More and more I'm hearing of cases when a teacher sends letters home to the parent of "your child is disruptive, he does not keep focus and attention, maybe you should have him tested for ADHD and get him on some medicine to help him." Then the parent takes the time, sets up the appointment, spends the money for the appointment, and the doctor says well yes, your child does show signs of ADHD, but not serious, and not enough for meds. He just needs to be challenged more. He's a bright child.
My thoughts on this are simply this is the way most teachers will deal with a situation, rather than getting out of their lazy comfort zone, and actually helping a child to learn, putting more of a challenge to him. There are a handful of good teachers out there that will do what they can, even make suggestions for your child and things he can do when he's not in school to help him...but for the most part, teachers HAVE become lazy, and will NOT move out of their comfort zone to help a child. My question to those, are, why are you in a teaching position if you are not in it to help the children? We have too many teachers of the young today, not just school teachers, who claim they care for the children, but they are in it more for their own personal agenda. For some, it's a paycheck. For some, it's a position of power. The chance to say, "I made a difference in that child's life"...but the difference you made, is not for the better, I can promise you that.
If you are going to be a teacher of children, do all that you can. And understand, that it doesn't take just one person to teach a child. Get as many as you can involved. Yourself, the parents, anyone that a child looks up to, is a teacher. If you can't be that teacher, then maybe you need to re-evaluate what you do...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Ahh, 2011 is upon us...
Well, a new year, full of new hopes, dreams, resolutions...well folks, I'm here to tell ya. We start off every year this way, excited. It's a new day, a new dawn, a new year. Things WILL be better. Then somewhere after a few months, we start falling off that high of hope, the humdrum kicks in, and we go back to mediocrity and the same old same old.
I hope and pray that this doesn't happen, and I hope we can all keep the positive notes going.
To date, since January 1, there have been tornadoes in Arkansas, birds falling from the sky, fish dying by the hundreds of thousands, both of those events happening in Arkansas. (Oddly, Arkansas is really close to the center of the US...could this be a sign??) Worldwide, Tranwrecks, massive earthquakes, shootings and killings, assassinations (ironically I find it humorous that a Pakistani leader was killed by his own Punjabi bodyguard...NEVER piss off your security guys, folks!), bomb threats, all sorts of things.
I think the mainstream media needs to stop reporting on all the bad things, and find something good to report about. Think about it. What's the last good thing you remember the news reporting? Me? I have no idea. But if we're force fed dull, doom and gloom, you're going to breathe it in, and exhale it right back out. You'll believe in it.
Our economy is worse, and I see no sign of improvement. It's gotten so bad that a very good friend of mine whom nobody would ever think or imagine him doing poorly has just about hit financial rock bottom. I know it happens to a lot of us. Me, it seems to happen every other month or so...but I've become use to it. I'm just a normal person. But this guy...this guy is awesome. He's so very humble, he literally does anything he can to help anyone. He goes out of his way to help people, and never asks anything in return. He SHARES his religion with others, not forces it down your throat and tell you that you're going to Hell if you don't believe in it.
He was recently let go from a management position because a high school student in his employ did not clock out before 10 pm, which is part of the child labor laws. It was an honest mistake, but upper management had to come down hard on him because of the rules and laws. This left him unemployed. The state will not give him unemployment. He does not qualify for assistance. It makes me sick because every day we come across people who are too lazy to get out and do something for themselves, walk in to state and federal assistance offices and walk out with a smile on their face and a check or some other kind of handout in their hand. If this is fairness in democracy, I'm disgusted.
I'd give anything to help this friend, he's been there for me and my entire family so many times that I've lost count. And he's never asked for anything in return, other than just my fellowship, which is given freely, at no cost. Ever. I cannot monetarily help him due to my own dire straits, but I can get the word out, and ask that those people who follow my lines keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
2011: Here's to hope and promise. Just do your best to keep on going forward, remember those you love, and those who love you. Remember those who go out of their way for you, and make sure you return the favor. Look for others you can help, no matter in what way. If you can be there for them, do so. Even if it's just a pat on the back, a hug during hard times, or a stupid joke to put a smile on their face. It helps more than you know, and kindness starts in small acts.
Happy MMXI.
I hope and pray that this doesn't happen, and I hope we can all keep the positive notes going.
To date, since January 1, there have been tornadoes in Arkansas, birds falling from the sky, fish dying by the hundreds of thousands, both of those events happening in Arkansas. (Oddly, Arkansas is really close to the center of the US...could this be a sign??) Worldwide, Tranwrecks, massive earthquakes, shootings and killings, assassinations (ironically I find it humorous that a Pakistani leader was killed by his own Punjabi bodyguard...NEVER piss off your security guys, folks!), bomb threats, all sorts of things.
I think the mainstream media needs to stop reporting on all the bad things, and find something good to report about. Think about it. What's the last good thing you remember the news reporting? Me? I have no idea. But if we're force fed dull, doom and gloom, you're going to breathe it in, and exhale it right back out. You'll believe in it.
Our economy is worse, and I see no sign of improvement. It's gotten so bad that a very good friend of mine whom nobody would ever think or imagine him doing poorly has just about hit financial rock bottom. I know it happens to a lot of us. Me, it seems to happen every other month or so...but I've become use to it. I'm just a normal person. But this guy...this guy is awesome. He's so very humble, he literally does anything he can to help anyone. He goes out of his way to help people, and never asks anything in return. He SHARES his religion with others, not forces it down your throat and tell you that you're going to Hell if you don't believe in it.
He was recently let go from a management position because a high school student in his employ did not clock out before 10 pm, which is part of the child labor laws. It was an honest mistake, but upper management had to come down hard on him because of the rules and laws. This left him unemployed. The state will not give him unemployment. He does not qualify for assistance. It makes me sick because every day we come across people who are too lazy to get out and do something for themselves, walk in to state and federal assistance offices and walk out with a smile on their face and a check or some other kind of handout in their hand. If this is fairness in democracy, I'm disgusted.
I'd give anything to help this friend, he's been there for me and my entire family so many times that I've lost count. And he's never asked for anything in return, other than just my fellowship, which is given freely, at no cost. Ever. I cannot monetarily help him due to my own dire straits, but I can get the word out, and ask that those people who follow my lines keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
2011: Here's to hope and promise. Just do your best to keep on going forward, remember those you love, and those who love you. Remember those who go out of their way for you, and make sure you return the favor. Look for others you can help, no matter in what way. If you can be there for them, do so. Even if it's just a pat on the back, a hug during hard times, or a stupid joke to put a smile on their face. It helps more than you know, and kindness starts in small acts.
Happy MMXI.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Ahh the Christmas Holidays
You know what that means. Crazy people running mad in the stores. Increased traffic. Big oil companies capitalizing on those last minute have to have shopping lists by raising the price of gas for no reason. Angry people cussing out store employees because they can't do this or that, or they won't find this...
Wake up people. I really hope you read this, and even more, I hope you understand this and take a minute to say 'hey, he's right.'
This all started when I saw a post from BestBuy on my facebook page and went to the Bestbuy page for more detail on a certain item. Within the 30 minutes that BestBuy originally made the post, there were countless people making posts on the site, complaining. That's right, complaining. One complaining of crappy service. One complaining about an item being delivered and installed at his house (THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS EVE!!), several people complaining about the website being down and not being able to order those last minute gifts. Who waits till the day BEFORE Christmas Eve to order something online?? Guess what, it's not gonna make it in time buddy.
What we all need to realize is, you're not the only one that's standing in a store, pissed off, demanding help, that's not going to get there any time soon. Look around you. In stores large enough, there are hundreds of other people, standing in a line, waiting impatiently on something, cussing out some employee that's just trying to do his job, mad because that gotta have it new fashion doll for your kid isn't in stock...whatever.
Now let me put this in before you stop reading here to blast me about some jerk employee that told you to stuff it. I know there's exceptions to every rule, I know from first hand experience, that some employees are just there to collect a check and could give a damn about helping you. But as a whole, the employees are trying to do their job.
Why did you, the consumer, wait till the day before Christmas Eve? The week before Christmas? The last few weeks of the year, to go do your holiday shopping? Was it to get those awesome 10% off last minute shopping deals? Was it worth it? Do you feel better knowing you're stressed, pissed, aggravated, ready to snap, spending more money on gas because you're fighting traffic to get there, driving around in circles looking for a parking spot, and losing your patience with dealing with lines of people that are doing the same thing you are?
Then it's always everyone else's fault. The stocker who can't find that last item. That employee that you can't find, or that employee that went to find something for you and never returned. Chances are, while he was looking for your item, he got railroaded by other people wanting something too. Then again, chances are, he didn't want to come back to your impatient attitude. You never know.
I did my time in retail. First 15 years of my working career was in retail in some fashion or another. And I'll tell ya. As a retail employee, you look forward to the end of the day to get away from all the people, all the nonsense, all the instanity.
When you guys wait till the last minute to do your shopping, keep this in mind. It stresses those people who are working for you, making nowhere near what they're worth. It stresses the machines that are in constant overdrive to scan your item, do a price search, ring up your item. So expect a break down. Expect that credit card machine to be a bit slower. Expect that cashier to be a little more impatient because people are badgering her insisting that it was 9.99 not 15.99, or it was 15% off not 10% off. Turn around, and look behind you at all the people that are standing in line when you're next to be checked out.
We tend to take it out on the people that work in these stores. It's not their fault most of the time. So why do we do it? It is human nature? Is it us falling to the curse of corporate America? Turning in to the sheep of the system that think we're getting a better deal on already over priced discounts?
Try doing your shopping a bit earlier. You'll save more money in the long run. You've already made your purchases, and you'll have money left over at Christmas because you've already bought stuff. If you're out shopping, try and be nice. Give a smile to those overstressed people. Say have a nice day and mean it. Buy a cheap box of candy canes and give one to your cashier when you check out. Go ahead, park at the end of the parking lot and walk. Chances are you could use a nice walk anyway, and you just saved gas instead of driving the parking lot ten times looking for that one person that's taking their time backing out of a spot.
Folks, if this world's gonna change for the better, it starts with us. You and me. WE make the difference. If you don't like Christmas, stop and think about why. Chances are you hate it because it's become so commercialized and people are running around like shopping zombies that feed off the next big discounted item. Consider shopping small businesses. Don't go to big box mart or mega priced makeup store. Don't go to designer price tags are us for your clothes. It's just not worth it. Find you a Christmas music station to listen to while you're sitting in traffic. Take the back roads. Enjoy the scenery. For those of you in and around Jefferson County, that radio station is 96.5. Say Merry Christmas and mean it. If someone's offended, let them deal with it. You just keep happy. Instead of griping at that store employee when he can't help you, just tell him thanks anyway and Merry Christmas. Watch the look of shock on his face as you smile and walk away.
Just the way I see it folks, welcome to Corporate America. We'll be here all eternity unless you start making the changes now.
Merry Christmas folks.
Wake up people. I really hope you read this, and even more, I hope you understand this and take a minute to say 'hey, he's right.'
This all started when I saw a post from BestBuy on my facebook page and went to the Bestbuy page for more detail on a certain item. Within the 30 minutes that BestBuy originally made the post, there were countless people making posts on the site, complaining. That's right, complaining. One complaining of crappy service. One complaining about an item being delivered and installed at his house (THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS EVE!!), several people complaining about the website being down and not being able to order those last minute gifts. Who waits till the day BEFORE Christmas Eve to order something online?? Guess what, it's not gonna make it in time buddy.
What we all need to realize is, you're not the only one that's standing in a store, pissed off, demanding help, that's not going to get there any time soon. Look around you. In stores large enough, there are hundreds of other people, standing in a line, waiting impatiently on something, cussing out some employee that's just trying to do his job, mad because that gotta have it new fashion doll for your kid isn't in stock...whatever.
Now let me put this in before you stop reading here to blast me about some jerk employee that told you to stuff it. I know there's exceptions to every rule, I know from first hand experience, that some employees are just there to collect a check and could give a damn about helping you. But as a whole, the employees are trying to do their job.
Why did you, the consumer, wait till the day before Christmas Eve? The week before Christmas? The last few weeks of the year, to go do your holiday shopping? Was it to get those awesome 10% off last minute shopping deals? Was it worth it? Do you feel better knowing you're stressed, pissed, aggravated, ready to snap, spending more money on gas because you're fighting traffic to get there, driving around in circles looking for a parking spot, and losing your patience with dealing with lines of people that are doing the same thing you are?
Then it's always everyone else's fault. The stocker who can't find that last item. That employee that you can't find, or that employee that went to find something for you and never returned. Chances are, while he was looking for your item, he got railroaded by other people wanting something too. Then again, chances are, he didn't want to come back to your impatient attitude. You never know.
I did my time in retail. First 15 years of my working career was in retail in some fashion or another. And I'll tell ya. As a retail employee, you look forward to the end of the day to get away from all the people, all the nonsense, all the instanity.
When you guys wait till the last minute to do your shopping, keep this in mind. It stresses those people who are working for you, making nowhere near what they're worth. It stresses the machines that are in constant overdrive to scan your item, do a price search, ring up your item. So expect a break down. Expect that credit card machine to be a bit slower. Expect that cashier to be a little more impatient because people are badgering her insisting that it was 9.99 not 15.99, or it was 15% off not 10% off. Turn around, and look behind you at all the people that are standing in line when you're next to be checked out.
We tend to take it out on the people that work in these stores. It's not their fault most of the time. So why do we do it? It is human nature? Is it us falling to the curse of corporate America? Turning in to the sheep of the system that think we're getting a better deal on already over priced discounts?
Try doing your shopping a bit earlier. You'll save more money in the long run. You've already made your purchases, and you'll have money left over at Christmas because you've already bought stuff. If you're out shopping, try and be nice. Give a smile to those overstressed people. Say have a nice day and mean it. Buy a cheap box of candy canes and give one to your cashier when you check out. Go ahead, park at the end of the parking lot and walk. Chances are you could use a nice walk anyway, and you just saved gas instead of driving the parking lot ten times looking for that one person that's taking their time backing out of a spot.
Folks, if this world's gonna change for the better, it starts with us. You and me. WE make the difference. If you don't like Christmas, stop and think about why. Chances are you hate it because it's become so commercialized and people are running around like shopping zombies that feed off the next big discounted item. Consider shopping small businesses. Don't go to big box mart or mega priced makeup store. Don't go to designer price tags are us for your clothes. It's just not worth it. Find you a Christmas music station to listen to while you're sitting in traffic. Take the back roads. Enjoy the scenery. For those of you in and around Jefferson County, that radio station is 96.5. Say Merry Christmas and mean it. If someone's offended, let them deal with it. You just keep happy. Instead of griping at that store employee when he can't help you, just tell him thanks anyway and Merry Christmas. Watch the look of shock on his face as you smile and walk away.
Just the way I see it folks, welcome to Corporate America. We'll be here all eternity unless you start making the changes now.
Merry Christmas folks.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
I've been thinking...
A lot lately. More than usual. It seems to happen when you have hard times, you think a lot more and sometimes it's thinking about how bad the situation is, or how to get out of the situation, or you're just thinking about when times were good. Regardless, I feel we tend to think more during hard times.
So, say you're on the way home from the store, and you get behind someone that's driving slow, or at least slower than you are and want to be. You're on a curvy road with hills, and there's no safe way to pass. Slowly getting more and more angry because this slow person is in front of you. Whether it be some old grandma or grandpa, someone rambling on their stupid cell phone, or just someone driving slow because they're driving slow, they're in front of you and it's annoying.
You finally get the chance on a small straight to pass, and you zoom by them. Shoot them a dirty look, a hand gesture, or whatever, and you take off, just to get over the hill, or around the next curve, and there's a line of cars with someone driving even slower at the front, and you're not going to be able to pass. Now you're twice as mad, and you've saved what, 2 seconds? Just to be stuck again, and now that slow person you just passed is right behind you again. So much for that 2 seconds.
In the grand scheme of things, what were you going to do with that 2 seconds? Even if it's 2 minutes that you get home quicker? Was it really worth that much for that small amount of time in your overall day?
Problem is, this happens a lot. To all of us. And not just while driving. We've become impatient in life, and there's really no reason nor excuse for it. Unless it's some life threatening emergency, then why not just lean back, and drive? Especially on a gorgeous day like today.
I was in this situation on my way home this morning. Never got the chance to pass the guy, but when we got over the hill and he sped up a little, we came across the line of cars just like I described. And I got to thinking about this. I'm guilty of it too.
Why are we in such a rush to get nowhere fast? That person in the car in front of you going slow...some grandma or grandpa...they've lived long enough and done probably more than several of you and your friends combined...don't they deserve to drive how they want?
That person that's just driving slow to be driving slow. Are they just enjoying the beautiful day? Could something be really wrong in their life and they're driving slow because they can't fully concentrate on driving fast? Maybe they're driving slow because they're afraid of those fast drivers like you and me...
Or the person on the cell phone...well, I've nothing to say about that. Shouldn't be happening. But that's what we've adapted to in life. We can't live without our cell phones and our ipods and our iphones and nonsense. We can't survive that drive home without having to talk to someone...
We walk through stores or malls and we come across someone walking slow in front of us. We'll wedge ourselves between that old couple and a group of on-comers just to get around them, instead of waiting a few seconds and stepping by them while saying excuse me with a smile.
We're not polite anymore, we forgot what manners are, and we're not teaching it to our children. We're impatient because we don't take the time to remember patience. Even though things would be so much easier, faster, better if we did.
Let's not try to dwell on the bad stuff, let's look forward to the future and try and make it a better place for us and our children. That's what we should be thinking.
I've had a pretty rough week, and through God's graces we've had wonderful friends and family pick us up and keep us going until we were able to stand on our feet. Just like old times.
A smile goes a longer way than a frown, and it's much more appealing.
Hopefully you'll be thinking too. Just remember; it may not be much to you, but it could be a miracle to someone else. And even the smallest miracle is a great miracle.
So, say you're on the way home from the store, and you get behind someone that's driving slow, or at least slower than you are and want to be. You're on a curvy road with hills, and there's no safe way to pass. Slowly getting more and more angry because this slow person is in front of you. Whether it be some old grandma or grandpa, someone rambling on their stupid cell phone, or just someone driving slow because they're driving slow, they're in front of you and it's annoying.
You finally get the chance on a small straight to pass, and you zoom by them. Shoot them a dirty look, a hand gesture, or whatever, and you take off, just to get over the hill, or around the next curve, and there's a line of cars with someone driving even slower at the front, and you're not going to be able to pass. Now you're twice as mad, and you've saved what, 2 seconds? Just to be stuck again, and now that slow person you just passed is right behind you again. So much for that 2 seconds.
In the grand scheme of things, what were you going to do with that 2 seconds? Even if it's 2 minutes that you get home quicker? Was it really worth that much for that small amount of time in your overall day?
Problem is, this happens a lot. To all of us. And not just while driving. We've become impatient in life, and there's really no reason nor excuse for it. Unless it's some life threatening emergency, then why not just lean back, and drive? Especially on a gorgeous day like today.
I was in this situation on my way home this morning. Never got the chance to pass the guy, but when we got over the hill and he sped up a little, we came across the line of cars just like I described. And I got to thinking about this. I'm guilty of it too.
Why are we in such a rush to get nowhere fast? That person in the car in front of you going slow...some grandma or grandpa...they've lived long enough and done probably more than several of you and your friends combined...don't they deserve to drive how they want?
That person that's just driving slow to be driving slow. Are they just enjoying the beautiful day? Could something be really wrong in their life and they're driving slow because they can't fully concentrate on driving fast? Maybe they're driving slow because they're afraid of those fast drivers like you and me...
Or the person on the cell phone...well, I've nothing to say about that. Shouldn't be happening. But that's what we've adapted to in life. We can't live without our cell phones and our ipods and our iphones and nonsense. We can't survive that drive home without having to talk to someone...
We walk through stores or malls and we come across someone walking slow in front of us. We'll wedge ourselves between that old couple and a group of on-comers just to get around them, instead of waiting a few seconds and stepping by them while saying excuse me with a smile.
We're not polite anymore, we forgot what manners are, and we're not teaching it to our children. We're impatient because we don't take the time to remember patience. Even though things would be so much easier, faster, better if we did.
Let's not try to dwell on the bad stuff, let's look forward to the future and try and make it a better place for us and our children. That's what we should be thinking.
I've had a pretty rough week, and through God's graces we've had wonderful friends and family pick us up and keep us going until we were able to stand on our feet. Just like old times.
A smile goes a longer way than a frown, and it's much more appealing.
Hopefully you'll be thinking too. Just remember; it may not be much to you, but it could be a miracle to someone else. And even the smallest miracle is a great miracle.
Monday, September 27, 2010
So turns another chapter in the days of my life...
Well, tonight was the last meeting of what was known as Gardendale Pack 714.
For those that don't know, I'm the assistant cubmaster for this scout pack, which is now transitioning into Gardendale Pack 100.
Long story short, the church we were meeting at wasn't overly happy with the way that we were growing, and wanted us to go in a different direction, 'under the guidance of the church', which was directed by one person, even though he didn't have this authority. Unfortunately, he was attempting to usurp power and authority that he did not, not was not allowed to have, and he coerced the pastor in to seeing his way over ours and policy. Basically political drama.
So we chose to start a new pack, troop, and crew. UNFORTUNATELY, this means a chance of splitting friends, and this isn't so great. We don't want to force anyone to come with us as we feel everyone is free to make their own decisions. Some of the scouts in our pack were members of this church, and we would not want to dampen their relationship with the church.
One of our leaders, who is a very good person, a great leader, and a heck of a guy with an awesome family came to Frank and myself this evening before the meeting and told us that he and his family have chosen to stay with the church instead of going with us to the new church and pack 100. I felt sad that he made this decision, but he said they prayed about it and they feel in their hearts that this is best for them. I fully understand and would not deny them the chance, but it makes me sad that we're losing a good family with great values. We did everything we could to let them know we support their decision and they're always welcome to come with us should they feel the need to change.
This is a hard part. Venturing in to new things, traveling new areas. Jumping off the platform without a net. But that's part of life's adventures I guess. I personally hope that Pack 714 lives on, and grows, and becomes as successful as it was with us. I wished there were more we could do for Pack 714, unfortunately I really don't think at this point we'll be allowed to. Once that door closed tonight, it was locked to us that are leaving.
I hate to see splits and separations like this; it's always hard. And it's hard for the kids who already have so much they have to face in their every day lives. What does this teach? When it gets tough, the grown ups run away? When you can't get along with someone, just leave? Where's the values, the morals? How do you explain this to an 8 year old or a 9 year old that doesn't understand politics and power?
I hope that the children will understand as they grow, that we as parents, leaders, guidance of our future in our children, have done what we felt was best for them in helping them to grow and mature. I hope that they'll see we're trying to take them from people that want to hold them down through us or through disagreements with one or two people but it's held against the whole group.
Anyway, I guess that's enough of my rambling on this. I hope that 2 packs can coexist and that we can make both packs flourish; but I don't see our new pack going anywhere for a long time, and I hope that those who stay know that the door is always open for them, and noone will stop them or make them feel guilty for not going.
Long Live Pack 714
For those that don't know, I'm the assistant cubmaster for this scout pack, which is now transitioning into Gardendale Pack 100.
Long story short, the church we were meeting at wasn't overly happy with the way that we were growing, and wanted us to go in a different direction, 'under the guidance of the church', which was directed by one person, even though he didn't have this authority. Unfortunately, he was attempting to usurp power and authority that he did not, not was not allowed to have, and he coerced the pastor in to seeing his way over ours and policy. Basically political drama.
So we chose to start a new pack, troop, and crew. UNFORTUNATELY, this means a chance of splitting friends, and this isn't so great. We don't want to force anyone to come with us as we feel everyone is free to make their own decisions. Some of the scouts in our pack were members of this church, and we would not want to dampen their relationship with the church.
One of our leaders, who is a very good person, a great leader, and a heck of a guy with an awesome family came to Frank and myself this evening before the meeting and told us that he and his family have chosen to stay with the church instead of going with us to the new church and pack 100. I felt sad that he made this decision, but he said they prayed about it and they feel in their hearts that this is best for them. I fully understand and would not deny them the chance, but it makes me sad that we're losing a good family with great values. We did everything we could to let them know we support their decision and they're always welcome to come with us should they feel the need to change.
This is a hard part. Venturing in to new things, traveling new areas. Jumping off the platform without a net. But that's part of life's adventures I guess. I personally hope that Pack 714 lives on, and grows, and becomes as successful as it was with us. I wished there were more we could do for Pack 714, unfortunately I really don't think at this point we'll be allowed to. Once that door closed tonight, it was locked to us that are leaving.
I hate to see splits and separations like this; it's always hard. And it's hard for the kids who already have so much they have to face in their every day lives. What does this teach? When it gets tough, the grown ups run away? When you can't get along with someone, just leave? Where's the values, the morals? How do you explain this to an 8 year old or a 9 year old that doesn't understand politics and power?
I hope that the children will understand as they grow, that we as parents, leaders, guidance of our future in our children, have done what we felt was best for them in helping them to grow and mature. I hope that they'll see we're trying to take them from people that want to hold them down through us or through disagreements with one or two people but it's held against the whole group.
Anyway, I guess that's enough of my rambling on this. I hope that 2 packs can coexist and that we can make both packs flourish; but I don't see our new pack going anywhere for a long time, and I hope that those who stay know that the door is always open for them, and noone will stop them or make them feel guilty for not going.
Long Live Pack 714
Saturday, August 7, 2010
The Best Buy Saga...
Well, the Best Buy Saga has culminated. After having my wife's laptop for 2 WEEKS, continuing to give me the run around, I went in today and they presented me with 2 choices. 1, they could send the laptop to the repair shop, which would take 4-6 weeks, or they could refund me the money for the laptop and I could 'just buy a new one'.
Problem is that I got a hell of a deal on that laptop since it was ordered, upgraded, then not sold. So I asked if I would get my 130 dollars back for the Geek Squad work that was done but not fixing the problem. And they gave me that back too. I wound up buying my wife yet another laptop, more expensive, costing me MORE money. Bad customer service Best Buy...wouldn't even give me a discount on the one I wanted even though it was the display model and no more in stock...
Oh, and not to mention, I paid cash for the original laptop, still had the receipt and all the stuff, and they refused to give me the cash back. "It has to be on a Gift Card". Of course, you rat bastards. Force me to spend my money there...Cost me way too much time, money, patience, and aggravation. I thought the "Geek Squad" were supposed to be pro's...WRONG AGAIN.
Let's hope you don't screw up my camera, with it's Black Tie Warranty. Then there really will be some problems.
Monday, June 14, 2010
WUI...(writing under the influence)
Well, kinda. I've enjoying the bottle of Captain Morgan Lime Bites that my good friend Cat and her boyfriend for me for my birthday. Just so you know, Lime Bites ROCKS! It's great.
So yeah, not drunk by any means but felt like writing. Unfortunately I can't narrow down a topic to write upon, so no telling what's going to be posted here.
For starters, let's give an update.
As of last Tuesday, I have a job driving a forklift loading trucks at Quikrete in Homewood area. Not the best of jobs, but it's a job. It's Hot and dusty, and I now have a slight inclination of what a statue feels like when I come home and my hair and arms are slightly stiff from driving around in the concrete dust while sweating all day. Interesting. Well, not really.
As of Wednesday, (June 9..DUH) I turned 34. Yup, another year older. While I received several birthday wishes through Facebook, a few on myspace, and a few phone calls, the big fun part came on Friday with my 'not so surprise' surprise birthday party. Let's back up a bit to further understand this one.
So, my dear sweet wife of almost 11 years has tried on 4 (3 up until this one) occasions to try to throw me a surprise party. I've discovered the coup every time somehow through obviousness or stumbling upon some part of it and putting the pieces together. This year, things were a bit different. I'd made a casual statement in jest mostly that looks like my birthday would be forgotten from now on since I now have a nephew who was born on June 8, and just celebrated his 1st birthday this year. Congrats Jamie! Anyway, I've always enjoyed my birthday being June 9, because there's no holidays close to it, and nobody immediately related to me celebrates a birthday close to mine. So it's my chance every year to be celebrated without interruption. Well, she made a few remarks at my forgotten birthday and that was that. A few odd things happened here and there, such as she started making a database for Phineas and Ferb stuff, she started asking me about webcam stuff and how to store video...but I never really thought much of it more than she's enjoying her new notebook computer that I got her for Mother's Day.
So, Tuesday the 8th, I come home from work, the wife has made dinner, and I'm sitting here at my desk eating, and Little John remarks from the kitchen, "Dad, your party is going to be so awesome, but I'm not saying anything because it's a surprise, and you're not getting anything out of me!" A bit confused, I lean back, and look at him and say "what party?" As the wife walks quietly and calmly and smacks him across the back of the head (in a loving way of course) and says "IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SURPRISE YOU GOOBER!!"
So yeah. Now you know why it's called the 'not so surprise' surprise party.
HOWEVER, I told Jennifer that nobody had to know I knew, that I'd keep it a secret and act surprised. She told me that she would have to tell Frank since he was in on it too, but she wasn't going to tell me what was going on.
So we talked to Frank, I joked with him because the plan was for him to occupy me Friday evening until time for me to show up at my party.
Well, I got off work Friday, he got off work, we met up here at the house and I had to go on a mission. Major Monogram (From Phineas and Ferb, but this time played by Little John) had an urgent message of NATIONAL SECURITY for me!
Within this video there were coordinates in which I was supposed to go to...which gave me a present, and MORE coordinates to another place...which gave me another present and MORE coordinates...you get the point. After about 5 different locations AND A BAG OF ICE!!!, I was ordered to return to my home base.
There was the party, and a couple of people had arrived, some of whom I haven't seen in a while.
So we kinda waited around till everyone got there, had some pizza, the Awesome Mrs Evil Debbie (who Tessa professes she's my girlfriend) made and delivered a key lime cake for me! Yes, I shared...and it was fabulous!!
Jennifer invented a Phineas and Ferb version of Clue which was a lot of fun, and afterward we just kinda sat and hung out till everyone headed for home.
So it was a great party, and I had a lot of fun, and got some cool gifts including 2 bottles of Captain Morgan, a Christopher Moore book, a cool shirt (thanks Deisha!!) and a bayonet from WW1 I think, that belonged to my late father in law...I used to pick at him about that...and Joan gave it to me for my birthday, which meant a lot to me.
Anyway, sum it up, I had a great birthday!!
I think that's about all I'm going to write for this blog. Feel free to enjoy the video posted of "Major Monogram" giving me orders for my mission. Quite a hoot.
Until next time...
Be safe and remember to smile. It does help.
Hammer
So yeah, not drunk by any means but felt like writing. Unfortunately I can't narrow down a topic to write upon, so no telling what's going to be posted here.
For starters, let's give an update.
As of last Tuesday, I have a job driving a forklift loading trucks at Quikrete in Homewood area. Not the best of jobs, but it's a job. It's Hot and dusty, and I now have a slight inclination of what a statue feels like when I come home and my hair and arms are slightly stiff from driving around in the concrete dust while sweating all day. Interesting. Well, not really.
As of Wednesday, (June 9..DUH) I turned 34. Yup, another year older. While I received several birthday wishes through Facebook, a few on myspace, and a few phone calls, the big fun part came on Friday with my 'not so surprise' surprise birthday party. Let's back up a bit to further understand this one.
So, my dear sweet wife of almost 11 years has tried on 4 (3 up until this one) occasions to try to throw me a surprise party. I've discovered the coup every time somehow through obviousness or stumbling upon some part of it and putting the pieces together. This year, things were a bit different. I'd made a casual statement in jest mostly that looks like my birthday would be forgotten from now on since I now have a nephew who was born on June 8, and just celebrated his 1st birthday this year. Congrats Jamie! Anyway, I've always enjoyed my birthday being June 9, because there's no holidays close to it, and nobody immediately related to me celebrates a birthday close to mine. So it's my chance every year to be celebrated without interruption. Well, she made a few remarks at my forgotten birthday and that was that. A few odd things happened here and there, such as she started making a database for Phineas and Ferb stuff, she started asking me about webcam stuff and how to store video...but I never really thought much of it more than she's enjoying her new notebook computer that I got her for Mother's Day.
So, Tuesday the 8th, I come home from work, the wife has made dinner, and I'm sitting here at my desk eating, and Little John remarks from the kitchen, "Dad, your party is going to be so awesome, but I'm not saying anything because it's a surprise, and you're not getting anything out of me!" A bit confused, I lean back, and look at him and say "what party?" As the wife walks quietly and calmly and smacks him across the back of the head (in a loving way of course) and says "IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SURPRISE YOU GOOBER!!"
So yeah. Now you know why it's called the 'not so surprise' surprise party.
HOWEVER, I told Jennifer that nobody had to know I knew, that I'd keep it a secret and act surprised. She told me that she would have to tell Frank since he was in on it too, but she wasn't going to tell me what was going on.
So we talked to Frank, I joked with him because the plan was for him to occupy me Friday evening until time for me to show up at my party.
Well, I got off work Friday, he got off work, we met up here at the house and I had to go on a mission. Major Monogram (From Phineas and Ferb, but this time played by Little John) had an urgent message of NATIONAL SECURITY for me!
Within this video there were coordinates in which I was supposed to go to...which gave me a present, and MORE coordinates to another place...which gave me another present and MORE coordinates...you get the point. After about 5 different locations AND A BAG OF ICE!!!, I was ordered to return to my home base.
There was the party, and a couple of people had arrived, some of whom I haven't seen in a while.
So we kinda waited around till everyone got there, had some pizza, the Awesome Mrs Evil Debbie (who Tessa professes she's my girlfriend) made and delivered a key lime cake for me! Yes, I shared...and it was fabulous!!
Jennifer invented a Phineas and Ferb version of Clue which was a lot of fun, and afterward we just kinda sat and hung out till everyone headed for home.
So it was a great party, and I had a lot of fun, and got some cool gifts including 2 bottles of Captain Morgan, a Christopher Moore book, a cool shirt (thanks Deisha!!) and a bayonet from WW1 I think, that belonged to my late father in law...I used to pick at him about that...and Joan gave it to me for my birthday, which meant a lot to me.
Anyway, sum it up, I had a great birthday!!
I think that's about all I'm going to write for this blog. Feel free to enjoy the video posted of "Major Monogram" giving me orders for my mission. Quite a hoot.
Until next time...
Be safe and remember to smile. It does help.
Hammer
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