Why Is French Toast French?

This morning I made french toast for breakfast. I usually make a large breakfast or a large lunch before I have to be at work by 2. It was good. Then I usually pack a microwave dinner to eat later. Nothing is going on much today. The girls are hanging around the house, supposedly cleaning their rooms. I made some peach iced tea. It smells so good. I take that to work with me too. Hopefully it will be nice and clean there.

Here is another Michael Jackson video for you. I was reminded of this one by Pam. I remember when it first came out and they broadcast it on Fox after The Simpson's and it was a huge thing. It has Macaulay Culkin in it. I also love the episode of The Simpson's where Michael Jackson does the voice and they sing a song for Lisa. You can see it here at The Simpson's Channel.

A Country Bear Jamboree

Tonight we went to this week’s concert in the park. The band was called Southern Spirit. They played country rock tunes all night. The old folks who line down were out in full force. Cowboy hats were everywhere. The last song they did, they decided to do a Metallica song for the young folks. Just so you know, old people will line dance to Enter Sandman. One of the singers in the band was funny. He was the voice of Big Al in Disneyland’s Country Bear Jamboree. Do you remember that? I always loved that show. I was so sad when they took it out and put in the Winnie the Pooh ride, though the Pooh ride is cute too.

I sat by myself and enjoyed the people watching and the country tunes. As soon as we got there Carolynn found her friend Kayla and a few other friends and I didn’t see her, except for money for snacks, until it was time to go. Catherine found her friend Katelyn there too. They spent the time playing and walking Gibby. Here is a picture of the two of them.



The next concert will be in two weeks. They are called Neon Nation and are an 80’s tribute band. I am sure there will be plenty of Michael Jackson. They played some of his songs in the park after the concert tonight. Here is another Michael Jackson video for you. David picked this one.

New News

This week I have begun a new chapter of my job. I actually have the same inmates in the same place every day at the same time… except for Wednesday and Thursday, which are my days off. So far it is going along well. It started out a little rough because they didn’t know me, but we worked it out.

Too bad men are pigs, and no, I am not talking about the inmates. I arrived on Sunday for my first day and my office was filthy. There were sunflower seed shells all over the floor. The place was dusty and smelly. I figured no one had cleaned it in a while. Inmates are supposed to clean and these particular inmates have been unavailable for some time. So I spent some time cleaning. I swept the floor, scrubbed the desk and counters, and cleaned out the microwave. On Monday, I went over to Wal-Mart and got an air freshener, a box of tissue, and some hand sanitizer to keep in the office. At the very least, 4 different people will share that office during the week; the morning guy, the guy who covers his days off, me and the guy who covers my days off. I figured if I got it clean, then the four of us would be more comfortable. When I left Sunday, that office sparkled. When I arrived again on Monday, the sunflower seed shells were back, there was jelly on the shelves and paper work and there was food all in the microwave again. There was also something greasy and slippery on the floor I almost fell in. So once again, I commenced the cleaning. I employed some inmates to help scrub the floor and get me some disinfectant to clean. We made it shine. I placed my air freshener in there and it smelled good too. Even inmates came in and said it smelled good in there. Yet, when I returned again on Tuesday, it still smelled good from the air freshener in the window, but sunflower seeds, Chex Mix, Cup O Noodles, and other trash were everywhere. Some kind of red good was baked into the microwave. It was nasty. This time, the inmates were ready. As soon I got there they arrived with the broom and a mop. No one wants to work in filth. It makes me unhappy and no inmate wants an unhappy cop. I have been off two days so heaven knows what it will look like when I return.

Catherine got her new glasses this week. Finally. You don’t even know how much work I had to do, how much paper work I had to go through or how many calls I had to make to get those glasses. Of course, in a few months, she can use my insurance from work to get another pair. I will be able to get a new pair too.

Tonight we are going to this week’s concert in the park. It is a country band. That should be fun for the line dancers. David is working and won’t be joining us. There is no concert next week because they are having an Independence Day celebration next week. I will have to miss that though. I will have to work. That is sad really because you get such a clear view of several fireworks displays from my house.

It certainly has been a sad week in Hollywood. Last Friday we lost Ed McMahon. They had a very nice tribute to him on the Tonight Show. I never saw him on that, but I remember him on Star Search. Then this morning we lost Farrah Fawcett. I have seen a few old episodes of Charlie’s Angels and of course everyone has seen this poster. I have seen her in The Burning Bed. That was a good movie, even though it was a made for TV movie from the 80’s. Now it is reporting that Michael Jackson has died this afternoon. Michael Jackson was my hero when I was little. I loved Thriller. To me, Michael Jackson was the 80’s. His music is timeless. Sure he was a weird guy and did some crazy things, but as an artist, he was legend. Truly the King Of Pop.

Well, I guess that concludes that. I have to get dinner together before we go to the concert. Enjoy this Michael Jackson video.

The View From The Tower Is Quite Spectacular

I know I don't say much about my job, mostly, because I am not supposed to. But I will say that I do like my job very much. FCC Victorville is home to three men's prisons (one penitentiary, and two medium) and a women's camp. I have held many posts in the almost 6 month's I have worked there. I have worked at all the facilities but by far the most at the penitentiary. There is never a dull moment at my job.

Well, anyway, here is a work related news article for you. Also, here are links to previous work related news links. Don't necessarily believe everything the press says though. Enjoy.

Terrorists... That Is Just What I Was Missing In My Life

Ouch

Having A Bad Day

An Explosion Of Fun

Home Away From Home

Swinging In The Park

First, today is my sisters 21st birthday. Somewhere in Hawaii a liquor store is happy.

Anyways, tonight we went to the first of this summers concerts in the park. It was Phat Cat Swinger. They are by far the best band we have seen in the park. They certainly didn't disappoint tonight. The fun part is, not only is the concert fabulous, but the people watching is great. Old folks line dancing to swing music. Swing dancers in period outfits. Kids dancing. Everyone having fun. I had a great time. We had fresh lemonade. They had lots of food vendors. Catherine played in the park with other kids. Carolynn met a friend and didn't come home with us. Gibby got all the pets and met a friend who looked just like him. I took a ton of pictures and video. But I have to go to work soon, so here is a Phat Cat Swinger video.

Up

Today I went to the movies with Catherine and David and we saw Up. Carolynn was seeing a movie with her friends. Anyways, Up was absolutely fabulous. I can’t wait to have it on DVD. I would say that next to Toy Story, it is my new favorite Pixar movie. It was funny, it had great characters, and it made me cry a few times.

Anyways, Carolynn and her friend Nikki were meeting some friends at the theater. They were going to see Drag Me To Hell. (It is only PG-13) Anyways their movie started after ours, so I gave them some tickets and snack money, and we went to Up. Apparently the friends got there after and one of the moms made a big scene in the theater. She wouldn’t let her daughter go to the movie because I wasn’t there. Carolynn explained that I was just one theater over and she could go get me, but the mom said that wasn’t good enough and started yelling and took her daughter home in tears. I am sorry, but that is a bit ridiculous. I would have understood if she had just said no to that movie, but she was fine with the movie. She apparently was not going to let her kid see the movie unless I was in the movie with them. Yeah, so they are 13 and 14 years old. I think that should be plenty old enough to see a movie with a parent in the next theater over. Hell, it seems to me it is old enough, in my opinion, to see a movie with friends alone. Carolynn and Taylor went to see Bolt alone. How overprotective can you be? When is it time to let go just a little? Anyways, Carolynn, Nikki, and the friend that was allowed to stay were upset, but they saw their movie. I am sure it was terrible. They should have seen Up with us.

Tomorrow we are going to see Phat Cat Swinger. I love them and the concert is free.

Three more days until the big shift change. YES!

Memories of David

David came here four years ago when I was five.When I first saw him Carolynn was throwing pillows at him.When David started chasing Carolynn I sat on the stairs, and when he saw me I said "you look weird".Now he doesn't look that weird.He is so awesome.
Over the years he peed on the cat,got his own day(Davids day on July 23),invented weird words,and introduced me to weird things.The first time anyone met him was when Mom met him on world of warcraft(of course).That is what I know about David.

SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT'S SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!!I love summer!I get to swim as long as I can!(in Chris and sherry's pool)

The Last Day

Today is the last day of school for the kids. Carolynn has a half day and Catherine has a whole day. I have to go to work later tonight (or tomorrow morning as the case may be). Of course, I only work two nights ad I have two more days off. Then only five nights after that before the shift change.

Today I have already gone to pay the water bill. I am cleaning and doing laundry. Later we will make homemade pizza.

Last night the girls and I watched So You Think You Can Dance. I don’t remember ever watching that before. It was pretty good. There were some very good dancers. We would like to thank Red Lotus Mama for tempting us and now we are hooked.

Anyway, I have a busy day today. Lots to do. I just wanted to add a quick update and here is a nice picture to share.

A little lizard buddy we found on the trail in Big Bear

Can’t Live With Them, Can’t Live Without Them… Well, Actually You Can

Yep, talking about men. Are there any out there that are not in contention for Mayor of Crazy Town? Sure there are… They are all already married. Did you know that at my job there are approximately seven guys for every one girl? Did you also know that all of them could in fact be nominated as Mayor of Crazy Town?

I am off for the next two days. Then I work two and am off two more. Then I work 5 more of these Midnight to 8 shifts. Then finally (FINALLY) a shift change. I will spend four weeks on a 2pm to 10pm shift. After that, I will return to Midnight to 8 for a month, and then a month on an 8 to 4 shift. The best part… My days off will remain the same each week. WOO.

The girls only have two days left of school. They are looking forward to the summer. Each of them got to pick one fun thing to do over summer that we will do. Carolynn wants to see a concert. Done. She will be seeing No Doubt. Catherine wanted to see a Dodger game. Done. I am sure that we will do more fun stuff too. Maybe some camping.

As for these days off, we are going to do some cleaning and yard work.

I know how boring my life must seem, but in reality, it is very full. It’s just that so much of it is not internet appropriate. You can read this though. But don’t always believe everything you read in the press.

Another Day In Paradise

Things I Feel Like Writing About

So it has been a long week. I have tomorrow off. I am looking forward to it. It is also going to be Allison’s birthday. She is going to be 6. We got her a little gift. The other day David and I watched The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. You know what… I wasn’t too impressed. I mean, sure there was plenty of Brad Pitt, and that is always a good thing, but it was sad and left too many questions. It wasn’t a terrible movie, but I was disappointed. Today we are watching American Gangster. No Brad Pitt, but Denzel Washington isn’t too hard on the eyes either. Later, Carolynn and I are watching Fools’ Gold. (Matthew McConaughey is pretty hot too.)

Today they had award ceremonies for both girls at their schools. At the same time of course. David went to Carolynn’s and I went to Catherine’s. Carolynn got a Best Paw Forward award. I am not sure what that is for. Catherine got a Presidential Fitness award and a Perfect Attendance award. She was the only kid in her class to get a Perfect Attendance Award.

I forgot what else was going to say. So here is another Big Bear picture. This one is of the ski slopes.