Middle America's Worldview

Read for Friday. I was on support today for work. This morning wasn't bad, but it made up for it later.

I did get a chance to put out more flyers for my School Board campaign. The vote is next Tuesday. Working those lunches and ect. when I can. I have to say I am a bit nervous. I am up against someone, everyone knows, yet hasn't spent anytime campaigning for himself. I met him the first time today. He was actually younger than I was thinking. Oh well, I guess the people will decide next Tuesday.

I leave the below excerpt that was emailed to me recently.
=============================================================

Recently the Colorado Supreme Court, by a vote of 3-2, threw out a death sentence for a man convicted of rape and murder. The reason? Some jurors in the jury room read from the Bible before reaching a verdict.



Oddly enough, the judge in the case – as Colorado law requires – sent the jury off to deliberate about the death penalty with an instruction to think beyond the narrow confines of the law. Each juror, the judge told the panel, must make an "individual moral assessment," in deciding whether the defendant should live.



The jurors voted unanimously for death. But the Colorado Supreme Court changed his sentence to life in prison without parole.



"The biblical passages the jurors discussed constituted either a part of the jurors' moral and religious precepts or their general knowledge, and thus were relevant to their court-sanctioned moral assessment," the dissenting judges wrote.



Of course, the ACLU praised the ruling saying that the use of the Bible in the jury room was illegal due to the separation of church and state.

Not bad for a hump day. My wife actually was able to stay home today. She normally runs 3 directions all day in addition to work. I had a chance to put flyers in 2 streets today during lunch as well.

We are leaving for Arizona in May. We will be there for 5 weeks. Yes, 5 weeks. Pretty much takes the summer. We found a hotel with weekly rates residing outside of the town we will be going. It was a true find. Cheaper than any other I have seen yet and holds a pool for the kids, high speed access for me to work off of and a kitchenette for us to use. That will save some money, not having to eat out. I made the reservations holding it for the 32 nights.

Only two days to go. Other than that, not much to blog about.

I thought I better update the blog, since it was already Tuesday morning. I couldn't get in the blogger yesterday either.

This weekend was nothing but rain rain rain. Man it was basically cold, wet and dark grey all weekend long. Your typical Easter. Saturday night, I satisfied my gaming fix. I stayed up most of the night playing 'Jet Li Rise to Honor'. It was very cool. The graphics was good and the flow of the storyline went very good. It wasn't your typical finish a scene then get a story board. The cutscenes would come into your battles, ect. It was impressive.

Sunday we went to church and stayed to eat with everyone. There were so many people attending the service, a few of us actually sit in the annex of the building. They must had expected it, because they put a camera and fed it to the annex for us to view on tv. It was different.

Monday went pretty well. It was a effective day at work and in the evening, I was able to put more of the swing together. It was sunny and beautiful outside. A shame to be in the house on that day.

We will be getting rid of bird. Seems our son (half-way) has agreed to be rid of it. I think it's past due. Considering he rarely plays in his room and I am the main one that cleans it up, so be it. One pet down, 6 more to go. Yeah, 2 cats, 3 dogs, and a fist left. sigh. If they speak of another animal, I will have to say something about it. Hon, if your reading this, let's not exchange, but enjoy one less food and upkeep.

Fortunately it is Friday and the weekend is upon us. We survived last night's PTA School Talent show. No dirty dancing nor bad language from what I could see and hear. I stayed in the back keeping the kids from getting on tables, hanging from the ceiling ect. The whole thing lasted from 6:10 p.m. till a little after 9 p.m.

Afterwards, we gathered the chairs and put everything back in place. I pulled the individual giving Kel such a hard time and had a short discussion with her. Nothing serious but I think she got the message.

I have to say, from what I could tell the Talent Show went smooth. Just glad it's over with.

Today at work wasn't bad at all. Rather relaxing for a change. I start on-call next Monday and hope to enjoy my weekend off.

I failed to mention, I was able to visit my dad Wednesday night for a little while. We were able to talk and he showed me the 'Hitman Contract' game. I had scored it used and cheap at Hastings a while back and gave it to him to play. He had already beaten it but continues to play his favorite levels. I watched him play and was amazed of the quality of graphics and play. So now I am itching to play some PS2 this weekend. LOL

Talk about a stress week. Work has been laxed, thankfully. However, the homefront seems to be an overkill this week.

Among the stress points are (not in any particular order): Our son's health, finances on future travel and projects, PTA, Running for School Board, getting sh*t done, house, family, getting projects done,on and on and on.

Tonight will be the talent show at school. Of course PTA has full responsibility on the matter. So if we fail, we look like idiots. If we succeed, everyone forgets it by next week. Such is the reality of life. My wife may have a coronary before tonight ends. I love her to death, but she likes "everything" in order. Unfortunately when (and the they often do) the details are not exact or missed, those out-weight the whole. sigh. This adds more stress on herself and it is showing. The nervous twitch, the grinding of teeth at night during sleep, all signs of meltdown. I tried to offer other stimulating ahem alternatives that suppose to suppress stress, however, she chose the one night I took two benadryls and fell asleep. Hey, I didn't sleep worth a flip the two nights before, so I needed the rest. Such is life, rarely can sync it up.

Crap, just got called by wife to bring the kids easter baskets to school. They were missed with everything else this morning. Catch you later.

Sunday night I had nightmares all night. I don't know why. I haven't seen any scary movies in quite some time. Could be stress, could be anything. I won't go into the graphics, but if you seen the Evil Dead, you have a visual.

Monday at work wasn't too bad. I was on support, but fortunately it didn't kill me.

I had to also go to the Doc Monday for a checkup. Seems I haven't had a yearly checkup since 02. I told the reception, "no way, I been here since then". Seems not. Oh well, time flys. Nothing to worry, weight was normal and just some bloodwork to check my cholestrol. I should get the results by next week.

It rained, rained, and rained some more all day Monday. It weaned off a bit around evening but I noticed it was blowing and going last night. I couldn't sleep worth a flip last night either. I ended up watching X-play on G4 techtv. I preferred it when techtv had it. I then watched some of Screen Savers. They totally crapped it out since G4 took over. They did have a commericial referring to a new show coming on called Attack of the Show. It looked like it might be interesting. I guess we will see.

I also started another Blog to flex some of my analyzing muscles. I guess we will see. I recognize I don't know that much on such things. However, it might push me to learn more.

One final gripe for Monday. The Doctor at Mesa finally replied to my wife's inquiries. He kept asking if he has fallen, ect. No. But what pissed me off was her so called local friend doctor insinuated our son gets stressed while Kel cooks supper. They did some type of stress test, feeling nerve points. As he asked our son question, they waited to feel that nerve jump, indicating stress. Yeah, voodoo woodoo. I couldn't believe it. I told my wife, "you gotta be kidding me". The idiot doctor basically put more stress on my wife. You have to understand, my wife takes that crap and runs with it. She can't help it. Just her way. (shaking head)

Well, the weekend is already gone. I totally enjoyed Friday evening with Kel. We went out to eat. I arranged a dozen roses to be delivered at the restaurant waiting for us. I never have given a dozen roses to Kel throughout our marriage. Yeah, half-dozen, 1-3 here and there, so I surprised her.
It continued to be good throughout the whole night.

Saturday we went over to Kell's parents and helped out. We cleaned out a room in one of their barns. If you need a visual, think of a dump 3 feet high. We literally shoveled out trash, molded clothes, ect to a burn pile. After that, we went over to Kel's Aunt. I helped nail up a shed, while she busted her butt pushing rocks for a backyard patio. Her Dad then fed us with a huge cookout on the grill.

Sunday we went to Church in the morning. Our daughter started to have a headache with a warm face. So we left Church after Sunday school. We tried to put the new swing-set together. So as a weekend warrior, I met Emanuel = Ol Eh Manual Labor.

Honey, can you pass me that Biofreeze
, when your done with it

I can't believe it's already Friday. Today was one of those days, I was just not in my game. I couldn't concentrate for work. I did my thing and then left. Sorry to say that, but sometimes it's just one of those days. Today was one of them.

I was able to pull away and go to lunch with Kell and the kids. This is a special treat, as I am usually chained to the PC during the day.

I am looking forward to tonight. The kids are going to their Nana and Papa's, which leaves a night for Kelli and I. Unlike Tuesday night, she hasn't gone through a traumatic procedure and under narcotics. : ) The most potent thing will probably be the wine and me. heh heh

We have reservations to go to Shoguns. This is a bit expensive, but the food is soooo good. After that, I can only hope.

Well at least yesterday wasn't as busy as the day before. I actually could breathe a little bit.

Work wasn't that busy. I didn't have any scheduled meetings. I was soo hoping to get some crap done, but alas it wasn't so. Every one I emailed to requesting an update or ability to work with never replied nor responded. Oh well. So it goes.

Tuesday evening, my wife and I had the opportunity to consolidate some bills. I had to get them ready and send them out yesterday. I did this during lunch. When I ran them to the post office, I had a weird feeling to stop by the Senior Citizens building. I did so thinking I would pass out or post up my campaigning efforts for School Board. The run-off is April 5th. When I went in only one guy and 2 boys were there. I simply went to him to hand him my flyer with a greeting. He not only stated he knew I wanted to run, but he was rooting for me. We have had a on-going political battle in the small town, which I will post later in detail. Seems he was running for City Council as well, but without an opponent. He will be nominated in without a hitch. Anyway, he asked if I could come in Thursday around 12 p.m. to speak. There will be nearly 50 elderly there and he would give me a mike and pulpit to not only introduce myself, but pass out flyers, discuss and explain why I am runnning for School Board. Talk about a great opportunity. He went on to say, they may be old, but everyone of them actually votes. This is significant, because I am constatly amazed of those that can and don't vote, or haven't even bothered to register. But that's another soapbox.

I just thought it was interesting I had a funny feeling to go there, and this came about.

Regardless, I plan to be there during my lunch today. Wish me luck.

Tuesday was another eventful, literally. I took 1/2 day off for Tuesday morning. Kelli had a tube down the throat scheduled. I had to be the designated driver. Been a long time since I was a designated driver (smile). She continues to have a very nauseated upset stomach if she doesn't take prevacid. The test came out clean, so it's back to taking more meds for her. Everyone continues to ask if she could be pregnant. Sigh. No. I had taken care of that about 6 years ago. Yes, I know it sometimes happens where it's possible, but a P.T. (pregnancy test) in ER answered that question.

Basically yesterday morning run-down went like this. I woke up 5 a.m. (couldn't sleep), and got up and about. Get the kids up (they are off this week for spring break) and around. We drop the kids off at a friend’s house on the way to the Clinic. The kids were able to play with their friends while we would be in the clinic. We run to the clinic and prepare for Kell's 8:30 a.m. procedure. We expect maybe one hour tops (so they say). They wanted us there 7:30 a.m. for preparation, shot in her butt, ect. By 8:45 a.m. I am pacing. By 9:10 I am really aggravated. Seems the Doc's didn't even arrive till after 8:30 a.m., where as they normally are there by 7:30 a.m. I grow so tired of people, regardless of the symbols behind their names, thinks the world revolves around them. Sigh. It blew my time-line. We were not done till 11 a.m. But at least it came out good. The Doc. kept referring to Gallbladder Ultrasound and how he cannot believe they didn't do a GB US before this procedure. Yeah Doc, it's called milking the insurance for all it's worth.

While she was in the back for that hour, I ran up to 5th floor for a mother-in-law errand. I then ran across the street to a Hastings. I picked up "The Incredibles” and the 3rd Matrix (used). I watched the first 2 last week at Corp. and didn't have the 3rd one. Once I arrived back and sat down in the waiting room to be called, I was immediately called. Talk about timing it right. That was a first.

Kelli had a friend she hadn't seen in a long time and wanted to really see her and allow our kids to play with her during their catch-up time. She was in town this week, but of course the only time available was Tuesday around 1 p.m. She was able to go and I think they enjoyed the time together. I was personally amazed Kell could do it. She normally wants to go to sleep for 10 hours after a couple of drinks. Having narcotics shot in your IV and she was up 1 hour later. I was shocked.

I dropped her and the kids off at a nearby McDonalds for them to meet and converse. I went back to work my remaining 1/2 day and then picked them back up in a couple of hours.

Once we arrived back at the house from McDonalds, Kell's dad was waiting for them. The kids spent the night with her parents Tuesday night, due to Kelli, the kids and her mom driving to Muskogee Wednesday for a therapy appointment for our son. Muskogee is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away, taking the Muskogee turnpike. Her mom wanted to go with them Wednesday. So the kids were out of the house all night. What is a couple to do? Not much, because she is getting sleepy again. LOL

We actually ended up going out eating Mexican. I really wasn't expecting to go out and about. We had one errand that took less than an hour. We ended up going eating and walked in Books a Million. I found a book in the discount bin, "The hacker diaries, confession of Teenage Hackers". It looked good. We grabbed a hot chocolate on the way out and back home. We finished up some stuff for work, getting ready for the next day, ect. She went on to bed and I watched the 3rd Matrix. It turned out to be a really nice evening.

Sorry for the delay in posting. What can I say, I was unplugged for a couple of days. I arrived safe and sound Friday evening from my flight. I was nearly late on my first flight out of Philadelphia. The flight was for 8 a.m. I woke up 6 a.m., showered, ate a bit ect. I hauled butt to the airport and it was 7:30 a.m. when I arrived. Cripes I panicked. But fortunately the security line wasn't that long to go through.

All day Saturday we pretty much stayed outside. I actually mowed the yard, if you can believe it. We played frisbee and croquet with the kids in the back yard. It was very very nice. Not too much running this weekend, just stayed home and enjoyed being with Kel and the kids. It was colder Sunday, so we just stayed inside after Church. I also made it a point to watch "The Contender". Can't help it. I really like that show. I didn't expect the winner Sunday, but was glad for it.

I was on support this Monday. The morning wasn't bad. It allowed me to make a lot of necessary calls. We are trying to line out this summer. We need to go back to Mesa, Arizona for at least 2 weeks. I need to go back up to Corporate again in June. The summer is already scheduled out, unbelievable.

My wife and daughter went to a friends house to practice an upcoming Talent show. This allowed my and son to bond with the PS2. LOL.

My beautiful wife actually had a surprise for me, rather than me bringing surprises to them. She acquired me Season 3 of 24. Too cool! I haven't started yet, in fear of being hooked on it like a drug. : )

Wednesday was a good day. We had a meeting with the CIO discussing our status of projects ect. Normally this meeting is dreaded due to the unexpected, but this one was good.

During the meeting the unexpected did happen. We were given a 'quiz' that was about 3 pages long. Basically a quick questionaire of applications, and then two pages of matching certain analyst with their apps as well as the IS Directors to their respective facilities. Yeah, I sucked at it. I am terrible with names.

Later that day, we also had dinner with the CIO. It was nice to be able to sit at a table and openly talk with one of the nation's largest and most respected health care management companies. I do not know of any other facility willing to do that. It's rare the whole team gets together in one room, so this was a nice touch while I was up here.

Monday the weather was really nice. However, by Tuesday morning it went to a scene off of 'The day after tomorrow'. Man it got cold. I had to literally scrape the ice of the windshield when I finally came out of the office. I went to TGI Friday's on the way to the hotel picking up some hotwings and a jalepeno burger to get warm.

The whole team was in the same room on mid-level yesterday. I think the boss lady wanted us to get more time together, since most of us are remote now. I found it rather interesting. Those that are more open on IM seem nervous in person. One peer actually kept fidgeting, stretching when she talked, indicating insecurity. Another guy seemed bored, and couldn't wait to get the hell out. I found the whole thing interesting.

Only today and tomorrow and I get to fly back home. I can't wait.

It's interesting. When I go on these trips away from home and family, I normally think of all the 'cool' stuff I can do without the kids, ect. That's what I think, but in reality after the second night, I am ready to go home. First night, yeah, it's nice to be away. Second night with nothing on TV, nor no-one to do anything with. I am not a bar hopper so I normally walk the mall to window shop. I enjoyed Sunday by just relaxing, but by end day, I was ready to play with the kids and hold my wife at night. sigh.

Today at work we get to have the whole interface team together in a room to sing Ku-by-Ya. The boss held a mid-level conference room for us to work together off a hub. This is an opportunity for everyone to gather and share work ideas, ect. Some are looking forward to it, others could care less. Me? I guess it will be different, I don't really lean either way.

I met the newest member of the group yesterday. She seems really nice, but quite a talker.

My highlight yesterday was watching The Contender. I enjoyed it and finally have found something cool to watch on tv.

Last night, once I arrived back to the hotel. I watched 2 of the dvds I brought along, Collateral and The Terror. I figured I can sleep in, no kids no wife, so I stayed up. Yeah, right. Once the body is use to getting up, it gets up. I was up early as usual.

I ate some yogurt for breakfast like a good little boy. I ironed the clothes for the week, put everything in it's proper spot and headed out to Barnes and Noble for the great Pokemon quest. Was I doing this for the kids or myself? Probably a little of each. It was a mission by now. I couldn't believe how hard it would be to find something like this.

I hit Barnes and Noble and find I have to wait till it opens, 10 a.m. So I am on the phone with my dad getting his updates ect. till then. Once inside, I begin looking around. Not finding much, so I asked for Pokemon stuff. The lady was helpfull and I ended up buying a mag, "Pokemon unofficial collection" and "Beginner's Manga A step-by-step guide" that was on sale. At least I know what Manga is now. I then thought to hit Borders once again. I left yesterday without looking and thought surely they would have something.

I was in luck. Note only did they have "Pojo's unofficial Total Pokemon" mag that described a lot of cards ect. I ended up buying the kids Pokemon dvd box set. They will love it. The asexual helper was there and helped me find the mag. Seems it was probably too busy to think last night. Now don't get offended on the "asexual" part. It's purely descriptive. I was always raised and continue to say "Sir" and "Maam" in respect of others. So I was hesistant at first but blurtered out "Thank you sir" without thinking. Then I thought Oh crap, what if its a chick with a deep voice? So I attempted recovery by quickly adding "Uh." which the whatever said. "yes?" "You have been very helpfull, thank you." I then moved onto the other side of the store, very quickly.

I flew in to Philadelphia Saturaday evening. Not a bad trip, didn't get stuck waiting for the plane through Dallas. So no complaints. Not that it would help anyway.

I normally always do the same routine when I arrive in Philadelphia. I get my bags (obviously) and then a shuttle to National Rental cars. Once I pick up the small car (I like the small ones due to good on the gas and easy to get around up here), I drive my way to King of Prussia. The route is the same, 202 South to 476 North, Valley Forge exit, then Mall Blvd. Easy enough to get to. The snow wasn't nearly as bad as I had feared. I see it in spots on the side of the highways but nothing like I was told and none on the roads. Once I make it into town, I normally pick up all my grocery items at ACME (for the week), something to eat and then register in the hotel to plot my lazy butt down for the night. This time I hit ACME first and then register and unload in the hotel. Once that was accomplished I went to the mall to get something to eat. Yes, the mall is very large and they have a Court as well as a Plaza there.

I figured I would get some excercise by walking through the mall to the Court. There was a brochure in the hotel's lobby showing a discount for travelers at Borders. Cool, I had planned to go there looking for some Pokemon books or mags for my kiddos.

I pulled in the parking lot near TGIF, going in placing my order to go. I then proceed to walk through the Plaza into the Court for Borders. Being Saturday night, TGIF was busy anyway. Hey, it will take them time to get my tostada nacho's ready.

I go for it. I walked the mall many times, but rarely purposefully literally through it to the other side. I make it all the way to the end and outside. I messed up by going around the side, not over to the court. OK, I then proceeded back around outside and then through the crosswalk into the court. OK, now I begin to make it through the Court. "There's Disney, where the hell is Borders." I don't think it's this far. I asked a guy standing around in the middle of the mall where is Borders. He gets this look of confusion then says "Oh yeah, it's around the corner to the left." Thanks man. So I am going the right way. I make it to Borders finally and I am already out of breath. Yeah, out of shape. I then peruse around until I find someone with a store tag on and ask about the sale. "That's for real estate agents ect. " Real Estate agents? Bummer man. "So do you have anything for Pokemon, cards, mags, ect?" A silent look. "No, the only thing we have is a one manga." As the asexual helper walks away with another nagging customer. "One manga? Whatever that is." So a bust on both ends. sigh.
I then make my way outside the store and hit a game shop on the way back. I asked the guys in there for any type of book ect that shows what cards are availible ect. They only had a price card list. Some guy there was asking me about the Pokemon card game and I ended up answering more of his questions then getting answers for myself. Seems the Deoxys theme decks were selling like crazy. Oh well. I gotta make it back to the other end of the other mall.

I managed to make it back to TGIF. But on the way back, I started to get sick of my stomach, out of breath and feeling dizzy. Geez this sucks. My bottom part of my legs were now from sore to just there. I was thinking 'what the hell, I hope I don't pass out. That would be embarrasing.' I grabbed my nachos (which they didn't give me extra jalepeno's as requested) and went back to the hotel. I found out later, it was the fact I hadn't ate anything in nearly 7 hours. Once I ate something, I felt better.

That was my Saturday. All day in the plane and then a bust at Borders.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supreme Court to Hear Arguments in Ten Commandments Cases

More than 15 months after Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore lost his job for disobeying a federal court order to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the
state courthouse, the larger issue involved is about to be argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Read full Story here.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I guess this will be one of the main stories today in the news. Personally I think it's a no-brainer,but who said Liberals had brains.

If you clearly read the argument, you will see posting the Ten Commandments in public does nothave the Government supporting a specific religion. Ironically it will be held in a court depicting Moses holding the Ten Commandments in the background. Yeah, want to tear that wall down too? The argument is a war of ideology. We are a Judeo Christian based Nation. Get over it. The problem is many view ideology itself has become religion and our judges are pushing that non-
religious ideology onto us. You can’t explain that to the deaf though.

The core statement is the following.

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof."

So does displaying the Ten Commandments represent Congress making a law establishing a religion? No of course not. Is Congress attempting to prohibit free speech of? Yes, I believe they are.

Some facts supporting the United States having a base in Judeo-Christian heritage.

Again, not a bad day. Yes, it was busy and yes, it went by quick.

Today, I noticed how much other's depend on my wife. I at times gripe at her for saying "yes" to everything and for everybody. Recently, she has become better in curtailing her quick replies. Today, however, all hell broke loose. I received some calls for work during dinner, but I noticed my wife on her cell phone for longer than expected. Then the home phone rings (rarely for me) and she is now on it, then her cell phone rings again. Back and forth like this. Next thing you know its after 6 p.m. and I find out what is going on.

Seems the other paralegal (only my wife and she works for the lawyer) has quite today. She gave her 2 weeks notice and does not plan on staying. This is a big deal, because the lawyer doesn't know what is going on (with scheduling, ect.) without this other paralegal. In addition my wife does not know all the jobs she does. This will bring more stress on her. Note she hasn't even caught up from our trip to Arizona yet.

Then her brother calls the cell to inform her, he has lost his license (again) from a failed drug test. I won't go into detail but let's say he gets into trouble and her parents continue to bail him out. Sure enough, a few minutes later, another call to her saying "appeal the lost license issue" as she had feared. Another token for her todo.

Then her Aunt calls (the actual stable one in her family) and we find out why she is so troubled financially. I can't say, but it's just another weight for her to bear.

This all happened this afternoon. Prior to all this, she is also trying to help a neighbor with a legal issue. She is trying to pull together to train two others to do paralegal work under her. She can't find the time to get organized enough to train them correctly. She is workning on our son's upcoming IEP for school. All this and having to deal with me. sigh.

I really, really need to do something for her.