We're Now at Three Turtles

Just this week I decided to change the "by-line" of our blog to "Three people, two dogs and two turtles", but tonight I had to make it "three turtles". Some friends from church asked us if we'd like to inherit another turtle (knowing we had two). What do you think I said? So we now have Grumpy O'Mally, Little George O'Mally and Grace O'Mally. Amanda "knows" this one is a girl, so she named her Grace. We had to keep the O'Mally since the other two turtles carry the name.

I think Grace is a West Coast Box Turtle. I know she's a box turtle, but I'm not positive about the West Coast part.

Well, before heading off to bed I've got to do some more research on hibernating turtles. Do it right and I've got three turtles next Spring. Do it wrong and I've got a crying daughter! With Fall coming, I'd better figure out when these guys (and not 'girl') need to dig in for the winter. Stay tuned!

- Rob

This Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words...

...and at least 5 hours of my time! But you can't appreciate either if I don't share the story with you. For Jason's sake, I will try to keep it short.

This week, I was contacted by a geocacher in Oklahoma asking me if I wanted to do a multi-state, multi-cache with him. What this means is, he finds a cache in Lawton, OK that has coordinates for a cache in Ft. Worth. He e-mails me the coordinates, I find the cache which, in turn, has coordinates for another cache in Lawton. I send those coordinates to him and he logs the find for both of us.

Since Friday is our day off, and since Brooke went with Amanda and I on Amanda's 200th cache, I asked Brooke if she would go with me to Ft. Worth while I found this one cache. She agreed, so I got everything ready. We took the laptop with GPS directions to get there, and I "just happened" to have loaded all of the other caches in the area onto the map as well for Brooke to see. When she saw other caches so close to the original cache we set out to find, she agreed to find those as well. Short version...seven caches later Brooke said she enjoyed spending the time with me, asked me to register her finds under her own geocaching name (Punkin's Momma) and said she would cache with me again (although not as prolifically as GeoPunkin and I). When she said that, I was very disappointed that I had not brought my camera to capture the moment, but then I remembered Brooke's phone had a camera, so I got this picture.

And that's where the story began. I got home and tried to e-mail the picture to my e-mail account so I could post it here. Got an error message on the phone. Called Sprint PCS. Needed security code for phone to fix problem. Oops, STUPID me changed the code several months ago, never wrote it down and forgot it. Nearly and hour on the phone with Sprint trying to work around this problem. No luck. Trip to Sprint store to let them work on phone. That store doesn't actually work on the phones, they just sell them. Spend another 45 minutes trying lock codes I might have used. Go to other store. Wait for them to try and fix problem. No luck. Next day, travel to another Sprint store to let them try. They only work on Nextel phones...try other store. Go to other store. They finally find unlock for me. (Immediately change lock code to something we will remember!). Take phone back home. Call tech support to fix problem now that I have security code. Talk to lady who, although very nice, had NO IDEA what she is talking about. Hang up and try what she suggested. Call Sprint again. Get a person who knows what they are doing...reset phone...get photo! At least 5 hours invested for this one photo. Yes, it was worth it.

And another good thing came of this. I was eligible for a $150 rebate from Sprint to upgrade my phone. During all of my trips to the various Sprint stores in the area, I found out that this rebate is now instant rather than the mail-in rebate they used to offer. So, I upgraded my phone and got a new, nicer phone for free. Yea!

I didn't do a word count to see if this was actually a thousand words. I don't think it was, but for fear of losing Jason if I write any more, I'm gonna end the story here. (If you don't know, Jason is one of my younger, more busy friends who does not like long blog postings. Since he's a faithful reader I try to keep my postings shorter, and if that doesn't work, I try to harass him. The latter is much easier!)

- Rob

Legal Immigrants Still Welcome in America

Why are some American's fighting for ILLEGAL immigration? Why are they so bent on blurring the lines betwen legal and ILLEGAL immigration. Hello?!? Legal immigrants are still WELCOMED in America. What part of I-L-L-E-G-A-L can people not understand.

This site was mentioned on the news tonight, so I checked it out. Their website clearly states, "MMP has no affiliation with, nor will we accept any assistance by or interference from, separatists, racists, or supremacy groups" but you should read the hate mail they get (click the link to read, but be forewarned...ignorant people expressed their opinions in the only way they knew how with their limited vocabulary...that means there's lots of cussin') . Of course it is only conservatives who "spread the hate" and are intolerant.

- Rob

How To Install A Home Security System

1. Go to a second-hand store and buy a pair of men's used size 14-16 work boots.

2. Place them on your front porch, along with several empty beer cans, a copy of Guns & Ammo magazine and several NRA magazines.

3. Put a few giant dog dishes next to the boots and magazine.

4. Leave a note on your door that reads:

Hey Bubba, Big Jim, Duke and Slim, I went to the gun shop for more ammunition. Back in an hour. Don't mess with the pit bulls -- they attacked the mailman this morning and messed him up real bad. I don't think Killer took part in it but it was hard to tell from all the blood.

PS - I locked all four of 'em in the house. Better wait outside.

US Immigration Policy Continues to Spiral Out of Control!

Watching FoxNews tonight, I heard a story about the California Dream Act which forces (or "allows") California state colleges to offer in-state (discounted) tuition rates to ILLEGAL aliens. It all part of the absurd Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of S 2611. And, of course, universities support this act...they get more government money.

As if this was not bad enough, as I did more research, I found out that 10 states follow this idiotic thinking that rewards illegal aliens...and Texas is one of them! What this act says is that, even though you are breaking US federal law, we are going to give you tax-payer money to attend college. Although it is illegal to hire these new graduates, we still spend the money to put them through college. Does that make sense to you?

Our US immigration policy is out of control! Here I am trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for own daughter's college education (still many years down the road), and now I find out my tax dollars are paying for people who are breaking the law to go to college.

America is a great country because of immigrants from around the world. But what made America great is these same immigrants desire to make something of themselves and to make something of America (legally). They didn't come to drain America of all that she could give them. I say let's continue to open our arms to the tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to be free...but let's quit paying for those who are breaking the law. Part of what has made America great is her desire to help the huddled masses, but if we don't do it with more wisdom that we are using now, AMERICA will become the huddled masses.

- Rob

Labor Day Weekend Together As A Family

Our family enjoyed the three day weekend. After school on Friday we just chilled and hung out at the house. Sam and Mitzi came to visit for the weekend while Stan and Kay visited Nacadocious. Amanda always loves having more dogs at the house and our dogs see Sam and Mitzi so often they're like cousins.


Interesting note about the above photograph. I remember watching one particular episode of Tarzan as a kid where visitors to the jungle were terrorizing the natives by taking their picture. They told the natives that their souls were being captured when their picture was taken. These bad people would show the pictures to the natives and the natives were convinced. (I'm not sure how Tarzan helped solve this travesty, but I'm sure he did, somehow). Anyway, I thought of this story right after this picture was taken because Mitzi hopped out of my lap as soon as the flash went off. Actually, she started squirming and wanted down as soon as she saw the camera, but I made her stay for the picture. For some reason, the dog is petrified of having her picture taken. I remember the first time she came over for a visit, I traumatized her trying to take some video of her and Sam with our dogs. Near as I can tell, Mitzi somehow came from Tarzan's jungle where she belonged to this tribe. It must have scared Mitzi so bad that she took off for America before Tarzan could tell the people they were in no danger of losing their souls to the people with the cameras. We feel sorry for Mitzi but love her in spite of her "issues" with cameras.

Saturday morning, Brooke went to her fantasy football draft while Amanda and I set out to find nine geocaches...enough to get her to 200. We had only found seven when Brooke called and said her draft was finished. Brooke rode with us while we grabbed the last two and Amanda found #200.

Sunday we went to church, took a nap (everybody except Amanda), watched America's Funniest Home Videos and spent some time with our friends the Hennings (who stopped by to print their Blockbuster coupon!). Everybody went to bed and I stayed up to watch one of my favorite movies, Saving Private Ryan. I like war movies in general, and I am especially touched movies about WW II. I can't help but think that something like that (the way our nation pulled together and sacrificed) would never happen today. I watch stories about soldiers who went into a battles they knew would probably cost them their lives, but they went anyway because that's what it took to serve your country and defeat the enemy. I am in awe of the WW II generation. And then at the end of this movie, Private Ryan asks himself, "Was I a good man?" "Did I do something good with my life after the sacrifices that were made for me?" (Wow, some pretty good Christian parallels there.) It doesn't sound very macho to watch one of these violent war movies and then cry at the end, but I always do. (Of course, it's always late and I'm the only one in the room, so that helps). But when I think about the price that was paid for my freedom, I cannot help but be moved. These guys not only gave up their lives, but they also gave up their families and their families gave them up as well, for this great cause. I always say a prayer thanking God for all of our soldiers (from all wars) who gave their lives to that I might enjoy the freedoms this country offers. And I always pray for their surviving family members. And then I pray for our forces serving today and their families. And for some reason, I seem to enjoy putting myself through all this.

This morning, Amanda woke up around 8:30am and Brooke was kind enough to get up with her since I had been in bed just 5 hours after the movie. Brooke did a little housework, I helped clean the kitchen, Brooke ran to the store, I read, we did some homework with Amanda and then my parents came over for dinner. We had grilled chicken, three bean salad my Mom brought and company potatoes (which I LOVE but Brooke makes only when we have company). We just hung out and talked after dinner. Everybody is now gone and in bed. I'm gonna finish blogging, read a little bit more and try to psyche myself up to get up at 5:30am for some racquetball in the morning.

So tomorrow it's back to school and back to work. It was nice to have a Labor Day weekend together as a family.

- Rob

Steve Irwin killed in freak accident at sea

A comment left after the newstory linked above (click post title to read article):

The way he lived his life should be an example to us all to live our lives with passion and never waste a moment.

Amanda and I loved watching the Croc Hunter and are praying for his wife and two children.

Congratulations GeoPunkin on 200 Geocache Finds!

Celebrating Amanda's 200 Geocache Find

Feb 4, 2006 - 36 Photos
Click on photo to view album. After that, you can choose to view the album as a slideshow!

Geocaching With seekhim17 & zavarik

Treadmill Dance

What's Wrong With This Picture?

OK, I'm not poking fun at the way it looks, although it definitely isn't my color. But here's the deal: the headline for this story is "Turk Takes Isalam-Inspired Swimwear to Bathers". And here's what's wrong with this picture in my opinion: as a Chrsitian minister, if I try to discuss modesty an even mention the swimwear issue, I am in for a discussion as fun as butting my head up against a brick wall and having a cat scratch my eyes out (at least that's how much fun my last couple of discussions were...I've had more civil discussions with Humanists over displaying the Ten Commandments). It would seem (to me, based on my personal experience) that modesty is more important to many Muslims than it is to many Christians. What is wrong with this picture?

- Rob

Yes, I Have a Drug Problem

The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Methamphetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining County and he asked me a rhetorical question, ''Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?''

I replied, "I had a drug problem when I was young:

I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for Weddings and funerals.

I was drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather.

I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults.

I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profane four-letter word.

I was drug out to pull weeds in mom's garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad's fields.

I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the woodshed.

Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, and think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place."

Dawn, if you don't post 'em, I'm gonna!

Bye-Bye, Tom

Well, my experiment at MySpace, short-lived as it was, is over. I did not like going to my "space" and seeing an ad for a dating service with a seductive-looking lady staring at my friends visiting my site. I tried to keep it clean by setting up my site so that I had to pre-approve comments before they were posted. But when I went to the page to approve appropriate comments, there were more pictures even more inappropriate than what was staring at my friends on my page. And then today, I got an event invitation. The picture that came with it had a lady who was laying down so you couldn't "see it all", but she weren't dressed! And the links that came with the invitation explained quite clearly that she wasn't so "modest" if you visited her site.

So it was all too much for me...and I let Tom know. I guess he's the guy who started MySpace or at least runs it? There are 60,000+ MySpace members in a group called Tom, Change the Advertising, but it seems he ain't heard 'em yet. I was a part of this group for the few days I was part of MySpace, and I had planned on being an activist for this cause. But then the porn started getting delivered to my door (i.e. my MySpace Inbox) and well...I don't want to play the fool.

So I am here to stay at Blogger. I figured out how to customize my template a little, and that made me happy. And then just tonight I found out I could take the slide show I liked so much on MySpace and post it here, so hey...it's all good. Bye-bye, Tom.

- Rob

Our Little Superstar

Great Night For a Bike Ride

Homework is in full swing in second grade (at least I hope this is full swing; anything more is going to be...more!). By Wednesdays, Amanda Kay is tired and doing homework starts getting tough. So, at least for now, Wednesdays have become "nap day" and she takes about an hour nap from 4-5pm. It does not seem to keep her from going to sleep any more than usual and it does seem to help her feel better after supper.

Today was only the second Wednesday to test out my theory, and Amanda is never too excited to take a nap, but then again, she is never too excited to get up from a nap, either. Since the weather was SO NICE today (finally broke our 19 day 100+ degree weather streak) and because I knew it would help "grease the wheels" for the whole nap thing, I asked Amanda if she wanted to go for a bike ride this evening. After dinner we studied for Friday's spelling test and then went for a long bike ride. We worked up a little sweat, but it was nice just relaxing and spending some time together. It was a great night for a bike ride.

- Rob

Also posted on MySpace

Top 10 Benefits of Gossip - #6

The book of Proverbs will talk about you like you're a hero.

Proverbs 10:18 - He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander (gossips) is a fool. (NIV)

Too Old for MySpace?

A couple of things happening at one time led me to create a MySpace. After vain searches for backgrounds that I liked (and that fit on one screen wide so that it is not necessary to scroll left and right), I finally created my own MySpace layout. Now I've spent a couple hours "perfecting the look" and I'm asking myself, "Now what?"

So why did I do this again? First, I read in an article:

Young people see it as a good way to reach an elder - a teacher or parent - or to receive an attached file. But increasingly, the former darling of communication is losing favour to instant and text messaging. "In this world of instant gratification, email has become the new snail mail," says 25-year-old Californian Rachel Quizon. (Source: Snail Email, Fox News)

And then the same week I read this, I was talking with some friends about the "interesting" cell phone habits of those whose generation was pre-cell phone. One such person said, "If you will tell me when you're going to call, I'll turn on my cell phone."

So what does this have to do with me and MySpace? Well, I've checked out MySpace a couple times since it is so "hip" and "with the times" (although I don't think the word "hip" is hip anymore), but since I already blog at Blogspot (The Hurts in Texas), I did not see the need. Besides, MySpace seems more about social networking, and my social network doesn't use it much. (Like I'm really much of a 'social person' anyway?) Maybe I'm just too old for MySpace.

Now I'm not trying to stay twenty-something forever (about a decade too late for that!), but I don't want to get "old" either. So after watching Brooke on MySpace for a while, I thought I'd give it a try. Now that I've got my site up, it seems pretty cool the first few visits, but then it's like "Well, I've seen that before." I'm looking for something new if I am going to return to somebody's site. To me, the key is blogging. If a person is blogging, there is something fresh that makes it worth coming back.

So now I'm looking at the pros and cons of MySpace and Blogger:

* Just figured out I can't do a bulleted list on MySpace (1 for Blogger)

* I can do a slide show on MySpace but not on Blogger (1 for MySpace)

* I've only been on MySpace for a couple days, but posting to Blogger is much easier using the FireFox browser that I prefer (2 for Blogger)

* I like the fact that my 'favorites' is easier to find on MySpace (2 for MySpace)

* I can only post my geocahing stats (in graphic form) on Blogger (3 for Blogger)

* It is much easier to make a customized MySpace layout so I don't look like everybody else out there (3 for MySpace)

* I don't see an easy way to posts lists of links on MySpace like I can on Blogger (4 for MySpace)

* I saw a countdown thingy on Brooke's MySpace that I really like and could not do it on Blogger (4 for MySpace)

* BIG downer for MySpace...WAY, WAY, WAY too much stuff is advertised with girls who ain't wearing enough to be decent! It's in the ads, it's in the free layouts, in other free customizations for your site and even on the page where I OK messages to make sure they are not inappropriate. The message is appropriate, but the girl in the bikini advertising a "personal" date certainly is not. This definitely scores some negative points for MySpace.

So, for now I'm going to post the majority of my blogs in both places and see what kind of response I get. I think I'm also going to continue to look for way to put a photo slide show on my Blogger site.

Have an opinion? Let me know what you think.

- Rob

P.S. Oops...no spell check for MySpace blogging? Lose another point!

Added 8/31/-6 - See post dated for Aug. 31. Everywhere I turned on MySpace there were ladies WAY under-dressed. Too much for me to feel good about. Bye, Bye MySpace.

We'll See What Comes of It

Don't know if you noticed or not, but I've changed up my blog template a little. Just a little...I added the photos at the top. I've been noticing all of these offers to "update" my layout and template, but the "new" stuff doesn't appear to be all that new. Is it just me?

But I did get tired of looking like everybody else. I looked at some other templates online and found just one that I liked, but I had trouble getting it to work correctly. I finally picked apart the template code enough to figure out how to do the picture thing.

For a while now, Brooke has been on MySpace. I have not been all that interested in it because I have no real need for the networking aspect and I'm very happy with Blogger for my blogging needs. But I did like the slide show stuff Brooke did on MySpace, the countdown dealy-bop she had was also cool. So tonight, with some help from Brooke, I got a MySpace. I'm gonna keep my blogging here, but I'll see what comes of the MySpace. I tried to post one blog there to say come to Blogger to read my "real blog", but the feature is messing up tonight. One more reason to stay with Blogger. So stay posted...this is where it's at.

- Rob

Top 10 Benefits of Gossip - #7

Peace will follow you wherever you go.

Proverbs 17:9 - He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (NIV)

When It's OK to Worry

Don't worry about what you do not understand in the Bible. Worry instead about what you do understand but do not live by.

Top 10 Benefits of Gossip - #8

You can pass on "the facts" about what "really happened"

Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)

Top 10 Benefits of Gossip - #9

Gossip leads you naturally into God's presence.

Psa 15:1-3 – Lord, who may go and find refuge and shelter in your tabernacle up on your holy hill? Anyone who leads a blameless life and is truly sincere. Anyone who refuses to slander others, does not listen go gossip, never harms his neighbor. (TLB)

Top 10 Benefits of Gossip - #10

Everybody will come to you when they need to share something personal.

Prov 11:13 - A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. (NIV)

I Love Your Word

Psalm 119:29-40, NLT

Keep me from lying to myself;
give me the privilege of knowing your law.

I have chosen to be faithful;
I have determined to live by your laws.

I cling to your decrees.
LORD, don't let me be put to shame!

If you will help me,
I will run to follow your commands.

Teach me, O LORD,
to follow every one of your principles.

Give me understanding and I will obey your law;
I will put it into practice with all my heart.

Make me walk along the path of your commands,
for that is where my happiness is found.

Give me an eagerness for your decrees;
do not inflict me with love for money!

Turn my eyes from worthless things,
and give me life through your word.

Reassure me of your promise,
which is for those who honor you.

Help me abandon my shameful ways;
your laws are all I want in life.

I long to obey your commandments!
Renew my life with your goodness.

When NOT to Call a Psychic

You will meet a beautiful young lady who will want to know everything about you," said the psychic to the frog who had telephoned her hotline.

"That's fabulous. Where will I meet her? In the park, along the seashore, on the trail to the woods?"

"No," countered the psychic. "Next semester in her biology class."

Overheard

A woman on a cell phone: "Why would I read your blog? I don't even like talking to you."

San Francisco Chronicle, submitted to Reader's Digest by Ellen Denmead

Windows Vista To Ship in 33 Different Versions

Here's the story.

Sorry, a little geek humor.

- Rob

More Discussions With the Humanists

I was reading the Humanist News blog again tonight (I do so from time-to-time in order to dialog with them), and I ran across this posting:

A provision requiring that textbooks describe the significant accomplishments of gays and lesbians in United States history has been removed from a California bill. The bill now only prohibits teachings and activities that "reflect adversely" on individuals based on sexual orientation.

While I applaud the state's effort to include protection for gays and lesbians in their existing anti-discrimination law, denying the achievements of the gay rights movement in America by excluding it from school textbooks is detrimental to all students. History books recall the struggles of the women's right to vote in the early 20th century and the civil rights movement in the 1960s. How is this any different?

Politicians can't hide the truth forever. The gay rights movement plays a critical role in our nation's history and it deserves the same respect and prominence in history textbooks as other movements that fought for equality and rights for all Americans.

- Maggie

I generally get a frank but friendly response to my comments on the posts at their site, and I try to be equally amiable but direct. I'm not sure what kind of response I will get after the comment I left this time, but you can click on the link to the article above and find out if you are so inclined. My comment was as follows:

HOW FAR DO WE GO?
I do not mean to be crude or disrespectful to anybody here. Feel free to delete my comment if you find it offensive, but what in the world does a person's sexual orientation have to do with their service or accomplishments for this country? Do we need to go back through history and find those who were born with a bestiality gene and make sure that we recognize them in our history books as well? If they did something noteworthy in history, then let's recognize them. We don't need to point out they were gay or lesbian (or whatever you call a person who is into bestiality) just because it is politically correct to show that we are tolerant of people and that we are no longer allowed to have an opinion on what is right and wrong. Let's recognize a person's achievements based on the merits of that achievement and leave the rest out.

- Rob

What's Wrong With This Picture

Do you see anything wrong with this picture? Look toward the top of the tree...see that split? What you are looking at is not the bushy side of a tree, it is a branch that is supposed to be 15-20 feet off the ground. When I looked outside this morning, I saw the branch hanging down to the ground. This evening, I heard it rip a bit more and then this is what it looked like.

The thing is gonna have to come down so I can cut it up (wow, now THERE'S a fun job), but I'm not sure how to get it down. I suppose I could wait until it blows down, but I'm concerned it may fall on my fence which will undoubtedly crush it. The alternatives? I don't know...climb up in the tree, tie a rope around the limb and try to pull it off to the side with a pickup truck? I don't know.

For now I'm just gonna post this picture and ponder what to do next. If it falls and crushes the fence at least I will have learned one thing...I pondered for too long! Guess maybe I'll try to talk a friend into helping me tackle this thing on Thursday. (I don't want to mention any names here, but the friend I was referring works with me, has a white pickup and reads my blog. You available on Thursday, friend?)

- Rob

Things Looking Up Today

Yea! Today was a good day...a nice break from the routine these past two weeks. First of all, Brooke felt good enough to go to church today. She had two big pillows to sit on and stayed seated pretty much the whole time, but that's an improvement. She's been a little depressed being in constant pain and not being able to do anything. I think today brought back hope. Lots of people have been praying for her, and more prayed for her at church today. We thank our friends for praying and the Lord for moving on Brooke's behalf. We have a Dr. appointment and an appointment with the chiropractor tomorrow.

We had good grub for lunch today, too. Amanda and I ate at the Newcomers' Reception after church and Brooke started on some wonderful chicken a friend at church fixed for us today. (Thank you to those of you who have fixed meals, too).

After lunch, I took a nap which felt wonderful. After that, Amanda and I went out geocahing...the first time in two weeks! (see stats after today) Man, this was a great way to relax and take a break from the hectic schedule these past two weeks. Thank you, Lord, for a good day. Think I'm ready for the week now. And we're believing we're gonna see more improvement in Brooke's back, so that will make for a good week, too.

So here's a few photos for the week:

The torture continues. Yes, Boo literally has a monkey on her back...Amanda Kay strikes again!

The cousins are visiting. My parents are camping this weekend, so we're keeping their dogs.
Left to right: Buster, Ralph, Boo, Dooley, Sully


Ralph making himself at home with Sully and me


Sully letting Brooke know he is "there for her" as she recuperates from back problems

Robot Bartender

A man walked into a very high-tec bar. As he sat down on a stool he noticed that the bartender was a robot. The robot clicked to attention and asked "Sir, what will you have?"???

The man thought a moment then replied? "A martini please".???

The robot clicked a couple of times and mixed the best martini the man had ever had. The robot then asked "sir, what is your IQ?"? The man answered "oh, about 164."

The robot then proceeded to discuss the 'theory of relativity', 'inter-steller space travel' 'the latest medical break throughs' etc........

The man was most impressed. He left the bar but thought he would try a different tactic. He returned and took a seat. Again the robot clicked and asked what he would have??

'A Martini please'.

Again it was surpurb. The robot again asked "what is your IQ sir?' This time the man answered "Oh about 100". So the robot started discussing Nascar racing, the latest basketball scores, and what to expect the Dodgers to do this weekend.

The guy had to try it one more time. So he left, returned and took a stool.... Again a martini, and the question "What is your IQ?"??? This time the man drawled out " Uh..... bout 50"..

The robot clicked then leaned close and very slowly
asked " A-r-e y-o-u-r p-e-o-p-l-e g-o-i-n-g t-o n-o-m-i-n-a-t-e H-i-l-l-a-r-y?

E-mailed from a friend

Picture: First Day of Second Grade

With everything else that has been going on this week, my "little" girl done growed up and started second grade. With that in mind, I thought I'd go ahead and post this now. In a few years, I'm just going to photocopy it and hang the copies on the front door!

Application for Permission to Date my Daughter

Notice: this application will be incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, criminal history, driving history and psychological evaluation.

1. Name ____________ Date of Birth _____________

2. Height ____ Weight ____ I.Q. _____ G.P.A. ______

3. Social Security # _____ Driver's License # ______

4. Home Address _____________________________

5. Telephone # _________ Pager # _______________

6. How fast can you run 40 yards? ____ 2 miles?____

7. Do you own? A) A van ___ B) A motorcycle ___ C) A waterbed ____

8. Is any part of your body pierced? (Includes earrings) ___ Tattooed? ____

[NOTE: IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO ANY PART OF QUESTION 7 OR 8, DISCONTINUE THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND LEAVE THE PREMISES!]

9. What does LATE mean to you? __________________

10. What does DON'T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER mean to you? __________

11. What does ABSTINENCE mean?______________________

12. Church you attend _____ How often attended __________

13. Best time to interview your Minister___ Mother ___ Father ___

14. Answer by filling the blanks. Please answer freely. All answers are confidential.

a. The last place I would like to be shot on my body is ______

b. If beaten, the last bone I would like to be broken is ______

c. The one thing I hope this application does not ask about is _____

d. In the event of my untimely death, please notify _____

e. My greatest fear is _____

f. When I meet a girl, the first thing I notice about her is ____

IF THE ANSWER TO "f" BEGINS WITH THE LETTER "B",DISCONTINUE THE APPLICATION PROCESS AND LEAVE THE PREMISES

15. What do you want to be IF you grow up? ________________

16. Have you ever been fingerprinted? _____ Had a DNA sample recorded? ____

17. Your dentist is __________________________

I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE AND RED HOT POKERS.

Signature __________________________________________________

Thank you for your interest. Please allow four to six years for processing. You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write. (It could cause disqualification and injury to your body).

Stress Check

I follow a number of my friends' blogs, and one of those is Pastoral Ponderings which belongs to Pastor David. Great posting today entitled God Brews the Coffee, Not the Cups. Check it out.

A Guy I Really Admire

This is a picture of Dirk Wood, his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Abigail. I don't even begin to know how to describe Dirk if you've never met him.

Dirk is a fireball for God who loves the Lord, loves His Word, loves people and loves telling people about Jesus. When I first met Dirk, I guess I felt convicted all the time because I couldn't share Jesus like he did. He is the boldest, craziest and most creative witness for the Lord I have ever met. I've since come to accept the fact that God didn't make me like Dirk Wood and doesn't expect me to be like him, but the challenge he leaves in my heart in the area of witnessing is certainly of God.

Dirk is a missionary currently serving in South Africa. I just finished reading his July newsletter and wanted to share it with you. Check it out...you'll get a hint of what Dirk is like and I think you'll be challenged in your witnessing for the Lord, too.

And if are reading this post and are not a Christian, go ahead and read the newsletter and ask yourself, "What {or who} could radically change a person and so influence them to do what this guy does?"

I admire Dirk. He's taken flak even in Christian circles for his approach(es) to evangelism, but I doubt anybody who has ever attacked him has been anywhere near as bold as Dirk is for Christ. One bummer though...lots of things in this life I can say, "When I get to heaven, I'll be able to do that (like dance with rhythm!)." I don't think I can say, "When I get to heaven, I'll be able to witness as creatively as Dirk does"!

Instead, I'll just say I'm glad God has put us together as His family and Dirk is my brother. I think he's cool and he certainly challenges me in my witness for the Lord and love for His Word.

God bless you, Dirk. Saying a prayer for you today. Thank you for not being ashamed to be who God created you to be!

- Rob

Computer Problems

Tech support:  What kind of computer do you have?
Female customer:  A white one...
  ===============
Tech support:  Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the screen.
Customer:  Your left or my left?
===============
Customer:  Hi, good afternoon, this is Martha, I can't print. Every time I try, it says 'Can't find printer'.  I've even lifted the printer and
placed it in front of the monitor, but the computer still says he can't
find it...
  ===============
Customer:  I have problems printing in red...
Tech support:  Do you have a colour printer?
Customer:  Aaaah....................thank you.
  ===============
Tech support:  What's on your monitor now, ma'am?
Customer:   A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me at the 7-11.
  ===============
Customer:  My keyboard is not working anymore.
Tech support:  Are you sure it's plugged into the computer?
Customer:  No. I can't get behind the computer.
Tech support:  Pick up your keyboard and walk 10 paces back.
Customer:   OK
Tech support:  Did the keyboard come with you?
Customer:  Yes
Tech support:  That means the keyboard is not plugged in. Is there another keyboard?
Customer:  Yes, there's another one here. Ah..that one does work...
  ===============
Tech support:  Your password is the small letter "a" as in apple, a
capital letter V as in Victor, the number 7.
Customer:  Is that 7 in capital letters?
  == =============
Customer:  can't get on the Internet.
Tech support:  Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer:  Yes, I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Tech support:  Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer:  Five stars.
===============
Tech support:  What anti-virus program do you use?
Customer:  Netscape.
Tech support:  That's not an anti-virus program.
Customer:  Oh, sorry...Internet Explorer.
  ============ ===
Customer:   I have a huge problem. A friend has placed a screen saver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears.
  ===============
Tech support:  How may I help you?
Customer:  I'm writing my first e-mail.
Tech support:  OK,  and what seems to be the problem?
Customer:  Well, I have the letter 'a' in the address, but how do I get
the circle around it?
  ===============
A woman customer called the Canon help desk with a problem with her printer.
Tech support:  Are you running it under windows?
Customer:  "No, my desk is next to the door, but that is a good point.
The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window, and his
printer is working fine."
  ===============
And last but not least...
Tech support:Okay Bob , let's press the control and escape keys at the same time. That brings up a task list in the middle of the screen. Now type the letter "P" to bring up the Program Manager."
Customer:  I don't have a P.
Tech support::  On your keyboard, Bob.
Customer:  What do you mean?
Tech support:  "P".....on your keyboard, Bob.
Customer:  I'M NOT GOING TO DO THAT!

Hodge Podge From a Crazy Week

It's been a crazy week and I haven't posted anything since last week, so I thought I'd throw a few random thoughts, pictures and links online before I sit down and try to relax and do a little reading.

Right now, I'm reading The Jericho Sanction, a novel by Oliver North. It is the second in a trilogy. I enjoyed the first book, Mission Compromised, but I think I like this one a little better.

I am enjoying some good worship music from AllWorship.com while sitting here.

Here's a link to a great commercial in the Ameriquest "Don't judge too quickly...we won't" series. A friend sent me this clip this week and I've watched it (and laughed) several times.

The youth group had a family night Mud Bowl this past Wednesday night. Pastor Shaun rented a tractor to till up the ground in preparation for the fire department coming to flood the area, but he got stuck in traffic on the way to the church. I helped out with the tractor and this is my best Farmer John impression.

Amanda could not wait for the pit to be created. She wanted to watch the youth group kids get all muddy, and after she saw it, she wanted to be a part. So, Wednesday night after youth group, I took her out and let her have at it.

I kept trying to get Amanda to waller in the mud a bit for a picture. She refused...until I offered her a dollar for it. Here she is earning her dollar.

So did I mention it's been a crazy week? Bless her heart, Brooke has been having back problems again this week. She has a history of back problems and had a flair up before we went to Alabama on vacation. It got bad enough she went to the doctor. He gave her a steroid prescription, and after a couple days, she was feeling better. After returning from Nicaragua, she started having problems again, and it got bad enough this week that I had to take her to the doctor again. He gave her another prescription for steroids and a referral to a physical therapist for two visits to learn how to do some exercises to help this not happen anymore. The steroids are not working so well this time and she has been pretty much on her back all week. Besides being in a lot of pain, she is getting frustrated that it is taking so long to get better and list of "things I've got to do" continues to grow. We would appreciate your praying with us for a total healing.

So this has made for an interesting week as I've been trying to get ready to preach today while being Daddy, husband and housekeeper while Brooke is down on her back. I went grocery shopping on Friday...the three week grocery shopping trip. I didn't know one could spend that much money on groceries! Brooke made out a very detailed list. I did have to make several phone calls to make sure I was buying the correct brand and to ask where one or two items were located, but I thought I did pretty well. Somehow, all of that stuff fit in just one basket, and I only had to go back for 4 items that I did not catch on my first pass through the store!

So all of this taking care of Brooke and taking care of Amanda threw my sermon preparation schedule off a bit, but we had a great service today. I absolutely love teaching and am thankful that my pastor give me the opportunity to preach when he is away. Should have the sermon online this week at the church web page (www.theVineFellowship.com) if you would want to check it out. I taught on Two Lessons From the Two-Talent Servant. Just one teaser from the sermon. Did you know "talent" in the parable does not mean "talent" as we typically think of it today? I've taught that we should use our talents, gifts and abilities for the Lord from this parable and believe that is an acceptable application of this story, but Jesus had something specific in mind when he taught about the talents. That's all I'll tell you...you'll have to check out the sermon to see what specific thing Jesus had in mind when he talked about "talents" in this story.

My parents usually visit the church on the Sundays I preach (which I think is cool), and we usually go out to eat with them afterwards. It was just Amanda and I with my parents today because of Brooke's back (we brought her back something). After that, I slept from 2:30-6:00pm! Guess that's why it's almost midnight and I'm still awake.

And then, to top off the crazy week, I went to take care of my pastor's pool one last time before they come home tomorrow sometime. I don't know exactly what happened, but when I got there tonight it was green and stuff was growing on the sides of the pool! I am not much of a pool expert, but I've taken care of his pool when he's out of town enough to know this is NOT how it's supposed to look. I desperately started scrubbing the "yuck" off the sides of the pool making it even greener. And then the brush broke! I found something else to use, but it did not work near as well. I checked the chemical levels in the pool and (obviously) the chlorine level was almost nill. I treated it, according to the instructions I was given, on Wednesday. Check the chemical levels on Thursday and they seemed ok. On Friday, I took Amanda swimming and cleaned the pool and added water to fill it to the level it was supposed to be. Since the chlorine was running a little low (I was trying to conserve for today's scheduled shock) and the levels looked good the day before, I did not test the water. Saturday got totally out of hand taking care of Brooke, Amanda and other home stuff while trying to prepare to preach, so I did not make it to the pool on yesterday. Well, obviously the combination of all these things was a DISASTER! Tonight I turned on the pump, scraped the "yuck" from the sides, shocked the pool and am praying DESPERATELY that things clear up by tomorrow, but I'm not real hopeful. I don't think Pastor will read this before he gets home, but after I check it in the morning, I'm probably gonna have to call and prepare him for coming home to a green pool (not something I am looking forward to). I'm still trying to figure out if it is ethical to erase this blog posting and not say a word if I get up tomorrow and by some miracle the pool is more blue than green!

One last funny story about the pool (Pastor, if you are reading this, I understand you are finding nothing humorous in this..sorry). I was stressing out in a major way when I saw the pool tonight, and after getting onto Amanda for jumping into this green mess, I was telling her what a poor job I had done (apparently) of taking care of pastor's pool. She suggested I just call him and ask him what to do, then after thinking about that, she said, "unless it means you will lose your job". Well, I didn't call in hopes that it will look at least a little better tomorrow when I probably will have to call, but I did appreciate my daughter's concern.

One last picture...Little George trying to escape the heat. I don't know if turtles are often described as "friendly", but George is. Even when he's buried like this, he always sticks his neck out to greet you when you get into his pen.

- Rob

TWO HUNDRED

Today I found my 200th cache with my
favorite geocahing partner, GeoPunkin.
You can click on the photo above
to see a slighly larger version of
the collage of some of my
favorite geocaching moments.

The Past Is Your Friend...

...as long as you remember its place.

That is all I have been thinking the past 10 minutes I have been awake. The message was so strong, I had to get up and write about it. You see, it was sometime yesterday I remember thinking about "the good 'ol days" when I was in college, and for the first time, I thought about those days in light of "I'll never see those days again" instead of "I am thankful for the great times I had." I wasn't really melencholy, but I wondered if that meant life was going to have more of those moments as I got older.

So I think that was what was on my mind when I was dreaming right before my alarm went off this morning. In my dream, I was back at a college campus. It was not exactly like my Alma Mater ONU (Olivet Nazarene University), but I knew that's where I was. First I tried to go to dinner. I was late arriving and had forgotten my student ID. I went back to my dorm to get my ID, but I got confused and went to a girls' dorm instead. And then once I got to my dorm, I couldn't find my room. And as I was trying to get to my dorm, I remembered the band concert I was supposed to be playing in (which is odd because I was never in band in college). But I knew I was late and was not going to make the concert. And then, when I got to my dorm, I was disappointed because it was supposed to be all festive and decorated for Christmas, but it just felt empty because everybody was gone (presumably to the band concert I was missing). I was very lonely and I had no friends. Most everything was pretty much the opposite of how I remember my college experience. I woke up feeling sad and lonely.

When the alarm went off, Brooke didn't move, but our doggies did. Sully came over and nudged me wanting to be loved. Boo came over to remind me it was breakfast time. As I woke up, I was still trying to shake off the sad and lonley feeling. It is not often I have a dream that really affects me emotionally after I wake up, but this one did. I could not figure out why I hadn't experienced any of my happy college memories (I had lots of them) in my dream.

As Sully nudged me again, and as I rolled over and looked at Brooke, I said to myself, "Well, if I lived back then again, I wouldn't have the family I have now" and it made me thankful for my family. And then I got up to let the dogs out, and I walked by Amanda's room and closed her door. If I lived back then, I wouldn't be Amanda's Daddy right now. And I was thankful for my life once again.

So I began to reflect on what the dream meant, which again is odd because I never think about my dreams having a meaning. But the thought that kept coming to me was, "The past is your friend as long as you remember its place." So I took just a moment and remembered my college days the way they really were. There were lots of good times, and there were times I just thank the Lord for his forgiveness.

But the past has its place. I am thankful for the good times and the good friends. I am also thankful that the sins of my past are past. There have been a few times where the devil has reminded me of some stupid decisions I made back then trying to affect my walk today. And I guess I tried to re-live the past as I thought about the good times yesterday.

But as I woke up this morning and asked the Lord about my sad and lonely dream, I think he taught me an important lesson. I cannot live in the good times of the past because they are gone and things will never be the same. Besides, look at all the good things I have now that I would miss out on. And there are bad things from the past, but they are in the past. They don't have to affect my life any longer. I really don't have to deal with many negative things in my past affecting me today very often, but I felt the Lord say this was also part of the message. I just got out of bed and I feel like God has already spoken to me today...and that's pretty cool!

The past is your friend as long as you remember its place.

Where's The American Press On This One?

THIS is the picture that damns Hezbollah. It is one of several, smuggled from behind Lebanon's battle lines, showing that Hezbollah is waging war amid suburbia.

The images, obtained exclusively by the Sunday Herald Sun, show Hezbollah using high-density residential areas as launch pads for rockets and heavy-calibre weapons. {click link to see pictures and read more}

12:50 AM

Well, this time tomorrow night my baby will be home. No, we're not expecting again...I'm talking about Brooke. It has been a long 9 days, but Amanda and I have managed to stay pretty busy, so I guess the time has passed as fast as 9 days can pass. But no matter how well the week went, we can't wait for Mommy to come home tomorrow night! We are excited (or 'excitec' as Amanda says).

Since Brooke has been gone, I've tried to make sure to do special things with Amanda to help the time go by. OK, special things with Amanda to help the time go by for me, too. So last night, we had to stay a little late at work to finish up a few things for the week. Then we went swimming and grabbed McDonald's for dinner. This morning, we got up and went to Krispy Kreme. (I know...that's a lot of health food in a 12 hour time span!) On the way home from Krispy Kreme, I asked Amanda what she would like to do today and she told me she'd like to go to the mall. So we came home, I did a little house cleaning and worked some sermon prep until 3pm when we headed for the mall. We spent well over an hour going through Heart to Heart (I think that's the name of the store...it's a 'girl store', that's all I know). And then we were on to LibbyLou (I'm sure I'm spelling that wrong, but again, a 'girl store' so I'm not gonna worry about it too much). And then it was off to Build-A-Bear with stops along the way to look at all the jewelry kiosks. And, of course, the Disney Store was right across the way, so we had to stop there, too.

But lest you feel too sorry for me, I gotta tell you the funny part. With all of those 'girly stores' and my big Daddy heart that loves to buy stuff for my daughter, you'll never guess what present she came home with. Here's a hint...I'm sure her momma's gonna be thrilled. Amanda Kay is now the proud (and yes, she is proud) owner of an Airsoft gun! When we walked in the mall (through the Dick's Sporting Goods entrance), Amanda was so happy that I took her to the mall that she wanted to take me by the gun counter so I could look at guns (now is that sweet or what...see why she has me wrapped around her little finger?). She didn't know where the gun counter was (and didn't tell me this until we were out of the store), so we missed it, but she encouraged me to look at the Knife Shoppe as we walked by. Jason mentioned getting a couple guns for an Airsoft war (complete with safety glasses for those of you are freaked out by this), so I looked at the guns. A Glock copy was only $10 so I got it. Amanda was oohing and ahhing over it, so I knew she would want to shoot it. I saw a smaller gun (not sure what it was supposed to look like) that was on sale for $5, so I got it for her. You would have thought she won the lottery when she asked if that was for her and I said "yes". So we came home, discussed handgun safety and proceeded to shoot Mommy's pillow for about 30 minutes. It was a blast. Maybe Mommy will want her own gun when she gets home. I don't really think that will be the case, but we can always hope.

So we grabbed a bite for dinner, watched the Discovery Channel together and then headed out for a few caches this evening. Just as we were ready to head out, a new cache listed, so get a First to Find tonight! Amanda found it, as well as the three others we found. Good thing I was driving so I could get some kind of credit. We stayed out late, grabbed a drink at QT on the way home and Amanda is getting to sleep in my room tonight since it's the last night before Mommy comes home.

We've only got a few minor things to do to have the house ready for Mommy to come home tomorrow night. We are 'excitec' and can't wait!

- Rob

Moving to Arizona

May 30th: Now this is a state that knows how to live!! Beautiful sunny days and warm balmy evenings. Mountains and deserts blended together. What a place! Watched the sunset from a park lying on a blanket. It was beautiful. I've finally found my home I love it here.

June 14th: Really heating up. Got to 100 today. Not a problem. Live in an air-conditioned home, drive an air-conditioned car. What a pleasure to see the sun every day like this. I'm turning into a real sun worshipper.

June 30th: Had the backyard landscaped with western plants today. Lots of cactus and rocks. What a breeze to maintain. No more mowing for me. Another scorcher today, but I love it here.

July 10th: The temperature hasn't been below 100 all week. How do people get used to this kind of heat? At least it's a dry heat. Getting used to it is taking longer than I expected.

July 15th: Fell asleep by the pool. (Got 3rd degree burns over 60% of my body.) Missed two days of work, what a dumb thing to do. I learned my lesson though: got to respect the old sun in a climate like this.

July 20th: I missed Tabby (our cat) sneaking into the car when I left this morning. By the time I got out to the hot car for lunch, Tabby had swollen up to the size of a shopping bag and exploded all over $2,000 worth of leather upholstery. I told the kids she ran away. The car now smells like Kibbles and poop. No more pets in this heat!

July 25th: Dry heat, my hiney. Hot is hot!! The home air-conditioner is on the fritz and A/C repairman charged $200 just to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts.

July 30th: Been sleeping outside by the pool for three nights now. $1,100 in house payments and we can't even go inside. Why did I ever come here? Why the heck did I ever move here? It was all my wife's idea.

Aug 4th: 115 degrees. Finally got the air-conditioner fixed today. It cost $500 and gets the temperature down to about 90. I hate this state.

Aug 8th: If another smart alek cracks, "Hot enough for you today?", I'm going to tear his throat out. Danged heat. By the time I get to work the radiator is boiling over, my clothes are soaking wet, and I smell like roasted Garfield!!

Aug 10th: The weather report might as well be a recording: Hot and Sunny. It s been too hot for two months and the weatherman says it might really warm up next week. Doesn't it ever rain in this barren desert?? Water rationing has been in effect all summer, so $1,700 worth of cactus just dried up and blew into the pool. Even a cactus can't live in this heat.

Aug 14th: Welcome to Hell!!! Temperature got to 123 today. Forgot to crack the window and blew the windshield out of the Lincoln. The installer came to fix it and said, "Hot enough for you today?" My wife had to spend the $1,100 house payment to bail me out of jail.

Aug 30th: Worst day of the danged summer. I'm not leaving the house. The monsoon rains finally came and all they did was make it muggier than the rain forest. The Lincoln is now floating somewhere in Mexico with it's new $500 windshield.

That does it, we're moving up north where it's not so hot.

Moving Up North

December 8: 6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge snow flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 9: We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape. What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the whole world? Moving here was the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.

December 12: The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14: Snow lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life. The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again. I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way. I wish I wouldn't huff and puff so.

December 15: 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer. Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16: Ice storm this morning. Busted my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt. Hurt like crazy. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17: Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her. Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room.

December 20: Electricity's back on, but had another 14" of the dang stuff last night. More shoveling. Took all day. Darn snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22: Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white stuff fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to pee. By the time I got undressed, drained myself and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob, who has a plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the jerk is lying.

December 23: Only 2" of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she nuts!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago? She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24: 6". Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a gun who drives that snowplow, I'll beat the crud out of him. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and open our presents, but I was busy watching for the danged snowplow.

December 25: Merry Christmas. 20 more inches of the #%&*$@ slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's an idiot. If I have to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to kill her.

December 26: Still snowed in. Why the heck did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27: Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze.

December 28: Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. THE wench is driving me crazy!!!

December 29: 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

December 30: Roof caved in. The snow plow driver is suing me for a million dollars. The wife went home to her mother. 9" predicted.

December 31: Set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

January 8: I feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed?

A Comedy of Errors

Man, it's late and I'm tired, but today was just too funny not to share:

• Got to work today and the Internet was down (actually went down yesterday). I am the 'network guy' at the church which is a joke since I really know nothing about networking. I called ATT and got the modem/connection working. Then the router was not giving us Internet even though the green light said it should. Short version: worked on this from 8:15am to 3:30pm (including working through half of lunch). After I got back from buying a new router, was told the problem "fixed itself" and we had Internet again...who knows why!
  
• At 4:40pm, got an e-mail that a new geocache had been posted. Being the FTF (first to find) is kinda a big deal. Since I worked through most of my lunch, I thought about leaving early and trying to be FTF just to relax. Only left about 10 minutes early arriving at the cache site about 40 minutes after the cache had been listed. Short version: SECOND to find!
• Amanda went to Six Flags today for a friend's birthday party (she rode real roller coasters for the first time!). I was supposed to pick her up in Grand Prairie at 9:30pm. I decided to leave around 7:15pm and cache my way there. Short version: a little over two hours and only 3 caches to show for it! Short version: lots of goofy stuff happened.
• Got home and got {exhausted} Amanda to bed. Brooke's computer quit booting yesterday, so I've had to reinstall Windows. Tonight, spent another 2 hours trying to install wireless network card. Scoured the Internet only to find that drivers are outdated, Belkin does not offer meaningful support and LOTS of people have had the same problems I have had. Short version: don't EVER buy a Belkin wireless network card.
• Oh yeah, almost forgot. Called dentist to make appointment for tomorrow. I have a crown on one of my front teeth. Started wiggling today. Trying to get in before it falls out! Short version: it's 'cute' to be missing front teeth at Amanda's age, but not at mine.

Brooke called me this afternoon, and that was my favorite part of the day. Miss her lots.

Overall, it was not a bad day. More a comedy of errors.

- Rob

More Than Just Dominoes

Another video clip.

Parachutists in Formation

Check out this video clip.