What to do with the tax refund???

While many people have the notion of what they will do with their tax refund check, like

• Buying a motorcycle,
• Taking a trip to Hawaii,
• Getting that new wide screen HDTV,
• Or even a new really fast gaming computer,

I have a much more humble idea of what to do.

I have been making a list of things I need to get with my return. Here are just a few items I would like to get if I actually get a refund check:

• 14 pair of socks (so I have two pair for every day),
• New shoes for each of the kids,
• Paying my XM bill for a year, (this is a want, not a need)
• An oil change and air filters for both vehicles,
• A big bottle (or two) of Tide, not generic detergent,
• 4 pair of socks for each Child,
• Some little tank tops for Bridget to wear under her shirts,
• Baseball shoes and sandals for each kid,
• The dog needs to get his shots at the vet,
• A toaster,
• Pay the school fees (from September),
• If possible, Scout camp for both boys and YMCA camp for Maryann this summer,
• Bridget wants some Mascara and good conditioner,
• And antivirus for the computers which expired in mid February,

So you see, these are not extravagant things. Just things we need.

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Honeymoons are not always "special"

There are some individuals we know who constantly expound on how everyone must have an extravagant honeymoon. The half dozen or so are people who have lots of money and take great pride in that fact. Matter of fact, several are children of wealthy familes who really have never had to struggle for much anything their entire lives. I will have to classify them as "The Oblivious".

Now that I have said that, I have to describe the day I was married to Bridget and our honeymoon.

The Wedding: For us, we were married on a Friday, in the afternoon. It was a nice legal ceremony by some woman lawyer. My Grandfather was the best man. Our friends Becky and Abby were the Bridesmaids if you must title them. It all took place at an office in North Florida just down from the Georgia border. The woman had never married anyone before and was more of an event to her, than us. I really think she was more choked up about everything than we were.

Anyway, it was all done and over, signed and notariezed inside of 30 minutes. Very simple, very casual (for lack of a better way of putting it).

The Honeymoon: I don't think it was technically a honeymoon. I can only describe it as more like "a day off of work". We all stopped at the DairyQueen at the Kingsland exit. Bridget and I split a banana split. I think my Grandfather had an ice cream cone if memory serves.

We saw Dave Thomas who started Wendy's in the parking lot as we were leaving. Not that it makes any diference to the story, but it is one of those things you always remember even though it has nothing to do with the story. (go figure)

Now when we got home, that is when things got interesting. I remember opening a diet coke, and doing load of dungarees (uniforms) and getting ready for work the next day. I remember moving firewood up to the house and Bridget had duty on the ship the next day. No party, no real anything. My Grandfather stopped by and I think we all sat around and had dinner.Monday, the ship got underway and that is where the fun ended.

I guess my point is that not all honeymoons are sweet, spectacular events which people brag about. I could quote you about a dozen more such events which friends have also experienced, but I will wait for a comment requesting them.

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