Broken

This last few days has been interesting.

We've had 'connection' issues with our cable & high speed internet. For some reason, they keep phasing in and out, in and out, in and out, in and out, but mostly out, except when the technician shows up.

Well - they've tried a few things and fixed an amplifier or two on the pole, so hopefully it's been fixed. HOPEFULLY! :) Hate not being able to connect when I want to, or Doreen needs to download notes for class etc. Argh!

Fingers crossed.

So, Saturday night I left on a run for NE TN, VA and 6 miles into KY. When I hooked up, the truck acted a bit funny, but smoothed right out. Ok!

We leave the yard and head out. My partner, stops at the Shell on the corner to grab a drink or two, and just before he climbs out, all the indicator lights start flashing and the thing starts beeping at us. So we decided to hastily head back to the yard and hope to get there before the 'explosion.' :) About a third of the way down LD Parkway, he goes to shift and nothing. Couldn't get it into any gear. Then the thing just dies. So he pulls off and we call dispatch. So they bring us a different tractor. We pull the broken one out from under the trailer, hook the new one up and head off. (All told, this took about an hour.)

My first broken truck with this company. Hopefully - that experience is far and few apart!

They actually take care of their trucks very well. Every time one is returned from a trip, they run it through the Safety Lane for a very thorough inspection before the next trip out.

Hopefully no more brokenness!!! :)

Why do You blog?

So why do You blog?

It's kind of interesting to read blogs. Blogs of family, friends and those of the vast unknown worldwide population but are plugged into the internet - and type in english! :) (Tried reading some in Chinese and Turkish and failed miserably! He, he, he!)

I read people who blog for a creative outlet. Some, like me, blog to keep family located a great distance away, updated on what's happening. Some get up on soap boxes for political or religious reasons. Some need an outlet to vent and use the blog for that purpose. Some want to just talk about themselves. Others have one issue that is a sticking point with them and they just go with it, no matter what sense they make. Still others just like to write, so...

...Why do you take the time to blog.

I'm curious to know!

Blogging away!

3 Way

Man - ain't technology cool!!!

I just got off the phone with my sister-in-law and parents, at the same time. So we were connected here in Tennessee with my sister-in-law in Minnesota and my folks in Colorado.

Very, VERY cool!

100/60

We're all finally moved, FINALLY!!!

Today, 4 pickup loads moved all the rest of our stuff out of the old place and into the new.

FINALLY!!!

Now were 100% moved in and 60% settled. We've got boxes and stuff sitting everywhere. We've got one picture hung. Our garage is packed with stuff and none of the rooms are finished.

So - now we're stepped into the phase of getting settled!

I've gotta feeling that's gonna be months in happening!

At least were all in!

Thank the Lord!!!

Have a good weekend all!

Testing...

Doreen had spring break last week, and had plans to study for three tests coming up this week. Well - in the whole process of getting moved, she didn't any studying done. So she was extremely worried about her tests this week.

She took her first two tests on Tuesday and then one on Thursday.

Well, she got the results of one of her tests back on Thur and the teacher wrote in reponse to her answer on one of the essay questions. "It is rare that I get to read such fine work. Thank you!"

Most awesome.

By the way, Doreen hasn't gotten below a 98 on any of her tests since she's been back in school!

Am I a proud hubby or what??!! :)

Drivers of the USA... MERGE

Now let me ask you, what is the problem with merging in this country? It's really not that hard a concept to follow. Really it's not!!!

You get onto the on ramp, also known as the acceleration lane, as soon as you can see, you check for on-coming traffic and speed up and merge in seamlessly, in most cases.

Granted in rush hour and some other times, it's a little more challenging.

But I'm talking to the folks who have a problem merging when I've got half a mile of empty road in front and behind me and yet some yahoo merges directly even with me, no speeding up, no braking - doesn't even look until their lane is about to end.

I JUST don't understand it. I've seen people merge onto an interstate with a speed limit of 70mph at 35mph, I know cuz I've had to slam on the brakes and slow down to keep from rear ending them.

I've seen people stop at the end of a ramp, with the lane next to them have 3 different spots open for them to merge into, but end up stopping because they didn't look.

I've had people get mad at me and wave a special finger and honk a horn because I wouldn't get over for them, but I've got 3 cars on the other side of me in the next lane. (Of course I slowed down for them to get in front of me, but they weren't paying attention until the last minute and didn't notice that until it was too late.)

So I appeal to you drivers of the USA, learn to merge! PLEASE??!!!

The Unknowns

Oh my goodness. I really, REALLY dislike, with a passion, moving, as I mentioned earlier. In fact if I could have a choice between getting an ice pick shoved under my toe-nails or moving, I'd choose the ice pick! :)

Anyway, in this move process, in any move process, there is always these hidden unknown costs.

We had a pretty big one hit us in the bank account yesterday. In our Madisonville home, the washer would occassionally leak. I thought we found it and plugged it up. Well, at my inlaws place, when they moved the washer - they found the remains of where it looked like it leaked a little a few times. Monday, when Doreen did the laundry, we ended up with a small creek in our utility room. So, we called an appliance repairman to come check it and the dryer out. (It took 2 cycles for the dryer to actually work.)

Turns out, the dryer's thermostat wasn't working - he replaced that. Then the tub of the washing machine has a crack in it - not economical for replacement or repair.

So we bit the bullet and bought a new washing machine yesterday.

Glad for that, but unfortunatly, we had to use the cash we had earmarked for a new recliner for the living room on the washer! PTL and DOH!!!

We're thankful we had the cash, and yet dissapointed it had to be used on an 'emergency' we didn't have planned in the moving budget!!

Aaahhh - the unknowns!!!

Deck Doings

UPDATE TIME!!! As I mentioned in a previous blog, our deck was finally being built! Here's the beginning of the skeleton of it.






While some guys were doing the 'hard' work outside, a couple of guys were inside finishing the frame of the openeing created between the dining room and living room.




Here's the door going out onto the deck. Sure glad they got the deck done, cuz after the put the door in before they built the deck, that was quite a first step! :)








Here's the topside view of the deck. 16'x16' with plenty of room for chairs, a grill and great place to enjoy a cool Tennessee summer night.






The backside of the house now looks complete with a door and a deck. Now onto other work that's got to get done around here! :)






When we moved in, the previous family had a black dishwasher. (Not pictured, it's under the counter on the right.) So we decided to get a black stove, black hood, black refrigerator and replace our white microwave - given to us at our wedding over 13 years ago and dying) with a black one. They all look really nice and match each other. Not to mention, they're pretty easy to keep clean! :)

Funky Colored Collars

This last week, I was teamed up with a driver that was majorly unhappy. This is about the 2nd or 3rd driver I've gone with that had these same challenges.

He's looking for something else. He's tired of being 'blue collar.' He wants to go out, have more time at home and make more money doing something 'easier.' The entire trip he's belly-aching about this that and the other. I just listen to him and try to change the conversation because what he's complaining about - I enjoy. Odd isn't it? He doesn't think we make enough money, I'm more than happy with my income. He feels he doesn't have enough time at home with his family. I ran 3 trips last week and I'll be home Sat, Mon, Thur, Fri, Sat & Sunday. That's a WHOLE heck of a lot more time than I was getting before. He says this job is filled with stress, What backing up a truck, blindside? Counting cases of cookies? What is the stress? Shifting 10 times? What??? :)

Now, I don't know if it's because I do have my college education, or because I had a 'white collar' job once or twice that I just can't understand where these guys are coming from.

This guy things he can get a 2 year degree at a State College then go get an entry level job that pays $30+ bucks and hour, plus extremely nice benefits.

Maybe those jobs are out there, but I haven't found them.

If someone knows of one of those jobs with an opening, give me a hollar!

Anyway, I wish these guys the best of luck as they search for these endavors. I'll continue to work where I'm at, have more time at home, make more money and have virtually no stress!!! I'll also wish I don't ever have to run with them again cuz I don't want to listen to their bellyachin!

Hey, y'all have a GREAT weekend!

I HATE MOVING!!!

Oh yeah, I hate, HATE moving!

Doreen and I worked with United Van Lines for a little over 3 years and didn't mind moving other people's stuff. Of course we got paid for it too!

I typically don't mind helping move friends. If I have a choice between getting an ice pick stuck under my toe nails or helping a friend move, I'll choose the latter! :)

But I HATE moving my own stuff. I ABSOLUTELY HATE, WITH A PASSION, MOVING MY OWN GARBAGE!!!

Hate it, hate it, hate it!

Friday, we got most of our stuff moved. We've still got a bunch of little things at the previous residence, but we're in and can function here along with all of our big things. But I hated, hated moving it!

Anway, the back deck is almost done and we'll have to touch some things up with paint, etc! But it is good to be in - even though I hated the moving experience.

I'll post some updated pics - soon maybe!

Meanwhile, I plan to stay here a long, LONG time because I hate, HATE moving our stuff!!! :)

NY, NY

This last week for work I had to take a trip to Hackensack, NJ with is just across the water from New York City, NY. I'd not been back by NYC since fall of '99, pre Sept 11 attack.

I saw the skyline at night, a beautifully clear night of course. It was odd seeing it without the twin towers.

But I could still see the Empire state building beautifully aglo. It is also a pretty awesome experience to be driving south on the New Jersey Turnpike right by the Newark Liberty airport and having an airplane, like 747 in size, land within a few hundered feet of ya. Awesome!

Anyway - that was a long trip, but it had interesting stuff like that to fill my thoughts and time for quite a while! :)

Tax Return to Sender

We went to get our taxes done today. We went to a tax professional because we had so many things to consider in the mix. We sold our Illinois property, our Vonore property and our Madisonville home. I changed jobs and a number other things to consider.

Turns out we made a nice profit on one place, had a huge loss on another and kinda broke even on the third, when all was said and done. So the loss helped to balance our Capital Gains on the even and profit.

By the time everything was added up, we get a cash return. I hate giving the government a interest free loan every year, but I'd prefer that than owe money every April 15th, especially when the amount can vary!

So with all said and done we're praising the Lord that we get a return this year. Both of us were pretty much sure we were gonna have to pay in, but thankfully - NOT!

Other things are returning to normal. Sorry I don't have any pics, but the house is getting done. They got the one opening cased in and the prep work for the deck done. That'll be started tomorrow.

Can't wait for it all to get done so we can get movedand really return to normal.

HA!

More Caching!!!

This Sabbath, our friends invited us over for lunch - yummy food. Then we went out to show them the activity of Geocaching - oh what fun we had. We found 5 caches and had a TON of fun while doing it.

Y'all oughta try it sometime! Oh yeah!

FOUND IT!

A real coverup! ;)

Joelle's been beggin me to make them some masks. So we did and here they are wearing them. Precious!

"Oscar" Thoughts

Doreen's (I'm keeping an eye on 'em too! **grin**) watching the Oscars tonight.

So, a theme that has been running through tonight, and mentioned again and again and AGAIN! In fact, the President of the 'Academy' made a huge point of this during his speech. They've had two or three montages trying to bring this point home.

They want us to pass on the DVD's and go to the theater. They want us to spend the big bucks to see every movie. You know what, I got kids and it's a pain to get 'em a baby sitter. It's just easier to pop in a DVD at home after they're already in bed etc!

I can't believe the number of times they've mentioned that tonight. I read and article a few months back of how ticket sales have been down this year, big time, and I guess they're worried.

Well - make better movies! Then I might go to the theater to see em. (Not likely!!!) :)

(Of course I still won't go. I love being able to pause it and go to the bathroom. To be able to really relax. To be able to watch the DVD with the extras and to watch it when I want, not only at 5:15, 7:30 or 9:45. He, he, he!)

Ok so what's your preference. Home or Theater? DVD or Bigscreen?

Of course - they've got the whole outfit thing. What are some of those people thinking. I see some of those outfits and realize that 'normal' people wouldn't be caught dead in 'em. I mean, Charleze Theron's got a bow on her shoulder the size of a car. JLo's puke green dress, and some other lady's dress looks like they took lace just cut it completely randomly and glued it on. Weird man, very, VERY weird!!!

Then why do they have such a hard time picking movies and music that people really enjoy?

They just gave the Oscar for best original music to a rap group with the song, "It's hard out here for a pimp." Hello? For starters rap 'hardly' rates as music and it beat everything else out? Come on people get real. GET REAL!

I could rant on and on and will probably do so in my mind after they pick the 'Best Movie' cuz it obviously won't be this years best movie out there - but the 'Academy' deems it so. UGH!

Any - this pimp is out! :)

Doin' Some Cachin

Our weather has been so incredibly nice the last few days. Highs in the 70's, low's in the 50's. Very, VERY nice. In fact on my last trip for work, I ended up putting shorts on it was so warm. (I haven't done that since mid Oct.)

Anyway, today we wanted to get out and about. Doreen asked - where should we go? My answer,
GEOCACHING!!! Yeah Baby. Going out to find something someone's hidden somewhere! Man it was cool finding the two we did. Both of them were around cemeteries. (Wouldn't want to hit these caches at night. Spooky! He, he, he!)

But we did have a lot of fun!

Have a GREAT weekend all!!!

Remodeling Day Arriveth!

We were super excited to head over to our new home today and find our carpenter actually there actually working and getting started on remodeling our new house, just a bit. <--This window is gonna be taken out and a french door installed in it's place.




Here's one shot--> of a wall of the room that's gonna be opened up to the living room to give us a feel of a 'wide open space!' (To quote the Dixie Chicks.)





Here's the <--outside in the back before demolition. (Note the far left window on the upper level.) You're outta here!







Here's the result of the remodel. -->(Sweet) Now picture, if you will, a 16'x16'deck back there to enjoy on those cool evenings. Oh yeah!






Here's the <-- skeleton of the offending wall that is being removed.








Ahh --> now that's space! Can't wait to see it finished!!!





Can't wait to move in! :)

SE TN Way of Fishin! :)

Doreen and the girls are fishin for Sting Rays at the Tennessee Aquarium. (Look at the apprehension on Doreen's and Natalie's faces - CUTE! Joelle would'a dived in there to grab one had we let her!) We had a ball at the Aquarium that day! :)

Are You Normal???

Are You Normal?

Your Normalcy Quotient is: 64 out of 100.

Your quiz results make you a Quirky Character

You've found yourself mostly in the middle of the road, but you have enough quirky habits to not be entirely normal. You're probably glad to be more than ordinary, but you're normal enough to fit in. Sounds like a perfect balance.

Take this free personality test by or going to www.chatterbean.com/runormal/

Seein Angels Everywhere!!!

After seeing the musical the other night, Joelle was incredibly impressed with all the angels!

Impressed so much - she's been playing an 'angel' regularly! :)

Last night when I was driving on my trip home, I called to say good night to the girls and let them know I'd be home for breakfast etc. Joelle had to make sure to tell me at the beginning, the end and the end of the phone call that she'd be an angel for me today!

Cute! :)