Well, I talked to one of my cousin's last night. According to my IM history it'd been almost a year since I last talked to her. It was pretty good, caught up, got her caught up on everything. Of course there wasn't much to catch up on. I lead a relatively boring life, so that makes things easier.
Tonight I talked to a friend that I hadn't in a few years. Knew her since junior/senior year of high school. I don't remember so well how long ago it was. So it's a week of reconnecting.
Earlier tonight the whole digital TV commercial came up. You know, where it's 'law' that we all have to get digital TV or get those nifty government coupons for a converter box. I mentioned it to my roommate who responded, "What?" I replied, "Because it's the law." And he asked me, "How did that become a law?"
And I wish this part of the story was snappy, but it wasn't and I had to stall. I pulled up my iTunes and played this song (excerpt courtesy of Amazon.com) for him. I thought it was very educational but all I got was laughs. He rephrased the question as to how digital television is mandatory by the government. To which I have no answer, not even a conspiracy theory. I'll look into it though.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
try it again
OK. I was going to do this whole blog thing where I was going to talk about my friend bringing over an Easter keg but I nixed that idea. Instead, I decided to do a quick blurb of my life in the last few weeks.
*inhale*
Went to go spend some time with my dad up in Cleveland. He's doing better, got to meet one of his doctors, got more info about his condition, and saw the improvement.
Then I went to my Reserve training, everything was FUBAR. Taking orders from a WOC (Warrant Officer Cadet) and cadets aren't in the chain of command. Don't get me wrong, I've known the guy for over two years and respect him, but from a legal standpoint it isn't legal to follow his orders. I also had to deal with a Sgt. that likes to flip-on his authority whenever it benefits him. Afterwards, the WOC decided to do some reorganization putting E-4s' into positions of power. Unfortunately, that meant that I lost my squad. I thought I was a good squad leader, but whatever, looks like I'm getting out in a few months and my replacement I've been training has to take charge a little sooner than I planned. What sucks though is all of the training I lined up has been disrupted because of the reorganization and re-planning.
During my Reserve weekend we went to the range down at Ft. Knox. Last year it was awesome, we got to qualify at a new facility with acoustic sensors and computerized displays. We qualified 90% first time go's, where previously we were qualifying low-20's (due to crappy ranges). So we went again, but this time with one of our sister units. Instead of the high-tech range, we went low-tech. Super low-tech. Paper targets. With old cardboard, no staples, no staple guns, and a ton of rain.
We started the range 2-hours late, we had to go to the store to get staples and staple guns. Then around 9am it began to rain. Rain + Paper targets = soggy targets. Then, as if nature said, "Screw you!" it added wind. We were forced to shut down the range an hour early (4pm). I had to zero and qualify in the rain, before it got bad. Instead of going back and chillin' I stayed out to help others zero and qualify. I almost spent the entire time we were out there in the rain and cold. Of course I didn't realize how close I had gotten to hypothermia until I got back and into dry clothes. Others (the non-commissioned officers) got to stay warm and dry while I did their jobs and helped train soldiers, but then I get chewed out by one of those warm/dry NCOs about one of my soldiers, that he was in-charge-of because they were back at the barracks and I was soaked at the range.
Now I'm in the 3rd week of the quarter. Catching up on missed homework. Lots of fun. Going to classes is getting harder.
Went out drinking on St. Patrick's Day. Ended up at Wal-Mart at 2am (amazingly not that drunk) and bought almost $80 in Lego Star Wars pieces.
Life is boring, even with a keg in my living room.
*inhale*
Went to go spend some time with my dad up in Cleveland. He's doing better, got to meet one of his doctors, got more info about his condition, and saw the improvement.
Then I went to my Reserve training, everything was FUBAR. Taking orders from a WOC (Warrant Officer Cadet) and cadets aren't in the chain of command. Don't get me wrong, I've known the guy for over two years and respect him, but from a legal standpoint it isn't legal to follow his orders. I also had to deal with a Sgt. that likes to flip-on his authority whenever it benefits him. Afterwards, the WOC decided to do some reorganization putting E-4s' into positions of power. Unfortunately, that meant that I lost my squad. I thought I was a good squad leader, but whatever, looks like I'm getting out in a few months and my replacement I've been training has to take charge a little sooner than I planned. What sucks though is all of the training I lined up has been disrupted because of the reorganization and re-planning.
During my Reserve weekend we went to the range down at Ft. Knox. Last year it was awesome, we got to qualify at a new facility with acoustic sensors and computerized displays. We qualified 90% first time go's, where previously we were qualifying low-20's (due to crappy ranges). So we went again, but this time with one of our sister units. Instead of the high-tech range, we went low-tech. Super low-tech. Paper targets. With old cardboard, no staples, no staple guns, and a ton of rain.
We started the range 2-hours late, we had to go to the store to get staples and staple guns. Then around 9am it began to rain. Rain + Paper targets = soggy targets. Then, as if nature said, "Screw you!" it added wind. We were forced to shut down the range an hour early (4pm). I had to zero and qualify in the rain, before it got bad. Instead of going back and chillin' I stayed out to help others zero and qualify. I almost spent the entire time we were out there in the rain and cold. Of course I didn't realize how close I had gotten to hypothermia until I got back and into dry clothes. Others (the non-commissioned officers) got to stay warm and dry while I did their jobs and helped train soldiers, but then I get chewed out by one of those warm/dry NCOs about one of my soldiers, that he was in-charge-of because they were back at the barracks and I was soaked at the range.
Now I'm in the 3rd week of the quarter. Catching up on missed homework. Lots of fun. Going to classes is getting harder.
Went out drinking on St. Patrick's Day. Ended up at Wal-Mart at 2am (amazingly not that drunk) and bought almost $80 in Lego Star Wars pieces.
Life is boring, even with a keg in my living room.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
you know
I think in the last few days I've spent more time with my dad than I had in a really long time. Once I thought I knew him, because I can see where I get some of my mannerisms, attitudes, and other personality quirks. Yet, I can say I don't know this guy. I mean, he watches REALITY TV! And not just since he's been bedstricken but he knew the score/plots from before. Ugh, I thought he was better than that, but apparently not. I need something else to focus on.
So, what's the problem with the uniform? Is it because it is orange? I understand the purpose behind the rule, and I also understand the religious purpose behind the unitard. For me they don't conflict. And for the coach that's bitching about the fact that it was worn last year. Well, that's fine. I'm sure the officials are Man (homosapiens) and Man is fallible. They probably didn't know the regulations all that well in this special case. To the official with the genius idea of wearing a plain white t-shirt over her unitard and under her school's uniform. I said that Man was fallible, not stupid. He's a uni-tard.
Not to say that this information isn't important, but c'mon give us some real information. Oh, he's clean cut, probably married... blah blah blah. That's taken straight out of the psychology textbook. Probably a white male between the ages of 18-45, employed, family man, goes to church, blah blah blah. Yup, that narrows the field down. And this is helpful, "In fact, Chitwood asked women involved with someone with qualities likened to the serial killer to contact the police immediately. He said they may be in danger themselves." Yup, it shouldn't be too hard to point someone out with the qualities mentioned in the article.
So, what's the problem with the uniform? Is it because it is orange? I understand the purpose behind the rule, and I also understand the religious purpose behind the unitard. For me they don't conflict. And for the coach that's bitching about the fact that it was worn last year. Well, that's fine. I'm sure the officials are Man (homosapiens) and Man is fallible. They probably didn't know the regulations all that well in this special case. To the official with the genius idea of wearing a plain white t-shirt over her unitard and under her school's uniform. I said that Man was fallible, not stupid. He's a uni-tard.
Not to say that this information isn't important, but c'mon give us some real information. Oh, he's clean cut, probably married... blah blah blah. That's taken straight out of the psychology textbook. Probably a white male between the ages of 18-45, employed, family man, goes to church, blah blah blah. Yup, that narrows the field down. And this is helpful, "In fact, Chitwood asked women involved with someone with qualities likened to the serial killer to contact the police immediately. He said they may be in danger themselves." Yup, it shouldn't be too hard to point someone out with the qualities mentioned in the article.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
no news is good news
So I got some literature from the hospital. Guillain-Barre (ge-Ya bah-RAY) syndrome is what it's called. Don't worry if you've never heard of it, nobody else that I've talked to has either. Well, besides the doctors and nurses... My dad isn't in the best of moods, he hates being immobilized like this. My presence probably isn't making it any better. He hasn't lost any more ability so that's good. Also, I'm eating less (thus losing weight) and smoking less.
Had to tell my friends why I wouldn't be in class for at least this week. Plus, girl from college/early-Army career. She called the same day I found out and she could tell I was hiding something so I told her I would tell her today. We get each other like that.
Had to tell my friends why I wouldn't be in class for at least this week. Plus, girl from college/early-Army career. She called the same day I found out and she could tell I was hiding something so I told her I would tell her today. We get each other like that.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
wait, it gets worse
I've spent the better part of 27 years trying to eat and read the newspaper comics at the same time. Can't do it. I either spend all my time reading or eating, or spilling my food on the comics thereby ruining them and the rest of my day. Yeah, I can answer questions and listen to someone else at the same time. I'm even able to eat and type, but work a newspaper and eat? Can't do it. But wait, it gets worse...
This girl, from my college/early-Army days, with whom I had a crush on. Told her so, got rejected, took some time to get over that, and then almost started dating but didn't because of a deployment (stupid Saddam Hussein and Operation Iraqi Freedom). Anyway, we're still on good terms. She called Friday and told me that she had just gotten engaged to her long-time boyfriend. I never met the guy but from what she's told me, I really don't like him. No, it's not a jealousy thing, but he sounds like such a loser. Yeah, she's got her quirks but she's smart and beautiful, good sense of humor. Her parents and I actually get along (something that's never happened before) but in the end, if it makes her happy then who am I to judge? And then?
My cat, by "my" I mean the family's because well let's face it I never really took care of him, died this week. He was 17 years, 9 months old. He lived a pretty full life if you asked me. Lived in two different countries, two different states, and let's face it almost old enough to vote in the upcoming elections. You know, there are people at my unit that aren't even that old. The cat that was almost old enough to buy a porno movie and a pack of smokes, you can't ask for much more than that. I laughed at him all the time because we'd have to buy the "senior-citizen" cat food which was labeled 7+ years. It's not like any of those things are life changing though right? They're not really going to affect my future that much right? Wait for it...
So, in this week, no wait, this crappy year so far what can be worse? Besides realizing my failing with a newspaper and food? Besides my cat dying? My dad is lying in the ICU ward of a hospital right now. He's got some auto-immune virus that attacks the nervous system that I've never heard of or can even pronounce. Basically he's lost almost all ability to move his arms and legs. He's on a treatment program to halt and reverse the damage, but even then it is possible for this disease to affect his major organs which could be very, very, very bad for him. Even with the treatment he's still got lots of physical therapy in order to restore regular function.
Yeah, and the last two items I had to learn from my aunt (dad's sister) on Friday. A full 1.5 days after he admitted himself into the emergency room. He drove himself there. So whatever else 2008 has in store for me, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to like it. If you think it can't get worse, the universe usually finds a way to prove you wrong.
This girl, from my college/early-Army days, with whom I had a crush on. Told her so, got rejected, took some time to get over that, and then almost started dating but didn't because of a deployment (stupid Saddam Hussein and Operation Iraqi Freedom). Anyway, we're still on good terms. She called Friday and told me that she had just gotten engaged to her long-time boyfriend. I never met the guy but from what she's told me, I really don't like him. No, it's not a jealousy thing, but he sounds like such a loser. Yeah, she's got her quirks but she's smart and beautiful, good sense of humor. Her parents and I actually get along (something that's never happened before) but in the end, if it makes her happy then who am I to judge? And then?
My cat, by "my" I mean the family's because well let's face it I never really took care of him, died this week. He was 17 years, 9 months old. He lived a pretty full life if you asked me. Lived in two different countries, two different states, and let's face it almost old enough to vote in the upcoming elections. You know, there are people at my unit that aren't even that old. The cat that was almost old enough to buy a porno movie and a pack of smokes, you can't ask for much more than that. I laughed at him all the time because we'd have to buy the "senior-citizen" cat food which was labeled 7+ years. It's not like any of those things are life changing though right? They're not really going to affect my future that much right? Wait for it...
So, in this week, no wait, this crappy year so far what can be worse? Besides realizing my failing with a newspaper and food? Besides my cat dying? My dad is lying in the ICU ward of a hospital right now. He's got some auto-immune virus that attacks the nervous system that I've never heard of or can even pronounce. Basically he's lost almost all ability to move his arms and legs. He's on a treatment program to halt and reverse the damage, but even then it is possible for this disease to affect his major organs which could be very, very, very bad for him. Even with the treatment he's still got lots of physical therapy in order to restore regular function.
Yeah, and the last two items I had to learn from my aunt (dad's sister) on Friday. A full 1.5 days after he admitted himself into the emergency room. He drove himself there. So whatever else 2008 has in store for me, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to like it. If you think it can't get worse, the universe usually finds a way to prove you wrong.
Friday, December 28, 2007
not a review
And it still makes me mad. Even though I don't think it falls into the category of entertainment, this was very entertaining. Although I wouldn't pay $34 for a Hello Kitty t-shirt. However, I would buy this Disney CD just to hear these lyrics that would make "any parent blush." Because this gift would really make anyone blush.
I spent this Christmas with my dad's relatives. Been doing it for a few years, every since I moved back to the midwest. We usually get together and do our thing on Christmas Eve. Since we're getting older and having our own families, Christmas is reserved for them. I don't have a problem with Christmas, even though I was raised Catholic I don't really see "Christmas" as a non-secular event. Yes, I'll go to Mass to celebrate the birth of Christ. But as far as believing that it is related to a jolly fat guy in a red suit that breaks into our houses via chimneys to leave presents under an evergreen tree decorated with shiny things and lights in exchange for some milk and cookies? Nope sorry.
The thing I hate most about modern Christmas is gingerbread houses. Curious? I'm not knocking the creativity or skill it takes, but I think it's just sick. Here's why. Gingerbread people. It's people made out of gingerbread. I don't mind that, I'll play with gingerbread people but then you make houses out of the same substance? C'mon, if we made a house made out of the same things we're made out of, well then you've got a house made out of people. Nah, I'm just kidding I don't have a problem with gingerbread construction.
Now that's a bit much for me, I'll make small purchases with my loose change. Maybe a CD or something, but a truck? Yeah, I can't do it.
Yeah, well, it's better than Optimus Prime. Although it isn't the worst decision made by people. More of those dumb laws.
This is probably something I'll end up doing. If he would've asked me, I would've done it for free.
I spent this Christmas with my dad's relatives. Been doing it for a few years, every since I moved back to the midwest. We usually get together and do our thing on Christmas Eve. Since we're getting older and having our own families, Christmas is reserved for them. I don't have a problem with Christmas, even though I was raised Catholic I don't really see "Christmas" as a non-secular event. Yes, I'll go to Mass to celebrate the birth of Christ. But as far as believing that it is related to a jolly fat guy in a red suit that breaks into our houses via chimneys to leave presents under an evergreen tree decorated with shiny things and lights in exchange for some milk and cookies? Nope sorry.
The thing I hate most about modern Christmas is gingerbread houses. Curious? I'm not knocking the creativity or skill it takes, but I think it's just sick. Here's why. Gingerbread people. It's people made out of gingerbread. I don't mind that, I'll play with gingerbread people but then you make houses out of the same substance? C'mon, if we made a house made out of the same things we're made out of, well then you've got a house made out of people. Nah, I'm just kidding I don't have a problem with gingerbread construction.
Now that's a bit much for me, I'll make small purchases with my loose change. Maybe a CD or something, but a truck? Yeah, I can't do it.
Yeah, well, it's better than Optimus Prime. Although it isn't the worst decision made by people. More of those dumb laws.
This is probably something I'll end up doing. If he would've asked me, I would've done it for free.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
me, me, me, me, me
So yesterday I got to hold my nephew for the first time! Yay! Yeah, I know, it's a girly emotion but I can't help it. We had a long time, well, I guess I did most of the talking. Plus, he fell asleep through my speech.
Today, I took the TSA entry test. It was supposed to take approximately 2.5hrs but I got it done in 45 minutes. I didn't do well in one of the sections and there were only two sections... so. At the end of the test the friendly computer screen told me that I would find out how I did within a week. True to their word, about nine hours later I got an email that said I passed the exam. Huh. It was graded that quickly? What the hell were they basing the results on? The attendance? FYI, yeah, I got to look at pictures of the x-rays of luggages. And I got to say, I have no idea what I was looking at. I have no idea what the hell they're looking at when they watch that screen. Seriously!
So tonight in my criminal justice class, we had to use the computer to find a news story and do a reverse police incident report on it. Of course we'd have to make up some of the details but the idea was to get us used to the form used. Being me, I found a great story to reverse an incident report. However, my friend found one this one and I suggested that instead of making it an incident report, make it an arrest report. Hehe. Mr. Potatohead got arrested.
You know you've hit rock bottom when Sinead O'Connor feels sorry for you.
Boy, who'd think that deaf kids could be so cruel? And you know what's worse? All I can picture is the deaf kids laughing... you know that funny way that they laugh because they can't hear themselves.
Haha. Sorry, the primary headline read "China Winning Moon Race." And I thought... wait, it is 1967? Wouldn't it be great if Neil left a note up there? "Been there, done that." And then the Chinese found it? Ha!
Things to die for. Which is not funny, but I'm going to go ahead and guess that they were black. What? Not because it was a violent crime! Geez you racist! I'm going off the names.
Local news: There are a lot worse things in the world than this. Throwing a picture? Geez! What would happen if it was a hand grenade? OK, it was an "explicit" but oh my!
Today, I took the TSA entry test. It was supposed to take approximately 2.5hrs but I got it done in 45 minutes. I didn't do well in one of the sections and there were only two sections... so. At the end of the test the friendly computer screen told me that I would find out how I did within a week. True to their word, about nine hours later I got an email that said I passed the exam. Huh. It was graded that quickly? What the hell were they basing the results on? The attendance? FYI, yeah, I got to look at pictures of the x-rays of luggages. And I got to say, I have no idea what I was looking at. I have no idea what the hell they're looking at when they watch that screen. Seriously!
So tonight in my criminal justice class, we had to use the computer to find a news story and do a reverse police incident report on it. Of course we'd have to make up some of the details but the idea was to get us used to the form used. Being me, I found a great story to reverse an incident report. However, my friend found one this one and I suggested that instead of making it an incident report, make it an arrest report. Hehe. Mr. Potatohead got arrested.
You know you've hit rock bottom when Sinead O'Connor feels sorry for you.
Boy, who'd think that deaf kids could be so cruel? And you know what's worse? All I can picture is the deaf kids laughing... you know that funny way that they laugh because they can't hear themselves.
Haha. Sorry, the primary headline read "China Winning Moon Race." And I thought... wait, it is 1967? Wouldn't it be great if Neil left a note up there? "Been there, done that." And then the Chinese found it? Ha!
Things to die for. Which is not funny, but I'm going to go ahead and guess that they were black. What? Not because it was a violent crime! Geez you racist! I'm going off the names.
Local news: There are a lot worse things in the world than this. Throwing a picture? Geez! What would happen if it was a hand grenade? OK, it was an "explicit" but oh my!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
one week
Four days with my dad. More than enough for the next few months. Weekend looks packed too, helping a friend move Saturday, then spend Sunday with my cousins in Ohio. One of my cousins got married earlier this month, now he's having a cookout/wedding reception for those that couldn't make it (me) in Ohio. Fun stuff.
I guess everything in Texas is bigger. Go figure. Primary purpose? Catching compact cars. Geez.
Good advice, I guess it's like the needle exchange program. Can't get rid of the problem so you might as well make it as positive as possible.
This is the true definition of "in vino veritas." Where she admits to popping Percocet when the kids act up. And she was sober enough to give her kids the keys, although I can't imagine where she'd need to go.
I just like the headline. Ah, the Mrs. America pageant. I wonder if it is Trump sponsored.
Oh MY gawd! What? What? WHAT? How does this happen? I mean, what goes through someone's mind to make this an end result? I could understand if you were stranded in the Alps in a plane crash... but still!
Oh, he was mad at her. Well him getting one year house arrest and four years of probation ought to teach her! Good job there slick.
And I thought the homeless, crazy kid that ate his roommate was insane, but WHAT? Seriously? Banning tag? Oh, but they're still allowed to play other running games as long as no one is chasing each other. So what game would that be? "Everyone! Run in different directions! Wheee! Isn't that fun?" And as far as "less physical contact" goes, you're tagging someone, with your hand. Sure there's an occasional collision, but you can't get much less contact from tag! Geez! People! It hurts kids' feelings? Guess what, when they grow up they're going to eat their roommates because the world is a tough place and their feelings are going to get hurt.
I like strippers. It's good, honest work. Well, it's hard so they get props for that. Few things really tick them off, fake money probably being at the top of that short list.
I guess everything in Texas is bigger. Go figure. Primary purpose? Catching compact cars. Geez.
Good advice, I guess it's like the needle exchange program. Can't get rid of the problem so you might as well make it as positive as possible.
This is the true definition of "in vino veritas." Where she admits to popping Percocet when the kids act up. And she was sober enough to give her kids the keys, although I can't imagine where she'd need to go.
I just like the headline. Ah, the Mrs. America pageant. I wonder if it is Trump sponsored.
Oh MY gawd! What? What? WHAT? How does this happen? I mean, what goes through someone's mind to make this an end result? I could understand if you were stranded in the Alps in a plane crash... but still!
Oh, he was mad at her. Well him getting one year house arrest and four years of probation ought to teach her! Good job there slick.
And I thought the homeless, crazy kid that ate his roommate was insane, but WHAT? Seriously? Banning tag? Oh, but they're still allowed to play other running games as long as no one is chasing each other. So what game would that be? "Everyone! Run in different directions! Wheee! Isn't that fun?" And as far as "less physical contact" goes, you're tagging someone, with your hand. Sure there's an occasional collision, but you can't get much less contact from tag! Geez! People! It hurts kids' feelings? Guess what, when they grow up they're going to eat their roommates because the world is a tough place and their feelings are going to get hurt.
I like strippers. It's good, honest work. Well, it's hard so they get props for that. Few things really tick them off, fake money probably being at the top of that short list.
Friday, March 02, 2007
black betty
Update. So that's why they were giggling. See kids that's why drugs are bad. M'kay? They were 19 years old, but police thought originally that they could be as young as 16. Is that a good thing that they thought they were younger? Or bad that 16 year olds can look like 19?
Damnit! Seriously, where were these types of teachers when I was growing up? I think I'd pay more attention in class.
So in the past week, I've learned that two of my friends are pregnant. Well, OK, one is a guy and his girlfriend is pregnant, so he's not technically pregnant. The other is a married couple, of which I'm friends with both. Anyway, I've known them since freshman year of college, which is a long time. Didn't really reconnect until after coming back from Iraq. I can't believe I'm so excited about babies. Hehehe. Yeah, I'm giggling, but it's not because I'm high.
Damnit! Seriously, where were these types of teachers when I was growing up? I think I'd pay more attention in class.
So in the past week, I've learned that two of my friends are pregnant. Well, OK, one is a guy and his girlfriend is pregnant, so he's not technically pregnant. The other is a married couple, of which I'm friends with both. Anyway, I've known them since freshman year of college, which is a long time. Didn't really reconnect until after coming back from Iraq. I can't believe I'm so excited about babies. Hehehe. Yeah, I'm giggling, but it's not because I'm high.
Monday, February 26, 2007
bust a move
Where do I start? How about complaining, then I'll explain things.
I hate sympathy, as a emotion and an excuse. "Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss?" Why is that? Why are you sorry? Did you do it? No? Then shut up. It doesn't make people feel better that you feel sorry, because what you are really saying is that you feel sorry for them. Well, that doesn't help, now I feel worse because of my mood has made you feel sad too. Great, it's just like anti-depressants. You could say, "Gee, that sucks. What are you going to do? Don't know? Well, think about it. Give me a call if you need anything." No sympathy, no ambiguity, just clear cut feelings and intentions.
So what's going on my life that makes me think about all this? To sum up in a sentence. My biological mother died last week. Big deal right? Well, there's a whole bunch of family dynamics at work. I know I'm supposed to feel something but I really don't. I took the weekend to ponder my next move. Family members have offered to fly me out to Hawaii for the memorial service. They've expressed their sympathy for me. Me. Of all people, me. I really don't think that they get me.
Family dynamics. Since my mom's death (almost two years ago) the family lines were drawn clearly. You know how many of her sisters went to her funeral? One. Out of three. And that one? Went to both, one in Cleveland and one in Hawaii. The one that went lives out in Vegas. One lived in Tennessee, her kids (my cousins) offered to pay to fly her out and arrangements were made. She declined. The one that I can't stand though is the one that lives out in Hawaii (my biological mother) and the fact that she didn't go to the service out in Hawaii. I understand she didn't want to get a flight out to Cleveland, trips from Hawaii to the Midwest aren't cheap. But heck she could've caught The Bus down to service in Hawaii.
Really? Yeah, I know my mom was a pain in the ass, I had to put of with her for years. Still, she deserved to have more of her family present than that. Of all the things she did for her family, more people should have showed up. You know, at one point or another, my mom took care of all of my cousins. And not the 'drop the kids off for a weekend' sort, but an extended period of time for whatever the reason (usually legal). My dad was against such coddling of his sister-in-law's problems but he took take of the kids.
Wes made a point when he said that it was my biological mother and that I should be there. Well, sadly, I barely acknowledge the fact that she is my mother. Just because she gave birth counts very little in my book. 12 year old girls are doing it, I'm not that impressed with the fact that you gave birth. What counts is taking care of a kid for 18+ years and raising them, instilling values, and teaching them right from wrong. That's a parent.
Let me make this point. A mother gives up a kid at birth or very early age, the kid is raised by two people (parents) and then said kid becomes a serial killer. Who would you blame? The mother that gave up the kid? Or the two people that raised him? Well, probably the primary caregivers. Yes, genetics play a vital part, but I believe environment shapes us more than we know.
My buddy Andy gets me though. Granted I've spent years around him. We think alike, remember your best friend from grade school? Where you pick up similar interests, both of you become a blend of each other and you can't really separate each other's personalities? That's me and Andy. There's not much I wouldn't do for Andy, up to and including pre-mediated murder. *shrug* That's just the nature of the beast. I trust Andy with my life, we've been through alot and it's all good.
So I spent most of the weekend thinking about what I'm supposed to do. I arrived at the same conclusion that I did when I first got the news. I'm not going. I'll go to Hawaii on my own terms. I can't afford to take however long off of work and plus, my Reserve training got moved up a week. I really can't afford the loss in pay and the chance for fire some guns!
I hate sympathy, as a emotion and an excuse. "Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss?" Why is that? Why are you sorry? Did you do it? No? Then shut up. It doesn't make people feel better that you feel sorry, because what you are really saying is that you feel sorry for them. Well, that doesn't help, now I feel worse because of my mood has made you feel sad too. Great, it's just like anti-depressants. You could say, "Gee, that sucks. What are you going to do? Don't know? Well, think about it. Give me a call if you need anything." No sympathy, no ambiguity, just clear cut feelings and intentions.
So what's going on my life that makes me think about all this? To sum up in a sentence. My biological mother died last week. Big deal right? Well, there's a whole bunch of family dynamics at work. I know I'm supposed to feel something but I really don't. I took the weekend to ponder my next move. Family members have offered to fly me out to Hawaii for the memorial service. They've expressed their sympathy for me. Me. Of all people, me. I really don't think that they get me.
Family dynamics. Since my mom's death (almost two years ago) the family lines were drawn clearly. You know how many of her sisters went to her funeral? One. Out of three. And that one? Went to both, one in Cleveland and one in Hawaii. The one that went lives out in Vegas. One lived in Tennessee, her kids (my cousins) offered to pay to fly her out and arrangements were made. She declined. The one that I can't stand though is the one that lives out in Hawaii (my biological mother) and the fact that she didn't go to the service out in Hawaii. I understand she didn't want to get a flight out to Cleveland, trips from Hawaii to the Midwest aren't cheap. But heck she could've caught The Bus down to service in Hawaii.
Really? Yeah, I know my mom was a pain in the ass, I had to put of with her for years. Still, she deserved to have more of her family present than that. Of all the things she did for her family, more people should have showed up. You know, at one point or another, my mom took care of all of my cousins. And not the 'drop the kids off for a weekend' sort, but an extended period of time for whatever the reason (usually legal). My dad was against such coddling of his sister-in-law's problems but he took take of the kids.
Wes made a point when he said that it was my biological mother and that I should be there. Well, sadly, I barely acknowledge the fact that she is my mother. Just because she gave birth counts very little in my book. 12 year old girls are doing it, I'm not that impressed with the fact that you gave birth. What counts is taking care of a kid for 18+ years and raising them, instilling values, and teaching them right from wrong. That's a parent.
Let me make this point. A mother gives up a kid at birth or very early age, the kid is raised by two people (parents) and then said kid becomes a serial killer. Who would you blame? The mother that gave up the kid? Or the two people that raised him? Well, probably the primary caregivers. Yes, genetics play a vital part, but I believe environment shapes us more than we know.
My buddy Andy gets me though. Granted I've spent years around him. We think alike, remember your best friend from grade school? Where you pick up similar interests, both of you become a blend of each other and you can't really separate each other's personalities? That's me and Andy. There's not much I wouldn't do for Andy, up to and including pre-mediated murder. *shrug* That's just the nature of the beast. I trust Andy with my life, we've been through alot and it's all good.
So I spent most of the weekend thinking about what I'm supposed to do. I arrived at the same conclusion that I did when I first got the news. I'm not going. I'll go to Hawaii on my own terms. I can't afford to take however long off of work and plus, my Reserve training got moved up a week. I really can't afford the loss in pay and the chance for fire some guns!
Friday, January 19, 2007
boss of me
Ah, kids. Is there anything better? Yeah sure you just want to smack attitude right off them sometimes but you refrain. They get out of control too, but is that your fault or the kid's? This should be on a show called 'Kids Do the Darnest Things.' This kid rocks. I want to party with him. Not only did he steal a car and drive himself to the airport but he also managed to get on a plane, not once but twice. He made it all the way to San Antonio. Apparently he had family somewhere near Dallas because he tried to get a connecting flight from San Antonio to Dallas and that's where police caught up with him. Awesome. That kid was motivated. Me? When I've ran away in the past, the farthest I've gotten to is my cousins in Pearl City. But this kid made it from Seattle to San Antonio, overcoming obstacles without money. Need to get to the airport? No problem, steal a car. Need to get to Texas? No problem, get a connecting flight through Phoenix.
"YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!" I think I remember using this one, once. We're sitting down to dinner, the food was yet to be served and my mom told me to go wash my hands. To which I replied, "You're not the boss of me." My parents said OK, and went to get their food. Yup, no food for me. So we cut a deal, they provide for me, and I do what they tell me to do. Worked out pretty good. Never went hungry.
The headline read, 'Too scared to flee.' A better headline would've been 'Too stupid to flee.' Or perhaps he didn't want to leave. Was he going to school? Because I assume that there's some paperwork that has to be submitted, transfers from previous school or something. So let's assume he didn't. Well, basically, it was 4 years of summer vacation. Give me a TV and a Playstation 2, lots of games, and I'd stay there too. Hmm, if I go home I'll probably have to go back to school and school sucks, so nah, I'll just stay here. The funny thing is he's going to be the oldest 6th grader in school.
"YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME!" I think I remember using this one, once. We're sitting down to dinner, the food was yet to be served and my mom told me to go wash my hands. To which I replied, "You're not the boss of me." My parents said OK, and went to get their food. Yup, no food for me. So we cut a deal, they provide for me, and I do what they tell me to do. Worked out pretty good. Never went hungry.
The headline read, 'Too scared to flee.' A better headline would've been 'Too stupid to flee.' Or perhaps he didn't want to leave. Was he going to school? Because I assume that there's some paperwork that has to be submitted, transfers from previous school or something. So let's assume he didn't. Well, basically, it was 4 years of summer vacation. Give me a TV and a Playstation 2, lots of games, and I'd stay there too. Hmm, if I go home I'll probably have to go back to school and school sucks, so nah, I'll just stay here. The funny thing is he's going to be the oldest 6th grader in school.
Monday, November 27, 2006
no, not really
I don't feel older. Of course I don't know how a 26 year-old feels since this is my first day. Is it that much different than being 25? I can't tell. Well, my fingertips are a little tingly but that's just because I was flapping my arms. I don't think that has any bearing on my age, but I do get weird looks from people from time to time.
This past weekend I spent a majority of it with family. Cousins mostly. As I watched my little cousins playing I got to wondering; if we were like them when we were their age, were the relatives that were our age then like us now? Granted my family is a lot weirder now, but I'm suggesting the same principle. Remember when you were 5 or 6, you had a relative that was in the mid-twenties. That was old right? Now it doesn't seem that old. Things have changed (from our perspective) but overall it stays the same, if that makes sense. I mean, I'll probably still call my cousin Joey, Josephine.
I haven't figured out what I am going to do today after work, but it may involve some indoor go-carting. I did purchase a master cylinder (brake system) and a heater core for my car. That's next weekend's project.
This past weekend I spent a majority of it with family. Cousins mostly. As I watched my little cousins playing I got to wondering; if we were like them when we were their age, were the relatives that were our age then like us now? Granted my family is a lot weirder now, but I'm suggesting the same principle. Remember when you were 5 or 6, you had a relative that was in the mid-twenties. That was old right? Now it doesn't seem that old. Things have changed (from our perspective) but overall it stays the same, if that makes sense. I mean, I'll probably still call my cousin Joey, Josephine.
I haven't figured out what I am going to do today after work, but it may involve some indoor go-carting. I did purchase a master cylinder (brake system) and a heater core for my car. That's next weekend's project.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
i want charles in charge
While surfing the Internet I came across a disturbing article. You might ask what could disturb a seasoned combat veteran? Well obviously I'm going to tell you otherwise I wouldn't have typed it. Show executives, in an effort to keep viewers, are going starting to forgo the traditional opening credits and theme songs. I realize that viewership is going down on the average, but it's tradition to flip to another channel when you see those opening credits roll. It's not the show's fault that viewership is down. It's the network's. Yes, those 40 seconds are so crucial! Let's forget about the fact that your typical 30-minute show is actually only 22 minutes of content (this is an average) and your 1-hour show is about 45-48 minutes of show. To improve this situation the network force 2-minute long commercial breaks every five minutes of show time. Wow! Just as the storyline gets good I have to take a two minute break, makes for suspense right? Or does it just serve to piss people off?
It's actually lots of little problems that make this thing a big issue.
1. Networks make money on tv spots. The better the show, the more money it costs to get your commercial in.
2. Assinine shows get good ratings.
3. Networks hire assinine writers to write assinine shows.
4. Assinine writers can't write 27 minutes of show every week, maybe can fill 20 minutes.
5. Network takes advantage of this and charge the same amount for spots but have more spots and make more money.
6. Network realizes that they could do the same to ALL programming, charge the same amount while expanding the amount of commercials.
7. Assinine show fails. Network realizes that they need to hire smart people to write assinine show.
8. Content quality increases but time allotted does not, producers forced to take from where they can, the show.
9. End credits scroll below during final scene. Opening credits cut to make more time for show content.
-> next step 10. Show ratings go up, network wants more slots and takes more time from the show.
I can just see it now, all of the writers and producers band together to make their own network and sell it over the Internet. The Internet becomes the new TV. Meanwhile, the networks in their attempt to regain their writers and producers make a brand new "CTV" or Commercial TV, commercials 24/7.
Also, what's been going on with Prime Time? Wasn't it back in the day 7-9pm Monday-Friday? Now it's 8-10pm? Is this an attempt to make it unappealing to the youth? Because it was usually adult-content programming after 9pm which was our bedtime and therefore didn't watch. Is that the same principle? Because it's retarded! The shows are marketed for the youth population! Now we've got 14 year-old boys and girls staying up to 10pm to watch The O.C. Yeah, that's just genius. And with the level of technology, you think they're going to wait to talk about it at school the next day or hop on the Internet afterwards or text message each other? So now they're staying up till midnight talking with each other. Brilliant! Here's another idea, to bolster attendance in schools, what if we handed out illegal drugs at class? I bet more kids would show up, granted I don't know how much they'll learn but they'll be there!
Grr, the focus of the whole country is askew.
It's actually lots of little problems that make this thing a big issue.
1. Networks make money on tv spots. The better the show, the more money it costs to get your commercial in.
2. Assinine shows get good ratings.
3. Networks hire assinine writers to write assinine shows.
4. Assinine writers can't write 27 minutes of show every week, maybe can fill 20 minutes.
5. Network takes advantage of this and charge the same amount for spots but have more spots and make more money.
6. Network realizes that they could do the same to ALL programming, charge the same amount while expanding the amount of commercials.
7. Assinine show fails. Network realizes that they need to hire smart people to write assinine show.
8. Content quality increases but time allotted does not, producers forced to take from where they can, the show.
9. End credits scroll below during final scene. Opening credits cut to make more time for show content.
-> next step 10. Show ratings go up, network wants more slots and takes more time from the show.
I can just see it now, all of the writers and producers band together to make their own network and sell it over the Internet. The Internet becomes the new TV. Meanwhile, the networks in their attempt to regain their writers and producers make a brand new "CTV" or Commercial TV, commercials 24/7.
Also, what's been going on with Prime Time? Wasn't it back in the day 7-9pm Monday-Friday? Now it's 8-10pm? Is this an attempt to make it unappealing to the youth? Because it was usually adult-content programming after 9pm which was our bedtime and therefore didn't watch. Is that the same principle? Because it's retarded! The shows are marketed for the youth population! Now we've got 14 year-old boys and girls staying up to 10pm to watch The O.C. Yeah, that's just genius. And with the level of technology, you think they're going to wait to talk about it at school the next day or hop on the Internet afterwards or text message each other? So now they're staying up till midnight talking with each other. Brilliant! Here's another idea, to bolster attendance in schools, what if we handed out illegal drugs at class? I bet more kids would show up, granted I don't know how much they'll learn but they'll be there!
Grr, the focus of the whole country is askew.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
the forgotten, but not.
How the hell did my dad forget to tell me that my great aunt Lucielle died two weeks ago? How the hell did anyone forget to tell me until today? SERIOUSLY???! What the hell is going on? I only got to visit a few times when I was younger and recently saw Lucielle at my mom's funeral. My great uncle Homer died two, almost three years ago. I was in Iraq at the time and unable to attend the funeral.
Homer had fought in World War II in Europe, there are lots of letters home. They all read like they're straight out of the movies. I guess vice versa huh? Still, not much has changed in letters since those times to today.
I plan on scanning all of the letters into the computer at a later date, or maybe even try my hand at scrapbooking or something. I could just frame the letters and what not, it'll be a project for me.
Homer had fought in World War II in Europe, there are lots of letters home. They all read like they're straight out of the movies. I guess vice versa huh? Still, not much has changed in letters since those times to today.
I plan on scanning all of the letters into the computer at a later date, or maybe even try my hand at scrapbooking or something. I could just frame the letters and what not, it'll be a project for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
