Seeing light...

Driveway's done being poured. It looks really nice. Tomorrow they will fill in with topsoil and seed for grass. We will be able to drive on it in 9 more days. I will let the kids walk on it in two.

Still working on a massive digging project in the back. We really needed to water proof the wall to keep the leaks from continuing to come inside. The boys have been a tremendous help. It really turned into a bigger project than I thought it would be. I'll update more tomorrow on that.

Gotta go get a shower. I'm pretty dirty now and need one bad. The kids want to watch movies, so I'd better hurry up.

Ownership obligations

I don't care if you own a car or a house... whatever. There is ALWAYS something that needs repairing or replacing. Early this morning, my daughter needed to get out to go take care of a friends animals and go to horse camp (she teaches). She couldn't get the car started. I tried jumpstarting it and nothing. So I had to take her and stay while she fed the animals, etc., and then take her to the barn. I was already awake, so it wasn't that big a deal :-p

The driveway guys started banging around at 7am!! So it was my turn to wake the neighbors! They always wake me when I'm sleeping with their lawn mowers and stuff. So I get to wake them with hammers, concrete saws and a generator! lol!

All this other activity put me behind in getting the new car through inspection and purchasing my tag, but not too bad. There wasn't a line like I was anticipating, so we got through there quickly.

I just got done taking the battery out of the car and putting it on a charger. The charger isn't loading up, so I don't think the problem is with the battery. Next, I'll have to take it to get professionally tested to be sure. Then maybe something else will have to be fixed on the car if the battery proves good (which it should since it is a 2004 battery). Problem will be getting the car to the shop to work on it. If I can't start it, then I will need a tow. More $$.

This afternoon, I will have to go pick up my daughter and take her to care for the animals again. Hopefully the car will be running by then so she can be set for tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Gotta go check on the driveway guys...

Too much on the calender!

I mentioned that I was going to take my second son to dinner tonight. Funny thing is he is on a camping trip with a neighbor family this weekend. What I was supposed to remember was that my 4th son had his All-Star game tonight. Glad my wife reminded me! He played well, but his team lost the game. Final score: 38-20. Not a lot of defense at this level. Fun to watch, though!

When I was leaving for work this morning , I found that someone had poured some liquid on my car. I don't know what it was, or who, but I suspect that our mentally unstable neighbor is up to his old tricks again. He sometimes doesn't take his meds and then does strange things. So far not really anything destructive. Just really annoying. Last night, we noticed a couple of extra "support our troops" magnets on our van. Apparently, he went collecting them (again) and has redistributed them throughout the area. This isn't the first time. Most of the neighborhood has called the police on him as some time or other. It doesn't seem to make any difference, and the state of the mental health institutions is such that it is very hard for anyone to be committed. This guy needs help before someone looses it on him. I'm pretty fed up too. Pray for me and him.

I'll try to remember to get out to dinner with my 4th daughter tomorrow night. She is a lot of fun to have all to myself. She loves the attention and is (still) one of my affectionate ones. I can count on hugs from her!

Emily, if you can get out here, I'd love to take you to a Drum Corps show! I don't guess there are many in your neck of the woods, although I believe there is a Corps from Seattle - The Cascades If you look under the "this season" tab, you will see their 2005 schedule. There are a couple of Washington shows, and some in Oregon. I'll see them in Allentown, PA on August 6th.

Well... past time for bed. I have been a little ill the last couple of days. Not enough sleep and poor diet choices are taking their toll. Working tomorrow all day. I'll just have to have a little one on one church. That's what I really need anyway. A little quiet time would do me a lot of good.

Thanks for reading!

Feeling a little better...

This is my last day on day shift this week where I'll have to deal with a lot of people. I will be working days this weekend, but there won't be anyone here. I haven't been getting enough sleep, but I am still feeling better now than I did earlier in the week. Thanks to all who prayed for me. I'm sure it helped to strengthen my spirit.

I plan to take my wife out to lunch on Friday. A little Italian place called Cafe Gelato. We've been before and enjoy the food. Then on Saturday night, I will try to take my second son for his birthday dinner. And on Sunday evening, take my 4th daughter for her birthday dinner. I am playing catch up on those dinners. It's amazing how quickly the time goes by! I'll be sure to eat lightly so I don't blimp out this weekend. Gotta remind myself that I am no longer a member of the "supersize me" generation and should appreciate quality taste over quantity. lol! I always used to go for the best "value" in my eating choices. Now I value taste and presentation more than sheer volume. I'll update this weekend on menu choices and restaurants visited.

Drum Corps season is in full swing. I haven't seen any shows, yet, but look forward to getting to at least one and maybe two shows. There is nothing like it on this earth!

"Time to make the donuts"

A bit of a downer today - sorry

Well, I've enjoyed the car for almost 2 weeks now. Most folks at work know that it's mine and some have asked to see it. That's a new feeling for me. I've never really had anything (except the kids) that people wanted to look at. I try to remain approachable in everything. I don't want people to think I'm a snob or that I'm in any way better than them. I think the tendency in the "new car" situation is for people to (naturally) have a little bit of jealousy. I know I've felt that way before. I really don't want folks to think I've put myself above them. It's just a car... If I could trust them, I'd let everyone drive it. Problem is accidents happen and I've got too much $$ tied up in this car to allow for that. Still, I need to hold all my possessions loosely - they really don't belong to me anyway.

So... father's day was pretty much a bust. A couple of kids wished me a happy father's day. Most forgot. I worked 13.5 hours, so I wasn't really home anyway. There was no dinner to speak of. I did receive a bag with some cleaning stuff for the car. That was nice. Don't get me wrong. I don't like a lot of pomp and circumstance, but a little more attention and "thanks, Dad, for all the hard work" would have been nice. I guess the Lord is showing me a view that my wife sees a lot. Parenting is a thankless job for the most part in the years when the kids are young. It really is up to spouses to lift each other up and share the load. I don't think I do a good job of edifying my wife a lot of the time. I often wonder if she thinks she could have done better. I think she probably could have.

I've been really discontented at work lately. For some reason, I have been targeted for some pranks in the last week. Stupid stuff like mixing my tools up and greasing the drawer handles to my tool box. Normally this wouldn't get me upset, but this time, I've been bothered by it. I'm tired of being an outsider all the time. Funny thing is that 3 of the guys I work with closely, profess to be Christians. I don't see Jesus very often here. I need to examine my own witness as well. The pranks were unprovoked as far as I can tell. I've never done that type of stuff to anyone else. Maybe they want to be engaged this way. I've just always avoided that kind of behavior since it usually escalates and I'd just a soon not get caught up in it.

I'm starting to think the depression a couple of my kids are struggling with comes from me. I have been feeling lonely lately. Even in a crowded house, the feeling is strong enough to make me wonder. I used to think it was just because I am tired all the time, but I'm starting to think it's not that at all. I'm just dissatisfied with everything. Another thing I've noticed is that no one seems able to please me - I'm not happy with their contributions to the work load or they just don't "do it right". This is at home as well as at work. And instead of helping out or kicking my contribution up a notch, I complain and pout about how "no one is doing their part but me". Not that I have any right to be pleased or served. That's really not the way it's supposed to be for Christians. We're supposed to serve selflessly, right? Why is the flesh so strong and selfishness so easy?

This is a sad rant today. I'm sorry to dump on my readers (all three of you) on the one hand, but glad to have a place where I feel relatively secure in opening up. I'm going to process all of this more. Maybe add some later.

VTEC!!

Yesterday, I discovered just exactly what the VTEC on the S2000 will do. Now I understand why this car is so much fun for enthusiasts.
More info for those interested.
VTEC 101 in basic english.

I got the car to about 6500 RPM in 3rd gear and was shoved back in my seat as it launched forward! Did it again in 4th and 5th gears, then realized I was going about 90 mph! What a rush!! I have got to find a place where I will be able to explore this more fully without legal ramifications getting in the way.
It's true that running at higher RPM's requires more shifting to maintain the power and response, but that is exactly what I wanted a sports car for.

I did have a friend tell me that he has been lusting after my exact car for years - color and everything. I told him that as soon as he got permission to buy from his wife, we could start talking. I definately wouldn't turn the right offer down. After all, my heart still is turned toward the Solstice.

The color is "envious"!

Still working out some more details

I still have some important things to do with this car before I am truly ready for summer cruising. I don't remember if I mentioned the check engine light... It's back on. I believe that once I get an air solenoid replaced (and maybe an oxygen sensor) that problem will go away. I need to get the air box for the filter and a replacement filter. Unless I can find the parts at a salvage yard, the cost for these items is somewhere in the $400 range. I knew this was an expensive car, so I'm not shocked by those prices. That is why I'm looking for the parts in salvage rather than buying them new. I'm limited in time, though, since I need to have the car registered by the end of the week.

I haven't decided how long I will keep this S2K. I like the car, but some of the modifications don't really suit me. I'm more of a stock kind of guy. Having the car lowered may be what the kids like, but I prefer a softer ride. The low profile tires also add to the rough ride. They look great, but are not very forgiving on the bumps. I guess I really am a fogey after all.

You can't beat this kind of car for grabbing attention, though. The looks never stop! If you're single and hunting, I am prepared to sell to you for a fair price! You won't be disappointed in the magnetism of the car. It will draw them in. The rest is up to you. I just tell them I have 11 kids and they beat a hasty retreat!! ;-)

Gonna get a little sleep this morning and then go make the rounds to see if I can find these parts.
I'll update later...

I'm Back!!

That was a long trip! I'm so glad my sister came along. There is NO way I was going to be able to get that car home in one night the way we did.

The flight to Atlanta was pleasant. We were excited, so we couldn't sleep any on that first leg. There was a plane change in Atlanta and then we flew to Nashville. I was tired, so I leaned up against the window with a blanket for a pillow. I was out before the plane taxied out onto the runway. The next thing I remember is waking up on approach to Nashville Airport.

My brother and sister-out-law picked us up and drove us over to the house where I was picking up the car. I got the nickle tour of the car got the title in my name and then hopped in and drove off with my brother as co-pilot. We ended up going to Bosco's for lunch as planned. Food was excellent. The facility was nice too. They have their own brewery in house, so the adult beverage of choice was extremely fresh.

After a filling, delicious lunch, we were supposed to head home. My brother and his wife were leading us out of the city when I noticed the "engine" light was on. Oh No!! My brother knew of a Honda dealer with a shop on site and we went there to see if they could help us. Long story short, there was an issue with the emmisions sensor that is supposed to go into the breather box (that wasn't there). They were able to get it fixed, but we lost almost 5 hours. I was definately going to be late getting to work. I convinced the former owner to foot that bill since the light came on before I had even left the city. I would call that a pre existing problem. I could have just voided the contract right there, but we needed a ride home and I like the car.

Got on the road late and it didn't look good for getting home in time for work. I called my co-workers and they agreed to cover for me (that's amazing, since no one ever seems to be available when I need them). Thank you Lord.

So, 900 miles later, I am here at work (I went home and changed and came right in). I was 4 hours late - pretty much the time it took to fix the car. This is definately NOT a long distance touring machine. It rides low and the suspension is tight. A little rough on the body for long periods of time. It will be nice for shorter rides, though.

I never knew that convertibles had so much wind noise with the top up. That noise got to be a little much on the long drive. I couldn't crank the tunes since my sister had to sleep for her turn behind the wheel. Same went for her. So it was a music-less ride. We didn't end up running with the top down either since we were travelling at 65+mph the whole time. I'll save that for the local cruises.

As long as it doesn't rain this evening, I will take the kids (one at a time) for rides. There are two airbags, so most of the younger ones won't be allowed for a while yet. The law is the law. I wish I could turn the firing mechanism off on the bag so they could ride. Maybe I'll just run them around the neighborhood. Then the wife gets her turn!

I'm really tired! I think I had to go back and correct spellings and llllllllllllll;;;;;auagj;l mistakes (where I nodded off) several times. I need to go check out some equipment in the building. That will help me stay awake. Gonna definately get 8 hours of sleep tonight!

Just a few hours left

I'm finishing up my shift. I'm only working 8 hours tonight. It seems like such a short shift after working 12's all this time.
I've been in contact with the seller in Tennessee and we are all set to meet in the morning. I don't know why I'm nervous. I need to get a nap in tonight and rest on the plane so that I am able to drive home safely. I don't know if I will be able to, though. I'm excited.

I went to DMV today and got my temporary tags. So it looks like I've got everything in order.

If I don't update for a while, don't worry. It will be because I'm enjoying my new car!

Change of topic.

We've had two birthdays in the family in the last10 days. My 2nd son and 4th daughter both are getting a raise in their allowance! Happy Birthday kids! Time to schedule our special dinners. Wonder where they will want to go this year.
This is a tradition that I have committed to over the years. On or near each birthday, each kid gets to pick a place to go out to eat lunch or dinner. Last year for these two, it was Jake's Burgers and Burger King. Inexpensive, yes. Good food, yes. Good for you, yeah right! I'm curious to know where they will want to go this year.

This time tomorrow, I will be driving home! Pray for me - that the trip will be uneventful and safe. Thanks!

Getting close now!

I fly out of Baltimore in 28 hours! It seems so strange to be preparing to fly 900 miles so that I can pick up a car. We fly through Atlanta and I may get to visit for a few minutes with my nephew (son of the sister who is coming with me). Haven't seen him in a while. He is a college student at Georgia Tech. It'll be nice to see him if he can get out.

I went to the bank today to put some money in to cover the check I wrote for the A/C work yesterday. Let me tell you... that was well worth the price. The house is so comfortable now! We had kids coming down in the morning complaining about being cold! I've been able to push the thermostat up to 75°. This should save some cash (more to go to the new car!).

I also stopped in at my insurance agent to get coverage so that I don't have to worry about driving home. Funny... the woman that handles my account has never heard of the Honda S2000. I guess some folks have their focus elsewhere. I had to promise to bring it by so that she can see it. No problem there! I'll gladly show it off!!

Later today (it is 1:15am after all) I will go by DMV to get temporary tags to put on the car for the trip.

My brother is going to pick us up at the airport and then drive us to get the car. I have decided to take him (and my sister) out to lunch and a short visit. We will be going to the Blackstone Brewery and Restaurant. I've read some great reviews about this place. I've also been thinking of checking out Boscos. Check that menu out! Lots of good stuff to choose from! I have no idea what I will pick (I'm taking suggestions).

The drive home promises to be interesting. Top down? Depends on the weather. Forecast is calling for hot and partly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. Should make for an interesting drive!
Last update before the trip (unless I post again tomorrow night).

It's Monday...

... of the week that I go get my car!!
I've got to get a temporary tag so that I can transport the car home legally. I have a copy of the title, so that should be no problem. I also need to get insurance lined up. The final payment goes out this morning, so I'm in it all the way now. Either this week is going to go terminally slow, or I won't be able to keep up. One or the other. Either way, there will be little relaxing.

Today, we get our A/C and heater replaced. I'm glad we already had it scheduled, because the compressor on the A/C unit went out yesterday. Talk about timing! If we hadn't already scheduled it, we would have had to pay for repair because most companies are now booked through the end of June. It is so hot and humid in the house right now. I don't think I'll be able to sleep any. Having contractors in the house isn't conducive to sleep anyway. Maybe I'll catch a nap at work tonight ;-)

Change of topic...

I have been thinking a lot last night and this morning about the topic of self-less love. Sacrificial love. Love that mirrors the type of love Christ showed in His day to day actions as well as by His sacrifice. One of the best pictures I can think of that gives an example of this is the love a mother shows to a sick child. Moms will get all dirty and puked on and still hold and hug and love on their kids. Some dads will, too.
Another picture of this love is shown in the married couple who honor their covenant with the Lord. There are times when they may not see eye to eye, but even then, they love and care for each other as an offering to the Lord. Maybe one of the partners is withdrawn. That is the time for the other one to pick up the slack and love harder. It's hard, though, because in the flesh, you want to be served, not to serve. How do we discipline ourselves to have that servant heart? I think it's a matter of exercising, just like with physical fitness.
So, what of the spouse who doesn't want to do the love workout? What then? How do you live with that or help them to change?
I pray for my friends who are struggling in this area.
I pray for my own marriage (since I have a tendency toward laziness and avoiding the "love workout").

Work hard at loving as Christ loved. This is the way to true contentedness and a solid witness. People will see your sacrifice and then you will have opportunity to give voice to the Reason you behave as you do.

More questions remain

So... The down payment went through. Now I am trying to find out if there will be tags on the vehicle or if I will need to purchase a temporary tag in order to legally drive the car home. This guy is not the best communicator... why doesn't everyone get online three times a day for anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours like I do?!?!?!?

I have arranged for the final payment to go through on Monday. They will actually receive it on Tuesday. I will be going on a promise at that point. Still very nervous right now, but have received what I believe to be sincere assurances from the seller. I also have an address, phone numbers and bank account information (confirmed by my bank) for this guy. And eBay gives a $20,000 Buyer Vehicle Protection Program

Is it June 9th yet?

I am flying my sister down with me to help with the drive home. It will take us about 13 hours to get back and I will have to go to work within a few hours of arriving home. Her help will enable me to (maybe) get a few hours sleep during this experience (yeah right). My brother will be picking us up at the airport in Nashville and driving us over to the house where the car is. So all in all, it is a real family affair. We may spend a couple of hours down there visiting as time allows. At least get lunch together anyway.

Time is up for this post. Gotta go get ready for work.

The Saga Continues

I just found out that the vanity tag I want for the new toy IS available!!
So, as soon as all the other stuff is worked out, you may soon be seeing me tooling around in my new (to me) Honda S2000 with the tag "MIDLIFE".

More to come...

Details, details

We're having some trouble with the bank routing number and getting my down payment to the seller of my car. Didn't meet the midnight deadline for the 10% down. I called him and he confirmed the routing number to be what we used. Could be due to a bank merger or this guy could be being shady. So... my bank is calling his bank to confirm the numbers and the existance of accounts. I love the folks at my bank! They take care of me. A couple of them let me know that they have concerns and gave me things to check out. So far everything checks out and pending the phone call, this should go through.

I've already booked the flight, so it better!

Working out the details

Hard to believe all the details I have to work out to be able to go down to Music City to pick up my car. Bank stuff (including sending advance partial payment today), travel plans - airline for two and airport pick up (my brother lives in Nashville), someone to cover about 4 hours of one of my shifts so I can catch the 6am flight. I was going to try to bring my wife, but there is no one up for taking her job for the day. No surprise there. She will still get the chance to drive the car sometime, though.

Also need to get that garage cleaned out so that the car can have an inside home. That means bikes and toys to the shed, new landscape pavers in a path to the shed so the kids can get their bikes out, more landscape ties and mulch.

Then there is the new driveway that is to go in next week.
And the new HVAC.
And the new deck.

I have the remainder of this week to get prepped for all this stuff. Oh, did I mention that I am working every night from Thursday through next Wednesday? Not sure when I will be sleeping. Probably on the flight down to Nashville. Maybe a little today, since I don't have to work tonight. The boys have a game this evening. I'll be there for that one. Need some batteries for the camera and to charge the camcorder.

Anyone want to trade weeks?