My son drew this picture of me the other day. It's not too bad. He got the glasses and the hat. Though, if you noticed, the hat says "Rust" on it instead of "Rush". Is it a spelling error, or is he making an old man joke?
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Paybacks?
Yesterday Jenn called me around 2:45pm, while I was at work, and said school had called and she had to pick up our daughter. She didn't eat lunch and she said she wasn't feeling good. Never a good thing, right? Well, Jenn started to get suspicious after she got to school. Daughter seemed a little too happy to see mommy. She didn't want to be picked-up and carried as she normally does when she is sick. But, at this point, we were both willing to give her the benefit of the doubt.
It didn't stay that way for real long, however. Jenn was trying to get things done for work but our daughter was too busy running around and playing. She didn't mention anything about being sick again until the topic ofschool was brought up. Jenn sent me a text message at one point that asked how a less-than-five-year-old can be such a conniver. So, either something happened at school, or she just doesn't feel like being there.
This morning she was fine until I was trying to walk out of the classroom. Not a good feeling for me, but I was getting a little irritated because I know she is playing me. Hopefully this will pass in a day or two. Being the weekend, I'm sure she will be okay by tomorrow no matter what. We are confused as to what to do about this. Do we make some kind of deal with her? Do we tell her she can't go to ice skating if she doesn't cooperate. To be honest, I don't know if either will work. Heck, she was ready to go to the doctor yesterday to get a shot for some phantom illness because it would only hurt for a minute and then she'd be able to stay home. This girls is either going to be an actor or a con artist.
The funny thing about this is I remember doing something like this back in kindergarten. We had a major test on skipping. Yes, skipping, as in skipping down the street like Dorothy, or something. It was a motor skills thing, and I had been practicing in the the basement all weekend. Then, when the time came to perform with the class, I couldn't do it. I was too klutzy. I think I might have fallen down, I'm not positive. So, when my mom came by to check on me in the gym (she used to volunteer there) I started crying. She asked if I was okay, if my stomach still hurt like it did when I went to school. I lied and said yes, just so I could go home. On the ride home, as I lay on the bench seat (who needs booster seats, or seat belts?), my mom informed me that I was not going to be able to play with my friend if my stomach hurt. She knew I was faking it. I don't remember anything after that, but I do know how to skip now. I think. It's been a while.
So, yes, my daughter has picked up another skill of mine. Great. We are in so much trouble as she gets older.
Have a hop-skipping weekend.
It didn't stay that way for real long, however. Jenn was trying to get things done for work but our daughter was too busy running around and playing. She didn't mention anything about being sick again until the topic ofschool was brought up. Jenn sent me a text message at one point that asked how a less-than-five-year-old can be such a conniver. So, either something happened at school, or she just doesn't feel like being there.
This morning she was fine until I was trying to walk out of the classroom. Not a good feeling for me, but I was getting a little irritated because I know she is playing me. Hopefully this will pass in a day or two. Being the weekend, I'm sure she will be okay by tomorrow no matter what. We are confused as to what to do about this. Do we make some kind of deal with her? Do we tell her she can't go to ice skating if she doesn't cooperate. To be honest, I don't know if either will work. Heck, she was ready to go to the doctor yesterday to get a shot for some phantom illness because it would only hurt for a minute and then she'd be able to stay home. This girls is either going to be an actor or a con artist.
The funny thing about this is I remember doing something like this back in kindergarten. We had a major test on skipping. Yes, skipping, as in skipping down the street like Dorothy, or something. It was a motor skills thing, and I had been practicing in the the basement all weekend. Then, when the time came to perform with the class, I couldn't do it. I was too klutzy. I think I might have fallen down, I'm not positive. So, when my mom came by to check on me in the gym (she used to volunteer there) I started crying. She asked if I was okay, if my stomach still hurt like it did when I went to school. I lied and said yes, just so I could go home. On the ride home, as I lay on the bench seat (who needs booster seats, or seat belts?), my mom informed me that I was not going to be able to play with my friend if my stomach hurt. She knew I was faking it. I don't remember anything after that, but I do know how to skip now. I think. It's been a while.
So, yes, my daughter has picked up another skill of mine. Great. We are in so much trouble as she gets older.
Have a hop-skipping weekend.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
The big 4-0(h, boy)
Well, it's official; I'm old. No longer can I pretend that college wasn't all that long ago, or that maybe the high school kids I see walking around won't think I'm an old man, or I still have enough time to get better at golf to join the PGA tour. (I still might have time for The Champions Tour). Time to put away the Rollerblades so I don't break a hip. I have to remember not to try the kid's skateboards when the get a little older. I can't expect to drink a lot of beer and not feel miserable for the next day or two.
Now is the time to update my iTunes library. I need to get rid of Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Queensryche and Swap in some Lawrence Welk and Glen Miller. Okay, maybe I'm going a little too far. They guys in the bands I listed are older than me, so I guess I'm fine there.
Do I feel any different? No, but when I was a kid I never thought I'd get here. Remember when you were in grade school, and how old all your teachers seemed? Most of them weren't 40 and they seemed old. Then you'd have one or two teachers that were in there 50's and they seemed ancient. Now, that is me. It's funny, many times when I go pick up the kids at school I feel like I'm too young to be there; too young to have kids in school. Then I look around and notice most of the parents are younger than me. Heck, the principal just had his birthday and he is only 20 years older than me. A principal should be at least 40 years older than me, or so it seems. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I don't feel old. That's a good thing, right?
I was thinking of old birthday memories the other day. I was telling my son how I had the chicken pox on (I think) my eight birthday. He asked me what I did for my birthday and he seemed disappointed that I just had the neighbor kids over for some pizza and watched some movies. I didn't tell them the movies were on a projector and screen. I didn't want to blow his mind with the ancient-ness of that technology.
My 16th was kind of interesting. My mom and step-dad were divorced, or in the process of getting divorced, so I wasn't really expecting anything. After school my friend, who was a grade behind me, asked if I could come over to help him with some math homework. So, being the good guy I was, I went to help him out. Then we went back to my house for dinner. (We had dinner at each other's house quite a bit). When I got there, about five other friends were there to surprise me. I really didn't expect it. I don't remember much else about the party, except that I got Journey Frontiers on cassette. I listened to that a lot back then.
My next big birthday was my 21st. Do we really want to talk about it? It's kind of blurry anyway. I remember going out with some friends to a bar (duh), cracking my head on a small table by the dart boards, having a shot called a Gorilla Fart, almost losing it after that shot, and going around to people's rooms asking for Pepto-Bismol. Somewhere in there I was recorded by my friends as they asked me where Jimmy Hoffa was buried, and while I played harmonica in the hallway at around 2am. Good times.
I think the last time I got together with friends was for my 30th. I think we all met at my house and went to the bar up the street to see a Rush tribute band. Speaking of which, I see they still play around here, though it doesn't seem anybody that was in the band when I saw them is still in the band.
Still, I think my 40th has been the best so far. Sure, I'm working today, but I got to go out to San Diego with Jenn and have a fun, relaxing time. That's the kind of thing us 40 year-olds need. Am I right? Another thing we need is this:
My daughter picked this out for me. She is either going to be in advertising, or be one of those ladies that has a ton of junk in there house. She can recite almost any commercial. Sigh, she is just like me. I feel sorry for her.
I think iTunes has been reading my post. Some songs it has chosen: Creeping Death, Rest in Piece, My Last Words, Among the Living. No, I'm not kidding.
Now, If you will excuse me, I need to go to Walgreen's to buy the reading glasses that are a requirement to be in the 40 and over club.
(Edit to add): I almost forgot, I wanted to say Happy Birthday to Maurissa. Jenn used to work with her and I think she still reads this.
Now is the time to update my iTunes library. I need to get rid of Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Anthrax, Queensryche and Swap in some Lawrence Welk and Glen Miller. Okay, maybe I'm going a little too far. They guys in the bands I listed are older than me, so I guess I'm fine there.
Do I feel any different? No, but when I was a kid I never thought I'd get here. Remember when you were in grade school, and how old all your teachers seemed? Most of them weren't 40 and they seemed old. Then you'd have one or two teachers that were in there 50's and they seemed ancient. Now, that is me. It's funny, many times when I go pick up the kids at school I feel like I'm too young to be there; too young to have kids in school. Then I look around and notice most of the parents are younger than me. Heck, the principal just had his birthday and he is only 20 years older than me. A principal should be at least 40 years older than me, or so it seems. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I don't feel old. That's a good thing, right?
I was thinking of old birthday memories the other day. I was telling my son how I had the chicken pox on (I think) my eight birthday. He asked me what I did for my birthday and he seemed disappointed that I just had the neighbor kids over for some pizza and watched some movies. I didn't tell them the movies were on a projector and screen. I didn't want to blow his mind with the ancient-ness of that technology.
My 16th was kind of interesting. My mom and step-dad were divorced, or in the process of getting divorced, so I wasn't really expecting anything. After school my friend, who was a grade behind me, asked if I could come over to help him with some math homework. So, being the good guy I was, I went to help him out. Then we went back to my house for dinner. (We had dinner at each other's house quite a bit). When I got there, about five other friends were there to surprise me. I really didn't expect it. I don't remember much else about the party, except that I got Journey Frontiers on cassette. I listened to that a lot back then.
My next big birthday was my 21st. Do we really want to talk about it? It's kind of blurry anyway. I remember going out with some friends to a bar (duh), cracking my head on a small table by the dart boards, having a shot called a Gorilla Fart, almost losing it after that shot, and going around to people's rooms asking for Pepto-Bismol. Somewhere in there I was recorded by my friends as they asked me where Jimmy Hoffa was buried, and while I played harmonica in the hallway at around 2am. Good times.
I think the last time I got together with friends was for my 30th. I think we all met at my house and went to the bar up the street to see a Rush tribute band. Speaking of which, I see they still play around here, though it doesn't seem anybody that was in the band when I saw them is still in the band.
Still, I think my 40th has been the best so far. Sure, I'm working today, but I got to go out to San Diego with Jenn and have a fun, relaxing time. That's the kind of thing us 40 year-olds need. Am I right? Another thing we need is this:
I think iTunes has been reading my post. Some songs it has chosen: Creeping Death, Rest in Piece, My Last Words, Among the Living. No, I'm not kidding.
Now, If you will excuse me, I need to go to Walgreen's to buy the reading glasses that are a requirement to be in the 40 and over club.
(Edit to add): I almost forgot, I wanted to say Happy Birthday to Maurissa. Jenn used to work with her and I think she still reads this.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Weekend Assignment #256: Tax Time
This topic makes sense. By this time we should have all of our tax materials and, on top of that, Karen is an accountant.
Weekend Assignment #256: Tax time for individuals in this country starts in late January when the tax forms arrive, and runs through April 15th or so when the tax return is due. Do you file your taxes as soon as possible, at the last minute, or somewhere in between? Is there a particular reason for this?
Let me start by saying we don't do our own taxes. I know that there is software out there that makes it so easy a child could do it, but I know I'll mess up something. I don't want to go to jail. I'm too fragile. Either that, or I'll end up missing out on some good exemptions. We all need every exemption we can get.
A friend of my brother is an accountant, so he does it for us. For a long time we were the typical dual-income-no-kids type people who would get screwed every year. We had a mortgage, but it was on a relatively in-expensive town house out in the suburbs. It didn't off much of a tax shelter. Neither did our dog. So, every year we would wait until the last possible minute to drop off that check.
After our son came along we had adjusted our exemptions enough that we owed very little, and shortly after that, we bought a house, so we finally started getting money back. However, we still have mailed in that late the last two years. Why would we do that you ask? Well, both times we told our friend we want it direct deposited in our account and filed electronically. So, by the time we got the finished papers in the mail from him, we didn't look at them closely. Until we noticed we weren't getting our money and my brother already did. So we had to rush to put everything together to get it to the post office. Two years ago I actually called the IRS to see if they had received our forms. I was kind of nervous calling them. I guess we all have a fear of the IRS, don't we? Adding that to the fact that we were in the last group to get stimulus checks last year and, well, last year wasn't a great tax year. Let's hope this year is better, right?
Extra Credit: Who actually does your taxes, and with what software or other resources, if any?
Oops. I answered the extra credit in the main post. I hope it still counts.
When do you file your taxes?
Weekend Assignment #256: Tax time for individuals in this country starts in late January when the tax forms arrive, and runs through April 15th or so when the tax return is due. Do you file your taxes as soon as possible, at the last minute, or somewhere in between? Is there a particular reason for this?
Let me start by saying we don't do our own taxes. I know that there is software out there that makes it so easy a child could do it, but I know I'll mess up something. I don't want to go to jail. I'm too fragile. Either that, or I'll end up missing out on some good exemptions. We all need every exemption we can get.
A friend of my brother is an accountant, so he does it for us. For a long time we were the typical dual-income-no-kids type people who would get screwed every year. We had a mortgage, but it was on a relatively in-expensive town house out in the suburbs. It didn't off much of a tax shelter. Neither did our dog. So, every year we would wait until the last possible minute to drop off that check.
After our son came along we had adjusted our exemptions enough that we owed very little, and shortly after that, we bought a house, so we finally started getting money back. However, we still have mailed in that late the last two years. Why would we do that you ask? Well, both times we told our friend we want it direct deposited in our account and filed electronically. So, by the time we got the finished papers in the mail from him, we didn't look at them closely. Until we noticed we weren't getting our money and my brother already did. So we had to rush to put everything together to get it to the post office. Two years ago I actually called the IRS to see if they had received our forms. I was kind of nervous calling them. I guess we all have a fear of the IRS, don't we? Adding that to the fact that we were in the last group to get stimulus checks last year and, well, last year wasn't a great tax year. Let's hope this year is better, right?
Extra Credit: Who actually does your taxes, and with what software or other resources, if any?
Oops. I answered the extra credit in the main post. I hope it still counts.
When do you file your taxes?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sleeping on the couch
No, I'm not in trouble with Jenn. I would have titled that, "In the Doghouse," or, more likely, I wouldn't talk about it at all. I've been sleeping on the couch because I have the annoying cold that is circulating around the Internet. No, I'm serious. Half the people I follow on Blogger, Word Press, Twitter, or Facebook are sick. Maybe it's some kind of new biological weapon that's being sent out by some nefarious government. No? Okay, either way, I've felt lousy for a while and now I'm at the point where, when I lay down, I start coughing. It is very irritating. This is the part of a cold that I hate the most. I'm exhausted, I go to bed early to get some rest, and then I start coughing 20 minutes later. Usually just after I fall asleep. So, I've been going downstairs to sleep on the couch where I can sleep in an upright position. It seems to help a bit. As an added bonus for Jenn, I'm not coughing in her ear. No matter what people might say, that is not romantic at all.
What I'm trying to say, is that I have a good reason why I've been slacking a little bit here. I'm planning to go back to daily blogging. I know you are all excited about that.
Anyone watch the Oscars? For those of you following me on Twitter, I'm sorry. I was bored and I couldn't stop typing stuff. I hope I didn't fill your feed up with too much garbage. Jenn said I was being a little mean at times, but it was all meant in fun. Sarcasm is hard on Twitter. I will say that it was a change of pace for the Oscars. Maybe not necessarily a nice change, but it was a little different. They could have cut out the second musical number, and maybe have only two people present awards to the actors. Since they had five people it made it seem like those awards were so much more important than the others. Don't you think?
I took this picture of my daughter's bed today. The cleaning lady was just here and made it up nice and set all her animals up.
It's a good thing she is small. Look, Clifford is even trying to get out and get some space.
What I'm trying to say, is that I have a good reason why I've been slacking a little bit here. I'm planning to go back to daily blogging. I know you are all excited about that.
Anyone watch the Oscars? For those of you following me on Twitter, I'm sorry. I was bored and I couldn't stop typing stuff. I hope I didn't fill your feed up with too much garbage. Jenn said I was being a little mean at times, but it was all meant in fun. Sarcasm is hard on Twitter. I will say that it was a change of pace for the Oscars. Maybe not necessarily a nice change, but it was a little different. They could have cut out the second musical number, and maybe have only two people present awards to the actors. Since they had five people it made it seem like those awards were so much more important than the others. Don't you think?
I took this picture of my daughter's bed today. The cleaning lady was just here and made it up nice and set all her animals up.
It's a good thing she is small. Look, Clifford is even trying to get out and get some space.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #25: Birds
Carly is in the mood for some birds this week:
EMPS #25: BIRDS.
Flying BIRDS. Nesting BIRDS. Gooney BIRDS. Looney BIRDS. Real BIRDS. Stuffed BIRDS, both the toy and the sustenance. BIRDS with winter plumage, BIRDS taking a bath. BIRDS and their babies. BIRDS all alone. BIRDS in their houses. Red BIRDS. Black BIRDS. Bald BIRDS. BIRDS on a wire. Real BIRDS. Fake BIRDS. BIRDS.
Unfortunately, there aren't many birds in my area at this time of year. Occasionally I will see some geese, but I didn't have time to go to the areas where they congregate. But, we do have plenty of toy birds in our house.
My daughter really wanted this stuffed penguin a couple of years ago.
EMPS #25: BIRDS.
Flying BIRDS. Nesting BIRDS. Gooney BIRDS. Looney BIRDS. Real BIRDS. Stuffed BIRDS, both the toy and the sustenance. BIRDS with winter plumage, BIRDS taking a bath. BIRDS and their babies. BIRDS all alone. BIRDS in their houses. Red BIRDS. Black BIRDS. Bald BIRDS. BIRDS on a wire. Real BIRDS. Fake BIRDS. BIRDS.
Unfortunately, there aren't many birds in my area at this time of year. Occasionally I will see some geese, but I didn't have time to go to the areas where they congregate. But, we do have plenty of toy birds in our house.
My daughter really wanted this stuffed penguin a couple of years ago.
Also, don't many people call airplanes birds? Well, how about the Blue Angels?
I don't have any pictures for the extra credit. I don't know the difference between a snow egret and a snow leopard. Go check out Carly's blog for the other entries this week. There might be some pictures of actual birds there.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
No sleep 'til Sunday
I'm halfway through my second-to-last midnight shift, which is good, I don't think I can take much more. If there is one thing worse than working the midnight shift it is working the midnight shift with a cold. Then the fun part starts when you get in bed to go to sleep and immediately start coughing. Good times!
Yesterday, after my shift, I went to my daughter's preschool class for Dad's and Donuts day. It was fun, but let me tell you, when the teacher was reading us a story I almost fell asleep. I could have curled up on the little carpet there and slept until it was time for the kids to go home. It would have been perfect. Instead I went home and coughed in bed for 3 or 4 hours. I'm pretty sure I slept a little bit; at least I'm not hallucinating yet.
Guess what we have going on tonight and into tomorrow? A winter storm! Woo! I'm so terribly excited. I think I need to go out and find that groundhog and have a little talk with him. I think I can persuade him to change his forecast. Groundhogs have kneecaps, right? (Sorry, PETA).
I forgot to record the last Conan O'Brien show. I haven't watched his show a whole lot, but I wanted to see it. Did anyone watch it? Anything special, or fun about it? Did Bette Midler sing to him?
Last night I was watching one of the MST3K episodes from the 20th anniversary set while I was at work. (There can be some down time in the middle of the night). I had to turn it off at one point because I was laughing too hard. I thought the people around me were going to thing I was losing my mind. The same thing happened when I was watching a different episode on the airplane. Luckily, one guy was sleeping and the other guy had on some giant noise-canceling headphones. I've never tried those headphones. I wonder if you feel totally isolated from the outside world; like you are in some kind of sensory deprivation chamber but only deprived of outside sounds. I can't imagine eating chips or pretzels with those on. I don't want to hear myself chew. Anyway, if you don't have the 20th anniversary MST3K set, you need to get it. I mean it.
Okay, I need to do some work. Have a good day. Hope you have nicer weather than we do.
Yesterday, after my shift, I went to my daughter's preschool class for Dad's and Donuts day. It was fun, but let me tell you, when the teacher was reading us a story I almost fell asleep. I could have curled up on the little carpet there and slept until it was time for the kids to go home. It would have been perfect. Instead I went home and coughed in bed for 3 or 4 hours. I'm pretty sure I slept a little bit; at least I'm not hallucinating yet.
Guess what we have going on tonight and into tomorrow? A winter storm! Woo! I'm so terribly excited. I think I need to go out and find that groundhog and have a little talk with him. I think I can persuade him to change his forecast. Groundhogs have kneecaps, right? (Sorry, PETA).
I forgot to record the last Conan O'Brien show. I haven't watched his show a whole lot, but I wanted to see it. Did anyone watch it? Anything special, or fun about it? Did Bette Midler sing to him?
Last night I was watching one of the MST3K episodes from the 20th anniversary set while I was at work. (There can be some down time in the middle of the night). I had to turn it off at one point because I was laughing too hard. I thought the people around me were going to thing I was losing my mind. The same thing happened when I was watching a different episode on the airplane. Luckily, one guy was sleeping and the other guy had on some giant noise-canceling headphones. I've never tried those headphones. I wonder if you feel totally isolated from the outside world; like you are in some kind of sensory deprivation chamber but only deprived of outside sounds. I can't imagine eating chips or pretzels with those on. I don't want to hear myself chew. Anyway, if you don't have the 20th anniversary MST3K set, you need to get it. I mean it.
Okay, I need to do some work. Have a good day. Hope you have nicer weather than we do.
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