Growing Up

Got the Maxima back today. $1,082 for a tune up, one new injector, and 6 new injector seals. I feel violated.

Alex had a good time at her dance on Saturday night. Is it just me, or do you think her dress is too short too? Her birthday was yesterday. All she asked for from us is "more leniency". She wants us to be less strict. She wants to be able to go on a date now and then, and maybe to a "guy friend's" house. I told her today that all of her guy friends aren't just. They all want it to go further. But, of course, she knows way more than I do about everthing. I'm just lucky to be walking upright I guess, and not slobbering all over myself.

It was in the 50's today. Madeline built her first snowman solo. I pulled in the driveway when she was finishing up. She was so proud of herself. She did a heck of a job too. I think she would have preferred help, but her sisters were too busy sitting in the dark watching tv or on the computer.

Peace-
Matt

Kidney for Sale

I received a heck of a birthday gift from my father in law. He took pity on me and my winter woes, and bought me a round trip ticket to Florida for 3 days of warm air and photography. Wow, what a nice surprise. I fly down on 2/16 and back on 2/19. Thank you Vince & Marie!

Angie and I met, this morning, with Abby's principal and school counselor. It was a good meeting. Her counselor was prepared and has a good plan set in motion to help us, Abby, and her teacher all get along. I have faith that things will improve from here.

When I drove to work Thursday, the temp in the van read -24 deg F. It's supposed to be in the 30's (above zero) tomorrow, and maybe hit the 40's on Sunday. Sweet.

Alex has her first formal dance at school tomorrow night. I don't remember going to dances when I was a freshman. Things sure have changed. She had over 3500 text messages last month. I remember actually talking to my friends when I was her age. She texts instead of calling. They all do.

We got the Maxima into the shop. As I suspected, it was the injectors. They replaced all of the injectors seals, but it now is missing. They think it may be a bad injector. It's still in the shop, so we're down to one car for the weekend. I'm guessing it will cost just under a grand. I guess I don't need both kidneys.

I still haven't taken the van in for an estimate on the front bumper. Right now I've got some gorilla tape holding it together. Classy, I know.

My brother in law, George, and I are going to run in the Red Flannel Run in downtown Des Moines in a couple of weeks. We're doing the 3 mile run. It will be my first official run. Should be a good time, especially if it's above zero.

Peace-
Matt

Blue Monday

It's Monday, and I'm still bitching. I cut a fat chunk of skin off of my finger while doing dishes yesterday. It's been 24hours and it still hasn't quit bleeding. I guess I should call the doctor? I hate to do it, because I really can't afford a $50 bandaid. Why was I doing dishes you ask, when I just spend almost a grand installing a dishwasher and I have two perfectly healthy daughters who could do it? Good question!!!!

Today is Blue Monday. Wikipedia says :"Blue Monday is a name given to a date calculated to be the most depressing day of the year." "The date was calculated by using many factors, including: weather conditions, debt level (the difference between debt accumulated and our ability to pay), time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action. "

Makes sense to me.

Snake Eyes

**Attention - Bad Attitude rant with lots of cussing and sarcasm. Read at your own risk**

It's been a damn cold winter this year. Probably all the global warming.

I'm having a hard time having a good attitude lately. Life is getting to me.

The Maxima smells like gas. I think one of the injectors is plugged/bad. The van is making some kind of popping sound. Sounds like it's something in the suspension. Yesterday I clipped a snow drift pulling out of a driveway and ripped the van's front bumper open. I'm pretty sure the obscene fucking ridiculous bullshit cold had something to do with it. The plastic bumper was brittle and the snow was hard as stone. That will probably cost me what $800?

Abby is having a rough time with her life. She's a tough kid to get along with. She's extremely emotional, is very self centered, and thinks everyone is out to get her. She can't see that she brings most of her trouble onto herself. We put up with it well at home, and try our best to work with her. Her classmates don't give a shit though, and don't put up with her like we do. Her teacher doesn't either. Her teacher is a bitch.

Patriots won again dammit.

I turn 39 on Thursday.

Tomorrow's Monday too. Yipee, I can't fucking wait to go to work.

See, I told you my attitude is bad.

Playoffs

Will somebody please beat the Patriots already!!!

I've added a link to my running log. No, you shouldn't care.

Have a good week,

Matt

Dragging

January always seems like the longest month of the year to me. I'm so ready for spring.

My goal for 2008 is to run 500 miles before my 40th birthday (1/24/09). I've got 490 miles left. I hate running indoors, and especially on a treadmill. It seems to take so much longer than it does when running outside.

Abby and Alex got their semester report cards this week. They both got all A's and B's. We couldn't be more proud of them.

Peace-
Matt

Heat Wave

We've been due and it's been nice