Xx, Take your stuff and get it out of my shop. I am tired of your bullshit. Lets end it!

First day of school for the kids. Its one of those life events that, still after 13 years, tugs at your heartstrings. It reminds you of the joy of bringing up a family and takes you back to your own childhood feelings of that day. This year is somewhat special, with Dave's last year in HS, and Rach's first. You could see in their faces the anticipation. For Dave, going in with the privelidged role as a senior... taking his own car to school and driving his little sister. For Rach, the excitement of a new school, new environment, new teachers, great expectations. She already has been going to tryouts for JV Volleyball, and expects to make the team.

We ran out this morning to take a picture of the kids going off to school. Of course they were mortified. The kids ran to Daves car, rolled up the windows and drove off as quick as possible!

Kinda strange weekend. In a bummed out mood over different things goin on. Didn't feel like going out much, so I pretty much vegged out. 'Cept for Friday... went to Pilot Pen Tennis. Saw Venus Williams win. That was cool. Also, enjoyed watching the Little League World series. The whole Daniel Almonte - Baby Bronx Bomber thing, and the Japanese team with back2back come from behind wins in the bottom of the last inning. Much more fun to watch these kids than to watch a regular pro game.

Its official! Our house is ours free and clear. One less big monthly payment. Yippee.. Of course, we are facing bills for vacation, insurance (one more car), years of college tuition, a career goin' down the tubes... Just shoot me!

Its rediculous! There is this *news* media frenzy going on about the Condit Interview. This is a non-issue. Its no more news than your average People Magazine article. We know the guy is a slime ball from things that have occured over the last couple of months. Why is this NEWS now! With the economic crisis, Arab-Israeli conflict, Macedonia, and other news worthy events... how does this justify the amount of coverage dedicated to this non-issue. I don't get it!

She gave her heart and soul into an organization, and expected just one break... and it just doesn't happen. Job probably went to a total outsider. Life can suck sometimes.

Despite the heavily pro corporate environment in government these days, there is still some Justice in the court system. You lose this round, Micro$oft.

Not much to say lately. Its been a great week off chillin' away from work. Beach days... bought a car for Dave... today, visit folks and party with friends tonite.

Keep fingers crossed ... don't wanna say too much or might jinx her. More on this Monday.

Here is a pic of Daves Jeep.

Here are some pics of our three days at the beach. VERY relaxin'. What is it that draws us to the sea? The hot sun and sand, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. OHHH it was fantastic. Ate plenty of lobster. Read Rog's book. Way to go Rog. Excellent. Read it in two days... couldn't put it down.

Off to the beach for a couple of days. Got all my electronics ready (cam, mp3, iBook, cell, palm...). Will try to post a couple of pics if I can get a connection. Also, will try to read Rog's book. Looking forward to some good summer reading. Lots a lobsta, I hope!

Finally, Vacation time is here. It couldn't come at a worse time, with all the crisis goin on at work... but its also a good time. I am stressed to the max, and emotionally drained. It seems so long since my last week off, I don't even remember what we did. We'll spend a few days at Rockport, and some time just chillin' at home. I already feel the stress melting away.

X may go straight to Hell... Do not pass Go... Do not collect $200K dollars.

Helped my son buy his first car. Its a beauty. A '92 Jeep Cherokee Laredo. Its got a lot of miles, but it was kept up meticulously. The body has a new paint job, and the interior looks brand new. Its a six cylinder and 4 wheel drive. I helped out Dave some, but basically he paid almost 75% of the car himself. He has worked and saved for nearly a year at his job, and now he gets to reap some rewards. I am proud of him.

Monday, took the day off to go with my son for his wisdom teeth extractions (all 4). He had all the anxiety and nervousness you would expect going into it. The procedure took only 1/2 hour. After that, surprise... instead of him being tired, in pain, swollen, grumpy, downed out from the Percoset... This kid was energetic, talkative, wanting to party... What is this kid made out of!! It was very strange. Spent the day driving all over town looking to buy a car for him to drive. I was exhausted ... and he was ready to party.

Back to work today. The X-men still have a gun to our head (going on our 2nd week). There has been some positive movement, but we are still down for the count.

Spent practically the entire weekend watching Rach's Softball Tournament. Six games in two days. What a weekend. It was rainy, hot, humid, 7 hour days... Some might say that makes for one lousy weekend... Not so! This was such a wonderful tournament. These girls are such great kids, skillfull, competitive, fun loving. We had a blast rooting for them. They came together (kids and parents), peaked at tournament time, and went undefeated for all six games, winning the Championship. Check out the links to the pictures. It was a great time. Congrats to Rachel and all the Vernon Girls.

I have learned that high level management in corporate finance is no better than mafia thugs. When push comes to shove, they will do the equivalent of breaking your knees, and holding a gun to your head till they get what they want.

Went to see Planet of the Apes last night. Another dissapointment. Screenplay was really lame. Ape makeup and mannerisms were cool, and a real good ending, but, its just a concept that you can't repeat twenty years later and have the same impact.

Could it be happening? A nail in the digital coffin?

A bitch of a commute to work this AM. Terrible traffic ... took over 1 hour to get here. Don't know why. Then almost plowed into a car in front of me. I don't know where my head was at... but, man, it was close. Good thing there was a shoulder on the road to swerve into, or I would have been toast! Need a shorter commute!