The times of our lives

So did the headline get you interested? Well I thought I would put down some thoughts today that are mostly random and incoherent. Isn't that what you have come to expect? I was reading an article that said California would penalize its tax payers 20% if they underestimated their taxes. So unless you are perfect in your estimation of taxes, prepare for penalties. Also taxes on soda to go up. (Sorry Lori) Taxes on services to start. Download taxes on movies and tunes. funny how you can be taxed for something that is not tangible. Just binary numbers. More taxes on top of taxes here. So maybe it is just me but taxes go up in a recession causing deeper problems. Sanity is just a fleeting thought. Well enough of the doom and gloom.
Macy announced to Lori at Church that it is the best thing we do as a family. She loves church. We just finished reading The Book Of Mormon together. It took a while chapter by chapter but it was a great thing. especially with our schedules. What a helpful thing during times of over taxation. There I go again with gloom and doom. Macy also told Lori that she is almost in the place she needs to be. At 7 she knows that only when she turns 8 will she be ready to move on. She has been looking forward to her baptism for over 2 years. She is patient. She cracks us up so much. Last year her teacher sent home the obligatory letter saying she would be giving out an award at assembly to Macy. So as I stood behind her at the assembly the Principal announced her name and looked puzzled at her teacher. She announced her name again saying "for outstanding critical thinking, Macy Reed." The room was silent for a second until they realized it was for real. The principal also stated that she had never given out an award like that. I don't know where she gets the critical thinking from. I must say Macy makes things flow smoothly around the house. She helps her little sisters with reading and teaching them to use the computer or do puzzles. She loves to try to show Bridget how to play the piano. She started her writing a song and practices it often. Her piano teacher is impressed. I cannot tell you all how blessed I really am with my family. It is indeed the reason I am on this earth. Either to be taught by them or to teach them, I'm not sure which.
I think that as I get older (such a grand statement) I see things differently in that I must be getting dementia because I cant remember how I used to think. (not really cause we know I am never wrong). Many people think I can never admit I am wrong. but in reality I admit often I am wrong. I just don't say it loudly or near a recorder so someone can use it against me.
I just started working at a hospital as a CNA this week. It was odd because I got so many looks from Dr.'s who thought I was an RN or therapist. It is also refreshing to be back to a job that requires me to liten to others and do as I am told. Sometimes freedoms in employment can actually stiffle you. You can make mistakes that you can sweep under the rug more easily. Now I am at the bottom of the barrel and responsible for all my actions for all to see. It is also refreshing to help those who cannot help themselves. I wonder why I didnt do this sooner. I guess more lessons to learn. I know the next 2 years will be extremely taxing on my pea sized brain. I will be happy to get back into the drivers seat in the income department. Words of wisdom here. Never go in business with someone without an ironclad agreement and a barrel of excess money at your disposal.
One last note. Roxana has a play horse that she say at Costco and Grandma got her for Christmas. She is so funny she wont ride it. She gets on the side of it sitting on the protected springs and holding on to the head. She cracks me up.

What would I do

I often think about where I am today. Where would I be if it were not for my wife and children. It is amazing how we get stuck in the here and now instead of looking back to see really how far we have come. Or to look to the future to see how far we can go. I know that many including myself often say you must be focused on the now. True but we must gauge our progress on something so the past is a great indicator. I see pictures of my children and it really brings out past joys that help us through the present. Sometimes we don't see those things in the present. I think that is really the sad part. But I am trying more. We recently went to the New Children's Museum in San Diego. It was fun. The first thing I saw (Of course I am overly critical) was the possible injuries from boards not meeting what I think is the safety code. Funny how I see all these things. I got over my critical thinking and just enjoyed the day. (Hard to imagine right?) Roxie had a messy fun time painting. Everyone enjoyed the clay making area. I think the big hit was the pillow fight room. Imagine me in a room watching kids bounce around and Roxie getting knocked over. I dont know why I am so overprotective, do you? Anyways it was a great day. Reality set back in though when I saw a sign for the museum applying for a liquor license. Really do people need to have liquor at a childrens museum? Can we not have a fun day without wine and beer? Oh well so much for moral clarity in the world. I must say though it was fun to let the kids just tear it up. Kids make fun from anything. I wish our politicians would take lessons from the children and learn that we dont have to spend a ton of money just to see what makes kids tick. Let kids be kids. (just keep that 13 year old boy in England away from girls for a while)

Love ya

Tim

Rants and other hodgepodge for 2000 Alex.

You know it has been said to many times life begins at 40. I really think it begins the day you get to make your first mortgage payment and you wonder what will I do with the extra 3.45 I have left over in my checking account? In these hard economic times when our elected officials say hey you need to pay us more to support our wild spending habits I reflect on what got us here in the first place. I know there is plenty of blame to go around. But the bottom line is that we have allowed this to happen. We spent when we should have saved. We demanded that they build 30 stores closer to us so we could have it easier. We wanted every channel under the sun. Many people have said that we are inundated with such negative things. They are right. Because we choose to be inundated. Turn off the bad channels or shut off the TV altogether. Turn off the radio. Walk away from those that talk so negatively. Avoid the very appearance of evil. Does that mean Lori has to stop listening to Dr. Laura? No our newly appointed attorney general says we are cowards. Which is it are we tolerant or cowards? I am amazed at so many thing today that it is hard to keep a line of thinking that will make sense. But then those of you who really know me are laughing right now. Go ahead pick yourselves up and wipe away the tears.

I must say that I am optimistic right now. A hospital hired me full time as a CNA. I am lucky to get hired when they wanted someone with a years experience. I know it will help me greatly. I am excited to get into the RN program soon. I am even more excited to get it over with and work harder than ever so Lori can take it easy. She has been such a trooper as of late. I know she feels a great burden on her shoulders. I am grateful she has such a good head on her shoulders.

So now our wonderful Governor who cant pronounce California has signed our budget which rewards those who cant balance a checkbook. Who cant work a full workweek. Who cant understand english. Who cant get off their butts to work. Yippeee for me to pay more for my car tax. (you pay a sales tax every year for a car you already paid a tax for) for more sales tax, for more income tax. Wow I should just be gratefull I live in this state wher we have an abundance of water (well3 judges say a fish is more important than so cal residents) Great fire protection (maybe they will thin the forest and kill of bark beatles next year) Great police ( I know that it is difficult to solve crimes when you race your squad car around town. Long story) Great political support. (viva la france) You get me drift. Pray for us and let us entertain you. (Sean Penn should get a real job)

Love Ya

Tim