Random Acts of Shifeness - May Day

• It's almost time to say goodbye to April and hello to May.
  Is there anything you are looking forward to in May? 

• I am really looking forward to the unofficial start of summer and Memorial Day weekend. And I am also looking forward to warmer weather. We had a rough, historic winter in Idaho and the spring so far hasn't been that great. Lots & lots of rain and it's still been pretty cold. Some days it feels like if it wasn't for the weather then I wouldn't have anything to talk about.
  Maybe Batman can hook us up with some sunshine.

• My favorite quote about the weather is from comedian George Carlin - The weather forecast for tonight: dark.

• Thanks for the birthday wishes. It was a good day. 
• Quote of the week - People gather bundles of sticks to build bridges they never cross. - Author unknown
• I tend to worry a lot about stuff that never happens and that quote was a little reminder that maybe I shouldn't do that. Someone much smarter than me said, "If you want to test your memory, try to recall what you were worrying about one year ago today." Knowing me it was probably wondering if I use the phrase "Cool beans" too much. 

• I honestly have no idea what I was worried about a year ago so I do need to stop. But I also need to eliminate "Cool beans" from the vocabulary. I use it way too often and it doesn't sound as awesome as it once did in 2007.
  Any suggestions on a replacement? Maybe "Chilly Legumes?"

Have a good one. Thanks for stopping by.

I will persevere. I will keep moving forward. I will be the stream. 

Random Acts of Shifeness - The Other F Bomb

• We have another "F" bomb that we say a lot in our house and that word is Frizzle.
  And, this week, her name was usually preceded by me taking the lord's name in vain.
  Or followed by something that rhymes with brother trucker.
  The Frizz was a busy girl.
  Here's a list of items she took care of this week: A squirrel, a grout sponge, two three bicycle helmets, a loaf of bread, a carton of eggs, a fully-cooked rack of ribs, and a laundry basket. 

• I will be celebrating another trip around the sun next week. Festivities will include a viewing of "The Big Lebowski," a few adult beverages, and being with my favorite people. 

• Speaking of my favorite people, here's one of Hayden's school pictures. Not too shabby.

• Quote of the week:
  No longer forward nor behind I look in hope and fear; But grateful take the good I find, the best of now and here. - John G. Whittier
• Recommendation of the week:
  A band called Lord Huron. I discovered them watching the Netflix show"13 Reasons Why" which featured their song, "The Night We Met." It is haunting, heartbreaking, and beautiful music. 

Well, that's it for this week. Have a good one and thanks for stopping by.



I will persevere. I will keep moving forward. I will be the stream.

Random Acts of Shifeness - F Bombs

• I have heard the "F" word thousands and thousands of times. And I have probably said the "F" word thousands and thousands of times. None of the "F" bombs really stand out in memory, but that all changed when I heard my 8-year-old say it. He was playing a video game with his friend and something didn't go his way so he said ... well I'll let Ralphie tell you:

• To make a short story even shorter, I had to write Ms. Frizzle in cursive. No problem, I thought. Wrong. I couldn't remember how to do a cursive Z. I had to look that up. "F' bombs were shouted with no regard for humanity.

• Has everyone seen the video involving United and the removal of a passenger from an overbooked flight? If you haven't, more details are here.
  Definitely not the best way to show customer service.
  It made me think of who gives me the worst customer service.
  The current winner in the clubhouse is AT&T. I have had a billing dispute with them since March 19. The matter was supposed to be resolved within 7-10 business days.
  Guess what isn't resolved?
  I have called 5 times and received a different answer every time as to why it's taking this long. The last time they told me it's my fault because every time I call to check on the progress it resets the 7-10 business day timeline.
  I look forward to call #6 and the newest excuse.
  Maybe it will be they can't help me because I have publically admitted that I like the movie "Sorority Boys."
  I might have Kyle get on the phone and let him drop a couple of "F" bombs to get their attention. 
• We need to end on something positive. The trailer for the next "Star Wars" dropped today. I dropped an "F" bomb punctuated with a "Yes" over my excitement.
  And it's also Friday. I guess we should celebrate.
   
  

That's all for the week. Thank you for stopping by and take care. 

I will persevere. I will keep moving forward. I will be the stream. 

Don't Worry, Be Happy

A lot easier said than done, but as I was looking at a few pictures of my kiddos, I realized that I just need to revisit these images when the "blue passenger" decides to stop by for a visit. And, just to be clear, I'm not feeling blue. I just wanted to share the pics of Kyle and Hayden just living in the moment and being happy. And if you need the photos to be a little bigger, clicking on them should do the trick.

We were parked near the airport to watch some airplanes land and Hayden was soaking up the sun and the wind while we waited. She seemed to be OK with that. 

This was Kyle at his birthday party. Kyle had a good time. As a matter of fact, he told me it was his best birthday ever. He has a great laugh and smile. I love it when I catch him enjoying the moment. 

And here's Ms. Frizzle. She's not making a happy face, but I thought this was a good reminder that every now and then you need to take a nap to recharge so you can make your happy face. 

And finally, Kyle and Hayden posing with their new Nerf guns and showing off their different negotiation styles. Hayden goes with the "my way or the highway" approach as she lets me know that there will be extreme consequences if I turn off her cartoons. Kyle prefers the "kill with kindness" approach to getting what he wants. 

Thanks for stopping by.









I will persevere. I will keep moving forward. I will be the stream.