My Thanksgiving Week

Normally, when I come home for my days off, it always feels way too short. This time, however, I got a much needed break. I had asked to get Tuesday and Wednesday off. Tuesday was to be Dakota's birthday party and Wednesday was to be Disney on Ice in Ft. Worth. Well, it started on Sunday. I got home around 1:30 pm and my friend Misty and her husband Craig came to pick me up. I got home to a kitchen that was destoryed. Melissa and I are trying to fix up my mom's house, and our first job was the kitchen. By the time I got home, all of the cabinets, counters, and appliances were out of the kitchen. I got home and helped finish the rest. My father in-law and an employee from his work were there demolishing the kitchen.

Just a side note, my father in-law, Rick, is the greatest guy in the world. He works a very stressful job and for him to help me, Melissa, or even my mother is a testiment to the kind of man he is. I told him a long time ago that having him in my life took the void of not having my own father there.

Back to my week. I had a delivery on Monday in Ft. Worth. I made my delivery around noon time, my company told me to go home, I asked if they had anything that needed to be delivered around the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They said they had two loads, so I agreed to do it so I could get the rest of Tuesday off, Wednesday, and possibily Thanksgiving. Dakota had her karate class later that day, and, for her birthday, they let her break a board. She did it!!!

Tuesday came, made both deliveries, and then off to Chuck E. Cheese. Dakota invited every girl in her class, plus friends from the Dallas Mom's Board. I think we ended up with ten kids. I met some folks whoose daughter shares a class with Dakota. I entertained them while Melissa entertained the folks who showed up. Dakota got some great things, but none greater than her own diary. She met Chuck E. Cheese and took pictures with him. Cadence even hugged him! Even though the party cost a lot of money, it was worth it.

Then came Wednesday, a true day off. Melissa and I took the kids to a catholic church over near Sandy Lake Park. One of Melissa's friends from the Mom's Board was there to take pictures of the kids. There, I met Preston. He was the photographer's son, and all he cared about was gathering leafs and jumping into them. When Cadence hogged his area, he got upset! He came and sat next to me, and we started to talk, hopefully taking his mind off the leafs. We talked superheros, movies, stuff like that. We left the area, went to McDonalds to have lunch. We got home, got Dakota changed for karate. We had a free day in karate for her to work on her skills. She's kicking better with her kicks. Of course, the karate place is trying to get us to spend money to get Dakota into the Black Belt Club. I don't think she's ready yet. Anyway, off to Ft. Worth for the Disney on Ice. We got out there, spent about $50 for food (we called it, having fun), and found out the hard way, I can barely fit into those seats. Time to lose weight......yeah, right! Anyway, the kids enjoyed the show, they got to see Mickey Mouse. Cadence sat in my lap the entire show.

Thanksgiving came, we headed over to the in-laws. My mother in-law is a traditionist when it comes to the holidays. She cooked up dinner for everyone, my father in-law helped her with little things. We ate, watched the Cowboy game, and slept over there that night. Melissa and I were going to hit the stores early in the morning. Before we went to bed, Dakota and I, plus Cadence, were laying in the guest room watching Smallville online. I think Dakota only likes the show because I do, but would never watch it on her own. I started getting sick around this time.

Friday came way too early. Melissa and I got up at 4:30 am, got dressed, and headed out to the abyss that is Black Friday. Our first stop, JC Penney. After going through the ads in the newspaper (I should correct myself, after my wife went throught the ads) we went out to get a few things. Next stop, dropping my off a Best Buy while Melissa headed over to Target. Mission Accomplished both places. Next, Chick-Fil-A, hey gotta eat! Next stop, Walgreens! Mission accomplished there too. Up next, Home Depot. I'll be honest here, I am not much of a guy. I don't know a thing about build stuff, I am not very savoy when it comes to tools. Either way, got what we needed there. We headed out to Allen to the Toys R Us out there. That place was a madhouse! I dared to get a cart, good luck with that! Anyway, we got in, we got out! Around this time, I was getting worse! We got back to the in-laws house, picked up the kids, and headed home. We talked about cleaning our room, but I was getting worse, and the Sci-Fi Channel was running a Mork and Mindy marathon all night.

Saturday came, still wasn't feeling any better. We agreed to take the kids to go see Bolt in 3-D. For some reason, I thought that meant going to the IMAX theater on Webb Chapel. Little did I know that Melissa wanted to go the theater in Plano. After dropping my mother off at the Addison Point, we went to see the movie. 3-D movies are way cooler now than they were when Jaw 3-D came out. The movie was good, I don't think Cadence saw much of it because all she cared about was getting the M&M's out of the popcorn. We left, Dakota and I picked up my mother, who was a little drunk at the time. We brought her back home, I pack up my thnngs, and Melissa took me to my truck, with a quick stop at Taco Bell/KFC/Pizza Hutt. After we said our goodbyes, I headed over to Fed Ex.

Sitting around Memphis all day with nothing to do

A few random thoughts as I sit in the wasteland they call Memphis, TN.

• Cowboys vs. Redskins: Throw the records out the door and let the big dog eat!!!
• Brock Lesnar is the UFC Champion. Randy Couture really dropped the ball last night
• Overnight driving sucks!
• I'd rather be home playing with Legos with the kiddos!
• Now that Obama is president, I say we all give him a chance. If it doesn't work, vote him out!
• Why is it that everytime I want to eat Chick-fil-A, it's Sunday!
• Linda Hogan is a bitch!!!
• No matter how great Brett Farve is, I still hate him!!!
• I heard Dakota beat two kids in her karate class. Next stop: WWE!!!
• Not looking forward to trading in my Volvo truck for a piece of shit Frieghtliner!!!
• I need a dog for the truck!!!
• It's the middle of November and Chirstimas stuff is everywhere!!!
• Maybe I can break my LEFT arm this year so I can take off December again. NAH!!!

Ran out of ideas!!!

A plea to women who are going to vote this year

When John McCain made his vice presidental choice this past Friday, people started saying, "This will get the Hillary vote!". The governer of Alaska, Sarah Palin, was chosen to help McCain in the election against Obama and Biden. She told a group at a Dayton, OH rally that even though Hillary Clinton had 18 million cracks, she was going to punch on through to the White House. As I was listening to CNN on the radio, women were emailing Wolf Biltzer and saying things like, "I wasn't going to vote for McCain, but his choice of vice president sealed the deal for me." Other things like, "I was a Hillary supporter, now I'm a Palin supporter!" were being said. That got me thinking, are women really going to vote for someone different just because she's a woman? Are they really going to compare her to Hillary? Think about all of the things Hillary fought for in her primary debates with Obama: equal wages for women, pro-choice for abortions, gay rights, the end of the Iraq war, etc. Sarah Pailin is none of these things! She is pro-life (basically saying that the government should be able to tell women whether or not they can get an abortion), pro-war (gloated about sending her kid to Iraq), and basically agreed with everything McCain had to say. Plus, she will allow religion to dictate her decisions when it comes down to governing. John McCain is telling the country that Obama has no experience, but her experience is no better. She was mayor of a city in Alaska that had over 7500 people. She was governor of a state that only took 100,001 votes to elect her governor. Plus, people who are heavily religous will not allow science to move forward, case in point, Bush's decision to not allow stem-cell research. John McCain turned 72 on Friday. He has had two bouts with skin cancer. If, for some reason, he were to die in office, we are leaving the country up to a woman who is, as she put it, "a hockey mom"? Women, remember when you vote this year, for those who backed Hillary and stood by all of her issues, this woman is not Hillary Clinton! This woman is a two year governor of a state that the majority of us don't even think about, whose anti-women rights (oddly enough), and the kicker, has only met McCain once! If you wanted Hillary in office because you believed in her, don't vote for Palin, or you will be more disinfranchised than you already feel.

Sitting around in Memphis with nothing to do

After one week of non stop driving, I arrive in Memphis with nothing to do until tomorrow. I thought I would throw out of few random thoughts.

The Cowboys better start getting their head right before they enter the regular season.

It's still a toss up for me as for which was the better movie for the summer, Iron Man or Dark Knight.

How could John McCain be that close to Obama?

I hope Artie Lange doesn't become the next John Belushi or Chris Farley.

When are the Texas Rangers going to spend some money and get some pitching?

Has anyone heard anything on the Mavericks since they got a new head coach?

Michael Phelps is awesome!

Dakota starts kindergarden in a week. It feels like it was yesterday when she was brought home from the hospital.

Elvis Presley is living proof that hillbillys don't need money.

Another wrestling pay per view is on tonight, and I couldn't tell you who was in the main event.

I need an Xbox 360!

How is a family of four going to be able to afford to go to a Dallas Cowboy game when the new stadium is built, and how will the NFL Blackout rule apply to a stadium that has over 100,000 seats?

Is Tony Romo still dating Jessica Simpson?

After going through New Mexico, I have one question: How in the hell did they find Billy the Kid?

I'm glad that Sirius and XM have merged, bring on MLB and fire Opie and Anthony!

Goodbye to a Comic Genius

When I turned 23 old, my folks took me out to Las Vegas to celebrate. My mother wasn't feeling all that great and my father and I wanted to party in Vegas. We saw that George Carlin was performing at the Mirage, so we both got tickets to see the show. George had recently did an HBO special called You Are All Diseased, so basically we were going to see the same act. Lucky for me, I missed the HBO show. Dad, however, didn't. He kept telling me that he had just seen this act last weekend and that the show wouldn't be all that great for him. I didn't care! I wanted to see the show. We got there and grabbed a table to sit at. Another couple joined us and we started talking. They were going on and on about how they saw all of these different Vegas shows this week and how they were not disappointed. Then, out of nowhere, I heard the wife say, "I hope he doesn't curse that much!" I looked over at Dad and we both started to crack up. Dad looked at them and asked, "Have you not seen Carlin's act before?" They both said not really. George came out, did about five or six different topics (each topic taking about 10 to 15 minutes) and before I knew it, those peole sitting with us were already gone. Dad said, "They couldn't handle it!"

In this P.C. world we live in, it was always nice to see an entertainer fly in the face of it. He took on topics like politics, religion, homelessness, security, phrases that people say, and much more. He would say that he found a place for the homelessness: Golfcourses! He would say it's phyically impossible to to pre-board, meaning you can't get on before you get on. Catchphrases like "easy as pie" or "simple as cake" would drive him crazy, and we laughed at his anger.

George Carilin will join the likes of comedians long since gone. Names like Sam Kinison, Lenny Bruce, Rodney Dangerfield, and Richard Pryor. His name shall remain immortal and his humor will always be timeless.

Thank you, George Carlin!

Ready for the Winter

Yes, I am one of those people who will bitch about the weather. It's hot out there! I'm in Montgomery, AL and I'm beginning to believe that if I go any further south, I'll be in Hell. I parked over here at a truck stop and saw that the Temp was 95 degrees and still going.

Melissa told me that we now own a Wii. No Guitar Hero though, so sad. Just kidding, at least we have a Wii. All we are missing is the Wii Fit and 100 excuses of not using it and we'll be okay. Believe me,, I as guilty of making excuses as Melissa is.

Dakota went to a Vacation Bible Study today in the Thunderdome that is the Prestonwood Baptist Church. Here is my question, do we really need a place that big to believe in God. Don't get me wrong, if you're a church goer, moe power to ya'! With a place that big though, I'm sure the NFL Blackout Rule should go into affect (1989 Cowboy fans would get that joke).

I talked to a few people I used to work with at Verizon today, and man, what a difference a year would make. They are going through a change in security contracts and it is going to affect a lot of people. Their Site Supervisor was forced back into the Control Room. They are going to cut eveyone's pay. Plus, everyone will have to give a drug test every two months. I talked to one guy who I first met when I started working there years ago, and he told me that he is going to go on a head and retire. Apparently, he's had a enough. I don't blame him.

Oh well, off to Mobile!

A Big Morning Surprise for the Kids

I got home late last night, around 2 a.m. Dakota knew I was coming home but I don't think Cadence knew. Before I left, Cadence and Dakota gave me one of their webkins (a lion named Harry) to take on the road with me. When Cadence woke up this morning, she noticed that Harry was laying next to her. She came into the bedroom and saw me and through Harry at me and said, "Here, Daddy!" So we got up, I made French Toast for the first time. I didn't make anyone sick, thank god! Melissa got up and we all had breakfast. My mom entered the room and I mentioned that we need to upgrade the house by removing the carpet in the kitchen and change our kitchen panelling. She, of course, blew it off and sent my wife into a rage. After Melissa and the kids left for a play date, I sat with mom and tried to explain to her why she needed to do this. My mother-in-law and I had talked earlier about have her come and talk to my mom about it, since I think the only person my trusts is her. I actually got my mom to agree to the changes, but she needs to talk to Toril. Hopefully, Toril can set things straight with my mom. Cleaned up a little in the house, the living room and my moms three rooms. Gonna go take a nap later, gotta drive back to Memphis tonight. Woo hoo!

The Search For The Wii

My wife, Melissa, is on a full scale search for the hardest product to find, the Nintendo Wii Fit. We are looking forward to getting in shape with this thing, but damn, it's hard to find. Hopefully, Melissa can find this thing before we head to Disney World.

Night Time Drivng Sucks

When I wanted to become a truck driver, I used to think traveling at night would be cool. I couldn't be more wrong! There is something about being awake at 3:00 in the morning and your body starts to shut down. I used to deal with this when I worked security at MCI. Walking around, doing security is far different from driving a big rig! I was driving from Blue Ridge, MO to Memphis, TN last night. I had an 8 a.m. appointment and I was way ahead of schedule. Around 2 a.m., I started looking for a place to park for a few hours. 2 a.m. passed by, then 2:30 a.m. passed, and my eyes were starting to close. Finally at 3 a.m. I found a closed weight station that was being occupied by other trucks to shut down. I set my alarm, to wake up around 5:30 a.m., knowing that I was only 80 miles away. I must of been exhauted because I never heard the alarm, and thanks to the Howard Stern Show on Sirius, I awoke at 6 a.m. It still left me enough time to get to my appointment. As I pulled into the reciever, my A/C went out. Now, I'm back in Memphis getting it fixed. Good Times!

My wife and I have talked about getting a Nintendo Wi Fit for the house. Those things are impossible to find, but if we find one, I told her to pick one up. My sister has one and she says it has done wonders for her. As I approach the milestone of 300 lbs, I know it would be useful for me when I get home.

I don't know where I'm heading next, probably more night driving, dammit!!!

Can't Get Home Quick Enough

I miss my kiddos! I hear that my youngest, Cadence, is getting braver in the swimming pool. I can't wait to take Dakota, my oldest, to go see Indiana Jones (man that sounds wierd). I remember two and half years ago, I took Dakota to go see the final Star Wars movie and she loved it. I remember at the end she turned to me and said, "Darth Vader is Anikan Skywalker?" I said, "Yes!" She replied, "It's a sad move!" She also mentioned that she might want to go back to the batting cages. I promised my youngest that when the new Superman movie is released, I'll take her to that. She loves superhero movies, must of got that from me.

As much as I miss my kids, I really miss my wife, Meliesa. Even though the two of us have grown somewhat apart due to my travels and priorities have changed when you have kids, seeing her face and getting the first hug reminds me of the girl I fell in love with after our first date.

Plus, three weeks on the road with my mother is killer!

Planning for Vacation in Ocean City, MD

July can't come any quicker! Can't wait to have my wife, Melissa, and two kiddos, Dakota and Cadence, to meet me in Memphis, so we can go to Ocean City, MD. My sister, Sheri, tellls me that Ocean City is a big-time vacation spot and that both her and her son Ryan will meet us there.

Man, gas has gotten out of control. When we were planning the trip, we decided that we were going to drive it from Carrollton to Ocean City. I saw price as high as $3.99 in the eastern states. There's no call for it. Some say the President has something to do with it. Some say that the oil companies are basically telling us, "What are you going to do about it?" I think it's all bullshit!

Vacation spots are going to be hurt this year. When I was growing up, my parents and I used to drive to Mrytle Beach every year, sometimes twice. We would see travelers who stay in Motorhomes, some tow their own trailer. I can only imagine how bad the Mrytle Beach Travel Park (where we stayed) is going to be hurt this year, and for years to come.

The cool thing is that Sheri has told me that the only expense (minus food) that we will have to deal with is gas. Can't wait for vacation!

What a Day!

If I could go back in time, it would be last night. I was parked in Indianapolis, IN at the Flying J. I had an appointment at Fed Ex at 2:00 in the morning. According to the contract that my company has with Fed Ex, the driver is to arrive at Fed Ex at scheduled time for staging, then leave no later than an hour later to deliver the load. We normally have 10 hrs. to deliver the load.

I set my alarm for 12:00....p.m! Oops!!! My mother, who rides with me from time to time, woke me up and told me I was running late. I awoke at 2:30 a.m., already 30 minutes late. I called to apoligze and get directions. They sent me directions to the facillity and I headed toward Fed Ex. I must of still been groggy because I swore my directions told me to exit Kentucky Rd and drive approx. 25 miles. I didn't see the . in front of the 25. Oops, again! So after I drove 50 miles to Fed Ex when it was only 5 miles away, I arrived at 4:00.

I needed to deliver this load by 12:00 p.m. or else I wouldn't be paid for the load. I left Fed Ex at 4:59 a.m. EST, heading to Memphis. I was 442 miles away and needed to get there 7 hrs. By car, this would be no big deal. In a commerical vehicle, when you enter the state of Illinois, the speed limit is 55. Well...I broke that rule. I was lucky I wasn't caught.

I arrived at Fed Ex in Memphis by 11:56 p.m., on time. I will get paid (Thank God!).