Friday, October 31, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLAYNE!!!!!!!!!
Blayne: Hope you had a wonderful day today and I know the next year will be awesome for you. I love you very much.
Auntie Carla
Auntie Carla
Happy Birthday Blayne
I love you son!! Hope you have a truly wonderful day, then an even more wonderful year!!I love you too FM!! I am so thankful that I was not aware of 1/2 the stuff you guys did with guns and rocks, etc; etc;!! As I read the stories, my first reaction is laughter, then I think, OMG... my kids did that?? Thanks for not sharing everything with me!! MOM PS: Are you liking my knowledge of the "new age" abbreviations:)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Thanks Uncle stosh
I remember that day well. I believe it was Uncle Joe.
I also remember you putting grandpa's double barrell 12 gauge shotgun in my arms when I could barely lift it.
The goal was to shoot a clay pidgeon behind Matt Lohse's parents garage.
I remember pulling the trigger one moment, and being forced backward onto my ass from the recoil.
Beau-Beau fired an SKS from a prone position when he was 4.
Thank you for the B-day shout out.
About 14 months ago, I listed as one of my goals to be a published author. Yesterday I was informed one of my pieces had been published on the movie, "The Secret's" website.
All in all, it's shaping up to be a pretty good birthday.
Forder, I would love to be at a haloween party with you tomorrow night, making spotie with dry ice.
Next year my friend.
Peace and Love
blayner
I also remember you putting grandpa's double barrell 12 gauge shotgun in my arms when I could barely lift it.
The goal was to shoot a clay pidgeon behind Matt Lohse's parents garage.
I remember pulling the trigger one moment, and being forced backward onto my ass from the recoil.
Beau-Beau fired an SKS from a prone position when he was 4.
Thank you for the B-day shout out.
About 14 months ago, I listed as one of my goals to be a published author. Yesterday I was informed one of my pieces had been published on the movie, "The Secret's" website.
All in all, it's shaping up to be a pretty good birthday.
Forder, I would love to be at a haloween party with you tomorrow night, making spotie with dry ice.
Next year my friend.
Peace and Love
blayner
Happy Birthday Blayner!
Blayner,
It's a day early but wanted to make sure I got a "shout out" to you for your birthday since tomorrow is Mission Day and I'm not sure what kind of time I'll have. Do you remember playing "army" way back then? I actually think it was Joe you busted in the head, but I can't remember.
The following cartoon should be entitled "you're good Master Chief". No golf, no running, no lifting has made Uncle a "fat ass". Wish you and Fordo were around to "push" me. Since this shoulder really started bugging me I've been pretty reluctant to work out. Oh well, now it's fixed and as soon as it's healed up I'll have no excuse.
Take care,
Love you both,
Uncle Stosh
Got to thinking, for the people who've never been in the service... you're probably scratching your heads. Here's some background: in the military we are required to take a physical screening test 2x/year. We have to run X miles (differs between services), do a minimum amount of push-ups and sit-ups in 2 minutes. We also have to either make it under the max weight for our height or they measure us to determine body fat. The larger your neck and the smaller your waist, the lower your bodyfat and visa versa - hence the cartoon.
It's a day early but wanted to make sure I got a "shout out" to you for your birthday since tomorrow is Mission Day and I'm not sure what kind of time I'll have. Do you remember playing "army" way back then? I actually think it was Joe you busted in the head, but I can't remember.
The following cartoon should be entitled "you're good Master Chief". No golf, no running, no lifting has made Uncle a "fat ass". Wish you and Fordo were around to "push" me. Since this shoulder really started bugging me I've been pretty reluctant to work out. Oh well, now it's fixed and as soon as it's healed up I'll have no excuse.
Take care,
Love you both,
Uncle Stosh
Got to thinking, for the people who've never been in the service... you're probably scratching your heads. Here's some background: in the military we are required to take a physical screening test 2x/year. We have to run X miles (differs between services), do a minimum amount of push-ups and sit-ups in 2 minutes. We also have to either make it under the max weight for our height or they measure us to determine body fat. The larger your neck and the smaller your waist, the lower your bodyfat and visa versa - hence the cartoon.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Hey Forder
Watch out for the box of cranberries. There are a few other items in there for you. I hope you enjoy the read.
I will keep my phone on and near on the 31st, if you get a chance. I will be at work from 0800-
I love you lots.
blayner
and dont forget to publish a picture of you with your chi-mo stash.
I will keep my phone on and near on the 31st, if you get a chance. I will be at work from 0800-
I love you lots.
blayner
and dont forget to publish a picture of you with your chi-mo stash.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
April's a Lt. Col.
Went to D.C. on the 23rd for April's pinning on the 24th. Had a great party after, danced with a 2 star, sang with his wife and generally had a great time. I do not believe I have seen that much brass in one place at the same time ever. There were several generals, multiple Col's, etc. I don't think I sat for more than 2 minutes all night. Saw the White House for the first time and went to the Navy Memorial where Uncle Stosh's picture is posted. That was pretty awesome. I ate oyster's on the half shell for the first time and have decided I like them quite a lot. I loved seeing all of the old buildings in old town Alexandria and just feeling the history of D.C. and the surrounding area. I will go to the Viet Nam memorial the next time I'm there for Uncle Chuck and to the WWII memorial for Dad/Grampa.
I really enjoyed seeing April and Kurt again. Robert flew in from Colorado so I got to spend time with him also. They are super and I don't see them often enough.
Ford, I am so pleased to hear you have less than 100 days left. Can't wait to see you again. I read and hear things about Iraq and wonder if it is you and your unit that is being referred to.
Anyway, take care of you and be safe.
Love,
Auntie Carla
I really enjoyed seeing April and Kurt again. Robert flew in from Colorado so I got to spend time with him also. They are super and I don't see them often enough.
Ford, I am so pleased to hear you have less than 100 days left. Can't wait to see you again. I read and hear things about Iraq and wonder if it is you and your unit that is being referred to.
Anyway, take care of you and be safe.
Love,
Auntie Carla
Happy Halloween!
That story made me laugh, Uncle Stosh! Happy belated birthday! Grandpa Tom kept us busy while he was here :-)...We had a great visit! Tehya and I hit the pumpkin patch with him and went to Beau's football practice. Oh ya, and Grandpa's first visit to a nail salon. Tehya got her fingers & toes painted green & yellow (pretty) and Grandpa got 2 orange thumbnails with a spider & a pumpkin on them. Tehya told him his were ugly 'cause boys were not suppossed to have them painted. She even sat through a movie with Grandpa (HS Musical 3). Her first time making it all the way through a movie in the theater. Tehya enjoyed staying at Auntie Kate's with Grandpa and then 1 night with just her and Auntie Kate. I almost didn't know what to do with myself with 1 week inbetween school terms and 3 nights with no children, but I figured it out. Tehya told me about getting to talk to you, Uncle Ford. I'm glad she got to.
We're getting ready to finally send you a package this week, now that our household has settled down a little (don't know if you know all Danielle's kids are back to her & we are back to just our family now, after 8 months). I finished my last full term of my Master's, now the last 2 classes I need are spread out between the next 2 terms and I of course saved 1 of my least favorite classes for last. It begins on Halloween and runs every Fri night from 5-10pm. Who puts a class at that time?! It's Blayne's day off so we are going to decorate for Halloween today (Grandpa got us a huge pumpkin and cornstalks). Then Blayne's taking Tehya to Beau's football game tonight while I work. He only has 2 games left and they've only lost 1. His team is doing great.
It's another beautiful sunny day here in WA. It was sunny most everyday Grandpa was here, so maybe Mauggie & he will want to move here afterall.....I hope you are doing well and we are getting excited to see you! It was nice to spend time with your wife this week! Tehya sure adores her! My Dad came to visit while your Dad was here and my Dad wanted a piece of Tehya's gum-she said there were only 2 pieces left and she was saving them for her & Auntie Kate.
Love you & god bless you and the troops!
Shanna
Saturday, October 25, 2008
LOL - Malk's post reminded me of a story.
We were young and STUPID! Some of the Lannans were out visiting (can't remember - think Joe and Zack were in on this stunt and Blayne - all of about 8 or 9 at the time). We decided to play "army" and were squared off against my buddy and next door neighbor, Matt and his team. I think it was Joe and Matt and some of our other friends on 1 team and me, Zack, a couple others and Blayne (cause we didn't know what else to do with him - tag along 9 year old wanting to play with a bunch of "grown men") on my team.
Well, to make a long story short - we played Army rough! ROCKS were hand grenades, I had my 22 pistol with blanks in it, think we used air rifles (only 1 pump allowed)... yep, as I started this story with - we were stupid!!! I remember Blayne throwing a "hand grenade" and bustin' someone's head open, I shot my buddy Matt at point blank range in the leg (he was wearing shorts) with my 22 (who knew it would burn his leg like that) and I got hit in the neck with a pellet - kind of embedded there until the guys got it out.
It's amazing that any of us have survived to tell these tales!
Take care Fordo,
Love ya,
Uncle Stosh
Well, to make a long story short - we played Army rough! ROCKS were hand grenades, I had my 22 pistol with blanks in it, think we used air rifles (only 1 pump allowed)... yep, as I started this story with - we were stupid!!! I remember Blayne throwing a "hand grenade" and bustin' someone's head open, I shot my buddy Matt at point blank range in the leg (he was wearing shorts) with my 22 (who knew it would burn his leg like that) and I got hit in the neck with a pellet - kind of embedded there until the guys got it out.
It's amazing that any of us have survived to tell these tales!
Take care Fordo,
Love ya,
Uncle Stosh
Friday, October 24, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
just saying hi...
Hey Fordo. It's been a while since I dropped you a note so just wanted to say I was thinking about you and I hope things are going well. Can't wait for you to get home and get your butt to Atlanta so we can do some "man stuff" with Eric.
I'm sorry to report that the climbing gym we used to go to in Atlanta closed down...guess they couldn't get enough traffic through there. No worries though, I've got a line on some natural outdoor top-rope climbing about 45 minutes outside the city so I'll go scout it out in the next few weeks and see what's up.
So what else...oh yeah...you'll like this one. About a month ago Eric was over helping me build some shelves in my attic and after we were finished, we grabbed a couple of chairs and a few beers and sat in the back yard chatting. It just so happens that we had my BB gun out and were taking shots at some cans to pass the time (I know...very redneck) and we found ourselves talking about you. After a few minutes of talking about you we went quite, looked at each other and had the exact same thought. LETS SHOOT EACH OTHER IN THE ASS LIKE WE DID WITH FORD IN TN! I can tell you, it was everything I remembered it to be and more. No broken skin this time but man did it still sting.
Zimmy - I know you'd be in if you were sitting there.
Tom and Corliss - Not sure if Ford ever told you that story but as loving parents I'm sure behavior like that might concern you so please rest assured we took all the appropriate safety measures...we were wearing socks and hats since it was pretty cold out and we didn't want to catch a cold.
Anyways, it brought back some good memories of you, Eric and I playing doc on Zimmy after we thought he had a BB lodged in his ass. I don't care what anybody says, Jack Daniels is still a perfectly acceptable antiseptic in a time of need.
Hope you are well my man. Be safe and see you soon!
Your little buddy,
Malk
I'm sorry to report that the climbing gym we used to go to in Atlanta closed down...guess they couldn't get enough traffic through there. No worries though, I've got a line on some natural outdoor top-rope climbing about 45 minutes outside the city so I'll go scout it out in the next few weeks and see what's up.
So what else...oh yeah...you'll like this one. About a month ago Eric was over helping me build some shelves in my attic and after we were finished, we grabbed a couple of chairs and a few beers and sat in the back yard chatting. It just so happens that we had my BB gun out and were taking shots at some cans to pass the time (I know...very redneck) and we found ourselves talking about you. After a few minutes of talking about you we went quite, looked at each other and had the exact same thought. LETS SHOOT EACH OTHER IN THE ASS LIKE WE DID WITH FORD IN TN! I can tell you, it was everything I remembered it to be and more. No broken skin this time but man did it still sting.
Zimmy - I know you'd be in if you were sitting there.
Tom and Corliss - Not sure if Ford ever told you that story but as loving parents I'm sure behavior like that might concern you so please rest assured we took all the appropriate safety measures...we were wearing socks and hats since it was pretty cold out and we didn't want to catch a cold.
Anyways, it brought back some good memories of you, Eric and I playing doc on Zimmy after we thought he had a BB lodged in his ass. I don't care what anybody says, Jack Daniels is still a perfectly acceptable antiseptic in a time of need.
Hope you are well my man. Be safe and see you soon!
Your little buddy,
Malk
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
100 Days Left!!!!!
Taking into consideration the latest information from Rear D....today marks the calendar, we are headed into "double digit days" - whoooo hooo!
Had to share this! The Lone Ranger and Tonto
Lone Ranger and Tonto
The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert.
After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.
Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, 'Kemo Sabe,
look towards sky, what you see?'
The Lone Ranger replies, 'I see millions of stars.'
'What that tell you?' asked Tonto.
The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says, 'Astronomically
speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially
billions of planets! Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in
Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately quarter past three in
the morning. Theologically, theLord is all-powerful and we are small
and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a
beautiful day tomorrow. What's it tell you, Tonto?'
'It tells me you're dumber than buffalo shit. It means someone stole our tent.'
Hope you laughed Fordo. Stay safe and see you soon.
Love,
Uncle Stosh
The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert.
After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.
Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, 'Kemo Sabe,
look towards sky, what you see?'
The Lone Ranger replies, 'I see millions of stars.'
'What that tell you?' asked Tonto.
The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says, 'Astronomically
speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially
billions of planets! Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in
Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately quarter past three in
the morning. Theologically, theLord is all-powerful and we are small
and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a
beautiful day tomorrow. What's it tell you, Tonto?'
'It tells me you're dumber than buffalo shit. It means someone stole our tent.'
Hope you laughed Fordo. Stay safe and see you soon.
Love,
Uncle Stosh
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Happy Birthday Stosh and Blayne!
Stosh 10/22/???? Blayne 10/31/???? Hope you both have great ones!! I missed seeing all you guys on this trip! Tom says he's taking pictures, but I much prefer the real thing. I love you Fordo. I am sooooo counting down! Love Mom
Getting to know my dad
My dad, affectionately known as "pappa" or "papi" flew in yesterday. He spent last night with Kate, at her and Forder's house.
They stopped by Jill's to pick Beau up and hang out.
At the same time, Shanna's dad called out of the blue, saying he was coming down.It was the first time our dads have met. A bit synchronistic I think.
I think they hit it off. Al is a builder, and my dad was a builder at one point in his life.
Somewhere during the course of the evening my dad and I got into a deep conversation about the current state of affairs, and the direction of our country. We talked about the core issues we face being 100% non-partisan. The truth is we are all in this together. When in comes right down to physics and quantum physics, we, and everything are made of the same "stuff" and we are all interrconnected. If you are a religous person, we are all children of God.
I learned my dad and I hold many of the same beliefs, and are both very passionate to see and be the catalyst for change in our country.
We spoke about grassroots activism. we spoke about self sustainability. We spoke about the need for radical change in our country. We spoke about the way to peace, and about those who understood the way to peace.
He mentioned his injury and surgery have forced him to slow down, and since doing so he has been learning and researching and reading.
I believe my dads fall from my brothers truck may have been thee catalyst for his own peronal awakening. He even mentioned the correlation.
Each and every day I am amazed at what happens in my life.
Today I got to know my dad at a more personal level than I ever have before.
I get to spend the next few days with him and I am excited.
Four years ago, being around me probably stressed my dad out. Not because he was any different, but because I went through a four year period of self-destruction that manifested itself in a variety of ways.
I am so greatful to be present, and in spirit so I can enjoy the time with the guy who selflessly took a spoiled four year old under his wing when he was 18, and turned him into what I am today.
I look forward to what the next few years will look like with my dad and I. We share alot of the same ideas and passions. I'm certain it will be an adventure, as well as a learning/growing opportunity.
Forder, God Bless You. Thank you for trying to create a more peaceful place for the Iraqi people to live and hopefully someday experience liberty.
Peace.
blayne
They stopped by Jill's to pick Beau up and hang out.
At the same time, Shanna's dad called out of the blue, saying he was coming down.It was the first time our dads have met. A bit synchronistic I think.
I think they hit it off. Al is a builder, and my dad was a builder at one point in his life.
Somewhere during the course of the evening my dad and I got into a deep conversation about the current state of affairs, and the direction of our country. We talked about the core issues we face being 100% non-partisan. The truth is we are all in this together. When in comes right down to physics and quantum physics, we, and everything are made of the same "stuff" and we are all interrconnected. If you are a religous person, we are all children of God.
I learned my dad and I hold many of the same beliefs, and are both very passionate to see and be the catalyst for change in our country.
We spoke about grassroots activism. we spoke about self sustainability. We spoke about the need for radical change in our country. We spoke about the way to peace, and about those who understood the way to peace.
He mentioned his injury and surgery have forced him to slow down, and since doing so he has been learning and researching and reading.
I believe my dads fall from my brothers truck may have been thee catalyst for his own peronal awakening. He even mentioned the correlation.
Each and every day I am amazed at what happens in my life.
Today I got to know my dad at a more personal level than I ever have before.
I get to spend the next few days with him and I am excited.
Four years ago, being around me probably stressed my dad out. Not because he was any different, but because I went through a four year period of self-destruction that manifested itself in a variety of ways.
I am so greatful to be present, and in spirit so I can enjoy the time with the guy who selflessly took a spoiled four year old under his wing when he was 18, and turned him into what I am today.
I look forward to what the next few years will look like with my dad and I. We share alot of the same ideas and passions. I'm certain it will be an adventure, as well as a learning/growing opportunity.
Forder, God Bless You. Thank you for trying to create a more peaceful place for the Iraqi people to live and hopefully someday experience liberty.
Peace.
blayne
On a similar note
and somewhat "coincidental" I think.
One of my co-workers showed me some work by a woman named Naomi Wolf. She is a 1984 Harvard grad. Followed by a Rhode's Scholarship to Oxford. She was the Editor of George Magazine, and is now a very well respected political activist, feminist, and author.
She has a 47 minute you tube video that spells out what has "happened" to us in recent history.
Her most recent book is titled, "Give Me Liberty, a Guide For the New Revolutionary..." I picked it up yesterday and I think it's going to be my next read.
She is very outspoken and has HUGE Ovaries. She has many very compelling arguments for open minded Americans.
What I didn't know, is there is current legislation in the works that if passed, could potentially label her and others who are calling BS on the current "system of things" as "terrorists."
Forder, I will see you soon my friend. We are almost in double digits!!!
blayner
One of my co-workers showed me some work by a woman named Naomi Wolf. She is a 1984 Harvard grad. Followed by a Rhode's Scholarship to Oxford. She was the Editor of George Magazine, and is now a very well respected political activist, feminist, and author.
She has a 47 minute you tube video that spells out what has "happened" to us in recent history.
Her most recent book is titled, "Give Me Liberty, a Guide For the New Revolutionary..." I picked it up yesterday and I think it's going to be my next read.
She is very outspoken and has HUGE Ovaries. She has many very compelling arguments for open minded Americans.
What I didn't know, is there is current legislation in the works that if passed, could potentially label her and others who are calling BS on the current "system of things" as "terrorists."
Forder, I will see you soon my friend. We are almost in double digits!!!
blayner
All's well. Thanks for the birthday rememberance!
As I write this I think I'm about 72 hours post op. They opened me up and cleaned out the calcium around my rotator. I actually haven't felt this "little" amount of pain in @ 5 to 10 years. No pain meds, no motrin, no nothin' - this is WAY cool.
Thanks Blayner, for the letter. I'm in your corner. We'll talk. And, right on with the post! I read that from Aunt Carla this morning - couldn't agree more.
Not completely sure but I think Tom found out that "my California" isn't quite what he was expecting. I think he was expecting LA when in reality I pretty much live out in the country. Whatever they decide about moving, it's going to be good seeing him and Coco more.
Fordo, hope all is well with you and the team. Stay safe out there.
Love you,
Uncle Stosh
Thanks Blayner, for the letter. I'm in your corner. We'll talk. And, right on with the post! I read that from Aunt Carla this morning - couldn't agree more.
Not completely sure but I think Tom found out that "my California" isn't quite what he was expecting. I think he was expecting LA when in reality I pretty much live out in the country. Whatever they decide about moving, it's going to be good seeing him and Coco more.
Fordo, hope all is well with you and the team. Stay safe out there.
Love you,
Uncle Stosh
A narrative to follow up on dads blog.
Dad. Thank you for what you wrote. You are right on. Radical change, to give back some of the decision making process to the common person is much needed.
Sometimes is takes courage to call bullshit.
I read an e-mail this morning that fits very well with what you said.
I will cut and paste it in it's entirety.
It doesn't matter what "party line" you follow. Please keep this in mind before you cast your vote on 4 November 2008.
545 PEOPLE...By Charlie Reese
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress.
In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault.
They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall.
No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.
When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ .
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way .
There are no insoluble government problems.Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.They, and they alone, have the power.They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bossesprovided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.What you do with this article now that you have read it is up to you, though you appear to have several choices.
1. You can send this to everyone in your address book, and hope they do something about it.
2. You can agree to vote against everyone that is currently in office, knowing that the process will take several years.
3. You can decide to run for office yourself and agree to do the job properly.
4. Lastly, you can sit back and do nothing, or re-elect the current bunch.YOU DECIDE, BUT AT LEAST SEND IT TO EVERYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK, MAYBE THEY WILL ALL DO THE 4 THINGS!
Sometimes is takes courage to call bullshit.
I read an e-mail this morning that fits very well with what you said.
I will cut and paste it in it's entirety.
It doesn't matter what "party line" you follow. Please keep this in mind before you cast your vote on 4 November 2008.
545 PEOPLE...By Charlie Reese
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered why, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered why, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress.
In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault.
They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall.
No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people.
When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red.
If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ .
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way .
There are no insoluble government problems.Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like 'the economy,' 'inflation,' or 'politics' that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.They, and they alone, have the power.They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bossesprovided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!
Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.What you do with this article now that you have read it is up to you, though you appear to have several choices.
1. You can send this to everyone in your address book, and hope they do something about it.
2. You can agree to vote against everyone that is currently in office, knowing that the process will take several years.
3. You can decide to run for office yourself and agree to do the job properly.
4. Lastly, you can sit back and do nothing, or re-elect the current bunch.YOU DECIDE, BUT AT LEAST SEND IT TO EVERYONE IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK, MAYBE THEY WILL ALL DO THE 4 THINGS!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
October
As Blayne said, October is a big birthday month for our family and we certainly include Miss Zoe in that equation. Happy Belated B-day Zoe. Looks like you and Kate celebrated just fine.
Your dad and Uncle Stosh have now had there shoulder's operated on. Tom's was very extensive but he is doing well and claims he is going back to work the 29th. Not sure his surgeon agrees but I'm thinking Tom will do as he pleases. Uncle Stosh had his surgery the 16th, has taken a total of 3 pain meds and you wouldn't know he had gone for surgery. He is doing exceptionally well. Say's the pain post-op is mild compared to what it has been for many years. I'm just glad they both had the surgery and can start feeling better.
I'm going to Washington DC for April's Lt. Col. promotion party. Can't wait to see her. Really hope you and Kate and the rest of our family can see April again sometime soon. She is an awesome young woman.
I love you Ford and think of you every day. Be safe and come home soon.
Love to all,
Auntie Carla
Your dad and Uncle Stosh have now had there shoulder's operated on. Tom's was very extensive but he is doing well and claims he is going back to work the 29th. Not sure his surgeon agrees but I'm thinking Tom will do as he pleases. Uncle Stosh had his surgery the 16th, has taken a total of 3 pain meds and you wouldn't know he had gone for surgery. He is doing exceptionally well. Say's the pain post-op is mild compared to what it has been for many years. I'm just glad they both had the surgery and can start feeling better.
I'm going to Washington DC for April's Lt. Col. promotion party. Can't wait to see her. Really hope you and Kate and the rest of our family can see April again sometime soon. She is an awesome young woman.
I love you Ford and think of you every day. Be safe and come home soon.
Love to all,
Auntie Carla
Which way to turn, right or left?
Omg...Tom Lannan is going to post something.
How do you get from Alaska to California, Washington or Oregon?
Drive south and when you get to the state lines, make an immediate left. Most people in these states, get lost turning right.....except of course for the Lannan/Olsen clan. Seriously, or should I say or garshdarnit, g-willikers, golly-g, after all, I'm Wasilla valley trash, just like Sarah....all of the Lannan clan, and of course I include the Wegman's and all readers of the Kate& Ford Blog, I know Janelle...that you do get lost turning right, but....it's ok, I love you. And big brother John...I know you get lost turning left, but you know how much I love you.
America is not broken; McCain and Obama are about a millimeter apart; Warshington (that's how I say Washington, garshdarnit)is broken. You might say, "how do we fix it?"....term limits of two terms and a twelve year wait before coming back as congressman, senator, or lobbyest. And also....eliiminate thier lifetime healthcare and pension, give them year for year pension and healthcare for time served, and that's it. Right now, the people in Washington are "career" and it shouldn't be that way, when Washington, Jefferson and Adams started it wasn't meant to be a career. Politicians would say that term limits happen with elections, but we know that isn't true, this could happen at grassroot level, none of Washington would vote on it, so there would be some lynching involved too.
Not serious about the lynching....but serious about the rest.
Ford, as always... every minute of every day - you are in my prayers. I love you.
Kate picked me up at the airport and the house looks AWESOME. She rocks as a general contractor and I am going to steal Baylor to Alaska, I see why you love him.
How do you get from Alaska to California, Washington or Oregon?
Drive south and when you get to the state lines, make an immediate left. Most people in these states, get lost turning right.....except of course for the Lannan/Olsen clan. Seriously, or should I say or garshdarnit, g-willikers, golly-g, after all, I'm Wasilla valley trash, just like Sarah....all of the Lannan clan, and of course I include the Wegman's and all readers of the Kate& Ford Blog, I know Janelle...that you do get lost turning right, but....it's ok, I love you. And big brother John...I know you get lost turning left, but you know how much I love you.
America is not broken; McCain and Obama are about a millimeter apart; Warshington (that's how I say Washington, garshdarnit)is broken. You might say, "how do we fix it?"....term limits of two terms and a twelve year wait before coming back as congressman, senator, or lobbyest. And also....eliiminate thier lifetime healthcare and pension, give them year for year pension and healthcare for time served, and that's it. Right now, the people in Washington are "career" and it shouldn't be that way, when Washington, Jefferson and Adams started it wasn't meant to be a career. Politicians would say that term limits happen with elections, but we know that isn't true, this could happen at grassroot level, none of Washington would vote on it, so there would be some lynching involved too.
Not serious about the lynching....but serious about the rest.
Ford, as always... every minute of every day - you are in my prayers. I love you.
Kate picked me up at the airport and the house looks AWESOME. She rocks as a general contractor and I am going to steal Baylor to Alaska, I see why you love him.
Friday, October 17, 2008
2nd Annual 1000 Island Fishing Trip
The mouth of the St. Lawrence river.
The United States on the left and Canada on the right.
Us in the middle.
A haven for Northern Pike.
This is our story.
It was Early.
Butt, we were off to a bad start.
Fishing was slow.
At both ends of the boat.
We were losing hope.
But there.
There on the horizon...
Bourbon. Appeared.
And the elders rejoiced.
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The End.
The United States on the left and Canada on the right.
Us in the middle.
A haven for Northern Pike.
This is our story.
It was Early.
Butt, we were off to a bad start.
Fishing was slow.
At both ends of the boat.
We were losing hope.
But there.There on the horizon...
Bourbon. Appeared.
And the elders rejoiced.
.jpg)
The End.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Good to hear your voice Forder
I was driving up Steamboat Island Road when I saw a number I didn't recognize right as I lost service.
Once I hit HWY 101 I saw I had a voicemail. I had this funny intuition it might be you.
It's funny. 5 minutes earlier of later and I would have been talking to you. I started to get sad and pissed off and then it hit me like it does all the time.
There is a higher purpose in everything.
I listened to the message a couple of times. Hearing a sense of peace and calm in your voice gave me some peace in my heart Fordo. Thank you.
I will tell Beau what you said about his grades.
Thanks for making my day kid.
I love you
I'm proud of you everyday
Peace and Love
Blayner
Once I hit HWY 101 I saw I had a voicemail. I had this funny intuition it might be you.
It's funny. 5 minutes earlier of later and I would have been talking to you. I started to get sad and pissed off and then it hit me like it does all the time.
There is a higher purpose in everything.
I listened to the message a couple of times. Hearing a sense of peace and calm in your voice gave me some peace in my heart Fordo. Thank you.
I will tell Beau what you said about his grades.
Thanks for making my day kid.
I love you
I'm proud of you everyday
Peace and Love
Blayner
Monday, October 13, 2008
Happy Birthday Zoe!! Way to go Beau!!
I am thinking that you had some influence on your nephew! I know his plan was to get good grades to make you proud! Hopefully next year you will be able to watch some of his games. Your Dad will be there next week so I think everyone will be on the sidelines cheering him on..except for you and I:( Next year!! Sounds like Kate and Zoe had fun. I am happy for both of them! I love you and can't wait to see your handsome face! Mom
Football and School Update
North Thurston Rams - 35
Timberline Blazers- 12
Beau sat out the first quarter because he missed part of a practice earlier this week.
He played defense for the rest of the game, and had several good tackles. He's super agressive and reads plays well.
He carried the ball four times, averaging 5-6 yards per carry, and provided a few key blocks that resulted in touchdowns.
Shanna worked tonight, so I was trying to handle Tehya "solo" at the game. She started to get out of control by mid second half, so Auntie Jill stepped in to the rescue.
She was passed out before we got halfway home.
On a more studious note, and something that will resonate with Uncle Ford, the kid has four A's and two B's at the semester break....im amazed
He's finally starting to understand he is smart and just needs to apply himself.
I love you brother.
Peace and Love
blayner
Timberline Blazers- 12
Beau sat out the first quarter because he missed part of a practice earlier this week.
He played defense for the rest of the game, and had several good tackles. He's super agressive and reads plays well.
He carried the ball four times, averaging 5-6 yards per carry, and provided a few key blocks that resulted in touchdowns.
Shanna worked tonight, so I was trying to handle Tehya "solo" at the game. She started to get out of control by mid second half, so Auntie Jill stepped in to the rescue.
She was passed out before we got halfway home.
On a more studious note, and something that will resonate with Uncle Ford, the kid has four A's and two B's at the semester break....im amazed
He's finally starting to understand he is smart and just needs to apply himself.
I love you brother.
Peace and Love
blayner
Happy Birthday
October is a month chock full of cool peoples birthdays. ZoeZoe of course (who has the exact same tattoo in the middle of her back as me...wierd!!) My oldest son Scott turns 25 today. Uncle Stosh turns very old in less than a couple of weeks, and then I turn slightly old on Halloween.
It's pretty safe to say October is the best month EVER.
On a different note
Green Bay Packers- 27
Seattle Seahawks -17
Fordo....I love you and am very proud of you. Every morning when I wake up to go to work at a job i'm not really to keen on anymore, I am inspired by thoughts of you, selflessly doing the work you do.
Thanks for inspiring me to keep on keepin on!!
I miss you and am really looking forward to seeing you.
cheers
blayner
It's pretty safe to say October is the best month EVER.
On a different note
Green Bay Packers- 27
Seattle Seahawks -17
Fordo....I love you and am very proud of you. Every morning when I wake up to go to work at a job i'm not really to keen on anymore, I am inspired by thoughts of you, selflessly doing the work you do.
Thanks for inspiring me to keep on keepin on!!
I miss you and am really looking forward to seeing you.
cheers
blayner
Zoe's BIrthday in Seattle
We did the piano bar, spaceneedle, the duck tour, pikes market, bainbridge island, Columia & St. Michelle Vinyard Tours- there's not much we didn't do, see, buy or...drink. We shopped, we danced, we laughed...it was the time of my life. Baylor and I are so sad that she has to go....he especially, as he thinks he and Zoe are BFF. Happy Birthday Zoe!!!! I love you and am soooooo grateful for the gift of, well - you.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
401-Keg
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you will have $49.00 today. If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you will have $33.00 today. If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today. But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you will have received $214.00. Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg. A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year. Another study found that Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year. That means that, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon! Makes you proud to be an American!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
At what point did I whine???
I simply stated - if you've got "the choice" of where you get to "plant" yourself, why would you live where it rains "all the time", where you make less money for doing the same job, where it costs you more to buy a house - and the upside potential of that house isn't nearly as high, etc... You made a good point m.e. - go wherever they are "when they need you". The rest of the time live where it's NICE and you can do the things you like to do!
The only reason I can think of that you would want to live where it rains constantly is that you want to be as close to your kids/grand kids as possible, or you needed to because of a job, commitments, etc. That's perfectly ok as long as you are aware of the "downside". You gotta do what you gotta do. But, if you've got choices then you need to look at the situation from all aspects.
This will be my last blog on this subject. Y'all know where I stand! I think you all should move to Cali!!! It doesn't get much better than this. 77F today with clear skys and about 10% humidity. Anyway, as I said - I've said my piece and now I'll shut up about it.
Fordo, I'm hoping you're doing well. I just went in this morning for my pre-op blood work and EKG. Can't wait to get to get this shoulder fixed so the "son of a gun" doesn't "bug" me all the time.
Hope you and your team are doing well!
Stay safe and we'll see you soon!
Love ya,
Uncle Stosh
The Vette asked me to pass along this message to you.
Ford (echo), bring Kate and come drive me!!! I feel the need for "speed". I'm soooo lonely. Your Uncle hasn't driven me for months!
The only reason I can think of that you would want to live where it rains constantly is that you want to be as close to your kids/grand kids as possible, or you needed to because of a job, commitments, etc. That's perfectly ok as long as you are aware of the "downside". You gotta do what you gotta do. But, if you've got choices then you need to look at the situation from all aspects.
This will be my last blog on this subject. Y'all know where I stand! I think you all should move to Cali!!! It doesn't get much better than this. 77F today with clear skys and about 10% humidity. Anyway, as I said - I've said my piece and now I'll shut up about it.
Fordo, I'm hoping you're doing well. I just went in this morning for my pre-op blood work and EKG. Can't wait to get to get this shoulder fixed so the "son of a gun" doesn't "bug" me all the time.
Hope you and your team are doing well!
Stay safe and we'll see you soon!
Love ya,
Uncle Stosh
The Vette asked me to pass along this message to you.
Ford (echo), bring Kate and come drive me!!! I feel the need for "speed". I'm soooo lonely. Your Uncle hasn't driven me for months!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
WA, CA, GA, AK, MEXICO
Hey M.E., I can relate to the snow, snow gear under school cloths, frost bite on your knees (couldn't wear pants to school) etc. I certainly don't want to live in that type climate again. Guess its all about choices and what makes you happy. I would dearly love having Corliss and Tom across the street from me so I could see them everyday. For that matter they could just move into my house and not worry about anything else. However, I know they want to be where Blayne and Ford are so I think they have some tough decisions to make. I think they will land where it best suites them.
Kate, you are an amazing young woman and I'm so glad my nephew found you. He is awesome isn't he? I think I just might be the luckiest Auntie in the whole world because I have two nephews that are so-o-o-o special and a great nephew and niece that are pretty awesome too.
I love you all,
Auntie Carla
Kate, you are an amazing young woman and I'm so glad my nephew found you. He is awesome isn't he? I think I just might be the luckiest Auntie in the whole world because I have two nephews that are so-o-o-o special and a great nephew and niece that are pretty awesome too.
I love you all,
Auntie Carla
WAOW.
WHAT abunch OF WHINERS:) At the University of Rochester Medical Center,where a psychologist/sociologist invented SADS - Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome where I was born and going back to grad school at the time of invention .
You're all talking about sunshine and rain. Throw in gray, cold, damp, snowy mush, and my easter corsage on my new spring coat dying before I got to church. Or wearing my snowsuit under my princess Halloween costume so it was very difficult to carry my wand and crown with any dignity. Yes. I did walk 17 miles to get to school :)
Now. here's the really sad news. When Nick and I went to Germany, the birthplace of our wonderful Katie-girl, we realized that our SADS Rochester was a SUNBELT compared to Germany. It never rained. Just constantly drizzled. And drizzled.
So, when we moved back to Rochester, with our brand new, first grandchild, perfect - yes, Ford, this is where I will attest to my Katie girl being more perfect than the Fordchild...............but I digress. We moved back and realized we really were in the sunbelt. Interestingly enough, our next location was CALIFORNIA.
Kate was at a very impressionable age, actually she was just very smart, and realized CALIFORNIA is the place to be. (granted she had only seen Germany and Rochester)
ok. so I'm digressing again. but this is just the best story....
Having read 17,000 articles on child psychology, I convinced Nick that it was important to give perfect-child-Kate input into the decision-making process of our move. So,we had her visit 3 preschools - she was 5 at the time.
She chose the Orange Co. elementary school. I beamed that I had raised such a precocious child. Until I asked why? and she said, "because I think I will look good in the school colors for cheerleaders uniforms".
My inflated ego sank. (don't you just love how children do that?) I then spent the next 2 years in CA negotiating what-to-wear conversations with a 5 year old Kate.
To this day, I don't know where she got this - look at Nick and my attire - but we are both very glad she has more style and panache than either of us.
So - my point?
Home is where you're planted. Or where you plant yourself - or life plants you. No matter where Mauggie and Tom-Tom decide to plant, it needs to be where they thrive, because we all want what's best for them
Nick is in MA and I'm in GA. Nick and I will go wherever they are, whenever they need us. As I know Corliss and Tom will do the same. We all took a vow at the West Point chapel to do that, wherever they are and whenever they need us.
We are so blessed to have the Lannan clan as in-laws.
I am in my 19th home. Not by design. but by happen-chance.
What I am responsible for is my happiness. My ability to contribute. My availability to my children. That includes you Fordman.
I love you. I am so proud of your decision to represent our country.
And represent the values of Tom/Corliss and Nick/M.E. and all of our families.
And , oh, did I mention your wonderful wife??????????????
lOVE YOU ALL. m.e.
You're all talking about sunshine and rain. Throw in gray, cold, damp, snowy mush, and my easter corsage on my new spring coat dying before I got to church. Or wearing my snowsuit under my princess Halloween costume so it was very difficult to carry my wand and crown with any dignity. Yes. I did walk 17 miles to get to school :)
Now. here's the really sad news. When Nick and I went to Germany, the birthplace of our wonderful Katie-girl, we realized that our SADS Rochester was a SUNBELT compared to Germany. It never rained. Just constantly drizzled. And drizzled.
So, when we moved back to Rochester, with our brand new, first grandchild, perfect - yes, Ford, this is where I will attest to my Katie girl being more perfect than the Fordchild...............but I digress. We moved back and realized we really were in the sunbelt. Interestingly enough, our next location was CALIFORNIA.
Kate was at a very impressionable age, actually she was just very smart, and realized CALIFORNIA is the place to be. (granted she had only seen Germany and Rochester)
ok. so I'm digressing again. but this is just the best story....
Having read 17,000 articles on child psychology, I convinced Nick that it was important to give perfect-child-Kate input into the decision-making process of our move. So,we had her visit 3 preschools - she was 5 at the time.
She chose the Orange Co. elementary school. I beamed that I had raised such a precocious child. Until I asked why? and she said, "because I think I will look good in the school colors for cheerleaders uniforms".
My inflated ego sank. (don't you just love how children do that?) I then spent the next 2 years in CA negotiating what-to-wear conversations with a 5 year old Kate.
To this day, I don't know where she got this - look at Nick and my attire - but we are both very glad she has more style and panache than either of us.
So - my point?
Home is where you're planted. Or where you plant yourself - or life plants you. No matter where Mauggie and Tom-Tom decide to plant, it needs to be where they thrive, because we all want what's best for them
Nick is in MA and I'm in GA. Nick and I will go wherever they are, whenever they need us. As I know Corliss and Tom will do the same. We all took a vow at the West Point chapel to do that, wherever they are and whenever they need us.
We are so blessed to have the Lannan clan as in-laws.
I am in my 19th home. Not by design. but by happen-chance.
What I am responsible for is my happiness. My ability to contribute. My availability to my children. That includes you Fordman.
I love you. I am so proud of your decision to represent our country.
And represent the values of Tom/Corliss and Nick/M.E. and all of our families.
And , oh, did I mention your wonderful wife??????????????
lOVE YOU ALL. m.e.
Sorry Nephew but what "I rest my case"???
Sorry buddy,
What about Beau/Tehya, you and Shanna, Jill and Paul, Fordo and Kate outweigh Sharon and I, Jeannie and Mom, Ricky and Nida, Wally and Gena? How do Seattle and Portland stack up against SF/Santa Cruz/Monterey and Yosimite? Oh, and you completely skipped over the fact that "IT'S ALWAYS RAINING UP THERE!!!"
See, thing is... your mom and dad, Sharon and I, Mom and Jeanie, Ricky and Nida, Wally and Gena... we're all "old". We like to do "old people things"... like jetski in 10 foot ocean surf, 4 wheel off big cliffs, etc. We're not into young people things like jumping off cliffs when skiing... ok, maybe we are but we end up wounded when we do, so it's best if we just stick to riding our motor cycles on black ice... ok that's not a very good idea either... so maybe we should all live where there isn't black ice or "slick wet pavement" so that when we "wobble" we don't fall down. Falling down sucks when you're old!
Bottom line is that you haven't convinced me. I'm still not believing that WA is a better place to move than CA. Your folks would make more $$$ here, could buy a bigger, better house cheaper here, and would ultimately live a better quality of life... HERE! They can fly up to see you a couple of times a month if that's what makes them happy.
I know it's important to Coco to be very involved in Tehya and Beau's growing up years. If that makes it worth it to live in the rain and overcast sky all the time then I'm supportive. Just know what you're getting into. When we lived there the first time Sharon went "really weird" on me. Turns out she has SAD. Without sunshine she was a real headcase. A normally "very upbeat and positive" woman turned into a sad, depressed, cynical person. Don't want to see that happen to anyone else in my family - it sucked!
Ask her and she'll tell you. It was bad. So bad that the last 2 times I was stationed in WA, I made her stay in CA and got home on the weekends when I could... that's how much I didn't want to live that "life" again. Three years folks! Three years that I was away from the person I care for the most in my life (except weekends I could get home). I'd do it all again tomorrow to avoid the life I lived when she was there with me in Washington. It was better to only see her a couple of days a week "happy" than to see her depressed every day of the week.
If you can live with rain and gloomy weather in order to be close to your kids and grand kids, then I say go for it. We'll come see you (and not only when it's nice - "no dig - although I have a million of them"). Just please, please think it over. You'll be moving close to your kids but to a place that has less "good weather days" than where you live now - and where you live now ain't all that great.
Love ya Blayner but I think from wages, housing costs (and upside potential) and weather position - CA wins out over WA. But, whatever your mom and dad decide, at least they will be closer than they are now.
OBTW: Your dad is suppose to visit here next week after he visits you guys for the weekend. Good luck with the WA "vote" after that ;-) Unfortunately (for my case) I see you're suppose to have a "decent" weekend this week so when he visits here he won't have just come from the "rainy" Washington we all know and "love". I think 80+F in October down here might just have enought of an impact though.
Once again, just my two cents!
Love ya all,
Stosh
What about Beau/Tehya, you and Shanna, Jill and Paul, Fordo and Kate outweigh Sharon and I, Jeannie and Mom, Ricky and Nida, Wally and Gena? How do Seattle and Portland stack up against SF/Santa Cruz/Monterey and Yosimite? Oh, and you completely skipped over the fact that "IT'S ALWAYS RAINING UP THERE!!!"
See, thing is... your mom and dad, Sharon and I, Mom and Jeanie, Ricky and Nida, Wally and Gena... we're all "old". We like to do "old people things"... like jetski in 10 foot ocean surf, 4 wheel off big cliffs, etc. We're not into young people things like jumping off cliffs when skiing... ok, maybe we are but we end up wounded when we do, so it's best if we just stick to riding our motor cycles on black ice... ok that's not a very good idea either... so maybe we should all live where there isn't black ice or "slick wet pavement" so that when we "wobble" we don't fall down. Falling down sucks when you're old!
Bottom line is that you haven't convinced me. I'm still not believing that WA is a better place to move than CA. Your folks would make more $$$ here, could buy a bigger, better house cheaper here, and would ultimately live a better quality of life... HERE! They can fly up to see you a couple of times a month if that's what makes them happy.
I know it's important to Coco to be very involved in Tehya and Beau's growing up years. If that makes it worth it to live in the rain and overcast sky all the time then I'm supportive. Just know what you're getting into. When we lived there the first time Sharon went "really weird" on me. Turns out she has SAD. Without sunshine she was a real headcase. A normally "very upbeat and positive" woman turned into a sad, depressed, cynical person. Don't want to see that happen to anyone else in my family - it sucked!
Ask her and she'll tell you. It was bad. So bad that the last 2 times I was stationed in WA, I made her stay in CA and got home on the weekends when I could... that's how much I didn't want to live that "life" again. Three years folks! Three years that I was away from the person I care for the most in my life (except weekends I could get home). I'd do it all again tomorrow to avoid the life I lived when she was there with me in Washington. It was better to only see her a couple of days a week "happy" than to see her depressed every day of the week.
If you can live with rain and gloomy weather in order to be close to your kids and grand kids, then I say go for it. We'll come see you (and not only when it's nice - "no dig - although I have a million of them"). Just please, please think it over. You'll be moving close to your kids but to a place that has less "good weather days" than where you live now - and where you live now ain't all that great.
Love ya Blayner but I think from wages, housing costs (and upside potential) and weather position - CA wins out over WA. But, whatever your mom and dad decide, at least they will be closer than they are now.
OBTW: Your dad is suppose to visit here next week after he visits you guys for the weekend. Good luck with the WA "vote" after that ;-) Unfortunately (for my case) I see you're suppose to have a "decent" weekend this week so when he visits here he won't have just come from the "rainy" Washington we all know and "love". I think 80+F in October down here might just have enought of an impact though.
Once again, just my two cents!
Love ya all,
Stosh
I didn't cry I am worried!
Loved your thoughts Katie Kate. I love more that you love my son so much!! You are both centered people with amazing things to come. I worry that the man who accused my son of aerating villages and killing citizens may become the next President of the US. The same man (with 14 other senators) voted against funding the troops in Iraq. That was happening when FM was having to hydrate his troops with IV's because they were running out of water. It makes it so much more personal when you have a dog in the fight! I do try to avoid politics and religion on this blog..but as MOM .. Please all of you who read this.. check out Obama's record on military funding.I also have to put a Blurb in for Sarah Palin. She is the best thing that has ever happened to Alaska. She routed out corruption and went across party lines to get things done. She has infuriated BIG OIL and ya know what? She has an 80% approval rating in alaska..That says a whole lot because we are a tough state!
she has suspended our gas tax for the next year and sent us an oil refund check in the amount of 1,200.00. This was an addition to the 2,250.00 permanent fund check we got. (That is for every man woman and child who is an Alaskan resident.)
Sarah is not a religious fanatic. She is Christian who practices tolerance.
she does not believe in abortion as a means of birth control. She also does not believe in and will fight against partial birth abortions. Please look up partial birth abortions and see if you can support them?? Obama does supports them. Enough Politiking. I only ask that you look at the values you own and then check out the candidates records. Kate, thanks again for loving my boy so much! I know that the feeling is mutual! By the way, he did get 1 spanking growing up and he never let me forget it! (This is like 3 years ago..) "Hey Mom , remember that time you hit me?" Not to mention that was the time he took out a "banned arrow" from the very highest shelf in the house and "accidently" stabbed his best buddy Nathan in the arm. In his mind it was justified because he was just showing Nathan how sharp it was or how it worked.. I forget the excuse..but it wasn't good enough for General Mom!! and he got his 1st spanking! I think he was 5 or 6?? Doubt he'll ever truly forgive me..and least until he gets a couple of blayne and ford JR's to deal with! Nathan did pay him back.. They were about 15 and we were skiing at Alyeska. Nathan dared Ford to take a jump off a cliff(somewhere they shouldn't have been)so Ford.. never to pass on a dare.. took the jump.. mouth wide open yahooing,, hit the ice.. and fractured all 4 molars! he was spitting enamel for hours! He was soo mad at Nathan! He had never had a filling and ended up with 4 root canals and crowns.. Nate won! Love you son. Come home safe. Mom
she has suspended our gas tax for the next year and sent us an oil refund check in the amount of 1,200.00. This was an addition to the 2,250.00 permanent fund check we got. (That is for every man woman and child who is an Alaskan resident.)
Sarah is not a religious fanatic. She is Christian who practices tolerance.
she does not believe in abortion as a means of birth control. She also does not believe in and will fight against partial birth abortions. Please look up partial birth abortions and see if you can support them?? Obama does supports them. Enough Politiking. I only ask that you look at the values you own and then check out the candidates records. Kate, thanks again for loving my boy so much! I know that the feeling is mutual! By the way, he did get 1 spanking growing up and he never let me forget it! (This is like 3 years ago..) "Hey Mom , remember that time you hit me?" Not to mention that was the time he took out a "banned arrow" from the very highest shelf in the house and "accidently" stabbed his best buddy Nathan in the arm. In his mind it was justified because he was just showing Nathan how sharp it was or how it worked.. I forget the excuse..but it wasn't good enough for General Mom!! and he got his 1st spanking! I think he was 5 or 6?? Doubt he'll ever truly forgive me..and least until he gets a couple of blayne and ford JR's to deal with! Nathan did pay him back.. They were about 15 and we were skiing at Alyeska. Nathan dared Ford to take a jump off a cliff(somewhere they shouldn't have been)so Ford.. never to pass on a dare.. took the jump.. mouth wide open yahooing,, hit the ice.. and fractured all 4 molars! he was spitting enamel for hours! He was soo mad at Nathan! He had never had a filling and ended up with 4 root canals and crowns.. Nate won! Love you son. Come home safe. Mom
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Did you watch the debate tonight? Did you cry?
Ok - here’s the thing. I’m not crazy, nobody panic. I’m fine, I swear. But I would be willing to bet that what I saw tonight was different than what you saw.
Our VP is visiting from NYC, I worked late and (as usual) Mom kept me company on my commute home. I got in and immediately turned on the debate, only in time to catch the last few comments and the closing credits…but what I watched brought me to tears. Normally, I would have ignored this portion of the debates, and opted for email, dinner and laundry (in that order)…but this time…because I was late and it was all I had (somehow feeling guilty for missing it)…I watched.
I watched as the wives waiting in the wings, joined their husband to network and “politic” the room. I watched strong women stand by their men and not just to support them as accessories, but to enable them to do their jobs, as true partners. They play a role. A very important, “in-the-background,” silent… but not so silent, role… and it got me to thinking.
For 28 years I have been all about being the woman my mother taught me to be. Strong, independent, educated and tough…. I don’t need a man to buy me a house; I will buy my own house. I don’t need a man to support me, I work and I contribute…thank you very much. I have a wonderful family that loves me and friends that support me. I am a rockstar.
And then I met Ford. And since you all know him, I won’t go into mind numbing flattery, but suffice to say – he changed my world.
But not all at once, like in fairytales…no, no…that’s not the way it ever happens, is it? He changed my world….. by not asking me to change mine. He’s changed my world, by being the first person to ever truly appreciate the “me” I was trying so hard to be. He knew my struggles, strengths and fears and signed up anyway, knowing, before I did…that the best was yet to come.
After years of being all that I could be (thank you army for the lending of catch phrase), I now find a greater good; a higher purpose, or at the very least, a peaceful calm. I may not be the star of this show, but I am proud. I am proud of my husband, I am proud of the son that he is, of the brother he is, of the friend that he is, of the soldier he is and most importantly of the man that he is. I too, support my husband – not as an accessory, but as his biggest fan, an advocate, a confidant, and a safe place to land when he is finally done saving the world.
Ford is kind of a hard act to follow….or at least keep up with. Perfect child who was never punished, hockey star, Westpoint grad, decorated special forces soldier, future medical student…..and on ,and on, and on….ad nausea. (Sorry sweetheart, its true) …needless to say, I lost him at perfect child who was never punished….but I digress….
In our married life, we’ve now been apart longer than we’ve been together (which the military will tell you is par for the course and civilians will tell you, is the secret to a happy marriage). All I know is this, I am very content to be the woman beside the man for the first time in my life, but I think it is only because of THIS man, this phenomenal, strong, charismatic, honest, fun, sincere, wise, loving man that is so amazing and easy to follow.
It doesn’t mean that I have given up who or what I want to be…. Instead, its feeling that I have met my match and am on a team, a team that is constantly motivating me to work hard and be strong, in order to give the best of myself every day, a team that I may not lead, but am damn proud to be a part of.
Our VP is visiting from NYC, I worked late and (as usual) Mom kept me company on my commute home. I got in and immediately turned on the debate, only in time to catch the last few comments and the closing credits…but what I watched brought me to tears. Normally, I would have ignored this portion of the debates, and opted for email, dinner and laundry (in that order)…but this time…because I was late and it was all I had (somehow feeling guilty for missing it)…I watched.
I watched as the wives waiting in the wings, joined their husband to network and “politic” the room. I watched strong women stand by their men and not just to support them as accessories, but to enable them to do their jobs, as true partners. They play a role. A very important, “in-the-background,” silent… but not so silent, role… and it got me to thinking.
For 28 years I have been all about being the woman my mother taught me to be. Strong, independent, educated and tough…. I don’t need a man to buy me a house; I will buy my own house. I don’t need a man to support me, I work and I contribute…thank you very much. I have a wonderful family that loves me and friends that support me. I am a rockstar.
And then I met Ford. And since you all know him, I won’t go into mind numbing flattery, but suffice to say – he changed my world.
But not all at once, like in fairytales…no, no…that’s not the way it ever happens, is it? He changed my world….. by not asking me to change mine. He’s changed my world, by being the first person to ever truly appreciate the “me” I was trying so hard to be. He knew my struggles, strengths and fears and signed up anyway, knowing, before I did…that the best was yet to come.
After years of being all that I could be (thank you army for the lending of catch phrase), I now find a greater good; a higher purpose, or at the very least, a peaceful calm. I may not be the star of this show, but I am proud. I am proud of my husband, I am proud of the son that he is, of the brother he is, of the friend that he is, of the soldier he is and most importantly of the man that he is. I too, support my husband – not as an accessory, but as his biggest fan, an advocate, a confidant, and a safe place to land when he is finally done saving the world.
Ford is kind of a hard act to follow….or at least keep up with. Perfect child who was never punished, hockey star, Westpoint grad, decorated special forces soldier, future medical student…..and on ,and on, and on….ad nausea. (Sorry sweetheart, its true) …needless to say, I lost him at perfect child who was never punished….but I digress….
In our married life, we’ve now been apart longer than we’ve been together (which the military will tell you is par for the course and civilians will tell you, is the secret to a happy marriage). All I know is this, I am very content to be the woman beside the man for the first time in my life, but I think it is only because of THIS man, this phenomenal, strong, charismatic, honest, fun, sincere, wise, loving man that is so amazing and easy to follow.
It doesn’t mean that I have given up who or what I want to be…. Instead, its feeling that I have met my match and am on a team, a team that is constantly motivating me to work hard and be strong, in order to give the best of myself every day, a team that I may not lead, but am damn proud to be a part of.
Too Many Decisions
Stosh,Carla, Blayne and ME...So here is my new plan..Cali in the winter/spring Wa.in the summer..and Atlanta in the fall! Are you all in?? I guess we could keep the house in AK. for the really hot summer months..Ak. never gets above 80 degrees. Stosh..I know you are absolutely right about the rain, I hear it from the kids all the time. I love you guys and mark my words..I won't be spending many more winters in Ak. Thanks again Stosh Sharon and Carla for the wonderful time in Mexico!! Hey, Thats an even better idea..Lets all move to Mexico!!
I rest my case
1. Beau and Tehya
2. Jill and Paul
3. Ford and Kate
4. Shanna and I
5. Mt. Rainier, Mt. St Helens, Mt. Hood, Mt. Bachelor, and the Columbia River Gorge
6. Rain Forest, Beach, and snow within 1.5 hours of each other
7. Seattle, Portland, Vancouver BC.
8. Seahawks, Mariners, Storm, Sounders, WHL thunderbirds, and Canucks three hours away.
9. Whistler Blackcomb
10. Oregon and Washington Coast.
11. Less traffic, less crime, less stressed out folks on the freeways.
12. Greeners, environmentalists, artists, community activists, and other assorted kind people.
13. A huge sense of community, with two "co-op" style food stores, amongst other things.
14. a good place to save up for your retirement to Cali or Wyoming or Texas.
15. Beau and Tehya
16. 16 hours by freeway to Cali...and about the same to Sheridan
17. A sweet farmers market in Olympia and Seattle for mom to sell her art and raspberry jam.
No disrespect to my uncle in the making of this list.
blayner
2. Jill and Paul
3. Ford and Kate
4. Shanna and I
5. Mt. Rainier, Mt. St Helens, Mt. Hood, Mt. Bachelor, and the Columbia River Gorge
6. Rain Forest, Beach, and snow within 1.5 hours of each other
7. Seattle, Portland, Vancouver BC.
8. Seahawks, Mariners, Storm, Sounders, WHL thunderbirds, and Canucks three hours away.
9. Whistler Blackcomb
10. Oregon and Washington Coast.
11. Less traffic, less crime, less stressed out folks on the freeways.
12. Greeners, environmentalists, artists, community activists, and other assorted kind people.
13. A huge sense of community, with two "co-op" style food stores, amongst other things.
14. a good place to save up for your retirement to Cali or Wyoming or Texas.
15. Beau and Tehya
16. 16 hours by freeway to Cali...and about the same to Sheridan
17. A sweet farmers market in Olympia and Seattle for mom to sell her art and raspberry jam.
No disrespect to my uncle in the making of this list.
blayner
Corliss & Tom to WA or CA
Hear, Hear brother. I'm all for Sis and Tom moving to California. I liked Stosh's reasoning too. However, also know how important Blayne and family, Ford and Kate, Jill, Paul and Beau are to my sis and her spouse so-o-o-o-o, tough decision. I'm selfish so I opt for California with bi-monthly flights to Washington. Hell, maybe we will get all of the Lannan/Olsen clan moved to California.
Ford Mike, what can I say. I think of you all the time and say prayers for your safety. I know you are o.k. but I still worry. Gramma misses you so much and every time I talk about you she gets big tears. She always asks me to send you her love when writing on the blog.
We took mom (gramma) to Jackson so she could do a little gambling on Saturday. On the way home we stopped in a little town called Waterloo. They have a restaurant called the "Waterloo" (go figure) and they have the best ever ribs, homemade pasta, bread, etc. Good martini's also. Anyway, when you get home we want to take you to this place. Think you and Miss Kate would really like it. For me, it's all about seeing you and Kate again. Can't wait!!!
Just a confirmation for Uncle Stosh. That fish WAS awful! I had Amber Jack in Florida many years ago and it was really good. This one was NASTY!
Bino (Jeffrey) and Melisa just had another baby boy. His name is Brett Jeffrey. Evidently 'little Wade' thinks his name is Shrek. Nancy e-mailed a picture and I forwarded it to Kate. She and 'big Wade' are doing well. Hope you get to see and visit with them when you get home.
We love you to pieces Ford Mike. Be safe!
Love,
Auntie Carla
Ford Mike, what can I say. I think of you all the time and say prayers for your safety. I know you are o.k. but I still worry. Gramma misses you so much and every time I talk about you she gets big tears. She always asks me to send you her love when writing on the blog.
We took mom (gramma) to Jackson so she could do a little gambling on Saturday. On the way home we stopped in a little town called Waterloo. They have a restaurant called the "Waterloo" (go figure) and they have the best ever ribs, homemade pasta, bread, etc. Good martini's also. Anyway, when you get home we want to take you to this place. Think you and Miss Kate would really like it. For me, it's all about seeing you and Kate again. Can't wait!!!
Just a confirmation for Uncle Stosh. That fish WAS awful! I had Amber Jack in Florida many years ago and it was really good. This one was NASTY!
Bino (Jeffrey) and Melisa just had another baby boy. His name is Brett Jeffrey. Evidently 'little Wade' thinks his name is Shrek. Nancy e-mailed a picture and I forwarded it to Kate. She and 'big Wade' are doing well. Hope you get to see and visit with them when you get home.
We love you to pieces Ford Mike. Be safe!
Love,
Auntie Carla
OK. Here's the deal.....................................
Move EAST y'all!!
Atlanta is lovely this time of year :)
And in winter, fall, spring...........OK Summer sucks.
But a good time to visit Wasilla!!
You've got Lannans' in the North, the West and the Southwest.
there is some seed-spreading needed on the East coast:)
fondly, mamawegs
Atlanta is lovely this time of year :)
And in winter, fall, spring...........OK Summer sucks.
But a good time to visit Wasilla!!
You've got Lannans' in the North, the West and the Southwest.
there is some seed-spreading needed on the East coast:)
fondly, mamawegs
Clarification!
In that picture your mom posted "you get the idea" I want to make it clear that I wasn't passed out. I was just getting a little snooze in after a "long" day. I think that might have been one of the days we spent 8 hours fishing (one of the two trips we made where we bounced around on the ocean for 8 hours and ended up catching 1 fish).
Speaking of which, you know what the most expensive fish in the world is? No?
Well, turns out it's Amber Jack Tuna - costs about $100/LB
($400 dollar fishing trip = 1-4LB fish) LOL. The worst part is we ate it and it tasted like crap.
Back to the picture - for the record, I didn't officially "pass out" until many more hours of partying had occurred - LOL!
Love ya,
Uncle Stosh
Speaking of which, you know what the most expensive fish in the world is? No?
Well, turns out it's Amber Jack Tuna - costs about $100/LB
($400 dollar fishing trip = 1-4LB fish) LOL. The worst part is we ate it and it tasted like crap.
Back to the picture - for the record, I didn't officially "pass out" until many more hours of partying had occurred - LOL!
Love ya,
Uncle Stosh
Hi Fordo
Sorry I spent most of my time typing reasons why your mom and dad should move to CA vs. "talking to you".
I hope you know we are thinking of you always and continue to pray for the safety of you and your team.
I go in for surgery on my shoulder next week so my typing is going to be limited to "left hand hunt and peck" for a while. Don't hold it against me if future blogs are a little short. I'm sure it's going to piss me off not to be able to use my right arm for a while. Oh well, you do what you've got to do, right?
Take good care of yourself and those who serve with you!
We love you,
Stosh
I hope you know we are thinking of you always and continue to pray for the safety of you and your team.
I go in for surgery on my shoulder next week so my typing is going to be limited to "left hand hunt and peck" for a while. Don't hold it against me if future blogs are a little short. I'm sure it's going to piss me off not to be able to use my right arm for a while. Oh well, you do what you've got to do, right?
Take good care of yourself and those who serve with you!
We love you,
Stosh
15 reasons Tom and Corliss should scrap the idea of moving to WA and move to CA instead.
#1 - You don't develop webbed feet from all the rain!!!
#2 - Year round motor cycle riding weather!!!
#3 - Lots of fishing to be done (year round also).
#4 - NO SNOW!!! - Very little rain!
#5 - It's only 1hr 45min/$160 (just checked this today) round trip plane ride to WA, and then after your visit you can come back home to NICE weather - at that price and the extra money you'll make working in CA you can go a couple of times a month if you want to!
#6 - The Giants, the A's, the 49ers, the Raiders, the Warriors, the Kings, the Sharks, oh did I forget the Thunder (hockey), the Ports (baseball), the Lightning (arena football), the Cougars (soccer) semi-pro teams right here in Stockton ($7 to $20 for tickets).
#7 - Stockton weather report - today 82F/clear sky, tomorrow 80F/clear sky, Thursday 72F/clear sky, Friday 72F/clear sky. Warming up next week to the low 80s/high 7os again with "you guessed it" CLEAR SKY.
#8 - SEATTLE weather report - today 60F/showers, tomorrow 56F/showers, Thursday 52F/sprinkles, Friday 56F/rain.
#9 - The Bob Hope Theater (where we'll be seeing Bob and Tom's comedy all stars this month) that seats @ 1000 and there are no bad seats! We get some "top name talent" there at reasonable prices. We've seen Weird Al, Ellen Degeneris, Dennis Miller, Wayne Brady and numerous others there (guess we're into comedy).
#10 - San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Yosemite, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, Lake Tahoe - all of which I remind you can be enjoyed without an umbrella!
#11 - Home prices!!! You can buy now for half of what homes cost 2 years ago! Prices will return to previous values but it will take a while. WA hasn't taken the kind of hit we did so buying in there will cost more and the upside isn't nearly as favorable.
#12 - $$$ - jobs pay well in WA, jobs pay REALLY well in CA!!!
#13 - Tom, Ricky and I could flip some foreclosed houses and make BIG BANK!!! I'm thinking there is a quick $50K or more in a lot of these homes if we fix them up a little (I'm talking paint, carpet and a little interior repair - well inside a months worth of work). I'm actually just waiting for Ricky to get done "being retired" (he's leaving for an Oregon salmon fishing trip tomorrow) and we're getting going on this anyway. Sure could use an extra hand when we get started though - (Tom???).
#14 - Whatever you're in to, we've got it - from craft shows to craftsmen shows, museums, night life, outdoors stuff, indoors stuff... it's all here!
#15 - Your crazy brother and his lovely bride, your sister and mom all live here! We'd love to have you join us :-)
I could continue with reasons upon reasons why you should move here but I need to get back to work. SUNSHINE has a way of making everything else just "stuff"! It makes you truly feel that "life is good" no matter what's going on with the economy, in the nation or around the world.
It's a balmy 82 here today; sun shining, birds chipin', dogs barkin', cat baskin' on the window ledge kind of day. Think I'll drop the top on the Vette and go take a spin (oh that's right, I gotta charge the battery LOL).
Not trying to disrespect my family in WA or where you live - but let's face it, "your weather sucks." I've lived there for a total of about 3 years and it rains/is overcast and gloomy all the time.
Come on Sis - if you're thinking of moving then move to somewhere that weather doesn't restrict you from doing what you want to do when you want to do it! "Californy is the place you ought to be, so y'all load up that truck and move to Beverl... I mean Stockton"!
Just my two cents! Without bringing up kids and grand kids, I want my family in WA to convince you that the Seattle area is where you should move. If you can overcome the positives of living in Cali I've laid out here, hell, I might move there too. Just remember, I've lived there before so you can't "snow" me (or should I have said "rain" me - lol).
Love ya Sis, (love you all)
Stosh
#2 - Year round motor cycle riding weather!!!
#3 - Lots of fishing to be done (year round also).
#4 - NO SNOW!!! - Very little rain!
#5 - It's only 1hr 45min/$160 (just checked this today) round trip plane ride to WA, and then after your visit you can come back home to NICE weather - at that price and the extra money you'll make working in CA you can go a couple of times a month if you want to!
#6 - The Giants, the A's, the 49ers, the Raiders, the Warriors, the Kings, the Sharks, oh did I forget the Thunder (hockey), the Ports (baseball), the Lightning (arena football), the Cougars (soccer) semi-pro teams right here in Stockton ($7 to $20 for tickets).
#7 - Stockton weather report - today 82F/clear sky, tomorrow 80F/clear sky, Thursday 72F/clear sky, Friday 72F/clear sky. Warming up next week to the low 80s/high 7os again with "you guessed it" CLEAR SKY.
#8 - SEATTLE weather report - today 60F/showers, tomorrow 56F/showers, Thursday 52F/sprinkles, Friday 56F/rain.
#9 - The Bob Hope Theater (where we'll be seeing Bob and Tom's comedy all stars this month) that seats @ 1000 and there are no bad seats! We get some "top name talent" there at reasonable prices. We've seen Weird Al, Ellen Degeneris, Dennis Miller, Wayne Brady and numerous others there (guess we're into comedy).
#10 - San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Yosemite, Half Moon Bay, Monterey, Lake Tahoe - all of which I remind you can be enjoyed without an umbrella!
#11 - Home prices!!! You can buy now for half of what homes cost 2 years ago! Prices will return to previous values but it will take a while. WA hasn't taken the kind of hit we did so buying in there will cost more and the upside isn't nearly as favorable.
#12 - $$$ - jobs pay well in WA, jobs pay REALLY well in CA!!!
#13 - Tom, Ricky and I could flip some foreclosed houses and make BIG BANK!!! I'm thinking there is a quick $50K or more in a lot of these homes if we fix them up a little (I'm talking paint, carpet and a little interior repair - well inside a months worth of work). I'm actually just waiting for Ricky to get done "being retired" (he's leaving for an Oregon salmon fishing trip tomorrow) and we're getting going on this anyway. Sure could use an extra hand when we get started though - (Tom???).
#14 - Whatever you're in to, we've got it - from craft shows to craftsmen shows, museums, night life, outdoors stuff, indoors stuff... it's all here!
#15 - Your crazy brother and his lovely bride, your sister and mom all live here! We'd love to have you join us :-)
I could continue with reasons upon reasons why you should move here but I need to get back to work. SUNSHINE has a way of making everything else just "stuff"! It makes you truly feel that "life is good" no matter what's going on with the economy, in the nation or around the world.
It's a balmy 82 here today; sun shining, birds chipin', dogs barkin', cat baskin' on the window ledge kind of day. Think I'll drop the top on the Vette and go take a spin (oh that's right, I gotta charge the battery LOL).
Not trying to disrespect my family in WA or where you live - but let's face it, "your weather sucks." I've lived there for a total of about 3 years and it rains/is overcast and gloomy all the time.
Come on Sis - if you're thinking of moving then move to somewhere that weather doesn't restrict you from doing what you want to do when you want to do it! "Californy is the place you ought to be, so y'all load up that truck and move to Beverl... I mean Stockton"!
Just my two cents! Without bringing up kids and grand kids, I want my family in WA to convince you that the Seattle area is where you should move. If you can overcome the positives of living in Cali I've laid out here, hell, I might move there too. Just remember, I've lived there before so you can't "snow" me (or should I have said "rain" me - lol).
Love ya Sis, (love you all)
Stosh
I seriously need your input about us moving down there
You now have to fill in the fifteen reasons why you think I should or should not move down there. Good, well thought out plans only! Plese respond by the end of the week. Thanks If you don't respond that will make me think that it is a bad idea...Then I'll go curl up in a ball cry! Poor MoM :( Looking forward to seeing and hearing from you.
Monday, October 6, 2008
oops!
Just read my note! Can't believe that I don't know how to spell absence!! That is what I get for writing notes when I am tired and emotional. I love you very much Fordo! Come home soon! Mom
15 Reasons why Mauggie should live in WA!
1. Costumes
2. Party dresses
3. Babysitting
4. Hanging out at Beau's Ballgames
5. Tutoring Beau...and I know he loves that!
6. Teaching Tehya how to sew, knit etc.
7. Helping out JB and Paul with the kids activities(give Star a break!)
8. Hang out with my new girl Kate and help her as much as possible in FM's abcense
9. Hang out with my boy Blayne and help him out with whatever I can.
10.Help Shanna get her new house organized the way she wants it. Fix Beau and Tehya's bedrooms, plant a yard and do some pretty landscaping.( One of my passions is organization) the other is gardening so i think I could be of help!
11. Spend time getting to know my kids and grandkids!
12. Be able to call and see If someone wants to do something at the drop of a hat!
13. Spend quality time when ever any one is game!
14. Spend time planning get togethers without worrying how many hours we have to fly and how expensive it is.
15. Because I don't want to spend anymore christmas's alone!
2. Party dresses
3. Babysitting
4. Hanging out at Beau's Ballgames
5. Tutoring Beau...and I know he loves that!
6. Teaching Tehya how to sew, knit etc.
7. Helping out JB and Paul with the kids activities(give Star a break!)
8. Hang out with my new girl Kate and help her as much as possible in FM's abcense
9. Hang out with my boy Blayne and help him out with whatever I can.
10.Help Shanna get her new house organized the way she wants it. Fix Beau and Tehya's bedrooms, plant a yard and do some pretty landscaping.( One of my passions is organization) the other is gardening so i think I could be of help!
11. Spend time getting to know my kids and grandkids!
12. Be able to call and see If someone wants to do something at the drop of a hat!
13. Spend quality time when ever any one is game!
14. Spend time planning get togethers without worrying how many hours we have to fly and how expensive it is.
15. Because I don't want to spend anymore christmas's alone!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Mauggie inspired me to participate...
We just got back from a Superheroes Birthday party for a five year old friend of Tehya's. I found out 2 days before the kids were supposed to dress up and I worked Fri. & Sat so costumes weren't really happening. Tehya said that's all right if we need costumes, Mauggie can make them :-).
Anyways, we cut capes out of sheets last night and Kyleigh & Tehya wore matching dresses they have and magic wristbands to activate & deactivate their wonder powers, as the WonderTwins. Anyone remember them? They played pin the badge on Superman, broke a Superman pinata, and sprayed about 40 cans of sillystring on the "Villians". There were about 23-25 kids at that house-Whew. We are all now tired out... and wired on sugar so Tehya is not closing her eyes for that nap she needs.
Love to you all and God bless!
Shanna
Anyways, we cut capes out of sheets last night and Kyleigh & Tehya wore matching dresses they have and magic wristbands to activate & deactivate their wonder powers, as the WonderTwins. Anyone remember them? They played pin the badge on Superman, broke a Superman pinata, and sprayed about 40 cans of sillystring on the "Villians". There were about 23-25 kids at that house-Whew. We are all now tired out... and wired on sugar so Tehya is not closing her eyes for that nap she needs.
Love to you all and God bless!
Shanna
Saturday, October 4, 2008
So where is everybody??
Come on guys!! the boy needs to know all of his fans are still out there! By the way..my next door neighbor had her baby. 8lb.8oz.baby boy with lots of hair!
His dad got to come home for 24 hours! HOO-AH Go Army:( They do annoy me at times! She really wanted to learn how to make raspberry jam so Tom and I had her/baby and her parents over for jam making and dinner. They are visiting from AZ. By the way kids and family..we made 67 jars. it is yummy..I know cause I kept sampling! FM.. We adore you! Stay smart and safe. Love Mom
His dad got to come home for 24 hours! HOO-AH Go Army:( They do annoy me at times! She really wanted to learn how to make raspberry jam so Tom and I had her/baby and her parents over for jam making and dinner. They are visiting from AZ. By the way kids and family..we made 67 jars. it is yummy..I know cause I kept sampling! FM.. We adore you! Stay smart and safe. Love Mom
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