Middle America's Worldview

Get to get out of here tomorrow. I am so ready. I have to say this has been a good week having the family with me. I chided my wife by saying 'I never done this before'. However, I have to say this has been a very enjoyable week with them.

Tuesday night I had literally no sleep. Well maybe one hour. I had a datamove that night and ...it .... took .... all ..... night. I was able to knock back 3 cups of coffee all morning. This allowed me to move through the day. In fact that same day/night, we went to see some friends we use to live near 6-7 years ago. It was amazing to see the 'baby' now nearly a teenager. Unreal. Talking about feeling old. I was told I looked more grey and pudging out. Yeah, tough crowd. It was nice to see them though.

Today, I spent all freaking day trying to assist a peer in her project. I didn't get anything accomplished on my own stuff and I will be traveling all day tomorrow. I refuse to do it now. Its nearly 10 p.m. and we need to get up 4 a.m. The plane departure time is 7:30 a.m. It will be an early morning.

Did I say I am ready to go home?

My first work day in PA wasn't too bad. I only had one meeting, which helped out a lot. The day was pretty much taken in creating documentation and material for some education I will give to the group on Wednesday. I will be going over some applications I pretty much soley use, within the group.

Seems like Kel had a bad time with the directions. She called me up and I had to attempt to steer her the way to the zoo. Looks like Mapquest was way off on this one. Fortunately she found her way there, was able to take some pics and more importantly find her way to me. I was ready to get out of there.

The thought of seeing everyone and getting to converse with them in person is a nice thought. However, the reality is your still stuck in front of a computer within a cube doing your work. The primarly form of communication remains IM and email.

The Hampton were staying at had Pizza for us Monday night. So we chowed on it. They hotel provided it to it's guess. How cool is that? I chowed on pizza and then had one merlot and one zinfandel wine. The hotel is more impressive than I had thought it would be. I think I will be saying goodbye to MainStay and start coming here. They are currently renovating but overall the facilties services have been excellent.

I sit here alone in a huge office meeting room. The interface team was to get together and share ideas, knowledge. However, that is not happening. Two of the six was in here about 5 minutes. One of the six skitters back and forth. Only the guys stayed here the longest discussing. Oh well. I have 2 more days after this and I get to go home where it is sane.

Man, it's been too long since I have blogged. I tried to start one before I left for PA, but the stupid thing crapped on me. Oh well. I was going to comment on the crazy events going on within the news. But, its already 10:30 p.m. est and I am tired. I gripe at the other bloggers I read for not blogging after a couple of days, so I also felt obligated to get back in here.

The kids did great on their plane ride. Both were excited and after we were above the clouds the gameboys came on.

Basically the week went as follows.

We had the extermco guy come and do his thing Thursday around 11 a.m He showed up around 10:30 a.m. The guy really soaked everything down with the poison. The more the better, is what I say. Kel and the kids went out when he started to be away from it. She took them to watch 'Shark Boy and Lava Girl'. I had no desire anyway. After hearing my wife would rather have a bullet than to watch it again or when she is pissed at me, I would have to see it over and over again, I am glad I didn't. Evidently the kids liked it but my wife kept looking at the watch. I stayed in the office to finish up my 'have to' stuff with work before I grew a headache with the fumes. I took off and ran to Fort Smith for a bit.

We left as soon as Kel and the kids arrived home. We drove to Dallas getting there Thursday night. This allowed us to get in the Airport early for our flight Friday morning. We got turned around more than once and it took us a bit to get to the hotel. Once there, we found we were able to park the van there for less than 3 bucks a day. This is far less than expected. They shuttled us over and will shuttle us back when we return. Yes, honey, I am sorry for the crazy drive there.

We hit the airport earlier than needed. But oh well, it's better to get there early than late. This was the first time I used Air USA. I normally take America Airlines out of Fort Smith. We drove to Dallas purposely so we didnt have to take on 2 flights (Fort Smith and Dallas to PA)with the kids. Just a flight to and from on one plane for us.

We are staying at Hampton Inn in King of Prussia. Again, it's different for me in this regard too. I normally stay at Mainstay. I am happy with this hotel so far. Evidently on the weeknights (mon-thur) they provide free drinks and a meal in the evenings. I look forward to seeing if its any good. If so, I will stay here from now on.

We also hit the Green Dragon the same night we arrived in King of Prussia. It was closing down by the time we arrived. We was able to grab some fruit for the week and had some food on the way back to the hotel.

I had a hard time getting to sleep and when I did, the hotel's fire alarm went off around 1:30 a.m. Evidently the lobby's microwave threw a circuit.

Saturday we went to the Central Philly and rode the ducks while they explained the history of the area. It was cool.

We then walked King of Prussia Mall this afternoon. A very eventful 48 hours.

Too much has gone on, so I will be brief and try not to digress.

Fathers Day was good. I was able to get the yard done, but unfortunately without incident. I should say, I was able to sweat my butt off while I did our yard in addition to our neighbors yard. As my lovely wife has posted, one of our dogs unfortunately ran into the wrong crowd. We have 3 little dogs in the back and when I mow the yards it allows them to actually roam free. They get to go mark the other yards. Well, the smallest one went into the fence of 2 larger dogs. Why, I have no idea. It appears they mauled him to death. When I got there, he was already gone. My daughter, justly so, bawled her eyes out with my wife following suite. I buried him in the back and was man enough about it, till I came in the living room. Listening to my daughter talk about it, with both girls shedding tears was just too much. My heart ache and my eyes watered. It's one of those things you wish you could do something about, but just can't. The only thing I could do was listen and keep saying we will get through it. I also had to tell her the story of my first dog I lost. Yes, we re-live through our kids, unfortunately also through the bad times.

Monday was just another busy day. I had the kids all day and made them work. heh heh I managed to get them to do one closet. Yeah, real slave driver.

We plan to go to dinner with the friends tonight. Supposedly the kids eat free at this place tonight. It was unexpected and came into light, during church.

I had the kids again today. I plan to put them to work, if I can pry them from their gameboy and cartoons. We made a run between my meetings to get haircuts here in town. I like this gal. She is quick and normally not that busy on the times I happen to hit her. I received the pleasure to hear how she and her 1.5 year husband split up 2 weeks ago. Fortunately we were pretty much in and out. A short cut for my boy, bangs cut on the girl and a good trim for me. Slam bam, thank you maam.

We are now planning to drive into Dallas, Tx, thursday night after work. We fly out to Pennsylvania Friday. I had to take that day off as vacation.

What remains of our week looks like this;

Tuesday - dinner at night with friends
Wednesday - work and dinner at night with Kelli's family for her birthday (Sunday)
Thursday - have exterminators over to hit it again, drive to Dallas that nigth after work.
Friday - fly to Pennsylvania.

In the mean time, continue to keep house up and clean. We still need to pack and get ready for the trip. Get the guilt trip from my parents to see them before we go. Fun Fun.

I was able to watch Star Wars Episode III last night with a bud of mine. It was the first time he and I got out of the house together. I enjoyed his company as we were transfixed with the show. He like I, has a wife with no interest in the Star Wars saga. Also, he like I, has a birthday this week. So, with both wishing to see it on the big screen, broke loose and watched it.

The movie in one word was, coooool. I had read the reviews and thoughts of others watching the movie, no spoilers for me. I agree with some but not all. I personally didn't think it dragged at first. The 2.5 hours went quick for me. Yes, the desirable questions were answered, why, why, why. As we watched it I caught myself saying out loud. 'That's why....' Yes, the movie was great.

The plan for last night was for me and a friend to watch the flick, while my honey had some time alone last night. The kids went to their nana and papa's since we will be flying into Pennsylvania next Friday for a week. I couldn't help having the image of my wife waiting for me in bed at home while I watched the show. Yes, my imagination is good. I also had the lingering wonder if she would actually be asleep, LOL. The movie was over at 9 p.m. and my buddy and I talked as I dropped him off at his house and headed for home. I unlocked the front room door and sure enougth the lights were out with the exception of the bedroom. As I came in, Kel said she had to hide the guys in bed. I thought she was kidding, but then she said "and the pokemon movie". Then I heard the movie in our bedroom.

"What?"

Our son was in the bed watching a Pokemon movie.

She explained around 8 p.m. someone was homesick and came back. I quickly calculated that gave her barely 2 hours alone time.

So, no alone time for my honey and my dreams of lust bit the dust.

The week has been busy, yet again. I have attempted to do more and get additional 'stuff' done during the day of my work while Kel and the kids are away. I think I must have vacuumed the house 20 freaking times, wiped everything down again and keep everything picked/straightend up with the exception of my desk.

Since I find Fox news becoming repetitive, I found myself listening to C-Span during the day. I have also been searching on the net for a free website without banners. I will be testing out CJB.CC to see how it is.

I turned 34 yesterday. I don't feel any older or younger. I tried to consider how I changed over the years with reflection. I may post on that later.

I acquired 'Greatest American Hero' and Star Wars on DVD yesterday. In addition two really cool "Fear God" shirts. All of which I am tickled to death to receive. The kids and I watched Episode IV Star Wars and I was happy and surprised they stuck with me throughout the movie. I thought it was cute how my 6 and 7 year old kept asking questions during the movie. 'What is the forc? Is Yoda in this one? Those people look weird. Why is there a silver C3PO?' On and on they kept inquiring through the movie. I think I will try to go see Episode III at the theaters with a friend tonight.

Yesterday before my wifes family and my dad came over last night, I cleaned up the Frog pool in the front. We have a small circular pond about 2.5 feet in diameter with a frog in our front by our door. Kel received it last Christmas from her Aunt. I cleaned it up and filled it up with water. I planned to turn it on to allow the water be spitting out of the mouth. Well, when i plugged it in, no water. Hmm, messing with it I found there must be something in the tube. Well the tube part comes out of the butt of the frog. I tried to blow that end with no success and then attemped to other end. The mouth to mouth didn't work either. Of course after I did this, I couldnt help having the realization of what it looked like. Grinning, I grabbed the air compressor and gave it a good shot in the butt with air. Whatever it was, finally blew out.

I was able to get Monday over with, finally. Yeah, its nearly 12 a.m. est.

Work wasn't too bad today. I was able to get some things done and accomplished. I only had one conference call, that always help. Afterward, I ran our son to speech therapy then a doc's appointment. We then ran by Walmart on the way home. Kel had the supper ready and we feasted. I had a School Board Meeting tonight at 6:30 local time. I managed to eat, clean the kitchen and start the dishwasher, throw the kids in a bath before I left. The meeting ended nearly 9 p.m. It ended up a long meeting. Sounds busy but my wife had a busier one. She had to do vacation bible school and afterwards take 3 kids (ours and one more) to basketball. She then took care of our daughter and friend, while I was gone with our son's running, till the friends mom showed up. Then while I was at the meeting till 9, the kids evidently did not let her do any work. They hit the bed when I arrived back home.

That was pretty much today. This weekend was pretty much the same busy-ness.

We arrived in town Friday night around 5:30 p.m. Once we entered the home, we were abruptly attacked with fleas. Unbelievable. Where did these come from? We immediately started to call exterminators. Fortunately we found one nearly 6 p.m. Making arrangements, the guy would come over Saturday morning. No way we could sleep there tonight. We didn't even unload our stuff. We drove over to Kel's parents house and all 4 of us spent the night over there. Not really what we wanted to come home to, but better to a burnt or damaged house.

The next morning, Kel and I ran back to the house, leaving the kids at Nana's and Papa's. I mowed the yard, dipped the cats and dogs before the guy showed up. I told him to spray everything and do whatever it takes. We had them exterminate the house and yard. Kel and I had to hang with the cats out of the house for about 2 hours allowing the poison to settle and let the fleas scream to death. After she and I went back in and actually tried to relax, microwaving a burrito for lunch, we ended up with headaches.

We took off for a bit and came back home for that night. It was better after awhile. We ended up cleaning top to bottom as far as we could till around 10 p.m and crashed.

Sunday morning we finished cleaning everything. Wiping down every room, vacuuming again and mopping we totally cleaned the place. I think we ran the crazy washer and dryer for nearly 10 hours.

We went to church that Sunday night and crashed that night.

Regardless, it is nice to be home. It was so nice to see green as we passed into the states from Arizona. We get to do the exterminator thing again in 14 days, right before we head off to Pennsylvania for one week.

Glad to say we get to leave the day after tomorrow now. Yesterday we had a small crises.

Kel took our son to the doc, but didn't get very far. The car wouldn't start. Sigh, I went out to check it and to me it sounded like the starter. She would crank it and nothing but click click click click as the starter attempted to turn over. Great. We ended up calling a cab (35 bucks one way) to get her and our son to the doc, then I started to make phone calls. Seems the price was going to be nearly 500.00. Nearly 100 for the tow and early 400 for the manual/parts, ect to replace the starter. The gentleman came to pick up the van and ended up doing a jump on the van. He said it was the battery not the starter. He had it running for me. My daughter and I paid him 45 bucks for his wisdom and jump and headed to find a battery. Not stopping the engine till we found a Autozone, the girl and I made up stories as we went. I pulled the battery out and took it into Autozone. They did a free test, I figured might as well get a confirmation. Sure enough it was bad if not dead now. So we ended up with a new battery rather than a new starter. 150 bucks (if you count the cab fare, battery and the tow guys jump/wisdom) was better than nearly 500.

I have a small frustration dealing with my son's situation. As you know our main purpose on this trip was to get our son back on track and into the ability of not having to return here (unless it's a simple checkup). Seems the good doctor was able to view him in a different surrounding while we were at his sons birthday party. How, I don't know, but I will leave that alone. Regardless, it seems we will be given a new exercise routine for him. During my short time to discuss with him, he kept asking me if I had any other questions. I replied with the fact its hard to ask the right questions. It reminded me when I started doing interfaces. I cannot ask the right question until I am in a specific situation of need. I am the type that learns by doing. I go head strong into a given subject, devouring the information then analyzing the required answers I need. Looking back, I did this all my life. When I was given a problem or interested topic, I would do research on it and then come out with my answers. The problem here, is I cant seem to get the proper information, therefore I am frustrated with the feeling of not having the answers. I recognize everyone is different and this is just the way it is, deal with it. My wife gets aggravated at me regarding the way I do certain things. Sorry, but I am just designed that way. It just seems if I do have a specific question for the good Doctor, I get the feeling of hesitation from him. I don't mean to back him up in a corner with specifics, but it is hard for me to work in a relative environment when I am attempting to get specific answers. Oh well, just blowing out my frustration.

This last weekend in Arizona has been fun. We were able to go to the Doctor son's birthday party. He invited us over for his sons sixth birthday. I thought it was a nice gesture and it supposedly allowed him time to view Bradens interactions. I ended up pitching to the 10 kids outside in the backyard without my hat. Now I have a sunburn on the top of my head. This is yet another reminder of how less hair I have then when I was younger.

This sunday we treated the kids out to a place called Mukutas Island. It was a combination of Chuckee Cheese and Rainforest cafe on crack for kids. The place was awesome. It had a huge floor with a giant tree in the middle of the room. Inside ladders, tunnels, firepoles, mazes within and all over the place. Kel liked the fact it didn't focus on the game playing (had a small area for the token games) but the play area itself. I liked the play area and trying to keep up with the kids, empasize on the keep up.

I bought Kel some socks and we put our stuff in the 50 cent storage locker and explored the place with the kids. I was impressed Kel actually went inside the tree, up the ladders, through the small holes/mazes, it was great. Me, there was no doubt, I had to go and play, but she normally sits on the sidelines. As we traveled the ever expanding tunnels on our hands and knees, we were reminded by our bodies the fact we are slower than the kids. They just kept staying ahead of us pushing us to go faster. heh heh

After the first round of play, Kel and I called for a break. We had to get something to drink and actually walk upright for a few moments. We bought the one 1.85 bottle of water and shared it for awhile. Then it was off again to run the playground. Kel held back, saying she was too old for this. I had to go on. Well, at first on that second round I was ok, then I started to sweat like a whore in church. Then I got really tired. Man, what was going on here? My body stopped reminding me and screamed 'give it up dude'. So I gave in and we hit the token games. After the tokens were gone, we took a lunch break and allowed the kids to hit the playground for another 20 minutes. I with Kel stayed out. For awhile we were all kids, then reality set in. I probably will be sore tomorrow, but it was cool.

You can check out Makutu's Island website here.

Ahh seven days to go and counting. We get to leave for home next Friday! I have enjoyed the stay in Arizona. I have enjoyed the bond and more bonding of the family as we lived in this 'hotel of four walls'. But the cracks are starting to show.

Unfortunately, some of the family members get anxious or upset (myself included) over the little things and it is becoming apparent more and more we are ready to go home. Just imagine being with your spouse, two kids for 5 weeks and the hotel room is as large as your living room. Yeah, I will leave it at that.

I think my wife is wearing me down on this cursed pool want. Prior of our 5 week tour, she was talking about getting one of those blow up pools for the back yard. You know the kind. I am sure you seen them in most of the stores. They range from sizes 15' to 18' in diameter coming with a electric filter. Yeah those round blue ones. When she brought this up, I must had initially looked at her as if she had 3 heads. Our kids get out of school and were gone for 5 weeks. When we get back to ou home, we have 2 weeks before we leave for another week in Pennsylvania. Then the kids start back to school August 11.

Hmm, lets see how this looks to me.
We start out with about 14 weeks of summer vacation for the kids.

Gone away literally for 5 weeks right off the bat, leaving 9 weeks left.

We are home 2 weeks. However, the first week will consist of vacation bible school during the day and basketball during the evening for both kids. Then we leave that following Friday, barely 4 days there. (Lets not forget getting our crap caught up from our leave) That's seven of fourteen weeks down.

We are then gone for one week in Pennsylvania. The family actually gets to come to work with me. Six out of fourteen down.

Alright, so that leaves six weeks for the pool. Hmm, that's if you play in it every weekday. With rain and other stuff going on, I am not sure. It just doesn't seem worth it to me, inititally anyway. She threw me a new bone the other night. Let's just say images of two adults under the stars. Not fair using that while we are here in the same room with two kids for 5 weeks straight.

For some reason, I woke up this morning contemplating on perception and in regards to ones situation.

There is a great book/cd out called ‘who moved my cheese'. I listened to some of it during our 10 plus hours down here. One of the things he pointed out made a lot of sense. He said “humans our different than animals in the regard we can decide our actions rather than our actions being decided on the outside stimulation".

The example was our ability to choose to become angry, afraid, ect. with the given outside stimulation.I let that thought linger awhile as we drove into Arizona, now more than 3 weeks ago.

Last night similar thoughts entered in my conscience again. I heard my wife speaking with one of her friends on the cell. This friend of ours is also going through a hard time. She has a disabled child and it just seems an uphill battle for her in regards of the school providision. In addition it seems generally a bad week regarding her health. I heard my wife make the statement “I guess we did something bad in our life to have to pay for it now." Or something to that effect. So I made the statement to her “No we are making small steps for something good in our life". I think she thought it was humorous. However, I already see a differences in our lifestyle and way of thinking then in other families within our area.

We live in a small town with small ideas. With our family having to go outside the area and bring in ideas outside the box, it has given us new perception of life and knowing there is more than the local community. Having been introduced to new medical treatment, Kel has introduced this to a local Doc/friend. This has created a symbiotic relationship in regards to now having the medical equipment closer for us, and allow the doctor to branch his office to new more availability for others. Since our son is special in some areas, Kel has grasped everything available to Oklahoma parents and passed that knowledge onto others who are less fortunate in acquiring knowledge and rights. I personally have a better sensitivity toward other parents having disabled children and this will bring me more clarification regarding a school board member. I just wanted to point out a couple of things this experience has given me and my family. In addition I wanted to point out what I meant by perception. Rather than wallowing in the idea of woe is me. I am viewing this as an opportunity to learn from it. For now at least, I may be griping at a later date. Heh heh

Another example of a change in perception for me personally stood out last night. Being here in Arizona, one cannot help to notice the other people. I am speaking in regards to attitude and especially body habitus. There are some good looking girls/women around here. Being a guy, I simply cannot help but notice. Now, however, I have noticed a change in myself regarding my appreciation in their physique and appearance. It hit me as I was waiting for this skinny girl to fix my mocha. My wife and kids were waiting in the car as I stood there thinking about this. This chick couldn't be about 17 (but who knows anymore). She was a cute girl. I can recall my dad and I going out on the town, way back then before marriage and kids. He and I would scope out the chicks. As I stood there in line zoning and thinking on these things it hit me. ‘We would probably be scoping this chick out too and this girl'. Then another thing hit me, 'that could be my girl fixing the drinks while some perv was scoping her out'. It was a chilling but serious change in my perception. My daughter is going to the second grade, but I realize in no time flat she will be in this same situation too soon.

I know I probably digressed too much, but wanted to blog this as I was thinking about it. Never know when it might actually mean something to someone else.

On another note, Gary Bauer wrote this interesting statement yesterday. I thought it fit well with my view of perception so early this morning.

About Deep Throat

Well, the Washington mystery has been solved. “Deep throat," the source responsible for leaks to The Washington Post that brought downthe Nixon presidency, is none other than W. Mark Felt, formerly the number two man at the FBI.

Mr. Felt was being judged a hero last night for his clandestineleaks. But just a few years ago another “whistle blower," Linda Tripp,released secret tapes that led to Bill Clinton's impeachment and I don't remember anyone in the “mainstream" media calling her a hero. Did whistle blowing go out of style, or does your status depend on which president you attack?