Timing is Everything

I'm going to depart for talking about my boring life today. (Everyone rejoices.) Instead I'm going to rant about a political issue. (Everyone clicks away.) Still here? Good. Cause this is something I have to get off my chest.

For the last month, Cindy Sheehan has been camped outside Bush's ranch in Crawford demanding a second meeting with him. While I disagree with her in every way imaginable, that's not what this post is about.

This week, she and her supporters have left on a cross country bus trip to drum up support for withdrawing the troops from Iraq. While I think that is the most idiodic idea imaginable right now, that's not what this post is about.

Earlier this week, our country was hit by a hurricane. A major city is flooded and destroyed. There is looting. People are dying. This is the worst natural disaster I can remember in my lifetime. Possibly the worst one to hit our country in most people's lifetime.

Doesn't it seem heartless for people to be crossing the country on busses trying to gain support for an anti-war message right now? Yes, the majority of us are living our lives like normal. But my normal life isn't leading rallies for or against any political cause.

Now while I disagree with what these people are saying, I'm not saying they shouldn't say it. But waiting a couple weeks would seemed the best thing to do PR wise right now.

Word Association for September 1st

Brought to us this week by Matt and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Timber Wolves-- What do you think about collectables? Do you have any geegaws like wolves or dragons or crystals or tea cups and such hanging around the place? ...or maybe on your back in the form of a shirt or jacket?
I collect books like crazy, and some of them are actually rare. Not sure how valuable, but rare. I don't collect nick nacks, but I'm getting a nice Christmas ornament collection and mug collection together as well.

Twosome: of the -- Speaking of the clothes on your back, what is your favorite 'lounge around' stuff? You know, the type of thing you put on to eat ice cream and watch an old movie?
True confessions time? During the summer it's often just a pair of shorts. During colder weather it's an old T-shirt of some kind and some warm-up type pants I've had for years.

Threesome: North-- What's "North" to you? Is it the Mason-Dixon line? ...the Canadian border? ...the Arctic Circle (for Mary) ...or something a little less defined? ...and how far "North" have you been?
North for me is Canada. Maybe Washington, but certainly Canada. I've been very far north in an airplane, but the furthest north I've been on the ground is Jasper in Alberta.

A Week at Least. Maybe Seven Days

Wow, it's been a while since I've talked about my life. Maybe I should fix that.

Of course, most of the time there hasn't been anything major going on. Classes have started at the college, which means Casey is now consumed with homework at night.

I wasn't feeling well at all Thursday, so I skipped youth group. Did nothing yet again.

Saturday game night was game afternoon. We headed down to a beach. Turned out we spent lots of time moving stuff around since after we set up the first time, we found the fire pits. Then the fire pits were already full, so we couldn't use them. The final straw was when we realized no one had brought matches, so we couldn't start a fire. So we went to a restaurant for dinner. Even with all the set backs, a good time was had by all. Or at least me.

Sunday night we didn't have worship team practice because they were starting up a discipleship meeting at the same time. Certainly didn't want to interrupt that. We'll have to see how things go Thursday night. Don't think I've touched my guitar for several weeks. But I've had songs picked out for several weeks, so we'll go with those.

Among the students who are back is Matt S. aka the other Matt. Great to see him again.

Last night, I forgot to get gas on the way home from work. Today rumors are flying that gas prices were going to skyrocket today, and I was upset that I might have cost myself quite a bit of money. Turns out I worried for nothing. Gas was exactly the same price as it was last night when I drove by.

So maybe the reason I haven't updated is there really wasn't much to say.

Word Association for August 28th

Link here.

1. Girlfriends:: Female friends (ok, anyone beside me find it odd that women refer to friends as girlfriends? Why not just friends? I don't go around talking about my boyfriends, do I?)
2. Here to stay:: Clothes (Really, I don't seem them going away any time soon.)
3. Call me:: Al Denson (love that song)
4. Frustrated:: Person
5. Public school:: Government run
6. Glitch:: System
7. Cheese:: Crackers
8. Director:: Play
9. Pivotal:: Episode
10. Exclusive:: Agreement

Thursday Threesome for August 25th

Brought to us by your average driver (and an e-mail header) and The Back Porch.

Onesome - Drop - Have you ever dropped something that you can't believe you did? Was it a priceless item or that big secret?
Heck, there were some Frisbee I sure thought I had that I dropped. I've dropped milk cartons I thought I had, too.

Twosome - Gas Prices - How much is a gallon of gas going for where you are?
The cheapest I've seen is $2.729. It can go as high as $2.899 for regular unleaded.

Threesome - Please Read - What's that latest item you're reading? Is it for pleasure or are you required to read it?
As you can see over on the right, I am currently reading an Alias novel entitled Replaced. Really enjoying it. And I just finished a Diagnosis: Murder novel called The Past Tense. Man, I'm such a TV addict that if I can't watch TV I read it, I guess (no comment, Matt.) Up next is Candy Apple Dead, which has nothing to do with TV at all.

Word Association on a Wednesday

A little late, but better late then never, right?

But first, I must wish a happy birthday to both my dad and my wife!

1. Fan:: Sports
2. Scum:: of the Earth
3. Lily:: of the Valley
4. Humid:: Weather
5. Ghetto:: Poor
6. Remember me?:: Comments
7. Polished:: Off
8. Compose:: Music
9. Squish:: Squash
10. Future:: Bright

Back At It

Got back into town last night. Here's the exciting weekend.

Thursday, got to Donald and Heather's a little later then I had intended. But I still have a good visit with them.

Friday, Donald went into work late, so I didn't have to rush quite as much as I would have. Have I mentioned he's a good friend? Went to Half Price Books. Sold back a duplicated I'd bought in Dallas, but they refused to give me anything for the other, so I kept it. Now I need to figure out what to do with it. Anyway, I turned around and bought $27 worth of books, including three in an out of print series I am quite anxious to get to.

Got to the airport a little later then I had intended, but just as my bro and sil were getting off the plane. We headed to our parents. Ate lunch then went to play miniture golf at a nearby course we enjoy. Mom tried to disown me (accidentally while trying to give sil a hard time). Came home and looked at some of Mom and Dad's pictures from their trip to Botswana.

Saturday was the hard day. My aunt and cousin were really glad to see us, especially bro and sil since they came from so far away. Still, I felt like we should have been doing a little more to comfort, yet it's hard when you hardly know someone. Did see a friend who has recently started working at the church where the service was. The service itself was nice. Afterwards, a group of us hung out at my parents for a while. Saw the rest of their pictures.

Sunday I slept in late. Everyone else was up in time for church, but I wasn't. Felt great. Hung out with sil's family a little then drove to the beach and ate dinner out there before coming back.

Monday I was the first to leave to come home. Ate lunch with Donald on my way by. Didn't get to the final book in the audio dramas of the Chronicles of Narnia. And that's about it.

It really was a good trip. I'm very sorry for the reason I had to go, but really had a good time with family.

Quick Update

I'm trying to finish up a few things before I leave, so this will be quick.

I'm on my way to my parents' for the memorial service this weekend. I'll be spending tonight with Donald and Heather and picking up my brother and sister-in-law at the airport before I arrive. services are Saturday.

Considering all the things we're trying to arrange, this has gone rather smoothly on my end. I'm sure things will be crazy in Santa Rosa, although it sounds like things are under control.

Got a call Monday from a guy looking for a place to live. He was going to come by that night, but he called an hour later to say he couldn't make it after all. Never heard any more from him.

I started listening to a little talk radio on my drives to and from work. Just wasn't in the mood for music. Most of the hosts and callers I agreed with 100%, so I really wasn't learning much. But a few of the liberal callers were jaw droppingly stupid. They must screen for the worst offenders because I know there are better arguements out there then what I was hearing. For example, did you know that it's the GOP's fault that Democrat strongholds like Detroit are in such poor repair? Seriously. It's because the GOP is a bunch or racists that no one can vote for them and therefore their only choice is the Democrats. Never mind that the Democrats are the ones who are in control there election after election.

Well, I have some stuff I need to finish up and I wanted to be walking out the door right now. Be back next week. Behave while I'm gone.

Thursday Threesome for August 18th

Brought to us this week by Del Taco and The Back Porch.

Onesome: Chili-- Okay, chili with beans or chili without beans? ...and how hot? ...and do you make your own? (recipes are accepted )
With beans, very mild, and I don't make my own. I haven't branched out from desserts yet. :)

Twosome: Cheese-- ...and with cheese on top? ..or is that an abomination? ...and while we're at it: hamburgers or cheese burgers? Oh, I could go on and on and on...
Cheese on top of everything, including chili, hamburgers, salad, pizza, cheese....

Threesome: Nachos-- Now the serious one for the southwesterners (and others of distinction ): What's on your nachos? Cheese? Seven layers of fun stuff? What's a nacho? Hmmm... We're going to have to do recipes for sure this Winter!
My nachos are pretty simple. Chips, cheese, beans, salsa, and sour cream. Occasionally meat, but I usually don't feel like paying extra for it.

My Uncle

Mom and Dad called me last night to tell me my uncle didn't make it. This is the second death in the family in two months. My list of relatives is once again getting smaller.

As I said the other day, I have never been close to this uncle. I haven't seen him since my brother's wedding. Yet this death has hit me hardest of the deaths in my family in the last few years.

I think it's because it's part of my parent's generation. Other deaths in the family were people in their 80's. As I said to someone last night, if you aren't semi-expecting it, you haven't been paying attention to the world around you. But my uncle was only 62. That's not old enough. His dad died at some point in his 60's, and Dad will be 60 next year. Frankly, this scares me. I can't image life without Dad, and I don't want to even think that he might not be around for another 20 years.

And it's hit me hard. Heck, I'm half way to 60 myself. Single. Letting life pass me by. I want more out of life then this, but I sure don't know what. Yes, I know I have Heaven to look forward to, but I don't want to feel like I've wasted the time God gave me on Earth first.