Catapult

May has been a blur so far.  We had a freak snowstorm when the month started.  I've been super busy at work putting together a huge estimate that finally went out today.  Feels good to really relax.  I caught the last hour or so of Gran Torino tonight.  It's gotta be one of my favorite movies.  Good story and Eastwood is perfect.

Anyone else notice the dandelion explosion that has occurred in the past few days?  I think you're supposed to hate dandelions. Sometimes I do, but this year they're awesome. They are so thick and bright right now. I don't remember ever seeing this many all at once. Spring is in full force.

Yay Saturday

Peace-
Matt

When it rains...

It pours…


It’s been a pricey month for us.

It started out with prom. Between the dress, shoes, nails, hair, etc, it cost us $500.

Angie hit a deer on the way home from work on April 2nd. We still don’t have her car back from the body shop, something about “the parts we finally received don’t fit”. The damn thing did $4,600 damage. Thank goodness for insurance. We only owe $500 for it. If it were one of the other cars, we’d be hosed. Liability only on the other three.

Speaking of insurance, Abby just got her license and has started driving. I added her to the car insurance. Between the deer and another young driver, I’m guessing I’ll see a $80-$100 month increase.

Still speaking of insurance, our home owners rate just went up $400/year. I called our agent. He says “it’s a volatile insurance market right now”. Really?

We finally got our taxes filed on Sunday. We owe $3,700. I guess we weren’t taking enough withholding out after Angie started nursing full time. No tuition payments and the increased income took us by surprise. Our fault I guess, but still…shit!

Abby’s wisdom teeth have been bugging her a bunch lately. Angie took her to the oral surgeon today. Of course, she needs to have them removed. That’s gonna cost us $1,100 up front.

I’m not counting the car repairs, gas for another driver, dentist visits, etc.

We could afford all of this no problem if our money tree hadn’t died in last summer’s drought.

The great thing about all of this is that Angie and I can laugh about it, and we do. It’s just money. It comes, it goes.

The rain though, it could stop any time.

Peace-
Matt

Prom

Prom night tonight.  Abby's been looking forward to it for a long time.  I guess prom is huge.  I don't understand the big draw though.  It looks like a bunch of over spending, stress, fighting, and nonsense to me.  Maybe that stuff is fun for girls.  I have no idea.

One thing that I do know is that someone is always late for pictures.  Most of us get there on time.  The rest of us wait a half hour for some inconsiderate a-hole that doesn't give a crap about anyone else.  Happens every single time without fail.

Today, we took prom pictures at Austin's house.  It was like a mini Bass Pro. Literally twenty some deer heads, a moose, some elk, a mountain lion, a leopard, and a musk ok.  This dude likes to go far away and shoot stuff.  Yes, I'm jealous.

Peace-
Matt

Bunch

Some random cellphone pics from the past few months. 

Peace-
Matt

Happy Easter

One of my lenten goals was to update Teabag more often.  You can see how that went.

It's been warmish the last few days.  Feels so good.

I hope you've had a great Easter today.  We sure did.

Peace-
Matt

Renewal

Spring begins Wednesday.  It’s starting to feel and sound like spring too, though slowly.  When I walked out this morning, it was snowing lightly, which always dampens sound.  It always seems more quiet when it’s snowing.  Anyway, it was quiet, except for the birds.  They know spring is nearly here and they sounded pretty excited about it.  It was a great way to start a Monday.

This is spring break week for us.  It seems that a lot of people travel this week.  I like going places, but not when everyone else goes there too.  I have no desire to be in Cancun or Orlando, etc this week.  Talk about crowded.  No thanks.  Early February would be a totally different feel, and more in line with the desire for a break from winter.  Hell, by the time spring break finally rolls around, it’s getting nice outside.  A little trip to the dock on Taneycomo does sound good though.

Aside from the first day of spring, Wednesday is also Robby’s death date.  He’s been gone for 18 years.  Those days feel like a dream to me now.  Time surely does heal.

Easter will be here in a few days.  Renewal. 

Peace-
Matt

Prep

Lent is here.  Time to straighten up and get right with the Lord.  I've got my work cut out for me.
Peace-
Matt

Solo

I found out Monday night that it was "Blue Monday".  I believe it because I felt the funk all day long.  The date calculation has something to do with weather, debt level, time since holidays, and a few other things.  Not sure that's where my funk was coming from though.  Glad it didn't last long. 

C'mon spring.

Peace-
Matt

Skunk

January is here.

Peace-
Matt