Kontan’s Place

Well this sucks…

I’m sitting in Charlotte airport. My flight was supposed to board at 5:05. It is now 8:17 and my original flight was canceled. I’ve already typed this post once, but had to stop typing when a gate change announcement was made. When I clicked publish the ‘net reset itself and the post was lost. Really…this is not fun. I know cuz has to think I’m ridiculous for being frustrated, but I WANTED TO BE WITH DJEMBE FOR THE NEW YEAR! I have come to an acceptance of the sitch. I don’t like, and I don’t have to…but there is nothing I can do about it. I like the new location better. The ‘net isn’t reseting every few minutes.

We had a great morning touring the monuments in DC, but I’m ready to be home.

The Lying in State of President Ford

I really should be in bed, but I wanted to share this. We spent today finishing up our home hunt then drove to DC for a quick look around. We arrived and searched for parking around 4 or so. By 5 we had found a place to park and discovered that GRF would be arriving soon. After a little discussion we decided it would be really cool to experience this event. So…we decided to join the line while it was still early and fairly short. GRF was supposed to arrive around 6 and the public was supposed to be able to enter the Capitol Rotunda by 8. We joined the line around 5:15 and entered the Rotunda sometime after 9, but before 10.

After standing in line for several hours we were finally allowed to move forward to the security area. After going through that checkpoint we stood in the designated area on the steps of the Capitol where we formed another shivering line. This was another opportunity to wait and the point at which we begin to wonder if this was worth it, thinking “might as well, we made it this far.” When the line finally began to move into the Capitol the mood shifted to one appropriate for such a memorial. As we entered the Rotunda we were awestruck by how beautiful our Capitol truly is and how spectacular the coffin shrouded in the American flag looked in the center with the various guards. We followed the path circling around President Ford and paused for the changing of the guard. To seem so simple, it was an amazing event for me to watch. I was touched by the mood of those present and the honor of the event.

Even though it was a chilly evening and long wait, I have to say it was worth it. We met some really neat people in line. A couple and their teenage daughter from one of the Carolinas. He was retired Navy, and his wife was from Brazil. They had an entertaining daughter who thought this was the coolest thing, but after several hours realized that we were waiting and waiting for the opportunity to walk past the casket. She quickly got over the reality and realized that it was pretty cool. There was also the nice people from Kentucky and the guy from the Georgetown/Foggy Bottom area. He was attending George Washington University, working and going to school. He too decided at the last minute to join this adventure. My favorite line friend was Gene. Gene was from San Antonio and a fan of GRF. He came to DC specifically for the memorial service. A truly genuine man with such a sweet personality. I enjoyed talking with him and also observing his remembrance of Gerald Ford.

Despite the fact that this was an impromptu decision and that I probably haven’t made much sense relaying it to you, it is something that I am truly thankful we participated in.

Day 1 in DC

Actually we are just outside of DC. Being the hotel snob that I am I must say this is a very nice hotel. They gave us the requested room type w/o issue, there is a lot of space, and this chair/ottoman is all kinds of comfy. I’m sitting here watching the news coverage of Saddam Hussein’s execution. I am truly shocked that this day has finally arrived. I don’t know why I am shocked, but I am. Maybe shocked is the wrong word, but I am having trouble believing it. I want to say that at least something good is coming from our current situation in the Middle East…but it is hard for me to call this something good, even though I know how horrible this dictator was. There is something to be said for swift punishment.

It has been a long day. We arrived shortly after lunch time, checked in, and then went on the housing hunt. Expensive place to live, but it looks like cuz will have a really great place to work. I’m hoping this will be “the opportunity” for him. I am completely devastated though…the Smithsonian National Museum of American History is closed for renovations! There will be plenty to see…although we have little time to sight-see…but still

Time to get some rest though…Kontan jou.

Early bird I am not

It is unbelievable how quickly vacation passes. I plan to enjoy my last few days of freedom. Tomorrow I fly to Washington DC. It is an 8 AM flight and we need to be at the airport much earlier. I must say, I am not looking forward to getting up at 5 AM. Necessary. It was supposed to be a fairly calm time in DC, not a lot of people and all…the Gerald Ford had to up and die. Not like it was planned, but I am VERY thankful that our arrangements were made early. Unfortunately this trip will not leave too much time for exploring the city, but I am still hoping for great photo ops. I hate not traveling with Djembe. My cousin and I have a blast and I know the trip will be fun, but it is just not the same as exploring with Jem. This is a trip I hope we will have the opportunity to do together sometime.

Happy day after Christmas

We finished off the turkey today. It was so yummy! My applause (hugs and kisses) to the cook! I take care of sides, for the most part, and Djembe handles the main dishes. He is a wonderful cook and the turkey was absolutely perfect. So was the dressing for that matter. He does a great job sealing the flavor and coming out with a juicy and tender turkey. There is no dish worse than a dry turkey.

BIL left this morning. We had a relaxed day and the rain stayed away. We had lunch out and then went to see A Night at the Museum. Pretty decent family movie. If you are not familiar it is movie where a divorced dad (Ben Stiller) is hired as a night guard for a very strange museum of natural history. He not only has to keep people from trespassing in the museum at night, but he has to keep the museum displays from completely destroying the place at night. In this museum history truly comes alive after dark. The night guard is helped by the featured exhibit, Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams). After somewhat figuring out how to keep order Stiller has to battle three former guards who are not quite ready to give up their job. I’ll not give up too much info here, but it is a really cute movie. Many times, with movies like this, the preview gives up the whole entertainment value of the movie and there is little left for amusement. Not the case in this movie. Very little that I would say is not fit for the whole family. Pretty decent movie and one I would recommend if you want a humorous family film.

On the agenda for tomorrow…BIL2 will be coming for a day visit.

I’m off to visit a few blog friends that I have been neglecting and then to download more music to my Zune! Loving it!

. . .and a happy new year!

What a great day! Holidays are stressful with excited kids and the pressures of family, but today was a good day. The girls had a Christmas blast. Last nights candlelight service was spectacular and really set the mind for a wonderful Christmas day. I think we chose the right gifts for the girls. Getting the girls portable DVD players worked well since the weather has been icky all day. During the breaks in the drizzle they were able to try out their new bikes. I’m a little bit afraid of Robosapien and his Robopet, but Barbie Mermadia and the weird fairy things with the interchangeable body parts seem pretty cool. I have thoroughly enjoyed Jem’s special gift to me…

Zune!!!

It is the coolest thing. The memory storage is HUGE. (30 GB) It can also hold video, pics, and play radio frequencies. I’m really still learning all it will do, but so far it is a really neat toy and sounds great.

It has been nice having Djembe’s family here. The noise level is a little higher, but it is worth it for them to have valuable time together. The BIL surprise was a hit for MIL. It is really great for the girls to see their Grandmother. Although, I really think it is Tiki that is being spoiled the most. She has really taken to BIL, and MIL raises dogs so she naturally spoils them.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday.

Smiles!

Merry Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Vacation Day 5 and a little weird news

My house is clean. The decorations are freshened and in order. My BIL is here. I’m going to bed now. LONG day.

Ok…So I’m not going to bed. This story was just too weird not to share.

Texas Teen Fights Removal of Bullet From His Forehead
Friday, December 22, 2006

PORT ARTHUR, Texas — In the middle of Joshua Bush’s forehead, two inches above his eyes, lies the evidence that prosecutors say could send the teenager to prison for attempted murder: a 9 mm bullet, lodged just under the skin.

Prosecutors say it will prove that Bush, 17, tried to kill the owner of a used-car lot after a robbery in July. And they have obtained a search warrant to extract the slug.

But Bush and his lawyer are fighting the removal, in a legal and medical oddity that raises questions about patient privacy and how far the government can go to solve crimes without running afoul of the constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

“It’s unfortunate this arguably important piece of evidence is in a place where it can’t be easily retrieved,” said Seth Chandler, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center. “You have to balance our desire to convict the guilty against the government not poking around our bodies on a supposition.”

Investigators say that Bush was part of a group of gang members who broke into a used car lot and tried to steal vehicles. According to police, Bush tried to shoot businessman Alan Olive, and when Olive returned fire, a bullet struck the teenager and borrowed into the soft, fatty tissue of his forehead.

full story here

IMO- Remove the bullet. It will prove you are innocent if you truly were sitting on your couch when a stray bullet came through the window.

This definitely goes into the category strange and weird.

Happy News

I get so sick of reading the news each day and reading nothing but negative news. So I went on a ‘net search and found Happynews.com.

From their site:
The Christmas season is a time of tradition. Trees go up, families gather for meals, stockings are hung, and media companies invariably indulge in their time-honored reflection, the Top 10 List.

So read over this list and remember, don’t let anyone tell you the world is a dark place. Don’t give in to the culture of fear that is being advanced everywhere you look. Realize that right this very moment, all over the world, a million kind deeds are being performed.

The first story is about a brother and sister who were separated during the holocaust and recently reunited. Another story concerns a 5 year old who was fortunate enough to catch a snapshot of the California Condor. Unfortunately they didn’t include the photo, but it was a cute story. One of my favorites is about a group of ladies who meet to organize charity projects for their communities. Not enough of such activity at the private level. One that I really want more info on is the Google free book downloads.

I’m off to explore happynews…

Click here if you would like to read the top ten stories.

Vacation day 4 and my Christmas list

Shopping is done! Well mine. Djembe has a few things to do. Totally uneventful day. Picked up necessities at the store and purchased gifts for my MIL. BIL arrives tomorrow and MIL Sunday. It is going to be a full weekend, but I am looking forward to it. What is it about an arriving MIL that puts a body into gear? Maybe it is just me. Honestly, whether or not my house is spotless really doesn’t matter. She is just happy to be seeing her grandkids. We really get along well. I really wouldn’t be comfortable if things weren’t in order.

Now for part II…I’m tired, let’s make it quick. Jem wants to know what I want for Christmas and doesn’t believe me when I say there isn’t anything that I truly want. I was taught that if you don’t want for anything you will not be disappointed. Good philosophy, but to make things easier I will create a list of things that would be neat to have.

1. An English bulldog. I think they are adorable and I would name him Winston.

2. A playmate for Tiki. Maybe another dachshund. We could name it Zildjian and call it Zilly.

3. But seriously…I really like the MP3 on my phone but a separate player that holds more music, and is compatible with my Rhapsody subscription, would be nice.

4. Those cute brown boots at the Bass place. Slim heel, pointed toe. Not a wedge heel. Just not into the wedge.

5. Hmmmm…a pocket trumpet. Oh that would be fun.

6. I really have no idea…I love relaxing bath stuffs.

7. New living room furniture.

8. Gym membership.

9. Seriously, I am grasping at straws here. I don’t know.

10. I have everything I need. It is really a great place to be.