Tall Timberz

Moving On

2007-01-27T14:56:00.000-05:00

I know it's been awhile, I have been really quite busy lately. I guess i should write down a few things that have happened since I last wrote.

1) My oldest turned fourteen......I'm officially old now.

2) I have been taking courses online, through Axia College (University of Phoenix)

2) Christmas came and went......as it did for all of you.

3) My place of employment has merged with another large Aerospace Company.

4) I just turned in my two-weeks notice, and shall be moving to New Hampshire.

That's right, I'm outta here, I was given a wonderful opportunity to own a very large house, for a very nice price. So, I'm grabbing it.

My kids will be in a safer area in which to live, they will enjoy four seasons, and I will have the home I've always wanted. I could not be happier.

I'm a little nervous as I have not found a job yet, but that isn't going to stop the move from happening. I have great confidence that I'll find something. The first job might not be the best, but I'll find a good one eventually.

We've already had the garage sale, so we're roughing it in the house, looks like a traditional Japanese home, with beds on the floor.

I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!

Moldy Van

2006-10-03T05:22:00.000-04:00

Our old green van has a problem with the evaporator in the A/C system. I think the drain for the pan is clogged. Everytime you turn a left corner water spills, no make that pours, out of the foot vent above the gas pedal. It's really bad if you are on a straightaway for awhile and then turn. Quite a bit of condensate builds up and whoosh! You have a mini waterfall in the car.

While the family was away, I left the van in the DARK caverns of our garage. Guess what happened in the three weeks they were gone?

I opened the door and spores galore, baby!

FUCK! (For those new to me, that is my favorite word.)

Now, I have to clean the mold out as best I can. I get some of that bleach spray we use to clean the kitchen and bathrooms with, and start cleaning the best I can. Next I bring in the Lysol spray, and to top it off....Fabreeze.

I take it to the airport, leave a few windows cracked, and catch a flight to New England, come back four days later, and have a whole new crop of fungus growing.

Mama and kids are NOT happy about hopping into the moldy van, neither am I for that matter.

So, needless to say in the past few days we have been buying a new van for them to ride the town in.

Moldy van is going to my Sister-In-Law.

JACK

2006-10-02T06:59:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite radio stations changed their format recently. It used to be mostly 80's music, I'll be real honest though, whomever the program director was, kind of missed the boat. Instead of playing the good music, he'd schedule Billy Joel, Mike and the Mechanics, Fleetwood Mac, and Huey Lewis and the News. Not that these aren't good artists, it's just those are bands that need airplay on the soft rock station.

I'm probably not explaining it very well, but believe me it was definately marketed wrong. If you are going to call something 'Gen-X' radio, at least have something a Gen-Xer would like. The same songs over and over again suck. I mean I can only listen to 'New Year's Day' byU2, and 'People are People' by Depeche Mode so many times.

Now come the change, Jack it's called. You may have heard of this format. No DJ, all computer selected music. They throw in a mixture of just about everything, and it seems like a good format. I like it, and I imagine that's the reason 'Jack' has been getting spread around the country like wildfire. It's cheaper, because of the lack of air talent, and it's good music.

My ramble is done, you may go on with your life now.

Death

2006-09-30T06:41:00.000-04:00

This past week would have been perfect, I went up to New England to get my family, fell in love with the area, saw some leaves turn, and came home, and received a compliment from Mrs. Molly on how clean I kept the house. Even the baby did great on the plane, she and the other kids were very well behaved, and the three hour flight was actually pleasant.

Getting through the TSA checkpoint at Manchester, NH was quite an ordeal, but we made it through with minutes to spare to catch our flight back to dear ol' muggy Florida.

The kicker came Monday morning when I checked my e-mail at work. Two more friends died over last weekend. One of which was a very good friend of mine, the other was a super nice guy too, but I was never that close to. One died of a massive heart attack, the other may have died of some complications from his medications. (that makes five this year.)

Yesterday they buried my friend, it was requested that we show up in shorts and Hawaiian shirts. You see, even though my friend was in his mid-to-late 50's, he still surfed. He was a great man, who could crush your hand in a handshake and envelope you in a hug. He was a good man and I will miss him.

What troubles me, and makes me feel guilty is that I could not bring myself to see him layed out in a box. That's right I did not attend my friend's funeral. I just could not go. I struggled with the decision for days. I don't mean disrespect to him, or his family. But, he knows I miss him, I don't need to see him laying there, right?

He's gone, his shell is all that remains.

His shell is pretty empty too, considering what a Medical Examiner has to do to figure out cause of Death.

Sorry, for getting morbid, but that is what I'm feeling right now..........................

As for my friend, he had a saying that he used to say about work.

'One Dead Monkey Don't Stop The Circus'

How truer can that statement be? It was business as usual around here during his funeral, about 50% of the workforce went, but we still had people here working away. The job never stops, think about the next time you spend more time at work than at home. Do you really think you are that important at work? All of us can be replaced...so enjoy your life. Work to Live, don't live to work.

I love you Mike, I'll see you later Brother......................

TSA

2006-09-19T09:52:00.000-04:00

This might be old news in Blogland, but did you know that the TSA actually E-bays confiscated items?

I flew two days after the new rules came out about no liquids on the aircraft. I saw perfume, lip gloss, all kinds of things thrown in the can. When I looked over at the TSA 'officer' I swear I saw a smile and $$$ in his eyes.

I wonder if the individual TSA 'officer' gets the money, or if it goes back to the Treasury?

By the look in Dude's eyes, I'd say it went into his wallet.

Sorry

2006-09-18T06:07:00.000-04:00

Since my return from California some drastic things have happened in my life. Some good things and some bad.

I'll start with the bad. A guy I work with committted suicide. That is the second guy since the beginning of the year. The strange part of it is that he never showed any of the sign you would recognize. I really liked the guy, he wasn't the most gifted person in the world, when it came to mechanical things, but electrically he was pretty damn good. He would tell some of the funniest stories usually filled with the eff word (my favorite, you know!). He had me in tears from laughing at his stories. I will really miss him.

The good news is that I will no longer have to work those crazy hours any more. Remember that job I thought I was going to get? Well, another position opened up, and they made me an offer. So, no more getting dirty, no more 12 hour shifts, no more mosquitoes, and no more coveralls.

My family is up in New England right now, I leave on Friday to go and get them. They are up there visiting my In-Laws. Mrs. Molly has decided she wants to move there, apparently it's really pretty, and not muggy. I guess I'll have to bring a crow bar with me, so I can pry her out of the State.

Guess What?

2006-08-02T22:46:00.000-04:00

Been wondering where Molly has been?

Well, wonder no more, I have been in California to the Western Rocket Ranch.

Actually I'm still here until the 11th of August.

More later........................

All-Stars

2006-07-11T23:13:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting here watching the All-Star game. The American League just scored two runs on a single by Michael Young.

If you didn't know it, I'm an American League fan. My team is the Seattle Mariners, and I've been a fan of the M's since they were given a Franchise way back in 1977.

Been through a lot of ugly uniforms and seasons with the M's. It will change.....when? I don't know, but I sure do miss watching the games day in and day out.

I've been applying for more jobs out West. I'm so sick of Florida, it's too damn hot and muggy. Plus, it looks like work here at the Rocket Ranch may be precarious.

ARGH....PTII

2006-06-29T12:01:00.000-04:00

So, I didn't get the job, fine, whatever. I'll get over that one ok. Because now I have an even larger issue to deal with.

My GD computer shit it's power supply. Now how in the hell am I going to read all those blogs, listen to my favorite baseball team, surf porn, and all the other neat things that I do?

ARGH!

2006-06-28T11:53:00.000-04:00

I didn't get the new job..........................I could've swore I had it, I had the 'feeling'. I'm a little pissy now, because of the news.

I'll be back around soon, when I can get my thoughts together.

$$$$$

2006-06-23T10:37:00.000-04:00

Since the rocket left the pad, my paycheck has gone down drasticaly. I never realized how dependent we had become on the overtime I worked. I guess it was to be expected, what with all the time spent actually working the overtime, your bank account becomes accustomed to being padded with the 'extra' cash. We'll get by though, I actually like Top Ramen and Macaroni and Cheese. ;)

I have interviewed for another position here within the company. Basically it is a technical writing job, converting Engineer speak into Technician speak. I would be a translator of sorts, because everyone knows engineers don't speak english. The job pays more, is inside, and looks to be challenging. I am one of twenty-four people applying for the job. Wish me luck......

Gas Money

2006-06-20T11:54:00.000-04:00

Last night the oldest used my gas money to buy his baseball gear for the camp he's in. It's ok, if I say so myself the kid is pretty damn good-looking in a uniform. He has taken to the classic 'high sock' look. Since he's a Red Sox fan, he looks the part. I would compare him to Trot Nixon in his look in a uniform.

Wednesday the Family and I are headed to another Manatee game. Our Health Insurance company is sponsoring a free night of Baseball with a flash of your insurance cards.
More money for beer....................

I have a Optometrist's appointment earlier that day, I hope my eyes aren't all dialated during the game. I'll be looking like a movie star with dark shades under the stadium lights.

Still haven't found my cat, but I'm getting rid of the kitten. He keeps pissing on my clothes. He was locked in a bathroom with a litter box, and still decided to use my shirt as a potty. I had a huge puddle of piss all over my shirt. Little bastard is lucky I wasn't moving too quick that morning.

I want MY cat back!

Guilty Pleasure

2006-06-17T11:56:00.000-04:00

I just rediscovered an old guilty pleasure of mine from my youth..............disco.

I realize a guy with my background (stoner/rocker) is supposed to shun all disco. But today Fernando by ABBA and Donna Summer's Hot Stuff made it on the radio for a Father's Day weekend Disco two-fer.

And I was grooving in my seat, totally embarassing the kids.

Ladies and Gentlemen.........................................ABBA RULES!

Nothing

2006-06-15T09:49:00.000-04:00

Haven't found Cat yet, but Mrs. Molly did find one on the local pound's website that looks similar to her.

Cat's going to be pissed, since she left, we took in a kitten. I named him after a new Japanese baseball player that joined my team.

Cat doesn't like strangers, people or cats, so if the cat at the pound is her, we may have a very awkward homecoming for her.

Nothing much more to say, still alive, just having dificulties trying to post, Blogger hates me........

J

2006-06-13T14:18:00.000-04:00

I heard from an old friend today. She helped through a tough time in my marriage, right around the time when things were going really rough for us. She too was having some issues, and although her problems were irrepairable, she did help me with my marriage.

So thank you J, you came out of nowhere really and helped me out a great deal.

Cat

2006-06-07T09:47:00.000-04:00

My damn cat ran away.

I loved that cat, she was just as anti-social as I am. She HATED people, unless you were in the kitchen. Then she LOVED you, it's the only time that damn cat ever showed any love.

The coolest part of that cat was everynight as soon as everyone settled in for the evening she would go batshit and attack invisible mice running across the floor.

If anyone sees an anti-social black and white cat, that answers to........well nothing. Please tell her to come home, I miss her. (Her name was Cat.)

Streetball

2006-06-02T06:30:00.000-04:00

C1 (my oldest) has been playing streetball with the neighbor kids for the past week. He was really embarrassed at first because he couldn't hit, or catch the ball very well. The thing is, for safety's sake, and my car's sake the kids have been using tennis balls, instead of baseballs or T-balls. Tennis balls are much harder to catch, according to him, because they are so light.

I poked my head outside last night, and it wasn't necessarily the ball's fault, as it was the guy throwing to C1. The kid was throwing really crappy. Besides, I play catch with C1 all the time, and he does really good with a regular baseball.

C1 did get a couple of hits in, he even hit a double.

Been taking my boys to the Little League fields everyday after work. Been practicing with them, for next season, and or the Fall league. They love it, so I don't mind doing it.

Baby is still grumpy.......but she does smile now!

More Time

2006-06-01T06:36:00.000-04:00

I wish I had more time in the day to do the things I like to do. Sometimes it feels like I have no time for myself. I realize that having a big family and working so damn much is the reason why, but man it would be nice to be able to dig out my old Konica 35 mm SLR and take some nice photos again. There is so much natural beauty around here in Central Florida, not like back home in Washington, but it's still very pretty in the natural un-developed areas around here, of which are disappearing at a rapid rate, thanks to a housing boom that seems endless.

I guess I should just take the young'uns with me and just do it, as the old Nike slogan went. (or still does, I'm so out of touch.)

Even now back to working eight hours a day it just doesn't seem like there is a whole lot of time left to do anything. Yesterday I got home from work took the kids out to the park to fart around at the baseball field and the playground. Before I knew it, my watch was reading six P.M.
I still had to drive home, put the little guys in the bath and get them all to bed. I had not even fed them yet at this point.

The kicker though, was my daughter yelling to me that my youngest, C3, had something wrong with him. I figured he fell off the equipment or something. So, I find him under the play structure crying. He had an accident in his shorts. I figured everyone has accidents no problem, we'll get this solved in a hurry. As I walk, and he waddles, to the car, I tell my other kids let's go. They ask why, and not wanting to embarrass him (C3) I said don't worry about it, let's go.

We get to the van, and I realize I'm in a bit of a pickle. No wipes, no old T-shirt, nothing to wipe his butt with. This particular park does not have a restroom neat the playground, just porta-potties (WTF?) I find one of MY socks in my Sunday-going-to-meeting shoes. So I wet the sock down with ice water (it's all I had) and proceed to pull down his underwear, and wipe away the greenest poo, that only a three y/o little boy could manufacture, off his ass.

C3 had to ride home wearing nothing but his shirt, and I had to listen to the other kids bitch the whole way home because C3 was stinky. I guess they don't remember the accidents they had. Like peeing inside McDonald's playground tubes. Or pooping at the pool at an Orlando resort. (I will have to write about this one.)

Nobody was in bed before nine last night, I didn't get in bed before ten, and four A.M. came really early this morning, when the alarm went off.

Baby Grumpy

2006-05-30T11:39:00.000-04:00

Baby no sleep very well.....make Mommy and Daddy very tired. Make Mommy grumpy make Daddy not want to be home. Baby make daddy think baby hate Daddy. Baby smile for Mommy....Baby look at Daddy and cry.

Right now that is about as much brain power as I can muster.

Breakfast

2006-05-26T18:07:00.000-04:00

I did it, and it was very well received. When I got home last night I found a card waiting for me, so I had to run back out to the car really quick to get the one I bought for her.

I crept into the bedroom, only to find half of my children fast asleep in bed with her. So, I went into the boys room, and slept on the bunk bed.

I woke up at 6:30 this morning and fixed her scrambled eggs and cheese, with toast and a glass of Diet Coke to wash it down. That menu may make you wonder what the hell? But, I assure you Mrs. Molly was very pleased, since that is her favorite breakfast.

To show her appreciation, tonight we will be having some alone time. My hope is that she breaks out the body stocking from Frederick's. (I know it's trashy, but for some reason it makes me feel funny down there.) ;)

Anniversary

2006-05-25T19:34:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow will be my 15th Wedding Anniversary. Do I have anything special planned? Nope. Do I have a gift? Nope.

You know those e-mails you get all the time fishing for your personal information? Like the one from Pay Pal? But, it's really from someone waiting for an idiot to give up their information.

Well, Mrs. Molly got herself hooked yesterday, and gave up her bank card information. Immediately afterward she realized what had happened, and had her card canceled, and notified Pay Pal right away.

So today she took MY card, and left me with a few bucks cash, to buy gas and feed my face with. I had planned on getting her a present tonight on the way home, but now she will have to settle for a card.

I'm thinking of getting up early, and fixing her breakfast in bed. It really all depends on how early I can get to sleep tonight when I get home. I'm on a new schedule now that the rocket is gone.

Anyways, It's hard to believe it's been fifteen years, we have been through some very rough spots, and have even separated a time or two. But, we have always come back......there has to be something there for that to happen right?

Peanuts

2006-05-24T21:41:00.000-04:00

I took the kiddies to a Manatees baseball game Monday night. I had my second youngest's birthday announced over PA. He was living on cloud nine, for the whole night.

Since they don't sell boiled peanuts there, I made my own for the game. Anyone else like boiled p-nuts? The first time I had them was out of a can, that I bought at Winn Dixie. I never had the fresh ones until one time some friends and I took a road trip up to Atlants to watch the Braves play the Reds. Some folks were selling them out in one of the parking lots. Man those were good.

I buy the raw peanuts from either Publix, where they sell them in bulk, or at Walmart where they sell them in a one pound bag.

The bag from Walmart will actually give you directions on how to boil them properly. I usually use just under 1/2 cup of salt for the brine and boil for three hours. I do have to keep adding water, otherwise they just aren't as good.

Back to the game, We sat right near the visitor's dugout. We were behind most of the game, but we ended up winning in the ninth. It was a really great finish to the game. My daughter really got into it, when the Sarasota Reds decided to intentionally walk a couple of our guys. She started calling them Big Fat Red Chickens......it was funny to watch heads pop out of the dugout to listen to a 7 y/o girl give them hell. (Daddy was proud.) She got the 'Chicken' part from the cackle the PA played during the walk.

All of the kids had a chance to run across the field around the 5th inning. The outfield gates open up and a mad rush of children stampede through the outfield to the tune of, Who let the Dogs out?
The three of mine that did the stunt had a fantastic time, even though each of them tripped up at least once. BIG SMILES!

Anyone seen a rocket around here?

Heart

2006-05-20T04:26:00.000-04:00

Tonight before I left for work, I was watching a special on VH1 Classic. The show was a concert with the group Heart.

Ann and Nancy Wilson rock!

Am I a bit biased because they hail from the Seattle area? Maybe a little bit. But, mostly because I love their music.

They brought a group of people up with them on stage, and sang their songs and a few of their friends' songs. It was an awesome concert. I would love to see them live.

To see them up there with Duff Mckagen, Alice in Chains (minus Layne of course), Carrie Underwood, a couple of guys from Pantera, Dave Navarro, and Gretchen Wilson was a sight to see.

Jerry Cantrell from Alice in Chains was telling a story about how back home he was influenced by Hendrix, Heart, and Queensrhyche. He went on to explain how he went from a listener, fan, and eventually friend with the two ladies. He claims that Nancy has fingers of steel because they jammed one time all night long, and he just couldn't keep up.

For those of you that didn't know Nancy is married to Cameron Crowe, and wrote the score for the movie Almost Famous.

Heart Rocks!

Where's George?

2006-05-18T21:35:00.000-04:00

How many times have you looked at a dollar bill and saw some writing on it?

How many times have you seen the following?
Currency Tracking Project
www.wheresgeorge.com

Sometimes that lettering is written by hand, but more often than not it is stamped with red ink.

I challenge everyone to register a currency note or two with the above website, and write down in the border of the bill with the above listed information.

You would be surprised how far some of this money has traveled.

I've been doing this for a couple of years now, and I've found it really interesting.

Everyone is home

2006-05-18T05:11:00.000-04:00

Everyone is home from Grandma's.

I sure missed those kids while they were gone.

I wonder how long it takes before that feeling goes away. :)

Lineage

2006-05-17T04:06:00.000-04:00

How would you like to know where you came from? I mean really came from, from a scientific, I can tell you if you're related to Atilla the Hun and I shit-you-not sort of way?

I was thumbing through an old issue of National Geographic tonight, and I came across an article that's all about tracing ancestory through dna.

Did you know that 8% of all men from central and east Asia are directly descended from Genghis Khan? Think about the populations of China and India for a minute. Kind of puts that statement into perspective, huh?

So for $100 you can send away for a kit, and National Geographic will tell you your maternal lineage, or Paternal lineage (Males only).

I may do this, it sounds pretty cool.

Streams of Thought

2006-05-16T00:58:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I like to sit and think. Not about anything in particular, just think. I like to let thoughts drift through my head as if they were caught in the current of a creek. Swirling in eddys, rippling over the rocks, gliding to the other side of my mind, and out into the abyss.

Sometimes I wonder what might have been. You know, like if I'd turned left that day, instead of right. If I'd gone to this resteraunt instead of that one. How much would my life be different right now. Would I be the same person I am now? Is Tall Molly Man the person I was destined to be all along?

I can't imagine life without my family, but what if I had never met my wife like I did? Would we have met anyway, and still got together?

I think about my childhood alot too, and what the future may bring.

Sometimes I'm very frightened of both my past, and my children's future.

...................I need to quit thinking so much.

The Border

2006-05-14T22:59:00.000-04:00

Let's start right off with what bothers me about this whole immigration problem.
If you're here illegally you do not have the right to tell me that I HAVE to grant you amnesty. If I don't believe in your cause I'm automatically labeled a racist. That's a pretty convenient and damning response that has no idea about who I am or where I come from.

I have nothing against immigration, as long as it's done legally. America was, and is made of immigrants. Most of us can trace our ancestry to Europe, or Asia. Unfortunately the African-American community can also trace their lineage back to the shores of the African continent, but that is about as far as they can pinpoint their roots. I say unfortunate, because they were forced to immigrate to the shores of North America, and kept as slaves. Have been ridiculed for skin color and mocked in minstrel shows, and generally been the objects of hate since the first slave touched his feet on American soil. African Americans have been lynched, been denied their given right to vote, kept segregated from whites, and have been forced to live in ghettos. Even today young black men and women mainly see three ways out.....Drugs, Sports, or entertainment. Education is not a priority to the community at large. All you have to do is compare the school in a suburb to a school in the inner-city. You tell me where the most successful student is going to come from.

That ladies and gentlemen is racism.............Racism is not nor should it ever be considered in the case of people that cross our borders illegally. I don't care about their skin color, or the fact they don't speak English. What I care about is that there is a process for someone to come here, and I'm sorry if that's not fast enough for you, but that is our nation's way of doing things.

Have you seen how hard it is to immigrate to Australia? or New Zealand? I have, because I was seriously thinking of going to one or the other and start a new life several years ago.
Australia's immigration policy is based on their need for your skills, your age, and if you have enough money to make it for either six months or one year, so you don't have to impact their welfare system. Wow, what an incredible concept........

Something needs to be done people, whether you want to come to terms with that or not. Many of these illegals are for all intents and purposes slaves. They are at the whim and mercy of their employer. How willing would you be to complain about working conditions if you had the threat of being turned in, or heck even killed, after all there isn't any record of your existence. Do you really think illegals (farm migrants) make minimum wage?

Have any of you heard of the 12 or 13 y/o girl that was found in a migrant shanty town somewhere here in Florida last year? She was the camp prostitute, chained to the bedpost, servicing fifteen to twenty men a day. Her only possession was a teddy bear. How about the truckload of illegals found on the side of the road, dead or dying because the truck broke down and the drivers ran off, leaving them INSIDE the trailer.

If I'm to be called a racist for opposing illegal immigration, then so be it. Then you just remember that I just want the above listed examples from happening to any more people.

So I say put the Guard on the border with Mexico, ship all illegals (that don't have children born here) home, and we'll just have to see IF we can get along without them for awhile, until they can come back the right way.

I don't think that concern over the fluidity of the border is wrong.

(PS I still need you to act on the post below)

A sick twisted moron

2006-05-14T18:50:00.000-04:00

Someone is running around our blogiverse with the screenname of Rapist. Bad choice of a screenname if you ask me. Guess what? It gets worse. Mr. Rapist has a blog too. His blog either lists his actual rapes, or his rape fantasies.Now according to Gypsy Queen if enough of us get together and flag his blog, we'll get him and his blog removed.

If Rapist happens to visit your site, and you have a site counter, you can get his IP address and report him to his provider, and or his local law enforcement.

Here's the address for the moron:
http://irapeforfun.blogspot.com/

Baseball

2006-05-13T20:34:00.000-04:00

Took the youngest boy to a Brevard Manatee minor league game last night. I have tried several times to post a link, but blogger will not let me tonight.

Anyways the team has made some changes this year. For instance, ticket prices have all dropped to six bucks. The parking is now totally free, and you can sit anywhere, but where a season ticket holder has a reserved spot.

So, the kid and I go to the park, get some game food, beer, soda, hotdogs, and peanuts, find a place to sit. (right behind the backstop) We stayed all the way to the middle of the ninth, little man's bladder gave out, and we had to find a potty quick. Unfortunately he couldn't get his pants down in time, and made a puddle right at the edge of the toilet.

As we scurried out of the park, little guy had to do the 'I just pissed myself walk' all the way to the car. We made it to the car just as the last out was announced, and we made it out of the parking lot with nooooo problems.

We both had a great time, as did the folks sitting around us. He kept us all entertained, even when the game didn't.

I love being a Dad..................

MLB Players Swing Pink Lumber

2006-05-13T20:27:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow for Mother's Day, many of the league's players will be sporting brand spanking new Pink bats. After the games the bats will be auctioned off for charity on the MLB.com website.

Thought you ought to know.................

Haze

2006-05-09T00:42:00.000-04:00

It starts about four in the morning, slowly drifting toward the earth as the cooling air condenses. It's smell lingers on your clothes hours after it makes it's departure. It has caused two deaths on I-95 in a bad accident involving three semi-trucks and a little car. Major roadways have been closed, causing delays in morning commutes.

I'm writing about the smoke from the wild fires here in central Florida. Thousands of acres are burning or are currently burning.

Part of the problem has been our lack of any substantial rainfall, part of the problem is all the dried out dead vegetation from the hurricanes of 2004, and part of the problem is dumb people that throw burning cigarettes from the car as they go down the road.

So far the fires are not as bad as the ones from 1998, but It's getting close to it. There is some fear that when we do start getting rain it will be in the form of thunderstorms, which will bring the lightning. Since we live in the lightning capital of the world, that is a very real possibility.

It was really difficult to breathe Monday morning, the thick smoke crept right into my car, and gave me a huge headache. Luckily the smoke lessened the further South I drove.

We need rain........................

Hell Is For Heroes and other 'H' Words

2006-05-07T18:31:00.000-04:00

H?

Why couldn't I get F?
We all know how much I like eff words.

Oh well here's the deal. Tish from the Kat House has given me an assignment, which I volunteered for. She assigns you a letter, you have to write ten words beginning with that letter. Then you have to give YOUR meaning of the words.

1) Hot Dogs, ok I know they are lips, assholes, and other meat by-products. But nothing beats a good Nathan's, especially if you put some kraut, and mustard on it. Please don't apply the Ketchup unless it's for your child. (Can't go to a ball game without a hot dog or brat.)

2) Helo- That is what they call helicopters in the Navy/Marine Corps. It sounds so much better than 'chopper'. I worked and even had a chance to fly a number of times in the UH-3H Sea King, and the SH-60F Seahawk.

4) Happy- A state of mind that my Lexapro prescription helps me achieve. Chemical imbalances are so dreary. It's nice to see the sunshine again.

5) Hanky - Who needs 'em? A good 'Farmer Blow clears you right out, and you don't have to worry about making your nose all red, from all that wiping.

6) Hot- Can be described in two ways, Florida in the Summer and My wife nakey waiting for me in bed. ;)

7) Hell- Many people believe that Hell is full of fire and brimstone. Many people believe there is no hell. Some People even believe that THIS, where we are right now is Hell. Me, I kind of think that Hell is more like darkness, and the feeling of eternal solitude. (existence without God.)

8) Hangar- This is where airplanes are parked. A Hanger is what you hang you clothes on.....GET IT? This was explained to me by the Skipper of the USS John F. Kennedy.

9) Hockey- The first professional sport I ever watched on TV. When I was a child the Canadian channels came in better than the ones in Seattle.

10) Hirsute- If it's hairy trim it, most of us don't like to call out a SAR team to find the object of our desire. Don't shave it either, most of us don't want to be seen as a pedophile. Make a landing strip, make an arrow to show the way, anything other than an old growth forest will be just fine. You don't want your significant other walking around choking on a hairball, do you?

(disclaimer: just friendly advice from me to you. I guess the advice can go for either sex.)

Tonka

2006-05-06T21:00:00.000-04:00

Grandma came and packed two more of my kids to New England. Originally it was only supposed to be my oldest and second oldest sons. But, it turns out that my eldest daughter wanted to go after all.

Grandma told me that she needs to just start buying extra tickets, because somehow this always ends up happening.

So, for the next two weeks we will be a family of four, my wife, my two youngest children, and I.

#4 (youngest son) was in the tub when grandma escaped with the other two, was a little pissed when he got out and everyone was gone. He got over it though, because grandma left him a twenty to spend. So, he and I went to the K-Mart, and he bought a Tonka Grader.

I used to have Tonka Toys as a child. I loved them. I had the Backhoe, a Drop Bucket Gravel Loader, my Dump Truck, and a Cat (Bulldozer, where I come from all bulldozers used in logging are called cats.). I also had a scale model John Deere Skidder . But, back in my day John Deere made yellow skidders.

With my 'equipment' I used to go underneath one of the Cedar trees in the back yard, and go Logging just like my dad. I made roads using gravel from the neighbors driveway, cleared out a landing for the loader and trucks. I used to haul little fallen branches to the landing and load them onto my truck, where they would be taken to an imaginary mill over by the Spruce tree in the side yard. Hell, I could haul two-three log loads a day. I was a good little Logger.

I hope that my son has just as much fun playing with his Tonka Toys as I did. Then again I had an advantage over him. I used to actually get to run those types of machines in real life. My son's Dad just works on boring old rockets..............................

Blues

2006-05-05T22:02:00.000-04:00

She hit the wall today. Mrs. Molly officially has the baby blues, it has been brewing for awhile, but today everything just boiled over.

BB seems to have developed colick (sp?) It's not bad, it's just she doesn't like to be put down for any length of time. She also has a hard time burping and farting. But, when BB does let the gas out she sounds like a Frat boy. It seems at times like I'm the only one that can calm BB down for any length of time. This is what started the blues, now she feels like a rotten mother. She also feels bad because this is it, the last child, no more kids, an end to her milestones in life. Then there is a part of her that yearns to feel the attention she received from me during that last part of the pregnancy.

I spent the majority of today reassuring Mrs. Molly that she is important, she is a great mother, and that she has plenty of milestones left in life.

I don't blame her for feeling like she does, I realize it's chemical, as does she. I don't even mind it really, she's a good woman, and I love her with all my heart.

It will get better baby......................I promise.

Badges of Honor

2006-05-04T18:56:00.000-04:00

I took my two youngest boys in for their yearly check-ups today. During the examinations I was given the choice of putting off the older of the two's immunization for another year. But, five minutes later I was told that the younger fella needed a shot today.

Being the fair minded Dad that I am, I said go ahead and get them both. You know.....to be fair.

It wasn't fair by any stretch of the imagination. The younger of the two received one shot. The older guy received a total of three.

My mistake in all this?

I let the older one go first. Guess who had his face right in there watching the needle go in? You betcha.....the little guy had a front row seat to his brother's blood and pain. I was holding the older one down the best I could but an arm got loose and he tried to yank the needle out of the Nurse's hand. Although this plan might have looked good on paper, it just didn't work for him as planned. He ended up causing himself more pain, because he rotated the needle around inside of his thigh muscles.

By the time it was little man's turn, he was cowering behind the chair, telling me no way Jose.

One my brave yound men received a Daffy Duck bandage, and the other received a Snoopy bandage.

As much noise as we made inside the exam room during the immunizations, you never would have known anything was wrong by the time we walked out. Except for the occasional leg rub, and a proud flash of a bandage.

'I'm so proud of you guys, you took that like big boys.'

'You're proud of ME too Dad?' (youngest)

'You Betcha!'

Refreshed

2006-05-03T21:14:00.000-04:00

With my mini-vacation complete, I can honestly say I'm pretty relaxed now. We went ahead and purchased our Seasonal Passes for the year. I written about them in the past. The passes do have blackout dates, but those are the times of the year, that I wouldn't even consider going anyways.

We did stay in one of the cabins at Ft. Wilderness. I have to say that I would rather stay there, in Ft. Wilderness than at any other resort in the park. We have stayed in quite a few of the other resorts. All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Carribean Beach Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge, and the Pop Century Resorts.

Ft. Wilderness is just a great place to stay, it's relaxing, and has a genuine feel to it. Now don't get me wrong, We'll probably stay at one of the Value (read cheaper) Resorts more often than we would stay at Ft. Wilderness, unless I could convince Mrs. Molly to go camping there.

The cabins have a fridge, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. A bedroom, with a TV, full bed, and a bunk bed. The 'living room' has a TV, DVD Player, and a Murphy Bed. The outside has a parking space for one vehicle, a deck, BBQ, and a Picnic Table. Best of all the cabins and campsites are surrounded by longleaf Pine Trees, which makes it a bit cooler out, with the Sun beating down.

Our cabin was really close to the Wilderness Pool, so the kids and I spent lots of time there, after a day of walking around the park. In fact, that's where we were right before we left for home this morning.

The next time you go to Disney........even if you don't stay there, take the boat from Magic Kingdom (the departure dock is located at the bottom of the Monorail Ramp) over to Ft. Wlderness and just look around, I think you'll agree, it's an awesome resort.

They left me

2006-04-28T20:51:00.000-04:00

I got home from work this morning and found that my family has packed up and left me. Can you believe it....ME? They left ME?

I'm not really all that pissed about it, I probably would have done the same thing, given the chance. I just can't believe they did it.

So, if anyone needs me I'll be here until Wednesday.

The family? Where are they, you ask?

Why they are right here

All I did was suggest they go ahead a day before me, because I had to work. I never expected them to do it!

I'll be there tomorrow afternoon when I wake up.

FUN FUN FUN!!!!!!!

Airport

2006-04-26T20:21:00.000-04:00

Ever been late, and not realize exactly how late you really are? That's what happened to me today. #1 Son went to his Grandparents house in New England today. We set off for Orlando International around 1:30, or so. Which by the way, is what time he was SUPPOSED to be there for check-in. I swear to God I didn't realize how late I was. I was in no hurry whatsoever. We even stopped for a bite to eat at Mickey-D's drive-thru on our way to the Beeline, or Beachline, or whatever the hell they call SR 528 these days. We got to the airport found somewhere to park, after driving around for awhile, and headed over to the terminal. As we came out of the pedestrian tunnel and into the main terminal #1 Son accidently got on the wrong escalator, which was parallel to the one I was on. His only went up one level, to the Rental Car area. So he told me he'd meet me up on three, which is the main floor.

I waited in front of the elevators for about five minutes before panic started to show it's ugly little head. About the time I was going to go on a manhunt, I see the top of his ballcap rising up on the escalator. Apparently he forgot what floor he supposed to go to, so he took the elevator down to the tunnel level, and got on the right escalator.

We finally get up to the ticket counter, and the lady kind of gives a little tsk tsk sound and comments that we are a little late. We check his bags, get his ticket, my escort paperwork, and haul ass to the TSA baggage search area. While in line I ask him what time it is, #1 shows me his watch, His plane leaves in five minutes. I start apologizing to him, explaining that I didn't realize how late we were. Actually I just never felt 'rushed'.

We take the Monorail over to his gate, and he runs ahead to the gate to check-in, and get a boarding pass. I have all his gear and am behind him. I get to the gate, and he isn't talking to the gate agent, he's in the boarding line. I said "No, over here, you need your pass." He runs over, and I inform the lady that #1 is supposed to be on this plane. I then ask if there it's still possible for him to get a boarding pass. She checks in her computer, and the next thing I know we have a boarding pass, and he is the last one aboard the plane.

I know by watching that reality TV show that many people have some really big problems flying Southwest Airlines. But, if the service we were given is any indication of their commitment to their customers, then I'll have to continue using them exclusively. We were totally late, were treated curtiously, and his baggage made it on the plane with him.

Lexapro really works for anxiety.....maybe too good, because I felt no urgency at all.

Nothing

2006-04-26T01:07:00.000-04:00

I have nothing at all to say......

I'm too tired to think straight................

Too many thoughts spinning.............

Can't hold on to one long enough for it to make sense..............

'night

Creepy Crawly Store (Explicit Lyrics ahead)

2006-04-24T23:38:00.000-04:00

The minions and I took a trip to the odd pet store today to get some crickets for a science experiment. I guess there is a way to tell the air temperature by counting how many chirps a cricket makes a minute, then adding forty. Keep in mind I hate spiders and snakes. Now I can handle Garter snakes, Big Daddy Longlegs, your typical garden variety creepy-crawly...but you throw in eight foot Boa Constrictors, Monitors, Scorpions (The big ones), Rats, and tarantulas...then I'm a big pussy. Yes, I'll admit in front of God and everyone, I'm a big pussy when it comes to the above described 'pets'.

Mrs. Molly was kind of teasing me, saying we should get a tarantula....I informed her that it would be a waste of money, because I would kill it before it ever hit the countertop.

When I was around fourteen, I used to hang out with Kelli and Kristi, they lived right up the hill from us, and we were right around the same age. We're sitting at the dining room table at the girl's house, playing Rummy, when their Dad placed a Tarantula skin on my shoulder. I flipped the fuck out, I bounced right out of the chair, out of the room, and out of the house. I knew they had one of those spiders, what I didn't know? That the damn things shed like a snake.

Ever since then........I have been deathly afraid.

I braved the store, and we got our crickets. The kids started in on me about the spiders. Their razzing didn't go for long, because I picked up a little styrofoam container with a great big tarantula in it, and waved it in THEIR faces. They shut up right away, excepts for the screams. I was brave for a minute......but my ass was puckered so tight, I ripped a hole in my boxer briefs.

Camping

2006-04-23T23:29:00.000-04:00

I really can't tell if I'm in any sort of mood to write tonight. This will probably end up being like an episode of Seinfeld, but not as funny.

Both of my favorite ball teams lost their games tonight, and I'm unhappy about it.

I can't wait to get my tent out of layaway on Thursday. Not that I'll be going camping anytime soon, but it's a step closer. It gets too damn hot in the Summer down here to go camping with a tent. So, if we want to do any camping it will have to be in a more Northern location, like Tennessee, Georgia, or North Carolina. There is a place in North Carolina that I'm really interested in visiting. The place is called Chimney Rock Park, it's where portions of one of my favorite movies was filmed. I'll give you five points if you figure out the movie. Here's a hint for you............Magua.

At the end of the month I get my vacation check, so we'll be purchasing our Disney World Seasonal Passes. It's been about two years since we've been, and there have been some new additions to the park since. Plus, I promised the kids we would do it again. They also have a neat campground over there too. If you don't like to camp, there is always the cabins, which were really cool. Just remember, if you don't want to walk around Ft. Wilderness, you had better reserve your golf cart in ADVANCE.
We really didn't mind the walking, so it wasn't really a problem for us.

I've been here just shy of six hours so far, and have six to go...........and I'm bored as all hell.

Long Drive

2006-04-22T18:32:00.000-04:00

Thursday my wife and I unloaded the children, except for my BB, and we headed North to Jacksonville. Mrs. Molly's Nana is in pretty bad shape, and we agreed that she would always regret it if she never said goodbye. So, we made the three hour trip, and found an empty house. Apparently the Aunt had taken Nana in to get checked out. (Nana had fallen in her bedroom, and split open her head, when she hit the dresser.) To kill some time, we went down to the Jacksonville Landing. Neither one of us had been there in years, and we felt like tourists. There are some really cool restaurants and bars there, but from the looks of things the shops must have blown their loads during the Super Bowl, because there are only a few left.

After that we went over to the Regency area of town, and had dinner at Red Lobster. It was just nice to have a dinner with the two of us. (BB slept)

Finally around 7:30 we were able to go and visit with Nana. We introduced her to BB, took some pictures, hung out for two hours, and then headed back home.

Mrs. Molly and I did get a little frisky in the car on the way home, and if those truckers could have seen in the windows, I imagine we would have had an 'escort' until we took our exit.

We got home around two, and didn't get to sleep until around 4:00.......I had to get up at 8:00 to get the kids, but it was definitely worth it.

My Doll

2006-04-19T20:32:00.000-04:00

Today I received an interesting gift from my wife. You know those little dolls that are marketed as the Perfect Wife, and Perfect Husband?

Well, she got me the Perfect Wife doll. Now, I'm not usually one to play with dolls, especially if they aren't anatomically correct. But, this one looks a bit like my wife, and when you press it's left hand, the doll says just about everything my real wife won't. I told Mrs. Molly that I will name it after her, just because of what it says.

I felt a little strange carrying a doll into work, and I did receive some strange looks from co-workers. But, after the doll spoke, then I was OK again.

Took the kids to see Ice Age 2 this afternoon. It was pretty good, quite a bit of the humor was more of an adult nature, but sailed right over the kids' heads.

Now I'm going to play with my dolly.

Eclectic Ramble

2006-04-18T20:43:00.000-04:00

I'm sitting here trying to come up with something witty to say so the two or three people that read this blog o'crap, will continue to do so. Many days I come to work, go home, sleep, get up, watch my children through heavy lids, and then come back to work. When I'm working like this my life becomes like the movie Groundhog Day. Nothing changes, seems like one continuous day that goes on forever. So, I lead a very boring life at times.

On one hand I can't wait for this rocket to launch, so I can have a normal schedule for awhile. But, then my overtime goes away, and that extra cash is really nice. But, then you think about all the time you miss with your family. It all gets so crazy and mixed up.

Actually the word is that my shift may go away permanently after launch. Most of the stuff I do is to be automated. If that's the case I'm going to ask to be removed from this department, to work on flight hardware again. This crap gets boring. Even with all that time off, I still feel really burned out on this. That may have something to do with how things were in the Navy. The longest I was with any squadron was five years. I must be getting that gypsy itch.

Found out my wife's grandmother is entering her last few days here in this world. I see the pain on Mrs. Molly's face, and I know how hard that is. Her Nana raised her, so this is like her mother dying. I went to the store today, and bought her a really nice condolence card. Something that said what I wanted to express, because if I tried to vocalize my feelings, it would have come out all wrong, and I'd look like a turd. Not that I was going to say anything mean or indifferent. I just have a knack for saying stupid shit.

Oh well, farewell Nana, I'll miss you.

My Porn name

2006-04-17T23:09:00.000-04:00

Your Porn Star Name Is...

Rod Steel

What's Your Porn Star Name?

There it is, my new name. I never thought of myself as Rod before. But, the geniuses behind these name generators have blessed me with my new name, and since they are all powerful, I will have to roll with it.

I need to go home and tell Mrs. Molly to fire up the video camera, and wash that thing up, because we're going Hollywood when I get home!

Fires

2006-04-17T20:04:00.000-04:00

It's been really dry in this area for quite sometime. In fact, I believe we are approximately six inches below our normal rainfall amount for the year thus far.

Combine that with heat, low humidity, and morons......and you get fire.

There is a local park, really popular with people around here. it has a camping area, playgrounds, a Bandstand, Frisbee golf course, swimming lakes, fishing lakes, and nature trails. Two weeks ago 1/2 of the park went up in smoke. I don't have any idea what actually caused the fire, but I'm sure some dumbass with a cigarette was involved.

The trails were sandy, with palmettos and longleaf pines everywhere. It was really quite beautiful. Now, it looks like a battleground. Three days after the fire, when the park finally opened up again, the boys and I took a walk through the park. Several areas were still smoldering as we walked. It was kind of erie in a way, the smoky haze made it look surreal.
We walked the whole thing and tried to recognize old landmarks, but it was very difficult to recognize anything pre-burn. But, some of the wildlife is still there, we saw two turtles along the trail.
There are currently another six or seven fires burning in this county. We have another month or so, until our rainy season starts. I just hope we don't end up like 1998 again. (Huge droughts, and 1/2 of the state in smoke.)

Easter Presents

2006-04-16T18:11:00.000-04:00

So, I get home today, Mrs. Molly and the kids are already in the grocery getter, ready to go to Church. I tap on the window, to give her a kiss goodbye, and she tells me my Easter Basket is on the table in the house. I was a little surprised, because I never get anything for Easter, and never really thought about it getting her anything. I mean the kids sure, but US? So, she asks me where hers is, I lie and tell her it's in the car trunk, but I hadn't signed it or anything yet. She leaves, I go in and see my basket. It has the standard chocolate bunny, a little bit of candy, beef jerky, and a card. I open the card, and there is two sales invoices from internet purchases that fall out.

The first one I pick up is a $50.00 gift certificate from Baseball Express, the other is the one that blows my mind. She purchased a sheer bodystocking, and crotchless panties from Fredericks. Keep in mind I had been trying to talk her into getting one for years, so this is a big deal.

I'm walking on cloud nine right now, and am anxiously awaiting the night after the gifts arrive, because I can't wait to see her in them.........

Homesick

2006-04-15T21:50:00.000-04:00

I've been feeling rather homesick recently. I've been gone for about seven years now, and it's been hitting me really hard recently. Don't get me wrong, Florida is a nice enough place to live. I just miss the mountains, the cool breezes that move the clouds up against the foothills, the drizzling rain. Most of all I miss my family. I spent over eight years away when I was in the service, I spent a little over two back there after I got out, and have been gone ever since.

Sure it's not the same place anymore, I realize that. I don't know if I want to live there again or not. i just know how I feel. Right now it's hitting me really hard. Maybe it's because I just had a daughter, and I want my parents to see her. maybe it's because my Mom has only seen my kids a handful of times. It's hard sometimes to think that they are all 3,500 miles away.

Just a passing whine........I promise there will be very few of these.

FRAMP and a SEAL Attack

2006-04-15T01:47:00.000-04:00

What is a FRAMP you ask?

A FRAMP is, or was where Sailors and Marines in the Aviation go to learn the aircraft they will be working on. It's a step above the generalized training offered by A-school. Since my final duty station was to be at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, which was located in Jacksonville, Florida, the US Navy in it's infinite wisdom sent me to NAS Lemoore, California. Which is just south of Fresno. Makes since doesn't it? Well actually it does because the school for Airlant (Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet) had closed. Let me tell you one thing, I loved that base. The Operations side is like two or three miles away from the mainside. Which means hardly any low flying jets, and flightline noise. This is an issue that will come up later in life for me.

Plus, here's the kicker....I had actual freedom. I mean freedom not seen by me since I was a civilian. I was given a schedule for the course of the next several months. Any day that I did not have at least one class I was to report to the Training Squadron and check-in for 'training' there. Let me say this about that, it sucked going to that squadron. The thing is if you went there you either scrubbed shitters all day, or ended up sitting in an office all day trying to find neat imaginary pictures in the linoleum. But, if you had at least one class in a day, that was good enough. So I might have a class at 1000, that only lasted maybe 1/2 hour...I'm good for that whole day. That was the shit!

Then when it came down to actually learning the systems of the A-7E in the classroom, I had night classes. This was awesome, man what a life.

One morning around 0600 (way too early for this squid), an explosion goes off in the stairwell of my barracks. Almost immediately the fire alarm goes off, and shouts of warning from other students. So my roommate, along with everyone else get out of the barracks. We head over to the Marine barracks, and are told that the Seals have attacked the base. The base knew this was going to happen, it was a planned exercise, nobody knew when or where the attack would take place, but apparently my barracks was the diversion. So after the smoke was cleared we were allowed to return to our room, in our 'bombed out' barracks. I went back to sleep, only to be awakened several hours later by the sound of a police radio coming from outside my window. I looked outside, and here was a Deputy sheriff from King's County outside my window. So, I started shooting the shit with her, and her partners trying to figure out what the hell was going on. Apparently the Seal Team had taken over the barracks next door and had 'booby trapped' all points of entry. They had hostages in the Quarterdeck (Lobby) and were demanding breakfast, for a hostage. I had a front row seat.....fucking cool!

I ran down to the lounge got some snacky treats, pulled up a chair, and listened in on the days happenings. At some point the food was delivered, and the 'bad guys' didn't like that it came from the base galley, so they shot the hostage on his way to safety. The bad guys were pissed because they wanted McDonald's, which was right next door. I guess the hostage was shot with a paint ball, I couldn't see, all I could do was listen in. Eventually the exercise was called off, I guess some loon tune had brought a real weapon to work, and they had to go take care of a real problem, before any war games. When it was called off, the base Helo dropped a flare in the field next to the barracks to signify game off........and started a wild fire, that was contained rather quickly...just seemed really funny at the time.

Baby Girl Pam

2006-04-14T18:30:00.000-04:00

My little BB has got a case of the red ass.....and I mean bad. The poor thing has been pooping too much, and it is probably due to the formula. See the thing is Mrs. Molly has been trying to breast feed.....a good thing right? Well, I guess she was overly active and for some reason that is a bad thing when trying to produce boobie milk. Plus the manual and the powered pump we had was just crap. The lactation specialist said we needed to get the one she had in the hospital, you know the one that looks like should be on a farm. I am proud to say that the Tall Timberz Dairy is now in operation, but production is still down.

I went to the GNC and bought the Fenugreek, she went on the pill that produces milk, but makes you want to drive off an overpass, and she has a beer during each pumping session. All of which are supposed to help in lactation. Well, except for the driving off the overpass.

Back to my little BB, she is also getting a little cold, which I imagine to her is quite large. Poor thing she is so small that the aspirator we have won't fit in her nostril. I give her lot's of kisses, but I don't think it helps the cold much.

She did an amazing feat today. Me and Mrs. Molly were giving her a diaper change, when all of a sudden old faithful went off and she launched a stream of watery poo 24" onto Mrs. Molly's pj pants. I happily cheered, even as Mrs. Molly was slapping and cussing me. It WAS funny.....................

Red Vines

2006-04-13T21:16:00.000-04:00

I don't know how many of you have ever tried Red Vines before, but in my eyes, they are the candy of gods. The cheap imitation of Twizzlers, just don't come close to the quality of a Red Vine.

Many a movie of my youth was spent munching on them and popcorn at the same time. I guess you could call that one of my guilty pleasures. A darkened theatre, a bag of popcorn, a tray of Red Vines, and a cup of Dr. Pepper........it doesn't get any better than that, unless Mrs. Molly happens to get frisky. But since we hardly ever get to go out to a movie, and I'm usually the one to take the rugrats out to see a flick, I'll have to stick with my licorice and popcorn.

I don't JUST love the red ones, I really like the black ones too. You know, real licorice. The American Licorice company even makes a two lbs. bag that has both.....awwwwww now my mouth is watering.

Unfortunately the theatres here in Florida have never caught on to my candy of choice, and for a long time neither did any stores. I used to have to 'import' the candy from Washington St, from where my dear old mom would send me care packages of all things good.

Now, however the stores do stock it, and the next time I go to a movie with the crumb-snatchers, I'm stopping by Albertson's, or Walmart, and getting me a bag to smuggle in.

Bedtime

2006-04-13T02:02:00.000-04:00

So, I get off work Saturday morning and go sleep in the boys' bunkbed, because the Mrs. and the new Princess kind of campout in my room. Oh, and I'm afraid my fat ass will collapse the bed, so I strictly stay on the bottom bunk. I wake up around 10:00 with an awful feeling in my throat. I sit up, as well as anyone can in a bunkbed, and proceed to yak all over myself. I probably looked just like Linda Blair in The Exorcist. Oh, it was pure nastiness to say the least. It was not a very pleasant smell at all.

Mrs. Molly let me stay in bed the rest of the day, and most of Sunday as well. I was totally off limits to the world. One of my only complaints about my wife, is the fact that she will not deal with me when I'm sick. If I'm sick, she wants nothing to do with me. It's go away, just go to bed. No offers of juice, water, nothing.

See when she's sick, I try to nurture her, but man, sometimes it feels like I'm not allowed. She nurtures the children fine, and you know that's expected, but sometimes a guy wants to feel like he's cared for...you know? Anyways, that's really the only complaint I have with her.

My damn lower back ended up killing me, from the bed, and a previous water skiing injury, that I may have written about on hear in the past.

Anywho, Pizza and Little Debbie snacks don't look pretty the second time around.

ABC's of me

2006-04-07T22:36:00.000-04:00

I got this from Kelly, this gal is pretty damn funny.
Molly's A2Z facts ...

Accent - American English, but since I grew up next to the Canadian border, I have been asked a few times if I was from Canada.

Booze of choice - Beer, but Crown Royal can be pretty tasty...so can Tequila. Aww crap anything but Spiced rum and Lysol will do me fine.

Chore I hate - making the bed....why? We're just going to get back in, in twelve hours.

Dog or Cat -I like the cat MUCH better than the soft serve dispenser she calls a dog.

Essential Electronics - 'puter

Favorite perfume/cologne - Tommy Girl for her, Old Spice for me.....kidding, I meant Brute 33. (Actually I like Cool Water)

Gold or Silver - I'd have to go with the Gold.

Hometown - Bellingham, Washington.....just voted 2nd in the nation for clean air.

Insomnia - Not by choice

Job Title - Aerospace technician

Kids - Yes......five of them. We finally figured out what causes them, and she got fixed.

Living Arrangement - Married with Children, in Rental House. (We haven't decided if we want to buy here.)

Most Admired Trait - My Serious Nature

Number of Sexual Partners - More than one, less than one hundred, unless you do the I slept with everyone, that anyone I slept with has. If that's the case.....

Overnight Hospital Stays - Only after the birth of a couple of our kids, I stayed in the room with Mrs. Molly.

Phobia - Jail (Actually being someone's bitch in jail)

Quote - 'The view in an elevator is much different to a midget.'

Religion - Christian

Siblings - three

Time I wake up - Noonish, but i don't get to sleep until around eight a.m.

Unusual talent/skill - Ask Mrs. Molly...ok you can't ask her, but she could tell you if you could ask her.

Vegetable I refuse to eat -Garbonzo Beans

Worst Habit - Farting, hey there's more room on the outside, than in me.

X-rays - Dental, and chest x-rays(from the Navy)

Yummy foods I make -BBQ Roast Santa Maria style.

Zodiac sign -Cancer (or Moonchild if you're scared of the word Cancer.) That makes me loyal AND moody.

A Good Cause

2006-04-06T22:29:00.000-04:00

Today as i was listening to the Philips Phile on the radio (can also be heard on XM channel 152). When they started interviewing a man named Ron who is currently walking the Appalchian Trail. He has started in Georgia, and is going to work his way up to Maine. His timetable has him at the end of his Trek by sometime in September.

The neat thing about Ron, is that he is doing this for charity. Ron is raising money for a privately funded home for Atypical children. I would appreciate it if you would visit Ron at his website and blog, and maybe even donate. What would really be great, is for all of you to spread the word on this. With all of us out here in the Blog world, we could easily raise at least double the $20,000 goal.

It's just an idea, that I hope takes off.

Frustration

2006-04-06T22:04:00.000-04:00

I had written all about the troubles my wife is having with her breast feeding, and the switch I was making from Wellbutrin to Lexapro, when blogger ate my post.

Disney World

2006-04-06T04:14:00.000-04:00

Living in Central Florida has a few advantages. One of which is the close proximity to the theme parks. Orlando is just a short drive, and of all theme parks, I will still have to say that Disney is still the best.

We usually purchase Seasonal Passes, that are offered to Florida Residents. We have some blackout dates throughout the year. To be really honest with you though, the blackout days are the parks' busiest, and I don't want to be there when the rest of you are there anyways. If I were one of you tourist types, I wouldn't come down here during the dead heat of Summer. Nor would I come down here during either the Holidays, or Spring Break.

It's too damn hot to be walking around a theme park anytime between May and September. To be honest April is our usual cut-off date. Oh sure we might go over and stay at one of the resorts for a weekend, but walking the park...forget that! You need to come here when the temperature and humidity are down, and when all the other families are still back home.

Universal is a nice park too. I would put it a very close second to Disney. Islands Of Adventure has several water rides to help cool you off.

Sea World, though nice, is very small, and to be really honest, not really worth the price of admission. There aren't really that many things to see to make it worthwhile. The only redeeming quality is the free beer samples given out by Anheuser-Busch.

International Drive is the tourist trap area of Orlando......a few neat things to look at. (Ripley's Believe it or Not, Titanic, Wet-n-Wild, and various restaurants.

These are just my opinions, and we all know what they say about opinions.

Lime Sherbet, Dead Friends, and Baseball

2006-04-05T21:26:00.000-04:00

No they don't really have anything to do with one another, do they? But, I was thinking of changing the name of this blog to match the funny new color I have on this current template. That's what I get for screwing around with my old template.

In my life I have lost three or four people that I consider friends or really good aquaintances. I know there will be more as I get older.

The most recent loss was a couple of weeks ago. Ron finally lost his fight with cancer. He had cancer in one of his eyes about five years ago. He almost made it to the five year mark in his remission. About a year and a half ago, the cancer came back. This time it was in his teeming in his liver. Ron was given six months to tie up any loose ends here on Earth. Ron stretched that six months into another year and a half.

I caught up with Ron recently at the Union hall when we voted in the new contract. I asked him how he was doing, and if he was getting better. I knew even before the question left my lips what the answer was going to be. Looking at the man standing before me, with his features swollen from his cancer, and the meds that were constantly being pushed into his body from a little box strapped around his waist, I knew he was dying. he told me he wasn't going to make it. I told Ron I was sorry. He looked into my eyes, and asked me why I was sorry? Everybody dies, he said. I just have a better idea of when I will go. I didn't say much else, I could only nod my head, and wonder what that must feel like. I hope I never know....................

I'm so glad baseball is back on, I can't stand the NBA, and while I like Hockey, it's just not the same as baseball.

Knees

2006-04-05T19:08:00.000-04:00

My knees are really aching these days. I figure it has alot to do with all the punishment I put them through when I was younger. Logging, running in boots, running up and down ladders (stairs) on the ship, and kneeling on the flight deck, while trying to fix and launch aircraft.

Lately though, I think it has more to do with my weight. Since I graduated from high school eighteen years ago, I have gained sixty freaking pounds. Granted, some of that weight is muscle, but I still have a gut, and my damn face is puffy. I'm not saying I'm Shrek, but if I don't really start working on this I'm definately on that road. That is a road I would rather not travel. Diabetes runs in my family, as does it's major cause.....obesity.

It was all fun and games as a child picking on my dad, calling him an old fat fart. But, he always chided me, and always told me to wait, because he used to be skinny too. Well, Pops was right, I have become an old fat fart. (I am about the same age as he was when I started teasing him.) To be honest with you, I don't like any part of that label. I don't like old or fat.

I am going to start doing something about this in the next few days. As of yesterday I weigh 228 lbs. My goal is to get down to 175-180 by the middle of July, when I have my birthday. I'll call it a present to myself.

I'm not going to fad diet, or anything. I'm just going to cut out certain things, and try to burn more calories than I take in.

By the way, I'm no longer a secret smoker, I have quit and am going to make sure it's for good this time. Those little effers are too expensive.

I figured it out

2006-04-04T04:28:00.000-04:00

I just remembered my password. I hate it when I have a brain fart like that.

You ever do that? I mean just go totally blank, and forget everything? I seem to be doing that quite a bit these days.

Little baby Pam was born recently. My fifth and last child has come into this world. She is definitely the runt of my litter, she was born pre-term, and spent about a week in the NICU. But, I will tell you this she came into the world breathing on her own. The funny part is that she sounded more like a cat than a baby. I'm just ecstatic about the whole thing, she is so very beautiful. In addition to the strike, I ended up taking another month off to take care of my wife and family. The wifey had a terrible pregnancy, especially toward the end, it was to the point where she could have died if they didn't take the little one when they did.

Anyways little baby Pam, and Mom are doing great, and Daddy is back to work....thankfully.

By the way, Pam is a pseudonym, just like Tall Molly Man.

It's Over

2006-02-11T18:18:00.000-05:00

I'm working again, strike is over, and most of us reported to work this past Monday. Since I'm here at work I will limit my words and opinions.

It's nice to be back.....................

The Eff word

2006-01-21T09:33:00.000-05:00

I love the eff word, it is a big part of my vocabulary. For some it may seem to indicate I'm an uneducated cad. Not true, I cry! I just love the way it rolls off my tongue as I talk.

The eff word is multi-purpose, it can be used as an adjective, a noun, and a verb....all within the same sentence.

You know the old saying about cussing like a sailor? Well, I guess that is where I learned to love my favorite word.

My wife? She hates it....especially when I'm excited about something we're talking about. You see that's when the word flows like water. I can't help myself, sometimes I don't even realize what I've said.

I have been using the eff word quite a bit lately. Especially when in reference to the company I work for, and the scabs that have crossed our line.

Fuck it.................and them.

I found a secret way to lose weight!

2006-01-06T09:32:00.000-05:00

Need to lose weight in hurry...........................just go on strike!

I've lost 15 lbs. since the strike has started...........................I may have to sell this secret on one of those late night infomercials.

Fire Good

2006-01-04T23:17:00.000-05:00

For those of you that are wondering, I do my time at the Southgate. Last weekend I was there at night, putting in my eight hours so I could get my $150 weekly check. Being bored and pissed, we do what all bored people do when there is an available fire to play with.....we made it bigger.....much bigger.

One of the people didn't like the burn barrel approach, so he manufactured a fire pit, complete with cinder block stand. Being one of two fire bugs there that night, we decided it would be fun to burn a pallet accross the the pit. It made fire big...so dumb rocket techs decide we need bigger fire....we need two pallets!

We set the pallets into the pit, so that they leaned together. As the flames climbed the pallets, we moved our nylon and plastic chairs back. We then decided that sunglasses at this point would have been appropriate. As I watched the flames grow, I also noticed that the spark count had risen dramatically, as well as the size of said sparks. So being the self-designated fire bug safety rep. I grabbed our fire extinguisher and stood watch over the tent. Fortunately it's use was not called for, but upon further inspection today, there are several burns on the tent's roof. I say fortunately because I doubt the fire bottle would have had enough agent to fight a small kitchen fire.

Next time........three pallets!

Happy New Year?

2006-01-03T12:06:00.000-05:00

I haven't been around alot lately, or at all for that matter, because I have been trying to make ends meet. We have been out for over 62 days now. It has been really difficult to keep my sanity in all this.

After all this time out, we are all starting to wonder if we did the right thing. What sucks about it all is that the folks in Huntington Beach, California all but gave up, a big majority of them crossed within the first week. While the rest of us carry the burden for them.

I have thought about crossing the line sevweral times. But each time the thought comes in I shudder a little, and think about how I could look myself in the mirror. Let alone face my co-workers.

I have thought about applying to one of the threme parks here in central Florida. Even if we do go back, I don't think I could work for a company that would keep us out through the holidays. I say them, because they are the ones that refuse to come to the table. I just don't think that I will be there much longer. I would love to get back West again. I miss the mountains, the trout fishing, and the hunting.

Anyways, that's my update......Happy New Year everyone.

.

It's Been Awhile

2005-11-26T08:23:00.000-05:00

I'm still alive, and getting by. It seems my fantastic company will not come to the table and talk to us. In fact I have to wonder if they will be playing the role of Grinch this year.

I have not been to the picket line much. I have been working for a co-worker at his house. I have not been on the computer much, because I have been dead dog tired.

That's it for now...bye.

One Week

2005-11-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

Why is it some folks feel the need to try and run you over? Why are they so angry that we're out on strike? For the majority of people coming out that gate it's a thumbs up, and horns honking. But, then you always get the guy that tries to mow down the picketers. I swear to God that one guy shaved my legs he got so close.

Then there is the people that get on the cell phone.....immediately after leaving the gate. You see driving and talking on a cellphone is illegal on the worksite. So everyone and their sister gets on the effin phone as soon as they leave the gate. What is so damn important that it can't wait 20 or 30 minutes until you get home?

One lady about had me crap my pants she changed lanes right in front of me, had a cellphone in one hand, a smoke in the other, and going what seemed to be 50 mph. I thought she was going to sideswipe me and several of my friends.

At one of the other gates they had some jerk in a Cadillac Escalade mow down picket signs every morning four days in a row. On the 5th morning, they had a Deputy waiting on him. When he was nabbed he was mad, because we already made 'so much money'. It was then explained to Mr. Anger Management, that we weren't striking over pay.....we were striking over the takeaways to our benefits.

It's been over a week and the company refuses to come to the table.

I'm not going to hide it anymore. Here is my union site.

Picket Line Pt II

2005-11-04T11:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I'm on the line, and one of the scabs drives out the gate. We yell 'Scab!' at him, feel a little better, and continue to wave to the rest of the folks driving out. I take a glance behind me, and see that the scab has pulled over, climbed out of his truck, and is talking to the last guy in line.

"Get the FUCK out of here Scab!"

"We don't want your kind here!"

"You don't belong here!"

Very quickly the Picket Captain ran down and told him he needed to leave before he was hurt.

He mumbled how he wasn't in the Union anymore. Well no shit, we kind of figured that out when you went to work this morning.

The rest of the night he was the talk of the line. Can you believe how stupid he is? We knew he wasn't bright, but to actually climb out of the truck, and shoot the shit, like nothing was wrong........believe me he's dumb. He doesn't have brass balls....just a dumbass.

Picket Line Pt 1

2005-11-02T17:29:00.000-05:00

Last night at 12:01 AM we picked up our Picket Signs, fought the mosquitos, and walked the line. It felt odd to be doing it. We were all, for the most part, virgins at this. The mosquitos were thick, I even inhaled one as I was talking with a friend.

There wasn't many cars at that time of night. A few honked, and some waved. I don't know how many fingers were being held up though. A few people were pricks and drove really close to us, only to change lanes once they were past.

I heard a story of one Scab that was bragging to everyone about how much money he was going to make, while we were out. He also was antagonizing people asking which gate they were going to be at, so he could wave at them. The thing is, this guy is MR UNION, until it comes down to actually putting everything on the line. He's the guy that people used to go to if they had a problem. He's the guy that knew the contract inside and out. He's the guy that helped me one time.

He's the guy I will never acknowledge again.

Scabs reap the benefits of what WE earn. I don't know how they can look at themselves in the mirror, let alone us.

Goddamn Scabs..................

Tick.....Tick......Tick

2005-11-01T23:08:00.000-05:00

In less than an hour I have to be out of here and on the Picket Line. Do I really want to go out? No, but I and many others feel like we are being short changed. We are ok with what we had in the last contract. All we ask is that things remain the same. Crying poor, and then posting record profits don't really cut the mustard. We're the ones out in the rain, in the cold, the heat, the Mosquitos. Just because they can't see past their quarterly earnings statement, don't take out of my pocket.

tick.....tick......tick

I will walk out, join the line, and stand up for what I believe in. Who gets hurt in all of this? Me, and I know that. My family will suffer too. The thing is sometimes you have to stand up for something. Look around you, how many family wage jobs are really left in this country? We won WWII because of our manufacturing capablity, not because of tactics. We were able to mass produce tanks, ships, guns, and etc. We don't have that capability anymore....but China does.

Think about that, the next time you walk into Wal-Mart.

tick....tick....tick

Time is slowly ticking away, it's getting down to the wire. I am given no choice. This is what they have driven us to do.

I'll be back when I can.................

tick......tick........tick

WOW!

2005-11-01T21:38:00.000-05:00

You see that header up there?

Angel did that for me.

Thanks Angel.....you did a fantastic job.

2005-11-01T18:46:00.000-05:00

I'm still angry today.

I'm feeling hateful.

I feel like spreading the hate.

Evil Molly has arrived.

Why in the hell do I have to put my trash out so freaking early in the morning, only to see it sitting there at 2:30 pm? Is it so GD hard to stay on a schedule? At the house we just moved out of, if I left my trash out the night before, a fucking animal would go grocery shopping in it. I'd get home from work and trash would be everywhere. But, if I decided to wait until morning, well then it was a gamble. The trash guys might come at 5:00 am or they might come at nine. One time they didn't come until 5:00 pm. It was a gamble on whether or not our trash would get picked up. Oh yeah, I have a big family, we create alot of waste, meaning I usually have a few full cans for them to empty. I can't count the amount of times I have had to go chase down my can because they tossed it as far away as they could from my driveway.

Goddamn Garbageman...................

Then there's the Postmen. When my wife an I moved back to my hometown, we lived less than one block from the Post Office. I could see the fucking building from my parking space. I was that close and I still didn't get my mail until 5:00 pm. I suppose I was the last stop. But, if I had obtained a PO Box, then I would have received my mail at a decent time of day. I have a letter carrier that lives two doors down from me. Seems to be a nice guy, has a wife, a couple of kids. The Motherfucker takes a two hour lunch break everyday at his own home. WTF?! Please let me get a job like that. How cool would it be to go knock off a nooner, then deliver mail with a smile.

Goddamn Postman....................

The Electric Company, These MF'ers are trying to stick us with an $800 bill all at once, and won't show us what the charges are from, or what happened to our other deposit, from our previous house. Everything is so Goddamn automated anymore that just talking to a human being is like seeing Jesus. I want to know what the charges are for, and why are you sticking them to me all at once. I think I know what the charges are stemming from, and if I'm right, then they're trying to stick it to me. I fucking hate the electric companies and their monopolies.

How fast were they in restoring my power last year? They already raised our rates so high that some of the elderly are going to have a helluva time paying the bill. Hey I'm going on strike, could you maybe gives us a break? Sorry, that isn't in the scope of our policy. Fuckers.......

Goddamn Electric Company............

A-School

2005-10-31T23:47:00.000-05:00

A-School, is where you go after Boot Camp, if you are trying to become a designated striker, for whatever rate you plan to go for.

In my case the rating was Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulics), AMH for short.

I flew out of San Diego and landed in Memphis, TN sometime at night. I have no idea of the time, just that it was dark and rainy. We checked into admin, and the barracks. My particular barracks was South 402. My barracks was located by the Galley, and the Wave cage. (Female Barracks). My first night I went to my assigned room, and fell in exhaustion onto the only empty rack. I woke up sometime later having to piss really bad. But, I had no idea where the Head was. I didn't want to disturb my roommates. So I laid there for well over three hours suffering with a full bladder. It was a weekend, so the other guys slept in. Finally one of them started to stir, and came awake. I asked him where the head was, and off I went.

A little while later, the messenger came up to my room, and told me I had a visitor on the Quarterdeck. I got dressed in my Working Blues, went downstairs, and found that one of my friends from Boot Camp was there. He asked if I wanted to go over to McDonald's. I hesitated, because I was so used to all of my movements being regulated from Boot Camp. He saw my trepidation, and told me it was ok, we weren't under the same rules here.

You go from having a very structured routine, to all of a sudden freedom, and it's a real shock. Another shocker I had, was looking at all of the civilians in the Airports. I felt they were all unsat, because of their hair length and the way they wore their clothing. Yes, I was really that brainwashed.

One thing about Millington was that you were not authorized to wear civilian clothes for a set amount of time. I think it was like 60 days. So, before you were allowed to wear your civvies, you had to walk around in your working blues. To get authorization you had to run a chit through the chain of command. I remember when I was finally able to wear my civvies, I was so excited. I went up to get my civvies out of storage, and someone had stolen my jeans. So, I had to go over to the Navy Exchange and buy new jeans and a belt. You HAD to wear a belt.....what a stupid rule.

Then there was school........

Molly's Naval Glossary:

Working Blue Uniform- This uniform is also known as Johnny Cash's. Because they are all black (Navy Blue) with a necktie, and your white hat.

Galley- Kitchen or Chow Hall

Head- Restroom

Chit- Can be a written request to get authorization for something, or another version can be used to report a violation of the UCMJ.

UCMJ- Uniform Code of Military Justice, the law.

Rate- A rating is your job. To become a designated stryker for a certain rate, you either go to A-school or you get designated after you take your first test for whichever rate. You're not actually 'Rated' until you become a Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4)

Quarterdeck- A cermonial location on either a ship, or building. If you watch the movies, it's where people salute the flag, and then the person on watch, to request permission to come aboard.

Angry, Shitty, and Mean

2005-10-31T21:04:00.000-05:00

I'm quite sure that whatever is wrong with me is stress related, or it's that damn sinus infection flaring up again. Sometimes I'd like to grab a pipe cleaner, and play Roto-Rooter man.
Just clear it all out, you know?

Maybe I could go get some Chinese Hot Mustard, or Wasabi from a Sushi joint, those two items would help drain my sinuses. Better yet, I could drive a shunt into my left cheek, and then I could have constant drainage. Or, I could hook a vacuum up to my nostrils, THAT would clear it out.

These are all things I think about until the medication kicks in. After that it's La-La land, because the non-drowzy pills makes me tired, stoned, or both. Last night I was sitting here with a sweatshirt on, the temperature up to 75 deg, and still cold as hell from whatever fever I had. It finally broke, and the sweat was just pouring off of me. It broke after I took the pills, and then I just felt fuzzy.

I think I had some sort of stomach virus too, not to get very graphic, but I did alot of sitting in the bathroom.

I think it's my work hours, I work so late, and so long (12 hours a night) that my immune system gets run down. If that Bird Flu hits Florida, I'm sure I'll end up with it.

What else can I talk/write about?

I'm angry today, but I don't really know if I could captivate any of you long enough to let you finish the post. It would be a HUGE post, and it involves my In-Laws.

I'm angry at the Dick-eyes that just can't quite figure out how to drive that big SUV down the road, while talking on their cell-phone.

I'm angry at the Snow Birds, that forgot where their Florida home is. These dipshits drive down A1A with their blinker on trying every driveway, until they finally find the right one.

I'm feeling shitty, mean, and angry enough to pick a fight. I guess it's a good thing I picked up my Wellbutrin tonight.

Strike

2005-10-31T19:07:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow night at Midnight EST, I will walk out of here on strike. I don't know how long it will last, but I am convinced I am doing the right thing.

I just hope it ends quickly, because a long drawn out deal could really hurt both parties involved.

Sick

2005-10-30T21:55:00.000-05:00

I feel like a truck ran me over......I'll be back when I feel better.

Show Me!

2005-10-30T02:37:00.000-05:00

I stole this item from Livey.

Follow the link, and show me where you're from.......pretty please?

http://www.frappr.com/mollyworld

Right Back At You!!!!!! (Jessica)

2005-10-30T01:17:00.000-05:00

The Cure Shares Your Taste in Music

See their whole playlist here (iTunes required)

Which Musician (or Group) Shares Your Taste in Music?

Whenever I'm alone with you, You make me feel like I am home again.

Whenever I'm alone with you, You make me feel like I am whole again.

Whenever I'm alone with you, You make me feel like I am young again.

Whenever I'm alone with you, You make me feel like I am fun again.

However far away, I will always love you.

However long I stay, I will always love you.

Whatever words I say, I will always love you;

I will always love you.

Whenever I'm alone with you, You make me feel like I am free again.

Whenever I'm alone with you, You make me feel like I am clean again.

However far away, I will always love you.

However long I stay, I will always love you.

Whatever words I say, I will always love you;

I will always love you.

Lovesong, The Cure~Disintegration

Trick or Treat

2005-10-30T00:47:00.000-04:00

We took the kids Downtown today to go Trick or Treating. The local businesses hold one every year, part of their efforts to bring people there to shop. It's very quaint, with many interesting shops.

As we left the parking lot to start our fun, we happened upon a little antique store. The store had some items outside on display. My wife and I were looking at the items, when from behind us we heard someone speak to us in a very rude manner.

"There's no candy here."

I replied that we were just looking at the stuff that was for sale. Mrs. Molly went into fight mode and remarked about her rudeness. We went on our way, to have some really good fun, and plenty of candy.......for the kids.....really for the kids......ok we may have dipped into the bags a few times.

On the way back to the car, I saw the woman standing outside her shop and called her an Old Bat. I hate crappy people like that. We were interested in one of her furniture pieces......she just lost that sale.

I have something else I'd like to get off my chest.

Halloween is NOT the Devil's holiday. My GD in-laws are Pentecostal and told my daughter 'What Halloween really was.' You know what? Keep your effin' opinion to yourself, they had her all scared. I realize Halloween comes from a Pagan Holiday called Samhain (sp?) You know what? So do the rest of our 'Christian' holidays. As far as I see it right here right now, it's a bunch of kids dressing up to get candy. Do you really think that some kid gives two-shits about what your denomination teaches you? Because I'll let you in on a little secret...their Dad and Mom don't care about your opinions, and we are not going to let our kids miss out on a night of fun, because of YOUR beliefs.

I will have to share my thoughts on Religion, and 'religious' people someday.

Given what I just wrote...I think you can guess already.

Bootcamp IV (Make a Sailor Hurt)

2005-10-29T02:54:00.000-04:00

We were told at the beginning of our training that every last one of us would be attending Marching Party at least once during our time at RTC. Marching Party is where Recruits were sent to be punished for minor infractions. It was basically what we called a Mashing (Make A Sailor Hurt, get it?) under the stars. To get Mashed was a common punishment for us all, but to get sent to Marching Party was supposed to be worse. Lots of push-ups, lots of Sit-ups, and even more eight-count body builders.

My Company was described by most CC's as 'Dicked-Up'. To be perfectly honest, we were. Our test score averages, were mediocre, our PT tests were average, and our drill was just above par. We were basically eff-ups. The company's Guide-on indicated to things. The Company's number was on the flag, and it also had stars and other icons placed on it to indicate how well the company was doing during training. Ours was pretty bare, we were definately not in the running for Color Company, which was the Company that received the best record during training.

It got so bad at one point, that one time as we were leaving Water Survival and Physical Training (WS&PT), one of the instructors came over to us and put an erect penis icon on our Guide-ON. The symbology was to show how 'dicked-up' we were.

If you were really bad, individually, one of your last stops before being kicked out, was a place called POSMO, or Positive Motivation. Those poor guys were sent there for a couple of days, I think, had to wear those old Steel Pot helmets that the Army used to wear before the Kevlar helmets came into service. The POSMO troops would PT all day long with Steel Pots, and M1A Garand Rifles. (Those M1A's are quite heavy) I wasn't bad enough to have been sent to POSMO, but I did go to Marching Party.

We were on our last week of training. The only two guys left in the whole company that had not been invited to the party, were me, and the Laundry Petty Officer. The Laundry P.O. and myself were both able to get away from the company during the day, because I was the ERPO, and he had to go and get our Laundry. We were targets, we both tried like hell not to take any sort of hits on inspection. We both thought we made it....until one day we had a snap inspection on our lockers.

There was a certain way all clothing had to be folded. The end result was that if you looked at the side of any piece of clothing, besides socks, you better see folds that gave you what was called Thin-Thick-Thick-Thin. You better have a thin layer, two thick layers, and a thin layer.

I was busted for having one of my T-shirts folded wrong. I swear to God that T-shirt was folded correctly, I honestly believe the CC had someone fold it incorrectly so he could get me. Needless to say I was headed out on the next Marching Party express.

It wasn't that bad to be honest with you, in fact I had a hard time keeping myself from laughing. Like I stated earlier, we were a dicked-up company. We were getting dropped all of the time, Push-Ups were nothing at this point. It was no where near as intense as some of the Mashings we went through. We made the windows fog up in our barracks....I was in San Diego...during a heat wave, that made that little feat very hard to accomplish. Many a time we would come out of the barracks for chow with our Uniforms soaked clear through because of the Mashing we just went through.

Marching Party....it wasn't that bad, in fact it was a joke. What made it funny to me and my compadre, was all the moans and groans from the new guys.

USO Night was held right down the street from us at the HQ Building. Every Thursday there would be a night before a graduation where the families would be given a presentation by the RTC Command, and then would get to see their loved ones for an hour or so. Let me tell you...we could smell the perfume from our barracks. We were 1/2 a block away, and could smell the women. One day we were practicing our drill on a grinder (Parade Ground) near the USO site. We got a little cocky and started to show-off for all the nice people. Big mistake...we got Mashed right there in front of them all. We were laughed at, and had our pictures taken like animals in a zoo. We deserved it though....it was pretty dumb to show off like that...especially since at that point we weren't very good.

Next Stop.....A-School

CRASH!!!!

2005-10-29T00:24:00.000-04:00

Damn 'puter crashed here. I don't know when I'll be posting, it will be soon though.

Boot Camp Pt III

2005-10-28T03:29:00.000-04:00

I was anonymous. I was under the radar of both CC's, and was doing fine. What screwed me, was my damn test scores. Every week we were tested at the schoolhouse for that weeks lessons on various Naval subjects. I scored high every week, and that is what put me back on the screen.

One day we were marching back from chow, and I happened to over hear the CC's discussing something. I wasn't really paying attention, until I heard, 'What about Molly, you think he's be good at it?' Uh-oh, what's going on, this isn't in my plans, I'm supposed to be a faceless number. They know my name, what did I do? Good at what? Crap!

We halted in front of the patio, and I heard my name called. I fell out of ranks and came to attention in front of the two of them.

CC: "Molly, we're going to fire the Yeoman, how would you like to take his place?"
Me: "Sir, would I have to march in front of the Company?"

Let me stop and explain something here. The way we marched around, the Yeoman and the Guide-on bearer (Company Flag Holder) marched in front of the ranks, ahead of the Squad Leaders. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to walk in a straight line, and would drift off to one side or the other, and screw it all up.

CC: "Yes, Molly you would HAVE to march out front."
Me: "Sir, I don't want to"
CC: "WTF do you mean you don't want to, DROP!?" (Drop, is the push-up position.)
CC2: "Leave him alone, we'll get someone else. Get back in ranks Molly."
CC: "Smith, front and center!"

Whew, that was close.

Twenty minutes later, I was called in to the office. I slapped the door frame, announced my presence, and asked permission to enter. Once inside, they excused the rest of the staff, and gave me a little ass-chewing, and then proceeded to announce that I was now given three staff jobs, and this time I had no choice. They also informed me that I was chosen for these tasks because my test scores were one of the best, and they needed someone smart. My tasks? Oh, they were doozies.

Hard Card Petty Officer, I was tasked with entering information on everyone's Boot Camp record, paydays, disciplines, Inspection Records, everything. This record was known as a Hard Card.

Assistant Yeoman, I was able to sign special chits for personnel to be away from the Company. But, I didn't have to march out front! :)

Eight O' Clock Reports Petty Officer (ERPO), This was my favorite job. This job allowed me to leave the Company everyday around dinnertime. I was able to shower by myself, eat by myself, and had time to shine my shoes by myself. The ERPOs from each company in the Division were required to report to the Division Office everyday, and get any special orders from the Company Commander on duty that night. Since I was in the Lead-Off Company I had seniority over the other ERPOs in the Division and was basically their Squad Leader. That meant that I got the brunt of whatever hell, the guy on Duty decided he needed to unleash. But, there was one guy that would ask us trivia questions on world events. If answered correctly, he would buy us a Coke. A Coke, or any Geedunk was a special treat. If the question was answered incorrectly we were dropped for fifty push-ups.

After visiting with Division, we had to run all the way back over by R & O to where the Command Duty Officer would give ERPOs from all of the Divisions the Plan of the Day for the next day. Sometimes while we were in ranks waiting for the CDO to come outside to give us this information, a company of new recruits would come by. You could always tell the new guys were coming, because they would all snap their fingers on the left foot, so they could keep in step.
Being the devious little shits that we were, we would all start randomly snapping our fingers to screw them up. To us, it was funny as hell, because You could hear them get yelled at for being out of step.

It was fun, I loved my new jobs, and it wasn't so bad being on the scope after all, or so I thought.........

Molly's Naval Glossary:

Geedunk- is the what the Navy and Marines call candy or snacks. This word is pronounced with a short G sound, like the word Gull is.

Poop

2005-10-27T19:00:00.000-04:00

My youngest son is such a great little guy. He gives me little presents twice a day. Special presents from him, it's sweet in a way to think that he picks Daddy for these things. It's special until you get a whiff of what the present really is. He's so sweet about it, that it just doesn't seem right to chastise him for not leaving these presents in the proper place.

His Poop reeks people, I mean enough to gag a maggot off of a gut wagon, kind of stink. It's not little baby poops anymore, you know the ones that look disgusting, but just don't have the aroma. He will use the potty to pee, but just can't seem to find the time to sit on it long enough to drop a turd in the water. Mrs. Molly always seems to know when these presents are coming, because she always sends him my way with a diaper and wipes in hand. (I really appreciate that Honey.)

Boys always seem to take longer with these sort of things. My Daughter, man she was Potty Trained by the time she was two. The boys, they seem to love the feel of squishy poo on their bums. As much as I hate changing dirty diapers, I know soon enough it will all be over, and these guys will be too big for any potty games, like sink the Cheerio, and the Poo Poo on the Potty chant.

I will have my revenge though, when I'm old, one of them will be changing mine. Unless I piss them off too bad, and they stick me in a Home. Which brings to mind something I once heard.

'Don't piss your kids off today, because they will be the ones deciding which Rest Home you enter tomorrow.'

Boot Camp Pt. 2

2005-10-27T03:03:00.000-04:00

I went to RTC San Diego (Club Diego, to some) in September of 1988. We had so many recruits that day come in, that we formed eight companies. I had about 1/2 hour of sleep that night, it seemed like I had just finished my shower when all of a sudden someone came in the room banging on a trash can, telling us to 'Drop your c*cks and grab your socks!'

We spent two weeks in receiving and outfitting waiting for a Barracks to open up, so we could start our training. So a eight week Boot Camp turned into ten weeks of fun.

To this very day I remember the first time I met both of our Company Commanders (Drill Instructors). MMC (SS) Hendriksen I met the day after we were issued our Dungarees. We were awakened really early in the morning to go to eat breakfast. I couldn't find my dungaree shirt anywhere. I was told to stay behind and FIND it, and then catch up to the Company at the Chow Hall. I looked all over the place. I looked under the racks, the head, in corners, and even outside. Because the rest of our shirts were sent off to be embroidered with our names, we should each only have one shirt. So, with no other choice I started going through everyone's Sea Bag. I finally found a shirt in the Sea Bag of some Latino guy from Honduras. Apparently he took my shirt, and put his in his Sea Bag. I'm sure it was an honest mistake. I put his shirt on, and hot-footed it to the Chow hall, only to find my company had finished with chow, and was forming up on the Grinder. SHIT!

Remembering the hints my Dad gave me for Boot Camp survival, I ran up to Chief Hendriksen and said, "Seaman Recruit Molly, Reporting as ordered!"
The Chief not knowing me from Adam said, "Who gave you orders to report to me?" I then explained to him what had occurred back at the barracks.

Chief: "Did you eat?"
Me: "No Sir, but I don't need to."
Chief: "dammit, everyone needs to eat" He then gave me a chit, to go eat in the straggler line, and told me to catch back up to the company at the R&O Barracks. (So goes Dad's rule to remain anonymous)

I met MS1 (SS) Orris a few days later when we were in the stencil room. This is where all the rest of our clothing that was not embroidered with our names, was stenciled by us, by hand. My real last name has nine freaking letters to it. To say the least I was having problems keeping up with everyone else. Petty Officer Orris was standing on this little stage in the center of the room. His eyes were shooting daggers into me as I tried like hell to keep up. His face had pure hatred in it as he watched me stencil my clothing. Eventually he had some others help me to keep up. This was not looking good. Nobody wants to be PVT Pyle, everyone wants to stay under the radar. Being on the CC's Shit list is never a good thing.

I soon dropped off the radar scope, only to surface later on in the training. I did however witness several men become targets, and it wasn't pretty. One poor soul forgot to lock his 'B' Drawer during an inspection. A 'B' Drawer is where ALL personal items are kept. I mean every letter, paychecks, whatever is personal it goes in that drawer. We lived on the 3rd deck of our barracks, which translates to the 3rd floor to the rest of you. Petty Officer Orris found the unlocked 'B' Drawer and proceeded to empty all of it's contents onto the the patio three stories down. The poor guy was then ordered to run down there pick up one item, then shout 'I will lock my 'B' Drawer next time Sir!' He was Sooo tired by the time he was done, it hurt to even look at him.

Another poor guy never should have been there in the first place. He must have been there to meet some Recruiter's quota. He was slow in the head, and couldn't comprehend even the most simple of tasks. One day Petty Officer Orris told him he better get out of his sight by the time he turned around. It was during a Barracks Inspection, I was directly across from this guy. It was so pitiful and amusing to watch this guy run back and forth trying to find somewhere to hide. He finally found a corner to bury his face in. That guy didn't last another week.

I have more that I will write in another post.

What's In A Name?

2005-10-27T02:17:00.000-04:00

If you notice my web address, it has Cascara Tree in it. Did you know there is such an actual tree that grows out West?

The bark is used as a natural laxative, but you have to let the bark dry one year, otherwise it will induce vomiting.

So you could say this blog is the laxative of my mind. It helps loosen all the clogged thoughts in my brain.

Or, you could just say I have diarrhea of the mind.

88 Years

2005-10-27T00:04:00.000-04:00

The Last time the White Sox won a World Series was in 1917. Comparatively

My Mariners have only been in existence since 1977. (So I have some hope yet.)

The funny thing about all of this is that last year's winners, The Boston Red Sox last win was in 1916. So history has repeated itself. I'm no fan of the White Sox, nor of the Astros, but I have to tip my hat to both teams. Although it was a shut-out series, both teams played their hearts out. The better team won it all, and they deserved it.

Wilma, Nana, Strike, and kids

2005-10-26T22:02:00.000-04:00

Wilma came blowing through the other day. Everything in the Molly house is good to go, no problems. Although the storm did create a nice little tornado right down the street. We are lucky enough to have power, and all other utilities. That being said please donate to the Red Cross, or some other charity that is helping the victims in other parts of Florida.

We left Sunday afternoon for Jacksonville. Before we left I put all the storm shutters up, and cleaned all debris out of the yard that could turn into missles. On the way to Jax, we stopped at the Union Hall, where I cast my ballot for the new contract. As it looks right now we will be going out on strike sometime next week.

At Nana's house in Jax, we were made to feel as welcome as a cockroach on a dinner plate. Luckily we only stayed there for a day and a half. Nana was cool, but the rest of the family were being assholes. I'll just leave it at that. There is quite a bit of backstory to it all, but it just isn't worth getting into.

Three of the kids came home today. I was so very happy to get my hugs and kisses. I only was able to see them for about fifteen minutes, before Mrs. Molly hauled them off to the Church for the Wednesday night classes. I get to wake them all up though! Mrs. Molly lost the car in the Airport parking garage, she called in tears a couple of times. She spent almost two hours searching, finally they found the car and were able to get home. I tried to find out what happened when she got home, but Mrs. Molly was in no mood to discuss it.

That's all for now, THE game is on, silly!

Help

2005-10-22T03:21:00.000-04:00

I would like to add this image into my header. Is there anyone out there that knows how?

I might be going into a small hiatus of about four days. I will return for sure in the evening on 10/26/05

New Link

2005-10-21T21:50:00.000-04:00

I found this blog, by way of Miladysa's site. The woman that writes this blog is perhaps the funniest person I have ever read. Check her site out, you'll be glad you did.

She gets great joy mocking the deviants that find her blog while searching for freaky crap. She also has, in her archives, a really funny story about her friend Tommy and his big friend Clifford, that will have you falling out of your chair from laughing so hard.

Her baby is also a target of her humor.

http://karlababble.blogspot.com/

Paint Me Stupid, and Call Me a Moron

2005-10-21T20:24:00.000-04:00

I made some salsa for tonight. I love fresh salsa, that crap in the jar is just that......crap.

Oh Man, it burns! Right this very second Tall Molly Man's little buddy is burning. Apparently dishwashing soap will not clean the pepper oil off very well.

After I was done preparing the salsa, I wiped some sleep out of my eye, it started to burn. So I go to the restroom, and wash my hands. After I was done washing my hands, I walked over to the urinal and took care of that business, then washed up again. Sitting here, things downstairs are getting warmer and warmer. Not a pleasant sort of warm, more like a red-hot burning sensation. I had to call and tell Mrs. Molly that the equipment might be out of service for a day or two. She just laughed at me, and said something about me being an idiot.

Pictures of You

2005-10-21T19:25:00.000-04:00

I've been looking so long at these pictures of you
that I almost believe that they're real
I've been living so long with my pictures of you
that I almost believe that the pictures are all I can feel

Remembering you standing quiet in the rain
As I ran to your heart to be near and we kissed as the sky fell in
Holding you close how I always held close
In your fear remembering you

Running soft through the night
You were bigger and brighter than the snow
And screamed at the make-beleive
Screamed at the sky
And you finally found all your courage to let it all go

Remembering you fallen into my arms
Crying for the death of your heart
You were stone white so delicate lost in the cold
You were always so lost in the dark
Remembering you how you used to be slow drowned
You were angels so much more than everything

Oh hold for the last time then slip away quietly
Open my eyes but I never see anything
If only I had thought of the right words
I could have hold on to your heart
If only I'd thought of the right words
I wouldn't be breaking apart all my pictures of you

Looking So long at these pictures of you
But I never hold on to your heart
Looking so long for the words to be true
But always just breaking apart my pictures of you
There was nothing in the world that I ever wanted more
Than to feel you deep in my heart
There was nothing in the world that I ever wanted more
Than to never feel the breaking apart all my pictures of you

-The Cure, Show

Honey?

2005-10-21T18:55:00.000-04:00

I received a new catalog the other day from Bass Pro Shops. This particular catalog has items that can be given gifts for the holidays. Perusing through this catalog I noticed several pages devoted to realtree camouflaged products. I understand the shirts, pants, shoes, hats, and even the firearm stocks.

These guys are taking this crap too far. I had to start laughing when I started to see paddles for ceiling fans, couch covers, and comforters for the bed.

What had me in tears from laughing so hard though, was this item.

I could just imagine Mrs. Molly in this outfit, sitting on my bed with it's camouflage comforter, waiting to start making passionate love, only to have me not find her because I couldn't see her.

"Honey, I smell your perfume, where exactly are you?"

I told you I was easily amused........

Utilities

2005-10-21T01:40:00.000-04:00

Lady Longfellow suggested in response to my post on the USPS, that I should complain about Utility Companies. No problem, I have a beef with them as well.

When you grow up in a State that produces alot of power through Hydroelectric means, you would expect that power to be reasonably priced, right? Not true, it seems that the Utilities from the Washington State sell their energy to the fine people in the State of California for a nice tidy profit. In turn the very same companies buy power from their neighbors to the North in British Columbia. Just doesn't seem right, that because California cannot provide itself with it's own power, they buy it elsewhere, in turn causing the persons living in the provider State to pay higher rates for their power needs. It just doesn't seem right, but then again the profits must be fantastic. One could almost call it double dipping, if you consider that the exchange rate between the US Dollar and the Canadian dollar can give you greater buying power from BC Hydro, in turn sell it at a higher rate to your customers. Then you always have the income from selling off the power generated from your customer's backyard rivers, that you're selling to someone else.

Living in Florida, the majority of the power plants in my particular area are all coal powered. However, just recently in the news it was reported that our rates must be increased because the high fuel prices, and to help pay for the repairs from the hurricane damages sustained during the past two years. Our rates did indeed go up 'temporarily' last February to pay for last year's storms. In the meantime the very same company posted record profits....despite all the damage.

I find it remarkable that these monopolies are able to get away with this garbage. But then again, Political Campaign contributions talk better than the voice of the consumer.

Here we are about to get hit yet again by another Hurricane, I'm sure we will lose power for several days, because we are at the mercy of an antiquated power system, with above ground lines. Too hard to find problems, and too expensive to move the power underground say the power companies. What they mean to say, is it will cut too far into the almighty bottom line, and the quarterly earnings reports that Wall St. loves so much. Yes I love the Electric Company about as much as I love the USPS rate hikes.

Let's not even get into my feelings about Petroluem Companies.

Gray

2005-10-20T18:42:00.000-04:00

So I'm cruising down the street and I happen to catch my image in the mirror. My eyes were treated to the sight of someone else's hair. Surely there must be something wrong with the mirror right?

I am only 35 years old. I shouldn't be starting this early right? My Dad didn't really start until his mid-40's. Then I remembered Mom. Mom is the one with the Indian blood. Mom is the one that used to frost her hair in her 20's, until she realized that it wasn't frost anymore. So then she started to dye it back natural. I guess the people in her family gray prematurely. Thanks for those genes Mom.

My temples are really getting gray, but I could live with that. What startled me is what I saw on top. Little silver hairs sparkling in the light from the moon roof. I have light brown hair, so this shit is really sticking out. I am only 35! This isn't fair!

Wait a minute, when I was 15, 35 was O-L-D.

My Grandpa used to use Grecian Formula and was 39 when he died. Actually he was almost 80, but he was playing the Jack Benny card.

So should I be vain, and dye my hair?

Should I just call it distinguished, and live with it?

Before you answer, how many people with gray hair do you see listening to hard rock, or bands like the Cure, Depeche Mode, or New Order?

I'm not vain, so I'm leaning toward being a gray haired rocker!

"Dude, who invited their Grandpa to the concert?"

USPS

2005-10-20T03:57:00.000-04:00

I heard on the radio recently that the US Postal Service will be raising their rates once again. I have had a problem with this for a few years now. I have even written my Congressional Delegation several times on this issue. Many people don't realize that the Post Office is not a branch of the our government. Instead, like AMTRAK (Passenger Trains), The Postal Service is a government owned corporation.

Here is my issue with the rate hikes. The Postal Service has been competing for many years now with several privately owned corporations for the overnight delivery market. My question is why? Why in the hell does the USPS finfd the need to get into the ring with the likes of FEDEX, UPS, Emory, and newcomer DHL. Doesn't the market for this type of service seem to be flooded already with plenty of providers? Healthy competition between these companies is enough to keep the prices down without a Government owned company having to step in.

The other issue I have is the advertising and sponsorship the USPS undergoes. Just last night on my drive, I was listening to ESPN Radio's coverage of the NLCS. Guess what entity was credited with 'bringing the game to you'? The USPS!

The USPS also used to sponsor Lance Armstrong's racing team. Why? Why does the the USPS need to sponsor a bicycle racing team in France? Do the French use the USPS everyday? Are the French really interested in US Mail services? Where is the return for the investment? (Nothing against Lance)

I think that if the USPS would stick to delivering mail, and bulk packages like they did before they entered into the overnight market, we wouldn't have the excess spending, nor would we have rate hikes every two years.

In 1988 it cost 20 cents to mail a letter. It shouldn't cost double that amount today.

Something for you to think about.

I love my job

2005-10-19T22:30:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Molly came home tonight. Ladies and Gentlemen, the dry spell is over.

It wasn't romantic, but we had a great time just talking. I missed her so much. I know she missed me too, and it was just great. I love my wife so very much. It just felt good to hold her again. Maybe I'll buy some roses on the way home and sprinkle the petals on the bed, as she sleeps.

Tonight I found out that I'm being forced to fly out to California for a week. Apparently there are manpower shortages for our site out there. This is the day after the Hurricane is supposed to roll through. This is also the day after we decide if we're going to go on strike. WTF?

Coming Home

2005-10-19T03:58:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Molly comes home tomorrow, well actually today. She's only been gone for two days, but it feels like forever. It's just been me and my stupid cat.

I say my cat, because I'm the only one she will even really get close to. But she hates to be picked up or be petted. But, I like her, because she keeps to herself and doesn't meow all the time. In fact, I don't think I've ever heard her do anything but hiss. I feel sorry for her because we had her declawed, but the dummy still wants to go outside. I guess she still feels like a badass, but if she ever had to defend herself, she'd be screwed. So we keep her in, or at least try to. The sneaky shit is always trying to scoot through an open door.

My children are coming home too, they will be here in one week. I can't wait, I miss them so much. I cannot sleep very well without my family near.

Mostly I can't wait to see my wife. We have some catching up to do, if you know what I mean. The dryspell needs to end!

First Date

2005-10-18T18:39:00.000-04:00

I met my wife a long time ago. I was still a sailor, and went to one of those hair salons you see in the Malls. I liked the way she washed my hair. In fact to this day I ask her to wash my hair. I always get the same response.....GFY, but it never hurts to ask. I kept going back to her every week, I liked her, she was funny. Finally tired of me not asking her out, I suffer from terminal shyness by the way, she asked me.

Here's the catch

She was going out to a Gay Bar.

I'm a Squid, the Navy kind of frowned on that sort of thing.

I like her

Fuck it, I'm going.

We walked through the door, and I was in total awe of what I saw. It wasn't what I imagined. Hey, I was ignorant, I figured there would be people copulating all over the place.
What did I see? A bunch of normal everyday people drinking and dancing. I saw people from all walks of life, all colors, all creeds. It didn't look like the sterotypical bar, like the Blue Oyster Bar, from the Police Acadamy movies. Nobody was sporting a leather codpiece and matching leather police hat. There were men and women there, they just weren't dancing any slow dances with members of the opposite sex.

I was a little uncomfortable at first. But, then again I usually am in new social situations anyway. My date (Mrs. Molly) left for the restroom leaving me to my own devices. I decided to people watch, and dive into my Pepsi. (I was underage.) Out of the corner of my eye I catch movement in my date's chair. I look over and here is this very pissy effeminate man, sitting there.

Him: "What are YOU doing here?"
Me: "What do you mean?"
Him: "You're obviously straight, why are YOU here?"
Me: "I am here with my date, she wanted to come here."
Him: "You people have your own bars, why do you have to come here?"
Me: "Calm down, I just came here to enjoy myself, I didn't come here to start any shit".
Him: "You shouldn't be here."
Me: "Dude, you have no idea."

My date, back from the restroom stared the little guy down, and he crawled back from whatever dark corner he came out of.

He was right, I didn't belong there. But the experience opened my eyes, and softened my thinking. I realized that night, that it doesn't matter what your orientation is because when you break it all down, we are all human.

Wilma! (foul language ahead)

2005-10-18T18:32:00.000-04:00

Are fucking kidding me? As if 2004, and the previous few months wern't bad enough, now we have another Hurricane headed here?

I am so tired of boarding up windows, hoarding water, evacuating to nowhere, and price-gouging season (Formerly known as Hurricane Season.)

Fuck it....I'm going to get a lawn chair, a cooler of beer, a bag of Pork Rinds, and watch the show.

Morons

2005-10-18T05:20:00.000-04:00

Watching the game last night, no I don't mean Monday Night Football. I mean the NLCS. (National League Championship Series) Baseball folks, that is my sport. I mean I like Football as much as anyone else I guess. But, to be honest with you, I'm an anomaly these days, I would rather watch Baseball than Football. Why? Because I like the duel between the Pitcher and the Batter. I like the strategy it takes to get a guy back to Home Plate. I like it that a guy can do good 1/3 of the time, and be a hero. I like Baseball.

This brings me to what this post is truly about. Morons, you know the people I writing about. The Smegheads (Red Dwarf rules!) that get on the cellphone, in the stands behind homeplate. You see them every game.

"Fred!, Dude! Do you see us on TV? Yeah, we're the ones waving."
"You do? Awesome!"
"Hey Babe, Fred says we're on TV!"

Hey Dipshit, do you really think the rest of the world cares? Do you really think the rest of us are looking at you with a sense of awe, because you're on TV? I have news for you.....NO! In fact I find you extremely irritating. I catch you out of the corner of my eye, and I miss the pitch.

For the woman behind Homeplate to the left, with the all of the cleavage. Yes, you caught my eye. Initially because you looked like you were sporting a push-up bra. But, then it occured to me that you had no idea you were at a very special game. You had like the best seats in the house. Do you realize how many people up in the nosebleed section would have given their left testicle or ovary for that seat you were occupying? You had no idea a game was even being played. I watched you gab to everyone within earshot of you. Seriously, if I was the guy that bought your ticket, I would have been really pissed off. Unless you were actually asking questions about the game, just STFU. I bet you're the type that just has to be the center of attention no matter where you go...hence all of the boob showing.

Morons........