Camping at the rat Shack
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Posted:Jan 16, 2011 3:05 pm
Last Updated:Jan 20, 2011 3:23 am
4494 Views
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Well my weekend was cut short thanks to having to work tomorrow. The wife and don't come back until tomorrow. For two days, all my could talk about was sleeping up at the Rat shack. We call it the rat Shack fur actually, it's a rather nice small two room cabin. It sits on the side of a man made pond made just for fishing. With the drought we've had this past year, the water is scarily low but lil man caught two fish in a row in a matter of minutes! He was mad we made him put them back. We are about to start feeding them so we can fatten them up.
Currently shack has no running water so the bathroom doesn't work and nor the kitchen sink but we can manage. Luckily, it has electric baseboard heat so we stayed nice and warm. So for two days, all the boy could ask about was when were we going to spend the night at the shack? We made the arrangements to get the keys and the 4-wheeler. I knew the weather was going to be raining but no one could tell me when exactly the rain was coming. So the little guy and I managed to worked up a plan. I gathered us some sleeping clothes and brought along his DVD player and my laptop. Even though my cellular card is slow up there in the middle of nowhere, I still managed to get the playoff game on my laptop. that was conditions for sleeping at the shack. About the time forth quarter came, the boy got hungry. So on the 4-wheeler we rode back to civilization. We managed to pick up some snacks and bring back with us some homemade cookies. We watched the movie Salt after the game was over and even a Batman cartoon. I sure do Love being able to long into my DVR at home when we are away.
After Salt had finished, lil man actually put himself to sleep. The poor boy was tired as could be. The rain started around midnight. Laying in bed listening to the rain on the tin roof is a sound I haven't heard in years. I rather enjoyed it. Even with the cloud cover, there still was a moon that managed to light up the sky just enough to see. Looking out the windows and seeing all the trees and the bond was beautiful. I can't tell you how many times I woke up as it was a lot but everything was so peaceful. It is moments like this that can make a person turn away form city life.
As we woke up this morning, the rain was only worse. I was a bit concerned about how I was going to get us and our gear back to the main house without destroying everything. Luckily for us, I found garbage bags under the kitchen sink. I wrapped up our bags and my computer bag and strapped them to the 4-wheeler. I even wrapped a bag over lil man. Not that it did him any good. In fact, i think he liked getting wet. I wasn't looking forward to the ride through the mud and rain but he seemed to enjoy it. When I got back, I had to give the 4-wheeler a bath and put her away until the next adventure. Then it was shower time for the two of us as well. If I keep having weekends like these, I may just have to find a new job up in northern La!
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The Simple Life
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Posted:Jan 15, 2011 11:28 am
Last Updated:Jan 19, 2011 5:15 pm
4073 Views
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So here it is again. Another weekend spent out in the country. We love it out here. Things are so much simpler and quieter. It isn't without its annoyances however. Being we work Monday through Friday, that leaves us only the weekends to take care of personal matters. I have been thinking for a long time now about getting another cell phone. My phone doesn't work here at all. I can't text with it so what's the point. Money is the biggest reason I haven't done so before now. It's still a major concern but my real beef with dealing with cell phone companies is that I can't stand being and forced to sign a contract. Especially if Ive been a loyal paying customer for many years! Let me change the subject matter before I take a run with an axe regarding my personal beliefs about our wonderful cell phone companies.
Out here in the middle of nowhere in small town USA, the local AT&T store is ONLY open Monday through Friday. The oil change shop is also closed along with the tire shop and pretty much most all service companies. About the only things open are Walmart, grocery stores food places and gas stations. It's so different from the city life we have grown accustomed to living. The more I come out here though, the more I want to stay.
Internet usage is limited and a has to learn to be a out here. There are barns with hay bails to climb and treasures to find digging in the dirt. There are forest to run through and ponds for fishing. When you play outside, you get dirty and muddy and that's the way it's supposed to be. A can develope his or her imagination because that is what keeps you entertained. At home, it's electronic this or that. TV shows and computers.
Perhaps its time we all got back to the basics of life. That is simply enjoying what mother nature created for us to enjoy. I'm wishing it weren't so cold, damp and muddy as I'm jump on the 4-wheeler and take my for a ride in the woods. Have a great weekend everyone.
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Good News
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Posted:Jan 12, 2011 2:12 pm
Last Updated:Jan 12, 2011 11:16 pm
3862 Views
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Well today was another follow-up with my Kidney specialist. He was happy to see my numbers where they were. They weren't as good as last time but that was to be expected with the medication changes. We once more are going to play with them and see where we stand three months from now. I complained about gaining 15 pounds and of course he wants me to loose it again so we are going to attempt to remove one potential medication that might be contributing to the weight gain. This may cause problems elsewhere but just loosing the weight again might help to counter the sugar imbalance. So it's another confusing trip to the doctors but I'm still hopeful.
On another positive front, I have not heard a word from my employer but my co-worker did. She tells me she will not be coming back as of January 21st but that I get to keep my position. Now it would be nice to hear the words coming from the people in charge over a co-worker that just lost her job but I'm not going to complain. I think my boss will be demoted to be my equal counter part taking her place. That is if he decided to accept and take the position. I tell you, this place makes you crazy at times.
I hope each of you are having a great day.
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Just an Update
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Posted:Jan 8, 2011 7:30 am
Last Updated:Jan 12, 2011 8:10 am
4294 Views
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Good Morning World! It's another weekend. This past week has been non-stop so I'm glad the weekend finally made it around. I'm ready to get my house back in order yet at the same time I hate to put away the Christmas stuff. I know some people think we are late but we just haven't had time to to do anything but work this past week.
Last night, I rode the motorcycle for the first time in a while and it felt good. The church was doing another fish fry so I called the wife to see if she wanted to go. She had already changed and didn't feel like getting back out so I was left with a decision. I could be selfish and go hvae fish myself or I could be nice and bring it home. Now normally this wouldn't be a hard decision to make but try carrying 5 to-go boxes of food on a motorcycle. unlike driving a car where you have room to out the boxes down and can drive with either one or two hands, riding a motorcycle REQUIRES two hands. Of course I carry straps on the bike but you can't very well hold down Styrofoam containers without making a big mess. I finally got a box to hold three of the five and managed to place the other two in the saddle bag. The good part was the house was glad for the dinner. It was excellent by the way!
I'm off this morning to have more blood work done. On my last visit, my doctor was not happy with my results as my kidneys are not doing their job effectively. So we once more changed the medications up and now he's having me come back in next week to see what's happening. I am not seeing my blood sugar levels spike real high but I am worried a little. My eyesight is going crazy and fluctuating. One day I see fine and the next, I can't see fro crap. The only pair of glasses I have the work worth a damn are my distance glasses. Vision Care insurance really needs to be adjusted for those of us with diabetes. I think instead of getting a pair of lenses or glasses once a year, they should allow twice a year as it's sometimes needed. Last year I had to change lenses three times. Of course that was because we were just finding out about my diabetes. I'm also concerned because not only are my eyes going nuts, all the weight I worked so hard to get off, is coming back on again. I'm not as heavy as I was but I'm trying hard NOT to let it get there again. I just wish I could start dropping again. I was SO close to my goal weight and missed it by only 3-7 pounds. I guess making sure my other functions such as my kidneys are working is more important than worrying about my weight.
I hope all of you are home safe and sound. That your holidays were special and you got what you needed. For those of you that know me, my friend with the cancer scare has great news. She is a breast cancer survivor and hasn't worried about it in several years. She was brought in for more testing this past week and everything came back as a false alarm. She is still cancer free!!! Now that was some good news to hear.
Have a great weekend all.
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Happy New Year
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Posted:Dec 30, 2010 10:37 am
Last Updated:Jan 5, 2011 3:15 am
4395 Views
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Well it's been several days since my last post. Mostly due to the fact that I just haven't felt like writing anything. I've been on vacation and doing my best to unwind and relax a bit. I'd like to say I've been successful but reality hits home even on vacation. It has been pleasant but as typical, there were things I wanted to do but couldn't and time is running out. In truth, I'm ready to be home.
This past year has been full of it's bumps. So putting 2010 in the past is one thing I'm looking forward to doing. The best thing that has happened to me this past year was watching some of my friendships develop here. When I joined this place I guess a little over a year ago, I didn't have many expectations. I really didn't even see myself sticking around this long. Then one of these friends introduces me to the blogs. So here I am, still here. I do look forward to 2011. One of the things I'd like to happen is to transition form the online friend to making them reality.
As I mentioned earlier, I never expected much from this site but with the struggles that I've walked through this past year, the virtual hands of many here have touched me. That touch has given me strength when i felt I had none. Thanks just doesn't give real meaning to what these friendships mean to me. I have been very blessed to have some very special friends in my lifetime. I hope to continue to grow and build lasting bonds. It amazes me how little control we rally have over life itself. We never know where that next blessing will come from or when we ourselves might be the blessing in someone else's life.
It saddens me some of the childish behaviors that occur in this place. You would think that as adults we could all get along and for the ones that can't play well with others that they would realize this place is large enough to make room for all to play.
Who really knows what new adventures this next year will bring. What I do hope for is that for each of us it brings closure where it’s needed and opens new doors and windows of opportunity. May all our family lives settle their differences and joyous memories be created. Happy New Year to all!
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Christmas Eve
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Posted:Dec 24, 2010 6:18 pm
Last Updated:Dec 30, 2010 8:57 am
4354 Views
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Well I hope all of your last minute things are done and the time for relaxing with a smile is here. we didn't have a lot of things to do but there were a few. The tires on the wife's car needed air. Don't you just love those warning lights that come on the dash now to let you know your tire pressure is low? I also had to go to the bank to make a deposit for her too. I must admit I didn't care much for driving today. People were everywhere and common sense behind the wheel just seemed to be absent today. Everyone was in a hurry.
The day wasn't without it's drama either. As I was leaving to run the above mentioned errands, my mother in law called up. I could barely hear her. She was asking for help and sounding really pitiful. I was about to go over when the wife walked in the door and asked me to get the air taken care of so I left. I called her 15r minutes later to check on MIL and she said the ambulance had just pulled up so she had to go! Okay.... Lust leave me hanging... I'm about two miles from home but made it back in less than one. yes I was driving like a maniac.
We follow them to the hospital and luckily for all of us, she seems to be alright. She was in a lot of pain and we couldn't' get her off the floor. I'm not real confident in the emergency room care as she has some symptoms that were not addressed at all. They checked her over, said she has a heart murmur and needs to follow up with her regular doctor. I'm glad they are releasing her but not happy with what I felt was a lack of investigating.
Crisis diverted, we are now home. Our little one is calm again. He got rather upset when his Gammy was creaming in pain. Gammy still hasn't been released yet but we know she is coming home tonight. So tonight we will watch Christmas shows as a family till it's time to put the little one to bed. He gets to sleep in our room tonight and after he's gone to bed, Santa will make his pass through our house. Tomorrow we'll head up north a few hours and take a break from city life for a few days.
Stay safe and have a very Merry Holidays.
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5
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Red Moon
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Posted:Dec 21, 2010 6:42 am
Last Updated:Dec 24, 2010 6:18 pm
4096 Views
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Last night as most of you know was a Lunar Eclipse. This is something that just doesn't happen real often. My little man wanted to see it so badly too. He asked me to set my alarm so we could see ti this morning at 1:30am. So I did. Somehow, my alarm clock volume was turned off. How I'm still not sure but I never woke up. As I'm leaving this morning, the wife tells me that she set the clock on her phone to wake her up. She steps outside only to find a clouded over sky. No moon to be seen. Needless to say, I was a bit bummed we missed the event. 
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Worth Keeping
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Posted:Dec 21, 2010 6:27 am
Last Updated:Dec 23, 2010 12:21 pm
4091 Views
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For those who know me and read my blog, you all know things have been rather tough for us this past few years. Lord knows I'm ready for a turn around. Sure I have many complaints about areas I'd love to improve but I have a great life in spite of the difficulties we face.
This past weekend was out wedding anniversary. We didn't do tradition this year for cost reasons but we still managed to go out to a nice restaurant for a good meal. As we sat at our table in the back of the restaurant, my wife actually gave me a surprise. It wasn't a gift or anything like that. It was a shocker as her comments were unexpected and her emotion was genuine. For a change, I was actually speechless.
As we sat down, she reached across the table and grabbed my hand. She then looked into my eyes which is unusual for her. She proceeds to tell me with confidence that we have been in this same struggle twice before. Remember, it was only the night before that I told her I was loosing my job. She reminded me that we stuck together through it then and we still stick together once more. Over our 11 years together, (married that is - Total 14 years) we have faced many struggles. Including a break up early on but we found a way back to each other. We know many of our friends didn't make it for far less than we have seen.
We don't always see eye to eye. Often times we seem to not even be on the same planet together. My own short comings feels that at any moment she will tell me to pack up and get because I'm not living up to even my own standard. Then she comes out with statements like these. It's not wonder why I still love this woman. We have our proclivities but we find a way to make it work. Sometimes that means we need to go into separate corners but we still find a way to come back together. That night was one of those moments we came together.
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4
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Motivation Difficulty
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Posted:Dec 20, 2010 10:33 am
Last Updated:Dec 23, 2010 12:21 pm
3993 Views
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This morning, I found it rather difficult to get motivated to go to work. Typically, I enjoy being productive and performing the duties of my job. however, this past Thursday has brought on new circumstances.
I have vacation time planned for next week so all I really wanted to do was wrap up my year and then enjoy my time off. On Thursday morning, I along with several of my co-workers were informed that effective in January, we would be without jobs unless we take some sort of actions. Our positions are being eliminated. Now that being said, my current position is being listed as open. Along with my co-workers positions.
We are informed that should we desire to work in our current capacity, we must re-apply for out own jobs. Now our company has multiple office locations and the new position will be located in a different office so I can understand having to put in a request to transfer. But why do I have to loose my job only to re-apply for the same position?
I do understand that corporate offices can and do make these little stunts to clean house or get rid or persons in positions where they do not think they are a great fit but can otherwise find no fault to speak of. To me, it's a big slap in the face. Of course I'm applying for my own job back but who knows what may happen. The stress it brings to ones family is high. We already struggle enough with financial matters in my home so here I must tell my wife that I'm loosing my job! Give us a break.
So today, I found it difficult to motivate myself out of bed. My current boss called me this morning and he and I went for breakfast and then a meeting. I'm not the only one struggling as he himself will be without a job as well. Somehow I still see that all this change could possibly be for the better in the long run. Staying focused will just be a bit more of a challenge. Let's just hope the paperwork process pushes through quickly and I can get resolve before the end of the year.
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Censorship and Anonymity
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Posted:Dec 18, 2010 10:02 am
Last Updated:Dec 21, 2010 9:37 am
4146 Views
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I fully appreciate and understand discretion, privacy, anonymity etc... etc... etc... However, there comes a time and place that stuff needs to go.
Think about it. You know me by first name only. We are good friends but you only know my first name. Something happens and I hvae an accident and am put into the hospital. You are concerned and want to come see me so you show up at the hospital only to find out you can't come see me as you don't even know my last name??? Try going to the nurse and saying ; Hey, I'd like to see R please? Nurse: R who? You: Uh... I don't know... You know that guy that had an accident and was admitted blah blah blah...
Our censors here at this site try to keep us private and safe by blocking certain things from our email correspondence. Such as a phone number or email address. Sure there are creative ways to try and get around that filter but is the filter really necessary?
If I have someone I call a friend and I they have earned my trust enough for me to share personal information with them, then I think we should be allowed to do so. Especially if we are within the same "Friend Network."
Our Censors will screen me and prevent me from openly communicating with a person I care about yet they will allow phony profiles and fakes that are here for nothing but to harm others. Don't get me started on the proof as it's here every day. Monikers are mimicked. Photos are stolen. False accusations are made and people get deleted over B.S. that isn't even true.
Yesterday, I had a failed communications be the cause of me not getting the opportunity to meet several of our fellow bloggers. Due to conflicting schedules, making that physical connection sometimes can be rather difficult. so when the cards align and that window of opportunity arises, we miss that connection due to a phone number issue....
I think it's time the officials running this site, learn what should be censored and what needs to be left to the discretion of it's clientele.
Hope all of you are having a great day.
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Sneaky Little Ones
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Posted:Dec 18, 2010 6:41 am
Last Updated:Dec 18, 2010 10:14 pm
4185 Views
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Well it's official, my little man is a total sneak. I am sure I probably did sneak around looking for presents but I just don't remember anymore. Normally we have presents wrapped and surrounding the tree by this time. Right now, we do'nt have the first present under the tree. So our little man is getting worried that this Christmas will be a terrible one. In fact, he starting to get upset thinking about it. Last night after our Anniversary Dinner, we went Christmas shopping. When we got home, we had some bags on the table but of food only for a party we are having tonight. The little man decided to help himself and READ the blasted Receipt! Well that is at least ONE blown gift from Santa!
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5
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Friday
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Posted:Dec 16, 2010 7:37 pm
Last Updated:Dec 17, 2010 12:31 pm
4143 Views
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Well tomorrow is a day I'm looking forward too. It should start off early as I have a 7:30am Dr appointment to follow-up with my med changes for my diabetes. I'm hoping they are as bad as I think they will be. My sugar levels have been not real high but much higher than they have been. So only tomorrow will tell when we do more blood work. Cross your fingers?
Then I should have a break and I'm crossing my fingers some more as I'm REALLY hoping my lunch date will call me and I finally get to meet another one of our wonderful blogger friends. With a bit of luck, a couple of them might even show up!!!
Later on, tomorrow evening, the wife and I will go out for dinner to celebrate our 11th anniversary. I'm not sure where we will go yet as it's still to be determined. Our traditional place is a bit too pricey for circumstances so I'm really upset about that. I'm sure we will find just as good a place. I'm in the mood for a nice juicy Steak! Our anniversary is actually on Saturday but for several reasons, we are going tomorrow instead.
I hope each of you can have a great weekend too.
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Best in the world
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Posted:Dec 16, 2010 4:44 pm
Last Updated:Dec 16, 2010 7:23 pm
3820 Views
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I really do hvae the best in the world. Today when I get home, he keeps calling me into the office so he can show me stuff. What he's really doing is searching for all his toys he wants for Christmas. Better than that, he's looking for his toys but finding coupons to go with them so the items may be purchased at a discount! What a .  He also keeps talking about wanting to get his mom the perfume she wants. He doesn't know it but it's already on the way from Tiffany's.
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