It is that time of year, summer vacation. We are all ready for a break this year. So, it is time for a road trip. We leave today and are going to the Phoenix area and then on to Southern California. Basically, the same trip that we made two years ago, minus San Francisco, in the Suburban. On that trip the Suburban was crammed to the gills with stuff. From the floor to the ceiling, from the second row seat to the tailgate, packed. Jen and I like to say that we are well prepared and ready for anything on these trips, but that was ridiculous. We needed to hire movers just to unload the Suburban at our destinations.
However, this year we are taking the Camry Hybrid. I think everyone, including Jen, thinks I am crazy. Jen asked our Sunday school class for prayer for the trip, but she probably hoped for intervention so that we would take the Suburban again. Packing has been challenging. You start to look at things differently when you have limited space. Do I really need a change of underwear for each day? The answer was yes by the way. But as of this morning it looked like everything will fit inside the vehicle.
Depending on how we feel and our progress this afternoon, we might spend the night in El Paso. So, I got online last night and started looking for hotels. Just about everywhere was $115 to $150 a night. In El Paso? Crazy. Then I noticed some cheaper rates, if we wanted to stay in Juárez. I am all for saving a few dollars, hense taking the hybrid cross country, but I am not spending the night south of the border. I ended up reserving a room at the downtown DoubleTree at a goverment rate. Which was much cheaper than the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express. Two years ago we napped for a few hours between big rigs on the side of the frontage road. Maybe we will do the same this year.
I am going to try to write regularly and to upload a few photos to Flickr on the trip. Who knows, maybe even a few short videos on YouTube. Cathy, I will put everything on Snapfish when we get home. :^)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
A "Major" in Rosharon
My four month experiment with Major is over. He knew something was going on as we started to pack up his things this afternoon. We got the kids loaded into the Tahoe and Major wanted no part of getting in. I hoisted him into the back and we set off on the 36 mile journey to Deliverence country. Major whined in the kids' ears the entire journey. Austin would pet his head to quiet him and Addy just kept saying "Major" in her adorable way.
Once we arrived, we were met by Rhea and her three dogs. Polar is a 10 year old small white female mutt that likes to bark and growl. Sissy is a black female lab that Rhea just took in from her dad. Then there is Doc, a 95 pound, three year old male Great Dane/ Catahoula Leopard mix. Doc likes to catch and eat wild animals like raccoons and deer. I got Major out of the Tahoe and the butt sniffing comenced among the canines. Once everyone had smelled every part of each other, Major and Doc started running around the yard. Doc was the aggressor but Major held his own. We left Major and Doc outside to bond and took the female dogs inside.
After dinner, Rhea let the boys in. Rhea went to find a cat to see Major's reaction. She grabbed an orange female called "Little" and let Major check her out. Major sniffed and Little hissed. Rhea let Little go and Major attempted to chase her. To me it looked like Major wanted to play with her like he does with Cagney. I think once any of the cats smacks Major in the nose or bites his nose, he will lose his curiosity.
After the cat experiment, the kids got a quick birds and the bees lesson. Doc decided to mount Major and try to do his thing. Major escaped unharmed, but now knows what prison is like.
We said our goodbyes and loaded up in the Tahoe. We started driving away and I was doing fine. Then, Austin started crying saying how hard it was to give away a dog and Addy started asking "where's Major"? That was tough. Realizing that I caused that pain by bringing Major home only to have to give him away. On the bright side, we can visit him whenever we want. Major, have fun at your new house buddy!
Once we arrived, we were met by Rhea and her three dogs. Polar is a 10 year old small white female mutt that likes to bark and growl. Sissy is a black female lab that Rhea just took in from her dad. Then there is Doc, a 95 pound, three year old male Great Dane/ Catahoula Leopard mix. Doc likes to catch and eat wild animals like raccoons and deer. I got Major out of the Tahoe and the butt sniffing comenced among the canines. Once everyone had smelled every part of each other, Major and Doc started running around the yard. Doc was the aggressor but Major held his own. We left Major and Doc outside to bond and took the female dogs inside.
After dinner, Rhea let the boys in. Rhea went to find a cat to see Major's reaction. She grabbed an orange female called "Little" and let Major check her out. Major sniffed and Little hissed. Rhea let Little go and Major attempted to chase her. To me it looked like Major wanted to play with her like he does with Cagney. I think once any of the cats smacks Major in the nose or bites his nose, he will lose his curiosity.
After the cat experiment, the kids got a quick birds and the bees lesson. Doc decided to mount Major and try to do his thing. Major escaped unharmed, but now knows what prison is like.
We said our goodbyes and loaded up in the Tahoe. We started driving away and I was doing fine. Then, Austin started crying saying how hard it was to give away a dog and Addy started asking "where's Major"? That was tough. Realizing that I caused that pain by bringing Major home only to have to give him away. On the bright side, we can visit him whenever we want. Major, have fun at your new house buddy!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A scare
I am sure most, if not all of you, know about Facebook. If not, FB for short, is a popular social network. Popular to the tune of over 200 million active users, of which over 100 million log in at least once a day. Unbelievable numbers. I have been an inactive member for sometime. Jen asked me to help her set up her FB page. For one reason or another, we did not get it set up until earlier this year. Once we got Jen signed up, the friends started rolling in. It seems that my wife is very well liked.
That brings us to last night. After I left for work, Jen was on FB checking out the status updates posted by her legions of friends. One post in particular, jumped out at her " HPD officer, on-duty has been shot". That scared her to death. Luckily, I had recently sent her a text message that she responded to checking on me. I was able to quickly reassure her that I was just fine and to provide a little information about the shooting. (Tragically, the officer died, please keep his family in your prayers.) Jen is remarkably calm and at ease with my job. However, those few words that she read shook her to the core. Understandably.
I may be the one that goes to work at night, but Jen makes it all possible. She takes care of us and asks for nothing in return. She is the glue and the backbone of our family. She bravely tells me "be careful" every time I leave for work. I am constantly amazed by her selfless love for me and our children.
Jen, you are the definition of a Godly, courageous, beautiful, and unselfish wife and mother. I am truly blessed to have found you. I love you.
That brings us to last night. After I left for work, Jen was on FB checking out the status updates posted by her legions of friends. One post in particular, jumped out at her " HPD officer, on-duty has been shot". That scared her to death. Luckily, I had recently sent her a text message that she responded to checking on me. I was able to quickly reassure her that I was just fine and to provide a little information about the shooting. (Tragically, the officer died, please keep his family in your prayers.) Jen is remarkably calm and at ease with my job. However, those few words that she read shook her to the core. Understandably.
I may be the one that goes to work at night, but Jen makes it all possible. She takes care of us and asks for nothing in return. She is the glue and the backbone of our family. She bravely tells me "be careful" every time I leave for work. I am constantly amazed by her selfless love for me and our children.
Jen, you are the definition of a Godly, courageous, beautiful, and unselfish wife and mother. I am truly blessed to have found you. I love you.
A quick update about Major
Today I called a former co-worker, Rhea, who lives on about 10 acres in Rosharon, 1.5 of which is a fenced front yard, and asked her if she wanted to adopt Major. She met Major on Friday and absolutely loved him. She asked her husband, and they agreed to take Major. We are going to take Major out to their place this weekend for a test. Rhea has Doc, a three year old Great Dane mix, three cats, and cows on her land. We will see how Major gets along with Doc and the cats. If all goes well, Major will have a new place to live where he will have another big dog to play with and plenty of room to run. Plus, I will be able to go out to their house when I want to see and play with him. Thanks Rhea, and thanks Dad, for the great idea.
Monday, June 22, 2009
A "Major" decision
For those that do not know, Major is my almost two year old male Boxer. He had been at Rover Oaks, a dog training and day care facility. His previous owner had paid for his stay at Rover Oaks until a suitable owner could be found. I have always liked the idea of a big dog at the house to look after Jen and the kids when I am not home. I visited Rover Oaks a few times and Major (Bourban was his original name) and I hit it off. I brought him home in February.
The only time I had lived with a
big dog was briefly as a child. So, I started reading books and educating myself. I wanted to be a good and responsible big dog owner. I read and highly recommend the books by Cesar Milan of the Dog Whisperer series on tv.
I knew Major was a high energy dog and exercise would help keep him calm. So, every day at least twice a day, Major gets walked or chases a ball until he colapses. I had hoped that this constant activity would help keep him under control in the home.
Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. We have come home on at least 5 occassions to find a house plant completely destroyed and spread thoughout the house. He has also destroyed a few shoes, a book, and random toys. He has knocked Addy and Jen down, chased a pizza delivery boy, and bolted out of the house and ran away from Jen a few times.
But, I love that dog. I love playing with him and walking him. I love wrestling with him and knowing that he will deter anyone from messing with the house. I can not stop smiling when I watch him playing with Cagney.
But, I love Jen more and Major is driving her crazy. That is why I told her earlier tonight to pursue finding another home for Major. He is a beautiful, friendly, and very loving dog. I will miss him terribly. I will weep like a baby when I give him to his lucky new owners. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions. This one was brutal. But, my Dad taught me long ago that family comes first. Jen, I love you and let's find a good home for a good dog.
Mobile Blogging from here.
The only time I had lived with a
big dog was briefly as a child. So, I started reading books and educating myself. I wanted to be a good and responsible big dog owner. I read and highly recommend the books by Cesar Milan of the Dog Whisperer series on tv.
I knew Major was a high energy dog and exercise would help keep him calm. So, every day at least twice a day, Major gets walked or chases a ball until he colapses. I had hoped that this constant activity would help keep him under control in the home.
Unfortunately, this has not always been the case. We have come home on at least 5 occassions to find a house plant completely destroyed and spread thoughout the house. He has also destroyed a few shoes, a book, and random toys. He has knocked Addy and Jen down, chased a pizza delivery boy, and bolted out of the house and ran away from Jen a few times.
But, I love that dog. I love playing with him and walking him. I love wrestling with him and knowing that he will deter anyone from messing with the house. I can not stop smiling when I watch him playing with Cagney.
But, I love Jen more and Major is driving her crazy. That is why I told her earlier tonight to pursue finding another home for Major. He is a beautiful, friendly, and very loving dog. I will miss him terribly. I will weep like a baby when I give him to his lucky new owners. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions. This one was brutal. But, my Dad taught me long ago that family comes first. Jen, I love you and let's find a good home for a good dog.
Mobile Blogging from here.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Respect for Tiger?
It is amazing how quickly another year has gone by. Austin will be going into 3rd grade, Addy is 3, and I have been with HPD just a couple months short of 10 years. Last year, we were in Biloxi for a few days on our way home from a great week at Walt Disney World. We were watching the fourth round of the US Open at Torrey Pines. Dad was rooting for Rocco. I was rooting for Tiger. This year, I am still rooting for Tiger, and Dad is rooting for anyone but Tiger.
Yesterday, I was able to enjoy one of my favorite activities. Playing golf with my Dad. We have played countless rounds together. Yesterday's round was a struggle for my Dad. He recently injured his knee. That knee injury added some perspective to the round for me. I take it for granted that we are able to play golf together. We will not always be able to do so, and I need to keep that in mind. I need to enjoy it more and gleam whatever I can from the experience. I need to appreciate the journey and not worry about the score.
Back to Tiger. On the 16th tee yesterday, I mentioned that Dad's wincing in pain after a few shots reminded me of Tiger during last year's Open which he won with a knee injury. As Dad limped away, he responded with "I do not know how in the hell he did that". That made me smile, Dad begrudgingly giving Tiger some props. Another memorable moment from golf with my Dad.
Yesterday, I was able to enjoy one of my favorite activities. Playing golf with my Dad. We have played countless rounds together. Yesterday's round was a struggle for my Dad. He recently injured his knee. That knee injury added some perspective to the round for me. I take it for granted that we are able to play golf together. We will not always be able to do so, and I need to keep that in mind. I need to enjoy it more and gleam whatever I can from the experience. I need to appreciate the journey and not worry about the score.
Back to Tiger. On the 16th tee yesterday, I mentioned that Dad's wincing in pain after a few shots reminded me of Tiger during last year's Open which he won with a knee injury. As Dad limped away, he responded with "I do not know how in the hell he did that". That made me smile, Dad begrudgingly giving Tiger some props. Another memorable moment from golf with my Dad.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Hello. My name is Rusty, and I am a nerd.
The first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. Recently, I have come to realize that I am a nerd. You might be asking yourselves, how do you know? What are the warning signs? How can I avoid becoming a nerd? As you would expect, my wife was the first to notice what was happening. One evening I was playing Halo 3 online with my cousin Mike (sorry bro, you are a nerd as well). I had on the headset that comes with the controller. The headset is used to communicate with your playing partners that are in other locations. Jen walked into the room and started laughing. Not just a chuckle, but reacting to the best Dane Cook stand up comedy you have ever seen, laughing. When she recovered, she looked at me and said "You are a nerd". I thought she was crazy, but then I imagined the scene from her point of view. Here was a nearly 40 year old male sitting in front of a TV with a video game controller in his hands and a headset on his head talking to his cousin who was at his house wearing an identical headset. Not a pretty picture.
So, I began to think about my life to determine if Jen was indeed correct. She usually is, but I had to see this for myself. What I found was worrisome to say the least. I love technology. I listen to podcasts and audio books. When I read books, it is on my iPhone. I would be lost without my RSS feeds and Google Reader. Recently, I watched the bootleg live video stream of the keynote address from Apple's WWDC. Then I watched the official Apple version of the same keynote. I pre-ordered the new iPhone 3G S. I am jonesing for a new Macbook Pro. When Mike and I talk, it is processor this and RAM that, with a little network or syncing thrown in. I drive a hybrid, and I like it.
After that introspection, it seems that my wife hit the nail on the head. Back to that night, after she called me a nerd, I told her that she was the one that agreed to marry me. She responded with, "You were not a nerd then".
So, nerds everywhere, there is hope. Dress well, act cool, be polite, get the beautiful girl to marry you, and then put on the headset!
So, I began to think about my life to determine if Jen was indeed correct. She usually is, but I had to see this for myself. What I found was worrisome to say the least. I love technology. I listen to podcasts and audio books. When I read books, it is on my iPhone. I would be lost without my RSS feeds and Google Reader. Recently, I watched the bootleg live video stream of the keynote address from Apple's WWDC. Then I watched the official Apple version of the same keynote. I pre-ordered the new iPhone 3G S. I am jonesing for a new Macbook Pro. When Mike and I talk, it is processor this and RAM that, with a little network or syncing thrown in. I drive a hybrid, and I like it.
After that introspection, it seems that my wife hit the nail on the head. Back to that night, after she called me a nerd, I told her that she was the one that agreed to marry me. She responded with, "You were not a nerd then".
So, nerds everywhere, there is hope. Dress well, act cool, be polite, get the beautiful girl to marry you, and then put on the headset!
Monday, June 15, 2009
I'm Back
Mobile Blogging from here.
Hello again everyone. It has been 8 months since I have written. It is amazing how easy it was to get out of the habit of writing. Disappointing because I enjoy expressing my thoughts this way. Many times I thought of getting back to writing. Today I did and hopefully I am able to stick with it this time. As a helper, I found an iPhone application that makes posting to the blog very easy. And I am never very far from my iPhone.
For everyone's information, this blog goes out through email to family and a few friends as well as being posted at will7079.blogspot.com. I have two goals in mind for the blog. One is to have an outlet for my thoughts and periodic musings and the other is to keep everyone up to date with the goings on of Jen, myself, and our kids. I will try to keep posts moderate in length as I know everyone is busy. I have one request for the readers, please post your thoughts and comments on the blog. Feedback would be cool and greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.
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