My trip home

I flew home from Jacksonville, Fl today. It feels like I have been there for about three months. I am not sure why this trip hasn't been enjoyable, but I look forward to coming home more than usual each week. Today I was lucky enough (so I thought) to catch an earlier flight home. Little did I know that sitting behind me on the plane would be little Tyler and his sister Satan. I have three kids myself, so I like to think that I am fairly tolerant of kids acting up in public. Its much harder to say "If I were his parents he wouldn't be doing that!" when you have little ones of your own. You have a better understanding of what their parents or this case grandma is going through.

It all started immediately after I sat down. Satan repeatedly slammed the tray table into the back of my seat. Now, I am what some people would call a stout individual. To have a 30 pound girl hit the back of the seat hard enough to move me is saying something. Shortly after this Tyler began screaming at the top of his lungs. I still don't know why! Even when they were just talking, they were screaming. After hearing the grandma tell them that people don't like it when you scream, I had enough. Please understand I have a beautiful little daughter. When it comes to screaming, she is like a Corvette. She can go from zero to cry in about 3.2 seconds. Also, because of the unfreezing process, she has trouble controlling the volume of her voice. Let me say, that Mia has nothing on these two. I kissed her twice as much when I got home.

Luckily for me, I have a PSP loaded with music and a set of very nice Bose headphones. I turned up the music extra loud. The headphones used every ounce of their noise canceling beings, but they couldn't drown out the shrieks from the dynamic duo.

Finally little Tyler fell asleep just before we started the decent. No doubt dreaming of torturing kittens. Grandma had time to catch a few Z's herself. Although she let out a pretty loud snore, it wasn't at an octave that made you think you were stabbing yourself in the eardrum with a steak knife.

In the end, I made it home. Grandma gets to spend the next month with Tyler and Satan.

10 Things Tuesday (Wednesday)

I had a long day at work yesterday followed by a long one today, but I promised that I would continue with 10 Things Tuesday, so here it is. Visit my friend XBOX Wife for more details.

1 I am thankful that my kids are healthy.
2 I am thankful for being employed.
3 I am thankful that my wife is able to take care of everything while I am away. She has a more difficult job than I can imagine.
4 I am thankful for friends.
5 I am thankful for family that is always there to help out!
6 I am thankful that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
7 I am thankful that Jackson's school situation is resolved for the moment.
8 I am thankful for not being anonymous!
9 I am thankful to have participated in the 24 hours of prayer. It opened my eyes at a time when I needed it most.
10 I am thankful to be home next week!!!!!

Theme time

This post is too catch up a little. Are you surprised that I haven't posted in a while. Judging from the amount of visits I have received lately, I would say no.

Speaking of visits, I have received more hits from people searching for information on the woodchuck. Why in the world does anyone want to read about a woodchuck?

I am in Tucson today. It is about a 2 hour drive from Scottsdale. If it weren't for all the highway patrol on the road, I would've fallen asleep and probably hit a cactus.

A guy I work with is a big lover of music. He has given me over 25GB of music to listen too. I pledged that I would listen to everything at least once. I am going in alphabetical order. Here is what I have covered so far:

Weird Al Yankovic (65 songs) - I was never a big fan of Polka music, and Al has done nothing to change my mind
3 Doors Down (12)
ABBA (19)
AC/DC (10) - Could've used more
Aerosmith (25)
Aimme Mann (24) - Sang "What if God was one of us" and nothing else
Al Mckay Allstar (15) - It was enjoyable
Al Stewart (1)
Alan Parsons Project (34) - Never again
Alannah Myles (1) - Black Velvet, need I say more
Alien Ant Farm (1)
All-American Rejects (23) - Solid
America (12)
Antje Duvekot (11) - Exactly
Antsy Pants (2)
Arcade Fire (21) - I don't remember, so that should tell you something
Artic Monkeys (13) - Great name, and that is where it stops
Audioslave (14) - Good
Bad Company (10) - Its Bad Company
Barenaked Ladies (45) - Easy on the ears
Barry Louis Polisar (1)
Beatles (71) - I didn't realize how many Beatles songs I had never heard

I am going to start a theme, hopefully that will make me post more often. The first theme is PEOPLE THAT ARE DUMBER THAN ME.

Ten Things Tuesday

I am in Arizona right now, so it is still Tuesday. I have been gone for a while, I will blame it on the summer. My friend XBOX Wife has a weekly 10 things Tuesday where you list the 10 things that you are thankful for the week. You should check it out!

1 I am thankful to have a job that enjoy. It would be nice to be home with my family more, but I have had jobs that really tore me down. I am glad to have something to I can handle.
2 Jackson was nominated for Student Council at his school. I am proud of him. I don't know if that is done randomly or if his teacher see something in that would make him a good fit. I hate that I am away from him so much, but I am proud to hear that he is taking care of business at school.
3 I am sitting outside on the balcony of the Hampton Inn in Scottsdale, AZ. Lightning is filling up the sky. It reminds me of the days that I lived in Midland. I know that West Texas is not the most beautiful or inspirational spot in the state of Texas much less the world, but I am proud of where I grew up.
4 I am thankful for the friends that road to the airport with me on Monday. They were able to experience the beating of riding the bus to airport that I experience every week!
5 I won every fantasy football game that I was involved in.
6 I am thankful to participate in the KK&C Top 20. It feels nice to be involved even though I am not there.
7 I am thankful for old cowboys.
8 I am thankful for the grandparents that watch our kids. I know they can be a handful, but they take them in without hesitation.
9 I am thankful for family.
10 I am thankful for friends.

Ten Things Tuesday

I thought about this yesterday, does that count? I was going to do this last night, but I had a date with the PSP last night.

1 I am thankful for my PSP. Portable video games, can you get any lazier?
2 I am thankful that Mia has an endless supply of the word Daddy. I know at some point I won't hear it as often.
3 I am thankful to hear the kids running around the house. There is a line in an Alan Jackson song "The sound of little feet, was the music we danced to week to week." I am ready for a new house, but I am going to miss that sound.
4 I am thankful that Owen likes me to retrieve his ball from under the entertainment center and then throw it right back under.
5 I am thankful for Jackson's sense of humor. I love watching laugh at something on TV to the point he is almost out of breath.
6 I am thankful that Jackson is an outgoing person, I just hope he gets a better understanding of personal space.
7 I love to hear Mia sing.
8 I am thankful that I am the only one in the office today. (I may sneek home a little early).
9 I am thankful that I had a chance to mow the yard last night before the rain. It would've been a jungle by the time I could get to again.
10 I am thankful that my boss is letting me fly to Portland next week so I can be at the platinum level on American Airlines. I am also sad because that is important to me.

Run over to XBOX Wife to join in.

Ten Things Tuesday (Wednesday)

I had a long day at work yesterday. Go to my friend XBOX Wife and check out the details.

1 I am thankful for big trees.
2 I am thankful for big trees that do not fall on my house.
3 I am thankful for Dad and his hired hand that helped (i.e. did all of the cutting) with the removal of big trees.
4 I am thankful that my neighbor didn't mind his fence being destroyed by big trees falling down.
5 I am thankful to be staying at home for a few weeks.
6 I am thankful to be working for a generous employer.
7 I am thankful for my wife and all of the hard work she does, both with the family and her business.
8 I am thankful for our small groups.
9 I am thankful for all the people that check this blog, and for XBOX Wife's help sending a few my way.
10 I am thankful that the work day is almost over, I am still tired from yesterday.

Meanwhile back at the ranch

Sorry it has been a while. I spent the majority of last week in West Texas. I was invited, along with the rest of the IT department, to visit the Man's Ranch (the man being the founder of my company). This is the Man's way of giving something back to his employees. The idea is spend some time away from work to recharge the batteries. I have to admit that I wasn't really looking forward to it because I spend so much time away from home anyway. I glad that I went. We had a good time, and I finally got to meet more people in my department.

We began with a flight to Midland, from there we drove about 2 hours to the ranch. We enjoyed some free time that night. There is a movie theater, shuffle board, darts, pool, and various card games that you can use to occupy your time. I decided to watch "No Country for Old Men". I thought it was a pretty good movie, but I fell asleep during the last 10 minutes so I didn't see the ending. I heard it wasn't that good anyway.

The next day we had our choice of various outdoor activities. I went cowboy and rode a horse. I haven't been on a horse in about 15 years, and I have to tell you I wish I more opportunities. I rode a paint horse named Monkey. He had a little bit of temper, and the other horses knew it. Every time he got close to one of them, they would move away and he would follow right after them. He kept me busy. I rode a 4 wheeler that afternoon. We weren't allowed to take them off the main road. That combined with a 25 mph speed limit, and a 50 mph wind didn't make an enjoyable ride. More movies and games in the evening.

I took it easy the next morning, and rode a horse again in the afternoon. This time it was a horse named Clyde. He must of been half Clydesdale because he was really tall. Riding a horse was a nice way to see the country side. Although I realized that I an no cowboy. That horse jumped a few times, and I thought I was going to die. It is amazing how fast an animal that large can move.

We drove to Midland on Saturday and flew home. As I said before, I enjoyed my time out there. It was nice to see Midland again, even though it was only from the air. There aren't many trees out on the ranch, but I think it there is some beautiful countryside there. I hope to go back next year.

Sorry for the long post, but I had a lot to say. Tomorrow there will be 10 things Tuesday. At some point I will share what went on at home while I was away, and a few thoughts on the Man.

Ten Things Tuesday

My friend XBOX Wife has a little exercise she calls Ten Things Tuesday. The following are 10 things that I am thankful for this week.

1. I am thankful that Owen and I spent a little alone time together today.
2. I am thankful that Owen and I watched a little of the Rangers Opening Day game. After sitting silent and motionless for about 5 batters he simply said "ball". I couldn't have said it better myself.
3. I am thankful that my daughter loves me as much as she does.
4. I am thankful that I had a date night with Mia on Friday. We had a great time at the movies.
5. I am thankful that Jackson and I had a guys night out on Saturday. We changed our plans a little, but we enjoyed our time.
6. I am thankful for the fireside chat on Friday with the guys. Those nights are few and far between.
7. I am thankful that I have a selfless wife that allowed me to have my weekend even though she was working.
8. I am thankful that my employer is giving us three free days off at his ranch this week. I'm not sure how I feel travel for my enjoyment when I am never home, but it is nice of him to do none the less.
9. I am thankful to have a huge yard to mow. I am now only realizing its potential, too bad we will probably get it just how we like right before we move.
10. I am thankful for my new PSP. I am taking my nerdiness on the road. I am so tired of Soduku!

Sgt. Faith

To just to catch you up, I travel basically every week all over the United States. I have had to the priveledge of sharing flights with many B list celebrities, and I enjoy documenting the encounters here on my blog. Well, I have a new one on the list, her name is Sargent Faith.

This dog may actually travel more than I do. Her owner told me that she has flown 16 times since the beginning of the year, and she has 20 more trips planned including one to Iraq. She visits army hospitals to boost moral of the soldiers who have been injured during the line of duty. She really is a remarkable dog. She has no front legs. Her owner said that she was born that way, and she is the only dog to walk on her hind legs 100% of the time. Faith doesn't travel in a carrier, she has her own seat. In fact she receives frequent flyer miles. I have to admit, this might be the freakiest thing that I have ever seen. It was like a little hairy person walking down the jetway.

Finally made it

Well, we finally made it to Maryland. It turns out that the plane was delayed coming in because of the weather we were having. On the way in it was struck by LIGHTNING! They had to replace the cone of the airplane. They finally determined they could not do it, and they gave us another plane. Once we were on board, we could not take off because the ground crew went to lunch before they loaded our baggage. All in all we landed in Dulles about 5 hours late. We didn't even make it to the office, needless to say. Today feels like Monday. Oh well, what are you going to do, it is the nature of the beast. No need to lose sleep over it! The important thing is that I made it safe.

Stuck in the Airport

Scheduled to leave at 8:40 am. Now boarding tentatively scheduled for 11:00 am. Will arrive at the Maryland office around 4:00 pm. Leave for hotel at 5:00 pm.

Goodbye Houston!

Houston smells!

Good-bye Houston, hello Maryland!

It is cold and rainy. That is it for weather.

When I started this thing, I asked myself if I would be able to talk about real issues that I am having. Well, it turns out that I don't have the guts. It is nothing terribly huge, but I am incredibly frustrated right now. My disappointment is beyond belief, and I can't figure out what to do about. I would like to talk to a certain person about it, but I just can't figure out what to say to them.

Wow, that was productive!

On a happier note, I will be home a day early this week. It is always nice to have an extra day at home. I don't think we have any big plans. That will be nice, it seems like we have been running non-stop the past few weekends. I need to get started on the house. We are planning on putting it on the market soon, I don't know if we will be able to sell it for what it is worth, but it won't hurt to try. I guess if we don't sell, we will have an updated uncluttered house for another year.

Texas Rangers, Driving

Today is another travel day, with a new twist. I am driving back and forth from Houston. I wanted to give air travel a break. That and I also think I shouldn't fly on any plane where my head can touch the ceiling. Anyways, I don't really mind the drive. The secret is sunflower seeds. I have found that I eat sunflower seeds I don't fall asleep. I guess I concentrate really hard on it. All I know I was about to pass out on the way down here early Monday morning, and sunflower seeds saved my life.



Baseball season is right around the corner. I know what you're thinking, who cares!!!!! I used to be a baseball fanatic, but I have sort of lost interest. I played fantasy baseball with my buddies for almost 15 years until this year. I decided to give it up. I am interested in the Texas Rangers, its always fun to pull for the underdog (I also love Texas Tech, Raider Power!!) Michael Young is my favorite Ranger, but there are two others that I think are exceptional people. I am proud to have them on my home team. I think these guys alone are reason enough to cheer for the Rangers. They are:



C. J. Wilson - (This is from the Newberg Report)
C.J. Wilson is hosting a Guitar Hero 3 Benefit Tournament this Friday, February 1, at the Landing Cafe at the Southwest Airlines Corporate Headquarters, 2702 Love Field Drive. The event will benefit Cook Children's Hematology and Oncology Outpatient Treatment Room, where Wilson has undertaken an effort to build a new video game lounge and entertainment room stocked with gaming systems, TV's, and DVD's for young patients and their families to enjoy. This guy has no reason (that I know of) to do anything like this, but this is at least the second time he has held a benefit like this. That is too cool.



Josh Hamilton - I really know very little about this guy, but he has gone through considerable hardships (that he brought on himself). You can read his story here: http://tinyurl.com/2l7lck

I am really pulling for this guy. I hope he makes it!