Christmas Break

Over my Christmas break from work we were able to meet with our friends from Virginia. We had a great time. It was good to go out with intelligent adults our age again. We don't go out with much of anyone but family, and their knowledge base is limited. Not that they're complete idiots, it's just good to get a different aspect of ideas. Her book is going along well. Many deals being worked out and new opportunities coming up all the time. I believe it's going to be a huge success. Again, it doesn't surprise me with as intelligent as she/they are. Now to wait until the next time we can spend time with them.

I was late for work this morning as my youngest was apparently playing with my clock and changed the time zone. No problem from work, it just threw my entire day off. Awakening from a sleep to have to rush to get everything done always makes me jittery. I had to take a minute to calm down so I would quit making simple mistakes in my haste to get ready. What a day!

I hope every one's Christmas (or whatever you celebrate) was pleasant and I hope you have a good start to the New Year.

Best.

Holiday Let Down

Well, we didn't see our friends for the holiday. We were hugely disappointed. The kids got sick so they didn't visit anyone but their family (my boss also appears to have contracted the same illness over the Holiday). Our friend said she's become a workaholic with the book and that that was another reason they didn't go out. Maybe next time. I'd like to get with them and go to D.C. again. I guess time will tell.

My youngest has found a great new toy: a large cardboard box. I'm inclined to believe that every child should have a toy as great as a box. How could anyone want anything better then a box. It's the perfect gift idea. It becomes anything and everything you could want. Now we don't know how we're going to top it for Christmas. Where do we go from here?

I can't believe they're making a movie of Eragon! What an incredible book to turn into a movie. Now I'm interested in finding out if all the books in the series will be included in the movie or if more movies are on the way. As one can tell, I have yet to see the film.

I haven't listened to much on my mp3 player lately. I have several books to listen to at work but just haven't brought it. I think tonight, if I have time, I'll load some books onto it for tomorrow. It works out nicely when I'm passing medication to have an ear pierce in one ear and listen to a book or background music. The only problem with a book is that I only catch about half of what I hear. I've given up on the different self help books out there. As I tried to listen to them they seemed to be the same junk repeated in a different way. I never read/listened to any of them before getting the mp3 player. I found them to be easily obtained because thousands of people write as well as read/listen to them. So, I figured what the heck I'll listen. What a load of crap! Thankfully I didn't have to waste any money on them. If I were unscrupulous I'd start writing self help books myself and make a fortune. These people are robbing those looking for help blind. But then again, that's just my opinion. And who am I but a health care provider who deals with individuals personal problems on a daily basis?

I have more music to choose from than I know what to do with. It's just being able to fight my way onto the computer to get to it. I'm either going to have to commandeer my eldest's computer for it or put one together for the sole purpose of transferring mp3's. The latter might not be a bad idea. I could even have a player installed on it to play the mp3's if I want. Hmmm, not a bad idea. I'll have to think about it and do a little research into it. I'll let you know what I decide and how it turns out if I try it.

Best.

The holiday season

The holidays are getting ready to run us over once again. There was a time when this time of year brought out the best in everyone. Now a days it only seems to bring out the worst. I used (I hate using this word) to love this time of year. I guess as I get older I turn more and more into a Scrooge. I liked making/buying gifts for everyone and getting things from people. I can't go near a store the closer we get to Christmas for fear of killing someone. I honestly believe it has to do with the area I live in. When we lived in Raleigh we went shopping on Black Friday and had a blast. Everyone was so friendly and cheerful. Here people would kill each other for a discount. They get very mean and rude. I've taken to letting my wife do the last minute/discount shopping and I come up with homemade items. I don't get along well with others (which is funny seeing as I'm a Nurse). Then my family is a bit insane (as if they're all not). So, I'll run around like a chicken with it's head chopped off and try to make my rounds to different family member's house/party/dinner or whatever is going on.

In other news: Our friend is coming up for Thanksgiving so we get to spend time with all of them. Can't wait to see everyone again. I think it will be a better time as no one will be constrained by work and such. That way the time we spend together with be relaxed and we'll be able to talk freely, without worrying about the time. I always get like a little kid when we plan on spending time with them. I'm get so excited I can't sit still. Then I start to ramble, as if that's not obvious!

I'm having trouble finding a program to add light to my Halloween video. I need something like Photoshop for video. Any help/ideas? I haven't worked with touching up video so I don't know where to look/begin. It would be great to be able to see something more than just a flame floating in the air and my face appearing under it. I know I'm going to have to do another video of my fire eating as it was only me "kissing the flame" and it's very jerky as my wife had a difficult time finding me in the view finder. I still want another video of me actually eating the flame. I'll have to come up with some sort of routine for that one.

Enough for now.

Best.

Halloween Party

Went to a halloween party last Saturday. The theme was Creepy Carnival. I was a fire eater/breather. It was too windy to breath fire but the fire eating was a hit. My wife tried to film it, but it was dark and just didn't turn out. It was one of those things were you couldn't really see my face, just this floating flame. We'll have to try again, if it works I'll try to post it.

I've been cutting up trees that have fallen on my families property. You never know how much work is involved until you start.

I need to change the brakes and rotors on the car to get it inspected. The only problem with that is I need to remove them so I can trade them in as they're still under warranty. I just did this a little over a year ago. I think it might be because my mother-in-law has been driving the car. It's nothing terrible, she is just one of those drivers that was taught to drive with one foot on the gas and one on the brake.

Ah, the things of daily living. Aren't they just great. Life goes on whether we want them to or not.

Another thing, I mentioned that a friend was getting her book published. She now has a definitive name for her book. It's called WICKED LOVELY. It's due out in June '07 I believe. I've read the draft and can say, it's a wonderful book. If you get the chance check it out. Until then, check out her sight. I linked it to the book title. Very cool sight. If your a writer she has incredible links, if your not the site in of itself is killer. The name's Melissa Marr, write it down. She is going to be HUGE. The book is young adult, but it's still an excellent read. Don't miss it.

Best.

"Wahoo!"

When I got home yesterday my grain mill was waiting in the mailbox! Thursday, maybe Friday I'm going to the feed store to get some wheat. I might get some corn and/or rye and see about some barley. I may even go tomorrow after work and get some if I can convince my wife that we have a few extra dollars until Friday. If not, I'll be on a buying spree when I get paid. O.K. So maybe not a buying spree. I need to limit what I buy as they come in fifty pound sacks. That's a large amount of grain to store. It would be a waste to buy too much and have it rotting somewhere in the house.

I have a "biggie" day planned for Friday (hense the "Wahoo). The Wiggles concert is where I'll be. My youngest (and oldest) is going to have a blast. Can't seem to get enough of The Wiggles. The tickets were a birthday gift from my uncle. We were going to get them either way, but he never knows what to get our kids anymore (and neither do we! *The spoiled little*). I'll have to let you know how it goes with FIVE HUNDRED screaming toddlers. {Insert slight sarcasm here} I can't wait!

I do think it's going to be fun.

Best.

Manic Moment

I've been a little manic lately and therefore very lax in my blog. I've been working on several projects but haven't finished any as we're always short on funds. I only nickel and penny (I can't afford to dime) my projects so as not to put a strain on the bank account and thus on my family. I have done HOURS of research on everything I have an interest in though.

A list of my projects:

1) Started a VERY large project first. I'm planning on making a metal shop - completely by hand, myself. I have the furnace done, finally, and have melted my first batch of aluminum. The idea is to melt aluminum to create the parts of the machinery to make other parts for other machines. I've got the first step almost finished, I just need help welding some things from my father (retired master welder) to finish the first step. Then more money is involved for the sand casting.

2) I'm changing our diet/saving money. I ordered a grain mill (which should be here any day) to grind corn, wheat, rye, and barley for homemade... well, everything.

3) Another project I'm interested in starting goes hand in hand with the grain mill. I'm looking to make an alcohol still. Not for drinking but for fuel. I have collected the data to apply for a licensed and found out that if I want to make methanol I don't need a licensed. I may get one just to have it. Now to make the still, which I have several plans for but again, little funding.

4) To coincide with the still, after a period of time I would like to either save for a cheap car or to convert our current car to run on the alcohol I'll be making.

5) I have to build a shed for the machine shop so I have multiple plans ready. Now I need to decide which one will work best for me.

6) If I plan on getting the alcohol license I will need to build a special shed for the "processing plant" and storage.

7) I would like to make a solar water heater. Have plans and am very interested.

8) I want to work on the wood burning heater in the basement and modify it for multiple purposes.

9) I also want to buy an old diesel car to convert to biodiesel. I've started getting containers for the waste vegetable oil and made a sample batch of biodiesel.

10) Looked into many different forms of alternate energy and would like to "experiment" with them to see how well they work. This is a back burner (very back) project.

If there are any other things I can't think of them at the moment. If I think of them later I'll restart the list.


I say I've been manic as my insomnia has come back with vengeance. I'm not sure which one facilitates the other: am I manic because I can't sleep or can I not sleep because I'm manic and can't let my mind rest?

That's what I've been up to. How about you?

Best

The Fourth

HAPPY FOUTH OF JULY!

My Travel Day

After work I'll be finishing a few things up and then leaving for Virginia. I've got my clothes and CD's ready to go. I think I'll be grabbing a quick bite at the house before leaving. Nonstop trip is planned, we'll see how it goes. I'm returning tomorrow evening after visiting the SPY MUSEUM. I can't wait for that and seeing friends I haven't seen in years (more the friends than the museum). I haven't seen there youngest since the age of ..... Three I think? The darling had only said a few words at that point, one of which being my eldest's name.

Around noon I received a phone call that my oldest child pushed my youngest child into a marble wall, trying to get to a museum exhibit and busted his lip open. I'm not even there and I have to deal with medical issues. I think it's funny how my wife will knock me out of the way to get to one of the children when they're hurt even though I'm a nurse. The motherly instinct is a very strong thing.

It's four o'clock and I'm done with work. On to the house and then the road.

Best.

Travel woes

My wife is taking the kids to visit our friend (her high school friend) today. She's very nervous as she doesn't like to drive in the first place and she has to go on the D.C. beltway. She couldn't sleep and is very anxious. She'll be fine as long as she remains calm. I am worried about my eldest though. If she loses her calm, which is only hanging by a thread to begin with, the poor child will get the wrath of pure evil. It's not a long trip and she'll be fine, she just worries too much. I'll be getting a phone call when they leave and again when they arrive. I'll be leaving Wednesday after work to meet up with them. Good times!

Best.

REUNION OCCURS

I finally found an address for my high school buddy and sent him a letter on Tuesday. Last night he called. We talked for about an hour and a half. We were both glad to here from each other. I was actually surprised at how happy he was to hear from me. It's been, what, sixteen years or so since we last talked/saw each other. He seems to be doing well and to be very happy. What more can anyone ask for? Now, to see if we can do a face to face sometime in the future to reconnect with each other.

Best.

Another Day, Another Eight Cents

With gas prices and inflation I figure I bring home about eight cents a day. Or at least it feels that way at times. I would like to take home what I make once in a while instead of "sharing" it with my Uncle Sam. He does very little but takes all sorts of money from our pay checks. It is good that (at least in PA) the minimum wage is going up, like forty-five percent (?). That way the people making minimum wage can make as much as someone who has worked their way up in pay for the past five years.

In other news: We're now harboring a fugitive in the facility. A family was arrested and we have one of the people they were looking for in our Nursing Home unit. The police came this morning to arrest him but he's not healthy enough. Then it was announced on T.V. where he was and what the warrant was for. It's amazing how much information the media will willingly give out.

I upset a few of my co-workers today. Someone from another unit was asking me question and I answered them honestly. They over heard and started carrying on and was answering for me and changing my answers. I told her to get the info from them because they have obviously seen/done everything that I did. I told her I wasn't allowed to give an honest answer so she can get the lies from them. They were none too happy to say the least. Before that, one of them tried to jump into a conversation I was having telling me I was wrong (yet again). I guess that's what started the incident as I told her not to get into something she knew nothing about. I ticked off two people at once in less than five minutes - my work here is done. The funny thing is, last night my wife made the comment that she thought I did things to make her mad at times. I told her, that's what I have co-workers for - proof in point.

I mentioned in a previous post that I might be having feelings of inferiority when it comes to reuniting with our friends. Ironical, she felt that way before she wrote/sold her book. It's funny how we never think we're good enough for our true friends. I told her, as she told me, that no matter where we are in life we will always be there. With as close as her and my wife are nothing could come between them (and I wouldn't allow it to). I've only had one other friend that I would drop anything for but lost contact with shortly after high school. I'm in the process of trying to get in touch with him. I'm sure to ramble about it later.

For anyone wanting to get a degree, here is an online course that will only take a minute to complete. They also offer a GED, JD, MFA, PhD, and soon an MBA. All of which can be yours in less time then it takes to make a cup of tea. So, why suffer with a mediocre job with minimal pay when you could have your degree. And best of all - it's free! How can you beat that? So much for the increase in minimum wage!

This post was truly MANIC!! I was all over the spectrum. Must focus.

Best.

A Day In The Life

Another day at the VA with very little change. Life is very simple at the moment. We'll be hearing a lot about motorcycles and helmets now that Ben Roethlisberger was in an accident. It's definitely a personal choice IMHO. I don't believe he'll be riding for a while as he won't be able to sit for some time. He was in surgery for seven hours. I told my wife that most of that time was spent trying to remove Bill Cower's foot from Ben's a$$ (hence the inability to sit). I'm wondering if the 62 Y.O. woman will have to pay lost wages. I wouldn't want to think about how much that could possibly be. And then you have the fact that they posted her name on T.V. That woman with be ridiculed everywhere she goes in Pittsburgh. I'm thinking her summer home in Maine (which they also announced) will become her permanent home. I guess we'll see, or not.

Best.

It's sad that a motorcycle accident, without a fatality, beat the headlines over a shooting.

Book review

We recieved a pre-release copy of our friends book Finding The Summer Queen. Get more info on the book/author here: www.melissa-marr.com. It's a Young Adult book. A little on the dark side, dealing with many issues teens face in our society today but not in an unpleasant, in your face to shock you type of book that prevails any more. It's a fantasy tale of a teen girl with fairy site. It's written in a very descriptive style. Being 35 I found it very interesting and difficult to put down. I've read it twice and plan on reading it again. As it's a YA book it's an easy read. My eldest child is reading it now, I'll let you know what the census is. Of course my wife loved it, her best friend wrote it. I don't know of anything she could do wrong in my wife's eyes. Not that is a bad thing, it's just that she might not be best judge. I might not be either as I have a friendship vested in it as well, but I find I'm a little more open with critisism.

Best.

Caught of guard

I was debating on telling our friends about my blog. My wife has never read it. I don't know whether she's worried about reading something she doesn't like or what. But that has already been resolved. Our friend found it on her own. I don't know how because when I first started this blog I searched for it and had trouble finding it, and I knew where it was. I never said anything bad about anyone (except for some of the people I work with) so I wasn't worried there. It's just a little odd thinking that someone/s that know you so well could be knowing you better. But then again, I couldn't say or do anything that would surprise them because they've seen me like no one else. I have nothing but respect for the family and thrive on our talks. We'll be seeing her soon(!) and I can't wait. I'm scouting some areas out for us to go already. Then, I won't be able to wait until we go to visit them. We're sure to see some museums when we visit, and I LOVE museums.

Til later,
Best.

Into The Unknown.

First thing, I hope everyone had a good Memorial day.

I don't know what I did this weekend, but I know my wife is mad at me. Someday I hope to just slightly understand something about women. At this point I don't care what it is, I just want to understand something about them, anything. I feel at a complete lose when it comes to understanding the opposite sex. I know I did something wrong, I know I should already know what I did, and I know I don't have a clue as to what it is that I did. When I finally figure out what I did, I'm sure it will have been to late.

I have a head cold and it's driving me crazy. I can't breath or stop sneezing, and my eyes are heavy and watery. I took medication for it and I think it was a night time med. I feel really worn out. I would give up dinner and go straight to bed tonight, except for the entire deal with my wife being upset. That would probably make things MUCH worse. I'm sure to sleep well tonight.

Well, I need to check out some sites and get more information to revamp my blog.
Best.

Hell in a well.

My title (to this blog) means nothing. I hate them. Maybe I should just start with A, and work my way through the alphabet. Or, just pick a random letter every now and then.

Sitting at this computer at work, listening to Nine Inch Nails just seems naughty. If anyone knew what was in my ears, well I don't know. I guess it would vary greatly from person to person. Some would probably be shocked. Yet others would just say,"That's just him." It is nice to have the ability to listen to something that no one else can hear. Then everyone looks at you and wonders. If only they knew what I've listened to on occasion. Shock, Awe, Amazement, Embarrassment, Confusion. What would really throw them for a loop is what I've heard when I wasn't listening to anything.

I'm getting away from the negativity that people regurgitate in this place. There have been times when groups would get together to do nothing more then complain. No topic is neglected and the conversation flows from one topic to the next, nonstop. After listening to several self-help audio books, I've learned to either change the attitudes or change my area. It seems to be working. I haven't thought anything negative for more than a few minutes.

Now, I am a relatively dark person (dark humor, dark thinker, etc.), and I've never been seen as much of an optimist. I just found a way to keep me from looking down on anyone due to another's thoughts/ideas, and stay away from rumors. I hate rumors, unless I start them. The rumors I start are about me, to see who will ask me about them and see how much they change. The things that are added and/or changed are hilarious. Just something to keep me amused. And what's more amusing than people's egos and eccentricities. Who needs a soap opera when you have a workplace?

Time to go. Going to check on some other sites and look-up some information before I have to go back to work (on break now). I can say that I'm getting faster at typing since I've started blogging. It only took me a few minutes to type this up, and even less to think it up.

Best.

Training

I was pleasantly surprised with the training course I went to. The speaker was very entertaining and taught me more then I thought he would. It was very productive and I would recommend it to anyone dealing with people. Now I have several books/audiobooks to look for. I still don't understand the fact that I'm getting paid to go to a seminar that my company paid for. Weird.

Off to do some research.
Best.

Waiting for......Something.....I guess.

Well, I just got the official news of my grade raise. I will be making more money for doing nothing more than what I'm doing now. The only difference is, I needed to write a paper on all the things I do in the course of my job, and give it to my supervisor to look over and rewrite. That is sent before a committee who reads it and determines if I do more in the course of my job than is required in my current job description. If this is so, I get a grade raise. TADA! Tax money being well spent on committees, sub-committees, and committees discussing what committees/sub-committees to create.

Another great expense happens tomorrow. I will be in training for which the government paid for. As I will not be at work, I will receive Authorized Absence pay. That is; I will be paid, by the government, for a day of work which will be spent at a class, paid for by the government. And all of this will be done for/given to me in the procurment of the previously mentioned raise, as I need to get training outside of the facility as proof that I am going above and beyond my job description. I'm doing it and writting about it and I still don't understand.

We'll see how it goes.
Best.

Random Thoughts

As I said yesterday, I've gotten into audio books (due to the fact that I recently received an MP3 player). I've been listening to self-help books (probably the cause of my self doubts), older books I've already read, and books of deep thought. At this moment, I'm listening to Stephen Hawking. This man has an incredible mind. If you know anything about him, you know he has all but lost the control of his body. It's interesting to think that he's such a brilliant thinker because of this fact. Would he still be so brilliant if his body was more than a decrepit vessel for his brain? Would he not be as intelligent if he hadn't lost everything of his being except his mind? I often wonder if he is the person he is because he was left with nothing but his mind to work with. We only use ten percent of our brain; imagine what we would be capable of if we learned to tap into the true power of our mind. A myriad of comic books have been written about this topic. Go figure.

It's been said that "All the worlds a stage." Lately, I feel as though I'm waiting to buy a ticket to the theatre, without any money, and they're sold out. It's as though I'm losing the battle to maintain control of my life. Everything seems to be running away from me and I just can't catch up to it. Yet, I'm remaining calm about everything, not letting things upset me. It's just a weird feeling.

From my past, I've always believed I had something going on. I just couldn't place my finger on it. When I started Nursing school I spoke to some people about it. They said to talk to my doctor about my thoughts. He refused to give a "diagnosis" because I was working through it and he didn't want to "label" me with a problem as it might hinder me in the future (smart man). As such, I've often wondered what category I'd fall into. I've worked with all sorts of psych patients in my years of nursing, especially in the prison system. I sort of think I might have small - very small - essences of manic. I'm a little O.C. (obsessive compulsive). But again, I work through it. It's just that I can see it in the things I do. The problem is, I think I'm either in a manic stage or going into one. My insomnia is returning and I get into jags where I'll go and not eat (not that you could tell) because I'm working intently on something. That's why one of my distant future "projects" is to build a work shed. It would be nice to have a place to work on/with wood and metal and get a little primal once in a while. There's nothing more calming, to me, then working with your hands to create something. It would also help to have a place to store all of my non-essential items.

I'm off tomorrow and hope to give an hour or two to work on fixing up this blog a little. I'm having trouble finding what addition has caused the pop-up ads. I may have to scrap the whole project and rebuild. I should know more tomorrow.

Till then.
Best.

Pop-up ads??!!

I didn't realize I had pop-up ads on my blog!!! I hate them, and I apologize to everyone for them. I WILL revamp it and remove all those little ads I placed on it. I am truly distressed over this fact. I have been saying for some time that I needed and wanted to redo this thing, I just haven't taken the time.

If you haven't realized, I'm turning over a new leaf (or trying to). I have to quit putting things off so much. I have oh so many things I want to do and get done but I always seem to get turned away. NO MORE! I've made up my mind to set goals and keep them.

I guess all the audio books I've been listening to have had an impact. I've gotten into listening to them when I'm doing other things. I won't listen to a book I truly want to read, only those that I don't think I'll care too much about. I figure if I find I actually like it I'll read it. I love to read, but with everything I need to do, I don't seem to be able to proportion my time. Maybe that will be the next book I listen to?

Life seems to be hectic at the moment. Anxiety and turmoil reigns. It will be difficult to stop putting things off with everything I need to work on. It's just something I must do. Bite the bullet and bear down to work through the pain. There's something in every aspect of my life to work on.

There is good news. A friend of ours got back in touch with us yesterday. She seems to be doing incredible. She has signed a book deal for four (?) books. If not four then three, as I haven't talked to her to get it straight. I can't say enough good things about the family. Her and her husband are the most astounding people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I can say, with no reserve, that I have valued every conversation I've had with them. Each time I felt as though I took more from them than I gave. They are in that narrow margin of people I consider impressive.

It surprises me none that she has signed the book deal that she has. They both have an unimaginable mind, and their experiences are second only to a few. I haven't read a bit of the book, as is hasn't been released, and am chomping at the bit awaiting the possibilities. It seems to be a Young Readers book. From the slight description I've seen, I'm guessing it's the feminine version of the Harry Potter series (or in that genre somewhere). He's her website so you can check it out for yourself - http://www.melissa-marr.com. I'll try to let you know the release date when I learn. (Just reiterating that I have yet to say/here two words from them in years as my wife and son talked to her last night. Soon enough I guess.)

It was amazing to see how the entire family radiated with excitement and anticipation when our friend called. She called my parents first, early in the day when we were at work. My father told my wife about it, and when she checked our voice mail, she found a message from her. She called her back when we got home and got her voice mail. Then, everyone was all a twitter with expectations. My son never talks on the phone. He talked to her for over a half an hour! And it wasn't just, "Yes. No. Maybe. Sometimes." He tried to tell her everything that happened in just a few minutes. Afterwards, he was on cloud nine.

I kind of have mixed feelings about rejoining the friendship. I'm intoxicated over their success. But, it makes me question my own deeds. Have I moved forward in life? Have I done anything at all? What have I accomplished? Maybe I have feelings of inferiority. It makes you take a self inventory of your life. I think the biggest thing I have a problem with is our house. It's old and too small for us. It needs a lot of work done to it. I think I mentioned (spoken as "complained) it in a blog previously. The best thing that could be done to it is to take a match to it and put it out of it's misery.

Oh well. I'll be receiving two raises this month, I think. I was already given a step increase and I'm told I will be getting a grade increase. That will help things out. In due time we will be able to afford a bigger, better house. It's just frustrating trying to make due with the house we have when we need so much more from it. We do not have anyone in as we are embarrassed of it. I hope they don't want to come here for a visit. It's very ratty and just not big enough to entertain anyone in. And it's not even the fact that they would judge us badly for it. It's just a source of humiliation for us. It's really bad when our eldest wants to help get a new house. He was entered into a poetry contest by his teacher/school. Among all the student in several schools, his poem was one of a few chosen to be published in a book. They will be judged and the poet voted to have the best poem will receive three thousand dollars. a couple of days ago, he said he hoped he won. When asked what he would do with the money, he asked if he would be able to put it towards a down payment on a house with our money. What do you say to that?

I guess that everything that happened recently built up to self doubt. It's not a good feeling being unable to give your children what they need. And they truly need a bigger, better house. One of the things I have to work feverishly on. The one good thing about it is we have never bought a house before - first time buyers discounts. I'm sure to keep anyone interested in the progress, as when we do get a house, I won't be able to contain myself.

That's enough ranting, praising, kow-towing, B@*%$ing, and worshipping for now. More next time.

Best.

The prodigal son returns

It's been quite a while since my last entry (FOUR MONTHS!). Nothing really going on.

My youngest son is seemingly in the terrible two's. The boy is into everything! He has an arm length of five-hundred feet, he doesn't walk - he runs, and he has to touch everything he sees. We have to attach everything to the ceiling.

My eldest son is going through all sorts of things. The teen years are just pure HELL for everyone involved.

Since there hasn't been much change in my life (it just seems to continue with or without me), I don't have much to write.

Best.