May 02, 2008
On a break
I will be back eventually I am sure. Just having fun with a new hobby at this time.
Posted by Sid at 11:44 AM | Comments (32) | Personal | TrackBack
July 27, 2006
Demanding an apology for almost crashing into me
I am just about to arrive home after a long day out of town. I am edging to the left a bit and turn on my right blinker as I approach my driveway so I can turn into my driveway without falling off the culvert. I slam on my breaks as I hear a loud horn honk and screeching bakes on my right between me and my driveway. I look over an a women leaps from her car and stands there. Once everything seems stable I go ahead and safely pull into my driveway. The woman remains standing next to her car with its right tire in the ditch.
Once I step from the vehicle I walk over and ask if she is OK. She says she is and babbles on about how she saw my right blinker but not in time to avoid trying to pass me on the right and almost causing an accident. Texas state law takes a dim view of passing on the right under anything but ideal conditions. I said that’s OK no one was harmed so it was all OK. As I walked away she says "It would be nice if you would apologize!" I asked why. She tells me I should have put my blinker on much earlier so she would have been warned earlier of my intentions. I said maybe next time you should not be so hasty about passing in such an unsafe manner.
Now she's becoming angry and incoherent.
I tell her that this conversation is going no where and to have a nice day, at which point I go inside.
I have never had an idiot nearly run me down driving like a maniac and then stop to ask me for an apology because they nearly crashed into me.
Posted by Sid at 05:47 PM | Comments (1) | Personal
July 20, 2006
Swamped
I have had little time for blogging since returning from vacation but plan to get back on it starting Friday. It doesn't help that my computer I use for blogging lacks spell check and I am horrified of posting anything without using spell check on it. I will soon be posting new and exciting nonsense to bore both of my regular readers.
Posted by Sid at 12:44 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
May 18, 2006
Internet access out at home
I may miss a couple more days. Internet access is out at home until Saturday I am told.
Posted by Sid at 02:10 PM | Comments (0) | Personal
May 14, 2006
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!!!
I want everyone to know that I have the most incredible mom on the face of this planet just in case no one knew. As a kid, our family moved around quite a bit so we could stay close to my dad while he worked. My earliest memories are of me, my mom and brothers playing, racing (yes, I actually remember having a running race with my mom) and swinging.
One of the biggest things she did and something I have made a special effort to do for my kids is encourage our interests. Even though those interests ranged over many and varied things over the years. I seem to remember hunting, model building, band, baseball and finally skating. Many of which involved her playing taxi 4-5 times a week. And to this day I cannot remember her ever complaining about it.
But the most important thing she did for me was introduce me to Jesus Christ. I am a very poor example of my faith, I don't attend church as I should and this is the biggest change I need to make in my life these days, but the strength of my belief is a direct result of her and my fathers teaching and example. This was instilled in my heart many years ago during a talk my mother and I had in my bedroom late one night. A night when a young boy who couldn't sleep, had a mother who sat down and explained that God was with me. Shortly thereafter I was baptized.
This is not to say things were perfect from there on. There were still plenty of mistakes for me to make and lessons to learn but from that point forward my eyes were open to the miracles all around us.
God bless all the mothers.
I love you more then I can say in words mom.
Yes it's a repost but sometimes you just can't improve on things.
Posted by Sid at 01:12 PM | Comments (0) | Personal
April 22, 2006
Shell Houston Open
Nothing interesting happened in the world today while I was out at the Shell Houston Open golf tournament. The day was beautiful at the 17th green. If you ever go to one of these events I fully recommend going as the guest of an event sponsor. Optional air conditioning or outdoor viewing with all day free catered food, beverages, deserts and free bar is the only way to go. I had always wanted to go see this but never found the time. Now I will be spoiled for anything less in the future.
Confirmed, pros can make some pretty sucky shots.
Posted by Sid at 10:20 PM | Comments (0) | Personal
April 16, 2006
Happy Easter one and all
Posted by Sid at 11:00 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
December 31, 2005
Happy New Years
Posted by Sid at 11:33 PM | Comments (0) | Personal
November 24, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving All
And remember, in spite of nonsense they try to teach you in school. The thanks was to God and not to the Native Americans for their survival.
Posted by Sid at 09:18 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
October 31, 2005
Farewell to Astroworld
I went to Astroworld Sunday for the last time because that Sunday was the last day before Astroworld was closed forever. For 37 years this fixture in Houston which was built alongside the Astrodome has been a seasonal draw to thrill seekers and fun lovers of all ages from across the state. Loosing access to parking across I-610 and rising property values have finally made the park far more valuable as marketable real estate and impossible to run profitably as a business.
I first visited there probably about 32 years ago in my early teens. The rides and shows were always magical and fun. Over the years I would return taking my wife and later my own children. All in all I probably went 7-8 times but many went more then that in a single year. Today I was accompanied by my college age son and his girlfriend.
One thing I saw that really brought things home was the conversation between a mom and her young child probably about 8-10 years old. She said to him "so you didn't like that scary ride?" to which the boy shook his head no. If he was like most boys his age he was probably suffering a temporary fright from that recent ride. But in my experience this always later turned into an excitement that would send those kids back over and over testing themselves against and overcoming those old fears leaving lasting memories that are cherished.
I got my mementos while there. For the very first time I purchased the photos that the automated cameras take at the Texas Cyclone and the Ozarka Splash. Both have a particularly warm spot in my childhood memories from ages ago. Small things yes but they capture me with those things that will not exist soon. It is weird seeing seeming iconic things in that marked my life pass on particularly when they have been around as long as I can remember.
So long Astroworld.
Posted by Sid at 12:56 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
October 02, 2005
My Trip to Niagra Falls
While up in the Northeast last month I had an opportunity to make a stopover at Niagra Falls. While I have not had much opportunity to travel abroad I have managed to see almost all of mainland America with the notable exception if the Grand Canyon (something I intend to rectify soon).
Words cannot describe how amazing these falls are. When I first approached the falls and was 1/4 mile away I could smell them, at 1/8 of a mile I could feel them as spray mist dropped on me from above, at 1/16 of a mile I could hear them, then finally I was able to see them. The sight of these falls with all the additional sensory impact is awe inspiring.
No trip is complete without taking the tours. There were three main walking tours available including Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist and one that goes behind the falls (This last was kinda lame). Cave of the Winds and Maid of the Mist were both spectacular tours that get you plenty wet so if you go be sure to take a waterproof camera. Both are like standing in a thunderstorm. The night time lighting is not as impressive as I thought it would be, photos of it look better but it is still worth seeing.
While I was there I also witnessed the arrival of the high level delegation from China. I believe the President of China was among those present. It was a heady experience thinking I could have created an international incident in three countries by behaving badly during Canada's efforts to make a good showing for their honored guests. I am always amazed at the deference given to leaders of murderous regimes by democratic countries. The protests were out in full force in support of Falun Gong.
Niagra Falls is one of natures wonders no one should miss.
Posted by Sid at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
August 29, 2005
Empty Nest Anxiety
I just delivered my youngest child (daughter) into the hands of the educational establishment. Hopefully Stephen F. Austin in Texas still offers a decent education without too much liberal indoctrination. She has already made what seems to be some good friends and has a few close friends going up with her. I think I would feel a little better if the free campus pack given away at the book store had not included a free condom but that is the world of mixed messages we live in today.
Where do I go from here? No more soccer games, football games, band competitions. No more cheer practices or Cheer competitions. No more control. All I have left is the worry and the silence.
In a way I am lucky I guess, both my kids avoided drugs, teen pregnancy and brushes with the law. They are both kind and caring. I expect they will come home to visit regularly as my son does now. We still enjoy each others company. Well at least I still enjoy theirs and I hope they enjoy mine. I have not cried yet but I fully expect I will at some time later when I am alone. The house is too quiet. What do I do now other then be here for them.
Posted by Sid at 12:41 AM | Comments (2) | Personal
August 03, 2005
My Son Has Keys to My Blog, Hope He Doesn't Crash It
On his last visit home my son requested access to my blog. He is currently a senior in collage and we get together often to go see the latest movies, eat at his favorite Mexican food restaurant and debate the issues of the day, something I enjoy very much. As a general rule I see everything in black and white while he lives in a world comprised of shades of gray though we do have a lot of common ground. So if you see an entry soon by SidA that will be him. Let’s hope we see him soon and often.
Posted by Sid at 12:54 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
July 18, 2005
Republicans Want to Kill My Children
In the latest in over the top republicans are trying to kill us rhetoric we get this from Paul Begala liberal television pundit and democrat political strategist.
"They want to kill me and my children if they can. But if they just kill me and not my children, they want my children to be comforted -- that while they didn't protect me because they cut my taxes, my children won't have to pay any money on the money they inherit," Begala said. "That is bulls*** national defense, and we should say that."
Posted by Sid at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
July 02, 2005
With Vacations Like This Who Needs Disasters
It all started harmless enough. A nice quiet time camping and tubing down the river at our favorite park. My wife and daughter head up a week early and set up camp leaving me for a quiet week at the house by myself before I head up. The first couple of days go by easily like the lull before the storm.
Then on Tuesday my checking account turns up overdrawn and my car radiator explodes. I fix the account and spend $344 to fix the radiator. I follow this on Friday by pinching a nerve in my spine that leaves me with a back ache and my left leg numb. I finally get the pain level lowered enough to drive over to the camp site and get lost on the way. I arrive late Saturday at the campground and while visiting my car nearly gets towed. I prevent that by paying the tow truck guy $25. But the park ranger threatens to make me spend the nite in the parking lot outside the gate since I was not registered yet. As a group my family gets at least 3 other warnings from the ranger for driving late, parking on grass and swimming too late at night.
My son and his girlfriend head back to Dallas only to have a wreck resulting in $3,000 damages.
We manage to pack up camp without incident but on arriving home we find that the drain on the air conditioner became plugged, soaked the attic insulation and caused a large section of the ceiling in our middle bed room to collapse.
I arrive at work to find five new rush jobs came in that must be done yesterday. We have one older project that is in crisis and during the week a new rush project arrives.
I am beginning to think vacations are a sick joke.
Posted by Sid at 12:01 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
May 31, 2005
WOOHOO Wife is trying to kill me again
My birthday is coming up soon and since my kids are in town I got my birthday present early. My wife has long understood that any gift that has the potential to kill me is a gift I will love. Personally I think she does it for the substantial life insurance payout but as long as I get the chance to die or severly injure myself I am not going to complain. One of her best recent gifts was a gift certificate to go sky diving. It was awesome.
So this year she got me this...
A hand controled electric powered skateboard. Eat your hearts out.
My guess is she decided to supply a gift that had the potential for repeated death opportunities. I can live with that. I still have my fingers crossed for a motorcycle though.
Posted by Sid at 12:09 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
May 22, 2005
Uh Oh, I think I may be turning into an activist.
In the last week 3 days I have sent 4 e-mails to 3 different senators (something I have never done). In the last month I have gone to a rally against property taxes where I asked a question on live radio. I started a blog promoting conservative ideas. This last year I went to a rally for America put on by a local radio station. I followed mayoral races. Next thing you know I will be working for a political campaign. I think this is spiraling out of control.
Posted by Sid at 08:01 PM | Comments (1) | Personal
The day I was finally glad my kids got a year older.
I am one of those people that drives a vehicle until all it is good for is conversion into a big paperweight. As a result, my vehicles are usually so old I don't bother keeping full insurance coverage on them. Usually I only carry liability insurance.
Well recently I got a new (new to me that is) 2003 Dodge Caravan. I also decided I should, for the first time in a long time, carry full coverage on a vehicle. So I contacted the insurance, explained what I wanted and then cringed expecting to have a breakdown over my new insurance rate.
To my utter amazement my insurance rate hardly changed at all. Obviously concerned I asked the agent how that could possibly be. After a pause she replied "Your daughter turned 18 and your son turned 20”. My kids got a year older and for the very first time I was OK with it.
Posted by Sid at 08:53 AM | Comments (0) | Personal
