& Still no call

I was expecting to at least get a phone call from my Son on Christmas. I got a couple of text messages. Nothing more on that one.

Now everyone is pissed off and I have been designated the bad guy in all this because I told them It didn't matter if he didn't call. Not that it didn't tear me up in side. Just that I don't show it. That is what ticks off Bridget the most because I don't let it bother me.

Actually, it bothers me alot. Two years in a row where I didn't get to see him on Christmas when he was only 15 minutes away. I would have even gone and picked him up if that was the problem.

I received a text message from Jon that said Cathy (My Ex-Wife) [Whatever her current last name is] was physically fighting with her step son at her parents home. You have to understand, they were throwing punches from what Jon said.

As for the fight, that meant someone should have gone to jail for domestic violence. Either her or the stepson should have spent Christmas in jail. Might have given them all a wakeup call.

This all happened at Jon's Grandparents Home (From her side). Shoot, He won't even go see my parents and they were the ones who took care of him when he was little. Not her parents. They just figured out later that they were complete jerks to him (and me) and treated him like trash until the light bulb went on. It appeared that once they figured out that he would not have anything to do with him if they didn't talk to her, they got smart and talked to her. From my perspective, it appeared that everyone forgot that the three of us were treated so badly, until Jon grew up a little. then it was 'what can we do for you as grandparents?' it took long enough.

I have to add that the way my Ex-wife (or 'She who will not be named', and/or the 'Dark Lord') was treated, was appalling in itself. But, that is for another post. Maybe I had gone over this a year or two ago. I don't remember. I will have to revisit that one some time. It makes for good depressing reading all the same.

Anyway, I give up. I won't let it bother anymore.
After two years of this, can anyone really blame me?

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Another Christmas, Same Situation.

Once again, my son Jon flew a thousand miles (or so) and couldn't make the last 13 miles to come and see me. He flew all the way from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, came into the airport (a few minutes after I was there and returning from seeing my parents in Florida), went to his Grandparents home and that was it. I know his Grandfather (Her Father) would have let him borrow one his many cars/trucks. I would have even gone up and picked him up (which I told him repeatedly). Nothing. Not even a phone call.

Last year, it was even worse. His grandparents (my parents) were here and Jon said he "lost his cell phone somewhere", so he could not call (or some other bullshit like that). That tore them up and made all of us completely miserable. We all had things for him and just wanted to see and hug him. Richard, William, & Maryann had made things for him. You know, things they made in class to give to their brother. I was so happy they made things for him. They were crushed when he never showed up.

Mom & Dad had things for him and the more Dad got upset, the more pissed off I became. It practically ruined the Holiday for us all.

Actually, Richard & William were so mad at him for getting me so upset, they literally said "He won't ever be allowed in this house ever". Kind of strong words for a (then) 10 and 11 year old. They were more upset, that I was upset, than I was upset (if that makes sense).

Well, he did text me a few times when he was here and called when he was waiting in Atlanta on a lay-over on the way here. I know that does not make it any better, but I can honestly say it made the whole situation worse for me. Now, Mom and Dad (who do not need this kind of grief) are upset that he didn't come again, which makes things even worse for me.

I had repeated tried to help council him on problems he was having in the Navy. I am a Chief Petty Officer (Retired) of the United States Navy. The 'Been there, done that' thinking wanted me to help him. I had to do everything I could possibily do. Honestly, there is not much I can do from this far away, but at least I knew better courses of action to take if he was having problems. I even called the Command Master Chief to see if there was anything that he could do to help him. He did say he would check to see if there was anything that could be done so at least I nudged them in the butt to help him out. Put him on the radar so to speak. I don't feel that I need to do any of that anymore

I don't know what I did to deserve this, but after today, I think I am pretty much through with him. Let him fend for himself. But, as per usual, I will do whatever I can for him if he calls again. What can I say, I am his Father.

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Dentist visit for everyone.

Today we all saw the dentist! Hooray! Richard, William, Maryann & Bridget had a cleaning and checkup. Everything is fine with them and their teeth.

The right picture is Richard getting a cleaning by Dr.Webber earlier today. He didn't have any cavities and is still waiting for two more back teeth to come in. I didn't catch which ones he said and Richard didn't remember what he said either.

William was warned by Dr. Webber that he should not suck on lemons. It will eat the enamel off his teeth. He understood and I guess he won't be doing that anymore.

Bridget looked real good today in her new Christmas shirt. It fits her like a glove. She was finally happy today. Lately things have not bee as good as they should be. Lots of stress and such. But she was smiling and happy.

Even though we were there 12 minutes late, The Dentist had time to work on everyone without rushing or making one of us reschedule.

We all watch each other getting the work done and it pretty much freaks out the Dentist. Everyone talking and carrying on while he is working. I think he normally does not have an audience such as we gave him.

All in all, it was a good visit and everyone left with a clean smile.

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Christmas day!

PICTURES ON THE WAY!

Christmas morning was still nice. We didn't have lots of money this time due to the accident at work. But in spite of:

• The industrial accident (Hydrochloric acid) injuries,
• the Railroad Retirement Board dropping the ball in getting me what is owed me for sick benefits,
• No unemployment,
• CSX telling the health insurance people I was back to work after 4 days.
  • (That was underhanded if you ask me)
• The lawyers telling me nothing about what is going on.
• and dealing with all the pain of breathing and blurred vision after the acid exposure.

I think everything went very well.

We had bought most of the stuff for the kids early in the year and and had it ready long ago. That really helped out.

With gas prices so damn high, no one is able to get the things they really wanted. Filling up the van is $60+ and the pickup is $77.50 and rising. Don't see how our neighbors are even able to get to work with gas prices this high.

We will overcome this problem. I can always get back to work after I heal a little more. (I hope)

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Christmas Eve Dinner

This hear, we had a rather modest dinner Christmas Eve. Most years, the family made a huge deal with it and had a giant spread. This year, it is just us and we had a tiny spread with a big salad.

It was enjoyable for all of us. We have Turkey for Christmas dinner if we feel like it. Otherwise, it will probably be soup and sandwiches since it is so cold.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

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Measuring 'Vertical Curves' for school?

While Richard and I were searching for reference items for his algebra class, we stumbled across some engineering wallpaper for the computer desktop. If he and William ever wanted to be engineers, now is the time.

Obviously this is a spoof, but the engineering part is serious. Or at least as serious as you could be with this hanging on your wall. I doubt that anyone could really post this at work. I think that someone would come up with a sexual harrassment suit to get it taken down (and settle for lots of money in the end)

I always wanted to know how to accurately measure 'Vertical Curves' for measuring, well something like a massive dome or something along those lines.

Hey, I have to post something stupid and goofy once in a while. Otherwise, what is the point. Everyone has to have a little fun or they go nuts.

This post and this whole blog is rated by ICRA for your safety and security. Please write me if your concerned with the content of this blog.

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Mom is looking better!

I visited Mom in the hospital today. She is looking much better. The surgery apparently went well because she is up and walking all the time. I have to give her credit, I don't know if I could do what she is doing. Up and around and walking all the time. Man. She is tough.

We only get to see her twice a day now. She gets so tired so quickly. I can't imagine what she is feeling, but I am so glad she is as strong as she is. I just wish I lived close enough to see them both every day.

She has been eating very well. She is still on a liquid diet, but I know that is normal for this type of surgery.

I probably need to change my diet to get a less carcinogenic way of living. More broccoli and califlower, but that will have to wait till I get home.

Both Bridget & the kids plus I are saying lots of prayers for her to heal quickly. I am trying to be serious about all this, but she is my Mom and it is tough to deal with. I love them both so much.

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The last 40 or so days!

I have a few people telling me things are going good. For me, I have to ask 'How bad could things get?' Why do I say that? With the festive season upon us, I have to say what has been going on with us. To give you a little understanding of what I (and the family) have had to deal with over the last 40 or so days, here is a quick list (in no particular order):

• I was injured at work by exposure to Hydrochloric Acid mist and liquid,
  • (I have lung damage, lost my sense of smell, and my vision is blurry)
• My wife (Bridget) had major surgery,
  • A bolt was installed in the right rear side of her skull to allow an external hearing aid that bypasses her hearing centers or ears for for the rest of us. Yes, it sticks out so she can clip a hearing aid directly to her skull. (long story. I will elaborate once it is all working),
• The family dog died,
  
• The roof sprung a leak in several places,
  • Of course it has been raining on and off for a week+ straight and you can't repair a roof when it is raining.
• My Mother was diagnosed with Colon Cancer,
  • She is in surgery right now (while I am typing this) so I'm wasting time while waiting for a call to tell me it is over.
• The sewage line from the house to the street clogged a couple of days ago and backed up into the basement,
  • when I augured the sewer line out, the machine broke twice and I had to take it back to get it fixed.
  • Then, no one was available to help me auger out the line or unload the machine from the truck. I fell out the back of the pickup when I slipped on some leaves. The whole auger machine (about 100+ pounds) came crashing down on top of me. The fall bruised my butt (tailbone) and lower back when it happened.
  • Lucky for me, it hit me in the stomach and side. Nothing groin related was hurt so that all still works (I guess),
  • My tailbone and such still hurts pretty bad and it was 24 hours ago when it happened. I guess it will feel better in a couple of days.
• The pickup truck stalled out and everything stopped working.
  • We had to take it to the dealership because it was under warranty (luckly) and cost us about $200 even after the warranty work was done (Counting the deductable, + Gasoline to and from the dealership to drop it off, + Gasoline to and from the dealership to pick it back up two days later).
• My daughter was rushed to the hospital last night with extreme stomach pains. We thought it might be an appendicitis but the doctors said it was probably kidney stones. For a 10 year old, she is kind of young for those but that is what they said.

All in all, not a good time this holiday season.

Plus, I have not been paid since the first week of November. The railroad does not have workmens compensation if you get hurt. Your pretty much on your own. There is some money you can get from the railroad retirement board, but that has to be paid back when you return to work (so what is the real use in that anyway?)

Bills are really bad this time of year for everyone and there is only a few dollars from my tiny Navy retirement. This will be a thin Christmas season this year. I hope we can keep the electric on until after the first of the year (or not have to sell the house).

You can't make stuff up like this. It is so bad, you have to laugh.

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The sewer pipe is OPEN!!!

I snaked out the drain (sewer pipe) that was clogged. It appeared to be a combination of:

maxipad + tree roots + William's contribution (big poop),

was the problem. Once I snaked out the two year old(?) maxipad, the tree roots cleared up and everything started flowing freely.

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Christmas Concert - New Richmond Middle School

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If it isn't the roof, it is the other direction.

Well, the problem with water outside the sink and tub this time is not from the roof leaking. Today, we have the opposite problem, a clogged (and full) sewer line.

Richard was cleaning the bathrooms and ran out to find me when he saw a potential problem, the toilet started to bubble. He could not figure out why cleaning the sink made the bubbles pop up in the toilet when they were on other sides of the room and came running to get me (and I am very grateful he did it). I knew what the problem was.

I went down to the basement and checked. I thumped the pipes. They were full. All I could do it get everyone to help me move the boxes and such from that side of the house.

Richard and I ran the garden hose from outside to the basement and started opening the cleanout fitting. It was rather nasty emptying the contents of the lines onto the floor, but there was no choice. After dumping about 60 gallons on the deck and into the sump, we cleaned up everything by hosing it down.

There are three fans down there now, circulating the air to try and dry out the moisture caused by hosing down the concrete. The smell in minimal (by what Richard says) and should not be a problem. Not much was contaminated and only a couple of boxes should be needing a replacement.

Tomorrow, I will have to get a snake to clean out the line. I know the blockage is somewhere between the house and street. There is a cleanout just past the sidewalk and when I opened it up, was clear but the flow was a tiny trickle. Aside from a little contamination, I think we have done pretty well so far. Tomorrow's plumbing task will be the real mess with a big snake and all that implies.

I will also have to replumb the sump exhaust to a more manageable route. Currently, it all runs up hill to the exit pipe. That freezes up and we can not pump anything after that. If nothing else, this will give us an emergency pump in case this happens again this winter.

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Today's 'Fact of the holidays'

People wonder why I dislike the 'holiday season' so very much. Sure, my ex had a lot to do with it. As well as the bills, the constant barrage of 'Christmas sales', (See footnote number 1 below) 'Holiday commercials' and 'special television shows', Plus the need for some to 'out do the neighbors' in Christmas lights and decorations. These are just a few of the things that makes me want to throw up.

If your saying "get over it" or something along those lines, then go screw yourself. My life, my thoughts, my blog. You don't like it, don't read it. Even better, make up an 'Anti-Todd blog' to rebut me. I would be glad to read it.

Even company hold music is Christmas music.

I have had to be on hold for about 90 minutes earlier in the day and every time, there is Christmas music playing when I am on hold. I can't stand this anymore.

Of all places, I called the phone company 4 times today and yesterday to assure my voice mail was still working. Apparently, someone important had called to tell me that they didn't get an answer. I had to make sure it was set up correctly (after they updated the service a week ago). Well, after a 3 minute lecture on fixing static on my phone line by a recording, I spoke to a woman who put me on hold for 8 minutes, they subsequently transferred me to to someone else, who put me on hold for 12 minutes, who then transferred me to another person who either couldn't or wouldn't help me to get my voice mail fixed. This kind of thing makes me want to get rid of the phones all together. Of course I can't right now, but I sure would like to. (See Footnote #2)

Anyway, after yesterday and today's bout with the phone company, I had to endure about an hours worth of combined time with various doctors offices. All of them had this irritating jolly music that just made me more and more angry with every passing minute..

What ever happens, don't get sick this month!

A new billing period for Medical.

Isn't it just grand that the new billing period for your medical deductions starts on October 1st?!? That means that if anyone in the family is sick, you get the bill for the deductibles just in time for Christmas (when everyone else has broken your spirit and emptied your bank account. It is comforting to know that there are parents all around the country, just worrying themselves into an early grave because the kids got sick from some stomach virus they brought home from school before Halloween. Or maybe, they have to see the doctor because they just received a bill for the $3000 of the deductible cap for the 2008 fiscal year just after Thanksgiving. I guess you could call it a after dinner treat.

I know we received enough medical bills to crush any kind of thought of Christmas surprises for the kids. If that was not enough, I still have bills I know are coming from when I was injured at work and no one will pay. That in itself is a medical bill list to destroy my holiday spirit on it's own. Or should I say, 'Enough to suck the life blood from me, just as things looked their darkest."

Footnote #1: Christmas sales are BS since they could have sold the stuff at the discounted price, brought more people in and made up the difference in the first place. So, Stuff the 'Christmas sales'.

Footnote #2:The phone company is not the only one to provide phone service. Shoot, Walgreen's and Kroger sell prepaid cell service which works just as good. I will have to price everything this week to see who is best.

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Does the demise of Sears also equate to Craftsmen?

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Baby, it's cold outside!

Burrrrrrr......, today is cold. The temp is 17 degrees and the snow we had yesterday is now frozen.

The good part is that the kids are back to school today. Yesterday was a snow day for the elementary and middle school. They were happy, we didn't get anything done.

The weather (temp) is supposed to say below 30 for the remainder of the work week, but it should clear up a little by the start of next week.

Click the picture to get a larger version.

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Today's 'Fact of Life'

Now, this is the story of my life right now.

I just see this sight as my typical day right now. Yes, we have what is needed, but it seems that no one else can do their part to help out.

I wonder how long it will really be before everyone gets their act together and helps out?!?

I wonder a little more every day if the kids will ever clear their heads and see that every little thing they do to disrupt life around here (intentionally or not) really does have an impact on the whole.

I have to admit, that when I have to stop, do something trivial (like actually stopping to put the toilet paper on the holder), there is a big time delay in getting to the things that should matter.

I have to imagine I am 'beating a dead horse' here. But at least I am not keeping it all bottled up inside.

Thanks for reading.

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Today's 'Fact of Life'

"No matter how hard you work, how much dedication you put to a task, or how much you commit to something meaningful and just, there will always, always be someone there to kick you when your down."

Todd

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