Xmas is OVER!

Well, the unwrapping and buying gifts part is, now comes the returns and putting things away part. I’ve always dreaded doing that although it has to be done.
Christmas at the cabin was more than I expected, the whole family there --- at least for a while. Early Christmas morning Jacks packed up and drove back home, something is amiss with him. My Pops sat at the dinner table with a gleam in his eye the whole entire time, I suspect he had something to do with it.
Kyle is just starting to appreciate this holiday, he cried because “Unta Dacks” wasn’t there to help him color. Camen had fun enough climbing on the presents and drooling on everything. Lori did a fashion show, and the other smaller cousins have as much fun.
I visited with old neighbors and ate enough for a few seasons, the cabin was beautiful with family rumbling around and chattering. I like spending the holidays up there because you don’t have to travel from place to place to see everyone; we are all happily in one home.
Today, I’m visiting Jacks, making sure he’s ok, since he practically left before dawn yesterday. In his haste to leave he left half his presents under the tree, so in route home I’m playing Santa dropping them off. I also feel we need to have a nice chat, it was me or Luke and he doesn’t want Luke in his face.
I also want to see his new condo, check out the campus and see Shay. Shay is someone we met way back in the Habbo Hotel days. She used to listen to Jacks DJ and make the craziest song requests; she also introduced me to Blogger page when I complained about Xanga.
He’s not too happy that I’m here, “When do I get to acclimate to my environment Mark?” I laughed and told him soon enough, I do know what he means, it seems as if the whole family has made a visit to him at one time or another since he’s moved out. I also know that Jess may bust my chops for invading on them for a day, but it’s just a day and afterwards they might appreciate me being here.
Seems as if Lori might have spilt the beans on Jacks whereabouts to Pops, drama much? Hopefully not but I will feel better just checking the living conditions and knowing the area myself. Soon as he gets out of the shower our day can begin.

Is there a Santa Claus?

Some times I wonder, I know I shouldn’t -- I have everything in the world I should or would ever need. A family that loves one another (to some degree) a job that supports me and over 50 other people in my community. A wonderful girlfriend that accepts my decisions on life and the way I live them. I have enough money right now to make me very comfortable.
Still, I wonder…there are those families that are not together be because of war or divorce (family wars) a death or possibly work that keeps them apart on this most glorious of holidays.
My G tells me to be thankful for what I have, indeed I am very thankful. She also reminds me it can all be gone in a wink of an eye. Nothing is permanent in the Game Of Life as that is one of the main rules. Your youth, work and family all can be taken away from you without notice or explanation. It makes your life journey more challenging.
My PG tells us that Love is the glue to all things when your world falls apart That patience is the key to any drama in life, caring and compassion is a way to the rewards.
Then again, still I wonder… with war and diseases and hunger, everyone seems angry or in a rush to accomplish something. Money is on everyone’s mind these days, or how to be famous. Make more to get more is a viscous cycle in its self.
Rushing to do this and hurry to do that -- this year, I plan on being more organized with myself, possibly this will over flow into having time to spend and share with others to not only to make them happy but myself. I enjoy the feeling of helping someone and making them happy, if I make myself happy the world seems brighter.
I plan on smiling during confrontations, praising more and trying all around to have a pleasant attitude about life and the people around me.
Maybe if I do this all next year, I might get to see the Man In The Red Suit.

Lol! That’s All I Have To Say

I’ve been Christmas shopping with a child under the age of 10 the last couple of days. Lori…. We are supposed to be looking for items she wants to buy for others but some odd reason we keep looking in the rather small sizes of the clothing stores. She shows me something, I smile; ask her if she thinks Mom or G could wear that. “No, but I would look so cute in it!” Maybe I should do this in July with the family in hopes they all would be the same.
At work it’s been nothing but food and practical jokes, not food with practical jokes only both. The food portion is too many to mention but the practical jokes have ranged from mistletoe to phone call cranks. Phone call cranks are my favorite thing to do. Cassandra who works in an office down the street from us has a huge ass of a boss, so we decided that this was opportune time to get her. Bees downloaded the ring tone to The Grinch and have been calling her all day long playing it in her ear. Oh, she will love us! I think it might be the fact the sugar cookies have hit us and fudge.
Home wise everything is flowing along, Mom is set for the holidays and her trip to the cabin. I’m not sure how we are going to pack everything up in the trucks. We leave early Saturday morning. I'm ready to go, there are some people that live up there I haven't seen in a year now, I think this trip will be fun.

Where does the time freaking go?

I just noticed that this very weekend I will need to drive up and help on the cabin, maybe I can con my uncle Gerald to drive up since he’s only 3 hours away to check on it. Besides My G and PG are visiting him now, doing some Christmas shopping and making their trip to the cabin shorter.
From what I understand, they plan on stopping by Jacks condo and picking him up; I don’t see that happening. Jacks wants to come home early. G doesn’t want Jacks driving right now since he’s with pneumonia. I told him, Mom told him, G, Amy, Tali, Lori -- we all told him to take it easy after Thanks Giving. That’s a no go with him, but I cant blame him with all the things he needed to do to be settled in.
Lori and I plan on doing some shopping the next couple of days, she’s about as prepared as I on the gift purchases.
I talked to Amy some today, more like was disconnected and listen to her yawn the whole time. She’s beat tired and I kept hitting buttons as I shopped making us lose connection. Yep, I got talents! After a nice chat I sent her to bed and me back to work.
Tonight I chatted with the huge dork a while checking up on him “All is well here, I don’t know what you are talking about really” Oh man, can he really think I’m that dumb? I think he does!
Tomorrow is some more shopping and a necklace hunt. Man, I dread going to the mall its just not me and I hate the crowds, I plan on zooming in grabbing some items and zooming out.

Ahh the quiet

Its quiet here in the office today, I let everyone go home for the rest of the afternoon. We decided to have the office wide Christmas party for lunch. The ladies had it catered with BBQ and the “Fixins” some sort of southern Christmas party, however they brought in deserts and other items. We all sat down and had our lunch laughing and what not. Diane was the master of ceremonies this year and wanted some people to tell funny stories. Of course I was asked to tell one, I really didn’t have a humorous one to give out. I told the story about my older brother, Kyle and the rat. Our American Idol tryout fellow sang us some holiday songs. We had drawings for gifts and under certain chairs that people were sitting in, there was a number matching to a decoration that you could take home.
After all the chatter and eating and signing and story telling I asked if everyone was finished, they all looked around so I shouted “Ok then, go home!” I didn’t have to say it twice, the greenhouse cleared in minutes.
Now, I sit here alone thinking about family and what gifts I still need to purchase, who is the lucky one that going to make the early drive up to the cabin. On top of that I need to make future plans on my life. Like my house and school and where I plan to go with this business.
I draw the future out and squirm with nerves of anxiety. I know, an old man in his 20s not knowing where to go. Doom, Doom!! My Mom says not to push it, that everything falls into place and to try and force something to happen isn’t always the best idea. My Pops is the totally opposite telling us to strike while the iron is hot and go for it.

Humm – Can you read me now?

The other day I posted about Amy, how she works herself into the ground and how I wasn’t going to complain about it. However, this person emailed me felt I was complaining about it adding it to my blog -- not so true. I’ve said many times this is my outpost of feelings and happenings of the day, be it work related, school, family and my personal relationships.
I do feel that Amy is working herself into the ground to avoid her family, ask her, she probably won’t deny it either. Then again, this is my blog and I can bitch about anything I wish to here. She does read this as it’s evident in some of the comments below, she also misreads a lot of things, followed by her calling me crying on the phone. (i.e., she is probably so damn tired she misreads them).
We have also discussed multiple times how to correct the situation, I can’t force her to do anything, it’s “her” family not mine. How she chooses to use my suggestions is clearly up to her.
I don’t go into much detail about what is going on in her life; she has her own blog, evident in the link to the side of this page. She is in the very spot I was in about 3 years ago with my Pops out of the country/state all the time, my Mom sick and I with Lori and Jacks to take care of along with me in school and work. I do have to say Lori was a piece of cake to watch, minus a few incidences of her wandering off, I nipped that in the bud really fast. Jacks on the other hand, well we won’t even go there.
It’s hard for outsiders to read another’s blog/diary and completely understand the situations being read. I try to go as much into the daily details as possible without being too boring. At times I tend to hang on one subject post after post; then again I drift off forgetting to give the outcome of the repeated offender/s. I don’t mind people asking me questions if they are confused and welcome their comments.
The majority of personal blogs are like a window into someone’s life, you, the reader looking in (Peeping Tom). Some times the curtains get in the way or I might slide down the blinds for a while to obstruct your view. Neither being intentional, just happens that way.

Let the parties begin

Today I’ve been cordially invited to the 10 days of Christmas parties. Why 10 days? Well there are approximately 10 working days until Christmas and Bee has decided to have some sort of meal or snack in the greenhouse every day.
Works for me, she cooks great, not hard to talk to and makes a killer Funfete cookie along with a cheese dip and chips. So the ladies are going to cook and the guys will have the pleasure or eating and cleaning up after if they chose to partake.
Cari will be gone this whole week, she and her two daughters are going to a huge mall in Atlanta to shop and spend some time with her family. That leaves me and Diane to fend for our selves, take it easy this week and just see how things ride. Besides I have a new chair for my desk and I need to work it in.
Didn’t make it to Jacks this weekend but plan to this one, he was in a weird mood most of Sunday in a battle with what ever their name is and Pops bugging him. Mom wants me to drive up and give him some items for the house to make it more homely, what ever that means and as long as it doesn’t have flower prints on it.

Funny people

Mom and I worked a while on Saturday, putting up Christmas decorations and wrapping the newer presents. I think it’s odd that we go all out on decorations around the house and we don’t even celebrate the holiday here. We all glop up and travel to the cabin, we have for years. Usually the weekend before, either; PG, I or some family member drives up and decorates the place, just setting up the tree and making sure all the utilities work properly.
I was correct on my assumption with Lori and her new man, his name is Brent. I called him Bent and she lost it. “Mark, why do you always make fun of my boyfriends?” First off, he’s not a boyfriend, he a guy in your grade. Second off, that’s what older brothers do, it’s my job.
Jacks and I had a long talk today, just like old times babbling about things going on in our lives. He was telling me how inadequate he feels about himself, ok, he didn’t use those words per se but I heard them. I know for a fact my Pops has been calling him all day on Sunday, because Pops keeps asking me if Jacks has changed his phone number along with his address. Whenever my Pops calls him, Jacks whole outlook on life changes, he doesn’t see himself as the funny bright guy that he is.
On top of that the person he’s hanging out with right now seems to be on the high strung side of life, not that it’s a bad thing. I have to say, I stress out on many things that seem trivial to others. That relationship has to be toxic at times.
Amy, well I didn’t get to hear from her any this weekend again. I’m getting used to it. She either calls a million times and I miss it, or she calls and then is distracted. Lately she’s had so much drama in her life its unsettling even for me way over here. Once again, she’s working herself into the ground to avoid people and her family, this time I’m not going to complain about it.

Well he called…

I’m talking about my little brother, man he will kill me calling him little, he’s taller than I am and probably weighs more than me.
I’ve been waiting on him to call me so I could possibly get his address and directions to invade is privacy, he was telling me about the 2 classes he has and how boring they were and then proceeded to tell me about the schedule he’s next year. They seem full; on top of that he’s looking into tutoring some, just to get out of the house and into the public scene.
His last visit during Thanks Giving he didn’t feel well with a cold coming on and you could see he was dead beat tired from all the moving and worry to be organized. Today in the phone call I heard wheezing like an old man would and called him out on it. “I think it’s my asthma, Mark” Since when did he contract that?
He and I planned some for the family Christmas, making sure we didn’t duplicate our presents for everyone and I put the feelers out on what he might like to have. “Good will and peace on earth” I banged my phone on the table for punishment.
Of course the Christmas holidays will be spent at the cabin, the whole clan there piled up waiting on old Saint Nick. The first question he asked me was “Do you think Pops will be there?” That I couldn’t possibly answer, I don’t want him there anymore than Jacks does – then again, I think Jacks does want Pops there. Why? There again another question I can not answer.
Speaking of shopping, I’ve spent the last two days going to the same warehouse over and over, forgetting this item and that, bad thing is, I had a list! Maybe this weekend when I drop in on Jacks I can buy a few items and work my way down my list. Maybe I can get his “Good will and peace on earth” while I’m at it.

Friends from the past..

The other day Amy and I talked a while and she asked me about a girl that used to work for me. Jenny, she was a super bright young girl (she’s older than me), came from one for the prominent families here and married into one as well.
Status means nothing to drugs, her husband was just a dabbler in them when they first married “Oh, he smokes a little marijuana now and then”. A year later their first child arrived, the cutest little girl.
Being a huge football fans, they always managed to have football parties. No big deal, everyone has parties at one time or another, but you don’t lay your child on the floor and scatter 100 bills on her after winning the football pool and take pictures. The very sight of that sickened me and to this day I hate the movie with Demi Moore where she rolls in a bed of money. After that incident I knew things were going to go down hill for that clan.
A year later a son came into the mix -- still they didn’t settle down. The dad was arrested a few times for drug possession and DUI. One incident her husband had the kids in the car, running from the police as he tried to smoke the crack in his pipe. Her son told me “Daddy was driving so fast! Smoking that stuff and it stunk so badly!” A few run-ins with rehab and a couple slaps on the wrists for bad checks and what not it all turned for the worst, Jenny started missing work and if she was at work she was high. After multiple attempts to help her, I found I could do no more but to let her go.
Last Christmas she nearly broke into the house wanting me to buy a Toys R US gift card from her. I don’t have kids; I don’t need a 95 dollar gift card from there. She was messed up as she tried to explain to me why she needed the money. It broke my heart to see her like that, gaunt and pale, her shiny brown hair now dull and flat. Her whole spark in life was missing and her face vacant. After my third refusal to buy the card from her she left in a huff as I stood in my drive way dumbfounded.
This summer an eye opening experience for her family was made when they found her husband dead in the bed from an overdose of drugs. Her daughter refused to have anything to do with her and her kind hearted son was only confused more so.
Right now I think of those kids and what kind of Christmas they will be having this year without a father, and semi without a mother. I’ve heard they have moved in with parents of the husband and Jenny is trying to get straight.
I know there are sadder stories out there, which make me, worry more for the world.

Time flies….

AKA - No, I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth…
This has been one monster week for me, getting ready for school and working on the City projects along with the Big Lot lady. The City projects consist of making sure the holiday decorations are out shining brightly all throughout the area, I sort of enjoy checking on that. The Big Lot lady is having a Christmas party; she wants her whole lawn area perfect; hey, she’s a new house I can’t blame her there.
Now for the school topic, I was lucky enough to be placed in all the classes I requested. This means a lot of school time; since the cooler weather is here, it really puts a halt on working outside for me and its a perfect time to get some studies in. I need to really get on that and get school out of the way. Other than the fact that Bee insists that I drop by the greenhouse every day and check in, we are cool on that area.
Home, well Pops is on his way back to the Gulf, due to the fact that Mom seems to be feeling much better and one holiday is out of the way. We had a small bout of sickness on Friday but on Saturday she was in keen shape again. She and Lori have been working on school projects, such as cookies and candies along with stocking stuffers and nifty little fillers for the kids in Loris class.
I think Lori has a new man in her life; he’s not in the same class room as she, so that might be a benefit to her in her studies. She has me rolling on the ground, racing home to do homework and then get online to talk to her little buddies and gossip about the days happenings. “Oh, did you see what she had on today?”
As for Amy, Amy who? We never have the time to talk anymore, with us both running around for the holidays or a sick family member or work getting in our way. Maybe after the first of the year things may calm a bit for us to settle in. It’s a fact of life and we both have accepted it and work with what time we may have together.

One holiday down;

Well Thanks Giving is over and done with but the indigestion. It’s great to have family around but even better to watch them roll down the street on their way to their respective places. Now comes the fun of Christmas shopping and I haven’t even started. Something very different for me because usually I start around in July so I don’t get in this very predicament.
I’m grateful that school doesn’t start until after the first of the year for me, Jacks is taking a micro-mester, something like a mini-mester but more compact and longer class hours in the day. I don’t think pulling off that would be an option to me this year, nor does my school offer it. He seems to be oriented in his new home life; saying goodbye to a few friends here and online seemed to have put him in low mood. However, he’s run into someone new that keeps him smiling again, its nice to see him happy. He was telling me about the small town that he now lives in and how he found the local Wal-Mart and Target close to home. A friend of mine lives about 30 minutes or so away from him, she in fact told me about this blog site and informed me she could keep him entertained if need be. Shay, no, “Your” kind of entertainment will end him up in jail his first month there.
Not that it gets very cold here I’m welcoming the cooler weather for a change. Just to settle the bug population down hopefully for next year. Also I need to start planning on building on my lot; the last phase is quickly approaching my area. This means I will have a paved road for me to drive up to see the land and determine the house I want. One nice thing about buying in the last phase of a new subdivision is to see the scope of houses that are being built. This way I don’t over build nor do I under build in the area. Also gives me ample time to work on other projects until it is time to work on my own home.
Lori is none the happier about me moving out; I assured her that just riding Pokie to the back part of Gs house will bring her to my back yard, that doesn’t seem to give her any comfort. I think when Luke moved out she was too small to appreciate his departure, now that Jacks has moved out to school she’s isn’t very happy about it and this summer will be my time to hit the road as well. It’s probably hard for her to have 3 older brothers there for her own petting and personal entertainment, now for us all to abandon her.

Sundays ….

This whole weekend has been interesting and fun, tiring and not quite long enough for me. Friday, Luke and I sat around and watched Kyle play with his little sister who’s trying her best to walk before she can crawl well. I love watching them roll around and giggle and have the best of fun then slowly run down to nap on the floor just as their father and I did. Times like this always brings me back to my own childhood of rambling in creeks and having what ever fun in the fields of my grandparents farm.
I can remember school functions in the barn there, the time we made the senior float so the juniors couldn’t see what we might be making. The all night guarding of the barn and what fun was had in the loft… now those are some memories to reminisce about. Luke and I sat there and laughed and guffawed the whole night about the past, some thing I didn’t remember or he decided to share.
That was all of Friday night, Saturday I did totally nothing, lazing around the house. Pilfering around trying my best to stay out of trouble, not an easy task when you have an older brother that wants to cause trouble. We went out that night and met some old friends out, I tried to call Jacks but he never answered the phone for me. He is moved in his house now and things should be rocking along for him. I think it looks like it might, he seems more happier than I’ve seen him in a long, long while. I don’t get the “Blah, Mark I do nothing right” response from him.
Lori wasn’t the happiest little camper when he left on Friday morning to make it home, she and Mom however have been making plans for the holidays. She is set and has informed me on the days that I need to take off to spend it time with her and the mall. Oh, joy!!!
Sunday I spent the whole day with the grandparents putting up Christmas trees and other decorations for the season. It was great fun but I was so tired after all the work Luke and his clan loaded up and made their way home.
I was alone again, I miss my little brother and of course my older one. At times I wish the days of us rolling around on the floor and fields and in the creek were back again but alas they aren’t and never will be.

The Phone the Phone!

Yesterday the phone should have been welded to my ear. I think everyone that had a finger and my phone number called me. That’s nice and all but whoa come on, by the time I walked out of my truck and into the house, the phone was on zero bars/dead. I debated if I wanted to recharge it for the holiday. Amy knows family is in, work won’t need me, the Big Lot lady is gone for the weekend, the City is on holiday as well. So there shouldn’t be any need to use it.
Early yesterday afternoon Luke and the mob rolled in all giggles and smiles and wiggles. Camen is going to be the next big model, her huge blue eyes will make any stone heart melt and that drool, oh man that drool. Kyle came bouncing in screaming for “Uta Dacks” Jacks seems to have charmed this little guy in a big way, Kyle had a huge box of crayons wrapped up in his tiny hands. Luke says Jacks was supposed to draw him some farm animals to color in. I guess Jacks is now into the coloring book business when it comes to that little guy.
Luke is beaming with pride on those two and hinting about another to come soon, my Moms eye bulged out with tears to know they wanted another one. G gasped when she heard the news, I just hope they don’t “Try” to create one here, if you know what I mean. Julie looks as beautiful as ever watching over her own two little bunnies.
PG is organizing the barn lot for Lori for tonight, she insists that the very back part of the lot is the coolest area because its surrounded by trees and you cant see the house lights from there. Jacks and Lori have a date to go camping and watch movies and check for shooting stars. That will be an interesting night, I predict that she will come running in the house around 10 p.m. claiming to have heard a bear.
In a few Kyle and I are going to gear up to walk on the beach a while to get ready for a ton of food coming our way. Luke wanted to go check out some spots to find some mistletoe on the farm as well, for Christmas. The house smells of spices and sauces and seems to have this happy glow about it. I pray it stays that way…….

It’s going our way…

Well the weekend blasted so fast for me, Friday night out with the guys. I laughed so hard my ribs hurt the next day. Saturday, total nothingness, Saturday night out once more with the guys goofing around and being an idiot per usual.
I’m happy to report Jacks didn’t make it in on the weekend; SOMEONE talked him into staying at the condo at least for the weekend, I’m eternally grateful for that. Jacks still looks through those rose colored glasses in Life being so dandy to him. I don’t see Pops and he getting along well -- just as of yet. Especially since Pops was ranting on about wanting to throttle his youngest son this weekend. I never heard the full details on what Jacks may have done or not, what ever it may have been, Pops was very angry about it.
Lori and I did a little Christmas shopping on Sunday, then hit it over to Gs for a huge meal. G is so wired up about Thanks Giving this year. I’ve never seen her plan so much and she keeps telling me she’s inviting people from her church – ever the match maker she is -- I know who the girls are she’s invited. Two words “Oh boy”….
Last night Mom was sent home from the hospital, the transfusions and copious amounts of vitamins they shot into her must have been helping after all. I was more than happy to have her sitting in the living room laughing at Lori and the TV. They plan on making a ginger bread house tomorrow, I hate those things. They are messy, they don’t taste good, when I was 8, Jacks and I ate a whole one in one night and both of us became so sick. The smell of them will bring back very bad memories. Punishment for gluttony I guess?
Yesterday at work was semi slow; the lady with the huge yard is out until after this holiday which frees me up for other jobs here and office work. The Greenhouse has been calling my name for the last two weeks but I’ve never made it up there. Bee is going to lay into me being so negligent about helping around there. Maybe next spring we could hire a gopher to do whatever jobs that she might require. That means one less day of being scolded from her.Tomorrow Luke and the gang drive down, maybe Jacks, I’m not sure. If I don’t get to post until later this weekend, have a safe and happy Thanks Giving.

Fridays’

Well the weekend is upon us once more, I am in awe how fast the days have flown by. Possibly because after work, I come home, have dinner, rush and do what ever errands are required of me, study and then bomb out for a long slumber.
Mom is still in the hospital; her energy levels are not increasing as expected, so the doctors delve a little deeper into her condition. She’s severe anemia and a case of chronic infection very close to staff infection.
My G called me earlier this morning and requested I come up for the afternoon, of course my worse nightmare flashed into my head and they were to tell me her cancer had returned. Not to be thank God, just my G being the master of drama. I know this is her youngest daughter and it’s frightening to her but I have a feeling we can lick this with a little patience and following the doctors orders. Bed rest, no stress, eat properly and taking her medications. She will resume her blood transfusions in for a while just to kick things off on a good start.
My Pops has not left her side, but then again its not surprising to me that he wouldn’t. The fact that he hasn’t also shocks me that he’s not been in his typical hateful mood. There have been no condescending remarks from him on how the house has been run. He’s very courteous to the doctors ever the gentleman to G and PG and trying his best to communicate with Lori. Who still is on her guard with him and cries for Jacks to be home every night.
We are all hoping that she will be out this weekend Jacks has made extreme efforts to come home by Saturday requesting to take his tests today so that he can bolt home to be here for the weekend and the holidays. I personally do not think it’s a good idea but it makes him feel better. Lori jumped up and down and squealed in delight to find out he might be home for more than one or two days.
Tonight I plan on going out with the guys and just letting go for a couple of hours, also no work for me this weekend. Since the boy will be home I think he and I can spend some time together.

100! Thought I’d never make it.

Its been a long few days since my last post, finals are coming up for me and work is kicking me in the rear and Mom is still in the hospital. I‘ve been taking care of odds and ends around the house, with Lori. She’s not adjusting this time so well with Mom being away and Pops being home so much. I can see why, so I hang out with her as much as possible or send her off to spend the night with Julie.
Julie is my best friends Trace little sister, she is a riot at times, so boy crazy for a 12 year old. My God she’s 12 and about to become a teen in a month or so. I can remember when they moved in the house down from us she was so hyper and chatty. Trace only wanted to be cool and stay in the ocean to surf, looking back we all were so tiny.
At first and still Jacks and Trace were buds, they couldn’t be separated at times. Doing some of the craziest things. The flying on motorcycles at midnight to shoot fireworks at each other, all night surf sit outs on the second sand bar, jumping off the pier. Oh man and the internet antics they pulled. My brother was a little DJ man on the internet for a while, Trace would get on with him around 3 am and do the craziest things.
My sister and Julie now are the two crazies with the boys in school and on the beach. Trace and I swore neither would marry until they reached the age of 40 and could possibly date around 35. Oh, I know I’m exaggerating but it’s a funny thought and very reassuring to me.
Yesterday my Ex came in with child in tow, I swear, even though his Mom is a total nutcase, he is pretty darn cute, for a little bald guy. He’s semi starting to stand, she plopped him on my office floor and I stuck my fingers out to him and he naturally grabbed both and pulled up. I sat there amazed as he bounced up and down cooing at me with two tiny tiny teeth on his bottom jaw. I think either my hand were sweaty or his just lotioned , I just knew he would slip off my fingers so in an surprising instant I grabbed him up and stood him on my legs. He roared in laughter at me and swung his arms around as if he were to fly off.
I saw the look of shock in her face as I held him --since I swore to myself I never would-. It felt good to hang on to the little guy as he drooled all over my jeans and commenced to bob up and down.
Diane and Cari walked in my office, their jaws hit the floor, Diane gave off a scowl and dropped her papers on my desk and walked out. Cari wanted to see if I needed lunch -- in reality they were trying to give me an out to get rid of my visitors-.
After they left I just sat there thinking of the days…. Maybe tomorrow 101 can be something along those lines.

(TY mystery poster for pointing out its 100)

Thursdays …..

I guess the worry with the old man has made things come to a boil around here and he sees it. Mom still is not feeling well, I wanted to lie to Jacks and tell him things are going some what better but I won’t. I don’t like the idea of him racing home to sit here and worry when there isn’t anything for him to do. I also don’t want him and Pop clashing into each other; both their emotions are running super high.
The other night Pops and I had a nice sit down talk; we even focused on why he is being a selfish idiot for the last year or so. I guess if you don’t walk in the other person’s shoes you really don’t see what might be going on in their life. I didn’t know that he had a new boss and the company he worked for did a massive change over. That he almost lost his job and position and refused to tell anyone about it. Teaching us our whole lives, how to do things right in our careers to demand respect with our employers -- while he wasn’t doing was not a good example. However, I think maybe that I am beyond the “I told you so” stage in my life; he could have expressed himself to us or at least me. I don’t excuse or condone what he had been doing to Jacks in the last year. There is no excuse for that and he at least admitted it and has been getting help.
Lori still won’t be in a room alone with him, he knows it and she cringes when he tries to be close to her. Can you imagine? Your own 8 year old daughter flinching every time you come near, try to talk to her? He walks in a room, she shrinks in the chair she’s sitting and keeps an watchful eye on him the whole time, never making a peep. What a heart breaking thought that must be. There again he needs to make the repairs on that situation not I. All Lori wants is Jacks home, she cries when she’s on the phone with him and hanging up after, wanting him to come home, I know this kills him to hear it.
Mom and G keep things to themselves; I know there is more to this than just an iron deficiency, you don’t stay in the hospital this long for just that. If I have to go through what we just did with my aunt I want to know now, maybe tonight I might have my own little sit down talk with Mom.
PG is all in a thither to visit Jacks, who will be coming home for the holidays soon and then moving for the last time. PG is worried that Jacks won’t like his new condo, I love it, it’s much bigger than the one he has now. Pops doesn’t know where the new one is, nor has the key to it, so that mean no disasters while moving in and soon won’t have the cell phone to contact him. Not that I’m worried about that issue any longer.
Maybe the topper on the whole thing is my Pops admits he’s having trouble and is at least getting some help for it. For him to at least try is a great effort, I wont be punishing him by trying to make life any harder. Who will that help to do that anyways?
Man I need to get back to my school posts and job rants.

Weekend, what weekend?

Well it’s over, Halloween, my birthday, the weekend and Monday almost. Let’s start off with Halloween; picture this: me, in my PJs, all the lights off, at the inside house, the door gets a bang “Grrr, I have my lights off -- no Trick or Treaters!” It was Chris, so we walked down the street to the nearest bar and chilled a while.
My Birthday, well I wanted to go out the day of my birthday but the lady I’m currently working for is wearing me down, so we decided to wait until Friday night. Friday, the ladies in the office cooked, oh man, did I ever eat. Everything that was my favorite food they made. It’s like someone opened up my head grabbed recipes and knew what to bring, I ate till I couldn’t anymore. Then out with the guys that night to whoop it up and play some pool and darts, my latest past time.
The weekend, well I worked on Saturday for the Lady of Much Demands the majority of the day. Sweating whatever concoction I may have ingested the night before, Chris paid dearly for it, thinking that it might be fun to mix his drinks. He came into work green and left a nice shade of a pale white at the end of the day. However he was ready to venture out again that night without hesitation. Telling me hair of the dog was the only cure.
Mom for the last week or so has not felt well; I know this because she snapped at me on Thursday because she felt I wasn’t taking care of myself. Her energy levels are not up to where they need to be and now cold and flu season is upon us. Not a good combination to have a weak immune system and germs flying about. Sunday rolled up and she was admitted to the hospital late that night after nearly passing out at the mall and once at Gs. Today they are doing tests on her to see where the problem is.
I had to give the joyous phone call to Jacks, who naturally flipped out and insisted on coming home that very minute to be with her. I could hear him pacing around the empty room of his thinking of the things he needed to grab. I assured him that it was a small case of the “Not feel goods” and not to worry just yet, that I would keep him posted. Luke, ever more like my Pops every day just sat on the phone quiet and asked what needed to be done.
Speaking of my Pops, he’s been in a very secretive/reflective mood as of late. He came back home to be with Mom to help her along with this latest bout of illness. Odd, it’s as if another alien has invaded his body, this time the alien has feelings and emotions -- other than anger. I know this because last night I caught him with his head down talking to himself over his own attitude. I tried to quietly step back to let him continue with his devotion but he motioned me to come sit with him. I sat beside him feeling like a boob until he spoke to me “So, how was that birthday of yours?”……….

Ahhh and thank you!

For all the birthday wishes...Story at 10

Friday and the weekend begins…

I’ve received no comments or any areas to hit upon specifically so I shall ramble.
This week has been a jumble of experiences, work, school, family, social life and a number of oddities.
Work has been every interesting, for the lady with the huge house and lot, she seems to like to do items after hours. This really busts into my homework time and train of thought, the late afternoon sessions are really putting a strain on me to keep up with other projects.
School, well what can I say about that? My Botany project is blooming “literally”. Philip and I are cracking the midnight oil to make this work for us and get the 50% on our grade. Personally I think this is a bit much and adds too much pressure on you. The Fashonista Queens should be coming up with a Plaid Plant or possibly a Leather Leaf or any other “Eye pleasing Useful plant”. I’ve chose to ignore the offers of free pizza, beers and even dinner and movies. I have my pride and not to mention a girlfriend.
Family, Ok…where to start on this? Mom and her medical screening didn’t come out as well as expected, the doctor suggested a more intensive treatment of iron and potassium to get her strength up again. Her worry with Pops and trying to keep up a happy face for the world must be exhausting. The ASSHOLE has been in full force once more, calling on the phone making statements that Charles Manson would be proud to use. He apparently gave Jacks a visit to “Straighten problems out” if I know both of them -- they clashed. Jacks is in heaven with school and his social situations, this surprises me on both levels but I’m happy for him. Lori and her man are having jealousy issues abound, ahh the life of a 4th grader. “But I love him except when he talks to Lacey”. Luke and his crew are gearing up for the next spooked out holiday.
My social life is on a stand still, however the weekend is coming up and I plan on having a pre birthday bash. I really need to just “Let loose” for a night or two. Amy and her non stop family drama have kept me in a ponderance over what to do or say now. I’ve decided to keep my “stay out of everyone’s business and you stay out of mine” attitude.
If I were to diagnose myself today my mood would be a semi melancholy one, not really wanting to care about anything. Needing to get through the day and get into the relax mode, maybe turn off the phone and turn on the TV to catch a bit of the World Series and dream.

Lol and I thought I had it bad!!

Sitting here talking to my little brother on messenger and I just left my older brother in a long super long chat. Are we the meta universe family for what? Anyway Luke was giving me spillage on how we need to be there for Pops “Like he’s there for me right?” I cant say that, he was there for me when I was younger and impressionable and stupid, now I’m older and all those things. Apparently our Pops has been rotating insults to the three of us, yes precious Luke is now in the mix of brazen words and slanderous insults.
I swear the old man has dropped a cog somewhere or its in major warp-age.
Jacks blings on my messenger I added him to the group chat, in all caps screaming “HE DID IT AGAIN I WILL KILL HIM” . I guess Jacks was engrossed in some online project and Pops called thus flustering him and he disconnected himself from everything. Luke and I had to laugh on the thought of him jumping when the phone rang, however I’ve done the same…usually when I’m doing something naughty the phone will mess me up. Luke and I both talked him down and left him to his misery.
Mom didn’t go to Gs today, she’s not feeling well with a huge headache and no energy. I don’t like it, she leaves for the doctors tomorrow to check her blood count and iron levels. Fighting with the dink doesn’t help much either for your stamina. All she wanted to day was soup broth and bananas, sounds like something you would eat if you were pregnant.
Lori hung out with her most the day, unless she was with Julie and her little boy friend. I think Julie is helping my sister grow up too fast, her and Barton better take a chill pill.
I ran around with the guys just about the entire weekend, getting into all sort of trouble or making it if I could. Chris reminded me time and time again “What happens in the club stays in the club” where are we Vegas? Get real man, I’m playing darts and pool and going to make fun of every female that scratches when she’s going for the eight ball. I didn’t work a lick this weekend and it felt great and there is to be rain the majority of the week so things will be slow.
The whole time I’m out I kept looking for that Fashion Gurus to come waltzing in with Purell in hand and scowls. No free drinks for me this weekend, damn and I’m short of cash.
Tomorrow I venture to Sams to bulk up on well, bulk and have some fun hopefully in class. We shall see.

So are we having fun yet?

Today was a barrel of laughs in class…but I am jumping ahead of myself. Yesterday was very pleasant, Amy called me off and on all day long as she goofed around in chat with a wild woman? Of course she gave me my daily phone call, some days I just can not go without that call. Hearing her giggle and telling me of her adventures of the past day and night just makes me love her more.
I thought it was going to be an extra light day at work (I even had a 1.5 hour nap during lunch). Woke up to find that I could have an appointment if I chose to, I didn’t want it but felt it best to go ahead. As I drove to the job Amy called me once more all giggles telling me what she was doing --- hanging out with a friend and listening to her DJ. I wanted to laugh but chose to just smile and hear her out. (Her standoffish ways are diminishing on that affair).
The house and lot was huge, one of the many larger ones being built in an exclusive area. The lady there was very professional and exact in what she wanted and where. I personally like that in a person, it leaves no guess work on my part. Only bad thing was I didn’t make it home till late last night and I needed to work on my school project…..which leads me into the hilarity of class today.
I sat in class and the wonder twins of fashion strolled in looking smug as ever. This time the Queen stopped at my desk “Did you miss me Monday?” My head jerked up and said “You weren’t here?” She rolled her eyes and plopped in her seat behind me. –Kick to my backside- “So, what did you do this weekend?” first off I didn’t appreciate the kick (actually it was more of a tap with the tip of her 9 inch heels ---ok exaggeration on the 9 inch). I informed her that I stayed at home, working on this project, did some studying. “Uggh, is that all you did, no going out this weekend?” I waited a few seconds to act as if I weren’t really interested in the conversation and gave a quick “Nope”.
I love to tease and to piss people off when they start smack with me first, so she’s perfect. Philip rolled in and I showed him what progress I’ve made on my end as he did the same for me. I whispered to him they were on the snoop once more for help on the project – he smirked.
Then it happed, the slippage, the huge mistake on HER part. –Kick, same spot- “No drinking at the pub and playing that pool game for you the whole weekend?” My heart stopped and a flush of heat ran over my face. “How do you know what I do on my weekends?” Busted…. I just found out who’s my mystery drink sender. She looked down and grabbed her phone and faked an incoming phone call.
I was going to catch her after class but she left early, Phillip was in shock and all I could do is laugh. He asked “she bought you drinks; I thought you had a girlfriend?” I had to explain the past weekend’s events to him. I looked to her friend to the left of me but she shook her hand at me as to say “Don’t pull me into this”. For some odd reason I should be angry, it’s as if she assumes that I can’t afford my own entertainment. That’s one thing I take pride in and was always taught, never to be dependent on anyone else for anything. Pops motto: “You can’t buy it or afford it, you don’t need it”.
Oh the fun I am going to have now.

All is well in La la Land

The last few days have been pleasant with out the tyrant in the house. My Pops bellowing out commands and insults are not missed. However, Mom doesn’t appear to be on the happy side. She and G whisper and talk constantly on the phone or with each other, all the while Mom is putting on her Smiley Face for everyone. I still don’t get where things had gone wrong with the two of them and probably never will.
Sunday I was to leave to give Jacks a visit and talk to him about the situation at home. I feel that it’s an all a down hill motion and he needs to be informed. To his protests of “letting him be” and the way I felt that morning and dreading the drive I decided not to see him. I get that he wants to grow up and be independent. From what I gather on his class situation its like “Daycare” to him, of course having that genius level IQ doesn’t hurt much either. He told me the first couple of weeks were murder on him, trying to get organized in where his classes are and the new condo. He now assures everyone that it’s improving on that end for him. He said he’s making new friends in class and around the complex he lives in, which another plus.
Lori is having the time of her life; her latest drama is in deciding what costume to wear for her Halloween party. “Ah Mark!! I can’t have that, Michelle is wearing it” Ok, I didn’t know that Halloween meant let’s get original. Besides she informed me that she and her latest squeeze (which she better not be doing) need to match. Monday night she and I were talking about past Halloweens and the fun she had. I sensed she wanted to go Trick or Treating with Jacks just one more time. “When he brought me out all the older girls would come and talk to us and that made me feel big” I bet it made him feel big as well.
Luke and his clan are having a grand time and are already discussing Thanks Giving up there. We normally have it at Gs and probably will this year, without Pops around. He refuses to come to the grandparent’s home now.
Work is going very well, we keep extra busy. Yesterday I ran around checking out on how the fern planting was going along. It looked very nice, four guys standing there, one digging a hole and the other three with ferns in hand. Maybe today we can talk about efficiency in the work place.

Wednesday, Wednesday…that’s not a song either.

I think I may be on a blogger roll lately, possibly its just boredom at work, maybe a shit load of things on my mind, weird people and attitudes -- I think its more so boredom at work.
I had my wonderful botany class, with the Prima Donna sitting behind me. Poke: “Hey, um did you happen to get a project for me?” I spun around and asked what chapters in the book she read that she might have found interesting – no response. Exactly what I thought, she didn’t crack the book open. I bet if I were to take her book and open it the back binder would pop. “So, do you like to eat pizza and drink beer?” she whispered to me. Once again with a dead pan face I said “What male on this planet doesn’t like pizza and beer?” I don’t care for her, or the way she treats people as if they are all beneath her, so she gets the short smartass replies from me. Then the offer came – Help her with the project and she will buy my broke ass all the pizza and beer and what ever else I wanted. (The broke ass was my addition). Philip looked at me and I knew he was about to sweat or bust into laughter. I chose again to be semi nice, thanked her for the offer and suggested to help when she chose a topic. “Just keep it in mind”… (You do the same).
Mom and I talked a while last night about Pops, she told me that he could have stayed home another few weeks but decided it might be a good idea to head out to the Gulf early. Personally I think that is highly immature, super lame, and utterly ridiculous to do to anyone you claim to love. You don’t walk out from resolving a problem; they taught us that and poked it in our heads over and over. Any event, my selfish attitude makes me happy he’s out of the picture for now. I see that it breaks my Moms heart to watch him do this spiral downward, when she is so eager and willing to help him.
Speaking of help – Jacks. When he moved out for school I knew it would be hard on him. He was home schooled, never really away from us and overly protected by my Mom. Hell, I still watch him like a hawk and he’s 19 now. I half expected him to call every once in a while, possibly send e-mails or a text here and there. Unless one of us on this end initiates it, we wouldn’t hear from him. I know living on your own for the first time can be very daunting; cooking, cleaning, school, getting up on time, homework, making new friends, just all around getting acquainted with one self. He wants to prove himself not only to us but to him self that he can stand on his own steam. An honorable and mature idea, “Don’t worry everything is cool here” he says. I can hear it in his voice, the unhappiness and loneliness, he doesn’t feel well and I suspect a majority of that are his nerves. Any way hopefully things will organize for him soon enough.

Oh the drama….ends

So today might be a little bit on the rich side for me – Pops is going back to the Gulf!! –Does two back flips and happy dance-. No more of his insults and barrage of “You can’t do this or that” remarks. Well, I am happy but I see the look in Moms face as not so happy. I know she wants him to settle down and grab some counseling and try to explore why he is feeling the way he is lately. Just like anyone, you can’t help them if they don’t want the help. I wish he would have tried to do the right thing but he wont, I see the determination in his eyes to do just what ever he pleases.
Mom is quiet about the whole situation; she works a lot like Jacks in that department. I can tell she is worried over Pops. I hear her talking to him and trying her best to reason with her on his stance with us and how our lives are turning out. I hope he has the good sense to lay off Lori.
That little one is a card; she’s either spending the night away or having her friends over. Halloween is going to be a kick for her this year; she’s having a party at that house and inviting her class to come. Now, I need to find a place to hide that night --- maybe the inside house for me?
Luke called me this a.m. to tell me all about the costume hunt for his punks. Kyle wants to be Spiderman and Camen is going to be a ballerina. They put on Kyle’s costume the other night and he didn’t care for it coving up his face. “Mommy, no one will know it’s me if my cute chubby cheeks aren’t showing”, I had to laugh on that one.
Jacks has a stomach flu/nerves battle going on but pretends everything is cool over there. Luke came to visit him and grab some furniture for the move and called to say he looked like “shit warmed over”. PG said he had lost a lot of weight and had dark circles under his eyes. He didn’t have that fun glow he usually exudes to everyone. He insists that he needs to deal with things on his own, I have to agree. He knows who he can come to if needed.
Work here is ok, semi busy but the last week of off and on rain has made things slow. You can’t really work outside in the rain. The greenhouse is booming for fall planting and Bee has once again made a spectacular Halloween display through the building and lot. She wants to dress in costume for the day of, I think because she plans on going out to party right after work.
Amy and I are happy little campers, enjoying our chats here and there. She had her Thanks Giving but nothing was really done. That seems odd to me, Thanks Giving here is a special occasion where the whole family gathers for a dose of indigestion and football. I think she offered to take peoples shifts at work and stay away from the family.
All in all things are rolling along; I’ve kept my stance on being a hard ass at work, my nose out of Jacks affairs, letting Lori have her boyfriends, stayed out of Mom and Pops battles and just smiled through whatever Amy has going on. Right now, the focus is school and work.

Sunday Sunday.. I know that’s not a song.

Well, it should be a song. I did nothing Friday night only sat around and chilled at the house and threw the hugest temper tantrum and man could possibly throw. My cell phone drama begins, Friday afternoon Cari calls me no more than four times. Then gives me a text calling me a retard because I keep hanging up on her. I couldn’t hear her, nothing -- I heard/felt the phone ring pushed the “Send” button and said my hello and nothing. Not a blooming sound, not only that I was in torment of the fact I couldn’t get the phone to display the callers name along with the number. Later I tromped into the office to explain my dilemma. Diane snagged the phone and began to push buttons. “don’t answer my phone if it rings lady, Amy will flip out if another woman answers it” She shot me an evil glare. I then proceeded to tell them of the previous nights adventure with the phone when Amy called and my Bluetooth mysteriously is turned on. So when I answered the phone the Bluetooth picked up, once again I hear nothing and Amy hears the TV --- and some lady.
When ever I have a product and it doesn’t work to my specifications or fails, of course this puts a doubt in my mind on the item and I wont trust it. So naturally when it didn’t work properly for me the second time it was the phones fault. Not so, Diane and I figured the first time was the slider on the Bluetooth and the second event was that I had the master volume down on the phone. BOTH my fault, and I shouldn’t have thrown my five year old fit.
Today was Gs of course for me, she made chili and some cherry pie cobbler. Ok bleck on the cobbler but I tried my best to eat the chili. My PG is off to see my uncle Gerald and then to pop in on Jacks who’s been very sick the last week or so with a vicious stomach virus. PG and Gerald are picking up the majority of his furniture to move him to his permanent home for the next 4 or more years.
I had one phone call from Amy early this am, she was telling me about her fun at work and how she enjoys everyone there -chuckles-. On top of that she spent a little time with Jacks who was in or out of sorts. Not going there…..Now I’m chilling out reading my book and preparing for the battle zone next week of school and work.

Part Deux

Today I rambled into my class with war paint on, literally. Its crappy rain outside and I rode my bike, so in a dare wore camouflage. Hoping that the fashionista might enjoy giving me another clothing critic… I can hear it now “Ahem, excuse me but you can’t wear Camo until after Columbus Day”. With my book opened glancing at today’s chapters to be covered. “She” swaggered in with her gal pals in tow giving her smarmy looks to everyone, sat in her assigned seat directly behind me and fooled around on her cell until the instructor entered.
Oh boy, here we go again, I hear -- “Sniffle” –Me-- What the hell!? – Her--“Sniffle” I didn’t budge or flip a page, only to continue to re-read my chapter. Her pal, who sits to the left of me turned around to her and said “Its ok, just don’t think about it” More excitement for the drama queen I suspect. I chose to lay off her, perhaps she might have some real life turmoil going on…I’m imagining some major shoe scuff age or possible skirt un-creasing, or heaven forbid a Clorox incident. Ok, I’m being mean now.
The teacher strolled in and broke out the thickest book in America -- explained to us the basics of plant physiology and then pounded us with a huge homework/project. “Sniffle” I’m sure that helping Jacks and the latest condo move might be out of the question for me. The whole time I’m writing copious amounts of class notes and side notes of things I need to accomplish for the weekend. “Sniffle”. The guy that sits to the right of me luckily is my lab partner and a organization freak, so we hammered out our plan of attack on the class project and should have it completed in the expected time frame of three weeks. “Sniffle”.
Class was dismissed early but we sat to finish up a few odds and ends. Then, that eerie feeling someone was boring a hole in the back of my head. The girl to the left of me hadn’t budged from her seat either, the poke of a pen tip on my arm, “Yes?” I asked. A smile and a few eye flutters later “we need help” I wanted to snort but refrained myself, the guy next to me jabbed me sharply. I knew the jab meant No way in hell are we doing their work for them. I asked what kind of help and her pal went into great detail how some “mean guy” dumped her friend and she couldn’t concentrate on anything and they both were lost in class.
Should I be mean or should I be nice? I chose a little of both and suggested reading a few selected chapters and come up with a project and if they needed help here and there we might be able to pull something out of a hat to help them. Not the answer they wanted, they looked at each other then around the room in hopes of some other sucker to get what they needed --no such luck. “Sniffle” but this time a little louder. They left the room.
A little later, we walked out the class to hear “I told you, picking on him was not the way to get his attention or help!” Philip, my lab partner and I chuckled and moved on our way to the library.
Now, I’m sure this weekend debating on being mean or helping them out will be the dilemma for me. Ahhh!! Right now I need Amy.

Is it me?

Or is the majority of the female population spoiled prisses? Yeah, I’m sorry but that’s about how I feel at the moment with the opposite gender. Ok, maybe I am trying to get some sort of response out of you people but this is how it goes down.
I walked into class today about 15 minutes early to “learn something” by reviewing today’s chapter before the teacher arrives. There is this one girl in there – super moody on the 24/7 market. She constantly complains -- whines or has some sort of excitement going on in her life to be unable to complete her assignments. A week or so ago I was making a comment in class and she popped off with some smart ass remark about it. I of course asked her if she knew a better way of doing it --- no response from her, giggles floated through out the class. Strike one, the war was on.
You know the type, one minute on a super Hidey Ho High mood, the next running around with her claws extracted ready to slash anyone in her way. A friend of mine had the utter insanity of dating her whole whopping month. He said at first everything was grand, they were inseparable, and then all the sudden she seemed distracted. Then he would make a comment -- it was twisted and turned completely around on him and World War 3 would begin. He told me that if there wasn’t some sort of drama going on between the two of them she wasn’t happy. Around his friends and hers, butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth but alone he felt he needed to wear extra padding from her slams towards him. He said eventually she gave him the “This isn’t working out speech” he took it and ran. He said the sex was good but it wasn’t that good to know when to bolt.
I dropped my books on my desk, she scowled and rolled her eyes at me; I returned a smirk/smile and opened my book to review. Her phone rings: “Um no, I don’t want to go there tonight, I told you that your friends are bores”. Whoa, major slam to whomever her latest victim was, not that I was eaves dropping -- she practically announced it in the room. She’s from southern Georgia, doing her best to sound like a Valley Girl from the West Coast.
A loud huff is made and of course it’s her, “Excuse me, do you know you have mud all over the back of your jeans?” I didn’t bother to look up --- a few seconds later I receive the poke “Excuse me, rude much?” Oh!! Her courteous and helpful clothing observation was towards me!! I turned in my seat, looked her straight in the face, without a flinch or straying from eye contact, flipped my phone out and in a mock voice said “Gerard, you are FIRED!! I have mud on my designer jeans from working this morning”. Closed my phone and returned to my book, her jaw dropped and she grumbled something under her breath about all men being slobs.
We finished class and I got up to go back to work, when she stopped me once more. “Hey you know this stuff pretty good.” I wasn’t sure if she meant how do deal with bitchy spoiled brats or Botany. I gave her a blank look and waited for the next jab from her.
I try my best to be nice to punks, they aren’t worth the time or discomfort but if you piss me off I am going to tell you how I feel. Besides I’ve had my fair share of being around women like this and never will understand why we guys will put up their petty crap. Great sex or not a guy has to have his pride too. She stood there in the hall, I’m guessing in hopes that I would say thank you but she didn’t get the complement from me. Once again, looking her straight in the face, I put my helmet on and walked out of the class. We will see what kind of mood she’s in tomorrow.

Online Daters The Real Gamers…

As promised, I thought maybe a barrage of thoughts and ramblings about online dating might be a topic to hit.
When I first started occasionally hanging out on the internet, I would jump on my brothers MSN messenger and talk it up with some of his friends, of course I had my own e-mail from school but for some reason messing around with his friends was more interesting. Eventually, I ran into one of his online “friends” who at the time had a crush on him – odd, I thought. Why would you even take any interest in someone away from you? The whole concept was totally new to me. This girl, sweet and very cute and really funny and loves to tease -- all great qualities in a person, why not go for a man right there and not my dinky little brother? Of course I’m talking about Amy.
She and I began talking online for months -- hours at a time, she squeezed my cell number out of me. We have carried it a bit further in that she can call/text me when ever. The return favor isn’t on my side but I deal with that the best I can.
I know people that have online dated for a while, met somewhere in Real Life and eventually married and had kids.
My friend Nancy for one did that, she prayed nightly, made the church have prayers for her to receive a man in her life. One night on the internet and she has her prayers answered, I won’t say where she is now in that relationship; due to the fact I haven’t seen her in a few months. But she does have a little boy and girl bouncing around.
My cousin Rhonda did the same; her husband is probably one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met. She’s much older than I, in fact has children my age and was lonely from her divorce. They met through an online dating service have a wonderful life now.
Jacks found a real winner later on, a huge psychopath that tried her best to dominate his life and then kill him with an emotional rollercoaster. Hot then cold, he didn’t know if he was coming or going with that one it was to the point he dreaded getting online to find out what kind of mood she might be in. She was a few years older than he (didnt act it) and didn’t want her other friends to know about their relationship, so it was kept under wraps. (I say so she could freely play around on him- which she was cold busted on.) Until one night of a suicidal outburst on her part and scaring him to death they parted ways. I could write a whole page of the mean and heartless things she pulled on him. He still cringes when you say the word “Skype” around him.
Of course its hard to emote your feelings within the just text world, I mean really, this whole post may be taken out of context to some as a slam or a huge joke to others. It’s mostly determined by your current frame of mind, I find its best if you are tired or in a bad mood not even to sign on.
Also, a lot of trust must be given, oh sure I can say “I love you Amy” hang up the phone and be with what ever I want. Who’s to know? Who’s to stop me? Well I would, for one, I have a hard time doing that to someone else -- playing with their emotions. There are some unlucky people out there that hook up with people that are cruel and heartless that really doesn’t give a damn. Its all a game and only fun to be had. Besides I know people with physical relationships that have that happen right under their noses.
Then there is Trace, really sweet guy, fell mad in love with a girl named Aurora. At first I thought she liked Jacks but she fell for Trace. (Jacks was with secret agent psychopath at the time) He wrote her a song and talked about her all the time and once instructed Jacks to play it during his little DJ gig. She lived about 1 hour drive away from us. The very weekend Trace was to venture off to meet her; he receives a “Dear John” e-mail. This devastated him to the degree of being on a constant drunk and piss ass mood for months – the whole summer in fact. Every night was the same thing “What did I do wrong?” along with “Mark you are a fool to waste your time with Amy” Countless times I’ve heard “Get out man while you can.” to Jacks and I. Well, I can’t --- and I don’t want to. No, Amy isn’t physically here when I have a bad day; she can’t give me that hug if I need it. But to know her and to be able to trust in someone as I do, I say we have a better relationship than a lot of people. When the day comes and the time is right, we will have our day and our time in the sun. For now, I enjoy and cherish the moments we have together, however we do get them.
So in summary, “Onliners” need a lot of commitment, trust, patience, caring, calmness, understanding, forethought, and a little vision of how things appear to others. ---- wait, you need that in any kind of relationship.

Jester you say!!

Well with a weekend of crazies and weird whacked out fun, I’m glad to be back in the “sane” world of work-dom. Friday and Saturday night’s stalker of notes and free drinks was never revealed to me, since I wasn’t poisoned they can follow me anytime they want. Hey, you know I’m looking at the new 4-door Jeep Wranglers –evil grin-.
I received multiple phone calls from Amy on Saturday night she wanted me to get online and see all the excitement of my brothers “Online surprise birthday party”. I’ve still washed my appendages of that affair; I see nothing but trouble and woes in that game -- Ahhh the pessimist in me comes out once more.
Today is going to be filled with some jollies, I have a meeting with the City and the same slow guy that asks and re-asks question after question. The cool part about this is it’s a two day event!! –Claps hands- with any luck he might be able to stretch it into three days. The cooler but much dryer weather as of late is putting a worry on possible spot fires, so they want to take emergency action of cleaning up problem areas. For the life of me, I thought I was on the Beautification Team?
My buddy Trace has flown over to Texas for the next few days to talk to some producers of music. This whole weekend he and I talked where they could progress for him. Young minds and imaginations can and do lead to some interesting ends. He also reminisced about Aurora the last week or so, wow that name hasn’t come up in a long time. Which will probably bring me to tomorrows fun topic of “Online Dating – the Do’s and Don’ts”.

Less of a funk ass mood…

I think maybe that its going my way once again. We listened to Trace a while in hopes that he doesn’t become one of the Soggy Bottom Boys in requesting current song after song, I even requested Jacks “You’ll think of me” song and Trace nailed it. The night was young and so are we, playing a few games of pool makes everything alright. Around mid game 3 the nice waitress came bounding up with a tray full of drinks and a note on a napkin “HB2U” damn it!! I forgot my Bar note decoder ring! Since around two years ago and the fiasco of rhohipnol I refuse to take a free open drink, thanked her and returned to my game, two seconds later she returns with an unopened beer and assured me she pulled it from the cooler herself. I glanced around the bar opened the beer and raised it in a motion of thanks and resumed my game once more. 30 minutes later another note and unopened beer arrived “N many more” ok, this isn’t fun anymore or is it? I asked the girl who wanted to spend 6 bucks on me, she smiled and said 20 a tip was included to keep my mouth shut. Curious, I looked for my ex to be around with baby in tow or Jacks goofy smile in a dark corner. Nope, none to be found so I decided to take a break from the smoke and music and get a breath, my cell rang. “Shit!!” to my relief it was Amy, we talked for a few minutes, she was distressed about work and chomping chips. The added distraction helped me and we all decided to move to another pub to listen to Trace’s competition. Ten minutes into the jam another tray of drinks and same dumb ass note “enjoy“. Ok, this wasn’t funny --- or is it? Since Chris and Trace and the mob are huge pranksters I chose not show any reaction. Lets see what happens tonight.

In a mood again……

I hate being in moods, they are and can be highly childish, this time above and beyond childish and I let it dominate my day. No longer, I wash my hands--feet--arms--mind and what other appendage I may have that need a good cleansing. Hung out around the house for a while yesterday afternoon in hopes to talk to Amy for a while, she decided that hand holding of her brother and father was the best route. That’s ok, what ever makes her satisfied is alright with me, sometimes we have to do things we don’t really want or accept them....
Lori and Mom and I had pizza that really didn’t settle well with me. (possibly because of the funk ass mood I was in). Lori demonstrated how you should really eat a slice, chomping from the crust. It didn’t interest me but I sat with a fake amused face. She left gleefully to hop online to talk to “Barton”. Ughh
Tonight, Chris and I plan on listening to Trace a while, Trace is all fired up with his trip to Texas in two days to do a meet and greet with some big wig singers. I can remember when he used to get so angry when his dad made him practice. His father is a minister in the church my family attends and he felt that if Trace was busy with music it would keep him out of trouble. What a joke, two years or more ago he started playing again with a small group that met on weekends then they progressed to an every night ordeal. After his father saw that it was consuming his life he encouraged (demanded) that he play on Sundays and at his revivals, which prompted offers to visit other functions (birthdays-weddings-funerals). Now he is a bluegrass king, -snickers- he says that we should give him five or more years on this and he moves on to his on genre of music. I say “right on!” and only hope the best for him.
So tonight I plan on going and tormenting him a while and playing a few games of pool and darts to let out my aggressions for the night. It’s the weekend and time to relax and enjoy the days --- which are getting much shorter now…. Bring on the dark….
This one song is rambling in my head… possibly because Jacks was playing it over and over while I talked to him yesterday--Keith Urban You’ll think of me…I heed the words and the warning.

Well the day has come upon us once more…

This time it’s a quiet time, no shouting or running down the stairs or slamming of doors. No wondering and looking or searching, just you, waking up, going on with your day. Silently, quietly, alone…no one knows or has a clue and I think you prefer it that way. It wasn’t always that way; years ago it was fun times, something to look forward to, a time of togetherness -- of sorts. Now it feels at though it brings distance and a collective thought of “Wow another one down”. I talked to you last night, for what seemed to be hours but actually minutes, you were in no mood to really talk in depth for what ever reasoning it might be. Only silence, an occasional sigh and wondering what might be going through your mind at that very moment between the two of us, or what ever events going on in your personal life. Maybe its school, or some one, could you be that afraid of failure? It’s not really happened to you as of yet. Maybe it’s the “teachings” of our Pop that has brought you to this point.
That huge working brain of yours moves so quickly, far beyond anyone’s realizations or expectations. However, you feel it doesn’t work properly and to the beat of the same drummer as the rest of the world. Be happy it doesn’t, be happy that you are original and can think and stand alone.
Along with that brain is a huge heart, filled with so much love for your fellow man, no matter whom ever they may be and however they may cross you. I stand amazed how no one has faults in your eyes, as does anyone else that may have the pleasure of truly getting to know you.Learn this, you aren’t alone, just separated only in a distance, nothing a phone call or a quick jump in the truck wouldn’t cure and can easily be managed. Physical distance is just a tiny obstacle that can be over come but doesn’t lessen the feelings people have for you. Also learn this, no matter what anyone says or thinks, don’t let them get you down. You are the master of your own destiny, the builder of your own dreams, and the maker of your own hearts desire.
You keep creating, loving, caring and trying --- that’s what life is all about, that’s the challenge everyone is brought to, you just need to see it and you will achieve it, I have no doubts you will some day.We all four have been taught that, you know it and you live by it, I’ve seen you live by it more than all of your brothers or sister. Along with learning to love and give that same respect to others, you sometimes walk away from hurt and those that hurt, without giving them retribution. Knowing they will continue to hurt just for the pure pleasure of it and will only bring you down. Even though you don’t believe you are that mature, you are above and beyond the majority of your peers. You, my friend, my little brother, have a happy birthday the best you know how.

Tuesday?

Is it something in the air? Something about the way we are taught? Or just being a total retard? People DO NOT LISTEN!! Have you noticed that? Sniffles, the girl I let go last week actually had the gall to want to come back and apply for her old job but “with a whole new attitude” Right…….I’m getting right on that on hiring her back. We just have the office in order from the her last fiasco she pulled on 5 new customers. So I say that’s a big NO on her coming back.
I talked to my brother Luke last night for a while, he is about as good at listening that anyone else. I told him no more than four times that I wasn’t going to Clemson this weekend. I swear to God I could hear him packing his bags. I have to say that I can be pretty bad myself, Amy and I can be talking on the phone and look at my work orders or CNN or someone on the beach and she has the nerve to cold bust me. -evil grin-. Ok I’m not a master of the multitask fan club.
I sat with Lori some today and we discussed her school program, why did we? The hell do I know but we did, she informed me about her newest boyfriend Barton……umm ok. We will call him Bart, Bart is cool and he likes that. He was also joining us for dinner hence the pre convo above about listening. I was to be nice and have manners and not call him Barton. Why!!!! Tell me his real damn name and not expect me to use it? Barton walked in with a swagger and the side swoop hair cut of the early 70s, Oh my God I wanted to nail him to the floor. The whole time at dinner I ate glaring at him wondering what thoughts were behind that swooped head of hair. This is the exact time I needed Jacks at home, he always managed to say or do something to tip the apple cart. Any way I’m being good and leaving them alone and working on my own home work……..growls……

Happy birthday to you….

Well here it is missy, your 20th the big “Two Oh” no longer a teen and just in the beginning of life. It seems just like yesterday that you were bouncing around celebrating your 17th all giggles and smiles. Now, 3 years later, you are here and going strong, growing in leaps in bounds, with so much love and caring in your heart. You have the terrible habit of trying to make everyone OK when you need to focus on yourself some times. You want the whole world right and struggle to make it so. You worry that some day I might tire of you and walk away but I’m so addicted, there cant be an easy way out. Just think back of all the funny, stupid, sad, scary times we have had together and then think of them over and over because we will have so many more to come. Some day and maybe not some day soon but “someday” we will celebrate together; those will be the days and times to remember. Things will be right and the world will sit on its axis as you want it to, if not, then I will push it. Anyway, I hope you do something for yourself and no one else, be a little selfish and enjoy the day. You adult you. –Evil grins- Know that I love you and I’m thinking of you all day long.

Hummm

Not getting much of a response agian......

Mmmmm

This time of the year is possibly one of my favorites, the mornings are cool and calm shadows on the mountains and hills. If you are downtown the birds are singing and chirping and squirrels are scrambling -- oh man I sound like a Disney scene. This morning I sat on a bench and watched people walk/rush by on their way to work or whatnot. Drank a large glass of sweet tea and talked to some old gents across from me about taxes, the high price of gas and the war – just blew out of the Disney scene.
Last night I may have overwhelmed Jacks a little with the announcement that he has 5 condo plans to choose from, his PO Box address will be sent to him and he had mail from his new school. He seems to be pretty stable with a huge class load and events after that keep him preoccupied from being homesick or friendless.
Trace and I would like to run up for a visit this weekend but that’s not really advisable at the moment, he really needs to acclimate himself to the area without being dependant on someone else (family) being with him.
I caught Lori looking in his room the other day, I’m thinking she’s making plans to move from the 1st floor to his on the 3rd. It might not be a bad idea, besides she’s scoped out Luke’s room for years and I don’t really feel like sharing a bathroom with her.
Mom is somber; she and Pops have not resolved their problems with his temper and attitude around the house. I feel guilty, as if I had some invisible hand in their arguments and would do anything to resolve them.
PG has been the man of the hour/week, talking to his realtor buddies and getting the latest and greatest info out for us. He amazes me with his charm to them; how he can get anything he needs in a proper amount of time. He worries that his slow speech and backwards wordings will confuse them but he gets his point across plainly.
Amy and I have managed to talk just about every day at lunch, pure heaven for me to hear her giggle and not freak over problems either home or here. She’s still is working both jobs and millions of hours but if that makes her happy….

News Flash!! Half the week….gone!

It’s been an interesting few days around and about here, Jacks is gone “Oh-Eff-Eff-Tee” to school which makes the house very quiet. Mom and Pops had a HUUGGE blow out of words over the weekend; she’s demanding him to seek professional help and is offering to join him. Lori is asking all about babies and where they come from once again. Isn’t there a Scared Straight-No Sex Before Marriage Video?
Work has boomed right along with school, I like my class this term, maybe the teacher and I will not have to knock heads as the last instructor and I did. However, the other people in the class said it made for an interesting day when we disagreed, by the end of the term some of the others were following suit on arguments and questions.
Work is very pleasant without sniffles in the office, trying her best to get everyone’s sympathy. She made mistakes and would repeat them, without trying to learn the correct procedure. When she was called out on them, she gave some lame excuse of not feeling well or having a head ache.
I believe Jacks first day of school is today, we talked some last night and he seemed off in some sorts. Maybe it’s the new surroundings or the excitement of going to class but he just was a little off kilter to me. Our move in was a total blow out, our Pops thought it might be very welcoming to turn off all the utilities, in turn spoiling everything in the refrigerator. We unpacked in the dark and with no cool air or water.
Lori has cheer-itus now, bouncing along screaming out chants and raves and what not. “Gimme an S, gimme an A, gimee an L, Gimme an T” at the dinner table makes me smile, I tell her that’s how cheerleaders learned how to spell. She growls at me and tells me I’m not nice, I told her Amy was a cheerleader and she spells really well. Which immediately puts a huge smile on her face and she continues with her rants.
If things keep going weather wise we might have a shower or two with the tropical storm heading our way. I hope so, everything is so dry and dull here.

Mish Mosh....

So the last few days have been stormy, blackish, weird, and a whole other bunch of adjectives that do not pertain to the weather. Yesterday I let new girl leave early and paid her not to come back. Her sniffling and whining with the long pouty lips were just killing me to see any longer. Cari and Diane stood with jaws to the floor when I told her it was ok just to hit the road. I can only take so much and hit breaking point, usually in a bad way so to restrain myself I just let her leave, wished her well and the best of luck.
A friend of mine called me today to give me some interesting news; she walked in her house and this strange lady about the age of 30, sitting at her kitchen table with a glass of tea and sandwich with soup. The lady made herself a meal and at home. Dana was flabbergasted; she stood at her door and quickly called 911 and waited for the police to come. As the lady walked out she turned and apologized to her for making such a mess in the kitchen. Dana asked if I might come over and just look about and make sure everything appeared to be ok, it was but she insisted on cleaning everything.
I’m happy the weekend is here, not so much will be on the relaxing point since “The Move” is in order for the next few days, which means time to buckle down school is on for myself.
I’ve had 2 emails asking me how Amy and I are doing, we are having our ups and downs as of late but things seem to be smoothing along. It’s hard to communicate online and expressions sometimes do not come across as intended. Being apart as much as we have in the last few months, you tend to lose touch and the connections of communication. The long waits between typed replies and even the way its typed can be misconstrued. Never the love however, that comes across loud and clear. I keep her informed on all my happenings and tell her exactly how I feel “No holds barred” approach is the best in any relationship. Once you deny yourself any honesty or expression you lose it all – trust is the key thing.

Standing near the edge

My Pops was informed by myself and Mom early in the night; it would be to his best interest that he stays in the garage apartment until he leaves once more for the Gulf. He stood there for a few minutes dumbfounded that Mom would even suggest it. I was proud of her for letting him know exactly how upsetting he’s been this last year. He made excuse after excuse pointing fingers at anyone but himself but Mom wouldn’t have it and told him so. She also suggested that he seek out some counseling to work out some of his issues that he may have.
I wanted to show him just how much of a jerk I could be but decided it might be best to let her handle the situation and be there for support, not that he would ever do anything to her but if he came up with some lame excuse or lie I wanted to be there to hear it.
She and Jacks had a long heart to heart talk yesterday morning until he left to work. Apparently he spilled his guts to her about everything that’s been going on between him and the “ASSHOLE” (a new name given to him other than me). She pulled me off to my deck the minute I came home with tears in her eyes telling me the things he did but making me first promise not to go down there and kill him. “Why didn’t Jacks say something to us?” she asked me over and over. All I know is that he is very independent and wants everyone to think life is rosy.
Mom is worried that we my turn out to be like him, but there is no chance of that, she’s had too much of herself in our upbringing. Teaching us patience and love and trying to understand the other persons feelings first, especially if we don’t understand our own.
I am still standing on the edge of laying him out on the floor and doing my best to hold my damn temper down, things can get out of control but I wont let them.

.....

I know where I was six years ago today...... Do you?

Monday Monday…isn’t that a song?

It’s the start of the week again, like you didn’t already know that. Today’s forecast, hot and muggy and a High of 91, oh the fun we shall have in the heat.
This weekend, I worked of course and then came home to have a sit with Mom and my Pops. He was no where to be found, working my little brother into the ground to “man him up”. I can imagine the things he did and said to him. I remember one Saturday he did the “man up” day for me, I picked up rocks and moved things and dug drainage ditches. It was like he was trying to kill me in a slow way, the whole time insulting and correcting on every move. Looking back now I see his whole game plan and how he intended to break me.
Anyway, Mom has been clearly upset with him and these actions of the past month or so. She won’t talk to him during breakfast or dinner; she’s always out now with G or taking Lori to do things. Pops sleeps in the apartment garage.
We can not understand why he’s decided to make us public enemy number one, well I’ve always been on that list since around the age of thirteen. I never have liked anyone telling me what to do and he loves to tell you what to do = Oil and Water for us.
Why Jacks? He was the prodigal son to him; he drew as well or better than he, Jacks wants to be an architect as well. He’s a good guy, a bit clumsy at times with others but he holds his own. Doesn’t do drugs and rarely drinks, in fact he hates to drink or see people waste there bodies like that. Ever since Mom fell sick Pops has back lashed at us all in one way or another. Hell, we all hate that she’s sick; she has her good and bad days. That doesn’t mean we need to take each other out over it.
He tells us over and over, how tough life is, how you need to think hard and fast in life, there are many idiotic people out there looking out for them selves. Ok, that’s fine and good to know, doesn’t mean you need to pound it in us to prove your point.
Truthfully, he’s not put a finger on me in a long time, he did draw his fist back one night, and I just stood there and dared him to do it, his fist dropped and he grumbled and walked away. Now to get Jacks to that point, he won’t defend himself, he just stands there and will take it, or walk out of the house if Lori or Mom is home.
We were all hoping to luck out and Pops go back to the gulf this weekend but he will stick around for another month or so. Good thing for Jacks he’s leaving for school this weekend and won’t be home till Thanksgiving. Bad for me because I will have to put up with the idiot a while longer, its ok I can deal with him.

Lucky Sevens

In a rambling thoughts kind of mood today about work and people and other issues…. Work is a bummer at times, with grumpy property owners and businesses wanting in and out of contracts. “But that is the wonderful world of owning your own business, Mark!!”Why can’t I just win the lottery and live the dream life? –Laughs really loud-
Cari is off work today, so that means I must visit Bee at the greenhouse and give out checks. I like to give out checks; for some odd reason it makes everyone smile.
Last night we all sat outside and let the mosquitoes bite while we Hee Hawed in laughter watching the craziest TV show. It was a pleasant change, having a mature conversation (no complaints, no whines, no drama) snickering at antics on the boob tube. At times I miss that sense of not having to entertain anyone just chilling out and being there with no requirements.
My Pops is full on force jerk this week; I really didn’t catch all the stupid and cruel acts he’s been pulling on my brother. Some of the things he did were senseless; Jacks clambered through every bit of them. He must get in as much hate acts right now as possible, since Jacks is leaving in the next week. He wanted to go this weekend and settle in his condo but his boss needed him, she’s shutting down her art gallery this week and could use all the extra help.
Lori is going through her first boyfriend pangs…Pangs... Is that a true feeling? She likes another guy in her class now; Drew is out of the picture. “Oh Mark!! He’s too old!” I have a feeling I’m not going to be able to keep up with the men in her life. Mom sat and snickered at her as Lori babbled on and on about how she gave the new boy “blinks”.
Mom is doing well, minus the huge blow out with Pops over his attitude around the house. Pops has had the pleasure of sleeping in the garage apartment for the last few nights. This is something I want to hit upon but maybe tomorrow.

Oh man

Ok, I’ve been re reading a few of my past posts and I’m sure I lost some brain cells or have been distracted on about 90 percent of these. At times it appears there is Crack in my blood stream from all the ramblings typed. I can see where I was supposed to go on the post (having known what’s in my mind) but a few are just flittering off the topic. The majority of the time blogging is done in the office, with phones ringing, setting up appointments and what ever may come drifting in here. Instead of a Blah Blog maybe I should call it Marks Run On Sentences or Marks Where’s The Paragraphs, Marks I Hate Punctuation You Should Too. I assure you, I’ve never posted drunk --- Ok that’s a lie, early in the Xanga days I posted a few while inebriated but my point was well made. The other day Jacks walked in and said I’m a dirty poster (I’ve warned him this is MY blog) anyone that steps in this area had better beware, although I’ve been pretty tame as of yet. Lori insists that I let her read it since she’s almost double numbers like me – meaning she will be soon 10….in 2 years. I may try the paragraph option, I really hate making these things seem longer than they appear. Mom made a comment about it as well, that it might be a good idea to --- as the Three Stooges say, “Spread out!!”.

Humping the day away…

Nice Wednesday, so far and just one more week of the new girl with her gum throwing and what not. Cari and I just experience Potty humor and laughed until we both started coughing with tears in our eyes. Just had news a tropical storm might be heading our way, as much as I dread that, we really need the rain. This whole weekend was a treat and I’m still recouping from it. Friday night Luke and I ran out with the group and played pool and laughed, Saturday we slept on the beach and art walk, Sunday G cooked at the house, instead of us going out there and more beach time. Monday, more of the same, we also managed to squeeze in some time to move things for Jacks and purchase a new cell phone for him. (You know who busted it). His room looks funny, nearly empty now, when you walk in its hollow sounding with echoes. I guess that’s how my room was when I flew off to college so many million years ago. Actually it wasn’t that long ago, I miss those days, they were some really good times. Speaking of classes I have 3 coming up this term which will keep me busy until Christmas. That’s my job assignment for the day to hook myself up on classes.

Friday and a Holiday….

Ahh… does this mean summer is over? Labor Day weekend is here, it came so fast this time. It seemed like a few days ago that Memorial Weekend was upon us, now summer is ending. My older brother Luke and his crew are on their way down as I type, I for one, am very happy to see them; they can help us move Jacks. We all plan on going to the End of Summer Art Walk on Saturday for the last art exhibition and maybe some cooking out and beach time of course. Little Kyle and I have planned on watching the first football games of the season together (actually it’s Luke and I). We started the football squares for the extra entertainment during the games at work. I’m sure Bee will win every time, some how she manages to pull in a square. Last night Mom and I talked about a few things, I see her not very happy with my Pops and his whole attitude around the house. “He’s a totally different man now Mark, for Gods sake don’t turn out like him”. I think that’s one worry she won’t have to dwell on when it comes to that. This summer she really caught on how much he has changed; now just finding out why this has occurred is the next task. Lori won’t go in the same room with him alone again, I fear she’s witnessed the last few weeks with Pops and Jacks at war one too many times. She walks in her brothers’ room over and over, just looking at him, patting his back and playing in his hair. Right now the couch in my office looks so nice just to curl up on and nap…..maybe later.

Wednesdays fun

The day is about over here and I’m wasted tired from the last few days of work and moving. Jacks is preparing to go off to school, between myself and PG and Jacks everything seems to be in order. My Pops must be feeling the pressure that he wont have anyone to pick on after the move so he is in Jacks face constantly, the minute he walks in the door until late, late at night. Yesterday I knew my brother would be coming home early to finish up some projects so I had a feeling to come home as well, good thing. I walked in with Pops poking his finger in Jacks chest as he stood there and took every insult and jab without flinching a muscle. I stood in the kitchen on the ready to pounce if needed when my little sister came in screeching “Mark what are you doing?” I really need to teach her about volume control or maybe the inside voice. Pops caught that I was around immediately stopped his barrage of insults and walked in his office not to be seen for the rest of the night. I asked what might be the problem and he grumbled something about the lawn tractor not being covered properly. I was the last to use it and I let him know very quickly…nothing was said more about it. Jacks didn’t stay in the house long noticing some friends on the beach he ran out to see what might be up, I have feeling he’s going to miss that crew of people. I have a feeling I’m going to miss him too.

Life doesn’t always go …

So Friday I had planned on going out raising a bit of hell and knocking unruly heads back into place. Not to be – or maybe it was? Made it home a little before seven to find the house in havoc, I was sure my sister had a paper doll mishap due to the news paper being all over the living room. No, it was my Pops acting like an eight year old girl throwing one of his mature fits or rage on my brother because he failed to take a scholarship, something about his sculpture class being a waste of time and that he’s all around stupid. Anyone that knows my brother, he’s far from stupid and has talent beyond anyone’s imagination. Jacks sat in his room, face black and blue and nice scratches down his back from being pushed against the deck railings. Needless to say my Pops was not to be seen this whole weekend – good for him. Lori and I did the “I can build a bigger and better sand castle” on Saturday, she beat me. Of course, she had about nineteen of her little giggly friends helping her out and I had those cheap sand forms (that’s my story and I’m sticking to it). After the contest, pizza for everyone was the prize; I sat on a deck chair and watched the clouds sail by as Trace tried out tunes on his new guitar. He’s trying his best to get me to go to California this fall when he attends some festival his manager signed him up for. “Come on man, the fun, the sun, the beach, the women!!!” I just popped a quick “Ok idiot, what are we doing now and where are we?” My Mom was NOT happy about this weekend’s event and needless to say she didn’t need the stress on her. This heat really pulls her health down, which in turn takes her energy, which makes her sick. Now I sit at my desk, about to hit the heat once more and hope for next weekend….maybe I will be able to crack some heads then?