Life and Music

......Actual MUSIC.

2011-08-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

I have much to do today because it's Saturday and my house looks like a couple of children ran through it and got all of their toys out and slung them everywhere and both mommy and daddy work or something. I don't know why it looks like that.......but that means this post may be shorter than usual.

Since this Blog is titled "Life and MUSIC", I figured I would elaborate on some actual music today.

On that note, I would first like to express my sympathies for the recent passing of Jani Lane, lead singer of the 80's hair group WARRANT.


Somebody please...cut....his.....hair.

I am most definitely the last one to judge, so I hope Mr. Lane got his act together in the last days of his life and looked to the Lord for salvation. I know that seems far fetched, but who knows what the Holy Spirit can do to reach somebody. I think God is more powerful, more patient and merciful that we can all imagine. If His standards are so high that the very thoughts of a person is the same to Him as actually doing something, then can you really fathom how deep His love and mercy goes?

Sometimes I think we have it all wrong. We interpret the Bible a certain way because that's the way we have been brought up to interpret it. We may all be totally surprised one day when we die and see that things...may not be the same way that we imagined. I'm not talking about the basics. I'm just saying that God is a unique and powerful being, and we will not ever understand everything that He is.

I don't know why I got off track with that, but back to Mr. Lane:


Much Better!

I remember Warrant's song "Heaven". It was in the top charts for I don't know how long back in the late 80's. I pretty much remember the whole song right now. Isn't that sad? Back before the secular music world was corrupted with the influence of Africa, we actually had some music that was......music.

(On a side note, if you ever have any need to find some no-talent butt clowns, please feel free to google the words "Rap Artists".)

The music industry has changed so much in the past twenty years. It went from that "metal hair band" thing to "bling-bling put a cap in yo mom cuz youz a pimp" thing. Kids today would laugh at the absurdity of the hair from the bands that we used to listen to.

Let's compare and contrast, shall we?

THEN......haha, I know, bad example to start with.


NOW......he's just happy cuz YO' MOMMA! WHAT?


THEN...and is that guy actually touching that other guy????


YYYEEEAAAAYYYAAAHHHH!!!!!

You get the drift. Are we ready to switch on over to some Christian music that's pleasing to the Lord yet? Next post!

Oh well, at least I know many more hymns than those type of songs. The way I see it, if you sing one song for the Dark Side, then you should sing a thousand songs for God. I hope Mr. Lane is up in Heaven. I fear the worst for him, but you never know until you know.

I will PRAISE the LORD with music. May HIS name be glorified!

Study Time. Cleaning Time. Keep the children entertained while THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY is at work time. And, most certainly..........YOUUUUUUUUU:


Live long and prospa, live long and prospa, wiki wiki wiki wiki live long and PROSPA!!!!!

WORD.

Red Shirt Friday

2011-08-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

(No, I do not endorse Communism in any way, shape, or form, except for the fact that its very existence has given me potential hope for higher paying jobs as I fight against it)

Today is Friday, which can only mean that if you didn't wear your red shirt to work today, you are either a no good Communist heathen (irony) or you don't support our American troops, since apparently the color red is supposed to symbolize support for them............somehow.

(Or possibly, you just might have forgotten about it or don't own one...but that's probably a far fetched scenario).

Anyway, I don't know who came up with the concept of Red Shirt Friday, but I have to wonder if they spent any time serving in our Armed Forces at all. Snopes.com says it was started as a Canadian demonstration showing support for Canadian troops. See it here: Red Shirt Friday

I mean, I don't feel as if I need to really wear a red shirt to prove that I support our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Fly boys (this means you, Air Force). Seeing as I spent nine crazy years as a US Marine, I don't need to prove ANYTHING.

Nevertheless, I suppose it doesn't hurt to be a bit supportive, so here I am with my red work shirt on. I only hope that we don't have a warp core breach at work today and the transporters don't malfunction. Needless to say there would be a lot of casualties if this were indeed an episode of Star Trek TOS.

Now that I've stated my opinion on normal operations on Red Shirt Friday, allow me to follow up with a bit of support for the families of the recently deceased SEALS that were killed in Afghanistan. Thanks for giving the ultimate sacrifice in being the best of all of us. You are our big Brothers, or comrades who we can all look up to as role models. The rest of us who served in less important roles are not worthy of your gift of remaining freedom that most of us take for granted.

Now, on to the economy:

So I do believe I have never in my lifetime seen our economy in such bad shape. Of course, I was too small to remember the 80's recession and most of my memories are from the booming expansion of the 90's. I don't really know what's in store, but I get a bad feeling when I see stuff like this:


And this is just the BEGINNING!

The current economy is a constant reminder that if you make the wrong decisions in life, you truly face and pay the consequences. I decided to stay in the military and not go to college until later, and now I am struggling so hard just to pay bills. It is very hard to keep afloat in this economy when your skill level is not competitive. I'm on my way, but I and my family have to suffer for now due to my earlier stupidity.

On the other hand, I am extremely blessed to be employed PERIOD. God has been very good to us. There is no question!

Gotta get some work done.

You know what to do....

Fireproof, Spankings, and Certifications

2011-08-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

Now, where was I?

First I would like to give a big shout out to my beautiful wife Stacey (aka THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY) who is keepin' it real over in Warrenton, VA while she types up a few reports and works on various projects that keep her happily employed. Also, a brief shout out to my homie Big Brian P. out in wherever he is today and also his wife Jan, who is dealing with trauma issues because she had a drive by near her house and somebody sprayed her shower stall with bullets. Thank God for the wise decision to have bullet proof glass installed.

Now seeing as I haven't updated this blog since January should give you some indication of how busy I have been. Allow me to illuminate the path of progress:

Acquired Security+ Certification in February
Acquired new position at my company troubleshooting LAN's in an IT position
Started Network Security Certification from NOVA and have only two classes to go
Acquired Network+ Certification in July
Began studying CCNA Certification last month

Okay, so that may not seem a whole lot to some of those IT studs out there, but that is a WHOLE lot for a peon such as myself. And I did all of this in 2011 with a wife that works full time and two children that are 5 and 3 years old. Tell me I'm not dedicated.

So yeah, I still have a loooooong way to go before I get a Masters in Information Assurance (my goal) but I will get there. I don't think my goal of getting it by age 40 is going to be feasible, but perhaps 43 if all goes well. I would love to have my bachelors by age 40. In all reality, I can get my two associates by end of summer semester next year and maybe get into Mason next year. It's a long shot, but possible. The CCNA will be conquered fully by January 2012 (in 6 months), or even sooner.

Let me just ask everybody a question before I elaborate on other things: HOW'S IT GOING? DID ANYBODY MISS ME? (I say this as if anybody else is actually reading this...haha) I hope all is well in everybody's life. Just to let everybody know, I WILL become an awesome Network Administrator/Security Analyst.

What? Don't believe me??? Well, then............


Darth Vader finds your lack of faith DISTURBING.

So last week THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY and I watched the movie "Fireproof" for the first time. I noted to myself that it was not the best acting in the world but the movie was terrific. It has really changed my outlook on a lot of things in marriage. It was well worth the 90 minutes of viewing time. My only regret is that we have had the movie for over a year and this was the first time we have watched it.

My two children Pooka and Princess decided to act like special agents for Satan yesterday at WalMart while I was forced to wait in the prescription line for medication. I was highly embarrassed because I had to tell them about 5 times each to get over here and stand beside me. This isn't typical behavior for them, so I wonder if I have softened up in my disciplinary actions somewhat. They both received the blunt end of the dreaded SPOON (aka "the rod of correction") when we got home, but I don't know if that is working so well. The Bible says, "Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him". So therefore I believe in spanking but at the same time, I think we have implemented a rather successful (so far) system in which to guide their behavior habits.

What THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY and I have done is implement what can only be known as "The Star System":

We take two Posters sized charts with different rows and columns and label each row with whatever chore we want them to have: Clean Room, Put Shoes Away, Make Beds, Put Away Shoes, etc. Every night we sit down with them and calculate their work that day and what they did and didn't do. If they completed that chore, they get one star sticker. If they do something that requires discipline, we cross a star out! This includes any spankings with the SPOON that they receive. After BOTH of them get 50 stickers a piece, we go to Chuck-E-Cheese. It's that simple...but it works! If they start acting up and we say that we are going to take away stars from their chart, they freak out like the world is ending and do what they are told. This works almost if not better than the SPOON.

I guess you have to use all sort of methods sometimes. But trust me, TIME-OUT does NOT work and undermines the dire consequences of disobedience.

Okay, so.....I will get on here from time to time instead of waiting whole months. So everybody feel free to check in. And please, leave a comment if you feel so inclined.

Gotta go. There is work and studying to be done!

As always.......

Soreness. Agony. Despair. Me.

2011-01-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

Not really, but I am sore from helping my Aunt and Uncle move their office yesterday. It was a nice start but they still have a ton of stuff to move. Normally whenever somebody asks me to help them move I usually have something better going on where I can't help them, such as my sock drawer needs organized or my belly button lint needs knitted into a sweater, but Phyllis and Ron have been wonderful relatives and I will do anything in my power to assist them. So therefore, I helped them move a ton of furniture yesterday, and the best part about it is that whatever we moved that they didn't want they said we could have it. So now I have to figure out what older furniture I'm going to throw out to make room for the newer. I love free stuff that is in fairly decent condition. I must say we have been rather blessed with an abundance of it this year.

Work was great this week. Spreadsheets, invoicing, supply orders, front desk security, bagels and donuts, coffee, papers, papers, and papers...not exciting but employment. Thank you Lord for the wonderful company known as STG who put up with me on a weekly basis and have given me the opportunity to improve myself and learn about how federal contracting works. And I even have to say there is not a co-worker that I dislike. And no, I am not being sarcastic but sincere for a change.

On another note, my sister-in-law informed THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY (aka Stacey) that since their Nintendo Wii is not the latest and greatest item to hit the market and the Xbox Konnect is, they have decided to rid themselves of the Wii monstrosity and therefore offered it to us. So now, we have a Wii system with the Fit game incorporated, and Stacey is excited beyond words can describe about it. Already Pooka and Princess are fighting over playing the thing, so I guess we will have to incorporate some rules. Hopefully no controllers go flying at the screen anytime soon.

Okay, so I realized this morning that I am 34 years old. Yeah, I finally realized that, and now I think I am having midlife crisis 16 years early. I feel as if I haven't accomplished a thing that I wanted to at this point. I guess I just need to drink some more coffee, stop whining, and get busy studying and living life. Fo' real.

On a more positive subject, I have set up my Security + test for the 24th! I am so motivated about it. The day after I take the test, I am starting the A+ certification course. I am unstoppable!!! (unless something stops me) Back to that midlife crisis thing....

Lately I have been thinking of how I am now into my fourth decade of life and since I am a Dad and need to be more of a serious person and focus on my three imminent family members and their happiness, I must not forget about the humorous events in life that inspire me. while I was bussing the children around the other day, Pooka gets this big grin on his face and says to me, "Daddy, Claire wants to go home and watch Star Trek." Claire quickly denies such nonsense and whines that she doesn't want to watch Star Trek. Pooka says it repeatedly for 5 minutes and Claire respectively yells at him, "No Nicholas! I don't want to watch Star Trek!" The potential for this to go on for another half hour was great but I stopped them both and told them that we were not watching Star Trek when we got home. When we did indeed arrive at our annual rental I put both of their little whiny butts in bed since apparently they just wanted to pick on each other and were tired.

Then I went downstairs and watched Star Trek.

That's it for now since I have that test coming up and I need to study (tremendously). You have a wonderful Sunday afternoon. Take it easy today since it is indeed the Lord's day. You have to say that He has been good to all of us.

Live long, and Prosper.

Dysfunctionality. Tis' Bliss.

2010-12-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, so it has been like, a quatrillion years since I've been on here. I've even decided to rename my blog and re-design. Much has changed since I was going through the whole "Unemployed Stay-at-Home Dad" stage in my life. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am wonderfully employed, and although it is not my dream job, it most definitely is a step toward it.

The place where I work is wonderful. They have an employee breakfest every Friday morning and we get to stuff ourselves with donuts and bagels and various fruit types. There is free Keurig coffee...all...day...long, and if you really, really want to, you can actually do some training/school work if you have any down time, which is a great thing for self-improvement. This is my first federal contracting job, so I just know that I'm going to get spoiled and I'll expect way too much for my next one. That is, if I actually have to leave this company or get canned. Hopefully none of that foolishness is happening anytime soon.

So, I have to tell you about last Saturday morning (week before Christmas). I drove down to Waynesboro to see the parents and grandparents. Pooka and Princess were already there (since Wednesday) and acted as if they might have potential for being spoiled (surely not). THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY (yes, I still call her that) had to work...at Borders, which she simply loves...so I decided to go down and spend Christmas-a-week-Early Day with them. I was in a huge hurry and so I decided that when the gas light in my car came on in Charlottesville to simply ignore it and to risk running out of gas and being stranded on the middle of Afton Mountain. Not a great way to start your Saturday....fortunately, my vehicle is embraced by Al Gore and is energy efficient, and therefore I made it all the way to Waynesboro and drifted into the local yokel gas station on fumes.

When I got to my parents house we had the Christmas bash. Nothing exciting went on there, so I won't elaborate with all the children running around acting crazy and receiving gifts. The real reason I am writing about all of this is so I can include the contents of Sunday afternoon's dinner conversation.

Before I begin this, let me just say that I love my family very much and I do not believe them to be dysfuctional. Hilarious would be a better word. We all have those people that we love but we believe to be out of date with reality. We often find, however, that their reality is probably better than ours and their way is the way things should be. But anyway, to give you a taste of my W-boro trips, I gotta include this story.

My family and myself were all sitting down at the table eating dinner: Me, Dad, Mom (Jaynie), my grandmother Pat(NaNa), and my grandfather Emerson (Paw). Paw, who has extensive hearing loss and couldn't hear a grenade go off within 5 yards distance, initiates conversation. I'm not going to divulge the whole thing because I can't remember everything. I will try to re-live the moment, but I'm quite sure most of this will be slightly exaggerated in order for you to feel me. Fo' real.

(Warning: Don't read this if you were on on the Axis side during WWII, love communism and the Chinese, believe in Global Warming, or embrace the current US Govt. Administration that is ruining everything they can get their hands on. You will be offended.)

Paw: (Really loud 'cuz he can't hear) SO I HEAR THE NEIGHBOR DOWN THE STREET BOUGHT A KIA. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? WHAT IS THIS NATION COMING TO? DON'T THEY KNOW WE FOUGHT THOSE PEOPLE IN WWII?

Me: Paw, that was like 60 years ago and isn't the KIA a Korean car? It's not Japanese.

Paw: WELL EVEN SO THOSE PEOPLE ARE COMMUNIST AND HATE US.

Me: Yeah Paw, but that's North Korea...I'm pretty sure the KIA is from South Kor.....

Paw: HUH? WHAT'S THAT?

NaNa: EMERSON, HE SAIIIID THE KIIIIIA WAS FROM SOOUTH KOORREEAA (slowly, so he can hear it).

Dad: Speaking of that area of the world, did you know that a majority of your emails got routed through China last year?

Me: Huh?

Dad: Yeah. The Chinese were just messing with us as usual.

Me: Yeah, the Chinese have a whole cyberwarfare division trying to take down our agencies in case we ever go to war...

RING RING! (cell phone)

Jaynie: Hello? Oh she did???? Hey, let me call you back.....

Paw: HOW ABOUT THIS WEATHER, HUH? IT'S COLD AND WE AREN'T EVEN THROUGH HALF OF THE WINTER YET!

Dad: Yeah, it must be global warming! (with smile on face)

Paw: WE NEED SOMEBODY IN OFFICE THAT WON'T MESS AROUND WITH THESE COUNTRIES AND WILL STOP THIS FOOLISHNESS.

Me: Yeah, but you don't get voted into office these days unless you play the saxaphone or like cigars (rather chumly). Ain't that right, Nana? (patting her on back)

NaNa: AND I STILL LIKE HIM AND WOULD VOTE FOR HIM AGAIN!!! (defiance)

Me: To tell you the truth, it's a sad day when I wish Clinton was still in office...

Paw: WE GOTTA STOP THESE FOREIGNERS FROM TAKING OVER EVERYTHING. THE CHINESE ARE BUYING UP THE WHOLE NATION!

Dad: Hopefully we can get somebody in the Tea Party to be President! (motions proudly toward Tea Party sticker on truck)

Me: Those people are Godless. True Communists have no sense of morality. You should read about the stuff they do to persecute churc....

Paw: DID YOU EVER GET YOUR CAR INSPECTED?

Me: Uh, no I didn't Paw. I think I need new brakes so I haven't even bothered to take it in.

Paw: DID YOU TRY LOOSENING THE GAS CAP?

Me:......................Yeah, I already did that. I need new brakes, pretty sure.

NaNa: EMERSON, THE CAAARRR NEEEEDDS BRAAAKKEES.

Me: Yeah, so as soon as I get the cash, I will get it inspected. I mean, what's the rush? The sticker's only been dead since September.

End.

So that's just a taste of what the usual conversation amounts to when I go down and visit. It may seems dysfunctional, but I love every minute of it.

In other news, I am still planning on taking my Security + exam...when...I...can...afford...to. I have studied and now I just need a short review, and then I'm ready. I've also applied for a job at my current location that would consist of a little basic web design and some networking skills. I know it is a longshot for me, but the last person they hired had zero skills with quality assurance, and if that's how they roll, maybe I have a shot.

Well, I hope to update at least twice a week from here on out. There, I said it. That's my goal anyway. You have a wonderful New Year blog people!

All 2 of you. :)

And as Always: Live long, and Prosper.

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOOOOOWWWW

2010-02-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

Hey all you crazy Christians!

It's time to get on our knees and thank God for His wonderful blessing of snow! I'm talking about the 2.5 feet that is on the ground still and the other amount that is falling down from the sky as I type!

Stop whining everybody! God is good! Let's thank Him for the snow! It may be the last time we see it. Jesus may come and we may never see the snow again. I doubt there will be any in Heaven. I could be wrong, though. I know, it's hard to believe, me being wrong and all. It has happened before, I assure you.

Anyway, the snow is awesome! I know it is hard to dig your cars out and you get tired shoveling your driveways. I wish I had a garage so I could park my car in the snow. I would still have to clean the driveway. That's just the way it is for now. One day we won't have to worry about it anymore, but until then, embrace it and thank the Lord that you got to see it and be a part of it.

Just think of all those Israelites back in ancient Israel that probably never saw snow. Speaking of which, no wonder everybody hates everybody over in the Middle East. When your brain is frying at 150 degrees outside, you just want to pick up a rock and throw it at somebody. It is so stinking hot over there sometimes that you can fry an egg on the street, I hear. Who in their right mind would rather have that than the wonderful white snowfall surrounding their house and car?

The only drawback to the snow is that I can't get to church sometimes because it gets cancelled. When we do have service and it's snowing, we are one of like five families that actually shows up. A missionary friend of mine told me of his eldest member (74 years old!!!) that walked for an HOUR in 20 degrees with 6 inches of snowfall all day long just to go to church. I should mention that this happened in Ukraine, but the point is that we should go to church whenever we can!! Rain or snow, sleet or hail, dogs and cats falling out of the sky and dinosaurs munching on our car tires, we should still go.

Is it obvious yet that I love the snow? Snow is useful in so many ways. You can eat it, roll in it, slide down it, pelt your Pastor with snowballs (he likes it, honest), make a snowman, snow angel, go skiing, go snowboarding, and just be crazy with it. It is meant for us as a gift, the way I see it.

So stop WHINING AND GRUMBLING and being the little non-hackers that dislike God's wonderful creation. He might just make it snow a few more feet because you keep complaining.

Live long, and prosper.

Crazy

2009-09-28T17:52:00.000-07:00

(Intro)

YOU: Wow, Jason, it's great to see you back on here.

ME: Thank you, it's great to be back.

YOU: No seriously Jason, your charm and wit have been missed immensely. The planets have all fallen out of alignment and darkness has reigned on earth since you left our blogspot.

ME: Well, have no fear, chaps. I have returned with a most outstanding blog on this evening of reconciliation. I have surpassed all expectations and will have you begging for more of my most awesome blog shortly before you finish reading below.

YOU: Thank you, Oh thank you, Mr. Jason! We worship your very existence and curse the day of your imminent employment when you will no longer be available to scribe your most excellent blogs.

ME: It shall be done! Let us make haste and embrace the present in order that we may gain strength from my most excellent blog tonight! Come, let us tell of all the wonders and signs that have befallen since I have last blogged. Arise! Let us go forth!

(Exit Intro)

Let's just say that if this was the 60's and I wasn't pending background investigation, and I was in the same mindframe as a vast number of college students back then, there may be a bit of questionable drug use going on around here after the month that I've just had.

I mean, where do I begin?

Which story should I begin to tell concerning how my life has spun out of control in the past month since I have blogged?

Would you like to hear about the sickness I have endured? How about learning of the hives that are currently on my arms? Do I need to indulge everybody over how many employment applications I have put in for various positions worldwide, all for naught?

I know, you would rather hear of the A I made on my multimedia test, the fact that my potentially new employer actually contacted me and wants me to take a polygraph test next week, and I know you want to hear all about my wife had a birthday and she had a great time even though she had pneumonia.

It has been a rough time this month, but I am used to going through hardship and I am rolling with the punches as usual. My three courses that I am taking are really interesting for a change. Usually I'm stuck taking stupid classes that I won't use, but these fall in line with my career track, so I am happy to be taking them and actually learning something I will use. What a concept!

So let me catch you up on what's been going on:

I have put in for many jobs (one has to when one is collecting employment) and I've only had a few phone calls or emails. The ones that have called shortly shut me down due to not being qualified for the position. I'm not totally depressed about, since it has allowed me to go to school and move forward with education.
(Pause)

YOU: Jason, what's going on? Where is your wit, your comical vibe? Why aren't you impressing us with your sarcastic takes on life? What has happened in the past month?

ME: Ok, I've got to tell you this, but you have to promise not to speak of it to anybody, not even your imaginary friends. You know that mental state that they speak of, that way of being that they call sanity? Well, it was shortly after I last blogged that I was visited by aliens and was taken up to their spaceship. They shot something in my arm with a needle and I blacked out, and then when I woke up in my bedroom the next day, my sanity was gone! The aliens took it with them! I've been trying for the past month to apply for jobs at NASA in the hopes that they will send me up there to try to get my sanity back from the aliens.

YOU: Uh.....

ME: Not really, but it's more interesting than telling you that my brain is fried right now and I need to get off of here so I can study for my exams I have this week. I'm so sorry that my mind is drawing a blank tonight. I will have to resume my tales of the past month on my next blog concerning Pooka and Claire, Stacey and K-dog. I am completely wiped out.

YOU: Um, okay...see ya...

(Exit Pause)

I am so tired right now, I guess I should have waited until tomorrow to try to reinstate my blog for my whole two fans to see it. I hope you girls are having a better week than I am.

Don't Need Any IRA's, Apparently I'm Nonqualified

2009-08-18T06:11:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you a story. (No, I didn't get this from the "Burn Notice" commercial)

Guy has a great job. Guy loses his job. Guy searches for other jobs, including one that's even "secretarial" in the hopes he can at least gain some type of employment.

Guy gets email after email saying that he's not "qualified" for any of these jobs.

Guy reads qualifications on job posting: Answers phones, arranges travel, performs reports using Microsoft Office Word, Excel, Powerpoint, 2-3 years experience as administrative personnel.

Guy reapplies for position, thinking there must be some mistake. After all, his most excellent resume shows all the bodacious stuff he's experienced in, and knows he's well qualified to make coffee, answer phones, and scratch his head while patting his tummy.

Guy gets second notice stating he's not qualified again and is a complete turd for reapplying for the same job.

Guy initiates jihad against infidel company that has dissed him twice.

I'm not allowed to disclose the specifics for fear of corporate snipers hiding in the nearby trees, but this is what I have been through everyday for the past month and it is getting old fast. This tells me that I'm either a complete worthless turd or the job market...oh, how shall I say it?...SUCKS.

Thank God we're out of the recession. I'm so glad the media cleared that up for us.

More Info Coming Soon

2009-08-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm too tired to write anything wonderful on here tonight, but I will let you know that I am back...and I am bad. I have just downloaded a new CD, and it has given me inspiration to start blogging again regularly. Actually, the CD is for THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY whom seems to be grateful that I made it for her. I feel like a high school kid making his love interest a mixed tape. THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY pointed out to me this morning that I have not been as affectionate or made her feel wanted in a while. I can only apologize and say that it is unintentional and most likely due to the stress of adjusting to my new lifestyle and the seemingly everlasting search for new and gainful employment. I thought a new CD that she could listen to at work would make her smile and realize that I was thinking of her. Of course I am going to make myself a copy, but the point is the songs were for her and I think she will enjoy it, especially the three Miley Cyrus songs I put on it. You don't have to be a teenager to enjoy Hannah Montana.

I will update my month soon...stay tuned, my peeps.

Live Long, and Prosper...

TO BE CONTINUED

Don't Call It A Comeback, I've Been Here for Years...

2009-07-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, tis' I. I have returned to inform you of the follies to which I have succumbed to in this past week.

But First, perhaps an explanation as to why I have not been on here:

I have had finals with Science class to deal with, job searches to conduct, and I've been sort of depressed and didn't really feel like blogging last week. THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY has urged me to get back on here and write, so I am inclined to do so, at least for her benefit. She seems to enjoy it, and really, if nobody else did, that would still make it worth writing.

So last week was not so wonderful. I turned 33 years old, Michael Jackson died (on my birthday), Farrah Fawcett also died (On my birthday as well), and I was reminded that not only is life short, but even if you have a gazillion plastic surgeries and bleach your skin white and love children to the point of pedophilia, you are still going to fall asleep with roses in your hands and there's nothing you can do about it. I was telling my buddy Kevin today that I hope I get a job in DC so when the big mushroom cloud erupts over our capital city (and you can go to Vegas and bet on it) because we have allowed all this stupid mess into our country, I can at least get a front row seat to the big show and be vaporized instead of having to go through cancer or heart disease or something stupid like that. I wouldn't mind going instantaneously, where you're walking along and all of a sudden you're wandering among the clouds with your harp and halo.

It has been hard shopping for jobs this past week. I am finding better things to do, like being depressed about having to find jobs. I need to get up and get moving and stop worrying all the time. I love my children but I have come to the conclusion that I am not meant to be a housewife.

So anyway, a summary of the week's events:

Saturday: We went to our friend Jodi's house and she fixed us her famous enchilada recipe. Then we all went out to play in her backyard, which is the size of Canada and I kicked some balls around for Claire and Pooka so they could run after them and it would wear them out. We then proceeded to scarf some birthday cake down and watch some TV show about idiot drivers.

At Jodi's

Jodi's

Sunday: We went to church and then yet AGAIN Jodi took us out to eat at Asian Garden. As far as Asian food goes, I shall not look back from now on and am now a big fan of the restaurant. They have it all: Sushi, Chinese, Japanese, ChingChongese, and all the awesome food from the Orient. It was delicious!

Monday: Vacation Bible School for Claire this week! This means I get to take her to school and drop her off for THREE HOURS every day so Pooka and I can have some guy time. I whipped out the Buffalo wings, chips and salsa, and Pooka brought the keg! (It's root beer, honest) I went to see Kevin at his office and when I came out, the meter maid Police Officer hit me with a $25 fine to pay for expired tags! AWESOME!!! I went to Warrenton's finest Police Force and asked them to kindly remove the ticket since I had the registration paper in my driver's window, and if the officer would have tilted his head .0000000000000001 degrees North he would have clearly seen that the tags were on it's way and I had paid for them already. The receptionist there said I would need a citation to take care of it!! Shock! I found the meter maid walking in the town and explained to him about it, and he told me to come back on Wednesday and he would write me up a citation! YEEESSSS!!!

Tuesday: More Vacation Bible School! The guy time was awesome! Clearly they must do this more than once a year. Suggestion Box anywhere?

Wednesday: I'll give you two guesses where Claire went this morning. And while she was there, I mosied on over to the Warrenton's Finest Little Police Department Around the Corner and asked them to call Mr. Meter Maid so he could write me up a most excellent citation. While I was waiting on Mr. Meter Maid, I happen to read the fine print on the back of the ticket where they explain what a citation MEANS. To summarize it with a scientific formula (for I am currently taking my 2nd science class), Citation= Court Time x Officer's Word against Yours. When Mr. Meter Maid arrived, I just told him to forget it. I went over to the Town of Warrenton office and donated my $25 to Mr. Meter Maid's retirement fund. Praise Jesus! After my police adventure, I went over to my buddy Kevin's office and got on the computer and applied for a few jobs.

Let me tell everybody about my buddy Kevin. This guy is just flat awesome. He is a CPA, Oracle wizard, and he can work on two computers at the same time like he has four arms or something. If you can't get along with K-Diddy you need to confess your sins and acquire an attitude adjustment, for there is none that can beat his upbeatiness. However, when it comes to job searching, he is not in the best of moods. Misery loves company, so I had to go over there today and hang out with my K-dog and initiate the internet job search with him. The following conversation ensued:

"Kevin, I have some good news. I recently received an "A" on my first science class, and this is cause for celebration. To celebrate, I am taking you to Starbucks and we are getting some caffeine to jolt us awake from this slump."

"Jason, I think I will take you up on that."

So off to Starbucks we went. We pull into the drive-thru (for we were in a hurry) and I asked K-Diddy what delicious beverage he would like to have.

This next part that I'm about to tell you is absolutely 100% the truth. He looks at me and to the amazement of my ears, mutters one word. A word so despicable that I cannot even believe that my friend Kevin had the tenacity to exclaim.

And the word, my friends, was this: "DECAF".

For just a second, you could have heard a pin drop. I mean, a friend takes you to Starbucks, and you order a Decaf? I laugh at the absurdity. I looked at him and said, "No seriously man, what do you want?" And then, to my horror, realized the truth: He was serious.

You used to be put to death for lesser crimes. Thank the Lord we live in a century where we have a kinder justice system.

I had to rationalize it out: My buddy Kevin is a good friend of mine. He occasionally laughs at my jokes and we go to the same church. We both have children that are about the same age and they get along and play together. Our wives get along with each other and we all like to hang out and watch our kids destroy living rooms. Oh, and he likes to go to Starbucks and order decaffinated coffee.

I guess I can live with that. I think he was just being nice anyway and didn't want me to spend my money on him. One day I am going to buy him a steak with my fat wad of cash and tell him it is to make up for the decaf all those years ago.

Anyway, we had to swing by Kevin's house after the decaf trip, and Pooka was hanging with his buddy Joseph (Kevin's son) there. I had to go pick up Claire at VBS, so Amy (K's wife) turned Pooka back over to me and I rode up there to get her. Amy had to pick up Mary Ellen (K's daughter) from VBS as well, and they were having an ice cream social when we arrived. Amy and I stood there and watched the children drop chocolate ice cream all over themselves. I went to get some wipes from the diaper bag, and Pooka had so much ice cream on him that I think I used half of the wipes on him alone. Joseph kept running off and Amy was chasing after him. Claire and Mary Ellen were sort of standing there in a state of bliss while they smeared chocolate into their mouths. All of this was well coordinated, of course, right before lunch and nap time. The children were wired on the way home. Pooka was singing and Claire was watching her movie in the van. I was glad to get back home so I could feed them and get them in bed.

Soooooo, here I am once again, on the computer, blogging away my existence. I have a few "serious" thoughts for you before I finish out:

It was a tragedy last week with the passing of Michael Jackson. It was apparent that the man clearly had psychological issues. He just wanted to be left alone, and the public drove him bananas with the paparazzi and the publicity and the craziness. His pedophilia accusations didn't help him either. Whether he was guilty or innocent, he clearly had some mental issues. It is sad to know he is gone from this life.

Billy Mays also died last week...tragic.

Farah Fawcett...just another example that the world can only give you so much. It is so sad.

But anyway, that's enough seriousness. We can't have too much of that going around. Pooka and Claire are in bed snoring. I hope you have a great day! Maybe I can get on here more often now.

Live long, and prosper.

J

O'er The Land of The Free

2009-06-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a waste of time. I skipped yesterday's blog because if I had a choice in the matter, I would have skipped yesterday altogether. I was sick, Nicholas was sick, THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY was on the go, and it was just downright crazy up in here. The only fortunate incident relative to my story is that one of the positions I applied for needs to be filled rather quickly, and the company called to phone screen me, which is the first step to an interview process. The position is in Reston, so if I get the job I am going to be beside you in 66 traffic stuck behind the non-English speaking people who obviously have different driving standards in their home country. The good news is with all that drive time I can implement some measures I have been wanting to but haven't had the time. I can:

Learn a foreign language
Study for an educational course

Listen to stupid talk shows and laugh at idiots

Listen to the morning news and get depressed

Read a book

This, of course, is the positive way of having to deal with Northern VA traffic.

Today my sweet children let me sleep in until 8! That is unheard of. I can't remember the last time this has happened. They went to bed late, so that may have been a factor. We were sitting around watching cartoons this morning and I had my shirt off while I was feeding the chidren. Nicholas points to my chest and says "Boobie". I think he was really trying to say "Baby", but nevertheless, push-ups are now added to my morning routine.

We had adventure time today. I had to go set up a payment plan for Claire because she is starting pre-school this year. While we were there at the office, the children would not obey my wishes and had to constantly touch everything in sight. The poor secretary there had to whip out a few stuffed bears for them to play with, which made me bring up the question: "Are you giving those to them or are they just using them?" to which she replied, "No, I need them for the other children." This of course was not a good situation for me, because I knew once Claire had to give hers back she would be crying for a bear, and, as if I had psychic abilities given from above, of a surety this event happened. Therefore I felt sorry for her and told her we would go to town and get her a bear, since she only has about 14,000,000 stuffed animals at home and that is clearly not enough for my sweet princess. Sooooooo, off to Walmart we went.

Due to the current CD that is playing in our van, I feel somewhat patriotic now considering it is patriotic songs for kids (Star Spangled Banner, My Country Tis' of Thee, etc.). As a result, I have decided to take more pictures than usual of today's events and post them on here. Truly, this is the land of the free! I am still proud to be an American.

Tis' Yonder Children

Tis' I, J da Great

Local cow field

Yet another local cow field

What it's all about

The Fruited Plain

The Fauquier Motel Sign....Uhhhh, maybe this doesn't go with the rest of the pics

Direction of our travels homeward

To finish out our theme, we have LIBERTY High School

The children are now sleeping and I am tired. I think I am going to relax for a few. You have a good day!

J

Isotopes, Nuclides, and Atoms, Oh My!

2009-06-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

Come with me as I visit the past for a minute. Join me in my time machine that I have recently perfected:

I'm stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola about 9 years ago, and I'm attending an aviation school that has a section we must pass to qualify as an aviation radiographer. We are sitting in class, and I'm reading over my study material. As I'm reading over the atomic weight of beryllium and how alpha particles are dangerous but cannot penetrate even a slab of cardboard, the thought occurs to me that I will never really need to know this information, I just want to work on airplanes. Of course, after I completed the school, I was an aviation inspector and we x-rayed F18's and other numerous aircraft to check for cracks in the structures. I used that information on a daily basis. If I had known the importance of it, I might not have been so reluctant to learn about gamma rays, decay, and dosage limits.

Okay, fasten your seat belt! We're going back to the present. Put away your Bush/Cheney bumper stickers and embrace Socialism!

So now I'm sitting here reading my science book, and it's one of those courses where I'm thinking, I will never really need to know this information, I just want to get my degree. Lo and behold, the very chapter that I am studying is on atomic weight, radiation, dosage limits, gamma rays, decay, and pretty much the same stuff that I aforementioned.

My overactive and constantly wandering imagination kicks in:

Could this be deja vu? Is this some weird parallel experience that I have stumbled upon, to think that I will never use this stuff and then end up using it again? All of this has happened before, and it will happen again. Will I be a nuclear scientist, or just go back to working on airplanes? Is this my mission in life? What am I supposed to do? Did I not get enough genes passed on to me during conception? Maybe Darwin was right and we descended from monkeys. I could go for some Chunky Monkey ice cream right about now. I wonder if Star Trek is on TV. The kids are still asleep, I better finish my science homework.

So since I've had this sort of parallel experience, I thought I would share it with everybody. It probably means nothing, but it sure sounds cool.

When I put the children down for naptime, they were not going down easily but they nevertheless succumbed to their destiny as quiet, sleeping, wonderful children. But before that, we goofed around for a few:

Claire and I Cheesin' for the camera (Click on the pic, you can see my nose hairs)

Nicholas chose not to participate

The children are still in bed taking their afternoon nap. This happens to be a glorious occasion. I am so happy when it is total quiet in this place and I can get stuff done.

You have a wonderful afternoon! I have class tonight, so if I don't see you this evening, you have a wonderful life experience and I'll catch you in the AM.

J

See Ya at the Crossroads, So You Don't Get Lonely...

2009-06-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

To add a certain sense of adventure to my seemingly endless search for proper employment, I have decided to paste an email I wrote my buddy Kevin a week ago:

K-Diddy:

I'm sitting here trying to get it together man. I saw a great FAA job on here, but they require about a zillion KSAO's so it will take me a while to get it done, and the children are not going to let me do it. Claire has to go potty about 40 times, and Nicholas is climbing all over me while I'm trying to type. I have a midterm due (online) tonight and, of course, I have to be at church. I am not complaining about the church time but you understand that I cannot get anything done with children hanging off of me like two chimps swinging on a tree, so I am a bit frustrated that they will not allow me to get any job hunting done. Stacey may have bought us time until August, but if I don't have something by then I might be the guy that's asking you if you want fries with that burger. (Not to make fun of fast food industry workers, but it won't pay the bills.) You know what I'm saying.

On a positive note, I just had to pause to pick up Nicholas because he is in snuggle mode and he wants his Daddy. He is in a good mood so he is snuggling down. It feels good to spend some time with them because I never get to do this. Maybe it is a gift.

I hope you're having some blessings on the job search. It is dry for me today in that aspect. See you tonight in C-Town.

Pressing Onward,

Jam Master J

This was an email I sent about a week ago, but I have had a few calls and emails to set up interviews. I think I am progressing. Nevertheless, the email description is a typical day for me as I search.

I have reached a crossroads in my career path decision. I just don't know what I'm going to do now since the financial industry has been destroyed by greedy idiots. I am so lost on this, so very uncertain of what's to come. I need God's guidance in all of this. I don't know what I'm doing half the time.

Now on to more Adventures in Babysitting:

I finally put Pooka and Princess down for bed around 8:15 PM, but since they napped today until 4:30 PM, they are not very tired tonight. They are still up making all kinds of racket. It is endless. I heard Claire calling for me, but once again I chose to ignore it for about 30 seconds. Luckily, I remembered what happened earlier today when I chose to embrace ignorance, and I went in there to see what she needed. It was a terribly important ordeal. Her little baby pony who wears a fake diaper needed a diaper change, she insisted. As I went to change the diaper, I noticed there was something rather slick on it...No, I profoundly thought, it can't be...it musn't. But, of a surety, upon glancing toward my son's crib, there appeared before me a rather slickened jar of Vaseline that had been brought out of the drawer that I stupidly kept in their room. Vaseline on Nicholas, Vaseline on his crib, Vaseline all over the place. After going through the finger incident and then being so tired as I already was, I bellowed for THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY to come help me clean all this mess that had now ruined my relaxed state. After working a full day, she was thrilled beyond belief to help me clean Vaseline off of the bedrails and toys. Of course, I have no-one but myself to blame.

I am off to finish Science assignments for my class tomorrow night. I wish you and yours a very blessed evening. See ya tomorrow!

J

Playing Polka with Various Digits

2009-06-15T11:37:00.000-07:00

Yay! It's another beautiful day in Bealeton! I don't have a job and I feel useless, but let's smile anyway!!!

I woke up this morning feeling extra special. I just knew the days events would bring good feelings and success, just like a fortune cookie does after you fill up on Chinese food. After THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY went to work this morning, I sucessfully fed the children and allowed them the much needed air of freedom that only Americans can provide to their children. I allowed them to watch cartoons while I went to the bathroom. Of course, I didn't bother shutting the door because that would have been cause for Def Con 2 in this household, and screams and cries would be heard for miles if they were trapped and couldn't get into the bathroom to "hang out" with me. So, I'm sitting there reading my Uncle John's Bathroom Reader (which I highly recommend, great stuff for Father's Day) and my sweet Princess Claire decides she wants to come in and tell me hi. Small talk commences, Daddy is going potty, she thinks that's cool, so she closes the door. Nicholas is behind the door and lets out his famous Nazgul scream, and keeps screaming for at least 30 seconds, which I am ignoring because I think it's just because he doesn't want a door to be closed and in his way. Finally, Claire decides to reopen the door, and Nicholas comes in with his pinky finger looking like somebody was playing the accordian with it, all bent out of shape. I was freaking at this point because it looked like his finger was broken and irrepairable. He had gotten it trapped in the hinge side of the door, and it was just chillin' there while I ignored his screams. I felt like the worst father in the world. I had no way of knowing, but still, I have learned my lesson. I don't care if he whines in his sleep while he is dreaming, I'm going in there to check up on him.

We went to the Doctor, and he said the finger looked good considering Nicholas took the brunt of the hinge side of the door. He has some broken blood vessels and it is really sore, but he is bending it nicely so that was cause enough to forgoe the x-ray (thank you, God) and give N some Motrin instead. I finally got him and Claire home and put some food in their bellies. They were in good spirits when I put them down for a nap. I hope the happiness lasts for both of them. It has been a rough morning. Nicholas is one tough little dude, perhaps tougher than Chuck Norris, even.

Chuck Norris can't touch this.

On another note, the job hunt is still ongoing. I have some major decisions to make. I wish I had more certain factors at this point, but we will have to see what happens. I am thinking school and work, but I don't want to push it. I don't know what is going to happen with THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY, if she wants to pursue other employment when her temp work is up, or if it is going to be up to me again. Of course, I do not want to stay a house Dad, but if I get the chance to full time school and education, it would be worth it for us, I think.

The good news is, I just had another call from one of the positions I applied for. I better call back now. See ya later!

J

TGIF...Unless You Are Unemployed

2009-06-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

TGIF EVERYONE.

That means "Thank God It's Friday" for all of you non-abbreviation speaking people. Or, if you are in my situation, it means "It's Groundhog Day!!!"

(Watch the movie. You'll get the point.)

This morning I was up at the same time, doing the same thing, eating the same food, helping with the same stuff. Oh, the good thing is, on Fridays, THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY stays home with me!!! I must say this is a very good thing. I can actually get some stuff done...on most Fridays. However, THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY wasn't feeling so hot this morning...stuffy nose, sore throat, a bit of crankiness. She was undoubtedly not in the mood to put up with Nazgul and Princess' nonsense. I actually took a picture of her to show her misfortunate state and was going to post it but then when she found out what the picture was for, she threatened me with words that I had to look up in the dictionary. I figured the pic posting might not be such a great idea.

Anyway, so I "volunteered" to help with the chidren this morning. We took them over to the playground and watched them tumble and fight and the usual scenario.

If you click on the picture, the shirt says it all.

Well, after this adventure, we came back to the apartment and put them down for a nap. "Nap", of course, means we put them in their beds, but as soon as we shut the door they are trying to kill each other as if war has been declared and the general conscensus is to take no prisoners. THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY was about to hand out some beatdowns (for she is not feeling well) and thus I had to poke my head in there and they shooped up under the covers as if to make it appear that our ears had indeed deceived us and, in fact, they were asleep the whole time. Nazgul of course was not happy that I left after sticking my head in there, and he had to let me know it by the usual cries of hysteria.

This is a typical day. Did somebody say "Road Trip"?

For now, it is noon time and I have been blogging for 15 minutes. It is time for me to start looking for various jobs online once again. THE OMNIPOTENT MOMMY is sitting on the couch, sighing with relief that the children have finally ceased warfare and succumbed to the sandman. I quite simply am sitting here next to her, motivated, and ready to roll on the job search:

Now who wouldn't want to hire such a motivated individual???

They must be crazy.

You have a good day. Peace out to K-diddy.

Would You Like Fries With That?

2009-06-11T11:08:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I got a call from one of the many companies that I have contacted via the web concerning employment, and they offered me a job.

We went through the whole interview on the phone, and then AFTER I had endured all the insane questions that they hurled at me ("What are your short term goals...duuuuuhhhhhh, What do you want to be when you grow up...uhhhhhhh, Do you weigh more than a nerf ball?, etc.) they asked me what my salary requirements were. After I told them, there was a long, awkward pause, followed by clearing of throat and then there was the statement that my asking salary was waaaaay too high.

Times have definitely changed since I last tried this foolishness.

My salary requirements are too high? Give me a break. This is Northern Virginia we live in. I have friends with fewer qualifications making crazy cash because they are working for Big Uncle Sugar (Sam). My friend Kevin told me you gotta get in Uncle Sugar's boat, and then you're home free. I told the hiring company that I could not make it on that salary, sorry.

I need to gain admission to Uncle Sugar's boat.

Well, the deal is, to get into Uncle Sugar's boat, you have to apply for boat rides on USAjobs.gov. This is such a long, drawn out process as my friend Kevin is well aware. He has been applying for Uncle Sugar's boatride for a while and Uncle Sugar keeps smacking him away from the boats with his specialized oars that he calls KSAOs. You have to write these KSAOs for just about every question they ask you on some of these jobs, and it takes you forever to answer. You might end up applying for two or three jobs in a week as a result. It is terribly time consuming.

I prefer monster.com at this point, anything to get hired with liveable income. But Uncle Sugar's rides are way better with benefits. You better get yours while the gettin's good.

It is so hard in this economy to acquire and maintain gainful employment, which is why I had better get off this blog and apply for more jobs before Princess and Nazgul wake up. See ya later!

The Reversal

2009-06-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce myself.

No, I've no time for introductions. Let me tell you my dilemna:

I used to work in an office environment until about a week ago, when my boss announced that due to economic downsizing, I was being let go as a casualty of the current recession. He didn't say it in that many words, but really what I heard was, "Blah blah blah, you're out of a job."

I had to come home that day and tell my wife the sad news. She took it rather well. I only had to use the smelling salts twice. Seeing as I have been an employee of six years at that job, I am now in the process of adjustment.

Since we have two toddlers who are full time work without pay, it has come to my understanding that if I cannot find employment in two months time, we are going to be in a rather unfortunate situation. My wife got on the horn and called up her former employer. As if God Himself was beaming a ray of sunshine down upon us, they happened to be in dire need of part time help. My wife told them she would be there as soon as they told her to. They told her to be there abruptly. This was, in my mind, an act of God. Call it coincidence, but I know better.

Consequently here I am, looking for gainful employment online and any other way I can. Oh, did I happen to mention that now since Mommy is working four days a week, yours truly has become the children's keeper? I am now the official diaper changer, breakfast maker, book reader, TV monitor, butt whacker, lunch and dinner reviser, hand washer, cookie giver, and Potty King. (I am the Potty King. I can do anything.)

And it isn't so bad after all. The children are rather pleasant. Unless they are awake, that is. They normally get me up about .000000000001 seconds after Mommy walks out the door to go to work, and then it is creative chaos until she gets home. This wouldn't be such a bad situation if I wasn't looking for employment and taking a class at the same time. If I try to get on here, they are crawling all over me like monkeys on a banana tree. My son Nicholas, the Fell Beast or "Nazgul Bird", likes to constantly torment his sister Claire until she whacks him upside his head, and then he comes crying to me like she is the naughty one. This tactic would work if I was perhaps blind and deaf. On the other hand, if she sees him with one of HER toys, she is going to go over there and try to take it out of his hand, and then I await the dreaded Fell Beast sound emitting from Nicholas' mouth. As I sit here, listening to the Fell Beast, the immortal words of Frodo from the Lord of the Rings enter my mind: "I cannot do this alone."

NAZGUL BOY, AKA Nicholas, or Pooka

Princess Claire

I know what you're thinking as you read this: Ha Ha, bigshot Dad who thought his wife did nothing all day while he was at work and now the situation is reversed, and he gets what he deserves. Allow me to correct your train of thought. My wife may have had to care for the children, but she was not in dire need of employment and did not have to apply for jobs during the day, and she was also not going to school. This tremendously complicates the situation.

But believe me, as negative as I have made the circumstance sound, I think perhaps it is a blessing that I get to hang out with my little babies for a couple of weeks or perhaps months (hopefully not for all our sakes). I think they do love me, even though there is obviously a new sheriff in town. I have made it a pact not to be angy at them, but to be patient and loving. Although the occasional spoon-whacking-on-the-buttocks occurs when they are being super bad.

Now I must go, cuz Nazgul boy apparently needs some attention. See you later after they go to bed.