Hot off the Newswire

The line up for the new season of Dancing with the Stars have been announced:

For the girls:
*Billy Ray Cyrus, achy breaky dud
*Joey Fatone, singer from N'Sync
*Vincent Pastore, A member of The Sopranos
*Ian Ziering, Steve Sanders in Beverly Hills 90210
*Apolo Anton Ohno, Olympic speed skating champion
* Clyde Drexle, basketball legend

For the boys,
*Leeza Gibbons, TV presenter
*Paulina Porizkova, model
*Sandi Finnessey, model
*Heather Mills, model
*Laila Ali, her father is Muhammed Ali

So, tell me what is wrong with this line-up? The boys get the eye candy models and beautiful women dancers. The girls get the over-weight mobster and boys with greasy hair.

*smacking forehead

Another Month...

Another month is getting coser to the end. How time flies when there is sooo much to accomplish. All this cleaning, cooking and driving has an effect on the psychic. We have downgraded to pre-school lingo and revolve around the schedules of Diego and Blue's Clues.

On a lighter note, I attended my first ever Knights Templar Inspection over the weekend. Err, actually I spent the afternoon with the wives and companions. Firstly, I was beat from cooking the night before. Secondly, I was not in blue jeans, rather I was in a formal outfit. Thirdly, the conversations did not revolve around politics, power tools, football, any kind of sports, military toys or the V8 engine in the new Jeep Commander. The afternoon was "QUAINT"! Fortunately, the debutant upbringing came in handy. Hard to believe, this was part of my childhood... I have become ... my MOTHER!!!!
ARGH!!
Go ahead ... yeah... keep laughing.
Talk about a generation gap.

Happy Brrrr Day

How much snow???

About 12 inches.

I suppose

With some time left, I suppose I will write my thoughts on the Superbowl. Firstly, the thrill and excitement before a football game was amiss. Probably this is the final game, the last game for a while, the curtain call. Amidst all the fumbles and turnovers, it was a good game. I had taken bets on the Colts, simply they were never given a chance despite their almost flawless season. Throughout the season, Manning's critics labeled him as the forlorn, never winning a Superbowl. In closing, (yawn) dear critics, please eat your socks. A lesson on picking too much on the underdog.

Doggie Room Update

2 hours later, the second coat of polyurethane and stain is applied. I have to endorse a product due to the ease of use. For stain and gloss of wood floor I have been using MinWax PolyShade, this contains the stain and polyurethane in 1 can.

One word: NICE.
Now I have to wait 6 hours ( or less, I left the ceiling fan on because I cannot reach the pull cord).

Time for back therapy, aka, nap time with Bengay.

Project: Doggie Room

This is just one of the projects I am working on.

A spare bedroom in the process of conversion into a study/home office.
The origins, a plain carpeted room with WHITE walls and FLOWERY borders (yuck).
Onto the walls, a green of Pyrenees Pine, and a cream Eldorado Sand, plus the special white line.

Tada!! I have a camouflage room, D'oh!!

No!!! I have an army room!!

It may come in handy for interrogating little kids.

Add a border to the whole system.

Pull up the carpet to reveal hard wood floor.

2 more days on my hand and kness, sanding and finishing the floor.

This is the close up of the inspiration, DOGGIES.

I better get an A

The project is 95% complete, phew, especially after 2 weeks of nagging and protests from the prime candidate. We have a social studies project due this week, a presentation on a country of choice. Easy lah, this one has to be SINGAPORE mah. ( do I hear laughter from Fred?)

All the research, cutting, pasting, searching, we are done!! Fortunately the engineer in the house had to help too. SOme interesting facts we have arrived at:

Singapore is only 270 square miles, with a population of 4 Million and GDP of $124 Million (2006). Comparable to Hancock county, 570 square miles, and about 70,000 population.

Even Disneyworld is bigger than Singapore!

A merlion, half mermaid, half lion, symbol of Singapore.

Singapore, Central Business District.

Singapore at dusk.

Here are other interesting facts the candidate arrived at: Singapore is almost similar to USA, the same sports are played, similar cuisines (I grew up with MacDonalds too), similar languages.

National flower is the orchid, we used a picture of the houseplant.

For extra points, we listed the most popular person from Singapore, who else, MOM!

Total cost of project: $20.00.
Time spent on project: lost count.
Free lessons to a 9 year old on Singapore: Priceless.

For everything else, there is the library or the web.
PS: I will update on my final grade.

Simplicity of life

School finally resumed after 2 days.
I am sure school is welcomed after the hectic time off.
NO MORE SCREAMING KIDS FOR A FEW HOURS.

I think I found something!

Everyone... DIG!

I am pooped, maybe laying on some too (ewww)!

PS: Kevin, do you miss all the white stuff now that you are back in SG?

How Cold?

Dear readers who are not in the same time zone, it is bloody cold here. How cold?? 22F.

The consolation, it can be colder, and the electric grid is still operational. This is the time of the year when the beauty of the snow blankets all other frustrations, such as a cold car, freezing air, rough hands, the bloody fire wouldnt start, etc etc. It can be colder.

The beauty and joy of the season, when the dogs dash through the yard and roll on their backs, covering themselves with snow.

The beauty of the season are the driveby smiles from the little bundled purple eskimo making snow angels in the front yard.

The beauty of the season.

Snow all around

My family and relatives have always questioned my decision to remain, in their opinions, "remote, isolated and cold" Ohio. Flakes of snow falling gently towards the white blanket that used to be green grass, as laughter from children making snow angels, while the "puppies" roll on their backs with wide smiles, those are the simple reasons.

For the few moments, the blazing temperature of 12F does not matter.

... to be continued

Still an engineer.

For more than a month now, I am the "Domestic Engineer" of the block. This position has perks unlike any jobs I ever had. Amongst the daily responsibilites are bus driver, chef, cleaner, judge, cleaning woman, listening ear, painter, plumber, gopher, handy-man, and most important one of all .... BANK.

I can hear my parents screaming from somewhere else on the globe, "YOU HAVE A DEGREE IN ENGINEERING!" Sigh, unfortunately that is very true, despite my lack of devotion to the trade.

There are similarities in the disciplines, I am still cleaning up spills, re-routing supplies (in this case food and garbage), still fixing things and most of all I am still paying the bills.

According to M Tobe, "Once an engineer, always an engineer."

From the back-burners ...

What is your winning speech at the Oscars?
Who will you thank and how will you thank them?
The fastest, most visible 45 seconds of your life to express your gratitude for life will be played universally.
This is my draft,
"Ah Ma oi!! Thank you to my Grandmother, silently strong omnipresent, a vision of focus when I close my eyes. The muses, the beautiful children who test the limits of patience. Thank you to those who stood aside and applauded as I continued on the yellow brick road. Thank you to those who never gave me a chance and tried to steer my life into the black-hole. Thank you to those who tried to break me. I have reached my goals due to you."

*Ah Ma refers to my late maternal grandmother.

This were thoughts I had a few weeks ago, publication of thoughts have been delayed due to scheduling conflicts.

The Last Sunday (cont.)

Alas, the final cheer and scream and dog hugging.

Colts are heading to the Big Game.
My love for New England runs deep, however, my admiration for the under-dog cuts deeper. This was a great game, nail-biting, see-saw touchdown scores.

One of my "puppies" gets excited with my level of interests, he thinks raised arms for a touchdown score is equivalent to jump and hug. Usually this results in a "doggie"tackle, I cannot resist a 120lb collie-retriever.

So the Sunday ritual comes to an end, at least for a few months. There is also a possibility the tube will carry a good game of football next weekend too. Football, only feet allow. Hahaha.

Fred and Ron, sorry about the Steelers stinking so bad this season. I mean they really really really did badly, so bad that ..... hahaha. Got'ya!

The Last Sunday

This is the last football filled Sunday!!
Boo hooo hooo.

A few pointers and demands for future Sundays:
* A CORDLESS COLOUR T.V. is very useful,
- When a room also needs painted, correctly and neatly.
- in order to conplete the "fix-it" list.
- if you want clean dishes.

* portable no spill coffee maker.
- see above for reasons.


I would have loved the Saints in the Superbowl. They can use a win for New Orleans and hear "The Saints are Marching In." Instead the Bears are heading to the Big Game.

Currently the Patriots are pounding the Colts. Belichek, please give the kid, Manning a chance to the big game.

***back to the game.

Oh yeah, today is the first major snow in town, about 1/2 inch.

How time flies

Can't believe January is already over!
Where has the time passed to?
I have been enjoying hiatus from employment, especially the last position in the firm of Hell, ran by a conniving Devil. He will get his retribution, but not from me, I am keeping my hands clean.

All in all, it has been a good start. I have severed legal ties with the bastard who stole 8 years of life. Imagine being the slave, in physical, emotional and monetary terms, while the rest of the family continue with their denial. Yes the signs and pleas were there, however the in-laws continue to turn the blind eye. A medal of good acting is awarded for the lies told, may his parents live with their decisions that "ignorance is bliss". My children will definitely be protected from the vice that their father have surrounded himself with. My children have learnt gratitude, a quality that their father lack. They have seen the darkness and realize the clouds have cleared. An invaluable lesson the children learnt is honor and honesty. Simply defined, he "bit and tried to break the hand that fed him". He will get his retribution, but not from me, I am keeping my hands clean. (Behave Luigi, let this go.)

***************************************************

The rain from the last weeks have found their way into my basement too. A few inches in the basement is still a blessing in comparison to the inches that fell. 2 of the new additions to my home really enjoyed the abundant mud. They ran, slid and ROLLED in the mud! When fatigue kicks in, these minature horses trample into the house, decorating little paw prints where ever they go. Awwww....... not funny! (Pictures will be posted soon)

****************************************************

"Do I watch Oprah?
What do I do all day?
How do you survive?"
- these are some of the questions thrown my way lately.

Well, I am the local "bus", chef, cleaning crew, dog walker and my favorite, TIM THE TOOLMAN. Yeap, I play with power tools daily. Currently I am working on the dining room and home office simultaneously. Shall I reiterate my non-preference for wall paper covers. This is an enjoyable hiatus, being the full time parent to alot of kids, fix up the house and discovering. Having fewer "wants" is cheap, avoiding places with cash registers also help.

Dear John and Keepers, thank you for your support. I am adjusting fine and someday will fulfill my promise to help.

FOOTBALL

A battle has been raging on the definition of "FOOTBALL".

Football according to dictionary.com, varies by the language or country of origin, simply, whether you are in or out of the USA. American football or just FOOTBALL.

Let's us look at the obvious differences:

FOOTBALL aka soccer
1. The most popular sport in the WORLD.
2. With the exception of the goal-keeper, no hands allowed!
3. Legendary champions are recognized world-wide: Pele, Maradona, Zizou, Ronaldo, Becks.
4. An international sport where every country is given the same opportunity (except the USA).*
5. The only protection are on the shins and places you don't want to grab (unless you are looking for a whooping).
6. Football widows really exist.
7. Fans will give up their lives to watch the game.
8. Employers buy "Football Insurance" during Cup fever.
9. Football has deceiving pretty faces.
10. Hair accessories are unisex when worn in football, it is sexy when you wear your wife's hairband to a match.
11. A universal chant. Oh-lay, Oh-lay, Oh-lay, Oh-lay, Oh-lay, Oh-lay.
12. CNNi devotes time to Football scores.

American Football, aka NFL:
1. Played with the hands.
2. Extreme amount of protection is worn. (wuss)
3. Men encourage women to dress as skimpy distraction.
4. Loyal fans are somewhere out there. (this is a delicate subject in this town)
5. Fans are usually on the couch.
6. The players always conceal their faces.
7. If an NFL player wears his wife hair band to practice, er, that is just not right.
8. No universal chants.
9. No airtime on CNNi.

Football or Football, when one season ends the other fills in. All in all, both footballs are followed by me, played in the backyard, keep me up at night, finally, none of the ankle-biters like it on the tube.

I rather be ...

I started watching the Patriots - Chargers game, ate some chips and salsa, yawn.
Somehow the level of excitment was lower than usual, the game was technical, full of fumbles and intercepts. Both teams are formidable, having plowed every opponent they met along the way. Chargers have been a strong team. The Patriots have shown their might Belichick style. Finally a welcomed commercial break, I accidentally retrieved the list of shows recorded on the cable box.

Behold!! Superbowl Top 10! *** pressing PLAY.
Yeah, I saw that game and that game and that game too.
Wow!! Even the anti-football 9 year old began cheering, she has a soft spot for Jerry "FIFI" Rice. Good to see the God of Football in action, number 16, Joe Montana.
Once again, I was crowned the football great of the house.
*cheering

Time flew, Patriots 24 and Chargers 21. Nothing was more exciting than watching the Greats of Football, especially when the crowning moment is bestowed upon .... ME.

The latest news

Have you heard?? Football is getting a shakeup!!
Beckham did not renew his contract with Real Madrid, instead he has signed a $250 Million contract with some unknown club in LA.

What the **** are you thinking?? To L.A?
What kind of exposure will you get in the US? The Americans play football with their hands!

David Beckham, you are a great captain, an highly skilled player, for the money that will be funneled to you please try the following:

1. Please increase live telecast of football games, especially when the World Cup is in season, not delayed transmission.
2. Please do not flaunt that headband on the streets of LA. The last thing we need are the little gangsters running around the city streets with headbands shooting up neighbourhoods for a pair of high cut shoes.
3. Please keep your wife from picking fights with neighbours. There is enough scandals and filth in the news.
4. Please give as many interviews to the American media as possible, there is a need for more Foreign English on the air.
5. Encourage other team mates to LA, Zizou, Ronaldo, Owen and the CROUCH (a comic relief).

In case if you havent figured it out, this is about football as in SOCCER!!!!

iPod nanoooo nanoooo

Dear financially happy Grandfather to my children,

The girls are somewhat excited about their Christmas gift from overseas. A lackluster reaction due to their oblivion of the purpose of the "toy", in addition, immediate imposition of strict regulations and use limitations crushed all further elation.

These rules are hereby imposed, any violation is punishable by law, including but not restricted to confiscation, imposition of the time honored isolation in the corner, and the partake of cruel and unusual cleaning duties.

1. Before first use, parental control have to imposed on the product, all content will be screened and approved by The Power.
2. Do not disturb The Power during initialization.
3. Really, do not forget rule 2.
4. Any content conversion is time consuming, see rule #2.
5. Upon completion of preparation, minutes of humiliating pleading is recommended for a touch.
6. Upon receipt, please review product, familiarize with operations.
7. Maintain a reasonable use, abuse of product is a violation, punishable by The Power.
8. Hours of operation are:

• Monday to Friday, 5PM to 6PM,
• Weekends, 12Noon to 5PM.

9. Permission must be granted by The Power if product will be taken across the border or the front door.

10. In the event of any other violations incurred at other institutions, use of product will be provoked.

Dear grandfather, upon conclusion, what did I do to deserve all the extra headache?? Now I have to develop extra tracking senses for 2 iPods in the possession of a 9 year old and a 3 year old. We hope the latter will not dunked hers into the apple juice for a water proof test. A plea for sanity, please just send them $$$ in care of The Power next Christmas.

All the way

DONE: FSU 41, OSU 14.

The irony, the coach from the winning team is from Ohio.


Update: a fitting close, Sarah Brightman and Andre Bocelli, Time to say Goodbye.

Maybe a riot or 2

FSU 41, OSU 14.
Sad sad sad ending to the undefeated champions.

Columbus may just about see a riot or 2.
Do you know where your car is at?

Tomorrow morning

At the rate the Buckeyes are getting whooped at the moment, 20 point spread at the 3rd quarter, I can only conclude the following:

- there are a lot of nervous law enforcement officers in Columbus.
- there are a lot of drunks now.
- there will be a lot of people losing money tonight.
- there will be a lot of hangovers tomorrow.
- I am glad I did not put any money down.

What a night

On this chilly Monday evening, 34F outside, a fiery fire burns in the fireplace. Dinner, smoked beef brisket, grilled chicken with romaine hearts, mac & cheese, roasted bell peppers with provolone cheese are comfortably settling in the digestive tracts. Ahhh, sipping the last of the coffee for the night.

OHHH!!! What a run!!

TOUCHDOWN in the first 16 seconds of the game!! Yeah!! What a run by the Buckeyes!!

Halftime score: Gators = 34, Buckeyes = 14.
Err.... 3rd quarter score is still unchanged.

** still sipping coffee.

Too close to home

Bangkok, crowded with street merchants, Tut-tuts (pron. toot-toot) filled the streets, a cab fare is negotiated before boarding, food stalls omnipresence with aroma of fragrant meats and vegetables. All in all, Tranquility. That is the Thailand I will always remember. Bali,chimes from beautiful gongs immersed with the clear blue seas and perfume of teak. That felt like such a distant memory, recent unsettling events in South East Asia has been difficult, for anyone.

Ten years ago was the last time I was home, the political and emotional turmoil has taken a new landscape. Bombings, natural disasters, upheavals of pain, seems like the most recent news of SE Asia.

Unfortunately the 9/11 has reached SE Asia. The close knitted countries have a new challenge, continue to exist as seperate entities or make an effort to assist. Any joint efforts will strengthen their resolve against terror. Somehow a generation is lost in the abyss of anger, the generation who forgot about grandma or grandpa fighting for freedom and peace.

To those who hurt, please stop. Think about who you are hurting, sri wari kup. Peace to you.

The Problem with..

The last month of carefree, almost, routine has been refreshing. All good things must come to an end, *wail!!! Or maybe not.

The problem with getting comfortable in house slippers and torn jeans is the comfort level.

*ooops have to go pick up kids from school

...... to be continued.

Back to FOOTBALL

I cant believe we are closing on the final stretch of football season.
What am I to do with Sundays, Monday evening, and the occasional Thursday?

*still pondering on the alternative.
*still thinking
*cannot arrive at an answer... yet.
*scratching head
*scratching neck
*scratching ****

No answer yet.

All I know is that I have just saved some money on a manicure as all my finger nails have been digested. Can I borrow yours? All the excitement from Sunday!
What games!!
A clencher of the closer from the Steelers and the Bengals. How the hell you missed that field goal!! What a closer from the buckeye duo on the Steelers team to squash the hunger of the Bengal's crave for the Superbowl. The only worth some praise to the Steelers this year, I may have to revive my first love, the 49ers. (Chewing Left Hand)

That is not the same Bears from a week ago. Not the same. Not the SAME!
Have the Chicago Bears become err ... err... errr ... Cuddly CARE BEARS?? Sad Sad Sad, so sad, it is even worse on my 3 year old's 17" Dora the Explorer, tv-combo (Chewing Right Hand).

Brett Favre, you stay cool, get a shave, you still have a mean arm!!
But I think you should take a rest. Still in love with the Superbowl XXXI, against the NE Patriots. Final score 35-21, sadly my dear lovely town of Boston cannot win a place in my heart then. That was THE GAME!! 99-yard Superbowl record kickoff return by Desmond Howard. Brett, also stretch his body to touch the pylon to make sure it was a TOUCHDOWN! Time to let your body rest my man. Then come back and WHOOP ASS!

On a similar note, the girls in the house are counting down to Superbowl too.

They can reclaim the tv on Sundays and Monday evenings. Sundays will not be filled with chants, jeers and lines beginning with "my grandma can do better ..." I guess all the body clashes, spit, sweat, slips, and the game is not their cup of Barbie tea. They better change brand.

The first thing we did for the New Year

At 12:02AM, my kitchen was buzzing with plates and silverware. WE WERE HUNGRY!! Out came the cheesecakes (2 kinds), baked apples and coffee.

The shorter ankle biters had apple juice instead.

3 hours ago we were jumping and running through the house, laughing along the way. I believe all the hot water was replaced in the hot water heater, due to the long play time in the bathroom. The kids were acting silly and giggly. Most of all, they were happy.

HAPPY!!

Laughter and giggles as we came out of 2 tumultuous years, filled with anger, violence in the presence of youth and innocent.

That was the past.

Today, we are Happy.

Yawn ... another Holiday.

December 2005 vs December 2006.

2005 was COLD and snow covered, about 15F. ( the first snow fell on Nov. 23, 2005)
2006 is cold, actually, not so bad, about 40F and MUDDY!

Perhaps I am showing my age, Christmas needs a revival. Christmas should be about sacrifice (about worship and a day to remember the less fortunate).
Instead the competition between neighbours of the brightest lights and biggest presents have taken center stage. My reality check came in the form of young eyes, a MSNBC documentary entitled, "No Place Like Home". A little girl probably close to my youngest, had to sleep in a laundry basket in a stranger's backyard. Her father and brother laid on the grass under a make-shift tent. At daylight, the older child heads to school, but returns to a shelter. A few hours ago, ironically, I was worried if I had enough presents for my children under the huge tree in the living room. Here we are in the warmth of a house, pouting about the lack of treasures. Somehow, I have to teach the lesson of humility to my spoilt children. Their counterparts are not having Christmas, they are not ripping gift wraps, or complaining that the shirt is not the correct colour. Their counterparts are not very far either, the special was filmed in San Diego.

I may not be able to save all the homeless, but I hope my children will learn a lesson of life.
To give thanks for what they have, and not ask for more than they deserve.

We can see Christmas in many views, I hope that those little blue eyes will shine for a long time and see Christmas from a beautiful view.

Once upon a time,

*cracking fingers and knuckles
*scratching head
*sip coffee
*sip coffee again

*Scratch neck

Ehhh .... I dont remember how to do this ... it has been a while.

*sip coffee again.
*gulp coffee

Many moons ago, a legal tango began, the routine was filled with high lifts and low brushes. External interferences wore blue uniforms, lawyers were eagerly waiting at the sidelines. Strength was measured in patience, tolerance and the little voice "be an example to children". Speaking of children, they are always hungry, so are their friends, thus the need for employment.

Dec 21, 2006

*cracking fingers

Still lost for contents. The last 3 weeks have been almost fulfilling, for the first time I drove my daughter to and from school. (At least I know where theschool is located). The ankle biters of the house have little complains with the new arrangement, well, they now have a 24 hour full time chef and personal driver. Think of the power!!

I have been advised to file lawsuits against my employment termination. Err... that will be really low. Sometimes, it is just not worth it and some people are not worth the time either. Allow them to roll in their ego and their pats on their backs. What goes around comes around. As the dear witch in Salem reminded me over a decade ago, "Give out good, for you will reap the return in 3s." Now I am enjoying the simplicity of parenthood, and considering the invitation to blog for NFL. Yeap, I have been invited to blog/write about FOOTBALL!!! ( Still under consideration.) Imagine writing about something you really really really enjoy, and maybe get paid for it? *howling.

Oh well, the fairy tale continues.
My house is under the paws of 3 huge dogs and endless hungry kids.
My house has transformed to one of laughs, cheers and smiles.
My house is also known to many as the house of food.
Under the grey cloud is something GOOD.


.... to be continued.

We are #1

My kids began chanting "We are number one" shortly after dinner on Sunday.

Yeap, I shall claim the trophy to First to Put up the Xmas tree (been up for a week, fully decorated I must add).

We hereby claim the FIRST TO HAVE THANKSGIVING! We had our turkey on Nov 19, and ate it. Hahahaha.

We Are Number ONE!!!

Vice versa

I am not a fan of either OSU or Michigan.

But this is one I have to share.

You may substitude accordingly.

Question:
"What is the difference between a Michigan fan and a carp?"

Answer:
"One is a bottom sucking slime-bucket, the other is a fish."

There he is!

President Bush, well, at my home!!

*********************************************

Laura Bush was at home at the National Library.

We value our friendship with Singapore: Laura Bush

By Pearl Forss, Channel NewsAsia Posted: 16 November 2006 1644 hrs

SINGAPORE: While President Bush was meeting Singapore's leaders, his wife was engaged in diplomacy of a softer kind. Some children at the National Library had a very special reading session. They were told the story of a lonely powerful spider by the First Lady of America. The children also got to ask Mrs Bush any question they wanted. The first question fired - Was she popular in America? "I what? Popular in America? Sure," she answered with a laugh. Mrs Bush also told the children about her hobbies and favourite animals, adding that her daughter's roommate in college was a Singaporean. Nur Alijah Ibrahim, 8 years old, said: "She has a garden with many roses, tons of roses, big white house." The first lady also browsed a special collection of books on Asia history from the 16th and 19th centuries. These books are usually kept in dehumidified rooms and were last taken out when the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Singapore in June this year. During the visit, Mrs Bush said that they value their friendship with Singapore. "I want to tell you how important our relationship with Singapore is and how we value our friendship with the people of Singapore," she said. To welcome the First Lady, the library had specially set up a display featuring American writers. Mrs Bush said she wanted to visit the library because she used to be a librarian and reading is her favourite pastime. - CNA/so

Finally over!!

Bad feet and scantily dressed women are finally off my screen!!
I want those GREEN SHOES!!

Ride Emmitt Ride!

Yeap, MVPs have an effect on my kids!

They were doing the Emmitt ride!

Well Dancing with the Stars is FINALLY coming to an end, surprisingly to the same ending as last season. The NFL Football player verses a young punkster. Yawn.

I rather .. er.. er.... take a nap.

True

Part of life, rushing and waiting and rushing.

Rushed off from work in order to wait for an hour in the doctor's office, that was the precursor to a physical for a 3 year old!

"The doctor will be here any time, just be patient." Repeated, repeated, repeated.

One child fell asleep, the other began flipping through a magazine.
I reached for a copy of Business Week, Titled: How these kids made it. Young twenty-some are millionares. Whoopie! A few pages later, an article stood out, Change of Career. The article highlighted the trend of 35 to 45 crowd who made a dramatic change in lifestyles and careers. From CEO to a school teacher, a VP turned hearing aid supplier. This was what I took away,

"We are so damn busy rushing around, we forgot what we really want."

So true. Time for some reflection. What do we really want?

Just a reminder.

I thought of a picture posted during 2003, a coarse and disturbing picture from Iraq.


**********************************************
Yawn, football is on the tube.
Instead I am watching the Marines whoop Bobby Flay on Food Network.

Darn Democracy!

I guess we will celebrate a hanging!!

Too bad Sadman Hussein is guilty in 2006 instead of 1986, else the world will see more than just a hanging!
Let me recall some true experiences by survivors of Desert Storm.
- tie your hands behind your back and hang upwards
- whipping
- smashed fingers
- immediate extraction of finger nails.
- etc etc.
Too bad democracy works, even for the evil, he gets an automatic appeal. BS.

What was November 2005?

In a brief reverie, I wondered what happened in October 2005, was it cold, quiet, what was the topic of interest then.

Fortunately, my history can be retrieved with the click of a mouse, aka my archives. Briefly,
* the cleanup of Katrina continued,
* gas was about $2.50 per gallon,
* stupid journalists remained on the media train,
* White Sox won the World Series,
* Paul B was anticipating his return stateside,
* I was reporting games scores to a bbq-deprived-has his own personal pool friend overseas.
* Yeap the Steelers were plowing at the speed of NYC's snow cleanup crew on the first hard snow of the year!!
* The world witness the democratic elections in Irak Iraq, and remember the waves of purple fingers.
* October 12, 2005
Loads of corn entering the facility, moisture = 19.8%. 7% Shrink with $0.235 discount when corn was $1.58 this morning.Hmm... a little too wet?

Yawn, in October 2006, I am still watching football and soccer, this time I have a warm and tangible company. Oh, Fred can watch the games himself even in person too. Hahaha. I need to find my groove for rhyme, I think I lost it somewhere along the legal pathway during summer. *cracking fingers, lets see if I still have the mojo.

Cast away your fears,
I will only drink Rootbeer!

I have not returned to Frickers,
For fear of encountering err... witness.

Yes it is getting cold,
I can feel the pain, as I am old.

Yeap. It is coming back!!

In the meantime

In the meantime, I am drafting new entries, waiting for the next job opportunity, trying to stay warm, enjoying the laughter of my children, the licks of new "puppies", and hugs of a new love.

And waiting for Mr Fred to SAY SOMETHING!!

I have to share this beautiful picture

Please help halp thes boyz!!

The picture says it all.


On a personal note: I hope this act will be seen as a bravery. To their COs, "bugger off!"

I learnt a new ..er ... word.

John Kerry really opened a can of whoop-ass courtersy of himself.
I am having a difficult time restraining myself from insulting him. Fortunately, Matt at Blackfive.net has to wash his keyboard with soap before I do. (btw, he has links to interesting Halloween pictures. *wink *wink)

Here is an important public announcement, to the readers reader of this site, the blogosphere hereby award to John Forbes Kerry the distinct status of:

ASS-HAT

Class, let repeat, "ASS-HAT". Good!

Look up the fantastic video of this spectacular jer foo shi bastar idio baffo assho character at Scrapple Face . (Hat tip to Blackfive)

At this time I will like to retrieve a beautiful quote from the archives, directed at this special person, Mr Kerry.

"You are stuck on stupid!"

Ahhh .... Hat tip, General Honore.

His wife is rubbing off on him

Teresa (TERASAH) Kerry is obviously doing a fine job with her husband, now he is speaking like her!!!

"You know, education -- if you make the most of it, you study hard and you do your homework and you make an effort to be smart, you can do well.
"If you don't, you get stuck in Iraq."

*** A few erm...many.. choice words are emerged from the mental dictionary, none are publishable.

R, I am still looking for the transcript for the speech delivered on October 31, 2006.

Update: Found it

Read what darling W. said about the War in Iraq and GWOT,

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/10/20061030-4.html

Go on, click!!!

Pure disgust

Lost to the Raiders!
That is as bad as taking your grandma to the senior dance!

Who is bringing the bad karma? Were you at this game, Fred??
Hmmm.

My co-couch warmer had to laugh when I shouted "Bring in the Waterboy!" Should have remained outside freezing my nose moving leaves in the wind.

Brrrr!!

Brrr... it is cold...about 40F now. The trees are half-bald and my yard has been transformed into a sea of yellow and brown. (Although I cannot guarantee that all the brown are leaves.)

On the topic of weather, Singapore is a cozy 90F under a blanket of haze compliments of Indonesia's burning forests. The kids are cold but happy returning from their door-to-door begging for candy in the 40F rain. Finally dear dear Fred is cold in 80F weather, whereever he is now.

Yes Fredmeister, where are you?

Some/one of the reader is probably wondering why I have not commented on Dancing with the Stars this season. Well, this season is not a diverse group of victims. There are the younger participants who have had their share of dancing in their careers, Jerry Springer is wearing down his comedy act (almost a George Hamilton from last season), and then you have the football player. Emmitt Smith does not appall me, nor appeal to me. Emmitt is not Jerry Rice.
Why only football players? Basketball players are tooooooo tall. Booo! I would love to see Larry Bird do the rumba or the paso doble.
The professional dancers make the rookies look good. Just dance naked Edyta, WOW! ! Need I say more?

Who will I have in the next season? Hmmm.... how about a fantasy Dancing with stars.
My first pick is: JOHN McENROE. Pair him with a Russian (preferably heavy accented, Jerry Rice's partner. That will be entertaining).
Second Pick: ROSIE O'DONNELL, with Edyta. (go ahead laugh think of all the useless controversy)
Third Pick: GEORGE STEPHENOPOLUS, bring on the Cute short greek geek from Washington! I'll be merciful and pair him with Cheryl "darling" Burke.
Fourth pick: RICHARD SIMMONS, just to see him cry around Kym.
Fifth pick: SELA WARD, just because of her elegance. She will be lovely with Tony.

The remainder of the list is opened to the floor. I am sure we will have a fun list.
SO?? Start your keyboards, ask someone else. But bring the answers back here.

Missed and missed

On a quiet and solitary Friday evening, I took a detour on the way home from work to an old hangout. So many familiar faces. So many familiar old habits.

Yes, I was missed. After 8 years of pamper, the dear customers have to adjust to a new routine. (hehehe)

On the other hand, there are some I missed.

Thank you and Rest, Mr John B.

PSST... Told you so.

The temperature on my wireless weather system shows 33F.

It is COLD!

So cold that I am so glad I paid $$$ for the remote car starter.

Yeap, the cold season has moved in and there is nothing we can do about it.

On a different note, closure and freedom is good. (hehehe)

For all the 2 readers to this site, please welcome my dear dear friend home from the sandbox.

Fred meister, Hat Tip.
Welcome back to "All you can eat taco bell" and high price gas.

Told you so.

The average temperature range from 65F for a high to 40F for a low.

Trees have turned yellow, and starting to bald. Needless to say, "SUMMER IS GONE!"
Halloween is around the corner (maybe I'll dress as Marilyn Monroe), Thanksgiving is on the minds and homework of my 8 year old child. Winter coats have emerged from hiatus.

Sigh... life in the midwest, 4 seasons. Dont like it? Get the hell outta here.

Anyway, the children of the house are getting cabin fever and have voiced regrets of activities they should have taken up. Should have kicked more ball in the backyard, should have learnt how to ride their bikes, etc etc.

What else can I say, but "TOLD YOU SO!"

I told you it will get colder very soon. Maybe they will listen next year.

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Here is one for Mr Fredmeister,
Stay cool and stay sane,
Even in your absence,
Some things on Stateside stay the same.

Your patience with some bastards,
Is admirable,
But you cannot lose yourself to the predictable.

Nothing really exciting happening here,
Your precious Steelers has a bad start to the year.
Think instead of your vacation to Singapore.
yeah yeah, all the glorious food you can eat and more.

So keep your chinny chin up,
And use some Brillo on the Botak.
Hehehe, some things still dont change,
You stilll have a friend who is still the same.

******** ****** ****** ******* ******** ******* ******* ******

As The Fat Man used to say....

A reminder from my cyber calendar, September 21.


For some of the readers to this blog, you WILL know who is the Fat Man, aka Larry Hawkins.

Yeap, it has been 3 years since his passing.

We all miss him in some way, his sick sense of humor, his rough growl but mostly his words of wisdom. Someday we shall compile a book of his "wisdom".

Larry had a name for everyone, including yours truly.

If you remember the Fat Man and his lines, drop one or 2 here. The invitation is free to all.

Still thinking of you Fat Man,
Linny the Pooh.

I guess some things just dont change

What a month of September!!
Firstly, rushing preparations for school. You know, the school supplies, school clothes and shoes, and the endless sessions of meeting teachers whose names I do not remember. Really, I do hope I NEVER meet my children's teachers during the school year. I think my children are whimpy enough to stay out of trouble (crossing fingers, bad genes are involved).

Before the school bell tolled, it was the endless chatter of the local fairs. I have to complain on this topic, the Allen County Fair exceeded the fun factor over the Hancock County Fair.

Good: Allen County Fair had Mounties. Definitely a winner with the girls, uniform and a horse.

Good: Allen County Fair and the ever ever COOL FLIGHT SIMULATOR Featuring the Blue Angels, courtersy of the US Navy.

BAD: Hancock County Fair had health issues. I cannot pardon the omni-present dust or the tabacco smoke the vendors blow at the children. A quick survey shows many visitors who attended the Hancock county fair fell extremely ill.

BAD: The nagging chesty cough, painful fevers I brought home from the fair.

BAD: Passing out from the 2 Tylenols I took for the painful fevers.

BAD: The nasty side effects from the anti-biotics to rid of the BAD cough and fevers. CS said, "The cure is worst than the illness." Very true in my case.

VERY VERY PISSED OFF BAD: Having to eat my dinner 3 times, what a waste of good food, a side effect of the anti-biotics to rid the BAD cough and fevers from the fair.

Erhm... where is the Complain Jar? Taking notes there Mr Fair Board Person thing for next year?

***********************************************************

What does the month of September and the fairs have to do with the topic that some things don't change?

Year after year, I still dont like the smell of the steer barn or the hog pens or the ... you get the idea.

(Everyone ..... WHIMP! Yeah yeah, I grew up in the city remember?)

5 years later, September 7, 2006, as we posted flags at The Healing Field,(a tradition I hope to continue with my children) I am still mad and I still cried.

(Everyone ..... aww... pass the tissues)

5 years later, a dear family friend of my ex-in-laws, who butchered my name still remembers his embarassing tongue twister. And he still gave me a hug despite the separation.

(Everyone ..... AAAWWWWW!)

10 years later, recognizing me within an instance a friend's wife still flagged me down in a flood of people. Screaming my name loudly in public, erhm, more than once.

(Everyone .... laugh amongst yourselves, yeah yeah yeah, btw, we were at a fair with kids around!)

11 years later, my professor still shook my hand and gave me that "What have you done?" look.

(Really, Dr. Marquart, I DID NOT DO IT!! It is not my fault, this time.)

All these events lead to a simple conclusion:

I have not changed my hairstyle

What did you think I was referring to?

Oh yes, I still wear my pinky ring to match the smart-ass attitude.

6 degrees of Separation

For 5 years I had to explain the events of 9/11 to young ears.
For 5 years, I get mad that someone messed with MY New York City.
For 5 years, I realized that travelling is a lost cause.

For 2 years my children and I have volunteered at a Healing Field, posting flags while I try to instill the honour in those flags and their mission in life.

For about 6 degrees of separation, a theory that some people dispute, we are affected by 9/11/2001.
Vincent Gerard Halloran left 5 boys on September 11, 2001. His wife discovered she was pregnant September 12, 2001, later delivered a healthy baby girl.
His name is engraved on the missile designated for OBL.

You see, my childrens' cousins' Uncle is Vincent Gerard Halloran, Ladder 8, NYFD.

Stand tall. American Citizen or not, the world changed.

We will never forget, falter or FORGIVE.

Get them boys!!