Ghost of Christmas Past

Ok, no ghost, but Christmas is past. All in all it was a very nice one. Seemed like the entire season passed me by too quickly though. I am not, and never will be, one of those people who are happy to see it go, and yank all of their decorations down the next day.

People at work seem happy that it's over, and I wonder if it's just because they aren't doing it right. Possibly viewing it as too much work, too expensive, too time consuming, etc. While I admit that it can be those things, it does not have to be. I suppose it's all in how you go about it, or maybe it's just the glass half empty or half full scenario.

Here are my young adults opening their gifts:

It rarely snows here in the deep South, and it has never happened in my life on Christmas Day. By some freak force of nature, I can now say that I've experienced at least a semi-white Christmas. Certainly no blizzard, and it didn't stick around long, but it was something that I will always remember.

Fantasy football is over. I finished a respectable 2nd. Soon college football will be over. The only thing left on the calendar for a while is New Year's Eve, and the 3rd year anniversary of Mrs. Leslie and I this Sunday.

Made It!

Despite not getting any new employees, I somehow managed to make it through and will now be rewarded with four glorious off days for Christmas. Having today, the day before Christmas Eve, has proven to be extremely beneficial as I was able to get everything cooked and baked this morning. Now I can just kick back and take it easy tomorrow until time to head out to my family get-together tomorrow night.

Both of my semi-adult children wanted new cell phones for Christmas, and that is what they got. I told them that would be all they get, but of course started feeling guilty and went and bought them several more things each. For Mrs. Leslie, I bought a giant new computer monitor. Not that the one she has now isn't good, but isn't bigger always better? I'd like to come up with some great surprise for our three year anniversary coming up January 2nd, but am drawing a blank. Despite knowing her inside and out, she is not, and never will be an easy person to buy for.

We bought Kit Kat a new pet bed for Christmas, which she is totally ignoring. She prefers to sleep on a re-usable grocery tote. She better be glad she's cute. Here she is inside her tote:

By some stroke of luck, my fantasy football team made it into the playoffs and managed to knock off the best team in the league last week. This week I play for the championship. Of course I want to win it all, but am content with the fact that my team can do no worse than 2nd place. Considering the caliber of players I have, and all the damn injuries my key people have sustained, I could have done a lot worse.

Belated Trip Pics

At the bottom of this post are just a few of the photos I took while we were in St. Augustine last month. Wish I could post them all, but that would take all day, and photos never really do a place justice anyway.

Yesterday Mrs. Leslie and I drove down to Montgomery to see my bother in a show at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. He scored us box seats. I had never been in the box seats for a show before. It was freaking wonderful! As I looked down on the crowded mass of people below us, stretched out, got comfortable, and determined that I never want to sit with the masses ever again!

I have most of my Christmas shopping done. The kids wanted expensive cell phones, so they won't be getting much above that. I hate it, because I like for them to have lots to open on Christmas morning. But hey, you want a $250 phone, don't expect tons more on top of that. Both swear that they could care less. The desire they had for these phones was much like Ralphie and his Red Ryder.

Work has been nothing short of insane. We lost a few employees last week. Couldn't have come at a worse time. I am doing the work of three people until replacements are hired. However, there is no way for replacements to be hired and trained in time to help with this Christmas bombardment of work that descends on us each year. I'm trying to view it as a challenge, a marathon of sorts, that I need to complete. If I can just make it through this coming week with my sanity in tact, I come out a winner and am rewarded with several days off.

November Was Kickin' It

November has blown past me. Such is life when you are busy.

My son turned 19 years old on November 14th. Seems crazy that he is that old now.

We traveled to St. Augustine, Florida for Thanksgiving. Mrs. Leslie's mother lives there. I had never been, and really loved it. I love the ocean, but on top of that, there is so much to do. We toured the oldest house in America, went on historical, and Christmas lights tours. Took a boat tour around the harbor while drinking Heineken (too cool), visited Ripley's to see the weirdness of the world, had some good seafood, took in an art show, and went to the beach of course. I'll upload some of the pics I took later this week.

I like to have the Christmas trees up the day after Thanksgiving, but since Mrs. Leslie's son was arriving in town, and we wouldn't be home, we put them up crazy early. The neighbors probably thought we were nut jobs, but I could care less. :)

Small "Roll Tide" tree in the den...

Full size "sentimental" tree in the living room...

Football season is winding down. 'Bama finished with a respectable record, and will be going to a bowl game. My fantasy team has been less than dominant, but is still the front runner for the wild card spot in the playoffs.

Life is good, and I have nothing more than the standard complaints.

Birthday, Do I Have To?

I have another birthday coming tomorrow. I don't suppose I could refuse it, and just stop this aging process now? Oh well, it's all good. The past two have been birthday weekends. We started last night by going out with the peeps. Today is chili, football, cake and gifts. Tomorrow, plans with my better half. With fun like this, why would I even want to refuse it?

I already have my gift from Mrs. Leslie. I had been wishing for an easier way to watch stuff on Netflix instantly on the TV. I was able to hook the laptop to the TV via a S-Video cable, but it was a huge hassle, so I quit doing it. This Roku XDS Streaming Player 1080p connects to our wireless internet connection and lets us search and watch all the instant shows and movies. It also has Hulu, and other channels on it. Even has sports. I freakin' love it.

I also got this: Garmin nüvi 265W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Bluetooth Portable GPS Navigator. It's super cool, but it won't get near the use of the Roku. It will, however, come in handy on our upcoming trip to St. Augustine. Since I am directionally challenged, this baby will make sure I never get lost again.

Happy Halloween

I love Halloween. Always have. Maybe it's because I have a fascination with the paranormal, or maybe it's because I like candy. Either way, I consider it fun.

When I was a kid I lived in the best Trick or Treating neighborhood ever. Eighty or so houses in a secluded subdivision. Every house contained at least two kids. Back then everything was safe. We didn't need parents to walk us around. I, being the oldest, took my three younger brothers and sister and hit the streets. Once around the subdivision was enough to supply you with candy for a week, but if you were feeling particularly greedy, you could always go again. After seeing hundreds of costumes, parents no longer knew Frankenstein from the Wolfman, and therefore you wouldn't be busted with the, "Haven't you been here already tonight?"

When I got too old to Trick or Treat, I got my kicks from being the one to hand out the candy. Of course once the teen years hit, it was all about getting into trouble. After that I had kids on my own, and the fun came from taking them out. Now they are way to old to Trick or Treat (currently in the teen, get in trouble phase).

Where does that leave me now?

I watch as many Halloween movies as I can cram into thirty days. This year I do believe I have beat my personal best. I've seen every version of Friday the 13th, every version of Halloween, and just about any other horror movie you can imagine. Not to mention countless hours of paranormal shows galore. My better half is sick of them, but has been extremely patient. She's good like that.

Our pumpkin is carved, and looks great. Tonight we will hand out candy, watch movies, and try to keep my kids out of trouble. It's certainly not the good times of the old days, but when you get older you need to make your own fun, and that's just what I'm doing this Halloween.

Halloween III - Season of the Witch

I was excited that AMC's Fright Fest was showing volumes 1-5 of the Halloween movies this week. I wondered if that was really going to include Halloween III, and then was disappointed to find out that indeed this gem was going to be shown.

In case you haven't had the honor of watching it, let me just save you the trouble of trying to choke yourself unconscious and tell you know that this is the WORST HORROR MOVIE OF ALL TIME.

It would probably be enough to just tell you that Michael Myers isn't even in this movie. Well, with the exception of a few seconds where some guys in a bar are watching the real Halloween movie on television. How do you make millions of dollars off of Halloween I & II, knowing full well that Michael Myers is the main attraction, and then follow it up with a sequel that doesn't even include him?!? It boggles the mind.

This is the actual Halloween III bad guy...

Pretty scary guy, right? Wrong. Really, Grandpa? This master of fright owns a company call Silver Shamrock that makes Halloween masks. When kids wear these masks on Halloween night and are exposed to a super annoying horrible music and video combo on TV, they turn into puddles of green ooze.

Of course there has to be someone to stop this sinister plot. Enter Chester the Molester and his Ho...

While he is somewhat concerned about his kids putting on the mask and turning to jello, he is WAY more concerned about getting in the pants of the young, hot thang by his side. Never mind the fact that she is young enough to be his daughter. Does he score? Hell yes. Where is his wife? Home watching the kids of course.


And just how are the kids doing?

"Holy s$#@! Get this freakin' thing off my head. I'm suffocating here! Where is Dad when I need him? Better not be with that skank again! Neeeed....Air....."


Of course Chester and his Ho drop some quarters (or something else metallic and cylindrical) on the head of the bad guys, and save the day...

When it ends you are left sitting there stunned that you made it through the whole movie. I, however, just crawled to the nearest corner and wept.

Slow Down, October!

I find it hard to believe that October is almost over. I love October as it is filled with football, horror movies, and haunted houses. I don't want it to end. On the bright side, November is even more fun, with birthdays, football, and Thanksgiving.

We still have to go to Sloss Furnace, and to see Paranormal Activity 2. I've been waiting for my brother to arrive in town to do these things. He's here now, so yay! I'm thrilled he was able to find work here. Since he lives in New York, the capital for performers, I never suspected that he would be back. He will be working until Christmas at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

Weekend full of football planned. Auburn vs LSU, followed by Alabama vs Tennessee. Tomorrow, fantasy football. I have scratched and clawed my way back, and am tied for first in my division. Before I get down to it, I need to stop blogging and go grocery shopping. Not my favorite task, so I better get on with it.

Wrong Answer

Did Alabama beat South Carolina? Yes. Wrong answer! Oh well, I guess it's true that "you can't win 'em all" and after two and a half seasons of not losing a game, it's an easier pill to swallow.

As is typical of Fall, we have been slammed. Football, birthdays, job, side jobs, holidays, kids. My youngest brother arrives next week and will be here through Christmas. Mrs. Leslie and I are planning a trip to Saint Augustine, Florida for Thanksgiving with her family. Her son and brother will be arriving here from Washington and Vermont a few days beforehand, and we will drive down together.

I have no new movies to talk about, as I have watched nothing but ghost shows since October 1st. Someone is sick of them, but someone also knows how I love them and tolerates my horror obsession. My favorite show, Ghost Hunters, filmed an episode at Sloss Furnaces here in Birmingham that I think airs November 17th. We too will be at Sloss soon for this: Sloss Fright Furnace  Can't wait!

Alabama 31, Florida 6

Soon it will be Saturday again, and I haven't even mentioned the 31-6 throttling that Alabama put on Florida. I'll admit it, heading into game time I could barely touch our game day food. It was all I could do to get a beer in to calm my nerves. But a few minutes in, Bama had the lead and never looked back. A good time was had by all.

This week we move on in our unholy stretch of tough opponents, and take on South Carolina. New week, new worries...hope it is the same good team we have seen thus far.

I've been busy turning out articles lately. I resent the day job for taking time away from my writing, but don't yet have the courage to jump ship because the writing doesn't pay enough. It's a double edge sword. If I quit working and only write it might pay enough, but I can't be certain of that. If I keep working and don't take the leap, then I may never know.

Chili cooking. Ghost Hunters new episode later. Mrs. Leslie giving me goo-goo eyes. My man-child cleaned the kitchen. Girl child avoided trouble today. Life is good.

Bama 24, Arkansas 20

It was a close one. Way too close. But then there are always going to be a few games each season where you don't play your best, and the true test of a good team is if you win or lose those games.

It doesn't get any easier from here, with Florida and South Carolina coming up. Those will be nail biters as well, I'm sure.

I'm exhausted from yesterday's game, in a good way of course. Glad I have a day to recover before going back to work.

I'm not looking forward to my fantasy football match-up today. I am playing the best team in my division, and possibly the best team in the league. With my better players hurt, holding out, or recently slapped with DUI's, I don't stand a snowball's chance in hell.

Back In the Saddle Again?

After a pitiful showing in week one of the fantasy football season, The Clover Valley Stoners rebounded nicely scoring 107 points against Team Donkey Punch. Nice, but I am in a brutal division, one that seems to contain the leagues best player. He will now be 2-0, and unless I go on a major win streak and he drops a few, the best I am looking at would be the Wild Card spot in the playoffs. The season is young though...anything can happen.

College football heats up this week with Alabama having their first real contest of the season. Arkansas used to be a joke, but that is no more. Listening to sports radio on the way into work this morning one of the dj's predicted 'Bama would mop the floor with Arkansas. Not sure what he was smoking, but I certainly hope he is right.

Alabama vs Arkansas, Week Four: Don't Be Surprised If...

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/468488-alabama-vs-arkansas-week-four-dont-be-surprised-if#page/1

Ave Maria Grotto

Mrs. Leslie and I packed a lunch and headed an hour North of here to Ave Maria Grotto this morning. This place contains all sorts of buildings in miniature that were all made by the same Benedictine Monk. Some of the reviews I read said it was creepy, which I thought was odd. It wasn't at all creepy, but it was quirky. The materials he used to make the buildings were just a hodgepodge of materials, so they included random things such as marbles, broken glass, etc. It's not a place we will be revisiting any time soon, but it was worth the time.

We also stopped at a farmer's market and one of those Southern tourist trap food goodies places. We bought some cheese curds, fig jam, and chow chow. For those not familiar with chow chow, it is a relish-like mix that can be used on all kinds of stuff, but is best on hamburgers and hot dogs.

We finished the trip off with a nice picnic and then headed back to town so I could watch Bama vs. Duke, which is what I am doing now. Normally I would not be blogging during a game, but Bama is up 62-13. Not much of a contest. Our super hard stretch of games officially starts next week, so this will be the last non nail biter for quite a while.

Classic Is Back

Alabama vs. Penn State was a huge rivalry in the 70's. I was young, but still remember the adults talking about it and the excitement it generated. Today the rivalry resumes, and that excitement is back. Yes, today is one of those fall (though it still feels like summer) Saturday's that we 'Bama fans live for.

Last week we hosted, but this week we will be going to my sister's house. Chili dogs and chip and cheese dip are on the menu. Dessert will be provided by me in the form of my famous lemon icebox pie. I made it yesterday because it tastes better with time. Luckily I was able to hide it deep enough in the freezer that the kids would not discover it.

Tomorrow fantasy football is back. What will The Clover Valley Stoners bring to the table this season? Guess we will find out.

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted?

This week is going by way to fast. Isn't that always the case with vacation though? You wait, and wait, and wait...it finally arrives and proceeds to fly past in a blur and then you find yourself right back at work.

I still have a few more days, and during that time more fun, family, and of course football. With the NFL season cranking up this Sunday, my fantasy football team will hit the field and see what's up. I'm not expecting great things from my team, but if they stay healthy I do expect to at least be solid.

I haven't mentioned movies much lately, because I haven't had much time to watch many, but we did squeeze in a movie called "Paris" last week. Typical of foreign movies, I found it interesting, and then was disappointed when it had a non-ending, ending. You know the kind, things going on all over the place and the movie abruptly ends.

Why do foreign writers and directors do that? I guess in the U.S. we must have a stronger desire for closure...and for the end of our movies to leave us feeling that we know the entire story, beginning to end. I'll continue to watch foreign flicks because I do find them interesting, I enjoy polishing my reading skills via subtitles, and because Mrs. Leslie loves them.

One Down...Thirteen to Go

In what was really just a warm up game, the Tide rolls over San Jose State: 48-3. After having to cough up $34.95 to see it on pay-per-view, I was glad it was a good show. It was also nice to have some of my fears about all of the young players we have set at ease. We looked good.

Of course who wouldn't against San Jose, and next week will be the first true test: Penn State. I admit to having a soft spot for Joe Pa, but when it comes to playing against my beloved Crimson Tide I have to hope he loses this one. I'm sorry, Joe. I'll be your fan again the next week.

Being the one to host the game enabled me to stay home and drink more beer than I normally would. It has taken me most of the day to recover. The old gray mare...she ain't what she used to be, for real.

It's Has Arrived

"Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya, tomorrow, you're only a day away!"

Alabama vs. San Jose State tomorrow at 6pm. I've invited my peeps, and had Mrs. Leslie help decide the menu. Still have to order the game (pay-per-view only this week) and buy the food and beer. Will take care of those two things in the morning.

I completed an extremely taxing week of work, and now am officially on vacation. I should be bouncing off the walls with excitement, but I am flat out drained. Tonight I rest, tomorrow, IT'S ON.

Never Does

The draft didn't go according to plan. It never does though. My only regret was not double checking my sources. I wound up with not one, but TWO players that are not active at the moment. Not good. As soon as the list goes up today I will have to drop them and pick up free agents in their places. Sounds easy enough, but those were two wasted spots that I had when prime players and not free agents were available to me.

Rainy Sunday here. We are supposed to be getting a new 50' TV for the den today, so I hope it clears up. In the meantime I'll get some of my computer work done, relax and get ready for the next week. I hope it goes quickly, and then once my vacation starts, I hope it slows down.

Pick 'Em

It has arrived. Fantasy football draft day. Armed with research, the number one pick, and the shame from not making the playoffs last season, I am feeling confident. Of course there are always twists and turns, like the dreaded get your heart set on a certain player just to have him draft by the person just before you, but it's part of the game.

I'm trying to develop my beer strategy. It's fun to drink at the draft, but you have to keep your head clear so that you don't pick say, Priest Holmes, in the first round. I think I will ease in...sip until at least round twelve. After that it's ok to make crazy moves.

If you aren't aware, college football kicks off this coming Thursday. Friday is my last day of work before I enter a glorious nine day vacation. What a great week!

Me First!

I met up with the fantasy football guys yesterday to draw for divisions and where we will pick in the draft. We draw cards to see in what order we will draw for our picks. Upon learning that I was going 12th (out of 12 people) I was not happy. Basically this meant that I had to just hang back, and whatever card was left on the table would be me.

Ten cards gone, and picks #8 and #1 were left on the table. I'm sitting there with a 50/50 shot at the #1 pick. Sweat beads were forming on my forehead as I studied the two remaining cards. One was plain, the other had a black fleck of something on it. I chose the plain one for the other guy (he wasn't in attendance) and that left black fleck for me. I let my brother do the honors. He slowly showed the card...#8, leaving you know who with the first pick!

Now to formulate my draft strategy, and prepare for my return to the fantasy elite!!!

I Flush

We ran into some plumbing issues this weekend. I called Roto Rooter out on Sunday. The guy stepped out into the yard, paused for a second, and said, "$1200 to install a lead in, and then $375 to clear it." What the...? He touched NOTHING and somehow reached that conclusion?!? I politely declined and sent him on his way.

This meant that Mrs. Leslie had to stay home from work on Monday and deal with the situation. A few hours, two rednecks, and $530 later, we were able to flush and shower. I'll tell you this much...you never know how much you appreciate plumbing until yours breaks! The trouble started on Saturday. By Monday I would have given my first born to have it working again. Yeah, um, sorry about that Mitchell.

Thundercats, HOOOOOOOOOO!

5 Important Things We Learned From Thundercats

Friday the 13th

I made it through Friday the 13th unscathed. Saturday the 14th hasn't been much fun though, as we have plumbing issues. A shower full of poop certainly counts as bad luck in my book.

Anyway, Mrs. Leslie and I were having a discussion about the superstition of Friday the 13th, and how she wondered if anyone really put any stock in it. I feel like there is something to it, but then I am a superstitious person. She thinks it (and all superstition) is hooey.

There was an interesting article on Huffington Post about The 13 Weirdest Friday the 13th Superstitions: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/13/friday-the-13th-history-a_n_681152.html

Done For Now

We made it through the first few days of school with nothing more than an admonishment for the girl child having pink hair. I would do something about it, but we've been down that road before. It's permanent, and doesn't come out. Since she has light blonde hair, the only alternative would be to make it a darker color. Been there, done that. Brown, then black, so not her.

Luckily the principal has agreed to wait it out, so long as she doesn't add any more color to it. We can totally do that.

Last weekend before football-ing begins. Next weekend beer and football draft meeting at The Tilted Kilt. Weekend after that, fantasy football draft. Weekend after that, college football begins. It's all good in the hood, baby!

Get Ready

School starts back tomorrow. I'm down to one kid left in school. She is entering the 10th grade.

I'm somewhat sad because school creates worries about grades, detention, disagreements, money (are you spending it on lunch or cigarettes?), transportation, etc.

On the other hand, it provides more structure around here, including no more staying up all night, and no more random kids coming and going while we are at work.

Mixed bag. It is what it is. Fun starts bright and early in the morning.

Have Fun Bowling

The Mrs. & I went bowling last night with the fam. I had not been in several years, and the Mrs. had not been since she was a teenager.

We played two games. I stunk on the first, but came in Second place on the next one. Second it good when you take into account that my brother always comes in First.

Mrs. Leslie finished last both times. I think it was because they gave her ugly shoes.


Doing massive amounts of laundry today, and getting my home business work done in between loads. Still need to venture out and get the girl child new shoes for school. Perfect time for shopping as we are having a "No Tax Weekend" here.

School starts Wednesday. Yay!

So Close

Football season is so close I can almost taste it. Everyone on earth needs to know my beloved 'Bama's schedule, so I am more than happy to provide it for you:

Alabama's 2010 Football Schedule

9/4 SAN JOSE STATE
9/11 PENN STATE
9/18 at Duke
9/25 at Arkansas
10/2 FLORIDA
10/9 at South Carolina
10/16 OLE MISS
10/23 at Tennessee
11/6 at LSU
11/13 MISSISSIPPI STATE
11/20 GEORGIA STATE
11/26 AUBURN

 

If you need even more reasons to love The Tide, you should invest in this----->>>

GHI and Cloris

Tonight is "Ghost Hunters" night. Well, "Ghost Hunters International". International is not as good as the original version, the cast isn't as interesting, but the locations are great, and it's still extremely watchable.

I really should write a thank you letter to SyFy for giving me reason to not hate Wednesday. If and when these shows get canceled, I will go right back to hating Wednesday I'm sure.



Speaking of tv shows, did anyone happen to catch "Kathy Griffin - My Life On the D List" last night? She had Cloris Leachman on. Cloris was doing shots, and acting like she was cracked out. Total wingnut. I hope she considers having her back on sometime. I would watch just to see what she is going to do next!

Shop Til You Drop

We spent half the day yesterday school clothes shopping. The girl child picked out some cute stuff, and Mrs. Leslie and I bought a few things as well. I didn't want to buy too much for any of us, as we are all trying to shed some pounds, but we all needed stuff so...

Amazon has some cute stuff this year if you are in need of ideas: Search Amazon.com for school clothes

Today I am catching up on my home business work. So much has been going on lately that it has been neglected. I count on that extra income now, so I really need to make the time to stay on top of it.

I helped my son out with a car loan this week. He chose a 1994 Lincoln Mark VIII. I had never even heard of this car, so I wasn't sure what to make of it, but his father checked it out, and my son really wanted it, so in the driveway it sits.

This is not his car, but this is what the model looks like:

It reminds me of a Ford Thunderbird, and probably will be a gas hog, but as long as it runs (his last car was a money pit) it's ok in my book.

Fonzie Jumps the Shark

Anyone remember the Happy Days episode where Fonzie jumped a shark on water skis? Someone mentioned it on the radio this morning and boy did it bring back memories. I remember watching these episodes (it was a 3 part edition) as a kid, being all worried that The Fonz might fall and be chomped to bloody bits. I recall everyone watching nervously as Fonzie wobbled around in the water, showing us that skiing was not his forte, yet determined that his bravery WOULD NOT be challenged!

Did Fonzie succeed? Hell yes! And man was I relieved. So cool. Magical master of nookie that he was. We all wanted to be him. I was seven years old at the time.

Fast foward 30+ years. I watch this same video on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72nPf4UaemU) and I can't help but think it is ridiculous! Why in the hell does he keep his leather jacket on? Who does that? Seriously?

I know this much, I HOPE to one day see a man skiing down the Warrior River here in 'Bama wearing a leather jacket. At that point I will have seen it all!

Harp & Sapporo

This afternoon I'm leaping into my "Beers of the World" ten pack...

 My first choice, "Harp Lager" was from Ireland, and scared me because it proudly states in multiple places on the label that is "From the brewers of Guinness." Guinness, being the ONLY beer in the world that I detest and I've tried hundreds, maybe a thousand.

The brewers of Guinness might make it, but this beer doesn't taste like even a distant illegitimate cousin of Guinness. It's good, almost too good, very Americanized. Maybe just a tad nuttier than say, a Bud Light, but other than that it tastes familiar.

Next up, "Sapporo". This is Japan's oldest beer. It's dry, but after the first few swigs your palate adjusts and you are in it to win it...just like these guys-->

I'm feeling pretty good already, but imagine that after a few more "countries" I will be just as hap, hap, happy as these two.

Back to School

This morning was school registration for the girl child. It still seems weird to me that they start in the beginning of August. I remember when I was a kid we always started around Labor Day, and that was a super exciting time because it coincided with the start of college football.

The girl child was super excited to register, as usual, which is odd as she has been getting horrible grades the past two years. That fact doesn't deter her love of school supplies. She has loved paper and pens since she was literally a year old. When registration was over I took her to HellMart to go ahead and pick up a few of the supplies that were on sale. I had to rush her up at least five times, and I didn't want to LIVE there, just purchase a few things.

Speaking of school, I had a meeting with a college adviser yesterday. I am thinking of getting a Healthcare Reimbursement Associates Degree. I still have to go back and meet with financial aid. See what would be covered and what would be loans. I also have to decide if my desire to do this is great enough to push me to 6pm-10pm classes three nights a week after being at work all day. I'm just not sure.