospital this past week due to depression and alcohol and had a crisis team come and take me to a detox center where they prescribed me antidepressants, but I am too broke to pay for the copay. My divorce will be starting at the beginning of the year and a lot of that is depressing as well wondering about how often I will see my kids and if I will be able to survive with what I have left after child support.

On a good note, I begin my final class for school in January. This is the last class I need to graduate and receive my Bachelor's Degree. I guess that is one thing to look forward to. Going to my sister's house tonight for Christmas Eve while the wife and kids go to her mother's. I am hoping I am able to see a special someone today as well, but I am sure that bridge has been too burned to try to cross again.

So, here I am ending this year and beginning a new one along with a new journey. So don't worry if you don't see that much of me as you haven't recently anyways. I am just another statistic and another person on this earth. No one famous or of importance. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all.

I'm done

2011-12-18T09:31:00.002-07:00

Since it has been awhile that I posted, a lot has gone on. I was pulled off the deployment to Afghanistan because I work full time at the unit and they don't have the funds to replace me. Yeah, it does tick me off as it would have helped me out a lot. Tomorrow ends my 2nd to last class before I get my Bachelor's degree and my last class begins in January and I will graduate in February. Back in June, we had an incident with the police and this past Monday we finally had the felony case dismissed. Long story and not getting into it, but we are also looking at putting a lawsuit on the Sheriff's Department. The Internal Affairs is finishing their investigation next week and they will let us know if we have a case. We still have the Misdemeanor case we are fighting from the same incident and we go in at the end of January for that. After we are done with all that, well, we will start a new court case. Divorce. I give up. I'm done. I am tired of the things I do that cause my marriage to always be in shambles. It is my fault, and mine alone. I am giving her everything just so I can be alone. We shall see how this goes. So it may still be awhile again before my next post.

It's been awhile...

2011-09-08T00:43:00.002-07:00

Yes, it has. And a lot has been going on. Not that I would post it all here anyways, but those that are close already know my situation. It seems like this stuff just follows me...lol. I have 4 classes left until I graduate and receive my Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management. I will receive it right before I leave. Leave? Yes. I volunteered for another deployment. this time to Afghanistan. that is all i can say for now. no dates, times, or places. Why would i volunteer? several reasons. Finances being the biggest one. I make more deployed than i do here at home. i am falling behind on several bills and just can't make ends meet. this will help me get ahead and hopefully be able to start over when i return. Sometimes i hate this darn laptop. I use the shift key to capitalize and it just doesn't work 85% of the time...screw it. Anyways. Once i do return from my deployment, i am looking to getting out of Az. i know some of my family don't want to hear that or see it happen, but i have my reasons. i am just tired of this place. I am thinking of moving back to IN where there are 4 seasons and rain happens more than 12 days out of the year. True, there are cons for moving as well, but there are cons for every decision we make. It is how you handle those cons and if it is worth the cons you left.

Well, anyways, i am sure no one cares to hear me ramble, let alone read it. but at least i posted something...even if it was nothing.

what happened to my good year?

2011-07-01T17:58:00.002-07:00

This year started off good and looked promising. Now it has turned into just like every other year. I am not putting it all out there for anyone to read, but those that know what i am talking about, know what I am talking about. At this current point in time I am dealing with about $75-100K in medical bills, although a majority has been covered by insurance. We lost our state assistance, which doesn't help at this point. Having to go to three different court cases for two different things and I am thinking of filing a lawsuit against two organizations as well. I am tired of being walked all over and my family suffering.

Found out i will be getting mobilized in less than a year heading to Afghanistan. Of course, I will not post actual dates and again, those that know have the information. Looking forward to it as it will help pay off the debt we are in and get us ahead. I do plan on moving upon my return and heading "back where I come from".

I know I don't post on here as much as I used to and, well, thank Facebook for that. I am on that a lot and people that usually read this get the information on my FB page. I will still try to post on here every now and then.

Next weekend I will be heading to CA to attend a Military Ball. Maybe post a picture, but we'll see. Obviously I'm not a big picture poster on this blog.

I am kind of hopeful

2011-05-06T13:18:00.002-07:00

Well, today I sent my commander an e-mail that I will be willing to be an alternate for a Platoon SGT that is scheduled to deploy later this year. What this means is if that Platoon SGT cannot go, I will. I have wanted to deploy again for sometime now and feel this is the best time to go again. The commander and I are also looking into if I will still have my job when I return, if i were to go. So now it is just a waiting game on if I will go or not. There may be no chance if there is nothing that will disqualify this other Soldier, but it is just in case they cannot go. But, man, I really want to go. It will help out with a lot financially as well.

The wife and kids are all doing fine. School will be out for the summer for the kids in a couple of weeks. I don't have any place or schools at this time I am aware of to attend, so I am home for awhile. Not much else to write about. I am thinking of going and seeing THOR with the stepfather in a couple of weeks. It looks awesome. I guess we'll see.

I know...you missed me...yeah right

2011-04-19T12:39:00.002-07:00

I know I don't post as much as I used to, but get over it. At least I still get on periodically to jot a few things down. I finally had this past weekend off after no days off for five weeks. Between drills and travelling to conferences it was catching up to me. This past Saturday I went and hiked the Flat Iron trail at the Superstition Mountains. We will be doing a road march there in May for drill so I wanted to see how difficult it was. My thighs are still hurting today. It was a tough hike, but I enjoyed it. I think I might start hiking more. I think I have been getting into a health kick lately. I have the warrior dash coming up on the 30th, which is a 5k run with obstacles, and I am already looking at doing the Spartan Race next year in February, which is 8+ miles with obstacles. We'll see.

Still nothing new with the oldest. His appointment is on the 26th for us to find out more. The school he is attending finally switched him over to where after lunch, he goes to middle school as they are trying to slowly reintroduce him back into an average size classroom. They may be switching him back to his original school next year, but we will have to wait for a definite answer. They may have a special program set up at that school by then, but again it also depends on results that come back from different sources.

The middle child made honor roll again. He wants to get involved in a program called Young Marines, which to me looks like Boy Scouts/Military. I am ok with it, but I have to ensure he can attend the first 9 weeks once we enroll him as he cannot miss it. It is like their bootcamp. Yeah, right.

The youngest is doing fine though she is growing up way too fast. The boys have taught her too much and she is starting to wear make up...yeah, thanks Aunt and cousin. She also now knows our house number so her friends are always calling and she is always on the phone. Well, it keeps the bill collectors from bothering us...lol.

Other than that, I guess everything is fine. Watched Little Fockers the other day. A little funny, but not as good as the first. Also watched RED HILL, which was an Australian movie, so it was pretty slow. Maybe pick some movies out tonight, but not sure yet. Well, that's it for now.

Finally getting somewhere...

2011-04-01T11:29:00.003-07:00

So, the Dr from the Neurologist that we had our oldest go to finally called to get us the results from the blood test taken about three weeks ago. We were already told the EKG came back normal and most of the blood tests cam back normal. However, there was one test on the bloodwork they need to look at again. So he is being rescheduled for April 26. It appears he may have what is called Sydenham's chorea. Apparently this is a result of what can happen if a strep throat infection is not taken care of. I have researched it a little bit and it does state that it can cause ticks and behavior disorders. With medication it can be taken care of. However, the oldest had not had strep throat at all from what we recall nor had he complained of having a sore throat at all. It could also be PANDAS syndrome, but we will find out more when we take him in, I guess. So much for the house hunting for now. I struggled to keep everything balanced until my credit reached where it needed to be. The closest I got was 3 points away before one of the medical bills slipped and hit the credit report. With that and other bills I tried to manage, my vehicle became 30 days late as well and hit. So bottom line is it will take me several more months to get it all under control again. Not too down about not getting the Direct Commission anymore. Just another curveball for now and I can reapply next year after I have my degree. The benefit is once I do find out if I get it, I will know when I am scheduled for the school and if it is far enough out, I can complete my Master's Degree. Everything happens for a reason I guess, right? Watched a few movies over the past few days. SKYLINE sucked and not worth it. HOW DO YOU KNOW was pretty good but the ending left too many questions unanswered, which tends to ruin the movie for me. LIFE AS WE KNOW IT was a pretty good movie. Let the kids watch TANGLED and YOGI BEAR, but I didn't watch either one of them. THE TOURIST was awesome even if I did call it within 20 minutes of the beginning. It was great to see parts of Venice that I recognized when I was there in December. Don't know when I'll get more movies to watch yet. I have drill this weekend. It seems I have been constantly busy for the last month that I don't even recall when I have actually had a day to rest. Now, next week, my job is wanting to send me to CA for a conference for the weekend. Still haven't got the final word yet. Busy, busy.

Yeah...the year does get gloomier

2011-03-28T10:31:00.002-07:00

So, I just found out this morning that I did not make the Direct Commission. Apparently, the regulations had been changed and we were not told. The old regulations stated you needed 60 credits in order to apply, which at the time I had like 80 credits. Now they are saying you need to have your Bachelor's Degree to Direct Commission, which I will not receive until Feb 2012. I am currently at 93 credits, needing 27 more to get my degree. I am not going to double up and put a bind on myself just to try to make it happen faster. My plan right now is to apply for my E-8, Master Sergeant and see if I get that and be able to stay in this unit and keep my job. I am waiting for the Personnel Section to get back to me to see if I can do this. So another waiting game. Just watched THE LINCOLN LAWYER last Thursday. It was a pretty good movie. Trace Adkins had a small role as a biker. Pretty good plot, but kinda slow at parts. I have THE FIGHTER to watch at home tonight. Still trying to get SKYLINE. Thinking about going to see BATTLE:LA or whatever it is called. That's it for now.

More fun than a barrel of monkeys...

2011-02-17T12:11:00.002-07:00

Still nothing new to report on anything. Haven't been able to rent some new movies I wish I could see due to finances since the IRS took my tax return. However, I did notice my school sent me a nice check so that may change this weekend. I'll finally be caught up on bills again. I am currently in my 10th to last class, Dependence of Man on the Environment. It is a 4 credit class to where all the others are 3 credits. So far, this is the hardest class I have had with the most homework as well. I still have a 3.80 GPA. All of my classes except 2 were A's. I got a C two classes ago because I didn't do any papers due to my wife being hospitalized and my last class I received a B just because I didn't put too much effort in the course as I have become burnt out on school. This class seems to be going well so far as I enter into week 2. After this class, I only have 9 classes to go before I graduate.

Military life seems to be going ok as well. Still waiting on the results of the Direct Commission. A lot of my time right now is spent on M-F going to work, going home, jumping on FB and playing my games. My computer at home has become so slow, it takes forever to do some of these games. Think I need to upgrade. It is a laptop I bought when I came back from my deployment in 2006. So, yeah, time to upgrade.

Weekends are usually spent at home watching movies, FB'ing, or sitting around since I haven't had funds to do too much. However, in a week and a half I am going to NASCAR for the weekend for the Nationwide and Subway 400. One of my Soldiers offered me to come and hang out in the Miller tent for the weekend on the inside track. Which means I will be in the circle and able to meet the drivers. I've been to a couple of races before, but inside track is going to be more exciting than the other times. I'll also be camping out there for the night. It will be fun.

Kids are doing well with school and haven't had too many problems with the oldest. He returned to school about 3-4 weeks ago and is doing well with it. At home, there aren't as many outbursts as there were in the past. The hardest part right now is just keeping all three of the kids from fighting daily when I get home.

I know, I live an interesting life. A few years ago, I would have a story to tell everyday. Since I moved a few years ago, I do have stories, just not enough to tell one everyday. I think i am finally getting old and not getting as wild and crazy as I used to. I went from drinking daily, spending about $150 a week to drinking maybe every two weeks and spending about $12-$30 a month.

Well, that's all I got for now.

arrrggghhhh

2011-02-09T09:58:00.002-07:00

That is how I feel today. I started my class yesterday...Dependence of the Man on the Environment...or something like that. It seems like a lot of work from what I looked at so far. Been doing good on not drinking. I went from spending about $200 a week down to about $6 every couple of weeks. Had a couple of 40's last night and I am regretting it this morning. Have drill this weekend so it is another 13 day work week. Finally decided to shave last night after growing it out for a month. Still need to get a haircut before this weekend. Still no news on the Direct Commission. I was told it will be about May-Aug before I hear anything. Still working on my credit. A few things have finally dropped off my credit report so I am hoping it is enough to get me qualified for a house now. We will see. I have seen a few houses that my sister has e-mailed me that look good, price is good, but it is all a matter of the credit and if they are still available.

Haven't really seen any good movies lately. Well not good enough to post about. Still been watching them, but they just haven't been that good. There are a lot of good movies coming out this year and next year that I am looking forward to, but there are others that are coming out that makes you ask...WHY? Like 21 JUMPSTREET, another TERMINATOR, another INDIANA JONES, EXPENDABLES 2, I mean come on...let's do something original.

Well, other than all that, nothing new going on in my life. Just trying to get through today.

February already?

2011-02-02T13:24:00.002-07:00

This year has gone by pretty fast so far...or at least January did. Was sick a couple of weeks ago. Not my normal sickness. When I get sick, I am usually sick for like 12 hours. This time it lasted 5 days. Finally, I went to the Dr. on the last day and they didn't know what was wrong and just prescribed me Amoxicillin, Cough medication, cough syrup with codeine, and two different inhalers. So I filled the prescriptions, went to the store, got a bottle of rum and I was good the next day. Go figure. Even the Dr. told me in the old days, just mix Jack with Tea and you get better. See, alcohol is a remedy.

Still attending school to get my Bachelor's Degree. Getting ready to finish Informal Logic before going on to the next class. Wow...10 more classes and I will have my degree. Scheduled to graduate right now in Feb 2012.

Looks like I will have to wait for the announcement for my Direct Commission. The board ends today, but I was told I will not find out if I made it until May-Aug time frame. Have nothing scheduled this year as far as going anywhere. That is good for now as I need a break. Thinking about taking some real vacation time later this summer and heading back to Indiana with the family. Depends on finances. Looking at buying a house here real soon. My credit should be where it needs to be next month. Once qualified, I will be looking. Then maybe a few months later get a new vehicle, get lower payments than I am paying now, so I have a better vehicle to drive back to IN with. We'll see.

Everything else has been going ok. Haven't been on here as much as I used to since joining Facebook. It seems I can put out more faster there. Plus I have just gotten involved in a lot of the games on there. Work has increased since I first took this job, so time has been taken away from there as well. So, we'll just have to see how often I post here this year.

Still breaking in the New Year

2011-01-11T09:23:00.002-07:00

Well, this year has somewhat started off good. We were just recently qualified for medical assistance to help out with last year's medical bills, but it is only from Dec on. We are currently doing an appeal to go bak to October to cover the wife's medical bills and ambulances. I don't have $50,000 to pay those.

My packet for Direct Commission has been sent out and the board will be held Jan 24th. I won't know the results until sometime in March. I tell you what tho, if I do get it, does that mean there is something terribly wrong with the Army?

Started back to school last week and I am currently taking Informal Logic. Interesting class so far. My projected graduation is Feb 2012. I am starting to get a little burned out from school now after doing it for the last year and 4 months. Hopefully I just stick with it to the end.

Nothing else to post right now.

Burn out

2011-01-05T10:42:00.002-07:00

Wow, I guess it has been awhile since I posted. I guess I got all caught up in the Facebook and Farmville thing that I neglected my blog. I see I haven't posted since just before Thanksgiving and the next post was from my bro..thank you. Well, the Italy trip went fine, I guess. We worked 6am-6pm M-F and worked a few hours on the Saturday we were there. I was able to go to Verona and sightsee. Was able to see the House of Juliet. If you have seen LETTERS TO JULIET, it is very similar, but they do not hang letters on the wall. Instead, there are two walls that people have signed. I also went to Venice. Although both places I experienced in the evening. The sun was setting at 4:30 while I was there and both places we got there around that time. It was still nice to see. They have Christmas Markets, which is where the townfolk basically go to the streets and set up booths to sell items that are handmade or that tourists would like to buy. No, I did not do the gondola as they wanted 60 Euros to ride it which comes out to nearly $100. I'd rather walk, thank you.

I also experienced some real Italian Food. My first dish was the Lasagna. I think I like the Americanized lasagna better. It was good, but just small portioned for what I paid. Pizzas, spectacular. They use a thin crust and their cheese is magnificent. The only thing is if you ask for sausage, it tastes like bologna and looks like pepperoni. Nonetheless, is was still good and priced fairly. The last dish I had, can't remember the name of it, but it had like rigatoni noodles, sauce, and meat. It was a huge plate with melted cheese on it and cost really low. I was surprised I was able to eat it all, but it was great.

Next year I will be trying to go to Korea. Haven't been there yet, but want to experience it. If I can't do that, I will try Japan. If I can't do either, I may just go back to Germany. I love it there.

I also just found out yesterday that my packet is going to the board later this month for direct commissioning to become an officer. Originally I was told last month I would not make this board and would have to wait until May because I was waiting on a document. I just received it last week and turned it in and was called last night saying I will make this board. I just won't find out the results until March-April timeframe. Wish me luck.

Christmas and New Years went fine. Yes, I did drink on New Years. I bought an 18 pack and only drank 13. The next day, I threw the remaining in the trash and decided I'm done. Hard alcohol just makes me sick and stupid and beer takes too long and makes me spend money. So I may drink occassionally, but not like I used to.

That wraps it up for now. Got school work to get back to. Informal Logic began yesterday and I only have 10 more classes to go after this one. I am scheduled to graduate with my Bachelor's in Feb 2012.

It's Alive!

2010-12-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

It's been too damn quiet over here lately, so I will post some drivel for those that actually read this blog. Stuman has been away to Italy as part of his US Army Reserves duty, but is due home any day now. Though, he may prefer to stay there.... makes me wonder if it is cold there this time of year, too....

Anyways, look forward to hearing everything he can tell us about his trip. All that boring stuff that he tells his wife. Not that good stuff that happened, because he would probably get in trouble if she knew.

The past couple years or so, Stuman has been to Germany a few times, and usually brings me back a nice authentic stein. He called me up about a day before leaving for Italy, asking what I would like. I told him a few times, he doesn't have to get me anything, but he kept demanding he wants to get something. He felt Italy probably would not have steins. I mentioned more than likely not, as they are a wine country, and whatever you get, don't make it wine or wine-type glasses. I can't stand that stuff. I think it came down to whatever he wanted to get that he thought I would like.

Last year (well, I think it was last year - maybe the one before) it was from Germany, and was a stein, plus a nice bright orange shirt that read something about Oktoberfest (where 125,000 barrels of beer are drank) or something like that. I am too lazy to go to the dresser and look. Sis got a belt, like a shotgun shell one, that instead of shells, held the airline-sized bottles of German liquors. It was empty shortly through the year.

Welp, I should mosey back over to my place. Like I said, he'll be home anytime now, and will hopefully have pictures too.

PeacE

yet another hurdle...

2010-11-22T23:28:00.002-07:00

Don't know what it is, but I am sure it is coming. I had my credit pulled and found out I am only 3 points away from qualifying for a house. So I am working with a credit clean up business to improve it drastically as the higher my score is, the less I pay for interest. Finished my last class with a C. It was math. It wasn't hard, but the hard part was trying to focus on the class while my wife was hospitalized the whole time. I could have had an A if I did the four papers that were due, but I didn't do them. I guess I did just enough to pass it so I wouldn't have to withdraw or pay the money back. There goes that good GPA. Oh, well, I can always opt to retake it at my own expense before I graduate, but the GPA really doesn't matter to me as much as the actual diploma.

Getting ready for my trip to Italy coming up real soon. Getting pretty excited about it as well. Work has been going well and there has been a lot of improvement with the wife since she has been out. The oldest is doing better as well and is currently being home schooled. We are heading up to the FIL's for Thanksgiving, but it will be a short trip. Enough to get out of the city and maybe see some snow.

Somehow we have another dog. It looks to be a 3-4 month old golden retriever. My wife went to get my daughter at the bus stop and found it. No collar or anything. So they posted found dog posters around the neighborhood, but heard nothing yet. Hoping we don't get stuck with it. Gotta have the family stop picking up strays...lol.

Watched The Christmas Blessing which is the sequel to Christmas Shoes. It was pretty good. Also watched Woke Up Dead with John Heder...not that good. Charlie St. Cloud with Zac Efron was pretty good. Scott Pilgrim VS. The World looked like someone was on acid when they made the movie. That's what I have been watching this weekend. Still have The Last Airbender to watch. Blockbuster has changed their policy from 5 to 3 days, but not their price. Wondering if I should still continue to go there. I hate red box because sometimes I get a movie and don't watch it for a few days. I don't like Netflix or Blockbuster online because I don't like automatic withdrawals from my account. I know, nothing makes me happy. Well, that's all I got for now.

Yes, I am still alive

2010-11-09T11:59:00.002-07:00

This has been the worst month this year (October). As my wife was in and out of the hospital from 30 Sep up until last Friday. She is doing better since she has been out. Took the oldest to the psychiatrist and we are still waiting on a FINAL DIAGNOSIS, but it is believed that he has Autism, maybe even Aspergers. He is currently on medication which actually has helped his behavior quite a bit.

This Thanksgiving, we will be going up North to the FIL's as we normally do from time to time. Looking forward to getting out of town and hopefully relaxing a bit. My math class will end next Monday, but don't think I will finish as well as all my other classes. I have 4 assignments I am behind on since I haven't had time to do them with everything going on this past month. He is giving me until Monday night to turn them in with no deductions and they are only about 1-2 pages each, so it is not that overwhelming, but still.

Medical bills over these last couple of months have me overwhelmed. We applied for SSI for my wife and was denied. They say I make $400 too much per month, but they go by gross income and do not include bills. Still waiting on a determination from ahccs. My personal medical sucks as it is a $3000 deductible. I am in the process of trying to change it right now to benefit us later. The medication and doctor visits alone cost me over $1000 a month for both the wife and the oldest. I just need to win the lottery.

Next month, I head off to Italy for two weeks. It is a much needed vacation even though it is still a work trip. Don't know what we are doing for New Years yet, but I am debating on heading out of town just to get away and not be around a bunch of drunk and crazy people. Just don't know what I am going to do over the next couple of months, but hopefully, everything will work out.

Friday?...where did my days go?

2010-10-22T09:15:00.002-07:00

I can't believe it is already Friday. I just lost track of days this week with everything going on. Took Monday off because the kids were out of school. tuesday wife was supposed to get out, but didn't get out until Wednesday. Thursday morning, 2am took her to er because she had some bacterial infection in the intestines. Took her to the dr later that evening for her appointment after being released from the hospital. Her meds from the last two days have totaled over $300 dollars. The new medication she is on is expensive and she is court ordered to take for a year. I think i need to change my insurance company next month.

The oldest had a visit from the school psychologist yesterday and was evaluated. The pshycologist was impressed and stated that he was above average for his age and didn't understand why he wasn't applying himself and going to school. So we are going to try to work on doing homeschool for him for a little bit and maybe get him into going back to school. We're still not sure what his problem is, but at least now I know it's not that he doesn't understand it or have a learning disability. It seems to me it is either anxiety or behavioral.

This math class I am in now, when I looked at the book before it started looked hard, but as I am in week 2, it's not so bad. I guess I will have to see as it continues. 3 more weeks to go and then I have a long break. i was supposed to start my next class Nov 16, but I asked to put it off until Jan because the last couple of weeks of that class, I will be out of the country and no internet access. So, might as well start over in Jan. It will of course push back my graduation date, but I want to apply myself and get good grades and not settle for a grade just to graduate faster. That is why I am only taking one class at a time instead of more.

Well, I reckon that is it for now.

Hopefully, the end is near

2010-10-18T14:42:00.002-07:00

So, today is Day 19 of my wife being hospitalized and me playing all the roles in the household. Playing my usual roles of the father, the provider, the disciplinarian, I have also added mother, launderer, cook, taxi driver, maid, servant, etc...I am waiting to hear back from the hospital today, but she may be released tomorrow or Wednesday and I am so looking forward to it. These last three weeks have just torn me apart. I had gone 10 days without drinking until I cracked and that was 6 days after she was hospitalized. I am currently on Day 2 now. My birthday was last Saturday and the last night I drank. I am just getting too old to do it anymore.

School is still going well even with my new involvement with Facebook and especially Farmville. I finished up my History class last week with another A and began a math class. I have no idea what this class is, but it does involve numbers and letters and symbols I have never seen before. I finished all the way up to pre-calculus/trigonometry in high School and have never seen this stuff. So we will see how it goes. Today finishes week 1 and I should have the first week's grades in a few days.

Well, that is all I have been occupied with over the last 3 weeks. Don't have much else to talk about in my non-exciting life. I know a few years ago, it used to be more exciting, but then I moved and got away from a lot of people. Now I have been settling down over the last two years.

some good news

2010-10-08T11:51:00.003-07:00

Even though I have been going through over a week and a half of hell, I did have some good news this week. First, I found out I made the Dean's list again for the summer. I currently have a GPA of 3.97 and 40 credits to go. Next, I was accepted into the Golden Key International Honor Society at my university's chapter, which is only offered to the top 15% of the students. I guess it is a big deal, but whatever. Last, I went in front of the first of two boards yesterday for Direct Commission. Found out today, I passed and will be going to the next board in Feb. If I pass that one, I will be an officer by summer time next year.

My Bad

2010-10-06T12:15:00.002-07:00

So I have been neglecting this page a bit. Not like what I write should be of that much importance to people. Everyone should have a life and only a few people know about this page and check on it. This is just a place for me to vent.

So the wife ended up in the hospital last thursday as she went into psychosis again. It was about due as she usually goes about every 2-3 years. My oldest son has been giving me problems as well since the beginning of the school year. He has been refusing to go to school, threatening to run away, harm himself, harm others. He has had the police called on him twice, sent to the hospital twice, and is currently seing a behavioral health doctor to determine if he has mental issues.

This morning, he again refused to attend school and threatened to kill the Principal and Vice Principal. They informed me to take him and get him help or they would call the police. My first instinct was to take him to the hospital and have him admitted. However, I feel at this time, he does not need to be medicated. So I called the crisis line instead and they sent some people over. They agreed that the hospital was not a good idea as it should only be used if he actually attempted to harm himself or others. Instead, they suggested we invest in a in-home behavioral coach. I don't know what I am going to do at this point. I just need to get him to go to school, do his work, and be a kid. Is that too much to ask for?

And to top it all off, i leave for two weeks in about a week and a half. Still trying to figure out what i am going to do about that.

What a weekend

2010-09-20T09:39:00.002-07:00

So, I had drill this past weekend which consisted of getting to the unit at 3am to prepare to bus out to CA to go to the range. my armor goes into the arms room to get our weapons and his passcode to turn off the alarm was not working. He called higher up to see what the problem was to find out he was removed from having access. he was told to lock up and get out or they will send the police. So we did not remove any weapons. i called the 1SG to let him know we were not bringing weapons. An hour and a half later, the police showed up. Luckily we were able to notify the police before they arrived of the situation, which was good because they had already alerted the SWAT team and canines to come out. By us calling, they just sent two patrol cars.

We then get to the range to qualify without weapons. We were told to use other Soldiers weapons to qualify. The problem? The Soldiers had already zeroed, but had not qualified yet so we were told to zero with their weapons without making adjustments to them and then qualify with them. You can not qualify with a weapon that is not zeroed for yourself. Needless to say, half my Soldiers don't know how to do "Kentucky windage" and did not qualify. I did, not as good as I usually do, but I still qualified.

So, that was my weekend. Oh, and then to find out when we go out to the range in March, the 1SG will not be there. So he informed me this past weekend, I will be the acting 1SG for March's drill. Gee, thanks. I hope I am commissioned by then.

What am I going to do?

2010-09-13T12:42:00.002-07:00

I know I haven't been on here in quite a while. Between Facebook and daily life, things have to make room. I have been enjoying Facebook a lot as it is a way to communicate with friends and family that I haven't connected with in years. The downside to it is sometimes I am drinking while I am on it and have to go in the next morning to delete some things. School has been keeping me busy as well. Last week I finished Introduction to Film with an A and began my next class I am currently in: American History since 1865. It is interesting so far.

Ahh, the other big thing going on in my life right now: my oldest son. He is 11 years old and just started 6th grade. The school he goes to now, they changed it into a 6-8th grade middle school. So now he cahnges classes and teachers for every class. He also has to change in front of other students for gym class. To some, this never effected you, but I thought that may be what is effecting him. Ever since school started the first week of August, at least twice a week he refuses to go to school. I have been dragging him myself to the school, dropping him off in the Principa'ls office where he continues to throw a tantrum and try to run away for at least two hours. After he is calmed down, they usually have to carry him to his class. Then he is fine the rest of the day.

I took him a few weeks ago to school because he refused to go, where he did end up running away. After searching for him for 30 minutes, I went back to the school and we called the police to report him as a runaway. I then searched another half hour for him. Found him in the backyard and called the police. They showed up and talked to him. Because he admitted to them that he said he wanted to hurt himself, they had to call an ambulance to take him to a hospital to get evaluated. That did no help except increase pay for them. He would not talk to the counselor that showed up and they couldn't determine anything. So we called to set up an appointment with a mental health place. When that day arrived, I get there to check him in and they tell me, 'oh we were just about to call you, the Dr. called out sick today'. Great, now I have to schedule again and wait.

In the mean time, the following week he does the same tantrum thing. Drag him to the school where they call a crisis team. Next thing I know, the mental health place suddenly has him scheduled for two appointments the next two days. Took him to both of those where he would not talk to them. i gave them all the information of what he is doing, saying, when, where, what, family history, etc. All they told me is they don't want to classify him as anything just yet, but they are leaning towards Adjusted Disruptive Behavior Disorder.

I tried googling it and couldn't find it. The closest I came to thinking what it might be is ODD, which I forget what it stands for now. I am even at the point of thinking about putting him in a boarding school. I don't know, I just know I can't afford it. He doesn't have another follow up counselling until November, so I am just hoping this starts to phase out. I don't know what I am going to do.

Dear MySpace,

2010-08-31T08:56:00.002-07:00

I have been cheating on you with your sister, Facebook. I know I haven't been on here for quite awhile, but once I got onto Facebook, I was addicted. Like a crackhead willing to do anything for another hit. These last few days I think I have began to control my habitual use of Facebook. Yeah, I still log on at work just to see what people are saying. At night, I used to be on it from the time I got home until I went to bed. The tv or movies would be playing in the background as I focus on Facebook. Now, I have decided when I come home, I just log on to play my games, browse a bit, and then shut it off to watch the news or the movie I chose for that night. Maybe jump on one more time before bed. I don't even remember the last time I was on MySpace.

Tomorrow, I take the oldest son to get evaluated for the things he has being doing lately. My college course on Introduction to Film ends next Monday and then it is on to History or something like that. Only 13 more classes to go for my degree. I believe I am set to graduate in Dec 2011 right now. I leave in October for two weeks to go to Wisconsin for job training. Leave again for two weeks in December for my Annual Training...in Italy. Yeah, just a little excited. Other than that, everything has been the same. Going to work and everything else. My bro, Ralphd00d, has his birthday coming up and we will be celebrating on Monday, Labor Day, as we normally do. Well, that is about it for now.

Horrible Day

2010-08-18T14:11:00.002-07:00

Today is one of the worst days I have had ever. My oldest was refusing to go to school and threatened to run away or hurt himself. I finally had to get him in the vehicle, struggling with him the entire time. I get to the school and he refuses to get out. I go inside the school to get help when I hear my alarm going off. He jumped out of the car and took of running, but I had no idea in Which direction. So after 30 minutes of driving around the heighborhood I return to the school. They decided to call the police. After 30 min of talking with the police, I continue to drive around the neighborhood. After returning home, I find him in our backyard. I call the police to let them know I found him and they were coming over to talk to him. While talking to them, he admitted he said he wanted to hurt himself. Because of that, by law, they had to call anambulance to take him to the hospital to get evaluated. We sta there for a few hours just for the counselor to say he can not determine anything because my son would not talk to him. So now I have to schedule him for a psyche eval at an outpatient behavioral health center. To top it all off, he didn't want to go toschool because of schoolwork. Today was a half day. He would have already been home while we were at the hospital if he had just gone to school. Wish me luck tomorrow morning.

And the school season starts...

2010-08-10T12:55:00.002-07:00

Well, all three of my kids started school yesterday. It seems the only one to have a good first day was the middle child, who just started 3rd grade. The oldest, 6th grade, apparently has an a$$hole for a social studies teacher. I briefly heard him talking to other parents last week when we went to the school to take the kids through their rounds. I figured he would be a problem. If he goes off on my son for anything other than school work, I will take this matter to the school and then the district. He seems to a verbally abusive person. My daughter didn't have a good day as she started kindergarten. Apparently the teacher wrote something and wanted her to read it, which she is not able to read just yet except for a few words.

I'm still doing well after finishing week one of my Introduction to Film class. My graduation date just updated again and I am slotted to graduate in December 2011. Other than all that, still working, still living, still surviving.

Hello, old friend

2010-08-08T11:13:00.002-07:00

It seems I haven't been getting on here as much as I used to. Ever since I joined facebook a few weeks ago, I seem to spend a lot of time on that catching up with old friends and family members that live far away. The only downside to facebook is everyone you add as a friend can view what you say. True, here as well, but only a few people know of this site.

Went and registered the kids for school Thursday night and meet the teacher kind of thing. My oldest will be going to middle school as they changed middle school to 6th-8th grade. He goes earlier than my other two kids, and gets out later. The other actually will be riding a bus. Yeah, no more wasting gas.

Just finished my last class of Business Ethics and received another A. I am already in my next class, Introduction to Film. Only 14 more classes to go get my degree.

Have drill this upcoming weekend, so another 12 day work week. Been watching a few movies, but nothing to really write about. Until next time.

nice small getaway

2010-08-01T04:17:00.003-07:00

Well, I just made it back from a nice small getaway. I saw I had some money coming in from my school so I took the family to CA. I needed to make the trip anyways as I needed to go to my Battalion (BN), to gain access to one of the systems for the Army. I also had to go and pick up a laptop as my work computers are outdated and I was locked out of them for reasons I am sure I have explained before. So, we left Thursday night and headed to Riverside. Got there about 11pm. Found where my BN was and looked for the closest hotel. It was a mom and pop motel called MOTEL 7. It seemed it was in a corporate/industrial area as I had not seen any houses in the neighborhood, just businesses. I went to check in and it was only $55, not bad for the first night. As I drove around, I saw that there were maybe three other cars in the parking lot. Well, it is a Thursday night, I figured. Went into the room and it was really small. Kind of like a spare bedroom size with two beds in it and a tv mounted on the wall that really didn't work so well. Oh, well, we were only there to sleep for the night as I had to be ready early the next morning. We walked in and unloaded our vehicle. The room smelled like mold. I went to the front desk and informed them and they switched rooms. I had them go in the first room to smell it as well. Anyways, we get into the second room and the kids start saying they want to go home, they miss the dogs. Finally after getting them settled down I tried to go to sleep. I say try because this room sucked. The pillows felt like pillow cases inside a pillow case. No cushioning. The beds were hard. I started thinking about the Bates Motel. My wife couldn't sleep and mainly hung out in the vehicle listening to the radio as the kids and I slept. She did tell me she saw a few african american teenagers walking through the parking lot looking at vehicles, but they didn't cause her any trouble. Maybe her being out there kept them from doing anything. Not stereotyping, but this motel was not in a neighborhood, it was in a corporate/industrial area and it was between 2-3am.

The next morning, we checked out and I took the family with me. I was not about to leave them there. So I went to my BN, did my stuff to get access, talked to a few key personnel in BN and introduced myself to those that I have spoken with on the phone, but have not met in person, and spoke with the BN Commander, who again says what a great job I am doing and to keep it up. After that, we went to Bell to where my Headquarters is located. Talked to the leadership there, got my laptop and took care of a few other things. After that, we proceeded to Santa Paula where one of my wife's friends live. She was still working and couldn't find a decent hotel in that town, so we continued another 20 miles to Ventura. I ended up booking a room at the Marriot in Ventura, less than a 1/4 mile from the state beach. Took the kids down to the beach just to walk it and chase the waves, not swimming. We then went to my wife's friend's house later that evening as she was hosting a birthday party for another friend, but wanted to see us. We stayed for a little while then headed back to the hotel.

We woke up a little later than we wanted and decided to check out instead of swimming at the beach in Ventura. It was like in the 60's, overcast, and the water was cold the night before. So we began to head south. Ended up going to Seal Beach to go swimming and the kids had fun. Walked the pier and everything as well. We then proceeded to San Diego and went to Seaworld. Since I am in the military, my family and I get in free. Let me rephrase that. Me and three of my family members get in free. I had to pay for my 5 yr old daughter....$50 to get in. Geez, I may have saved $200 getting four of us in, but $50 for a 5 yr old? That is ridiculous. So we stayed there for about 3 hours and decided to head home instead of wasting money on another hotel. We got back around 4am this morning. It seemed busy and a lot of driving, but it was also relaxing and nice to get out of AZ. Oh, and it finally rained at our house. The whole time we were gone.

What a week

2010-07-23T12:40:00.002-07:00

Whew...what a week. I lost computer access here at workon Monday because I didn't reimage the computer to Vista. Found a way around it, just unplug the thernet cable, sign in, and plug it back in. It works. On Wednesday I went to get a new ID Card because mine was going to expire Thursday and I would be locked out. Came back and can't log on. Was without internet access until yesterday afternoon. Came to find out all 3 of the computers that we own are too old to re-image...great, now I need more computers. I am borrowing a laptop from another unit just to get my work done. Finally figured out how to add a printer this morning as the printer in my office is a parallel port and can not connect to the laptop without a parallel to USB cable. I'll figure it out.

I have drill this weekend, so Another two days to add to my workload. School is still going good. Received an e-mail yesterday I have been approved for the Pell grant again. Woohoo, more money to come back to me within the next few months. Still waiting to find out the confirmed list for our overseas missions. Still hoping I get the Italy mission as I requested. Hopefully find out within the next few weeks. That just about sums up my week...been pretty busy.

Monday again

2010-07-19T13:02:00.002-07:00

Well, the weekend is over. Just watched movies on Saturday...nothing too entertaining or worth commenting on. I did watch BOUNTY HUNTER last night and thought it was ok. Dropped the kids off at the MIL's for a few days...they come back tomorrow. Took the wife to go see ECLIPSE since we aren't able to go out much just the two of us. It was a pretty good movie. I hear there will be two more movies, one of them being a part 1 of 2, so three more movies to come. I also saw the trailers for the new HARRY POTTER movie and the new NARNIA movie. I can't wait to see the NARNIA movie. I believe they will also be making two more after this one.

I just joined Facebook last week, finally. It has been addicting, but I have had to try to pull myself away from it. It was starting to interefere with my schoolwork and my work. So I am trying to stay off it until in the evenings after everything else is done. I remember I was the same way when I first did Myspace, but I hardly do that anymore. Nothing really planned for tonight. Just go home and try to relax with no kids present. Have drill this weekend so I am trying to relax while I can since this will be another weekend I do not have open. Already did the back to school shopping for the kids. I hope I got everything, but we will see. They start back in a few weeks.

Still house hunting, but waiting to see my current credit report. I found one house I fell in love with from the pictures. Went to see it a couple of days ago and it was missing the light fixtures, the ceiling fans, the faucets, the shower heads and more. I was like if they drop the cost $40,000, I may consider it. So I am now trying to look at different houses. I will probably be pulling my credit report sometime soon and see where I am at. Until then, I don't know.

Boycott B of A

2010-07-14T12:14:00.003-07:00

I hate Bank of America. If I didn't have my auto loan through them I would close my account and go somewhere else. The other day, the orthodontist place accidentally deposited my postdated check three days early. B of A cashed it that day, causing an overdraft and six other charges to go in overdraft, thus creating 7 overdraft charges at $35.00 a pop. So now my account is negative $600+. I went to the orthodontists yesterday and calmly explained to them what happened. They were real apologetic and felt bad when they realized they deposited it too early. They did appreciate me being calm about it and I explained there was no use in getting angry, accidents happen. They asked if they could do anything and I asked if they could call the bank and explain it. Needless to say after an hour on the phone with B of A between me and her, B of A was trying to tell the merchant it was their mistake and they should deposit money into my account to cover their mistake or issue me a check. B of A was not responsible and they would not retract the overdraft charges due to someone else's mistake.

On top of that, a B of A representative tried telling me that post dating checks are illegal. oh, really, so when B of A calls me about my van payment and asks me to do a check over the phone for a specific date is not post dating? Shut the F up you bimbo. Anyway, long story short, B of A won't do a dang thing. I don't feel it is right for the orthodontist to pay me or put money in my account, even though it was their mistake. We did work out a deal that they will not charge me for my August and September payments. This was all for my son's braces and the check was for three months worth. This is the second time I have had this situation with B of A and all they care about is getting money any way they can to pay back their bail out money by stealing from their customers.

Ho-hum

2010-07-08T12:50:00.002-07:00

Well, I received a picture mail today on my phone from my brother, Ralphd00d, and he was obviously in Frankfort. He sent me a picture of Dad's grave. He is back in Indy right know for Dad's side family reunion. I was unable to attend this year. I watched a movie last night called DON MCKAY. It starred Thomas Haden Church-the mechanic from the tv show WINGS and also played Sandman in SPIDERMAN 3. It was a b rated movie, but it was actually pretty good.

No real plans this weekend. Just working, schoolwork, and stuff. Well, short post, but oh well. I am busy today.

Oh, yeah...movie reviews

2010-07-07T14:05:00.002-07:00

Forgot to add it to my long post yesterday, but I did watch a few movies over the weekend. First was PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF. It was a pretty good movie and was obviously made for kids, but I liked it. I also saw THE CRAZIES, which turned out to be pretty boring. Lastly, I watched a hysterical movie. HOT TUB TIME MACHINE. It is not RM approved and does contain breif nudity, language, drug use, and sexual innuendos. It cracked me up.

I picked up 4 other movies yesterday and will start watching them tonight. I will post how those are after I watch them.

Not too much going on today. Just working like usual. It was nice to have the little time off I had this past weekend, but it still feels like I was too busy to relax. I just need to have an actual weekend to relax, but I do not foresee that happening anytime soon.

Survived the 4th

2010-07-06T09:58:00.005-07:00

Whew, it was a long weekend. We left Thursday after i got off work an headed to the FIL's in Northern AZ. About 5 hours to get there. Took all four dogs with us. Thankfully came home with three. I left my beagle with the FIL. Friday we drove to New Mexico to buy cigarettes and fireworks. It was worth it. I spend $50 on a carton here and in New Mexico, i found a place that sold cartons for $18. So I picked up 5 cartons. Should last for a while.

The sister-in-law stopped by on Saturday and brought her nuisance son. i say nuisance because I can not stand him...ever. We have had the pleasure of watching him in the past for a week at a time and he does nothing but start fights with my kids and say he is bored expecting us to entertain him the whole time. Anyways, my boys and him were walking around the 40 acres my FIL owns. My boys were walking through a ravine and n uisance was on top. Apparantly he thought it would be a great idea to try to start a landslide. The rock he threw ended up hitting my oldest in the head and cut it pretty good. no stitches needed, but we took care of it. I told nuisance's mother what happened and his father and they were like 'don't worry about it, it will be ok'. I was furious. I told the FIL what happened and he took nuisance for a walk and he came back crying. I did everything I could not to put my hands around his neck. If my kids had done something like that, their asses would be tanned.

Then, the SIL tries to make my oldest accept nuisances apology. I'm like heck no. You don't do something and be forced to apologize and expect the other person to accept it. Nuisance was supposed to stay two weeks at the FIL but I said if he stays, we leave. So he sent him home and said he could come back when we leave. I tell you what, I do not plan on going up there for any other holidays unless I know for sure that other family members will not be there. I don't go up there to hang out with other family members or babysit someone else's kids to give them a break, I go up there to get away and relax and spend time with the FIL.

I finally got my grade for my Literature class. I received a 98.52% overall for the class. I am now in a business ethics class and it seems to be going well, so far. Well, that wraps up my busy weekend. Now it is back to the daily grind.

Excited...oh, yeah

2010-06-30T10:32:00.003-07:00

Yeah, I am excited. Yesterday I just received all of the dates and locations for our annual training for the military. We picked up Italy this year and I know I will be going. I guess it is in Northern Italy (darn, too far from Rome), but it is close to Venice. I just can't wait. The good thing also is that it is in December when I have a break from school so I will not be putting any classes off to go. I am just so darn excited. I've been to Germany a few times, have no desire to go to Japan or Korea, so this will definitely be a good vacation...I mean mission.

Haven't watched any new movies yet. Probably pick some up tonight or tomorrow to take with us when we leave tomorrow evening to head to the FIL's for the 4th. It'll be fun, I am sure. Nothing else more exciting than finding out about Italy. Still waiting on my final grade for my Literature class. I am currently taking Business Ethics. It seems ok so far. At least the book is nowhere as thick as my Literature book was.

Remember Me

2010-06-28T12:30:00.002-07:00

What a great title. Better yet, what a great movie. REMEMBER ME stars Robert Pattinson from TWILIGHT and Pierce Brosnan. I don't want to go into too much detail about the movie, but everyone should watch it. I took it to my sister's house and watched it Saturday. I came home Sunday night and watched it again with my wife. It is a tear jerker near the end, but over all is a great movie. I also watched THE VISITOR and SHE'S OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE. The latter one was pretty good, the first was a little slow.

Stayed at the sis's house this weekend. We took the kids to an aquatic park and had a good time. It was nice as it was like a smaller version of a water park and easier to keep track of the kids. Plus the cost, although the sister paid, was more reasonable than what waterparks want. Stayed Saturday night and returned Sunday afternoon. Came home to a check in the mail, which was good because I was expecting it last week (must have came on Saturday) and I was able to pay electric and water bill so I wouldn't get shut off today.

I'll be leaving Thursday night after work to head up to the FIL's for the 4th of July weekend. I will be returning on Monday the 5th. We'll see if I can survive that many days up there. We will be doing fireworks and stuff. Although it is illegal in the state of Arizona, he somehow gets away with it. I don't mean firecrackers and sparklers, i'm talking the big fireworks up in the sky. It is kind of funny because people in town usually say his firework display is better than the one the town does.

I finish up my Literature class today. Still have 5 more pages to write on my final paper. Right now I have a 98%, so I am sure I will finish this class with another good grade. I thought I only had 9 classes to go, but I rechecked and realized I have 16 classes to go so that is about another 80 weeks to go which is almost another year and a half. So I will probably graduate in early 2012. We'll see if all of this actually pays off in the end.

OMG...Am I stupid or intelligent?

2010-06-24T08:59:00.002-07:00

So....I received my SAT scores today. Yeah, my niece did better on hers. And rightly so as she just completed High School. I went into this test without studying, without practicing, without anything. I just figured that either you know it or you don't and went in and took it. Now that I have justified myself enough and made myself feel a little better, here is what you want to know...1480. . Oh, well, the only reason I took this test was for Direct Commission, which I only needed 850. That is the only reason I took this test. I didn't need it for college as I am already in and only need 46 credits to finish my Bachelor's Degree. (Still trying to convince myself I am not stupid). So here is the breakdown in the scores:

Reading-500-49%
Math-440-26%
Writing-540-66%

Now, let me also explain the reason for the low scores. For every question you answer correctly, you get one point. If you leave a question blank, you do not get a point or a point taken away. However, for every question you answer incorrectly, you are deducted .25. I answered everything. Here was my philosophy on it. If I guessed on 20 and got 12 wrong, that is -3 points meaning I recieved 5 points for guessing. Maybe I shouldn't have convinced myself of this after looking at my math score. Well, enough about the SAT's. Go ahead and laugh and make fun, but I got out of it what I needed.

Watched GREEN ZONE last night with Matt Damon. It was ok, but not spectacular. I also have REMEMBER ME to watch. I was upset they didn't have SHE'S OUT OF YOUR LEAGUE at Blockbuster at all. It was just released Tuesday. They informed me they have 177 copies they are still waiting to receive. I guess I'll try again next week. I'll be going to the Sis's this weekend as my wife will be staying with her mother, so it will be just me and the kids. Well, that's all I got today.

Father's Day weekend

2010-06-21T11:32:00.002-07:00

Well, this holiday weekend is over now. Rented some movies and watched them over the weekend. Saw WHEN IN ROME, which was a pretty good movie. THE STOLEN which was different, but interesting. YOUTH IN REVOLT which was hilarious, but is not recommended for children or those adults with virgin ears. THE SHUTTER. Wow, this movie was really good and I was not able to predict what was happening. It was definately a good thriller movie.

Saturday morning, I got up and took my boys on a hike on the mountains by our house. After that they said they did not want to do that again. I guess because it was not paved and it was extremely steep in some areas. It was probably about 2-2.5 mile hike. Not too hot as early as we went. I then went to Phoenix to drop one of their friends off at home that stayed with us all week. Then I took my kids to my Sis's house to have her watch them while I went to a wedding for a Soldier. It was supposed to start at 5, but ended up starting at 6 as we had to first wait for the bride and groom to show up, which they did at about 5:15-5:20, we then had to wait for the best man and another groomsman to show up, which they did at about 5:45-not yet dressed. So after the wedding, my parents married them by the way, we did not stay for the reception as it was sandwiches and chips. So the parents, wife and I went out for dinner. We went to Lonestar where we received terrible service.

First, it took 45 minutes to receive our order. There were two tables that came in after us and had already eaten and left before we were given our food and/or bill. The steak tasted like it had already been cooked and then thrown back on the grill to be reheated. We had emptied our glasses three times without them coming to refill in time. When we were getting ready to pay the bill I asked about military discount-no. Senior citizen discount-no. Then my parents asked what about a discount for bringing our meal to us 45 minutes after ordering-no. The waitress then proceeded to tell us they do not do any type of discounts. I asked 'Oh, so no employee discount?' she responded saying oh yes we do, thank goodness and walks away. Yeah, I don't think I will go to Lonestar ever again. And yeah, it was at I-17 and Peoria in Phoenix, AZ.

So we ended up asking the Sis if the kids could stay the night Saturday night so i didn't have to drive to her house and then back to mine. We still had to pack the boys clothes as they were staying with their grandmother (MIL) from Sunday-Wednesday. So the wife and I went home. Sunday morning we head to the Sis's for Father's Day and had some pretty good and thick Porterhouse steaks. The Sis bet I couldn't eat all of it, which I am sure I could have. The BIL shared some of his with his son. The Stepfather shared with my mother. I ate about 3/4 of mine and couldn't eat anymore. So I told them to wrap it up and gave it to my mother to take to my Brother since he couldn't be there. Just wanted to let him know what he missed out on. They do plan on making it a tradition now to have Porterhouse steaks for the Fathers on Father's Day.

So we now begin a new week and the next holiday is 04 July. I will be heading to the FIL's so we will see how that turns out.

Still waiting...

2010-06-17T14:27:00.002-07:00

Still waiting for my SAT scores. I believe I am supposed to get them around Jun 24. Called my school today to see when they were going to disperse the remainder of my Pell grant. I was kind of disappointed when they told me only half would be dispersed, the other half would come to me when the next TA is paid. It is frustrating because the TA still needs to pay for three classes, which means I have to wait for those payments to be made before they are sent out to me. So instead of counting on the full amount, I only get half when they send the check out. The good news out of all that is at least I know I'll have money coming every now and then.

I may go pick up movies tonight to watch this weekend. Not sure what is out right now that I haven't seen yet. I hate this time of the year after all of the season finales and waiting for new seasons to start. Plan on going shopping tonight to pick up groceries and then I have to get back home and finish some homework that is due today.

Nothing going on since the last time I blogged. Still have Father's Day coming up. Still have bills to pay.

Derka Derka Jihad

2010-06-15T12:37:00.002-07:00

What? Just in that kind of mood. Been busy for the past couple of weeks, but I finally told full time staff in CA to stop calling me and doing their jobs, send it to the person that is supposed to do it. Yes, when someone is gone, I am more than happy to assist them, but my job is to take care of the Soldiers at my location. So since then, I have realized I have less to do now than I have for the past 4-5 weeks. I am not complaining, it gives me time to focus on taking care of my Soldiers as well as taking care of school work.

Ah, school. Just finished week 3 of this Literature class and I still have a 98%. 2 more weeks to go. I received an e-mail today that I made the Dean's List for Spring 2010. I looked at the requisites and you have to have a GPA of 3.5 or higher. I am currently at a 3.95 GPA and I only have 49 credits to go for my degree. The main thing I am happy about, none of this is coming out of my pocket. With the military paying the Tuition Assistance, which is the exact amount for each class, and I receive the GIBILL chapter 1607, I am actually getting paid to go to school. On top of that, I am also receiving the PELL grant. So all of this has actually been helping as far as bills as well.

Haven't watched any movies recently. Will be going to the Sis' house on Sunday for Father's Day, then I will be dropping off my boys at the MIL's to stay with her for a few days. She will then drive out to drop them off and pick up my daughter, then we will have to go out there to pick her up. After I pick her up, my wife will be staying the weekend with her mother and I will take the kids and stay the night at the Sis' house.

Plans for the 4th are to go up to the FIL's for the celebration. Probably have some fireworks to set off and eat plenty of steak. That's about all that is going on right now.

Another June day

2010-06-11T10:16:00.002-07:00

It is hard to believe that we are two weeks into June and it has not been too bad as far as heat. Yeah, we have had a few days of over 100, but it has not been as bad as in the past several years...so far. Tomorrow it is supposed to be a high of 90. That is a good thing as we have drill this weekend and I will be taking a PT test tomorrow and after that we are doing a 5 mile road march.

Watched a couple of movies over the past couple of days. First I watched THE 41 YEAR OLD VIRGIN THAT KNOCKED UP SARAH MARSHALL AND FELT SUPERBAD ABOUT IT. It was a hilarious movie, but it is not for RM or kids to watch. There is plenty of foul language and nudity in the movie with a lot of adult humor. I also watched ALICE IN WONDERLAND and was actually surprised that it was a pretty good movie.

School is still going well and I only have 2 1/2 weeks left for this class. The way things are going, I am scheduled to complete my degree by March 2012, but it could be a couple of months early after speaking with my academic advisor. I'll have to wait and see. That's all I have for now.

Where did all the cowboys go?

2010-06-08T15:05:00.002-07:00

I know, not a title meaning anything, but that is how my day is going. It is like I know I am supposed to do something and then random things just come to mind. It has been a slow day today compared to the last several weeks. Had the FIL stay last night since he had to pick up his stepdaughter from the airport and he headed back up North today. Been at work all day twiddling my thumbs. I did check out IMDB and looked up Will Smith. He has 28 possible upcoming movies to include I AM LEGEND prequel, I, ROBOT 2, INDEPENDENCE DAY 2, INDEPENDENCE DAY 3, and HANCOCK 2, among many others. I also see they will be remaking THE NEVERENDING STORY and Leonardo Dicaprio is in talks on that as well as in AQUAMAN. Ryan Reynolds will be playing in another X-men movie titled DEADPOOL as well as play GREEN LANTERN. I know, busy day.

Got my grades back for week 2 and I am still at a 98% for this Literature class. 3 more weeks to go. I am just hoping I can keep up all this school stuff as my personal and work life are busy and then slow, busy and then slow. It is kind of starting to burn me out. I found out that I won't get the results from my SATs until near the end of the month. If I post it, I feel I did good enough. If I don't, oh, well, it was just a test. I tell you what, though, I don't feel like going through that again. I was the oldest person there. Even older than the administrator that gave the exam. Should have done this years ago, but who would have thought I would have needed it back then. Heck, I never even planned on going back to school years ago.

Watched THE WOLFMAN last night. Wasn't really too interested in it. Maybe pick up some more movies tonight and maybe I can get ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Nothing big planned for the week except for drill this weekend. I will be getting up at 2am Saturday morning to head in and take a PT test. I should pass. We are only required to take 2 a year, but this will be my 4th. After that, we will be doing a roadmarch, which is more like a hike on a trail in the mountains, so I will be getting plenty of exercise on Saturday.

What to do

2010-06-06T09:29:00.002-07:00

Yeah, I am bored. It just seems like I have been so busy for so long, that all of a sudden I actually have a day with nothing to do. Yesterday I went and took my SATs. Don't know how long it takes to get the results back. We also were given a new bed frame from one of our neighbors that were moving, so I could put that together today. I have a few movies to watch as well, but nothing worth talking about now. Tomorrow my FIL will be here staying the night with us. His wife's daughter is flying in tomorrow night so he is coming down to pick her up and then they will stay the night with us. I am looking at going up to his place for the 4th of July. Probably will spend 4 days up there and come back.

Well, I ain't got nothing else to write about right now.

Another Day

2010-06-02T10:06:00.002-07:00

Well Memorial Day has came and gone. We had fun at the Sister's place. They all got started eating before we got there, but I was running a little late. Watched VALENTINE'S DAY and DEAR JOHN while we were there. Over the weekend, I watched STATEN ISLAND which really wasn't that good. Also watched THE SPY NEXT DOOR, which was similar to THE PACIFIER, but with a twist and was a good family film. I also rented TAKING CHANCE since my brother and sister said it was a great movie and I would cry. I didn't. Not even get teary eyed. The movie is based on actual events of a Marine LTCOL that asks to escort a Marine PFC's body home from Dover to Wyoming. It was an educational movie that shows the whole process from the time it arrives in the states to the funeral. I believe the movie was more focused on how the LTCOL's eyes were opened and saw that there were many civilians that pay their respects for the military along the way. It was a great movie, don't get me wrong, but I didn't shed any tears.

Not too much else is going on. Trying to get my car taken care of. Just extended my registration for 30 days so I can get that dang check engine light turned off and get it into emissions so I can renew it. I finally got my grade back for my last class and got a 98%. After finishing week one in this class, it's not as bad as I thought it would be, so far anyways. Well, that's all I got for today.

I survived

2010-05-30T11:28:00.002-07:00

It turned out to not really be too bad with the sleepover. It turned out only two kids were allowed to stay the night, so overall it went well. I did watch DEAR JOHN which was a great movie. I was able to figure out the movie pretty much from the middle to end. Also wathed THE MESSENGER with Woody Harrelson. It is about a Staff Sergeant that returns from the war and is reassigned as a casulty notification officer. These are the Soldiers that show up on class A's to notify the next of kin of someone's death. Not a good movie for RM to watch. Just finished watching VALENTINE'S DAY. That was a great movie with a lot of stars. I'm not going to ruin it for anyone, but it is a great movie to watch for anyone. Still have two more movies to watch before I return them tomorrow evening.

Tomorrow we go to the Sis's house for the family get together and the celebration of 3 birthdays, my son's, my niece, and my nephew's. They all have birthdays within a 30 day period and about a week or two apart in between, so Memorail Day is usually the day we can all get together to celebrate their birthdays as well.

I am getting ready to finish up my first week of Literature. The sight of the book when I received it scared me, but this first week has not been too bad. I am still waiting on the final grade for my last class. Can't remember what my next class is right now, but I have 4 weeks to worry about that.

Lord, help me through the night

2010-05-28T17:54:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was my oldest son's birthday and tonight we allowed him to have some friends over to stay the night. So I have my three kids and 4 additional 10-11 year olds staying the night. You'd think I would have learned my lesson by now.

Nothing planned for the weekend. Have one of my Soldier's coming over to help me out with my car. He came over a few days ago and the problem was because the coolant was low. However, it is still smoking, but not over heating. He thinks it is because when I had an oil change done that they over filled it and there is excess oil on the pan. If so, I will never take my vehicles to Fletchers. When I took it in to them, it cost me $50 for diagnostics and then they wanted to charge me over $900 for the water pump and timing belt. I priced the water pump and it is only $70. My buddy said if that was the problem, all I had to do was buy the part and he would take care of the rest. I understand the economy is bad and everything, but don't try to lie and rip your customers off.

On Monday, Memorial Day, we go to the Sister's house for the family get together and the combination of three kids birthdays. We'll see how everything else goes. The other night I watched LEGION. It was pretty good. Last night I watched DEAR JOHN. Excellent movie, and yes, I did have a tear. We'll see what I watch tomorrow night and this weekend.

Whew!

2010-05-26T10:56:00.002-07:00

So I went to court this morning for that tail light incident a month ago. I got there at 7 am and was out by 7:10. I went to a window, showed my ticket, proof of insurance, and reciept for the part that was purchased the same day as the ticket and was told I was good to go. At least that didn't cost me anything except for the gas to get there as the court was over 30 miles from my home. Now I just need to get my other vehicle through emissions and renew my tags before the end of the month. I may have to try to get an extension on it since the car is not really running too well right now. But I have someone coming over Saturday to take a look at it.

Seems I have been pretty busy this month. Those full time people are finally back to work now which has lightened my workload a bit, but I still have people expecting me to do their jobs. I'm like heck no, that is so and so's job I have things I need to get done here. I guess that is what happens when someone finds out you are better at doing someone else's job. Haven't watched any new movies lately, but I may be picking some up in the next few days to watch over the weekend. I know VALENTINE'S DAY came out last week, so I do want to get that one.

Kids have been out of school since last week. No real problems at home as of yet. I am sure my wife is still going to enjoy it though. Yeah, right. Well that's all I have for now.

What began as 4, is now 3

2010-05-22T09:07:00.002-07:00

Well, I had 4 dogs and will be down to three today. I am getting rid of our beagle as she is a nuisance. She growls when she is in trouble, overprotective of her food, gets angry at the other dogs if their playing, and I am tired of her getting on my bed in the middle of the night and taking my side of the bed. I took her from my friends because they couldn't handle her when they got a new dog and they became frightened of her as well. They were going to give her to a rescue, but I said I would take it and if I couldn't handle her, I would give her to a good home. Well, one of my Soldiers used to have a beagle until he had to have it put down about a year ago. I told him about the beagle I had and that I wanted to get rid of her. I explained all of her actions and he said it sounds just like the one he had. So I am dropping her off today at his house on my way out to Phoenix today. Dropping the kids off at the mother-in-laws and going to a friend's going away party since he is deploying.

Monday is my last day for my college class and I have a 97% right now. Again the final paper is worth 25% of my grade, which is due tomorrow. It will be a week before I get my final grade. My next class that begins Tuesday already frightens me. I received the book two weeks ago and it is like 2-3 inches thick. I am not that much of a reader, especially for a class that is five weeks long. The class is Literature. Wish me luck.

The lord shall giveth and taketh away

2010-05-17T16:41:00.003-07:00

Well, you see, my favorite breed of dog and one I have always wanted is a pug. Everytime I looked at getting one, it always cost money I didn't have. Friday, my oldest son was out with his friend and they found a pug and brought it home asking if we could keep it because it didn't have a collar. I looked at my wife with a look 'can we, can we?'. Well, of course I told my son we will hold on to it, but if someone is looking for it, we will have to return it. The pug got along well with the other dogs and it seemed she was fitting in. The next day, I was at drill and apparantly my oldest came home from staying the night at his friends and saw a lost dog poster with a picture of it. So while I was at drill, he came home, grabbed the pug and returned it to the owners. They gave him and his friend $50 for returning him. My son kept $30 and his friend got $20. Seemed fair as they both found it, but it stayed at my house. I was happy when they came home with the dog because I thought it was a small reward from God. Then the next day, it was gone.

Oh, well. Drill was long all weekend. We did have a family day and everyone had a good time. Come back to work this morning and I am of course bogged down with everything the Soldiers decide to drop on us over the weekend instead of calling us during the week to take care of something. I didn't even have time to check my school work today. I need this to slow down soon. Well, that's how busy I have been these past few days.

Wassup

2010-05-12T14:11:00.002-07:00

Tomorrow one of my Soldiers, and one of my friends that has been in the military with me since the beginning, is getting commissioned as an officer after completing ROTC and his degree at ASU. So I will be going to his Commissioning Ceremony tomorrow afternoon in my Class A's. I don't get to wear it that often so it pretty much still looks new. I just always have to update my uniform when I wear it like adding ribbons or changing ranks. Yeah, that is how often I wear it.

Watched NCIS last night and it was good. I know the season finale is coming up soon and it will be interesting how things play out. Nothing really on tv tonight, but I plan on grilling dinner. I have been on work overload again all day today. It's nice to know that at least my higher ups know how much work has been dumped on me these past couple of weeks, but I am still hanging in there. Only a couple of more weeks to go.

I have drill this weekend so of course I have added work as well. Sometimes I wonder what I got myself into by taking on all of these leadership responsibilities, but I guess being paid is worth it in itself. That's all I got today.

Adrenaline

2010-05-11T14:19:00.002-07:00

It is sometimes a good thing. It seems the more work I have, the more my adrenaline starts kicking in. However, this makes everyday turn into a stressful day even though I get everything accomplished. I have just been beat by the time it is for me to leave for the day.

I did watch THE LOVELY BONES on Sunday. It was a great movie and is RM approved. It is a suspenseful film, but I really liked it.

Last week, I finally went to Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill. Apparently, if you are in the military, you get the American Soldier meal for free, which is like a quarter pound cheeseburger and fries. I noticed on the menu they had something called the 100ozer and called my brother later that evening telling him when I have money, I want to take him there to see if he could eat it. There is no time limit, but it costs like $30 and if you eat it all, you get a $15 coupon for your next visit. It consists of 32oz hamburger patty, 10oz bun, 32oz drink, 16oz fries, 4oz of cheese, and 6oz of fixings (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles). They say to allow 30 minutes for cook time. Can you imagine seeing anyone eat all that? So I want to see if my bro can do it and I plan on taking a before and after picture.

School is going ok, just finished my third week of this class and got a perfect score on last week's paper. Only 2 more weeks to go. That's all I got today.

Still surviving

2010-05-09T15:12:00.002-07:00

Well, it has been a hectic week and a busy weekend as well. I was able to watch a few movies this weekend. FLICKA 2, don't waste your money. The first one was awesome and this is nowhere close to being a good movie. The storyline sucked, Clint Black wasn't all that great. The only thing worth watching this movie is the acting from Patrick Warburton. I also watched LEAP YEAR, which was pretty good. It is RM approved and is a sappy love story. I also watched NINE, which is a musical, and like CHICAGO, I was easily bored with it. I know it is a movie not worth watching if I get up to go smoke and let it continue playing because I am not going to miss anything, but want the movie to play all the way through so I can think I got my money's worth. I still have THE LOVELY BONES to watch, which I will probably be watching today.

I had to go into work earlier today. It seems we had a Soldier heading somewhere today and the place where they were going needed information before a specific time. So I had to go in today to take care of all that. Just finished taking a test for my college course to end week 3. Still have an A. Two more weeks of this class left.

Found out on a conference call last week that our unit was able to pick up a new location for our overseas annual trainings. We now are able to do Italy. I hope I can get on that first rotation, but it depends on when it is. School is more important to me right now and I do not want to have to put it off. That's all I got today.

I quit

2010-05-06T15:23:00.002-07:00

At least that is what I have been saying to all the people I work with this past week. No, I am not quitting. It just frustrates me that there are 8 full time personnel at my headquarters in CA and I am the only one in my location. 2 of those people are out for the time being and apparantly I am the only one besides them that have complete access to the systems. So instead of just taking care of two platoons, I am taking care of hundreds of Soldiers. I still have 3 more weeks of this too. Some may say I am complaining because I actually have work to do now, and yes, I am. Work that I shouldn't have to be doing just because I learned the systems so i didn't have to rely on them to take care of my people. Talk about backfire.

I watched TOOTH FAIRY last night starring Dwayne Johnson, "The Rock". It was a pretty good movie. I have a few more to watch and will probably do so over the weekend. In my third week of my 6th college course, still an A. School work hasn't bothered me as much as my real work, but it is easy for me to do schoolwork at work than at home. So it is a matter of being able to do both work and schoolwork at work than it is to go home and do it. Being home is like work in itself, even though when I get home I just sit in front of the tv. However, it is also doing the grocery shopping, paying the bills, handling the kids, etc. My life is never dull and boring. If anyone wins the lottery, let me know. I need some.

Oh, my head is spinning

2010-05-03T14:46:00.002-07:00

And it has been since Friday. It seems the main person we have that submits pay for Soldiers is currently elsewhere on orders and everything has dropped in my lap. It appears that out of all the full time staff, there are only 3 individuals that can access the pay to ensure Soldiers get paid. Two of them are gone on orders, which leaves me. Not a big deal if they had given me all of the information. For this past weekend, there 12 Soldiers that needed to be paid, but I was only sent 6 orders. I had to research the other 6. I do not know who else needs to be paid at this time because no one is giving me any information. I mean, I can't pay some one if I don't have the information. Yeah, so my job will be interesting for the next couple of weeks until they return.

This weekend was more of a time to relax. Didn't do anything and didn't go anywhere. Just sat at home and watched tv. Not that anything was good on, just didn't feel like doing anything. Just wrapping up my second week of this college course and I am still sitting at an A. 3 more weeks to go. They originally gave me a month long break in September, but I called my Academic Advisor and asked them to put a class in there. I don't want to take any unnecessary breaks, i just want to get it done and over with and keep the momentum up. I will be getting ready for my SAT test in June. I have to pay by 05 May, which I will to lock it in. After I take the test and get over a certain score, I will be submitting my direct commission packet. It may take 6 months to a year, but it will be well worth it.

That's about all I got going on now. Maybe later this week I will be able to go pick up some movies to watch. My oldest wants to see IRON MAN 2 in theaters, which comes out Friday. Don't know if I'll be able to do that or not just yet. We'll see.

Don't get me started

2010-04-30T10:54:00.002-07:00

Well, AZ has attempted to take illegal immigration into their own hands. My take on it...do it. I am sick of hearing the government saying it is unconstitutional and other states saying it is racial profiling. Prove it. I mean how is it unconstitutional to an illegal immigrant when they have no rights as they are not U.S. citizens? As far as racial profiling, that would not happen as any person stopped for any reason is always asked for their ID and if you are a U.S. citizen, you will have a state issued ID. No matter what color you are. These people are making it sound like if you are brown, you will be stopped for no other reason than to check your citizen status. That is not what it is about. Other states that are trying to boycott AZ have said that what we are doing is wrong. When asked if we could ship the illegal immigrants to their states and cities, no one would respond. Hmmm, it is not a problem in your state right now, but you wouldn't want to be put in that situation, huh? Don't get me started.

Watched CRAZY HEART the other night. It was kind of slow, but was ok. I think the D00d would like it. Also watched CRAZY ON THE OUTSIDE starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Kelsey Grammar. That was pretty funny. TOOTH FAIRY comes out Tuesday so I will try to get that one and I am still trying to get LOVELY BONES, but Blockbuster has been out of it the last few times I went in.

The other night, my oldest was riding his bike and fell. He came home with his glasses in his hand (thankfully they were not broken) and blood dripping down his face. Took him to the doctor only because he had a knot on the side of his head almost the size of a golf ball. The cut wasn't really deep enough for stitiches. The doctor said he was lucky it wasn't a lttle further back, but no CT scans or xrays were needed. The next morning the swelling was gone. He also got part of his braces put in yesterday on the top four teeth. Still waiting for his baby molars to come out.

Everyone and everything else on the homefront is fine. Yesterday's day off was enjoyable even though I was running around to different appointments. I came into work today and have a lot to do. I can't wait for the day to be over with.

Another Hump Day

2010-04-28T11:37:00.002-07:00

Here it is the middle of the week and it feels like I haven't had a day off in a month. With drill and traveling to schools and such, it has been hectic. Tomorrow I am taking a sick day. My oldest has an orthodontics appointment in the morning and my wife has a Dr. appointment in the afternoon, so I figured I'll just take the day off and save some gas.

Watched CHUCK Monday night. It just keeps getting better and better. I have also started watching OPERATION REPO MAN and SOUTHERN FRIED STINGS on Monday night as well. Last night I tried watching NCIS and NCIS LOS ANGELES. I say tried because people kept calling and I tried to get off the phone. I guess that would be a good reason to upgrade to TIVO, but I don't make enough to pay for it. Tonight will be a slow night, so hopefully I will be able to watch the movies I picked up on Sunday.

Not much planned for the rest of the week. I did finally get my taillight fixed last night. I ordered the part on Monday and picked it up yesterday and installed it. So I will just take the receipt to court and tell them I did get it repaired as soon as I could. Hopefully they'll drop any charges. May has come up fast. My oldest will turn 11 next month and the kids all get out of school. Well, that is all I got today.

What a day

2010-04-26T14:14:00.002-07:00

Well, I survived being sick last week. Only lasted a day and a half. Then I walked 5 miles to find a liqour store as when I drink, I stop being sick. I left Wisconsin on Friday and got home after midnight. Went to a party Saturday night for one of my Soldiers who is deploying. It was alright. I ended up leaving there shortly after midnight and went and got a hotel room for the night. Sunday, came home and relaxed. Today, came back to work. Had a few errands to run and while I was out, got pulled over. Got cited. My bad.

A few weeks ago, my passenger tail leght cover had been removed or fell off or whatever. I noticed it and the next day looked online to price them. $50 no problem. Went to Checker and they wanted to charge me like $100. I didn't have that much at the time so I had to hold off. Well, I just got paid last Thursday, but I have been out of town. The officer said he pulled me over for my taillight, but then started questioning my insurance. I gave him my card (which expired in Feb and I didn't know it). He said he was keeping the card. As he came back with the ticket, he gave me the card back and was saying it was a different insurance that was cancelled, but because I had an expired card, I had to show up to court with a current one. No problem, that one will drop. I asked him how much for the other citation for the taillight and he said it would be cheap. I'm thinking $40-50. He tells me more like $100-150. Dang. He did suggest I get it replaced and bring the receipt to court so that they may lower it once I explain the situation and show proof that it has been fixed.

Well, that's about all I got to catch everyone up since the last time.

I'm sick

2010-04-21T19:48:00.002-07:00

Wouldn't you know it, I usually don't get sick and if I do it is not for that long. I guess from going from 90 degree weather to in the 60's caused me to catch something. I am sitting here in Wisconsin now and started having a stuffy nose and runny nose earlier today. Then it stopped...and started...and stopped...and started. I hope I am feeling better in the morning. I have 2 days left until I return home.

I am barely hanging on to an A in my college class. It ended Monday, but I am waiting for my final paper to be graded, which I am told it will take a week to get the final grade. This last paper is worth 25% of the grade. I hope I scored high enough to keep my A and my 4.0 average. I just started my next class yesterday which is Sociology/Ethical Issues or something like that.

Tomorrow I take a test for this class I am here for. All week it has seemed pretty easy and simple. All I need is to score a minimum of 70% to pass, which I don't see will be a problem. That's all I got for tonight. Maybe more before I leave to return home.

Whew...I am beat

2010-04-20T14:54:00.002-07:00

That was one long flight on Sunday. Not to mention I didn't eat all day. I thought I would at least get dinner, but nope, sure didn't. So I walked over to the gas station and put my account into overdraft so I could get some food. Oh, well, I am sure it was worth it.

So here I am in Wisconsin doing my school for my job. It has been pretty easy so far. I am 2 days into it and have 2 full days left. Friday I graduate and head home, but don't get back until after midnight. Then I have a party to go to Saturday night for one of my Soldiers that is deploying.

Other than that, not much to write about. Waiting on my scores from my last college class, but was told it will be about a week for them to post. Today starts my next class in Sociology. Maybe I will write more later this week if there is anything to write about.

Getting ready to go

2010-04-15T14:42:00.002-07:00

Well, I am heading out Sunday morning for a school for my civilian job. I will only be gone for 6 days. WooHoo. Been real busy these last couple of days with work. I have a paper due on Monday to finish my college class, but I really need to complete it and submit it by tomorrow to ensure it is in on time. I know I will have internet access during class, but I need access in my room while I am there as my next class begins on Tuesday. I won't know until I get there though.

Everything else is going as usual. Nothing new on the homefront. I did call the school about the money they still need to send to me. It appears they will not send it out until June. That kind of ticks me off because the TA through the military pays for the class about 30 days after I complete it. So the money I have there now, they will take out of that the first day of the class. Which means I will not get the full amount, I will get what is left after they deduct the new classes. Then I have to wait for the TA's to come in and then receive those later. I know I end up getting the same amount in the end, but I would rather have it all at once instead of a little at a time. Oh, well, what can you do?

Well that is about it for today. I need to start wrapping things up to head home.

Kids are sometimes dangerous

2010-04-13T09:12:00.002-07:00

Yes, sometimes those little rugrats can be dangerous. You see, my kids like to play with toys in the bathtub and the showers. This morning, I get up to take a shower and see a few toys in there, so I just push them out of the way with my foot. While showering, I am turning around and stepped on something. Apparently, there was a hot wheel car in the shower that had lost a wheel. I found it. Yes, the tire was broke off the car, face down with the metal rod pointing straight up going into the bottom of my foot. So, yes, sometimes kids are dangerous.

Didn't really do much yesterday. Took my youngest son to a dental appointment yesterday. No cavities, so we are good there. I am trying to get a hold of my school today to see when they are going to send out the money they have for my Pell grant and TA. I kind of need it soon, hopefully before I leave on Sunday.

Not too much work today so far, so maybe I will be able to work on my research paper. I need to turn it in before I leave on Sunday, just in case I do not have internet access at my military school. Oh, geez, I just realized I am pretty much working 4 weeks straight. Man, I need a raise.

Nothing planned for tonight other than watching my regular Tuesday night shows. That is all I got today.

Ouch

2010-04-12T13:12:00.002-07:00

I got sunburned this weekend. So it took us about 9-10 hours to bus to CA for our drill this past weekend for weapons qualification. Not too bad. I zeroed right away Friday afternoon when we got there and got a little sunburned on the bag of the neck. Saturday morning I put on Sunblock on my neck and face. Didn't help my neck or the back of my head. So, it hurts a bit right now. Saturday morning I was on the first rotation and qualified right away, so the rest of the day was busy work helping other Soldiers out. We came back Sunday and got back around two, but I am still beat from the getting up early, meetings all night, and long bus rides.

I am still waiting on my school to cut me a check of the money they have to send me. It is a little over $2500 now. So hopefully they send that soon. I leave Sunday for a week for my job. I did talk to our Batallion Commander this past weekend and he told me what an outstanding job I have been doing and i have the best run platoons out of the whole company. Well, I don't hear that from the Company leadership so if the Batallion Commander is saying it, it means so much more. I don't know how it is different than the rest of the company as I do what I am told and put out information as it comes in. So the only thing I can think of is that the other platoons do not communicate to their Soldiers.

So, my weekend had been pretty busy, but it was a good thing I guess. Just trying to pay some bills on time to get everything up to date so I don't fall behind. Hopefully soon I get a raise as I am due one in June.

A Long Weekend Ahead

2010-04-08T14:43:00.002-07:00

Well, here I sit wrapping things up for the week as I have a long weekend ahead of me. I have to get up at 2am tomorrow to be here at work getting things ready to head out to California for drill this weekend. Going to the range to qualify on our M-16's. Will be returning late Sunday night. I spent most of the day taking care of some errands and knocking out my school work for the weekend so I can just rest when I get back.

We were supposed to have the visit with CPS again today. However, my wife called me and told me the lady had to cancel again. Seems she has cancer and was undergoing chemo. So instead of an onsite visit, she just did a phone interview with my wife. No big deal, just a bunch of questions and then the case was closed. I knew there was nothing to worry about, but when you hear of things like this you start second guessing yourself. I remember one time I received a call from CID for the Army. I had to go to their office to answer some questions about something that had happened during our deployment. I know I did nothing wrong, but the whole authority thing got to me. And when I did show up, they had me spread my feet and put my hands on the wall to pat me down. They then put me in a room, shut and locked the door and I could see two cameras in there and a one way mirror. They then came and took me out and fingerprinted me. Not just the fingers, but the sides of the hand and the whole palm of the hand. Everything turned out to be fine, but it was just the whole thought running through my mind of "what did I do that I don't remember".

So, as I am out firing my weapon, you all have a fun weekend.

Whew, I am beat

2010-04-06T12:12:00.002-07:00

I don't know what happened this past weekend, but I am wore out. The last two nights I haven't been able to get to sleep until after midnight at least. Then, I still have to get up early and get the kids ready for school and head to work. I just feel so drained and tired. On top of that, yesterday and today, I have been so swamped with work and schoolwork, especially with drill coming up this weekend.

Easter went ok. Of course I gave my kids their Easter baskets a week before. I don't like the fact of all this gift stuff, unless it is for their birthday, to give it to them on that particular day. Christmas and Easter should not be about gifts or anything, they are religous holidays and should be treated as such.

This current administration just seems to tick me off more and more everyday. I saw how Obama threw out the first pitch at a game. I know other Presidents have done it in the past, but that is different. They didn't have all of the stuff on their plate that he does. They also didn't do all of these "publicity" stunts every chance they got. I don't recall seeing any President in office on Late Night shows or Talk Shows while they were in office. I am guessing he is trying to get it all done while he can before the American Public step in and impeach him. That or he somehow fails to complete his term. I just don't think we can hold on for two more years of all this.

We have a new addition to our family now. Chanel is a beagle, probably a couple of years old. One of my friends had gotten a new dog and they couldn't handle both, so I said I would take it. That makes four dogs now. Chanel is testing me right now, but I am sure in a few days, she will know that she can dominate the other dogs, but she won't dominate me.

I saw this morning that the other part of my Pell Grant has been received by my school. So, I am hoping they send that to me soon as I definately could use it right now. The school is also still waiting on Tuition Assistance form the military for two classes I have already completed. Once they receive that, it will come back to me as well since my last Pell Grant covered those classes. I hate the waiting game.

I am in my last two weeks of this current course and I am still clinging on to an A. My last assignment is the one I worry about as it is 25% of my total grade. I need to ace that one. After this class, I move on to Sociology. Another class that has nothing to do with my degree. Oh, well, everyone has to make money somehow.

That is all I got today. Maybe I'll be able to post again before I leave this weekend.

I'm Bored

2010-04-02T13:03:00.002-07:00

Did not watch SHERLOCK HOLMES last night. Instead I watched an episode of BONES and FRINGE since the new episodes are back on and the reruns are over for now. Tonight I will be watching SMALLVILLE as well as KITCHEN NIGHTMARES, so I probably won't watch it until tomorrow.

I have been bored all day as it is slow. I was told yesterday that even though there is a Holiday on Sunday, we still had to work today. However, more than half the building is empty at my location and I wonder if anyone in CA is working as no one responds to e-mails or answers the phone. Sometimes, I think they do this to me because they are jealous I am the only full time person at a separate location. I love it, though, no one to report to or overlook my work. I still get stuff done and have plenty of spare time. Heck, half the times they call me on how to do their jobs. Oh, well, it is what it is.

School is still going fine. Only two and a half more weeks to go. Finally paid some of my rent today, but have to wait until next week to finish paying it. I feel like just leaving work. There is no time clock to punch in and out of and no one is responding to me. I feel all alone.....NOT!

My middle child played a good April's Fool joke on my wife and I yesterday. My wife and I took my daughter with us to the store leaving the two older boys at home. We were gone maybe an hour. When we got home, our younger son told us the older had gotten ticked off and ran away. Well, it is believable as over the last several months when he gets upset, he tries running out the front door or says he is running away. So first thing I said was this had better be a joke. I went to the garage...ok, his bike is still here, he's probably hiding. After two minutes of searching the house for him, my wife went out in the backyard where he was hiding. It was a little upsetting, but after an hour, it was a pretty good prank.

Another thing that happened about a week ago. My wife and I were going somewhere with our daughter, I forget where, not important. My daughter was saying that when she grows up she wants to be big like Mommy. My wife said "you want to be big like me, huh?" My daughter answers back "not fat, Mommy, tall". Wow, that was not nice. Sometimes, my kids say the darndest thing. Every now and then when I tease my oldest son about something, he always responds back "5 more years, Dad, 5 more years". To most people, that really doesn't mean anything. However, I am 35 years old. Most men know what happens at age 40 when you schedule an appointment with the Dr.

Well, that's all I got today. I'm still bored.

Just another day

2010-04-01T10:33:00.002-07:00

Today is just that. Another ordinary day. I have some schoolwork to do that is due today, but I have plenty of time to do it. After two weeks in this class, I have been able to bring my grade back up to an A. We'll see how this week goes. Even the Instructor informed all of us at the beginning of this course that this will be the hardest class we take at this school. I believe it, or at least so far. I'll determine if that is true after I get to my future classes.

I watched ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEEKAL last night. It was a great movie. Still have SHERLOCK HOLMES to watch. I enrolled my daughter into kindergarten the other night so that is all set up now. Got back school pictures of all the kids, so now it is just coming up with the money to pay for them by next week.

Still trying to come up with my rent money for this month as well. I will have it covered as I get paid next week, but just seeing if I can get it done sooner. Oh, well. Sunday will be going to the older sister's house for Easter family get together. Have a test due that day, maybe I'll just do it there. I finally have my travel arrangements made for my next school which is only for 5 days in Wisconsin. Just waiting on my orders now. That's all I got today.

200

2010-03-30T14:47:00.002-07:00

Wow, my 200th post in what, two years-3 years, don't really remember. Big deal.

Today has been surprisingly overwhelming with everything. I have had a lot of work to do to pick up the slack from the rest of my "co-workers". Not that they were on vacation or anything, but they are supposed to be doing things for all locations and they aren't. So I am learning to do their jobs to take care of my location, which is stuff they should be doing. Long story, not going to put you through it. However, I should ask for a raise.

Tonight I go to enroll my daughter for kindergarten next year. Yes, I am excited as I have been paying for her to go to pre-school all this year. Kindergarten will be free and....it is still full day in our district. I am excited about that. So does that mean extra money in my pocket since I won't have to pay? No, apparantly the IRS says I owe them money so what was going to pre-school, will now be going to the IRS. Greedy Obama lovers.

My car gets paid off next month and then all I have is another year and a half payments on my van. Do I get to save that extra money? No, put my oldest into braces. Greedy orthodontists.

I need to win the lottery. Or find the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. Or, well, anyways I can get money legally. I am sure you are all in the same boat, if not worse. Greedy Obama lovers. They did this to us.

Yes, I am a bit upset. It seems a lot of people have been brainwashed into believing that George H. W. Bush was a bad President and everything is his fault. Take a look at History you stupid hypocrits. Every President can not please everyone all the time. But listening to the current administration saying everything is his fault is ridiculous. He didn't do trillions in bailout money causing the bankruptcies, crashing of the home mortgages, etc. He did not put people in his cabinets or other federal jobs that were criminals such as the current administration has. He is not and has never denounced us as a non-christian country. You don't like it, get the Hell out of my country.

Another Monday

2010-03-29T12:20:00.002-07:00

Well, at least I did better on my test for school yesterday than I did last week. I also had a paper due today, which I already turned in, so I am caught up for the moment. In between doing work and school stuff, it gets kind of hard. I have stuff for my job that needs done right away, but I also had stuff for school that was due. In the end, they both get done in time.

Watched MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS this weekend. It was alright, but not great. Also watched BROTHERS and thought it could have been done better. The first half of the money was just too slow. Also saw BANDSLAM, which actually was a prety good movie. I know SHERLOCK HOLMES is released tomorrow, but I may have to wait to get that one.

Nothing else to write for today. Kids are back in school, so that is a blessing in itself. However in two months they will be out for the summer.

Why me?

2010-03-26T09:07:00.002-07:00

Sometimes that is how I feel. It seems like after doing everything I need to do to get ahead in life, something pushes me down. It's not necessarily a cost thing, but it is just the fact of something happening. For example, yesterday was just a tough day. I had two assignments to do that were due by midnight last night. No problem, I usually do it at work because I can not concentrate on school work at home due to the kids. Well, yesterday I actually was swamped with work I had to do for work. No problem. So I stay late to complete my school work. I go home, return movies to Blockbuster, pick up a few more and we head to Wal-Mart to do a little shopping. I return to my van and start putting the bags away when I notice I am missing the cover for my rear brake light (or whatever it is called). I didn't see any pieces so it is not like someone broke it. It looks like someone just came up and pried it off. So now I am driving around without this cover worrying if I might get pulled over. I now have to start looking for a replacement part and how much it will cost. Needless to say, I still need to come up with money to fix my car (water pump and timing belt) and the money for my wife's root canal that she needs done.

Anyways, i picked up BROTHERS last night with Jake Gyllenhal and Toby McGuire. I might watch it tonight or tomorrow, haven't decided yet. Also picked up MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS and something else I can't remember right now. So I should post about them next week. I was wanting to go search for the lost dutchman's gold this weekend, but don't really have the gas right now. So I will hold off for a bit. It's not like it is going anywhere as it has been hidden for over 120 years, but I have a good idea where it is anyways. Yes, I am still crazy. I need to just go out there, prove myself wrong, and stop thinking about it.

Kids go back to school next week (YAY!!). They didn't really bother me as I am at work when they are at school or home, but it does affect the wife quite a bit. So, if she's happy, I don't get yelled at. That's the way it works I guess. I am also going to start making the kids do chores and earn an allowance. Maybe this will enable them to keep the house clean and earn money for things they want. We'll see.

I must be crazy

2010-03-24T12:21:00.002-07:00

Well, the MIL has been over since Monday since the kids are on spring break this week. She finally left earlier today after I had already left for work. Monday night, I came home to my usual routine. Turn on the news, watch a few shows, watch TMZ, and watch CHUCK. The whole time she is sitting there wanting to watch a movie or something. I'm thinking to myself she has all day to do that while I am at work. I pay the rent, this my house, I'll watch TV if I want to. I thought it, didn't say it. So she told me Monday night she likes to watch AMERICAN IDOL. So, last night, I get off of work and go home. I go straight to my room and watch TV. I let her stay out in the living room to do whatever. The kids and wife continued coming into the room and I told them to go out and spend time with their grandmother/mother. Otherwise she'll wonder why she is even there if we are all in my bedroom. Oh, well, she finally left today and life can return to normal.

So yesterday, I started thinking I may be starting to go crazy. For about the past week, I have been thinking about something and researching it...a lot. I began thinking I must sound crazy...even to myself. The "something" is The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine. I don't know how I started thinking about it, but I started researching it and writing down certain clues and stuff. I mean, heck, I live close enough, maybe I can go hiking on the weekend and stumble across it. Who knows. Too many people have searched over the last 120 years, what makes me think I could find it. I think it is just the excitement of trying to find it. Although mining is forbidden since 1984, I am not looking at digging or anything. Supposedly, in some places it is seen by the visible eye in plain sight. It is just a matter of where. So, yes, I may be starting to go crazy.

Other than all that, nothing new. I finally received my final grade for my last English class. I received an A. After freaking out about that test I took last Sunday, I realized it seemed worse than it really is. I can still finish with an A. I just have to stay on top of it.

Disappointed

2010-03-22T09:34:00.002-07:00

That is how I felt for this whole past weekend. After finishing working for 12 days straight, I was looking forward to relaxing for the weekend. On Saturday, I did watch SHORTS. It was pretty good for a kids movie. I also watched EVERYBODY'S FINE. That movie made me ball my eyes out. I had to even stop it a couple of times just to regain my composure. Of course it didn't help that I did drink this past weekend. I also watched the new TWILIGHT: NEW MOON movie. I thought it was better than the first one. I like Jacob better than Edward anyways. I am already predicting how the next one will go. No, I will not read the book. I am not my brother, I do not like to read. Also watched NINJA ASSASSIN. It was pretty slow, but it did have great action scenes and a good story.

I am currently in my first week of a new class for school. Introduction to Cultural Anthropolgy. I thought I was getting a pretty good understanding of the subject. I did the required readings and the required discussion posts. However, yesterday I had to take a quiz on it. That's cool, because you can use the book on the quiz. I found almost nearly every answer in the text. However, once I submitted it, I was dumbfounded. I got 11/20 correct. Hmmm, hopefully that doesn't hurt too much for the rest of the class. So all in all, this past weekend has been a big disappoint to me.

My kids are on spring break this week. Joy joy. Hopefully this week and next weekend will show some improvement.

Settling Down

2010-03-19T09:00:00.003-07:00

Whew, I tell you what. On the drive into work this morning, I was fuming and thinking about what I would rant about on my blog today. It all started last night when I was doing my schoolwork. I am taking this class called introduction to cultural anthropology. After reading other classmates posts, I couldn't believe how many ignorant people there are in the United States. Seriously. There were people making comments like we force our beliefs on other countries and talk about how welfare should be increased because people need help and everything else. I just couldn't respond to any of them last night because I probably would have been kicked out of the class for telling them how stupid and ignorant they are and how they need to stop watching and believing the news and get off their @$$ and work. And then, this morning I was following my kids to school. This past week I have allowed them to ride their scooters to school and I follow them to make sure they get there safe and look out for cars when crossing the street. As my oldest is in the crosswalk and the crossing guard is in the strret with the sign, a car kept driving right through without stopping. If I had reacted a little faster I would have pulled in front of the car, stopped him, and beat his @$$. Not just because it was my kid, but because the driver was a freaking idiot and not paying attention. Oh, I am just fuming today.

Last night I watched WRONG TURN 3: LEFT FOR DEAD. It was pretty good for the series. It definately was nowhere near as bad as CABIN FEVER 2. It was your basic thriller/horror movie. I still have two more movies to watch and then I have to return them on Saturday. I still have EVERYBODY'S FINE and SHORTS to watch.

No big plans for this weekend. Don't have money to do anything and don't really know what we would be able to do. I guess it will just be another lazy weekend.

Just another day

2010-03-18T15:04:00.004-07:00

Ahhh...where to start. Nothing new to write about, just don't know what to type. I came into work today with a lot to do to include some homework that is due today. I am all caught up with everything now. I have to take the wife to an appointment later this afternoon, but nothing really planned tonight. Maybe watch another movie.

Last night we watched OLD DOGS with Robin Williams and John Travolta. It is a Disney movie and it is Reverand Mother approved. Which means it is safe to watch. It was pretty funny and worth a watch. Still have a few more to watch before I turn them back in on Saturday.

Nothing new has been coming up. Still waiting to hear back from the VA and waiting for the bill the IRS is supposed to send me. Other than that, I am still caught up on bills and still surviving. I go to CA next month for drill for weapons qualification. After I return from that, I head out to Wisconsin for a week. Hopefully it will be warm there by then. Other than that, the only training I have scheduled is for two weeks in Wisconsin in August. No word on next year's missions yet, so I don't know if I'll be heading back to Germany or maybe even Korea this time. Japan already came up and I turned that down. I don't mind pulling my weight and working, but the Japan missions are always 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. If I am going to go somewhere, I want a chance to have time off to go see some sights.

Well, that's all I got today. Until tomorrow.

Happy St Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T15:34:00.002-07:00

Really doesn't mean much to me except it is my little sister's birthday. Not too much going on lately. I did contact the IRS about the amount I owe them and I set up a payment plan. It should be paid off by tax season next year. I also sent a letter to the VA department about their supposedly overpaying me. I have to wait back to hear about that, but I am sure they will see they were wrong as I submitted all documentation that they owed me.

Tonight I figure I'll cook steaks on the grill and watch a movie or two. Not sure which ones yet as I picked up 4 the other day. Finally caught up with all my work from this past weekend and everything that came up since then. Just finished my last class on Monday, but I am still waiting for the final grades to come out. I am sure I still got an A.

I also started my next class yesterday. Introduction to Cultural Anthropology. Kind of worried, it looks hard. Won't know really until after I finish the first week. Maybe it is just my fears. I still need to set up when to take my SAT as well so I can get the ball rolling for my Direct Commission. I still don't expect to get everything done for that and pinned until sometime next year, but we will see.

Busy Monday...again

2010-03-15T09:42:00.002-07:00

It's always busy after drill weekend. I had so much stuff to be done and only one computer. But we did get everything done. I was so beat when I got home both Saturday and Sunday.

Watched BOONDOCK SAINTS II: ALL SAINTS DAY last night. It was awesome. The only bad thing about it was this actress in the movie, she kind of ruined it because she wasn't that great. Other than that, it was a great follow up to the first one.

Too busy to really write too much right now. Still have a paper to finish as today is my last day for this class. Tomorrow starts the next class and it already sounds difficult. We will see. Maybe post more tomorrow.

Life is a rollercoaster ride

2010-03-12T13:23:00.002-07:00

A rollercoaster has ups and downs and twists and turns and dropoffs and more. That is how life is. It seems at times I will have good moments and then bad moments, sometimes both at the same time. No wonder people get so stressed as they can not control everything. I am still dealing with what I owe the IRS. My car is acting up and the shop says about $1000 to fix it. It appears it is the water pump and timing belt they want to replace. Whatever.

Went to the Parent/Teacher conferences last night. Both of my boys made the Honor Roll!! The oldest had all B's and one A, the younger boy had all A's and one B. On top of that we return home to find out Child Protective Services wants to come to our house to meet us to close a case. That was news to me. It seems a couple of months ago, my younger son was laying on the floor and I came by and rubbed my foot on his chest tickling him. He had been mad at me about something at the time. Well two days later he goes to the nurses office saying his chest was hurting and I had stepped on him. The nurse asked if it was by accident or on purpose and he said on purpose. He came home that day and told us. I didn't think anything of it as I did not step on him. Well the school notified CPS. Yesterday CPS showed up at the school and called both of my boys down to the office to question them about things. They both informed me yesterday before we had the call. When we returned from the conferences I heard the message and called them back and left a message. They called back this morning and basically said not to worry, they just needed to see us with their findings and close the case. Ok, whatever.

I finally was enrolled today for two classes that I need for my civilian job. I'll be gone for my step-father's birthday for one class and my mom's birthday for the other class. Oh, well, these classes were supposed to be done before June, but the people I submitted the requests to obviously didn't know how to do their job. But I am ok with that because one of the classes will allow me to input my Soldiers into schools and I won't have to rely on these people anymore.

Last night I watched UP IN THE AIR. It was not that great. No real action, mostly drama, with a lot of foul language. Almost fell asleep watching it. We also watched PLANET 51. This was a great kids movie. All three of my kids were entranced watching it. I still have BOONDOCKS SAINTS II to watch, maybe tonight, but not sure yet. After all, I have drill this weekend and have to be up early.

So Tired

2010-03-11T08:07:00.002-07:00

I don't know why, but I have been so tired all week. I get up at 7am to take my boys to school and then head on in to work. This week I have had a lot more work than usual, and that does mean my job as well as school. I go home, watch tv and I'm in bed by 9:30. I just don't understand it. On top of that, I am working 12 days straight as I have drill this weekend and have to get up at 4am all weekend. I just need a day of rest...with no kids.

My oldest is only 10 getting ready to turn 11 in May. It seems he is already getting into the teenage attitude problem phase. Sometimes I feel like I just want to snap and tie him hup and stuff a sock in his mouth. I just let the wife try to take care of it or wait for him to calm down. Now I know why I used to drink. I don't even crave it...at least these past few days I haven't. Don't know about the whole direct commission thing. I still have to set up to take an SAT since I only have 60 credits it is required. If I had my degree, I wouldn't need it. I don't think it is too hard or at least as hard as it sound back in High School. I have never taken it before, so I don't know.

Watched WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE last night. I never read the book, so I can't compare the two. However, I thought it was a waste of money. It was boring and stupid. My kids didn't really like it either. Don't know if I'll pick any other movies up or not until next week because I have drill I won't have that much time to watch them. But on the other hand, I need to drop this movie off so I may pick up some new ones.

Tonight is Parent/Teacher conferences for my boys. The oldest is telling me his grades are ok, but we'll see. Everytime progress reports come out he has at least one F. The last couple of quarters he did bring the grades up in time for the report card. Tonight we get his report card for this quarter, so we shall see.

Big Decision

2010-03-09T09:45:00.002-07:00

Well, I think I made a pretty big decision this past weekend. It seems last week I found out that I am now non-deployable, which means I can not go overseas for deployment with the military. Well, that is not entirely true. I am not allowed to volunteer for deployments, I should say. See, because I am a MilTech, a civilian working for the government, and I am in the Army Reserves, I was told if my platoon gets pulled for mobilization, I will not go. If I do volunteer for a deployment, I am not gauranteed my job when I return. It appears too many MilTechs have been volunteering for deployments (we make more money on the military side) and the government struggles to hire replacements. Once the MilTech returns, they want their job back and they have to find somewhere for the person they replaced to go. Just too much of a hassle I guess.

I did have a plan for what I wanted to do before finding out this information. I had decided I wanted to wait until I get my BA, which is in two years, before I decided to do this. I was planning on going for my E-8 later this year until I found out last week i would be transferred to another unit if I did. If I were to get transferred, I would have to find another job. I have decided to put in my packet for Direct Commission and become an officer. Before last week, I didn't want to as new officers get pulled for deployments and I wanted to complete my degree instead of putting it on hold until I returned. With the new information I have, I can still become an officer now, not worry about being deployed, and still finish my degree on time. Plus, I can still keep my job because I would become an officer in this unit.

So, I have started the process of direct commissioning, but probably will not receive it until sometime next year. I am in no hurry and I have a lot to do to get to that point. I just discovered I will also have to take an SAT or ACT since I do not have my degree yet. The pay is not an issue as it is only about $50 more a month than my current rank. The big picture I am looking at is what I will receive at retirement age. That is the big difference.

So, since I am deciding to become an officer, I have had to eliminate one thing that I do in my life that I foresee could cause problems. I have decided to no longer consume alcoholic beverages. I am not the type to just have one and I could see it as ruining my career in the future if I continue. So this past weekend was the last time I have consumed alcohol. I quit on March 7, 2010 to make March 8, 2010 my first day of no longer drinking. March 8 would have been my father's 62nd Birthday and he had passed away 25 years ago. I feel this is a good way to honor him and to help me stick to my plan.

I finally was able to get WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE from Blockbuster yesterday, but probably will not watch it until Wed or Thursday. I did watch TAKING WOODSTOCK and TENURE this past weekend. Not really any good, either one of them. I am still trying to get EVERYBODY'S FINE, but it has been out of stock since last Tuesday. Which reminds me, Blockbuster is starting to tick me off. A little over a year ago, they no longer did the "extended viewing" fees if you were late. Instead they said if you didn't return it after ten days, you would be charged for the movie (a set sale price). Now they have brought the fees back, but they no longer honor the "Gauranteed in stock or it's free". It seems every business is trying to find a way to get a bailout either from the government or from the taxpayers. Anyways, that's all I got today.

Today is a great day...so far

2010-03-04T08:28:00.002-07:00

Here I was yesterday worrying because I had talked to a Broker/Lender about my credit. Pretty much although my score will be where it needs to be withing the next 30 days, I am being told I probably will not get a home loan for about 9-10 months. This is because I have had a lot of late payments recently and banks want to see 9-10 months of on time payments. So, I will probably try again next year. I was also told I need to build more credit. I have paid everything off in collections and I will only have one thing that reports to the credit agency every month that I still pay on. It was suggested to get a secured credit card. But, that's not the good news. This is just the, well it's not really bad news, but not good news either.

The good news is I am sitting here worrying as I have been broke since paying off collections last month and spent all of my tax return. Now I have bills piling up, my son is getting into braces, I am still paying for my daughter's school, evrything is just starting to come all at once. I checked both of my bank accounts, as I knew I was in the negative on both anyways. To my shock, the second account had a positive. Not just a positive, but a very good positive. It appears my GIBILL finall came through and I was backpaid for all the time I was in school and not getting the proper amount.

I believe that this is a sign. Even with my tax return and me paying off my debt, I also gave my sister money (that I owed her), let a friend borrow money (which I will probably never see again as he still owes me over $1500), and let my FIL borrow money to last a couple of months. I believe that by me helping others even when it put a damper in my plans, it comes back eventually. I could have done a lot with that money I let people borrow or paid back. I still want a big screen tv, but it is not a necessity. Sometimes when I get money or know I am getting money, I start making plans and my eyes get wide and everything...kinda like the Gollum on LORD OF THE RINGS. It takes me time to convince myself that I don't need whatever it is I want. Just do the right thing and pay bills or whatever. I am not rich.

Anyways, I did watch SORORITY ROW last night. It was kind of lame, but what do you expect with your normal college aged horror movie. It did keep me guessing as to who the killer was, but it was one of the four guesses I had. Also in this movie was Rumer Willis, the daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. I was amazed by her. She looks so much like Demi and even sounds like her. I can't wait to see her in more movies.

Well, that's all I got today. Hope everyone has a good day as much as I have so far.

Getting closer...

2010-03-02T16:30:00.002-07:00

Well, I went ahead and checked my credit score again. I jumped nearly 70-80 points between each of the three credit places. However, I am still around 30-40 points below where I need to be. So it looks like it will take either another couple of weeks or maybe even next month to be where I need to be to get this home loan.

Watched a couple of movies this weekend. First was THE BOX. It was kind of stupid for the first part of the movie, but the second half got better. I would actually rate it as an average movie. Watch it if you want to. The second movie I watched was THE VAMPIRES ASSISTANT: CIRQUE DE FREAKS. Or something like that. It was comical, but again, it was an average movie as well. I still have SORORITY ROW to watch.

Still doing well in school. Two weeks left for this class before I start the next one. Still waiting on money to come in. I received an e-mail that my school was raising their tuition. Not too bad, just an extra $18 per class. Because I get the miltary grant discount, they are upping it $18 to cover the increase. So overall, it doesn't really effect me. That's about it for today.

Busy Monday

2010-03-01T17:50:00.002-07:00

Well, today has been a very busy day, at least busier than a usual Monday. I had a lot of work to do today, for once. Of course, Mondays are also the last day of the week to submit school assignments, which I had two assignments to do today before midnight. I started them earlier today, but just finished it. I found out I have a rough draft of my final paper due next Monday, which I haven't even started yet. Writing is not difficult for me, however doing a reference page is what I despise. And unfortunately, this class requires to have a certain number of references used. I just can't win.

I've got two weeks left of this class, English II, and then I begin Introduction to Cultural Anthroplogy. When I finish this class, I will be at 62 credits and more than halfway to my BA. I found out today my TA was submitted to the school so now I have to wait for them to receive it and then wait for them to send me a check. I can't wait until the GIBILL starts back paying me. So far it will be around $2000. I'd rather them catch up now as I could really use the money right now.

I haven't checked my credit rating yet. I figured I would wait a few more days and then check it. I am hoping that a miracle happened, but we'll just have to wait and see. Nothing else to write about right now.

Crossing fingers

2010-02-26T08:12:00.002-07:00

As Monday, March 1st approaches, I am crossing my fingers. I have paid off all deragatory collections on my credit report except for one. Unfortunately, I had my credit checked four times this month (on the same day) to see about qualifying for a home loan. I had pulled my credit report a few days ago and my scores went way down because of those checks for the home loans. I was told after 30 days, it will combine into one check instead of four. So March 1st is the day I can check my credit again (apparantly you can check your own credit as much as you want without being penalized). So Monday will be the day to see if everything I have done is for something. Worst comes to worst, I may have to wait one additional month. We'll see.

Nothing planned for this weekend. I am dirt poor again and every paycheck is going towards bills and keeping them current. I can't wait for my GI Bill to come in and my TA to get paid to my college so I can have extra money in my pocket. It seems that everytime you try to get ahead or do what is right, it takes you three steps backwards.

It looks like I will finally be going to a school for my civilian job. It will be in Wisconsin for two weeks around the end of July, beginning of August. Don't worry, Mom, I'll be home for your birthday. So nothing is planned for this weekend except sitting at home and vegging out on the tv.

Looking for...

2010-02-23T13:11:00.002-07:00

...the money tree, the ca$h cow, free money. I just want money. I am back into my own predicament I eventually get to every year. Pay the bills, get caught up, and stuff happens. I mainly mean that whole letter from the IRS saying I owe them from a few years ago. I still haven't gone to H&R Block yet, but I am still preparing for the worst. I finally got all my collections paid off of my credit-minus one-which is still good, and have caught everything up to where nothing is late right now. Now, I have to just sit and wait for my credit score to slowly climb up. Don't know how long that will take.

I am also trying to get the military to pay the Tuition Assistance to my school from 2 classes ago because the school used up my Pell Grant to cover all my classes. Once the TA starts getting sent to the school, it will get sent right to my pocket. Which will help A LOT.

I have been despising the Olympics these last two weeks. It is interefering with my regularly broadcasted shows. Although HEROES already did their season finale before the Olympics started, CHUCK had just started their season. I honestly believe some of the other shows on the other stations are showing re-runs because of the Olympics. Just make an Oympic Channel for the Olympics, you make a channel for everything else.

I have started watching KITCHEN NIGHTMARES which stars Gordon Ramsey. He goes to regular businesses and tries to help them out to bring their restaurants up to par. It is just so funny watching these owners be so bitc*y to him that they know what they are doing. I like HELL'S KITCHEN a lot better and can't wait for the next season.

Well, I ain't really got nothing else to write about. We'll see about tomorrow.

Feeling better

2010-02-22T11:10:00.002-07:00

Well, I am feeling better, as far as health-wise. However, I just received a letter from the IRS this past weekend. It appears I owe them a little bit of money from a few years ago. So I will take those documents from that year and the letter to H&R Block, since I always use them, to see if it will still stand. I may have to pay it though, but we shall see.

I did watch three movies this past weekend. CABIN FEVER 2:SPRING FEVER. This movie was stupid. The first one was not too terribly bad, but this one definately was B-rated. Not worth it. I also saw LAW ABIDING CITIZEN. This movie was amazing. I was just shocked about how everything happened and how it ended. I am not going to go into details on it, but it is definately a great movie to watch. The last movie I watched was A PERFECT GETAWAY. Another great movie. I was trying to figure it out throughout the whole movie, but in the end, I was wrong. It did a good job of keeping the movie going and the movie watcher guessing.

Don't know when I'll plan on watching more. I am too busy trying to keep things paid and getting things paid off right now. I hate stress.

Sick as a Dog

2010-02-19T08:48:00.002-07:00

That is how I feel right now and have been feeling the last couple of days. I think it is food poisoning. This past weekend we went up to the FIL's and his wife had made some salsa and gave us some to take home Sunday night. We brought it home and everything. The next day, Monday, I asked my wife where the salsa was, although I had no chips. Apparantly we brought it in the house, but did not put it in the fridge Sunday night, so it had sat out all night Sunday and all day Monday. I put it in the fridge and bought chips on Tuesday. I figure I've got an iron stomach and I very rarely get sick. Well, Wednesday night, I wasn't feeling too good. Yesterday, I was fine, but then last night started feeling sick again. This morning I am still feeling it. I don't know. I have been starting to get sick a lot lately. Maybe it just comes with getting older.

Be sure to click on my brother's blog on the right. Yesterday he posted about our dad, who passed away 25 years ago. There is a post about him a little bit in memory of him.

Have a few movies at home to watch this weekend. Can't remember what they are right now, but I'll be sure to post about them next week. I am looking forward to this weekend as I do not have drill and I am not traveling anywhere. Maybe, just maybe, I can relax and get better. We'll see.

2010-02-16T13:24:00.002-07:00

Couldn't think of a good one today. Title that is. The weekend was good, got to get out of town even if it was just leaving Saturday and returning Sunday. The kids got to play in the snow for a few minutes when I stopped to get gas. The only snow we came across was in Heber/Overgaard area. The sides of the road had snow piled up almost as tall as my van. So when I stopped to get gas, we pulled all three dogs and all three kids out and went and played in the snow a little. We then headed up the rest of the way to the FIL's. Stayed overnight and returned the next day.

I did watch AMELIA and found it a little boring as far as the story. However, as far as historical, I enjoyed it and learned a few things. I did watch UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: REGENERATION and it was worst than the second one. Of course I watched THE HANGOVER and THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE again. I can watch those movies a few times and still enjoy them. Watched THE STEPFATHER and was unimpressed. I know this was a remake, but it was far from being labeled as Horror or Thriller. COUPLES RETREAT was another I watched and thought was pretty funny. Any movie that has Vince Vaughn and Jon Favura in is going to be hilarious.

Hoping to hear good news next month when I am able to pull my credit scores again. Hopefully they will be high enough to get my VA loan and start looking at purchasing a house. Until then, it is all just wishful thinking. That doesn't stop me from looking though. Well, that's all I have for today.

Holiday weekend

2010-02-12T10:08:00.002-07:00

Yay, it's a holiday weekend. I am only excited because I get monday off. It's always nice to get a 3 day weekend after working 12 days straight. I'll be leaving tomorrow morning to head up to northeastern AZ to the FIL's place. Maybe even see snow on the way. That will be fun for the kids.

I watched SURROGATES last night starring Bruce Willis. That was a lot different than what I had seen from the previews. I thought the storyline was a different way than it actually was. I thought it was a great concept and it was really believable as well. At least it was better than a lot of other movies I have seen recently.

I have two more to watch tonight. AMELIA and UNIVERSAL SOLDIER the third one, forget the rest of the title. After I watch those tonight, I will pick up COUPLES RETREAT and THE TIME TRAVELERS WIFE. I had already seen the last one, but the wife wants to watch it. It was a great movie as well and worth watching again. I am also picking up THE HANGOVER to take to the FIL's place. He hasn't seen it yet and it is so hilarious, I could watch it over and over.

Finally received my final grades in my last class and I passed with an A. I am almost finished with my first week in my current class, no grades for this week until after Tuesday. The first week seems simple enough, it is the last 3 weeks I am skittish about as it has a lot of writing assignments. I am just looking forward to passing this class. I don't know why, but I have always looked at English as being the hardest class to take. We'll see.

Well, I'll update more when I return next week. Be safe and watch out for the idiots that are out drinking and driving.

Almost broke

2010-02-11T12:11:00.002-07:00

Yes, a little over a week and a half of receiving my tax refund, I am almost broke. With my tax return, I paid some debts, cleaned up the collections off of my credit report, was able to spoil the kids a little, replace two tires, and pay a down payment on my oldest son to start getting braces. I think I was able to accomplish a lot and I am back on track again.

Although I only put a down payment on the braces and still have a monthly payment, I do have a couple of things that I will not being paying anymore in the next few months. So until then, things will still be tight. However, the outcome will be great as I will have two things paid off and will have a little extra money. This will also improve my credit score hopefully.

I watched a movie last night called NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU. I picked it up at Blockbuster because it had a lot of stars in it such as Ethan Hawke, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, and many more. However, it was one of the lamest movies I had seen. It was like 10-15 segments of a couple of people living in New York and it would move on to the next scene. There was no story line. It seemed more like a staged documentary of why people loved New York. Not worth wasting time or money on this one.

I've got three more movies to watch before I leave Saturday to head up north. Probably post about those next week or maybe even tomorrow if I get through them all tonight. We'll see.

Feb Hump Day

2010-02-10T09:12:00.002-07:00

Here it is mid week in February. Nothing much to post today. This past weekend I bought Super Mario Brothers for the WII for my boys. That is fun. Especially if you played all the Super Mario Brothers on the original Nintendo. At least this game doesn't hurt my arm like the WII Sports does.

Planning on going up to northeastern AZ this weekend to go to the Father in law's. From what I hear, we will be running into snow on the way up, but he usually doesn't get any that sticks. It is just the route we take, we will be going through a few feet of snow. Plan on leaving on Saturday and returning either Sunday or Monday, haven't decided yet.

Just started my next class. It looks like this one is harder than all the others than I have taken. When I say harder, I mean more work, longer papers, and reading I actually will have to do. Oh, well, get this done and I meet the requirements for English. After this class, I will officially be half way to my Bachelor's Degree.

Well, you all have a safe holiday weekend. I'll try to post more tomorrow as I have some movies to watch tonight.

I'm sore and grumpy

2010-02-08T12:47:00.002-07:00

Well, I took the PT test this past weekend. I scored a 213 overall. I did improve my run time a little from a couple of weeks ago. I don't care, I still passed. Now I am reaping the rewards...sore legs and thighs and upper chest. I'm grumpy for a couple of reasons. First, the Vikings didn't make it to the Superbowl. I decided to route for the Colts. They lost. The commercials were weak this year. The best ones I liked were the Bud Light commercials and the one Doritos commercial where the kid slaps the guy and tells him to keep his hands of his momma and off his Doritos.

Friday night I watched ZOMBIELAND. It was more comedy than anything, so I guess it was ok. Saturday night I watched a movie called NINJA. I saw this at Blockbuster and decided to pick it up. Bad move. You know the movie is not going to be that great when you watch the previews for other movies and they all seem lame. The martial arts and action were awesome in this movie, but that was it. The acting and story line was so terrible.

Today is the last day for English Comp I. I am at an A right now, but have to wait a few days for my final grades. Tomorrow I begin English Comp II. I have already looked at what the class will have that I will need to do and I am already hating it. In my past classes, my essays were anywhere from 2-3 or 4-5 pages. Now in this class, they are asking for 8-10 pages and citing references which will be required. I am not that good at listing references. Oh, well, I guess we'll see how I do on this class. All I need to do is pass it though.

That's it for this weekend and today.

Just another Friday

2010-02-05T11:11:00.002-07:00

Well, here it is, just another Friday. Just eating lunch right now. Soft Tacos from Chipotle. My Commander is coming in today from CA to be here for drill this weekend. She may show up to the office today, so I am cleaning a little. Watched WHIP IT last night. It is the movie about roller skating that Drew Barrymore directed and has Ellen Page (JUNO) in it. It was pretty good.

My tax return is almost spent now after cleaning up my credit and catching up on bills. Now I have to wait another year for a large sum of money because I know I won't win the powerball. I did win $10 from Wed night though. I am in my last week for my English Composition I class. I still have an A, but it ends on Tuesday and I won't have the final grades until probably next Friday. I start English Composition II on Tuesday.

Valentine's Day is coming up. Don't really have any plans. May go up to the FIL's that weekend as I will have Monday off for President's Day. If you haven't noticed, I added a few links to the right side of pages I go to frequently. As of right now, it is my little sister's blog (which she doesn't post that much because she does it more frequently on her MYSPACE page), my big brother's blog (a better read than my blog), IMDB which is where I go to find out about movies and actors that will be doing movies, and AZ Realty Agents (this is my older sister and her husbands real estate page). So if you are looking for a good read, want to be up to date on movies, or looking to buy a house in AZ, the links are to the right.

I did check IMDB last night and saw a few things coming out for this year. SAW VII will be released in Oct 2010. A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET, a remake of the original. SHREK EVER AFTER, yes, another one. There are actually quite a few good ones, but can't remember them all right now. Well, have fun, probably won't post again until next week.

Blah...Blah...Blah

2010-02-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

Nothing to report on the credit/home loan process at this time. Since I had bought my boys netbooks a few days ago, my wife complained that I am always spoiling the boys and not my daughter. The thing is, she is 5 years old. She is too young to have something like that. I have already told my wife that I plan on getting all 3 of them, to include the daughter, Nintendo DS's later this year. My wife continues to point out and throw examples out of everything I do for my sons, but not my daughter. Fine. Whatever. So I took my daughter out last night and we went shopping for clothes and shoes. Thank God for Clearance items.

Picked up some movies last night also. I'm not going to list them all now, but I'll post about them as I watch them. Last night I watched SAW VI. I enjoyed the first 3, but IV and V seemed like they were reaching. Now after watching VI, it seems to tie them together. This one I enjoyed more than the last two. I think it was great. Still no word on if they decide to go through with SAW VII yet or not. I have seen it on www.imdb.com as they may do it, but I haven't checked on it recently. I did finally watch THE BLIND SIDE and AVATAR.

First, THE BLIND SIDE. Great movie. It even made me tear up at different points. I had to watch it because Tim McGraw was in it, but this was a great movie and it is based on a true story. AVATAR, I just don't know what the big hype was about it. The graphics were great and everything, the idea was believable, but the last 30 minutes of the movie, I was nodding off. I just don't think this movie was as good as they made it out to be.

Well, I have drill this weekend and I plan on taking the PT test. Since my sister beat me a couple of weeks ago, I figured I might as well go ahead and run once this month at least. See if my time improves any. That's all I have today.

Time...is not on my side

2010-02-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I called several places about getting a VA loan to purchase a house. They all said the same thing because of the way the economy is, and has been, that in order to qualify for a VA loan, I had to have a credit score of a minimum of 620, which I am not at. I know it takes time to get the score to go up, but I am trying to do this quickly to qualify for the tax credit for first time home buyers. I have just recently paid all the stuff in collections and everything else is current. So now it is just waiting for time for the score to go up. Will it be enough? I just don't know.

I think by showing that everything was paid off, should be good enough. After all, it may show you fell behind, but you did pay it off in the end. They never take into account the many reasons to explain why things happened, they just see if you missed a payment or it went to collections. I don't have the time to wait another 12 months for the score to slowly rise. Different places tell me different things. One place says to go and get credit somewhere that I can afford payments while another place says not to have any additional credit checks and do not create credit. I don't know who to believe as far as the quickest way to get it higher.

Arggh. I also called the VA about my GIBILL. I am being paid the less of two types that I can receive and I had applied for the higher end one. So now I have to wait another 4-6 weeks to see if they pay it out and retro me the difference since I started school. It may not be much more, but every little bit helps. I know, I just want everything to happen right now. Well, wouldn't you? I mean, if I pay someone and it goes through right away, wouldn't you want the results just as fast, not 6 weeks later, especially if it is dependant in order for you to take the next step for something else.

Time...it is just not on my side. If everything does happen in time, then it is a race against the clock to get it done before the deadline. Stress....it just happens.

Stupid creditors

2010-02-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here I am trying to make right and pay my debts and these dumba$$ creditors are anal. I have called companies I originally owed and they are like, well you can pay us, but it takes longer to get off your credit if you are trying to buy a house. So basically I am being told to call the collection agency to get it done faster. Fine. The first one said they will have the letter to me in a week and reported to the credit bureau. The next one tells me it will be 4-6 weeks to get it reported. BS. I do my part and they want to jerk around and delay everything. That's ok. I'll keep their numbers and have the bank call them to verify it has been paid. Yahoos.

So, I am pretty much out of money now after paying off a lot of things and staying ahead on bills. I should be able to start pre-qualifying soon for a house. Now it is just a balancing act to keep everything straight until then.

Everything else has been going ok, I guess. I take my oldest in next week to start getting him ready for braces. Well, I guess that is all I have for now.

Ahhhhhh....relief

2010-02-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Today, my tax return has deposited into my account. So I left work to go take care of things such as paying my rent, getting my car repaired, and getting some money to my older sister that I knew she desperately needed. I have also made a few arrangements with some of the stuff in collections on my credit report to pay them off so I can clean up my credit. I am now back at work, finishing up some school work and, oh, yeah, what little bit of work I had for the day.

It's kind of funny actually. There is this Soldier I have been working hard on getting him transferred because he accepted a military technician position (similar to my civilian job) but it is in Mississippi. I guess he spoke to the guy that hired him and told him how hard I work and what little I get paid, and this guy wants to hire me for almost double what I make now. I had to say no. I don't want to move to Mississippi and I want my kids to stay settled in a school. I have too many big plans with the little pay I get. Besides, I can't move that far away from my family.

I think I am happy where I am at in life...for now anyways. Yeah, it would be nice to win the Powerball and have money, but I'd still work. Money isn't everything, although it is beneficial to have some. I have drill this weekend and the weekend after that, I may head to the FIL's for the weekend. Although it is Valentine's Day weekend, it is also President's Day weekend which means I will have that Monday off. So, I deserve a little break.

Almost...got....it

2010-01-29T09:01:00.000-07:00

I can see it. I can smell it. I can feel it. It just isn't here yet. I am referring to my tax return. The Where's My Refund thingy over at the IRS website said it will be direct deposited today, but I should not worry until after Feb 3rd. But I don't wanna wait. I was hoping to have it today and actually be able to do something this weekend. The following weekend I have drill, so I can't do anything then. I just have so many plans on what to do with the return, but the more things I think about, the less money there is. I guess that is the way it is. I need to win the Powerball so i don't have to worry about money.

Since I did not receive my return today, I have no plans this weekend. I did watch a few movies the other night. BROTHERS AT WAR is a documentary and it wasn't all that great. 9 by Tim Burton pretty much was a waste of money too. I got like 10-15 minutes into it and went and did something else and let the kids watch it. GAMER with Gerard Butler was a great movie. One of my Soldiers just returned from Korea and gave me a couple of movies he bought over there. If you don't know about other countries, they can get movies on dvd that are currently in Theater. So last night I watched 2012. It was a preety good movie. The graphics were great. I also have AVATAR and THE BLIND SIDE, but will probably watch them this weekend. I also have Season 5 of THE OFFICE to watch. I guess that is my weekend.

Nothing else going on that is worth writing about right now. We'll see about next week. Hopefully Monday I can post with excitement if my return is deposited. Hopefully.

Excited, but yet not

2010-01-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I checked on my tax refund from IRS today and was shocked. Last week it originally told me Feb 3 I would receive it. Sunday and Monday it said Feb 9. Today it says it will be direct deposited 29 Jan, but check the bank by 03 Feb. So, I may have it Friday, but should definately have it Wednesday. I am a little excited, but then it is like, already gone.

See, I am only getting back enough to cover a few things. I have to clean up my credit so I can pre-qualify to buy a house. I owe my sister some money. I promised my two oldest to get them something. So after all of these things and paying all the bills of course, I don't have it anymore. However, I will be caught up on all my bills, no more collection companies calling me, and I can really start looking at buying a house.

My oldest is also getting ready to get into braces. The total cost is around $4500. This had better be worth it. He does have the worst teeth out of my three children though. Most of it is because his mouth is too small, so he will be getting an expander put in as well to expand his gums or what not to make room for the permanent teeth.

Nothing else coming up too soon that I can comment on. Super Bowl is far from my mind after Sunday's loss to New Orleans. Oh, well, be safe ya'll.

Overconfidence and Cockiness

2010-01-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

Those are the two things I blame today on. First, the race. No excuses. My sister beat me by Army standards for her age and gender. She scored a 67. I scored a 62, although I felt it was longer than two miles because I ran it 30 seconds slower than I normally do, but still, she ran the same distance, so no excuse. However, I was extremely pleased by my mother's results. She scored a 61 for her category. I am very impressed with that. We have a rematch coming up in a few months, but I will allow them to continue working out and stop from being so overconfident and cocky.

The second bad thing...the Vikings lost. It was an extremely close game, but in the end, the Saints won.

The third bad thing....on my way home on the freeway, doing 65 MPH, I blow a tire. With my wife and three young children in the car. Scared the crap out of me, but I was able to get 3 lanes over to the side of the road. Called my sister, whose house I had left and was 30 miles away from. She called Triple A and came to meet me. Triple A showed up first and we had my tire changed and everything before my sis got there. I was like, great, now I will be charged. However, the guy was like, no worries, she doesn't need to be here. So I waited for her to show up at a nearby gas station where I had to fill up the spare anyways. I am thankful for my sister...even if she did beat me.

Anyways, there are several things to learn from today. My main lesson I learned is everything I have to be thankful for and stop being so overconfident and cocky.

Decision Day

2010-01-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

Well, today is decision day for two reasons. First, it is the day Minnesota Vikings play the New Orleans Saints to see who goes to the Super Bowl. My bet is with the Vikings. The second, is it is race day. For some reason, I feel my sister has been praying to the lord lately. She first tells me last week not to come up with any sickness or injury to get out of the race today. Then she tells me I should drink plenty of beer or eat plenty of food before we race. The other night, we had a real bad storm and we actually had tornado warnings in my area. Which is very very rare for AZ altogether to have tornado warnings. This is what made me start thinking she was praying. Then on Friday, I come down with a type of stomach flu. I am not the type of person to see a Dr unless I feel something is really wrong. I have had the flu before, but it was never as bad as this. I even thought it could possibly have been the H1N1. ANyways, I went to the Dr friday afternoon and he said it was a type of stomach flu. Here it is 2 days later, and I am still prepared to race. Let's see what she prays for next, because she will need a miracle. Just like my Vikings. Well, maybe I will post later today with good news. We will see as I have homework due today as well. Almost in the end of my third week of this class and I have an A. GO VIKINGS!!

The WII is dangerous

2010-01-20T08:23:00.000-07:00

In case any of you are wondering, fret about it no further for I have discovered some things recently. The WII is dangerous. Yes, that is correct, it is dangerous, especially for us adults. I was partaking in some adult beverages last night and my 8 year old son wanted me to play WII Sports with him. I fugured, what the heck, everything was a repeat on TV. So we started with Tennis, then Bowling, and finally Baseball. One thing you need to remember, if your kids constantly play games, they will beat you. Don't let the liquor make you think you can win. And don't bet money you don't have. Needless to say, I had enough in me to think I was the greatest athlete in the world. My arm is sore and I owe my son $100. I should sue Nintendo.

Super Bowl is coming

2010-01-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

I am really impressed and excited this year. Although the Cardinals had another good year, they were defeated this past weekend by the Saints. However, my team is the Minnesota Vikings. Next week the Vikings play the Saints and the Colts play the Jets. I predict for the Super Bowl, the Colts and Vikings, with the Vikings winning it. Although the Vikings had acquired Brett Favre this year, I am not one of his biggest fans. I've hated Favre since he was with Green Bay and had broken 3 remotes within a 2 year period when the Packers and Vikings played because Minnesota would be ahead and somehow in the last 30 seconds of the game, Favre would do his magic and Green Bay would win. Now that he got the Vikings to the playoffs, and possibly the Super Bowl, I'll have to admit I am starting to give him a chance.

Watched a few more movies this past weekend. S. DARKO is the sequel to DONNIE DARKO, which I had seen several years ago, but do not remember it that much. This sequel was not good. Not worth even a free rental to watch. FAME is a movie that was originally a tv show. I actually enjoyed this movie. POST GRAD was a good movie also. HALLOWEEN II, of course is a remake made by Rob Zombie. I don't remember the original one, so I am not sure if it even followed the original movie, but it was still good. I love Rob Zombie movies because they have more realistic blood and death.

Next Sunday, we go to the sister's house for my nephew's birthday. I guess that is when we will do our "run". My sister had informed me I will probably beat her in points, but, oh, well, we will see. I haven't ran since October and she runs more often than I do. So, we will see how it goes and probably do it again in June or July.

I am currently house hunting right now. I am waiting to get my taxes back so I can pay off the collections on my credit report and then go and prequalify. Right now in my neighborhood, I am finding many houses for sale for cheap. I am looking at a house right now that is 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, and over 3000 square foot going for $115,000. I am really leaning towards this one as long as it stays on the market long enough for me. They are getting ready to build a film studio for tv and movies about 12 miles from my house as well as an International Hotel and Resort. So I imagine in about 5-10 years, the housing market will be back on track and the value of the house will increase tremendously, but we will see.

That's all I got today.