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Friday, August 29, 2008

Apparently you can't just have one! We talkin Lays potato chips or Bigamy?

big·a·my
Law. the crime of marrying while one has a wife or husband still living, from whom no valid divorce has been effected. (a crime in some countries)

OK, now this is something I’ve never really understood. Is it just me, or does anyone else think it’s hard enough to be married to one person, let alone more than one?....

Honestly, do some people find it a ‘benefit’ to have more than one person in their bed? Some days it’s hard to keep things lively and interesting in the bedroom with one person, let alone having 3 or 4 husbands! What if I say something to husband #1 that is supposed to be said to husband #2?

Here’s another thing, What if husband #3 is allergic to shellfish and I feed him the Seafood Newberg that was meant for husband #4? That kind of situation could get pretty dicey real quick! And not just because of the trip to the ER for a shot in the leg with an Epi-pen!

Here are a few examples of perpetrators…



Here we have Wayne Yee Chinn, who by the way, is a convicted arsonist. Niiiice... He has also been convicted of theft, forgery, bail jumping and of course, the apparently ever popular bigamy.

This 50 year old cassanova has been married at least seven times over the last three decades. According to some of those wives, a former fiancée and girlfriends, Chinn has left a trail of heartache across five states. (Trail of heartache? Are you kidding? That's just heartburn...)

Women, like Chinn’s fifth wife, Cynthia Castile of Eagle Creek, Ore., say he has left them in financial ruin. "It makes me sick to my stomach," she said.

Yeah, like I said, it's indigestion, get a tums Cynthia...


Next up, we've got the lovely Anthony G. Owens...this idiot presented himself as a minister, a man of God. The wives of Anthony Owens kept telling the same story: He swept into their lives, married them, then took their money.

Gwendolyn Robinson married Owens in 2002. Shirley Rhodes of Tennessee married Owens in November, 2001. Paulette Miller of Tennessee married Owens in January, 2001.

Mattie Noland of Alabama married Owens in 1999. "He's a smooth talker, when I married him I had five cars and a house. When he got through with me, I was dead broke." Six months after Noland married Owens, sheriffs from Tuscaloosa, Alabama had a warrant for her arrest. She was accused of passing $50,000 in bad checks. It turned out that Owens had taken Noland's checkbook, and had another woman writing the bad checks!

Oh, that's not all...

Meet Timothy Lee Rankin...
A convicted bigamist already serving a 25 year prison sentence for burning his ex-wife’s mobile home while she was asleep inside will be arraigned this morning on charges he tried to arrange another attempt on her life from behind bars.

Shortly after his incarceration, Timothy Lee allegedly offered his 1991 Ford Explorer to the first inmate to kill his ex-wife, and circulated a flier containing details about her hobbies, the location of her home and a list of her daily routines.

Obsess much? At least his ex-wife can be thankful that she is an EX!

Now, far be it from me to judge. But, one would think that in order for a woman to pull off a stunt like this, she’d need to be really attractive.

No?
Ok, average. What? Oh, alright, how about mildly attractive? Still no? What about butt ugly? Will that work? Well, it sure does work in the case of Barbara Ann Moore. Oh hell yeah.
OK, you've been warned, next up for your visual enjoyment, is Barbara Ann Moore.

Now Barbara Ann is the first female ever to be charged with bigamy in Kentucky…in fact, she’s still on the run and facing charges!

Robert Parchman (one of Barbara Ann's victims) has been engaged to another woman for almost eight years and he said it’s not cold feet that’s holding him back from tying the knot again…His fiancé won’t wear his ring until his 'wife' (Barbara Ann) stops wearing his name. The third time Barbara Ann got married, she got caught and thrown in jail,” Parchman said.

The not-so-happy husband said that his wife has been marrying other men for the past decade. Moore married Parchman first, then Raymond Moore Jr. and then David Denney. After saying "I do,” in 1999, she spend part of her honeymoon in the Covington jail. Parch said that she’s been in jail several times since but, she gets free again before he can get the divorce papers to her cell…

Here's what I think...




You get what you deserve.
Rock on with your bad self...
H



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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Catching up...

I've been back from vacation for a week...and what a week it's been!

In the past 7 days we've adopted 2 new pets...my new greyhound, Chatterbox that I told you about earlier...and we're finally bringing home a new cat this Friday. We actually adopted Beanie last week at the Animal Refuge League for my 8 year old son Jack. However, Beanie has a cold and is on antibiotics until the end of this week.

And before you ask...yes, greyhounds and cats can live in peace and harmony inside the same house!


So while Animal Planet gets ready to do a show from inside my house...school has started in Hollis.

Last night was the night that parents across SAD 6 dream of all summer...Open House...which signals the start of the school year! Charmen and I toured the boys classrooms chatting with each teacher as the kids got reacquainted with friends they haven't seen all summer.

My youngest son met his teacher and try as she may to make a connection, he was having none of that. When she asked if he was excited about the first day of school he replied, "Ummm...not really!" She chuckled. She then asked him about his long vacation in California and he told her, "I wish I was on the airplane right now!" Obviously not one to give up easily, the teacher asked him what he liked about flying...and my son, not one to give in either, looked at her and said, "It was flying to California...which means I wasn't at school!" At this point she politely excused herself and went to talk with a less stubborn child!

Last night after the kids went to bed I commented to my wife that hopefully things will slow down a little now...and then she reminded me of all the after-school activities, her schedule, my schedule as the new Cub Master for Cub Scout Pack 323 in Hollis, and some of my upcoming work events.

All of a sudden I wish I was back on the plane headed to California too!

Just kidding!

I'll talk to you in the morning.

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Tuesday, August 26, 2008

To spank or not to spank...

Today, we discussed corporal punishment in schools.

Overwhelmingly, you guys were all for it. I am all for it as well.

Not because I promote abuse. Don’t be ridiculous!

Not because I want discipline left solely to someone else because I can’t be bothered.

But, because kids these days need to know that although they do have lots of choices, they’re still kids. They still need guidance. And although they may decide whether or not they want peas or carrots for dinner or if they want to clean their room now or 15 minutes from now; it is never a choice for them to be rude, disruptive or disrespectful.

There are a lot of kids these days who don’t realize what limits are. They think they can do whatever they want, whenever they want. They talk to people in whatever tone suits them and it doesn’t matter if they are vulgar or profane. Most of them are fearless and don’t give a flying rats whisker if they’ve offended you. They know no boundaries. A paddle to the backside might cure that, or at least bring them back down to reality.

I am entitled to my opinion and here it is… Kids today have it too easy.

They’re asked to do too little, and more often than not, they’re not held accountable. These days, instead of getting a good old fashioned whack on the tush, they have a ‘discussion’. Instead of getting their mouth washed out with soap for cussing, they get a 20 minute lecture on why ‘those words are bad’. Kids don’t usually make it much past the first 3 – 5 minutes of a ‘discussion’ or ‘lecture’, but a little bit of heat for the seat makes them consider things a little longer, and perhaps it will remind them to think a little harder before they make another potentially poor choice.

It doesn’t matter if they’re in airports, Laundromats, or restaurants – kids are kids and will be loud and obnoxious. They will push the limits continually. As kids, we all did the same thing! Pushing the limit is part of what being a kid is all about! And as a species we need to know what’s acceptable for us and what isn’t. Pushing the limit is how we find out.

For discipline in its purest form, let’s go to nature for a second. How do Lions show their young the necessary skills to be a good hunter? They lead by example. How do pack animals like wolves teach their little ones to behave and stay in line? They grab a hold of them and show them what’s up! (Trust me, if animals had thumbs, they’d probably be using our paddles!)

My point is, as parents, it starts with us. If we teach our children what’s proper and acceptable while they’re young, they’ll grow up and remember the lessons. We are the ones who teach them how to be productive and responsible citizens before we send them out into society.

I am not saying that paddling kids is the end all, be all - or that a nice crack on the bottom is going to automatically make all children into little saints and productive members of their community, but it will teach them at the very least that there are consequences to their actions.

Rock on with your bad self,

H

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Monday, August 25, 2008

Summer learning

So... Summer is almost over. At least it feels that way.


The wind is getting that Autumn feel to it and even some of the leaves are changing already. Ick!


Not that I detest Autumn, in fact it is probably my favorite season however, I hate to say goodbye to Summer! It is so short! It just arrives to say hello and is gone before you can even get sick of it! Not like when the family comes to visit... heh heh heh

I decided to blog about my reflections this afternoon.


Reflections about all the things I've learned this Summer.
It isn't going to be in any sort of order, there will be no explanations, just a random list of things as they occurred to me...Try to follow along.







I learned that one of my closest friends has type II diabetes. I found out that saving money on weed killer doesn't mean you got a 'good deal'. I learned that Great Danes really like cheese danish. I found a new seafood restaraunt on the beach in Cape Elizabeth, a really cool park with a submarine in Portsmouth, and I learned that people really do have 7 or 8 kids and are happy about it! I learned that a dehumidifier works similar to an air conditioner.

I saw my first up close and personal hot air balloon, learned about the care of a damaged Caltalpa tree, and studied a book on philosophy through literature. I was witness to a complete 'cold water' plumbing replacement in a basement, as well as a few emergencies. I saw my neighbor's cat get hit by a car and was shocked at my ability to step in and help without being emotional, I made a new friend at Red Cross, I talked my daughter out of piercing her face. Fraggle Rock bedspreads are no longer popular.


I learned that you can fall crazy in love with your best friend and it can be the most incredible thing ever. I found out that even though you have $5 and Chuck Norris has $5; Chuck Norris STILL has more money than you. I also learned that I can only eat 5 hotdogs, and if you try to stuff more than 5 lbs of crap in a 5 lb bag, it's going to break and get crap everywhere. EVERYWHERE. It doesn't pay to look like you work for KFC in your wedding photos, and if your car doesn't start, check the gas tank before calling the mechanic.


Don't make a bet with Bill Fox that you can't keep, in fact, don't make a bet with him at all...you'll just lose. I learned that I can only spin around on a bat 10 times before getting sick, and if you put on a costume and walk around downtown, no one will say a word to you.
These are just a few things I learned, if I wrote all of them down, I would be here all night. I hope you learned some things too.
Rock on with your bad self...
H

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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Our Baby Has Arrived

Our new baby has arrived...all 70 lbs, 4 lanky legs, long muzzle with extremely wet nose included, and wagging tail. The only surprise? It isn't Onyx!

We had no idea that Greyhound Pets of America-New Hampshire would bring along another greyhound when they brought Onyx to pay us a visit on Saturday. But that's exactly what they did.

After just a few minutes of walking around our backyard, a tour of the inside of Casa Fox, and meeting our crazy Boxer and 4 cats...it was apparent that Onyx wasn't going to be joining this dog pack. It wasn't anything in particular...we just didn't have that connection.

However, the other greyhound, Chatterbox, fit right in. He obviously loved the kids...leaning in for scratches behind the ear, and walking easily on lead. While cautious with Zora, he was still interested in playing, and when strolling around inside he looked at the cats and turned away as if they were just another piece of furniture...ALL good signs. And I thought it was kind of ironic that a guy that talks on the radio for a living would have a dog named Chatterbox!

So now he had to pass the Charmen test. In all honesty my wife would have been just fine without another dog in the house. She likes the calm and ease of only one dog. Truth be told she's a cat person...as a matter of fact, I'm convinced that if I die early and the kids move away...she'll be the crazy cat lady at the end of the street. You know the one...79 cats in one house, cat magnets all over the refrigerator, 18 years of Cat Fancy Magazine stacked up beside the bed...get the picture?

Anyway, after a lengthy discussion about schedule conflicts, crate size, and responsibilities...it came down to this statement from my wife: "Do it if you want."

To the less experienced husband that would have been the green light, all systems go sign, full steam ahead...but I've been around the block a couple of times...I know that phrase comes with a lot of hidden meanings. Not only did she say "Do it if you want", but she threw in "the look." You know the one guys...the look that says, "Do it, but when it all blows up in your face...don't come running to me for help!" The one that says, "I can't believe you don't see the problems you're causing with this decision."

So being wise enough to recognize this look I new it was time to slow my roll! Maybe she was right...maybe I rushed into this, maybe things were OK without adding another 4 feet to the pitter patter of my house...hmmm...or else it was all a big ploy on her part. Maybe she was working an angle...trying to score some expensive necklace she's had her eye on, or a long weekend in Boston with her sister, leaving me to take care of the boys and all of these animals. Hmmmm...this would require some real thought.

So I excused myself to ponder all of the possibilities...and there on the toilet all things became crystal clear. I decided to follow my heart...adopt Chatterbox, love him, give him a forever home, and deal with the othr stuff as it comes up! I also realized it was time for a new toilet as well!

By the time I made it outside I could see that Charmen was finally warming up a bit more to the idea of having a greyhound in the family again. Chatterbox had made his way over to her and was laying on the charm. After a few more minutes of discussion with the adoption coordinators, Charmen finally gave me the sign that she was on board. There were cheers from the kids and the GPA folks, and even Chatterbox seemed relieved that he had found a permanent home.

The first night was pretty uneventful. Chatterbox found his way upstairs to explore and meet the other cats...who were NOT impressed, but tolerated him none-the-less...he played with Zora, and reveled in the fact that he was getting scratched and rubbed at every turn.

The real fun started at 1:30 this morning. That's when I decided to finally call it a night, and placed him in his crate. All seemed well at first...until I had just gotten comfortable...and that's when the howling started. I ignored it at first, realizing that we're in a transition phase...this is normal. Then came the barking. OK...that's normal. Then came the moaning, howling and barking all at once!

That's when my wife rolled over and said, "Your dog wants you!"

Cut to the chase...I slept on the couch last night, right next to Chatterbox. He calmed down and finally went to sleep. When I woke up a couple of hours ago I was greeted with a big wet greyhound kiss for my efforts...meanwhile, my wife is still sound asleep in our bed...with her cat!

The kids are eating breakfast, and Chatterbox is right here beside me on the floor as I type this...feels like a pretty good Sunday...even if my back does hurt from sleeping on the couch!

I'm off to the kitchen for a cup of coffee...and to feed my new best friend. Talk to you in the morning.

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Saturday, August 23, 2008

A New Member of the Fox Family?

Now before anyone gets too excited...my wife is NOT pregnant! I already have two sons and that's MORE than enough!

However, we may be adding to the family with another 4 legged friend...a really, really fast friend...a retired racing greyhound.

I first got involved with greyhound adoption when I was in the U.S. Air Force and living in San Antonio, TX. My first wife and I adopted a total of 5 greyhounds and we were actively involved with Hill Country Greyhound Rescue and Adoption (now TXGAP).

I helped coordinate meet and greets, arranged transport schedules from the track in Corpus Christie back to San Antonio, did home checks for potential greyhound owners, helped clean kennels, feed, and turnout the dogs for exercise...I was very involved and loved every single minute of it. The people were fantastic, and the dogs captured my heart.

I still remember the day that I met my first greyhound. We had gone to Petsmart to pick up a bag of food for my Norwegian Elkhound (another truly amazing breed) and as we were leaving, the HCGRA was just setting up for a meet and greet...greyhounds were everywhere. I was instantly taken with their grace and beauty.


As I looked on admiringly, one of the volunteers asked me if I'd like to pet one of the dogs. Well...you don't have to ask me twice! I was thrilled to stand around petting a dog I didn't even know. Too bad the dog didn't feel the same way! Perhaps it was my exuberance and enthusiasm, but that particular greyhound wasn't so thrilled to meet me...he gave me a look that said, "Stand back freak show."

At that point...someone that would turn out to be one of my favorite people in the world...Ray Massey...stepped forward to reassure me that just because that greyhound didn't like me...that there were others that would. As a matter of fact one was on the way within minutes!

So being the goofy dork I am, I stood around waiting. Then he walked through the door...long, sleek, shiny black hair, tail wagging, tongue hanging out the side of his mouth...and he was walking straight toward me. I've said since that day that he saw SUCKER written all over my face and turned on his magic greyhound charm.


It was like a scene out of some movie...I bent down as he approached and before I could blink he was giving me those greyhound kisses that I would learn to love and cherish. He rubbed his head against my leg, then leaned into me and before I knew what hit me I was in love.

The only thing that I didn't like about him was his name...Wubba Wubba! Who names a dog Wubba Wubba? I soon found out that lots of greyhounds get weird names...but have "normal" nicknames. However, Wubba Wubba didn't have a cool nickname...that would soon change.

To be honest...at this point, like any new relationship...I got scared. I wasn't sure I was able to commit. So we said our goodbyes...a nice hug and a rub on the head from me...a big sloppy greyhound kiss from Wubba Wubba...and I left the store.

For the next hour I tried to shop for furniture for the new house I had just had built. I'd moved in the week before and most of the rooms were empty or had left over stick furniture pieced together from my parents and in-laws left overs.

As hard as I tried to focus on chairs, couches and end tables...my mind kept thinking about Wubba Wubba.

My ex, for all of our differences, shared a true love for animals and she could tell my head and my heart was back at Petsmart. So she quickly wrapped up the deal on the furniture, and as we walked back to the parking lot we both knew we weren't headed home just yet! Without saying a word, I pointed the car toward Petsmart.

As I walked back through the door, Ray was there...a smile from ear to ear, his hand extended, his voice booming "Welcome to the family!" As I signed the adoption papers Ray told me that he knew I'd be back. Little did he know I'd be back again and again.

Becoming active in he and his wife Patsy's greyhound rescue group is one of the shiny moments of my life. However, as things change and people grow, our paths split off as I went to California for a new morning show opportunity...then another...along the way getting divorced, remarried, and having two kids...I've never found a way to merge our paths for more than a quick visit or a phone call and/or an e-mail.


However, in that time I've adopted and loved several greyhounds. Three years ago this month I lost one of my favorites...Tornado...to cancer. It was one of the three saddest days of my life.


Since then I've been without a greyhound and my life has been worse because of it. Oh sure...I have pets...and if you listen to the show, then you know I love each one of them. From our crazy Boxer, Zora...to the amazing cats Linus, and Pearl that we adopted from the Animal Refuge League in Westbrook...and our sons 2 Guinea Pigs...I love them all. But none have ever filled my heart the same way a greyhound does.

So after months of mulling it over...today we'll meet Onyx. He's a black, 2 year old retired racer from Greyhound Pets of America-New Hampshire. A volunteer is driving him to our house tonight to see if this may possibly be his forever home. He reportedly gets along well with other dogs, likes cats, and is great with kids. So our hope is that he'll be a good match.

My hopes are probably a little higher than the rest of the family...they'll love him no matter what because he's a sweet dog. Me on the other hand...well, I'm looking for true love like I found with Wubba Wubba...who by the way, had his named changed that first day to Bogey!

I'll let you know tomorrow how things turn out this afternoon with Onyx. Wish me luck.

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Thursday, August 21, 2008

What can we do to prevent this?!

While perusing the Internet (Internets if you're Al Gore or Chris Mitchell - JK love ya Chris!) looking for something to blog about, I went from one video to another looking for something, anything that would spark interest, spark discussion, spark motivation - you name it.

I saw some funny video's of babies, cats, people being pwned - etc, etc, etc.

Then I stumbled upon something that would absolutely turn a spark into a raging fire.

Emotion. At least that is what it sparked in me. Sadness. Anger. Disbelief.
Take a look, and we can talk more...




Now, after seeing this - I was quite upset. However, I immediately went to video #2.




My father left me too.

I spent many years wondering what I did to upset him, why did he leave?
I made different choices than Allison. I didn't go for the duster. I chose anger.

I found out that I was pregnant when I was 18. I called my 'Father' and he told me that I had completely screwed up my life and that I would never amount to anything. It was then, that I said to him "If that is all you have to say to me, then I guess we are not going to speak again".

I did of course try to speak to him again, several times - I wanted him to meet his granddaughter. He saw her once, when she was about a year old. She is 18 and graduating from high school this year.

At one point, it was easier for me to think of him as just simply being dead. For a while, I told the people that didn't really know me well, that he was dead. Now though it doesn't bother me at all. I realized that it was his loss, not mine. He is the one missing out - not only on his own child's life, but he has two grandchildren that he hasn't really met. Two really great grandchildren.

Totally his loss. But, I do feel for Allison.

Video #3


Video #4



So, today we discussed whether or not the drinking age should be lowered. I say no. I know that people are going to do what they want to do, no matter what and this series of videos prove it.

Good things can come from disaster though.

Video #5



I hope that Allison continues to stay on the path she's been on since May. No one deserves to have an existence like she had before the intervention. No one wants to be that unhappy. No one likes being that unhappy.

If you, or someone you know has an addiction problem, please - don't be silent.
Get help, offer help.

For more information on help, please contact :

maine.gov/dhhs/osa/

www.addictionsearch.com/treatment/ME/maine.html

www.intervention.com/

Rock on with your bad self,

H

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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Back In The Saddle

Vacation in California was amazing...catching up with old friends, meeting new people, Disneyland with the kids, seeing three new movies, going to a Boz Scaggs concert, the Sacramento Zoo, and taking in a Rivercats game.


Then there was the not so amazing stuff; the airport, traffic, smog, and extreme heat (it got up to 117 degrees for two days, 115 for a day and averaged about 103 the rest of the time...ugh).

So it's good to be back home in Maine. The vacation did what it was supposed to do: help me relax, provide some fun for my family, and remind me how fortunate I am to be where I am!

This morning was the first day back on the show...and it was more fun than I remembered. I feel energized and ready to take on the world. I'm really happy to be back home.

By the way, thanks to Chris Mitchell for holding down the fort for me while I was away.

More tomorrow...talk to you in the morning.

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Friday, August 15, 2008

Drive it or park it...


A beautiful car, isn't it? It's OK you can admit that you admire it, even if you could never have one. I do it all the time...




OK, so yesterday I see these two dudes driving this gorgeous corvette convertible. It was sparkling clean, and absolutely perfect. One of the guys was older, the other younger, which led me to believe it was a father and son. How nice! A father and son out for a ride in the 'Vette on such a gorgeous day.


That thought lasted about 15 seconds.
Now, I know you saw me post a blog a while back regarding the Ford Mustang Bullitt and how it would be so great to have one of my very own... Great because I drive like a demon child and have a very heavy foot. OK, it's not just heavy, it's lead. Not that there's anything wrong with that, as long as I am not hurting anyone or getting caught - cause that would hurt my wallet!


I got a ticket once for doing 85 on the Maine Turnpike. I was only supposed to be going 65, and that ticket was over $200! And that was in my Toyota!

Anyway, I digress... This Corvette that I saw yesterday was completely sad. Although it was clean, and shone like a new penny, it was seriously depressed! And I could tell this from looking for less than 20 seconds. How can I tell the car was depressed? Well, the way it was being driven for one thing!

A car like that, isn't meant to go 30 miles an hour. That is a complete waste. A waste of the car's performance ability and a complete waste of time! Not only does the car expect to be driven the way it was built but anyone who sees the car is expecting it to be going faster than, oh, I don't know - Grandma on her RASCAL scooter?!?



COME ON PEOPLE!


This car is ready to go! It has a 6.0L 400 hp V8 engine! That's right I said 400HP! SO what if it only gets 17 - 18 MPG in the city - anyone who buys a car like this isn't really concerned with the mileage. (Are they?)
If they are, then may I suggest a RASCAL?



A Ford Mustang Bullitt would be nice and I would absolutely take one, if someone handed me the keys and said "All yours!" But, the Corvette is (and has actually always been) my first choice, and mine would look just like this... Sweet!

I wouldn't be scared to drive it either. Look at it! Its practically begging for you to stick your foot clear into the carburetor.

DRIVE ME! - it screams!

Might not be a bad idea for me to make sure the life insurance premium is paid up and I've got my last will and testament all written and securely put away...

Rock on with your bad self, and drive it like you stole it! (and if you can't, then may I suggest that you just PARK IT!)

H



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Tuesday, August 12, 2008

What's for dinner?

So, I was looking through cookbooks this afternoon, to find something new for dinner. I couldn't see anything of interest in the books where I was looking, so I came to the internet to search further.

I came across this, and wonder if the kids would like it...

What do you think? I think it's pretty friggin awesome...




Rock on with your bad self,

H

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Afraid To Sleep

It's 1:28 a.m. in California and I'm wide awake. Not because if I was home in Maine I'd already be at work. It's not even because I'm on vacation and it's OK to be awake at this time...it's because I'm actually afraid to go to sleep!



Many of you know that I suffer from severe sleep apnea and use a BiPAP machine in order to sleep through the night. I've been using it for about a year and can't imagine my life without it...it has truly changed the way I live. Sleeping without it means extreme snoring, gasping for air, literally waking up hundreds of times and never getting any fit sleep.



Well, about two hours ago I went to crawl into bed after a long, hot day of vacation fun...and my BiPAP machine started beeping and the LED display read "Service Required." In short...my lifeline to a good night sleep...and the sanity of my family...is now at stake!

After calming down from my initial panic I was able to reach a real live person on the phone and explain my problem...and we all know how hard that is now that we seem to automate every call or at best, outsource it overseas!

So imagine my shock when a real person came on the phone and immediately put my mind at ease. "Try to get some sleep or at least the best you can Mr. Fox...and we'll have someone from the local office in Sacramento call you first thing in the morning so that we can switch out your machine."

WOW! Can it really be that easy? I don't know...I'm sure hoping. The thought of sleeping...or not sleeping in this case...without my BiPAP is really scary. I just remember how horrible I used to feel...tired, run down, irritable, unable to stay awake in important meetings, falling asleep at stop lights...it was awful. The sad part is that I lived like that for years before finally having a sleep study and being diagnosed.

So if you're reading this and you're someone that can fall asleep any place...and I do mean any place, or you've been told that you that you snore a lot, or maybe your excessively irritable...then you may suffer from sleep apnea.

You owe it to yourself to read up on the subject and see what it's all about. Go to http://www.sleepapnea.org/info/index.html to find out more.



I've now sequestered myself to an isolated part of the house where my snoring and gasping for air shouldn't wake anyone up except me. We sure don't need anyone else tired and irritable tomorrow...after all, we're on vacation...we should at least wait until we get home to be exhausted.

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Monday, August 11, 2008

Completely Random...

So I couldn't find anything really 'blogworthy' today during my 'morning Internet scouring session' and I waited all day to see if something really exciting happened. Nothing did.
So, now it is almost time for bed, and I still don't have a topic.

I don't suppose I need one really. Aren't people generally nosy? I think so. I think people want to know about things, people and what they're doing. I would daresay that 98% of the public has a little Gladys Kravitz inside of them...Come on, we've all seen the Hitchcock classic Rear Window, haven't we? Don't lie to me, I simply won't accept it.

I will therefore blog about my day. Oh my yes! My exciting life is going to unfold right before your very eyes. Exciting, stuff I tell ya. OK, maybe not. But, it's got to be worth something right? I mean, it is my existence...

The alarm normally goes off sometime around 2:40. The past week though it's been going off about 2:20 - sometimes 2:00. Yes, that is AM. I've only had to shut the alarm off once in the past week, every other day I am awake before it goes off, which is a good thing so as to not wake the handsome man sleeping next to me. Sometimes he wakes up, sometimes he doesn't. When he does, I kiss him goodbye. When he doesn't I don't want to wake him, he doesn't need to be up until at least 5:30. (bedside clock is set 15 minutes fast) Good thinking dear!

I grab my clothes and dress in the bathroom, then I can brush my teeth before going downstairs.
I let the dog out, if he gets up, and make the coffee pot ready for when Geoff gets up. Sometimes I leave him a note, and sometimes I don't. Silly lovie type notes. Gross girlie in love kind of stuff.

On the way to work, sometimes I get an iced tea from MacDonald's because it is $1.00 and will last the entire length of the show, and sometimes I go to Dunkin Donuts. Usually it is McD because I am cheap.

I have a nifty spot in the parking garage that is attached to the building. I never have to worry about the weather or sometimes unsavory characters or perverts who may be lurking around... OK, who am I kidding. This is Portland Maine. Anyway, it makes me feel cool to have such a parking space, so shuddap.

I go to my office, and get ready for the show. Check the news, sports, etc. Then it is time to work, and you all know what happens there. Yes, we can leave the studio to go to the bathroom or get more coffee. I have even been known to walk next door to see Carl at Whip's and ask him to make me a hot dog. =)

After the show, we have more work to do, and normally wrap up sometime around 11:30. Sometimes earlier, and sometimes later. Unless it is Thursday and in that case we are out of there by 10:30 - 10:45 so we can go to the ARL and get our photo taken with the pet of the week.

Today after work, I went to the bread store. I love that place. I know I mentioned it to you in a previous post, and how someone made fun of all the bread and bagels and such. Well, it was gone and we needed more. This week I only got 4 sleeves of bagels and one loaf of bread. One of the kids won't be in the house this week and therefore I don't want to waste it. I would rather run out than have it go bad.

After the bread store, I went to pick up my son from his cousin's house and then finally got to come home. Once here, I put the bread away and let the dogs out. I put a load of clothes in the dryer, then washed one. I tried to lay down for a nap, but couldn't sleep. The boys were in the kitchen making a snack or something, and the bottom shelf on the door of the fridge came off and all the condiments spilled on the floor making a terrible racket. I listened to them laugh and could hear everything get picked up. Very nice when a teenage boy makes a mess and cleans up after himself. That is a great story!

I got up after a failed attempt at a nap to find all the kids gone, so I decided to make a banana bread. I followed the recipe to the tee, but somehow it came out looking like a very light bread. I was asked why it wasn't darker and didn't know what to say. It was suggested that maybe other people use darker bananas than I did. I guess that would sound right. Anyway, it will either get eaten or it won't.

We had tacos for dinner and that was pretty good. We discussed senior shirts and themes and ideas of them. We laughed at what the possibilities could be for other seniors we know. After cleaning up from dinner, and Geoff preparing his lunch for tomorrow, I swapped over the laundry, folded the ones from the dryer, and took a bath. Geoff is changing the toilet in the downstairs bathroom and I can hear him clinking around in there. The kids just got back with a shower curtain and I can hear them upstairs "ooooh" and "ahhh". I suppose I should go and look.
I will say goodnight to my family and go to bed before all of them. I will be up again at the same time, and my day will be very similar to this one. With the exception of the bread store, I don't need to go there again until next week. Oh and tomorrow there will be a note for Geoff. But I didn't leave it by the coffee maker. I put it in his lunchbox instead!

Rock on with your bad self,

H

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Friday, August 8, 2008

One More From The Road

It's been almost a week since vacation started and I'm just now starting to relax and feel like I'm actually on vacation!

Last night I was in Anaheim at a place called The Grove, where I went to see Boz Scaggs in concert. It's my third time seeing Boz in the last 10 years...and each time he just gets better.

Last nights show was amazing! Boz opened with Lowdown...



Tossed in a few new songs, mixed in the classics and wrapped up the 30 minute encore with Breakdown Dead Ahead.




Part of what made last nights concert so special is that I was there with one of my best friends, Ed Hayes. He and I met about 12 years ago when I did my morning show from Bakersfield, CA. We became fast friends based on our love for music and professional football!

Since then we've both gotten married, had kids, and gotten a few years older! However, last night you would have thought we were a couple of teenagers at our very first concert...we had a blast...and we're already anticipating our 4th Boz Scaggs show!

So vacation is starting to feel like vacation...and by the time I get home to Maine I'm sure I'll be all fired up and ready to get back to work.

See ya then.

Bill

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If you remember about a month back, we had a discussion that covered the fact that , I didn’t want my daughter to pierce her face,(and still don’t). Thankfully now she has changed her mind and no longer thinks that is a good idea.

I can’t help being a mother, some days I think it was the reason I was put on the earth. I love my children and want to guide them to make good choices. Think about the long term results of a choice they make today. How is it going to affect them in the years to come? Isn’t that what parents are supposed to do, or have I been doing it wrong all this time?

I think you all know me well enough by now, to know that although I have a few tattoos and plan on adding to them in the near future, I don’t see the point in going completely all out crazy. Which, in essence, brings me to the topic for today’s blog.

This blog presents the question –

“What does this guys’ mother think of what he has done to himself?”


JUST MY OPINION – this is a mother’s worst nightmare!
What mother would ever want to see her beautiful baby boy make himself look like this?
(Did she perhaps drop him as an infant and damage that delicate spot on his little noggin?) And is that a Friggin star implant in the middle of his forehead? Yes… Yes it is.
Good God.

Now, I am sure there are some who would applaud this fellow for being unique, happy with his decisions and his apparent confidence in his appearance, however I cannot share in that applause. I think it is absolutely ridiculous.

I don’t even know what else to say about this. Looking at that eyeball tattoo makes me sick to my stomach. I had LASIK surgery about 5 years ago and I was TERRIFIED to have it done! And I was in the office of a surgeon who did this for a living… I can’t imagine going to have someone inject dye into my EYE that I use to SEE everything and everyone in my life, just cause it’d be cool. Just so I could have the only one around… That is your Friggin EYE man! When asked about his eyes, this is what he said…



QUESTION: You've got tattoos, you've got piercings. But the eyeball tattoo! What's up with that?
ANSWER: The eyeball tattoo is awesome. That's actually one of my favorite mods right now. A, because it's one of my newest and B, I have the only red eyeball tattoo in the world. The first and only.

Q: How do you know that? A: Because there's only one guy that does 'em.

Q: How long does it take? A: This was three injections. ... We're going for like a demon eye type of thing. There's going to be red and black in both eyes. We don't know how the colors are going to mix yet, like I said, still new.

Q: Are you worried about making a mistake? A: No, strangely I'm not. I mean, people are like, "You might go blind from that." I'm like, "I got two eyes."

Uh, what??? So what if you have two…You’re supposed to have two!!! Too bad this guy didn’t get two brains. Maybe he would use at least one of them.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, his nickname is BIOHAZARD.

Perhaps this is the most frightening thing of all about this entire situation…. AT least it was for me -

Q: What are you going to do when your 2-year-old son is 16 and says, "Dad, I want to be just like you." A: Awesome, I'm so looking forward to that day.


OMG. Could someone just please shoot me now?

Rock on with your bad self.
I am going to rest my eyes. That’s right, I said EYES. Plural. Meaning more than ONE. Cause I am supposed to have two. I like my eyes and want to keep them…
H

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Wednesday, August 6, 2008

I Found Manny Ramirez at Disneyland

I thought I'd take time out from vacation to check in from the road...

Heidi scoffed on Friday when I said that I'd be hanging with Manny Ramirez at Disneyland while on vacation in California! I tried to tell her that Manny and I were tight..but she just rolled her eyes.

Oh thee of little faith.

Less than 3 hours after entering Disneyland on Sunday...I ran smack dab into Manny as he left the Soaring California. I couldn't believe my eyes...there he was sporting his brand new LA Dodger colors...a big 99 on his back...walking with his agent, taking in all of the wonderful attractions offered at Disneyland and California Adventure.

He was shorter than I thought he'd be...and where were those trademark dreads? Hmmm...I guess Joe Torre must have made him cut them off already. As I got closer, and called out his name, he turned and gave me that famous Manny grin...

It was then that I realized that I'd been hoodwinked!

That wasn't Manny...it was a 10 year old kid wearing Manny's new Dodgers shirt...well, that explains where his dreads went! And the agent? That was the kids dad...oh man...whatta a rip off!

Although I didn't see the real Manny, I can tell you that he is alive and well in Los Angeles. The entire city is caught up in Mannymania...they absolutely LOVE the guy.

The kid and his dad went on to tell me that they had been at the game the night before when Manny got his first home run. You could hear the excitement in the voices as they described how he came to the plate, the sound the bat made when it struck the ball, and how cool Manny glided around the bases.



They also apologized. They know that their teams gain was our teams loss. And they weren't the only ones who offered up condolences.

As I walked around the park with my family, sporting my new David Ortiz T-shirt, I was met with chants of Go Sox, and Yeaaah! Boston. But most people simply said, Hey, sorry about Manny.

My response...yeah me too.

On a funny note...after a full day of chants and shout outs for the world champs I had kind of gotten used to it...but I wasn't prepared for what happened as I was leaving the park the first day.

Walking with my youngest son (he was wearing his Coco Crisp shirt)...I could hear a group of people talking softly. Occasionally I'd hear David Ortiz name, or someone whisper Red Sox...when I turned to see who was following me...I was met with a group of about 15 Japanese tourist being led through Disneyland by a tour guide.

As I caught their eye they all smiled, gave the thumbs up, and said Ohhh Red Sox...Dice K!

I almost fell over laughing! I smiled back, gave them the thumbs up and said Yeah! Dice K!

As we walked out the front gate, my son asked me if maybe hose tourist thought that he was really Coco and that I was Big Papi! I told him probably...after all I thought I'd spotted Manny Ramirez just a few hours earlier!

I guess when we talk about Red Sox Nation it's not too far of a stretch.

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Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Moving stinks! But I am glad it's over!

Long time no write BLOG! I have been so busy this past week!! I decided to move, and initially thought it may take me a month. Once I started packing, I realized that I didn't need to keep dragging all this junk around with me, and I started purging...That lasted a week, and by the time I was done, I had decided that I didn't need a month after all! I ended up moving/giving away/throwing away it all in a week! Some of it was done in car loads, and there were three trailer loads.

I decided to part with a good many things that I have schlepped around with me for years. Some of them went because I was just tired of looking at them. Others went because I no longer needed them and quite a few items went, simply because they reminded me of lives past - and I felt they were full of bad karma. I am making a move for the better and I don't want or need that negative energy in the new space.

Especially, since my kids and I moved in with my boyfriend and his son...
Shock! I know, I felt it too.
Some moments I still do, and I get that drunk butterfly feeling in my belly.
=0)
You know the one. It's all good and I am smiling as I post this. He is my best friend. There is no one that I would rather spend time with. He makes me laugh, he makes me think, and he challenges me. He is supportive and thoughtful, kind and loving. I think sometimes it embarrasses him that I can so openly tell someone this. I would walk up to a complete stranger and talk their ear off about how wonderful he is, the wonderful things he does, and the way he makes me feel.

I love him.

I know how hard it is to live with someone though, I've done it. So far, this seems pretty easy. We're all learning each other's habits and schedules, and trying to be respectful of boundaries and personal spaces. My dog is having a harder time adjusting than anyone else. He has had to go through some behavior modifications since moving in, and he hasn't entirely liked them all.

The house is a mess with boxes, and items which need to be sorted through and put away. So far today I've emptied three boxes and it doesn't look like the pile is growing any smaller! There is also laundry to do, floors to sweep and I am dead tired and would LOVE to take a nap...

I've been a busy bee this past week, and from where I am sitting right now, it doesn't look like this weekend is going to be any better...OMG, could someone please shoot me?

I came home the other day with 6 bags of bagels, two loaves of bread, two danish (one raspberry and one cheese - cheese was #1!) and some dinner rolls. Someone laughed at all that bread, but know what? In a house with two adults and three teenagers (two of which are boys) who have all have 2+ friends here on a continual basis - I am happy to report that it is almost gone and none has been wasted. The best part of this is that I got it all at the bread store on Forest Ave/Stevens Ave and saved a TON! Who doesn't love that when you need to put all your extra funds into the gas tank of the car...

Anyway, I suppose I will go make dinner now. I couldn't tell you how many mouths will be around the table tonight. Although, it honestly doesn't matter. It is easier for me to feed them all of them (body and mind) while they're here - I don't want someone else doing that job.

I may not like the job they do.

Rock on with your bad self, I am totally rockin on with my new family.

H

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