Welcome to the blog of James and Candice Marsalis. We live in West Monroe and have four children right now-Will, Stephen, Jane Beth, and John James. I'm originally from Shreveport, La and Candice is from Ocean Springs, Ms. We've made Monroe/West Monroe our home for the past 11 and 1/2 years(15 and 1/2 for me). This will be a way for my wife and I to get to know many of you a little better. While we are at it, we shall pass our opinions off as fact. e-mail address jc50292@yahoo.com

 
Moving to Chattablogs Okay, I've caved. Josiah has helped me(heck, he did it for me, thank you Josiah) to move this to chattablogs. Here's the new address: http://chattablogs.com/james or http://james.chattablogs.com original, huh? Thank you Josiah.
posted by James at 9/23/2003 06:16:00 AM

 
Soccer, Week 1 Well, Will's team had their first game on Saturday morning. They lost 4-0, but outshot the other team 19 to 6. We only had 6 players(there are only 6 kids on the field at a time) but the kids did fantastic! They had a ball!
posted by James at 9/22/2003 06:41:00 AM

 
What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back?
posted by James at 9/22/2003 06:30:00 AM

 
Who said it? I've heard a saying for years-"The only constant in life is change". While it's not always true, it's more true than we'd often care to admit. Who said it? Does anyone know? Is it a paraphrase of a scripture?
posted by James at 9/22/2003 06:30:00 AM

 
John James got sick last night. There are few things that make a parent feel worse than for their child to be sick.
posted by James at 9/22/2003 06:28:00 AM

 
I believe I will be moving this page to chattablogs. Josiah is helping me, please be patient with me.
posted by James at 9/22/2003 06:25:00 AM

 
You know, I really miss "The Muppet Show".
posted by James at 9/19/2003 12:36:00 PM

 
Protection My brother is in Iraq and his town was attacked yesterday. He called to tell us that he is safe. I am SO GLAD. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
posted by James at 9/19/2003 07:03:00 AM

 
Fishing The manager of a sporting goods store comes in to find out what all the excitement is about with a new salesman. He finds out the salesman has only made one sale, but it is for a whopping $76,000.00. "How did you do it?", asks the manager. "Well", the salesman begins, "this guy wanted to buy a fishhook, and I told him he needed some good line and a good fishing rod to go with it. I then sold him some fishing tackle, and then some more fishing tackle. I then sold him a fully loaded fishing boat. I told him that car he had was not something he wanted to pull a boat with so I sold him one of our 4-wheel drive trucks to pull it with." "Amazing, and all of that from him coming in to buy a fishhook", said the manager. "Oh, he didn't come in to buy a fishhook" says the salesman. "He came in to buy some aspirin for his wife because she has a migraine and they are vacationing for the next few days. I told him, 'You're weekend is shot, you may as well go fishing.'"
posted by James at 9/18/2003 06:51:00 AM

 
Children You can have a terrible day and come home to a houseful of little one's and a wife that love you and it makes everything right again.
posted by James at 9/17/2003 09:42:00 AM

 
High School Soccer Okay folks, you've got a good reason or two for going to some of OCS' soccer games this year. Josh is helping coach and I will be refereeing some of their games. Won't that be funny to watch...;)
posted by James at 9/17/2003 08:40:00 AM

 
GOLF SCRAMBLE Okay sports fans, Drexell Boggs and I are arranging a golf scramble for the end of October/beginning of November. We are going to play it at the Trails End Golf Course in Arcadia, La. The cost will be approximately $29.00 per person and that includes cart and green fee for 18 holes. We are planning on 4-man teams. Who wants to play?
posted by James at 9/17/2003 07:47:00 AM

 
Old friend An old friend called me last night and we talked for 3 hours.
posted by James at 9/16/2003 06:48:00 AM

 
Beautiful morning When I run in the morning, the first leg of my run is to the east, so I usually get to see the sun rising. This morning...beautiful, just beautiful. Cool and crisp, slight breeze, the moon shining down and the sun coming up. Sweet.
posted by James at 9/16/2003 06:45:00 AM

 
It's a beautiful day today! I'm going home to play with the wife and kids!
posted by James at 9/15/2003 03:10:00 PM

 
Thankful Something happened a couple of weeks ago that really...well, scared me and made me more appreciative of my wife. She was supposed to be home at a certain time and she wasn't, by a whole lot. Well, I found myself wondering if she was in a hospital or car wreck, etc. This is unusual for me as I'm not a big worrier. I called all of the local law enforcement offices, hospitals, and such. I finally decided I could do nothing until the morning, so I crawled into bed. I couldn't go to sleep. I got up and went into my children's rooms and just looked at them. What would I do if something has happened to my wife...their mommy? I was floored. I sat down on the floor of the boys' room and just thought about it for a long time. There are so many things that we all take for granted concerning our mates. I will not begin to list them, but I was so relieved when I heard her drive up in the driveway, I can't even tell you. I'm not the sort that gets mad when someone's not on time(unless it's me) and she was so afraid that I would be. She was beside herself with the anxiety that she was sure that she had caused(I of course tried to play it off...tough guy). I just hugged her and helped bring the groceries in. Amazing, how just a little while before I was wondering what I would possibly do if my wife never came home again, and now she was sleeping next to me. I deserve much less than I have, but I am so happy to have the wife that I do. She is a fine woman, a fine mother, and a fine wife. Don't let her tell you different. -end of sentimental attack
posted by James at 9/12/2003 11:07:00 AM

 
Women's World Cup There are only 8 days until the Women's World Cup begins. I'm seriously having trouble resisting the urge to get cable for the next 2 months so that we can watch it. Help!
posted by James at 9/12/2003 07:46:00 AM

 
Josiah asked me why I haven't moved to Chattablogs. I ask those of you that come to this site(I really don't know how many that is), do I need to? I'm not very educated on websites, I only got this one up and running correctly because a few of you helped me out. What's so great about Chattablogs?
posted by James at 9/12/2003 07:22:00 AM

 
Johnny Cash Johnny Cash died this morning at 2am. I don't really get upset when celebrities die, no offense intended, I usually don't think much of them. I liked Mr. Cash. He will be missed.
posted by James at 9/12/2003 07:20:00 AM

 
Soccer update Well, the Monroe people went running back to their side of the river. We currently have 6 kids left on the U10 boys team, we can have as many as 9. Does anyone know of a 9-year old boy that wants to play soccer and won't mind practicing in West Monroe? It's okay if they've never played before, they'll play at least half of the game regardless.
posted by James at 9/12/2003 07:18:00 AM

 
Christin's Interview questions: 1. When and where did you meet your wife and what attracted you to her? At a soda fountain machine. In the Superdome. At an Amway convention. The machine was letting of CO2 in rythym and we were both snapping our fingers to the tempo when we both happened to look at each other at the same moment. It was her smile and her bubbly character that kept my attention. I was comfortable with her from the first moment that I met her. I knew that there was something special about her the moment I met her. 2. What is your favorite personality trait of each of your children?This was tough... Will- Sticktuitiveness-he doesn't give up. Stephen-Joyful, he's always happy. Jane Beth-Helpful, no matter what I'm doing, she wants to help(they all are that way, but for some reason I notice it more when she does it...don't know why) John James-I really don't know, since I must choose something, I'll say his desire to be with his family...goofy, huh? 3. If you had an endless supply of money, what would you do with your life? We would travel, extensively: Alaska, Colorado, Europe, Australia, Brazil, Africa, the Mediterannean. We would take care of our extended family as they grow older and we'd all live close together. We'd buy my father a helicopter, he flew in the Army and it's probably the only thing that I've ever heard him say that he really misses doing-flying. We'd play golf at every course we could. We'd go to the World Cup every 4 years. We'd have season passes to DisneyWorld. We'd take care to support things we believe in. We'd own a little bit bigger home and we'd entertain in it often. I'd buy my wife the Neptune machines(you know those ones that I mean, she loves those things) and we'd go on a vacation by ourselves, every year. There's not enough room for all that we'd do. 4. You think soccer is the best sport in the world. Defend your opinion. Soccer is the only sport that I've ever played that I can truly say that I've seen the whole family can and does embrace. You can see the worst arch rivals in the world go at it on the pitch for 90 minutes and when the game is over, they are shaking hands, hugging, and making dinner plans for later on. You don't have to be great at it to be good, and anyone can do it or teach it, if they apply themselves. It breaks down barriers like nothing I've ever seen. I was in Germany and there was a group of men playing football(soccer). They spoke very little English and I didn't speak German, but as soon as they discovered that I played football(soccer), they accepted me. The same thing happened to me in Mexico. It is the only sport ever to be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. It is a sport that the whole family can play together, and they can do so for their entire lives. It encourages people to stay in shape, although this doesn't mean that they'll do it. The biggest reason is this, when I think of this sport, I think of many, many happy memories with my family. 5. What was the most important thing you learned from being in the military? (And which branch were you in, by the way?)The most important thing I learned in the military was to SET THE EXAMPLE. You can't preach it, if you aren't willing to practice it. I was in the Army National Guard(they nicknamed me RAMBO and were always trying to get me to go full-time). ::If you woud like to participate too, here are your instructions: 1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.” 2. I will respond by asking you five questions (not the same as you see here). 3. You will update your blog/site with the answers to the questions. 4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. 5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions. And the cycle continues, on and on and on... I'll warn you now: it's easier said than done.::
posted by James at 9/11/2003 11:52:00 AM

 
Why? I have a couple of questions that I'm seriously wanting to know the answers to. Ya'll help me out. Why is it that so many Monroe people look down upon people from West Monroe? What is it that so many Monroe people think they have or do that makes them "better" than people from West Monroe? Seriously, these questions perplex me.
posted by James at 9/11/2003 08:02:00 AM

 
Well, I'll just take my ball and go home... Brotherrrr.....don't ever try to get Monroe people to practice a sport in West Monroe, they are ready to quit. Bummer.
posted by James at 9/11/2003 06:46:00 AM

 
A recent conversation with a would be customer. J-How did those prices look to you? C-Oh they were better than I'm getting! J-Great! Is there anything else I need to do before you start ordering? C-No, I'm not going to order from you. J-Really? Why not? C-Because then I wouldn't have an excuse to be out of the office for 2 hours every Thursday. J-Well, I can certainly see how that would present a problem.
posted by James at 9/10/2003 07:25:00 AM

 
Deep Thoughts(yes, the ones from the tv show, I certainly didn't come up with this on my own) If you work on a lobster boat, sneaking up behind people and pinching them is probably a joke that gets old real fast.
posted by James at 9/09/2003 01:38:00 PM

 
Who said it? "You gentleman can all go to hell. I'm going to Texas!"
posted by James at 9/09/2003 07:32:00 AM

 
Today is our first soccer practice. I'm really excited about this season. We have a lot of new kids on both teams so Will and Stephen are going to make some more friends. I am a bit apprehensive about what the "upper crust" Monroe parents are going to tell me about driving over to practice near the "stinky paper mill", but we shall overcome that as well.
posted by James at 9/09/2003 06:28:00 AM

 
Candice and I both get up early to work out before breakfast now. I must say, our whole day goes better now.
posted by James at 9/09/2003 06:24:00 AM

 
If you wash your car at one of those coin-operated jobs, be sure that the sprayer tip is pointed DOWN before you move the switch to Soap or Hi Pressure Wash when it is in the holder. Trust me, you'll look very silly otherwise.
posted by James at 9/08/2003 07:31:00 AM

 
Well, the head UN Nuclear adivisor announced this weekend that he wants Iran to come clean on what it is they are producing all that power for in their country. Apparently, he figured out that they are producing enough power with their nuclear reactors for 2 or 3 Irans, so he figures that they could be developing nuclear weapons with the reactor waste. Wow, imagine that! Hard to believe, huh?
posted by James at 9/08/2003 07:16:00 AM

 
What song? "There you are, standing there, loving me...whether or not you should...
posted by James at 9/06/2003 08:43:00 PM

 
Things to never say to your wife: Of course I want to talk about it...as soon as the game is over. That dress makes you look fat. That color simply doesn't do anything for you. Do you have any idea how many carbs are in that? You sure look tired, what's for dinner? Well, my mother used to...(fill in completely stupid comment here). Your hair? Of course I like it. Why, did you get it cut or something? No, I don't want to hear how much money you saved me...the only way you save money is not spending it.(this may be a valid point men, but trust me, since when do valid points find inroads to a woman's heart when she thinks she is about to please you because she got something on sale? The correct answer is "Tell me!") No, I don't want your parents to stay for the weekend. Honey, this is (girl's name here). She and I dated back in high school. She hasn't changed a bit!(I almost did this, but she had seen her picture and said it before I could...whew!). Why would I want to get a babysitter for this weekend? Do you have any idea how much that will cost? (After awakening her out of a deep slumber)...Want to wrestle?
posted by James at 9/06/2003 08:28:00 PM

 
Did anyone see the sunset today? Breathtaking.
posted by James at 9/06/2003 08:09:00 PM

 
Sherrif's race. Who do you like? This one I have an opinion on already. I like Richard Fewell. His deputies have spoken highly of him ever since he's been in. They seem to admire him and that says a lot when the troops respect the commander. I don't know him, but everything in his office and that I hear of him leads me to believe that his is a Believer.
posted by James at 9/05/2003 02:44:00 PM

 
Governor's race. Who do you like?
posted by James at 9/05/2003 02:42:00 PM

 
Riddle: A man is standing on a dock. Behind him is a boat and the sun is setting in the distance. The temperature gets very hot, there is a building brightness of light and then the man, boat, dock, all are gone. Why?
posted by James at 9/05/2003 02:40:00 PM

 
I'm going to post this before I hear people criticize what is going on right now. The 527th Engineer Battalion is coming home today and there are people out in force to welcome them home. As a former soldier and a former member of the 527th(among other units), I remember how I felt when the troops came home from Desert Shield/Storm. I was relieved and thankful that my friends were coming home. I knew the guys that went over there and I remember thinking, "There is Murray, there's Williams, there's Hicks. These men were friends of mine that I saw all the time. They were sons, brothers, fathers, and husbands. Please don't criticize what is going on, realize it's a bunch of family and friends welcoming their own home. If you've never been in the military and/or never come home from a deployment to a combat area and you're thinking about saying something critical, just smile and don't say anything.
posted by James at 9/05/2003 01:02:00 PM

 
For years, West Monroe parents have driven to Monroe to take their children to soccer practice and not made a big fuss about it. We have been doing this as well for the boys, simply because some of the kids from the church on the team lived in Monroe. Well, of the two teams I am coaching this year, 13 of 19 kids live in West Monroe; of the 6 that don't 4 of the parents are very upset that they must drive to West Monroe to practice. You've never heard such whining from grown adults. When I explained the reasons for practicing and suggested that they realize that West Monroe folks have done this for years, one of the parents said, "Well that's the way it should be, West Monroe doesn't have the lifestyle of Monroe!" Lifestyle? What the hell does lifestyle have to do with driving across a bridge to take your kid to soccer practice? Maybe I'll just move the practices to Calhoun...
posted by James at 9/05/2003 06:16:00 AM

 
FOOTBALL(Or as Aaron calls it, SOCCER) Did you know that the first college soccer game took place in 1875? Anyone want to guess when the first American football or basketball game took place?
posted by James at 9/04/2003 11:00:00 AM

 
Guess what?
posted by James at 9/04/2003 10:59:00 AM

 
Did you know that you can come up with the funniest things in the world to post whenever you don't have a paper and pen with you or a keyboard to type it on?
posted by James at 9/04/2003 06:25:00 AM

 
What is your favorite thing about Louisiana?
posted by James at 9/04/2003 06:24:00 AM

 
I found out last week that the only reason that I did not get chosen for the LA State Troopers this time was because I have no law enforcement experience at all. That will not be a challenge next time.
posted by James at 9/04/2003 06:23:00 AM

 
We've started a new schedule at the house. I get up and exercise and by the time I get back, Candice and the kids are awake. I shower, dress, and we all sit down to breakfast together and then do family worship. I hope we can keep this up because it makes my whole day seem to go better.
posted by James at 9/04/2003 06:21:00 AM

 
Well, we are back from Plano and we had a marvelous time. I saw some excellent football and they put us up in a really nice hotel. It was a good break. We took the kids to the Fort Worth Museum of Natural History on Friday and then we all went to Grapevine Mills mall on Saturday. The kids spent a couple of bucks a piece on video games and Candice and I played some of the video games that we grew up with(Pac-man, Galaxian, etc.). That mall is huge. While we were in Plano, I met a mutual friend of Ricky Rees(my buddy the Lafayette Policeman) and we were telling Ricky stories and talking about law enforcement. This fellow is a police officer in Plano and he makes 67,000 a year. He expects to make close to 75K this year. Wow. He understands the desire to stay in Louisiana though and said he wishes that he would have felt that he could have afforded to stay. He asked why we stay in Louisiana. I told him family, friends, food, culture, church, and because it's our home.
posted by James at 9/03/2003 06:20:00 AM

 
NASA I was at my parent's house Tuesday night and my dad and I watched this show on the History Channel called "Failure is not an option". It was really, really, interesting. It was about the Gemini program all the way to the space shuttle. There were a lot of really neat little tidbits in there. 1) When Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed The Eagle on the surface of the moon, they landed with only 15 seconds of fuel left in the lunar lander(they overshot the target landing site and Neil Armstrong had to improvise and find another place...not bad for an Eagle Scout, eh?) 2) The vast majority of the engineers in "Mission Control" in Houston were in their mid to late-20's. I'd say the young guns did quite well! 3)Apollo 12 was struck by lightning as it left the launch pad and had a complete electrical failure. They were at the verge of aborting the mission(this is as the Saturn 5 is still on full burn and only about 1&1/2 minutes into launch) and launching the capsule off the Saturn 5 and then blowing up the Saturn 5 while it was still in Earth's atmosphere when one engineer remembered an obscure switch that he'd flipped one day when he'd been in the capsule during a test. Well, he told them to flip "OES to AUX", they did, and everything came back on. Way to go dude! 4)The space shuttle program was approved in 1973. The design has changed very little since then. Each of the main engines of the space shuttle produces more power than something like 100 Hoover Dams. WOW! And they use them over and over again. I mean, that's 30 year-old technology! Good stuff!
posted by James at 8/28/2003 10:13:00 PM

 
Standards Christin and Jeremy have both talked about rules on their sites recently. I know that I break rules on a regular basis, some conciously(speed limit), some unconciously(like fashion "rules"), but where I get frustrated is when I see someone breaking a standard that is repeated again and again from our pulpit such as dress. I can always remember the term "Sunday Best" growing up. They were the clothes that you wore only to church and they looked good, at least compared to what else you had. Why do some people at AAPC not see dressing up for church as necessary? I'm talking about both children and adults alike. We ourselves are going to have the boys in more than simple polos and nice pants in the not too distant future. I simply don't understand what the defense is in wearing "street clothes" to church. I've done it on Sunday evenings on occasion, but I make a sincere effort to not do it... however, I'm guilty of it too since I still slip. I've spoken to a few of these people that dress so laid back about their outlook on the matter and I've never gotten what you could call a real answer. So help me out. Why don't they dress up for church when they own the clothes to do so in?
posted by James at 8/28/2003 09:29:00 AM

 
The family and I are going to Plano tomorrow for a soccer tournament. I can't wait! I love getting paid to watch a truly fun sport! We are also going to go to some museums and play in the pool at the hotel that they put us up in. The forecast says that it's only going to be in the low 90's. 3 years ago, it was over 100 degrees every day and referees and players were collapsing from the heat all over the place. Bring on the low 90's baby!
posted by James at 8/28/2003 06:44:00 AM

 
Well, once again we are shelling out money on our car. My front tires are without inside tread, thus, an alignment and 2 new tires are necessary. I told a relative about this and he said I just needed a new car. Why? Don't tires wear out on new cars, too? I guess I should have told him that those 2 tires are the original tires that came with the car. Sheesh.
posted by James at 8/28/2003 06:42:00 AM

 
Places I plan on visiting someday: Australia(No explanation necessary) Scotland(The birthplace of golf, not to mention William Wallace and such) England(So that I can be called a "bloody yank" without being terribly offended, and see some real football) Greece(for the Dolimar, and the Parthenon, and the like) Germany(been there once, 2006 World Cup, we'll be there for that) France(for the wine you understand) Spain(to stay ahead of the bulls....okay, to watch the idiots trying to outrun them) Ireland(Because it's there) Switzerland(the chocolate, why else?) Checozlavakia(because I've been once before and I loved the people, felt at home sort of)
posted by James at 8/26/2003 02:03:00 PM

 
What movie? "Well pilgrim, looks like you've done gone and got yourself surrounded."
posted by James at 8/26/2003 09:45:00 AM

 
Ranger Rick The boys get a publication called "Ranger Rick" that has all kinds of neat things about animals and nature. It also has a very liberal slant. I've had to explain quite a few things to the boys about the difference between being a good steward and being a tree-hugger. Will thinks that tree-huggers are crazy.
posted by James at 8/26/2003 09:41:00 AM

 
The piece of paper Wow. I can go back to college and take 24 hours worth of credits to get a degree in General Studies, then another 26 hours to get a Master's in CJ or I can take 50 hours and get a BS degree in CJ. I don't get it.
posted by James at 8/26/2003 09:39:00 AM

 
TOP TEN REASONS WE LOVE LOUISIANA Okay, I read or hear about all kinds of top ten lists. Let's make one. Everyone tell me the reasons you love(or like) Louisiana. Here's a few for a start: Mild winters Fishing AAPC Cajun cuisine LSU Tigers Good Friends
posted by James at 8/25/2003 10:56:00 AM

 
Arnie Okay, so "The Terminator" is running for Governor of California. Why is he running as a Republican? He's for abortion, for homosexual rights, for more welfare, and for gun-control(so am I, but I define gun-control as hitting your target with the first shot). I think political parties should have a minimum requirement to register as a member...like a brain.
posted by James at 8/25/2003 06:16:00 AM

 
Captain Jesse Marsalis US Army Well, my brother is now in Iraq. I've talked to him a dozen times over the past month, but he's not much of a talker on the phone. He's not likely going to be out among the areas that are considered "in harm's way", but please remember him in your prayers if you think about it.
posted by James at 8/25/2003 06:13:00 AM

 
Read to your kids We just finished reading "Summer of the Monkeys" to the kids. They loved it. It's really a great little book. The boys just sit there and listen as we read. They laugh when it's a funny part and cry when it's a sad part. They hate for us to stop reading. Seriously, if you don't already read to your kids, do so. You won't regret it.
posted by James at 8/16/2003 09:03:00 PM

 
We are reading Summer of the Monkeys to the boys right now and they are loving it. Stephen really liked this one line we read the other night: "Aw, now Daisy. Stop making it sound like I went and burned the barn down." He breaks out into fits of laughter every time he says it.
posted by James at 8/14/2003 09:49:00 AM

 
Children We took Jane Beth and John James to Shots for Tots yesterday. I hate that. I thought I was the one that was the most upset about it, but I think Will was more upset than me. He did not like seeing his brother and sister hurt, not one little bit. Will and Stephen both look out for each other and their younger siblings. I'm very thankful that the Lord has seen fit to give us children and even more thankful that He's given us obedient and compassionate children.
posted by James at 8/14/2003 09:47:00 AM

 
Fellowship I'm not one to post things from other sites, but this one hit me. It's simple and it should happen more often, not so much where they are as what they are doing. -James August 12, 2003 The World of Mocha Latte Terri Camp Home school author and mother Upon entering the Mocha Latte World all my senses become aroused. The aroma is intoxicating. Even though I am not a fan of coffee, the scent is irresistible as the different blends mix together in the air causing my mouth to water. Being unfamiliar with the Mocha Latte World, I am unsure what to order for my introduction. I read the menu, along with the slogans that go with each particular item. As I am trying to figure out which flavor will be worth the four bucks my sister is paying for this, my eyes are distracted as I am absorbed by the ambiance. A couple of girls behind the counter are bopping around as they perform the cappuccino ritual. I am well known for not noticing the ordinary, like if someone has worn the same shirt for three days, or if they have changed their hair, or even if my son has gotten an earring. Oh, wait! I would notice that. I would also notice that he is missing the ear when his dad finds out. However, in order for me to notice things, I have to purpose to soak it all in. Since this is my first experience in the Mocha Latte World, I vow to take in everything. The girls behind the counter are wearing shirts that say, "Life's Short - Stay Awake!" I love that! I want the shirt! I don't really care at this point if I'm going to enjoy the coffee; I've enjoyed the experience. I finally settle for a Turtle Mocha Latte. The slogan to go with the Turtle Mocha Latte says, "Why NOT a Turtle Mocha Latte?" I decide, "Yes, why not?" I love caramel, so if I'm going to like anything, it will be coffee with caramel in it. Of course I can't just have a Turtle Mocha Latte without something special to go with it, so I choose a pretzel covered with white chocolate. The verdict is still out as I take the warmth in my hands and head to a seat by the window. As the rain pours down outside I sit with warmth in my hands, watching as the world goes past my window. But there is something very real going on inside my window. Sitting next to me is my sister. Together we are enjoying the Mocha Latte World. I think she is laughing at me, as I seem to get a kick out of everything. But the most important part of the whole ambiance thing is being with her. We are not the same. We share parents but have vastly different views on many things. Does this make us love one another any less? No. Does this make us not enjoy one another's company? No. Does this mean that together we cannot share tears? No. Our struggles are different, our successes are different, and our family size is different. But we have something together, besides being sisters that bridges all those differences and turns us into a united duo. Together we have a common love for our Lord. That love is what caused my sister to pray me into salvation. It is the love that had me on my knees for her every day as she went through a difficult time in her life. It is the love that unites us in a love for our Lord to overlook the differences, to enter into one another's world, and to consider it a privilege to be able to pray for each other. I entered into the Mocha Latte World so that I could spend time with someone I love. We hadn't spent time alone together for almost a year. Even though we hadn't been alone together, we keep in touch through e-mail, instant messaging, and phone calls. So it wasn't catch-up time, but absorb time. It was just a time to absorb one another's company. A little less than a year ago my sister moved from the small town where we grew up together, spreading her wings and heading north, she landed in Minneapolis. In the small town, we would often walk to the store together, to get our bit of alone time. There were times in the past when our alone time was filled with pain. There were times when it was filled with sorrow. There were times when it was filled with joy. This time, it was filled with successes. As we shared the Mocha Latte World with each other; we connected. We shared with each other the latest sermons at church, the profound books we've read lately, and even our struggles with some of the relationships in our homes. As I talked of my recent excitement for the Lord, she felt it. As she talked of successes at work, I felt it. Over a cup of Turtle Mocha Latte, we grew in our love for each other. Mocha Latte anyone?
posted by James at 8/13/2003 06:24:00 AM

 
What movie? "Well, may I have permission to date your daughter?" "No!"
posted by James at 8/10/2003 06:37:00 AM

 
We went to Kenner a couple of weeks ago and toured the Kenner Police Department and met some of the people. All I can say is that it is one of the most professional organizations I've ever seen. I was extremely impressed by their sense of duty, professionalism, and community. The kids really liked seeing everything as well. Candice felt a whole lot better about the possibility of my being a Kenner Police Officer if it should come to that after the visit. We looked around Kenner for possible places to live but I must say, we may just have to not have the take home car and live in Hammond or Covington or LaPlace...we really love being able to go home to the country. For those of you that don't know, we've been seriously considering this move to the Covington area for some time(years, in fact). My grandmother has Alzheimer's and my sister has recently moved back to the area with her husband, Jim. My mom and dad have voiced great interest in us living closer and we really want to(any time we are down there and have to head home, I tell Candice when we get to Hammond, "You know, if we lived down here this would be about as far as we would have to drive to get home.") Candice's family lives just over an hour away and we haven't seen her grandparents and parents nearly as much as we should. I don't care to see her parents a great deal...but we really should, even if they are quite rough around the edges. Funny, huh? Some of you probably consider us rough around the edges...well, just imagine....
posted by James at 8/10/2003 06:35:00 AM

 
We all went to Clarksville, TN to see my brother's new baby girl. She is absolutely beautiful, as all babies are, but she seemed to be even more beautiful than most(except of course my own). I suppose it's because it's my brother's child. It's very good to be able to get around family as much as we have lately. The kids all got to see the baby and it was very sweet to watch. While we were there, we got to go to a couple of museums with the kids as well as the Opry Mills mall and Opyrland hotel. It was a lot of fun. Candice got a membership to SciPort in Shreveport and the membership allows us to go into any of some 200+ museums around the country for free. It was well worth it.
posted by James at 8/10/2003 06:21:00 AM

 
I apologize for the lack of blogging over the past several weeks. I shall get back to a regular posting this week.
posted by James at 8/10/2003 06:15:00 AM

 
Oh Brother where art thou... My water pump went out today at 2:55pm. My staff manager had me drop him off at his truck in my overheating car and said see you later. Bad form, I'd have at least offered use of my tools. Anyway, Candice and the kids are on the way with my tools(I left them in the van after the past 3 weekends trips in the van) and we are another $80 lighter. Here's the bright spot: I have a car that can break down, tools to fix it with, money to purchase the needed parts(okay, a check to purchase the parts), and a family to bring me the tools and keep me company.
posted by James at 7/21/2003 02:00:00 PM

 
My boys and I watched "Gods and Generals" today. I really don't understand what some of you out there found to knit pick about it. I can't say enough good about that movie. My boys absolutely loved it, too. I think Will is playing on naming his first son Stonewall or Jackson.
posted by James at 7/20/2003 08:27:00 PM

 
In the job hunt again I got to work this morning and my boss told my that he was at the home of the father of the "man" that attempted to rob me. I said, "Great! So did they arrest him?" "No, why would they?" "Well, didn't you call the police?" "No." "Why in the world not?" "Because they wouldn't do anything anyway." I decided right then that I was going to put in my 2 weeks notice. When I went in the office to do so, they told me I had one week left. "Great! I was about to tell you I was leaving in 2 weeks. This is more dangerous than being a police officer." For the first time since I've been there, neither Bert nor Tom had a response. Finally, Bert said, "Well, let's just call it a mutual agreement not to continue." I said okay and that I was harboring no hard feelings and that I was sorry it wasn't working out. So, the search goes again.
posted by James at 7/18/2003 12:52:00 PM

 
For those of you that don't know, someone attempted to rob me last week. Pretty cool, huh? It was actually the second time in two weeks, but the first time was almost a none event. A guy walked up to my car and told me to give him my money bag. I reached down and picked up the money bag in my left hand while grabbing my .45 in my right hand and brought them both up. I then asked him if he really wanted it. He ran away. Really fast. Well, last Tuesday was a little bit different. I left a customer's house and was just stepping off her front porch when the perpetrator grabbed my satchel and tried to rip it out of my hands as he tried to run away. Well, I held on so he wound up pulling me in an arc over his head and onto the ground. I pulled back which put him astride of me and I then kicked as hard as I could. I caught him in the tailbone(yes, I missed what I was aiming for) and lifted him over me and he let go of the satchel and ran off between some houses. The whole incident was over in about 5 seconds. They still haven't caught him and a couple of my customers have told me to be on the watch for him. Crazy.
posted by James at 7/15/2003 09:58:00 PM

 
DRAT! SHAZBOT! I didn't make this State Trooper Class. I recieved the notification yesterday. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. I'm already waiting on the paperwork for the next round.
posted by James at 7/15/2003 09:51:00 PM

 
I'm sorry for the dry spell in posting...if anyone still reads this. I've pretty much decided this blogging is way more for the benefit of those doing the blogging than those doing the reading. The family and I had the opportunity to see the US Women's National Team play Brazil's National Team on Sunday. WOW!!!! We had a ball! Candice, the kids, my sister and brother-in-law, and my parents all went to the game together. For those of you that have never been to an upper-level soccer game, you have got to go! We saw 2 of the best teams in the world battle for 90 minutes and it was incredible! The US team missed "sure" goals 2 or 3 times and you could feel the entire stadium sink when they would miss. Then, in the 90th minute of the game, the US attacker shot a deflected ball from 16 yards out and......YYYYEEESSSSS! GGGOOOAAAALLLL!!!! That place was rocking! I have never been to a place where 15,000 people sounded like 50,000 before. It was deafening! We stayed around when the game was over to let the crowd thin out before trying to leave. In the process, my sons and daughter got Mia Hamm's autograph. Pretty cool. Stephen and Jane Beth are in the Baton Rouge Advocate with Mia. How about those home schoolers?!!! After the game was over, the Brazilian coach made his team do wind sprints, push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises. They were still at it when we left. It's the first game that the Brazilians have lost thus far. Excellent!
posted by James at 7/15/2003 09:43:00 PM

 
Family I love our friends and our church family, but I must tell all of you, it doesn't compare to being with your family. We haven't left yet and we already miss them.
posted by James at 7/06/2003 07:30:00 AM

 
Well, we have had a wonderful time visiting our family over the holiday. We are heading home after church and I'm once again wishing for the Star Trek transporter capability. On the way up, there was a wreck on the Mississippi River bridge. That resulted in an hour and a half delay. We got in at 3:20 am on Friday morning. My parents and brother in law and sister left this morning for the drive back to Covington. My brother and sister in law are looking for a good reformed church up here. Any suggestions?
posted by James at 7/06/2003 07:28:00 AM

 
I missed our softball game last night and I feel like a slug. I wouldn't have been there if I'd known about it anyway though as I was working until 8:30 and it rained in Jonesboro 3 times yesterday. I wouldn't have believed for one second that they wouldn't have cancelled the games based on the rains we had.
posted by James at 7/01/2003 10:48:00 AM

 
The boys had a fabulous time with their grandparents. Mom and dad said they were blown away with how well behaved they were. We sure did miss them, though. It's nice having them back, the house seemed emptier with them gone.
posted by James at 7/01/2003 10:45:00 AM

 
We saw the family this weekend. It was a very good visit. The only thing I can't stand about visiting my family, is driving back home. I want one of those transporters that they have on Star Trek. My sister says I wouldn't have to worry about the drive if I just moved down there. This weekend coming up, we are going to see my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew. My brother is being deployed to Iraq in a couple of weeks, so this will likely be our only opportunity to see him for quite some time. His wife is about to have their second child at the end of July, early August. I hope they let him be present for that.
posted by James at 7/01/2003 10:43:00 AM

 
Just a few jokes for today: What's the difference between a Southern zoo, and a Northern zoo? A Southern zoo has a description of the animal on the front of the cage, along with a recipe. *************** What's the Cuban National Anthem? Row row row your boat. ***************** Why doesn't Cuba enter the rowing events in the summer olympics? Because every Cuban that can row has already rowed over here.
posted by James at 6/24/2003 08:30:00 AM

 
CLOSE CALL I'm usually very suspicous of "feelings". I mean the kind you get when you get a feeling you shouldn't go somewhere at a certain time or don't get on that plane, feelings like those. Well, I just had one and it was genuine. I was sitting at the intersection of Hwy 4 and 167 in Jonesboro 15 minutes ago. Their is a Ford F350 on my left in the turning lane and a Grand Am on my right. The light turned green and I went to take my foot off of the brake and step on the gas when I got that feeling. The feeling was a resounding NO! I stepped back onto the brake and looked up at the GREEN light when an eighteen-wheeler log truck came barreling through his red light. Now, I could not see to my left because of the F350, his hood was higher than the top of my car. My hands are still shaking. I don't know what else to say except THANK YOU LORD.
posted by James at 6/23/2003 01:42:00 PM

 
What movie: "Did you ever play Max?" "No, but I make the game a lot more interesting to watch for a lot of people."
posted by James at 6/19/2003 09:11:00 PM

 
What movie(this one's a toughie): Yells"How do you boys feel about Mexico???!!!" followed by screeching tires.
posted by James at 6/19/2003 09:10:00 PM

 
What's the song: "Jealousy comes in the color of jade. Do you have some pumps and a purse in this shade..."
posted by James at 6/19/2003 09:09:00 PM

 
Some other things that I'm thankful for: 1) God granted ability to figure things out. 2) A car that works as it should. 3) Pets 4) Trees 5) Grass that needs cutting. 6) Early morning runs. 7) Reading and writing. 8) Men that are good examples 9) My porch swing. 10) Showers.
posted by James at 6/19/2003 09:08:00 PM

 
Tomorrow is my birthday, and I came home to a rare treat tonight. When I walked in the door I could smell something cooking. Candice made me stuffed grape leaves, dolimar to some of you. It is absolutely my favorite dish in the world. I will simply say that if you haven't had any, your missing possibly the second best thing in life.
posted by James at 6/19/2003 09:03:00 PM

 
I feel like I complain too often on this, our blog. Here are a few things that I'm thankful for: 1) That God chose me. 2) My wife. 3) My children. 4) My dad, mom, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. 5) My church family. 6) My friends. 7) My home. 8) My health. 9) My country. 10) My state, rain and all.
posted by James at 6/19/2003 12:09:00 PM

 
Well, the boys are gone with Papaw and Nana to South Carolina until next weekend. I can remember going on trips with my grandparents when I was growing up and how much fun it was. I'm thankful that our kids have grandparents that love them and want to enjoy them.
posted by James at 6/19/2003 12:05:00 PM

 
Baseball and softball, while fun sports are not the most manly of sports. I've never seen another sport more dependent upon the weather. I grew up playing soccer and golf and short of lightning or tornado, we played. This is not true of most people with golf, but it was true of us. We loved it regardless of the weather. The same rang true of soccer. The most fun I ever had playing soccer was in a TORRENTIAL downpour in high school. We played Southwood and we lost 2-1. Man, it still brings a smile to my face to think about that game. We went into that game arch-rivals and at the end of the game, we were all buddies. To this day, I can see some of those guys and we can laugh about it. I just don't think baseball/softball can touch that. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy playing, I simply wish that we could play in the rain and the mud. I'm all about sliding into 2nd, 3rd, or home when it's a quagmire. Bring on the rain baby!
posted by James at 6/19/2003 12:03:00 PM

 
Last night was a good game. The team we played, Pleasant Green, was really a lot closer to being tied to us the whole game than the score showed. I will not worry about hurting the catcher the next time I come home on a close play...even if she is a girl. How about Steve's inside the park homerun? He's making that a habit. I bet we have the pastor with the best slugging average in the league.
posted by James at 6/17/2003 11:05:00 AM

 
Would someone please let me know if our game gets cancelled tonight? Post it here or e-mail it to me at jc50292@yahoo.com Thank you.
posted by James at 6/17/2003 11:03:00 AM

 
What song, "Hit the decks a-running boys and whirl those guns around..." yeah, I know it's short, but any more will be a sure fire give-away.
posted by James at 6/16/2003 11:40:00 AM

 
What movie? "I always lick my sights when I'm gonna do some shootin'."
posted by James at 6/16/2003 11:38:00 AM

 
What movie? "Were it not for my companion, I would be having the time of my life. I understand that he means well, but he is quite possibly the most disgusting man I've ever met."
posted by James at 6/16/2003 11:37:00 AM

 
Okay, we have three games left in our season. Ya'll show up tonight at 7:15, tomorrow night at 8:30, and Thursday night at 6:00 and help us close out the season with three more wins! I must say, I've enjoyed myself immensely. I'm excited about tonight's game to the point of feeling ridiculous about it! Perhaps next year, we'll have enough people for two teams. I know 4 more men myself that want to play. One doesn't go to Auburn, but it'd be an awfully good excuse to get him around us.
posted by James at 6/16/2003 11:35:00 AM

 
Will, Stephen, and I went for a walk on Saturday afternoon, and as I was walking along behind them(okay, so they were riding their bikes) I was overcome with just how blessed I am. There I was, walking in the country on a beautiful day with my two oldest boys riding their bicycles and they are thrilled to do just that. We then went and visited our neighbor that we bought the house from, Mr. Massey. He showed us around his garden, RV, workshop, and land. We've seen it all before, but I'm just always impressed with how much someone can accomplish a little bit at a time. We also have some new neighbors that are moving a house in across the street from him. It's a young couple without any kids that we've not yet had the pleasure of meeting. I imagine when we do, we'll find ourselves down there helping out on occasion as they have a great deal of work to do to get the place ready to move in.
posted by James at 6/16/2003 11:31:00 AM

 
Candice and I have found ourselves on the board for the local Christian Homeschool Association. If Saturday's meeting was any clue, this is going to be on fun group to be around! Don't get me wrong, we'll get some work done, too. It's just that I was apprehensive going into this because of my past experiences with being on the board of anything. The people have been pretty stuffy on the boards I've had the privelege of serving on.
posted by James at 6/16/2003 11:24:00 AM

 
Well, the wife and kids are back, and I must say, I am VERY glad! They missed me almost as much as I missed them.
posted by James at 6/16/2003 11:22:00 AM

 
In my prior post, I listed the top 10 things to do when the wife and kids are gone. What that means, for those that don't know, is that those of us men that have good wives and good kids, quickly forget just how much help we have and how much there is to do to keep a home. For the record, Candice is a fine homemaker, a wonderful mother, an excellent cook, a great wife, and my best friend. I'm ready for my friend to get home. I hope she brings the kids with her too, because she doesn't make a good wrestling partner, she lets me win way too easy.
posted by James at 6/12/2003 02:32:00 PM

 
Top 10 things to do when the wife and kids are gone: 10. Empty the dishwasher. 9. Load the dishwasher. 8. Wash clothes. 7. Dry Clothes. 6. Pick up all the dirty clothes I've left laying around the past 3 days. 5. Wash those clothes as well. 4. Sweep the floor. 3. Vacuum. 2. Eat Ramen noodles. Again. 1. Have a beer. Alone.
posted by James at 6/12/2003 02:29:00 PM

 
Strange thing, life. Every time you thing you know what's going on, something happens and makes you feel like you really don't have a clue. This sort of realization makes me all the more grateful that our Lord directs our steps. I think a person could become truly depressed once they realized that they can ultimately do nothing to control what happens to them or their future no matter how much they may prepare or worry. It makes me shake my head at people who are humanists. It simply appears to me that if you follow their arguments logically, they would realize that they have no hope. Just a thought I happened to be having at the moment.
posted by James at 6/12/2003 11:58:00 AM

 
Can someone tell me if AAPC still has their softball game tonight? I would like to know BEFORE I jump in my car and drive from Jonesboro to be there before 6pm. Thank you.
posted by James at 6/12/2003 11:52:00 AM

 
We have listened to Rich Mullins music for years and rejoiced when God took him but we really miss his music. I'd been told by a good friend that Rich Mullins was a Jesuit monk. Can anyone confirm or deny that? I've just always wondered. He was always off in a foreign country doing missions work anytime he would record a song.
posted by James at 6/10/2003 09:26:00 PM

 
What movie? "Your nose is broke" "How's it look" "It's an improvement"
posted by James at 6/10/2003 09:23:00 PM

 
Okay, I'm having serious family withdrawals here. I need for my wife to come home. How many grammatical errors did I make in that last sentence?
posted by James at 6/10/2003 09:21:00 PM

 
Song title: "Just wipe off that grin, I know where you've been. It's all been a pack of lies." That one better be easy.
posted by James at 6/09/2003 11:45:00 AM

 
Okay guys, who knows this one: "I don't believe this. This freaking game is wrecking my life" If anyone get's this, I'll be very impressed.
posted by James at 6/09/2003 11:44:00 AM

 
Name the movie: "Are you experienced at flying? Flying? Yes. Landing, no."
posted by James at 6/09/2003 11:42:00 AM

 
Candice took the kids and went to see her folks and grandparents. They've been gone 7&1/2 hours and I already miss them terribly. Y'know, once you've been married, coming home to an empty house has absolutely no positive aspects that I can put my finger on. There will be no kids to run up and gang-tackle me, no hugs and wrestling, no beautiful lady to kiss at the door to the kitchen, no stories to read or history lesson or anything else that one becomes so used to when one has been married and has children. Those of ya'll that are single...ya'll can have it. You don't know what you're missing. I'm ready for Friday to get here. Now.
posted by James at 6/09/2003 11:40:00 AM

 
Candice and I saw "The In-Laws" at the theatre this past Saturday. My critique: cute, but wait for it to come out on video. Certain movies really deserve to be seen in the theatre, but this was not one of them. The original "The In-Laws" was much better. I will have to rent/check out that one this week. In the previews we saw the trailer for Nicholas Cage's new movie and it occurred to us-that's not Nicholas Cage, it's really Josh Melton! Just wait til Mr. Rockett finds out.
posted by James at 6/09/2003 11:35:00 AM

 
I think old movies are great.
posted by James at 6/06/2003 03:19:00 PM

 
Another one: "Why can't you jump?" "Because I can't swim!"
posted by James at 6/06/2003 03:19:00 PM

 
How about this line from a movie: "Right Turn, Clyde"
posted by James at 6/06/2003 03:18:00 PM

 
Name the song: "The gates and doors were barred, and all the windows fastened down. I spent the night in sleeplessness, and woke at every sound..."
posted by James at 6/06/2003 03:16:00 PM

 
What movie is this quote from? "Do you mean to tell me that the Captain has not communicated with his children in over a month?" "How many men do you know that communicate with their children while they are on their honeymoon?"
posted by James at 6/06/2003 03:14:00 PM

 
Jane Beth has been singing a lot lately. Yesterday when I got in, she was singing some songs from the Boatright's CD. I was very impressed. It's interesting how each child has his/her own strengths and talents. Will loves sports, reading, and drawing; Stephen loves reading and observing things in detail; Jane Beth loves to dance and sing; and John James, well, it's too soon to say. We all love to fish though, I think we'll all go this Saturday. There's something special about being outdoors with your kids.
posted by James at 6/03/2003 11:25:00 AM

 
Just for fun, I went and looked at a house on the way to Chatham yesterday. It amazes me to no end how people think that something they are trying to sell is worth so much more than you would be willing to pay. Nice place, it's just got bad neighbors and bad dogs.
posted by James at 6/03/2003 11:20:00 AM

 
Tonight AAPC goes up against House of Prayer in softball. C'mon, let's hear the predictions. I think that we'll win as long as we score more points than the other team. Yeah, that's a good call.
posted by James at 6/03/2003 11:19:00 AM

 
Y'know, with these long lunch breaks, I'm considering carrying a fishing rod and some bait with me in the car. There are all manner of ponds and creeks where I work and I think it would be great to do some fishing during working hours.
posted by James at 5/29/2003 12:17:00 PM

 
My kids love to read. I wish I could tell people just how great that is to see your children absorbed in books that don't have pictures in them. John James is usually sitting with them looking at books whenever his brothers and sister are reading. They are about to be reading about Jackson and Lee.
posted by James at 5/29/2003 12:16:00 PM

 
Well, AAPC has game #6 tonight. Any predictions?
posted by James at 5/29/2003 12:14:00 PM

 
Why can't Louisiana have weather like this all year? This has been great. I love driving around with my windows down and sleeping with the windows open.
posted by James at 5/29/2003 12:14:00 PM

 
Well, I see that Anika Sorenstaim finished her first round at Colonial at 1 over par. First, that's better than I would do. Second, I don't look for her to make the cut. That there is a different world she's playing in. I take nothing away from her ability, she's good, even great. But the old song, "Anything you can do I can do better" doesn't apply on the PGA. I hope she makes the cut anyway.
posted by James at 5/22/2003 12:01:00 PM

 
Candice and I accepted a position on the North Louisiana Home School Association's Board of Directors. I have to laugh, I just got off the board of the Soccer Association after 12 years of being on it in one form or another, and here we go again. It should be fun. We are on the board with the Younts, Mitchums, Herrons, and the Hollibrooks. We all know each other pretty well from scouting so this should be a hoot.
posted by James at 5/22/2003 11:58:00 AM

 
When I'm on an in-town route on my job, I come to the library at lunchtime(after eating, of course) and go to the Internet room. Well, there is a black lady next to me with headphones on and she is singing along with the music she's listening to off the net. I don't mean singing, I mean she is belting out a song baby! We have the door closed so noone else can hear her. She's really quite good.
posted by James at 5/22/2003 11:53:00 AM

 
Congratulations to Aaron and Amy on their new baby!
posted by James at 5/22/2003 11:51:00 AM

 
I have a great wife. I just thought I'd tell ya'll....
posted by James at 5/22/2003 11:38:00 AM

 
The boys and I had a long wrestling match last night. I'm trying to get them both to be more agressive when it comes to wrestling and playing. Right now, they run right up to me and stop and put their hands up to "tackle" me. I'm working on getting them to run "through" me. Just watch, once they get that licked, I'll be begging them to stop. Will weighs 60# and Stephen weighs 45# and I'm going to bling and they are both going to weigh 130#. Jane Beth wants to wrestle with us too, but I'm having to remind her that she's a girl and not a boy. We usually wind up reading a book and tossing her on the couch by slinging her through the air with her arm and leg as handles. She loves it.
posted by James at 5/22/2003 11:38:00 AM

 
Well, we lost our first game the other night. Steve and I had quite a collision going after a foul ball, but we are both okay. I was told it looked like we both were down for the count. Steve said that you only get hurt when you're going half speed. Good rule. We sure missed Brian's hitting. It seemed that none of us, with the exception of Caleb, were hitting the ball well. Look out tonight, I have a feeling you'll see a bunch of guys out for some payback.
posted by James at 5/22/2003 11:33:00 AM

 
I'm enjoying softball a lot more than I thought I would. Every day that there is a game, I find myself counting the minutes/hours til game time.
posted by James at 5/20/2003 11:35:00 AM

 
Candice wants to start selling some of the items that she seems to have such a knack for finding on Ebay. Please give my your thoughts and/or suggestions on this. I want for her to do it, I just need to be assured that it will be worth her/our while.
posted by James at 5/20/2003 11:33:00 AM

 
My apologies for the lapse in blogging. We went and saw my family last weekend and last week was nothing but work and studying for the fire test for insurance. I passed it, so I think the studying paid off. The new job is going well. It's not a difficult job at all to do, I am glad I have it. It certainly is a change from the last one, a welcome one to say the least. I get to take long lunch breaks and have noone looking over my shoulder...I hardly know how to act.
posted by James at 5/20/2003 11:31:00 AM

 
Jane Beth asked me to type a little blog for her, so here it is: A little blog for Jane Beth!
posted by James at 5/09/2003 06:14:00 AM

 
My daughter just got up and came in here and is sitting in my lap while I type this. Those of you that don't have kids, it is one of the coolest things in the world to have your children come up to you and want to sit in your lap because they love you. They just want to be near you and have your attention and love.
posted by James at 5/09/2003 06:13:00 AM

 
Well, it's 7:59 am on Friday and I am home with the kids and Candice. I start the new job on Monday and brother, am I ready. It's interesting though, the week after I turned in my 2 weeks notice, our technician in Baton Rouge turned in his 2 weeks notice. Yesterday, one of our technicians in Monroe got irritated with a customer and suggested that they use another compay to service their machine and he got a serious butt-chewing. Well, he quit yesterday. Someone once told me that turnovers in companies come in 3's and 7's. I hope that's all they have to deal with. Paul's had a tough month, and doesn't need anything else to make it any tougher. If any of ya'll think about it, say something nice to him on Sunday at church. He needs some kind words right now.
posted by James at 5/09/2003 06:10:00 AM

 
Well, it's completely official. We are definitely staying in West Monroe. We had been continuing discussions with a possible employer but they rejected my offer(which is what I expected/hoped for) but did ask me to be ready for another offer within the next year. It was for what I consider to be a lot of money and I would have loved that part of it, but the leaving here and moving to another state I was really against. Candice and I both breathed a big sigh of relief when we found out. Funny, huh?
posted by James at 5/07/2003 05:14:00 AM

 
Wow what a storm! It wasn't even raining at my house, but the whole way in I heard on the radio about the tornado warnings, heavy rain and hail. When I got into West Monroe the streets were flooding and traffic on I-20 was moving at about 40 to 45 mph. I hope all of you were spared the hail, I managed to miss it too.
posted by James at 5/07/2003 05:11:00 AM

 
We've had trouble being consistent with family worship at home. Steve made a suggestion on Sunday night that was really elementary but it shows great promise. He said to just do family worship as soon as supper is done. Don't let anyone get up, just start it right then. Well, it worked last night. I know this sounds like a little thing to those of you without kids, but I was just amazed at how simple that was. Go figure.
posted by James at 5/06/2003 05:23:00 AM

 
Well, here we are with only three more days here. I really thought I'd feel more regret about leaving, but I don't. I'm looking forward to our new job, the idea of having no one looking over my shoulder appeals to me greatly.
posted by James at 5/06/2003 05:20:00 AM

 
Did anyone see the President land on that carrier yesterday? That pilot caught the 3rd or 4th cable! Pretty ballsy with the Commander-In-Chief on board. When President Bush got out of that plane, he had the biggest grin on his face. I could only think of one word right then, genuine.
posted by James at 5/02/2003 05:05:00 AM

 
Since turning in my two weeks notice, I've had several job offers from, shall we say, people I talk to a lot. No worries, we are staying right here. It was just nice to hear from people that my bosses listen to that it's killing them that DI wouldn't even try to keep me. I'm trying to train the people they have in here to do my job, but two weeks is not long enough. I'm still having trouble letting this place go, isn't that crazy?
posted by James at 5/02/2003 05:03:00 AM

 
The cub scout pack is going to the Vicksburgh Battle Park on Saturday. I've been several times and I've noticed something. The tour takes you to all of the North's monuments and markers first, and then when you are good and tired, let's you see the South's markers and monuments. Interesting.
posted by James at 5/01/2003 05:06:00 AM

 
It is way past time for another baby. Candice and I have the bug some kind of bad.
posted by James at 5/01/2003 05:03:00 AM

 
Our first softball game is tonight! I'm actually very excited. Aaron, Bart, Jonathan, Robbie and myself discussed the Christian perspective on winning last night. It made me think a lot about my own outlook on sports. I'm extremely competitive, but I have not fully come to grips with the best way to pass the competitiveness onto my kids without making them think that winning is the only thing. Last night gave me some good food for thought.
posted by James at 4/29/2003 05:23:00 AM

 
My apologies for the slight lack of posting over the past 2 weeks(for those of you that read this), I'm tying up loose ends around here.
posted by James at 4/29/2003 05:21:00 AM

 
I put my two weeks notice in on Friday. My new job comes with a raise and great benefits, too! This means that Candice and I can have maternity coverage! Yes!
posted by James at 4/28/2003 05:02:00 AM

 
Well, the Dixie Chicks are on Dianne Sawyer tonight to "clean up" their statements. I know that if I were in their shoes, I would want to be forgiven as well, but I also know that I would have kept my mouth shut about the opinion for which they are being boycotted. I think it's going to be a case of too little too late.
posted by James at 4/24/2003 04:57:00 AM

 
There's a country song that I've heard for quite some time now that I think is about abortion. The name of the song is Red Rag Top. My wife had to call the clues in the song to my attention that sound like it's expressing regret for abortion. Do any of ya'll know the song and whether or not that is indeed what is about?
posted by James at 4/24/2003 04:55:00 AM

 
Our office is next to a train track and about 150 yards from a railroad crossing. Trains approach it going about 2 or 3 miles an hour. The trains start blowing their horns when they are still approximately 100 yards away from the tracks. Now, if you are approaching a railroad crossing that has it's lights flashing and it's crossing gates down(this one has crossing gates), and you can see the train(you can) and you still go out in front of the train, then I think you are asking to be run over by a train. I think they should lay off of the horn a little. It's not so much the irritation factor of the horn as it is the lack of common sense I think that it takes to put yourself in the path of something that takes a long time to stop due to it's weighing many tons and the laws of physics. I realize that's a bit of a mean outlook, but I think it works on the same level as people who don't wear their seat belts or a motorcycle helmet. If they want to remove themselves from the "gene pool", let 'em.
posted by James at 4/17/2003 07:48:00 AM

 
I remember the days, of just keeping time, of hanging around, in sleepy towns, forever, back roads empty for miles. What's the next line? Or the song?
posted by James at 4/16/2003 11:18:00 AM

 
Does anyone have any copies or know where I can get any copies of "The Muppet Show"? I'd love to watch those with my kids. I remember watching that series growing up and laughing so hard that I cried.
posted by James at 4/15/2003 11:53:00 AM

 
Well, we had our first softball practice last night. We had a lot of fun and it looks like a few people playing can actually hit and catch. Jordan Wilkins and I were in the outfield talking about how Bart was swinging too hard and wasn't making contact well when he promptly knocked 3 over the fence. Let's hear it for the Swede! I'm looking forward to doing this, it's going to be a lot of fun.
posted by James at 4/15/2003 07:39:00 AM

 
Did you know that when you flush the toilet in the northern hemisphere, the water rotates clockwise? If you flush the toilet in the southern hemisphere, the water rotates counterclockwise. What happens if you flush the toilet if you live on the equator?
posted by James at 4/14/2003 02:33:00 PM

 
It was a long weekend, but man was it fun! We had a ball with Candice's and my parents up here. The soccer game on Saturday ended in a shootout with the kids winning. During the game, the coolest thing happened; my dad, my son Will, and I were running down the field towards the opponents goal when dad crossed the ball to Will. Will two-touched the ball to me and I one-touched it into the goal. A three-generation assist and goal! It was awesome!
posted by James at 4/14/2003 07:40:00 AM

 
Well, the Masters is underway. They are playing 36 holes today due to it being rained out yesterday. Here's my picks for finishing: 1st Tiger Woods 2nd Phil Mickelson 3rd David Toms 4th Sergio Garcia 5th Retief Goosen 6th Mark O'Meara 7th Vijay Singh What do ya'll think?
posted by James at 4/11/2003 08:11:00 AM

 
I caught a swarm of bees yesterday morning out at Paul's land and brought them home. Well, when I caught them, it was about 34 degrees. I was actually scooping bees up off of the ground around the hive body with my bare hands because they were so cold that they weren't moving. I'm used to getting stung at least once when I fool with a swarm because I'll accidentally pinch one of them and they sting as a reaction, but not once yesterday. Good deal.
posted by James at 4/11/2003 05:17:00 AM

 
Last night, I was walking back into the house when I noticed something, silence. For some reason, at that very moment, I couldn't hear anything. No cars coming, no radio(I mean our own inside the house), no lawn mowers, nobody talking, no far off train, no planes, no dogs barking, nothing. It gets that way out there sometimes but this was different because both my dogs were sitting there looking up. I looked up and there was the half moon shining down and the stars just twinkling. The only word that accurately describes it is peaceful. I didn't stop smiling the rest of the night.
posted by James at 4/11/2003 05:11:00 AM

 
Guys, Nora Jones and Eva Cassidy are very good "dance with your wife" music. Just a tip.
posted by James at 4/09/2003 12:35:00 PM

 
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop? Really...?
posted by James at 4/09/2003 08:50:00 AM

 
We have three puppies we are giving away. Who wants one?
posted by James at 4/09/2003 05:16:00 AM

 
We are planting our first garden in three years. We don't own a tiller so we are turning the soil over with a shovel. Man, you talk about tough! I'm starting to think a tiller is not such an expensive item...
posted by James at 4/08/2003 03:36:00 PM

 
Next line in this song: "It's as simple as something that nobody knows..."
posted by James at 4/08/2003 01:57:00 PM

 
I find myself singing along to whatever music I happen to be listening to on my computer and sometimes people will walk in while I'm, er, entertaining myself. Let's just say this, I'm not singing Whitney Houston's version of "I will always love you" ever again. Whew!
posted by James at 4/08/2003 01:48:00 PM

 
Why won't a shark bite a lawyer?
posted by James at 4/08/2003 11:35:00 AM

 
How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?
posted by James at 4/08/2003 11:35:00 AM

 
We are selling our Pontiac Grand Am. I ran it in the paper for $700 only because it had an experience with a deer and therefore has a cosmetic issue. I've been unwilling to put any money and time into it because I've not been able to justify either for the return I felt that we would get. Well, people have been calling ever since we ran the add. Several are coming to look at it today. Some of the people that called yesterday asked me if I could bring the car by so that they could look at it and another asked if I could come pick them up and bring them to look at it. I told them it was a Grand Am, not a Mercedes Benz and that no I would not. One lady got offended and hung up. Funny. Anyway, I hope it sells quickly, because last night a found a vacuum leak on it that I had been unable to run down in all of my previous attempts. It ran well before, now it runs great. I really hope it doesn't sell just because I know how good of a car it is and some of the people coming to look at it mentioned looking forward to "tricking it out". I'll get over it.
posted by James at 4/08/2003 08:34:00 AM

 
We are going to have our end-of-year/season soccer party this Saturday at Forsythe Park at 3:00 pm. The kids will play the adults in a game that will be hilarious to watch! Come out and see the Alexanders, Maddoxes, Moreaus, and Marsalises tie it up on the pitch with the kids!
posted by James at 4/07/2003 10:07:00 AM

 
I didn't bring any lunch today. Bummer, now I'm hungry.
posted by James at 4/07/2003 09:41:00 AM

 
Well, a source in the US military is quoted as saying that weapons of mass destruction have been found. Under the premise that this is true, is anyone really surprised?
posted by James at 4/07/2003 09:23:00 AM

 
The Dad-n-lad went great! We arrived about 7:15 on Saturday morning and got our tent set up and got registered. We helped the Moreaus set their tent up as well, then all of us went to the mess hall to find out where we were to go at what time. We did BB guns, archery, boating, crafts, and games. Will and Stephen liked the BB shooting and the boating the best. Will said the long haired boy at the crafts location was a little scary. The games was actually pretty fun, it consisted of a 3-legged race, a stick horse race, and a spider web game. The 3-legged race-well, you know how that works. The stick horse race: The dad and the boy have to race on the same stick horse. I just put will on the stick horse and when they said go, I picked him up and ran around the marker and back. Everyone liked that a lot. On Stephen's turn, they told me that I couldn't do that, so Stephen grabbed the stick horse and jumped on my back and we were off! I imagine they will have some new rules for the next time. The spider web game was a bunch of string tied in all manners of ways to create a "web" through which dads had to hand the boys through without ringing the bells that were tied all through the web. The trick was you couldn't go through the same space someone else already had. It was a riot! The boating was interesting to say the least. They sent the dad out with his son, or sons in my case, in a rowboat and sometimes with canoe paddles. Has anyone hear ever rowed at all? What good is a canoe paddle in a rowboat? Not very much! I made sure we had real oars in our rowboat and I was teaching the boys how to row. I let them have at it with Will on one oar and Stephen on the other. Let's just say that Will is the stronger of the two. We saw everything around us, several times. It was a lot of fun, too. The boys most enjoyed the BB shooting simply because they like to shoot every chance they get. Will has always been a pretty good shot, but Stephen hasn't. Well, Stephen "got it" on Saturday. His shot group at the final BB shooting station was small enough to cover with a quarter and 9 of 17 shots were in the black with the other 8 within a 1/4" of the black. He was so proud! We ate sloppy joes and went back to camp and started the campfire. We went to the main campfire at 8:00 and saw a flag retiring ceremony-for those of you that don't know that is when you burn an old American flag that is no longer in good enough condition to be displayed any longer. The ceremony wasn't as solemn as I remembered it being when I was growing up in scouting. I think it was probably because it wasn't very well organized, but they did quite well nevertheless. The boys and I went down to the edge of the lake about 10:00 and just sat there listening to the sounds of the night-very nice. The lake didn't have a ripple on it and you could look down in the water and see the reflection of the stars and treeline. We heard bullfrogs, tree frogs, an owl, a racoon, crickets, a large animal on the other side of the lake, a waterfall and of course the kids back up in the campsite. It was really nice and I'm going to have to take them camping more often. Sunday morning, we got up and made it out just before the deluge hit. We had breakfast with the Younts at Waffle House and managed to go home, shower, change into church clothes and still make it to church. After church, we went to the Cranston's for lunch and stayed all afternoon. Good company. A very nice weekend.
posted by James at 4/07/2003 05:33:00 AM

 
I've been considering paying a company to help find me a better-paying job. Here's my thought process. I've put resumes out, filled out applications, gone online, created multiple resumes on multiple job sites and have had a total of two interviews from what I've done online and two interviews from face-to-face contacts for a total of four interviews. I was promised a certain amount of money to stay where I'm at but it wasn't delivered. If I had continued my job hunt from the time I had started last March instead of putting it on hold for 9 months, I have no doubt that I would already be somewhere else making above what I make right now. The thing I need advice with is this: The company I'm talking to that is going to "market me" for lack of a better term is "Allen and Associates" http://www.allenandassociates.com. They check out okay and have a published 96% placement record(that's placing you in a job that you are happy with) and have been around for 40 years. I can pay a headhunter somewhere between 300 and 500 dollars and get them to the same thing on a much smaller level, but the headhunters I've spoken with seem to be a little more self-absorbed than I would expect someone trying to "help me out" to be. Allen and Associates is going to charge me 1100 dollars for this service, which is essentially to get me in front of the decision makers. Tell me what you think.
posted by James at 4/04/2003 02:01:00 PM

 
The boys and I are going camping this weekend. It's a deal called Dad-n-Lad at TL James Boy Scout Camp. They are so excited...for that matter, so am I. I like being able to just spend time with my boys just doing guy stuff. As a father, it still surprises me that they always want to be around me. It's very humbling.
posted by James at 4/04/2003 09:33:00 AM

 
What is the difference between a banjo player and a large pizza?
posted by James at 4/04/2003 09:30:00 AM

 
Was anyone outside last night? It felt just perfect. We had Rich Lusk over for supper and Rich and I stayed outside the whole time except when we ate the meal. While I was sitting there talking to him, it occurred to me that there are very few people that do that anymore-just sitting on the front porch talking. It was a very enjoyable evening.
posted by James at 4/04/2003 06:42:00 AM

 
What is the difference between a dead snake in the road and a dead banjo player in the road?
posted by James at 4/04/2003 06:42:00 AM

 
A rider arrives in town on Friday. He stays two days and then leaves on Friday. How is this possible?
posted by James at 4/03/2003 11:07:00 AM

 
The U8 boys had their final game yesterday but the team we were scheduled to play did not show up so the boys and I played the adults, brothers, and sisters. We've done this twice now(playing the adults vs the boys) and it has been more fun than just playing a regular game for all involved. You haven't lived until you go up against Billy & Kim Alexander, Rob & Tara Maddox, Paul & Lori Moreau, and Candice Marsalis on the pitch. Tara can play rough! For that matter, so can Candice and Lori. Billy and Rob are quite the team when they're bringing the ball down. Paul had bursts of speed as well and was actually formidable as an attacker. He got two goals on us off of rebounds from shots. Billy got two goals outright and Rachel Maddox had one. It was a lot of fun!
posted by James at 4/03/2003 11:06:00 AM

 
What walks on four legs in the morning, 2 in the afternoon, and 3 in the evening?
posted by James at 4/01/2003 04:16:00 PM

 
What's greater than God, more evil than the devil, poor people have it, and rich people want it?
posted by James at 4/01/2003 09:07:00 AM

 
How do you stop a rhino from charging?
posted by James at 4/01/2003 09:04:00 AM

 
It's a beautiful day.
posted by James at 4/01/2003 09:03:00 AM

 
A man works in an office building on the 14th floor. Every day he goes to work and takes the elevator to the 5th floor and then walks the remaining 9 flights of stairs to the 14th floor. At the end of the day, he rides the elevator all of the way to the bottom. When it rains, however, the man rides the elevator all of the way to the 14th floor and at the end of the day rides the elevator all of the way to the bottom. Why?
posted by James at 3/31/2003 08:14:00 AM

 
I'm dropping my car off today to be worked on. I know what's wrong with it and how to fix it, the challenge is that it's so computerized that there are adjustments that must be made to it that I don't have the 35,000 dollar piece of equipment that it requires to talk to the CPU and tell it that I've replaced the part that has failed. Now that's progress. I miss my '69 Chevy BelAir.
posted by James at 3/31/2003 08:11:00 AM

 
The U9 boys have their final regular season game today. In case some of you don't have any plans at 5:00 pm today, come out to Forsythe park and cheer on the boys. AAPC boys Alex, Shelby, and Will are on this team and love to have people yelling for them. The field is between the tennis courts and the baseball/softball field. Seriously, it would tickle the kids to no end if some of you came out and watched them.
posted by James at 3/31/2003 08:08:00 AM

 
Saturday, the boys and I cleaned up around our house. I mean we got rid of some junk! The back of my pickup is full of metal and trash cans to be hauled off. The chicken pen, old lumber, and anything not nailed down we burned. We found out there is a fence at the back of our property. We hadn't seen it in 3 and 1/2 years, wow. We are currently in an "if we haven't used it in a year get rid of it" mode, so if you've been to our place and seen anything you may want(HA!), now's the time to make an offer.
posted by James at 3/31/2003 07:34:00 AM

 
We just had the back window in our delivery van broken out, again. It's $160 to get it replaced and they will be finished in 45 minutes, today. We are about to sell it and the other van, then buy one good delivery van. I tell one of our salesman to go get the glass replaced right now and get back so the ad can run next week. Before the salesman can get out of the parking lot, one of the owners stops him because he wants to make sure he's "getting the absolutely best deal" on the glass possible. I called and cancelled the ad on the vans since it now won't be ready until the glass is replaced. We all had a good laugh about it anyway.
posted by James at 3/28/2003 02:36:00 PM

 
What song is it? "I just got into town and didn't have nothing to do when I happened upon this telephone booth that had a whole bunch of writing covering one entire wall"
posted by James at 3/28/2003 05:30:00 AM

 
You know those can openers that are on scout knives? They are the ones that you have to work around the rim of the can a little at at time. Well, I'm glad we've advanced past that. I just opened a can of coffee and my wrist and forearm are killing me.
posted by James at 3/28/2003 05:28:00 AM

 
I heard, from a reliable source, that Dave Ramsey has been attending George Grant's Sunday School. Reformed financial advice...no wonder it's so easy to understand.
posted by James at 3/28/2003 05:27:00 AM

 
Okay, let's see who really knows their old songs...what's the next line? "Down in the valley, the valley so low..."
posted by James at 3/27/2003 02:29:00 PM

 
I just heard a great quote on Dave Ramsey: "Every man should make up his mind that if he expects to succeed that he should give an honest return for another man's dollar."
posted by James at 3/27/2003 01:37:00 PM

 
Yesterday, the U9 team won their first soccer game of the season 2 to 1. It was fun to watch but frustrating for me because the referee that was doing the game is a man I've been working with on and off since September on things like foul recognition, offsides, and the proper restart. I had to keep my mouth shut(I still said something once or twice Candice told me) way more than I wanted to. I forgot how hard it is to say nothing when a call goes totally against you. Lesson learned...again.
posted by James at 3/27/2003 04:25:00 AM

 
Last night, as we drove up to the house, the song "Austin" came on the radio. I went into the house and turned on the radio. As everyone came in, Candice and I started dancing, then Will and Stephen took turns dancing with Jane Beth. We did this on and off over the course of about an hour. Dancing with my wife is not something I get to do as often as I'd like. Last night was special.
posted by James at 3/27/2003 04:22:00 AM

 
What song is this: "I wandered around and finally found the somebody who... could make me be true, could make me be blue, or even be glad just to be sad thinking of you
posted by James at 3/26/2003 12:43:00 PM

 
What's the next line in this song: "Way out here they got a name, for rain and wind and fire; the rain is Tess, the fire Joe..."
posted by James at 3/26/2003 11:45:00 AM

 
A teenage boy goes to his dad and tells him that he wants a car. His dad tells him that he will help him get a car on four conditions: 1. He starts going to church on Sundays and Wednesdays and reads his Bible daily. 2. He starts applying himself to his studies and brings his grades up to a B average or better. 3. He stops hanging around the crowd that he currently associates with. 4. He cuts his hair. The boy nods and goes off without saying anything. He brings the subject back up to his father about four months later. He says, "Dad, I've done what you told me. I stopped hanging around those guys that were bringing me down. I've been really studying hard and I've got a B+ average now. I've been going to church and reading the Bible daily. Can you help me to get a car?" His dad looks up and says, "I have noticed that you've been at church with us every time we're there. I've also seen you reading your bible. I've seen your report cards and have noticed your grades have drastically improved. I've also noticed that your choice in friends has improved. Good job. But I see that your hair is still too long. I told you four conditions, you've only done three." The boy says, "Well dad, since I've been reading the Bible, I've noticed that a whole bunch of guys in the Bible had really long hair. Jesus himself had long hair. I figured we could overlook the last one for that reason, I mean, I am supposed to be like Jesus aren't I?" His dad says, "Good point. Jesus walked everywhere he went. Cut your hair."
posted by James at 3/26/2003 05:49:00 AM

 
We are in the process of losing every experienced employee we have here. I hope they find good people to replace them with, a lot of work has gone into making this what it has become and it will be a shame for it to fail. I really do hope they find a few people that will make it their mission to outdo those that came before them. I really hope that the owners pay them what that sort of effort, commitment, and loyalty is worth.
posted by James at 3/26/2003 05:36:00 AM

 
Well, this will be the first weekend we've been in town in the last three and the first weekend we've not had a commitment in the last 6, so we are planning on doing some serious work around the house and yard. I have some junk that is going up in flames Saturday night, so if anyone wants to drink a beer and watch something burn, Saturday night might be a good time to do it.
posted by James at 3/26/2003 05:19:00 AM

 
Rain. It's amazing to me how fresh and green everything is after a rain. It's as if everything has renewed strength. I know that's not very difficult to understand why that would be, considering water is one of the basic elements necessary for carbon-based life forms, but it's still amazing. I don't know how anyone can really, and I mean REALLY, believe evolution. Just watch what happens to the world after a rain. Their evolutionary theories and ideas go right down the storm drains and ditches every time.
posted by James at 3/26/2003 05:15:00 AM

 
I know a lot of people that talk about what a great investment gold is. Why is it such a good investment? I realize that it has always been valuable and a form of currency. Would someone tell me where you can buy anything with gold or a gold coin today? Is there any country that uses gold as their currency? I used to think, "Well, it'll be good to have in case our economy ever crashes" but if our economy crashed to that level, wouldn't there likely be chaos and military rule? What good would gold be then?
posted by James at 3/25/2003 01:44:00 PM

 
Everyone has an opinion, myself included, for what's happening and what we should or shouldn't have done. How many of us have been there and done that, though? Can we truly say what we'd do if we were there, in GW's position? Do we know what he knows? Do we really want to? I've heard it said that the President of the United States has the worse job in the world. His life is not his own. It belongs to the people of the United States of America. Consider just how far-reaching that can be and then tell me if you think he's doing a decent job or not. Tell me if you or I could do better. I've thought of it a lot, and I'd like to believe I could do better, but I really don't know.
posted by James at 3/25/2003 09:42:00 AM

 
I had another interview today. It went well. This is a must-relocate job opportunity. I find out on Thursday or Friday just how well the interview really did go.
posted by James at 3/24/2003 01:56:00 PM

 
Candice and I saw some old friends of ours when we were in Baton Rouge this past weekend. We really did have a lot of fun. The kids stayed with mom and dad. They used to just veg-out in front of the tv when we were there and we set up new rules for their tv-viewing. We let them watch an hour of tv but they must play for 2. Guess what? They watched 2 hours of tv and played the rest of the weekend. Papa and Nana made an effort to take them to the park and such because we told them about the new rule, too. Mom tried to argue with me about it, but I reminded her that she once told me that when I have my own kids I could raise them however I saw fit. She smiled and said okay.
posted by James at 3/24/2003 01:55:00 PM

 
I've seen a little bit on the tele about the goings-on in the war. I've seen the peace protestors and have heard what they're shouting. I'm sorry that those protesting often don't consider that our soldiers are doing their duty, and that is to follow the orders and directives that are given to them by their commanders. May The Lord protect our troops. Please bring the husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons, and daughtes home safely.
posted by James at 3/21/2003 05:17:00 AM

 
Well, the war officially kicks off in 36 hours from right now. George Bush is a good speaker and he has good speechwriters. He's very easy to like and last night he came across as very reluctant to do what he's doing. I don't know the man, and maybe it's an act, but that's one of the things that struck me. He reminded me of my dad when he would have to take something away from me our ground me because I wouldn't do what I was told. I pray that Iraq doesn't employ the chem/bio weapons they have. I trained extensively in the military for that type of action, and I remember how much I would dread having to do it for real. In training, if things got too bad, we'd just break the seal on our masks and take off the charcoal suits and take a break. Our guys won't get any breaks once this thing starts. One other thing nobody seems to be saying,. What about Iran? I'm going to go on record and say that they are much more of a threat to us than Iraq ever dreamed of being. They've been very quiet for 2 decades now and they haven't been sitting on their hands. Culturally, they are far more religious than Iraq and they have a history of being unfriendly to Christian missionaries. They are also a possible location of some missing munitions from Russia in the 80's and 90's...big munitions. So, do we finish in Iraq and go next door? If Sadaam is this much of a threat, how much more so of a threat is the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who sees himself as the spiritual leader of his country as well as the leader? I wish George Washington were here.
posted by James at 3/18/2003 05:15:00 AM

 
Okay, I heard on the news that this is now Sadaam's last chance. Does anyone remember growing up with a kid whose parents were always threatening him but never doing anything? Yeah, the friend I had was a little heathen because of it. He actually ended up in prison when he was 18. If a parent doesn't back up his word, he can't expect to ever be taken seriously by his children and therefore he can't expect his children to have an accurate worldview. I know this isn't the greatest analogy concerning us and Iraq, but the same premise rings true of don't say it unless you mean it. Don't get me wrong, I know we put him(Sadaam) in there and this situation is ultimately our own creation, but enough is enough. Crap or get off the pot...and for the record, I'd just assume we got off the pot. We can't take care of the world's problems, we certainly don't handle our own successfully. I understand that this has long since gone too far, at least politically, so I don't expect this to be handled an a Bilblical manner. In that case, let's get it done and bring our boys home and stay out of everyone else's business in the future. I'm glad it's not me having to make those decisions. I think I could, but I doubt that I'd live to see tomorrow.
posted by James at 3/17/2003 01:16:00 PM

 
My sister and brother-in-law have just raised the bar on the South Louisiana possible relocation scenario(or is "lowered the bar" the correct description?)-they're moving down in June. My brother and his wife are planning on retiring to either Tennessee or Virginia when he gets out of the military, so it doesn't look like there is a lot of chance for us all to be together. We enjoyed being down there this weekend, I just wish it wasn't a four hour drive.
posted by James at 3/17/2003 04:10:00 AM

 
Lisa answered the "What's the next line of this song" that I put up. Let's see about this one: "Flowers and wine is what I'd thought I'd find when I came home from working tonight."
posted by James at 3/14/2003 01:35:00 PM

 
Okay, as there has been a great deal of discussion about movies as of late, I thought I'd put in my 2 cents worth for my favorite kinds of movies. Here, in no particular order, are some of the movies I can sit and watch over and over again. It's a Wonderful Life, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, Rudy, While You Were Sleeping, Return To Me, Rio Lobo, Emma, A Little Princess, Star Wars(pretty much all of them), A Beautiful Life, Gattica, Ben Hur, Victory, Field of Dreams, For the Love of the Game, The Natural, The Shawshank Redemption, My Best Friend's Wedding, Braveheart, The Patriot, Sabrina, Paint Your Wagon, The Sound of Music, Hoosiers, Mr Smith Goes to Washington, Platoon, The Right Stuff, Okay, so there's more, these are just a few that I really enjoy. I would like to make these items appear in column, how do I do that?
posted by James at 3/14/2003 08:02:00 AM

 
Who can tell me the next line from this song? "If you're blue and you don't know where to go to, why don't you go where fashion sits..."
posted by James at 3/14/2003 07:41:00 AM

 
I have both doors open here in my end of the building right now. A bird just flew through and nearly slammed into the back of one of our salemen's heads as he was walking through. I couldn't help but to laugh. Can you imagine writing that up for insurance? Nature of claim: Attacked by a robin.
posted by James at 3/12/2003 01:21:00 PM

 
I was mowing our lawn here at the office a little while ago when the mower hit a root or something. Well, the crankshaft is bent, I think, because when you pull the rope, the mower looks like it's doing an endzone dance in the NFL. Funny.
posted by James at 3/12/2003 01:19:00 PM

 
I passed my polygraph test. Man, those things are not fun. The polygrapher told me not to worry so much. He said that I was a prime candidate for the job of a police officer based on what he could determine from the interview, background investigation, and polygraph test. I told him that I still didn't like taking that test, it was simply not enjoyable. I could feel my heart beating in my ears. It didn't matter if the question was, "Is your name James" or if it was "Are you hiding anthing from me that you don't want us to know that may keep you from being hired", I still could feel my heart going nuts. I'm glad that part is over.
posted by James at 3/12/2003 09:50:00 AM

 
Candice and I are going to drop the kids off in Covington on Friday night and spend the weekend in New Orleans. I have a soccer tournament that I'm officiating in and they always put me up in a room when we come down. We are doing the same thing on the weekend of March 22nd in Baton Rouge. We have tossed around the idea of moving down there in the past, but have not really looked or given it more than a passing thought. Be advised, we are seriously considering it. I'm weighing a lot of things in this decision process, the foremost being the fact that AAPC isn't down there. We want to be able to send the boys to Geneva Academy. I want to be able to atend Dabney classes. We like the friends that we've made up here and the friendships that are just beginning. We also want to be nearer to our family. Tell me what you think.
posted by James at 3/10/2003 11:53:00 AM

 
As there is a great deal of discussion that has gone on about what the best sport is, I propose this: the next time we all play a sport together, we start out with football(the real football, know to ya'll as soccer), then go to American football, then finally to baseball. By doing it this way, those that love baseball will have the opportunity to catch their breath before getting to their most beloved game after playing the more physically demanding sports.
posted by James at 3/10/2003 09:11:00 AM

 
The U9 soccer team had a game on Saturday morning. They played really, really well. They lost the game 7 to 3, but the score was very non-reflective of how close the game was. They really had a lot of fun.
posted by James at 3/10/2003 07:36:00 AM

 
I have my polygraph test tomorrow night for the LA State Police application process. This one is not going to be nearly as exhaustive as the first one, but I don't like these types of test anyway. I mean, how do you study for it? I've tried to find the Cliff's notes, but none of the bookstores carry them. Seriously, you fill out this questionaire that asks you about everything you've ever done-use your imagination. Then, you answer questions based on the answers you gave in the questionaire. There really aren't too many questions that they ask you, it's just that it's stressful. The first time, I was trying to keep myself calm by breathing like I used to when I'd shoot competively; the tester asked me during the break why I was breathing like I was. I told him that I was trying to keep myself from getting too excited. He laughed and said I was screwing his readings up because my heart rate was dropping below normal. My hope is that I wll get picked for the State Police this time around. I'm willing to keep going through the process as often as it takes, I just hope it doesn't take too long.
posted by James at 3/10/2003 07:11:00 AM

 
On all the resume forms I've dealt with, I've not found any with a section titled "Experience cleaning up after other people's kids" or "Experience in babysitting other people's kids at the workplace" or how about "Experience in filling up a trailer mounted water tank". I'm trying to come up with a way to make those experiences(and others related to them) to be valuable enough to put on a resume. Seriously, anyone have any suggestions on how to put the kind of things that many of you know I've done while working here onto a resume in an eye-catching format?
posted by James at 3/07/2003 05:47:00 AM

 
Okay, now I'm scared to death. I've just posted my resume on monster and local jobsites outside of Northeast Louisiana. I already got a hit. Ridiculous. If you want to stay in a place where you like the church and the people, good luck finding a well-paying job. The moment I look from Florida to Texas...ding! Don't panic, we aren't planning on leaving.
posted by James at 3/07/2003 05:42:00 AM

 
Candice and I had a visit from someone demonstrating a Thermax on Tuesday night. That was really a lot of fun. We laughed and talked the whole time with the saleslady. She's Patti's niece, so she knew what to expect. She was a hoot. If you've never had one of those demonstrated in your home, you should let them come by and do it, it's really entertaining.
posted by James at 3/06/2003 11:40:00 AM

 
This morning, Will and Stephen competed in their first ever spelling bee. Poor Stephen...he was out on the first word. This was really surprising because he is the one that reads everything he can get his hands on. He missed the word noble. He has known it every time we've studied for it and he knew it when he sat down. He just got nervous. Will got knocked out in the fourth or fifth round, I don't remember which. What was really amusing was watching the battle for second and third place. Neither contestant spelled a word correctly in the runoff until the fourth try. Nobody laughed, but we all wanted to.
posted by James at 3/06/2003 11:37:00 AM

 
JOBSEARCH UPDATE I've had several interviews over the past week, and I have several more coming up. Last night, I had an interview that turned into a 2-hour long talk. I got up and started to leave when the gentleman interviewing me said, "We're looking forward to seeing you again". Yeah, that sounds like I did okay.
posted by James at 3/06/2003 11:17:00 AM

 
Last night, after Duane helped me move a washing machine into my house yet again, I was hooking it up when I heard Jane Beth say, "Daddy, thank you for taking such good care of us". Lump in throat, serious lump. I am a man that has been richly blessed by God.
posted by James at 3/05/2003 07:21:00 AM

 
We just had a company meeting. We enjoy them. They really are funny.
posted by James at 3/04/2003 06:57:00 AM

 
I've been to two Dabney Center weekends now and I've resolved to do the following: 1) To talk less and listen more 2) To ask questions even when I think they are totally stupid 3) To really apply myself to reading more good books This comes from my realizing that I know very little when it comes to, well, everything. I want to be able to teach my boys so that they may be better prepared for adulthood than I was. It just seems like an unsurmountable mountain from where I'm standing.
posted by James at 3/03/2003 01:05:00 PM

 
If you are looking for something fun to do this evening, Neville High School's boys soccer team is playing in the semi-finals at Bill Ruple stadium at 6:00 pm tonight. Teams from this area don't generally make it this far, but they have and that's to the credit of those boys and their coaching staff, especially Stewart Keyes the head coach. I'm taking my boys with me and we're going to go see the game before I go to Dabney. For those of you that don't know, this is real football I'm talking about, but most of America calls it soccer, so I'm going to use the popular term for sake of ya'll understanding it.
posted by James at 2/28/2003 08:22:00 AM

 
Why is it cigarette smokers throw their cigarette butts on the ground?
posted by James at 2/25/2003 11:22:00 AM

 
Does anyone besides me find it interesting that most of the people who are protesting the impending war with Iraq don't have a clue what they are talking about? Have you seen any of the interviews with the protesters? All of them are protesting something different, nobody knows what is going on. Crazy. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the Freedom Of Speech, but why is it that the media thinks that Freedom Of Speech means they must thrust all the stupid things things being said by these people as lead story on their news programs?
posted by James at 2/25/2003 10:23:00 AM

 
GILLIGAN'S ISLAND You know what has always befuddled me about that show? How did Mr & Mrs Howell, Ginger, & Mary Ann all manage to bring so many changes of clothes for just a three-hour cruise? The Professor always wore the same outfit as did the Skipper and Gilligan(and they lived on the boat). And how was it that the professor could fix a radio and constantly keep the batteries working, which meant he was generating power, but couldn't send an SOS? Or fix a two-foot hole in a boat?
posted by James at 2/25/2003 07:09:00 AM

 
Y'know, I've got what I believe are the best wife and greatest kids I could ask for.
posted by James at 2/24/2003 02:22:00 PM

 
PINEWOOD DERBY REPORT Well, Stephen and Will both did well on Saturday at the District Pinewood Derby. Stephen won his first 2 races and then got eliminated before advancing into the final heats. Will won races until he was one of 9 cars left. His was the only car left in the derby at that point that actually looked like a car, the rest of them looked like rails. Will's car had a bolt on the top of it for weight and looked like he built it(since he did). He was upset that he lost the race that eliminated him(that kid went on to win the whole thing, and he only lost by a hair) but after he lost, he walked over to the boy that beat him, shook his hand and congratulated him. I wanted to just shout I was so proud of him.
posted by James at 2/24/2003 08:38:00 AM

 
GODS AND GENERALS Candice, Rich, Steve and his sons, the Trislers, Jonathan B, and a host of others saw this movie on Friday night. The SCV were there in their uniforms and gave a talk before the movie. That was very good. Did you know that the LSU Tigers got their name from Wheat's Brigaide in the War of Northern Agression? Wheat's Brigaide had a company that fought so viciously that they referred to them as tigers, then Wheat's Tigers, and finally the whole brigaide was referred to as Wheat's Tigers. As for the movie...I can't say enough except to say that it's the greatest movie I've seen ever come out of Hollywood in my life. Superb. Excellent. I will see this one again in the theatre and I haven't done that since Star Wars as a kid. Go see the movie. More on it later.
posted by James at 2/24/2003 08:29:00 AM

 
It's raining. This is the kind of weather that I'd love to be out there playing football, American football, or even rugby(that's for Bart) in. You haven't lived until you've played a sport like one of those in the rain and mud and muck! It's so much fun!
posted by James at 2/21/2003 09:20:00 AM

 
Candice and I are going to see Gods and Generals tonight. For those of you that don't have your tickets already, get 'em. There are only 2 showings of the movie each day due to it's length and they have sold a lot of the tickets for tonights 7:45 show already. We are going with Rich Lusk and the Bransons. I heard last night that there are going to be a bunch of men from the re-enactment groups around here that are going to be in front of the theatre in their Confederate uniforms. That will be very cool. I haven't been this excited about a movie coming out since...well, I don't know.
posted by James at 2/21/2003 05:03:00 AM

 
At some point today, it's going to get very crazy around here.
posted by James at 2/21/2003 04:59:00 AM

 
I really like to work hard and enjoy being entrusted with responsibility. I've been entrusted with all kinds of responsibilities here, but my title, warehouse manager, has never changed. This can be a fun place to work, but that tends to be because the other employees are just fun to be around. Anytime I've ever asked for a raise, I've come away from the meeting feeling like a heel for doing so because they are, well, salesmen. They are so good at doing it, I think I'm going to suggest to the both of them that they stop playing businessman and start selling again. What do you think...too presumptuous?
posted by James at 2/21/2003 04:58:00 AM

 
The U9 Boys had their first game yesterday. They lost 3 to 1, but it was so fun to watch them. We have a new boy on the team. His name is Garret and his daddy is a captain with the Monroe Fire Department. The dad comes to all the practice and he came to the game yesterday and he brings the fire truck. The kids just love it. So, anytime we're playing a game, I think I'm gonna have him run the lights whenever we score a goal. His son scored our only goal yesterday, and it looked like something off of a pro match. It was really great to watch. Will was putting the moves on the defense himself. I gave the boys a speech about being aggressive and Will listened. Candice and I were really impressed. He seems to be taking more of an interest in being competitive now, it's good to see.
posted by James at 2/20/2003 03:10:00 PM

 
I got a phone call earlier today. They paged me "Amy Booth on line 1". I couldn't think of an Amy Booth for the life of me. "I know an Aaron Booth but....oh" Do ya'll ever do anything like that? I always knew her as Amy Trisler and I now know her as Aaron's wife or Aaron and Amy, I think today was the first time I heard her referred to as Amy Booth. Crazy, huh?
posted by James at 2/20/2003 02:37:00 PM

 
Derby update- Well, they performed better than we expected, to say the least. Will raced Alex right off the bat and lost to him. Stephen won all his heats and had a semi-final race against the winner of the losers bracket. Will promptly won every race in the losers bracket so he ended up racing Stephen to go to the final. Will beat Stephen and raced Alex for the pack title. The way the Pinewood Derby races work, your car must beat the opponent's car on both tracks(their are two) since one track tends to be faster than the other. Well, Will was racing on the fast track to start with this time so he beat Alex, then Alex beat him, then Will, then Alex...this went on like 10 times. Finally, someone adjusted the track and Alex beat Will on the slow side. Will was jumping up and down and everyone was so excited for the both of them, it was really fun to watch. Well, Stephen took fourth place and Will took second, so they both advance to the District Derby on Saturday. It's going to be interesting to see, because I've been told that in other packs, the dads build the cars for the sons and let them race them. We are part of the CHA(Christian Homeschool Association) Cub Scout Pack and they were pretty adimant about that not happening with these boys. Well, all you have to do is take one look at these cars that were there last night and you know they were made by kids. The dads and I agreed to build our own cars and race them against each other next year after the boys do theirs.
posted by James at 2/19/2003 08:01:00 AM

 
Well, the U8's played their first game yesterday. Clay ran all over that field, Andrew ran only a little less, Jackson was everywhere the ball was, and Stephen thought about running a couple of times. I gave my boys a talking to about being agressive in sports, work, and life last night when we got home. Stephen doesn't seem to get into sports quite as much as Will, but he enjoys the fire out of them, nonetheless. Will's first game is Wednesday, after I talked to him last night, you'd have thought he'd just gotten the "Go out there and win just one more for the Gipper" speech. They are a joy to raise.
posted by James at 2/18/2003 05:49:00 AM

 
Well, the boys' first cub scout Pinewood Derby is tonight. I cut the cars and helped them put the wheels on, they did everything else and man are they ever proud of those cars! I never did well at this when I was their age, I'm excited to see how they do. I'll be happy for them if their cars make it down the track. My money is on Alex, I think he's a little smarter in the area of building that sort of thing than Will and Stephen are. He's doing his science project on the physics of a Pinewood Derby car, so my bet is that his car will be fast.
posted by James at 2/18/2003 05:45:00 AM

 
Okay gentlemen, when are we all going to get together and play some sports? I for one, am ready to see Duane out there on the field, be it baseball, American football, football, anything. The same rings true for Aaron, Courtney, Bart, Roger, Robbie, Ed, Rich, and I'm not going to remember everybody else and you know who you are. C'mon guys, it's time for some good ol' fashioned pick-up games of one sport or another.
posted by James at 2/17/2003 01:28:00 PM

 
Okay ya'll. Gods and Generals opens up this Friday. Contrary to prior rumors, it is, that's IS, opening up in West Monroe at Tinseltown. A few of us at the church have all been talking about going and seeing it together on Friday or Saturday night. Are any of ya'll interested in coming along?
posted by James at 2/17/2003 11:49:00 AM

 
The U8 boys are having their first game today. That would be Andrew, Clay, Jackson, and Stephen's team. I'm ready to see these kids out there having a ball! They really enjoy it and the parents do too. It's a lot of fun for me as the coach to be able to get out there and see the looks on their faces when they're playing. It really is a lot of fun. If anyone's interested, their game is at 5:00 pm at Jesus the Good Shepherd School. The U9's, that would be Alex, Shelby, and Will are playing their first game on Wednesday at 5:00 pm at Forsythe Park's U10 field(It's right next to the baseball/softball field). It's a hoot to come watch, so if you're not doing anything more pressing, come out and enjoy.
posted by James at 2/17/2003 11:35:00 AM

 
We saw "Sweet Home Alabama" last night after church. Good movie. Somehow it got us talking about our kids and we were just remembering what it was like when we found out we were expecting Will, then when he was born, and what it's been like ever since. We both know that we fail everyday on being perfect parents and we both know that our kids seem to be turning out well regardless of our shortcomings, but we still find ourselves wishing we were better than we are. I realize this is a dilemma all parents experience, but we see ourselves all the time, so we are always reminded of our lack of expertise. May God's Grace allow us to raise our children in the Fear and Knowledge of Him and His Word so that they may in turn raise their children to do the same.
posted by James at 2/17/2003 08:19:00 AM

 
Candice and I went to Tinseltown on Friday night after visiting with the Garners & Company(they had small group) and saw "Two Weeks Notice". We really liked it. It is quite likely going to end up in our library as another good "comfort movie". Sandra Bullock is my favorite actress and Candice's as well. I could go on about her for a while, so I won't. Hugh Grant(regardless of past mistakes) is a good actor and easy to believe(a good trait for an actor). We liked him a lot in most if not all his other movies. Before the movie, I had to go outside to use a payphone and call the babysitter to let her know what time we'd be back. As I'm calling her, this fourteen-year old boy(republican, I think...you know what I mean) was giving a young lady a hard time about something. One of the policeman that was on duty tried to talk to him but he wouldn't hear of it. The policeman then tried to escort the boy away from the area to talk to him. The boy started yelling at the policeman. Two other policemen came over and the boy basically tried to fight all three of them. Well, they read him his rights, cuffed him and proceeded to put him in the back of a squad car as he is cussing, spitting and trying to kick all of them. Ridiculous. What's worse is one of the kids that knows the boy told me that his parents just let him run wild, so this is likely the beginning of this behavior for him(this is also how I found out the age of this young aspiring hoodlum). When I was growing up, if I did anything out of line(and I mean like going to the mall without permission or playing in a drainage ditch) my mom and dad found out about it and always reminded me of the cost of disobedience via a belt. Why don't people care about their own kids?
posted by James at 2/17/2003 08:10:00 AM

 
Valentine's Day being here made me remember something I did for Candice. I got this idea from I guy I used to youth pastor with, so don't think it's original. I went to the library and got the soundtrack from "2001: A Space Odyssey". I recorded the main theme onto a tape. I printed out the words, "2001: A Marriage Odyssey" on the white side of some greenbar paper from work. When we went to bed, I waited until I heard her breathing that breathe of the deep sleep, and I got up, went into the living room, qued the tape, plugged a timer into the light and the stereo after turning the volume way way UP, hung the "banner" and went back to bed. At exactly 1:30 am, the stereo turned on and the tape began to play. My lovely wife woke up and asked me to go see what that sound was, I pretended to be too tired to understand and she got out of bed and went to see about it herself. She got in there about the same time the theme was reaching the climax of the music. You want to know what happened next? She turned it off and came back to bed and went to sleep.
posted by James at 2/14/2003 11:30:00 AM

 
Will was carrying Jane Beth in the house last night when he dropped her going up the steps. Well, dropped isn't the right word, he lost his hold and she kind of slid down onto the step. She was asleep so this woke her up and she immediately voiced her disapproval of the situation. I picked her up and carried her inside and Will was following behind apologizing to her the whole way. She couldn't hear him because of her caterwauling. When I got her settled down, Will came up to her and apologized for about the 20th time and gave her a hug. Jane Beth sniffed once more, hugged him back, then ran to the kitchen to ask Candice when supper would be ready. Don't ask me why, but it just warmed my heart to see it.
posted by James at 2/14/2003 07:56:00 AM

 
Thursday is date night at the Marsalis house. We get home from soccer, eat, bathe the kids, do family worship and stick 'em in the bed(we still have not made it through a month doing family worship every night, but we're still trying); then, Candice and I watch "Without A Trace" and "CSI" which we record while we are doing the feed, bathe, and family worship. It takes us about 38 minutes to watch CSI since we fast forward through the commercials. We are not big television people anyway, but I must admit weakness to these two shows. Anyway, as little as it is, we look forward to it every week. We just curl up on the couch and watch these shows like a couple of vegetables. It's made me realize that the older we get the easier we become to please.
posted by James at 2/13/2003 01:34:00 PM

 
My computer crashed yesterday and we've put two in here today and have just now gotten one working correctly. But guess what? I'm getting a DELL. As many DELLS as we have at AAPC, can we consider them "Reforming" computers? If so, can I expect it to reform the workplace? I don't know, they didn't do too well reforming their DELL dude. Seriously, I'm just excited to be getting a computer with all of the parts from one place.
posted by James at 2/13/2003 01:17:00 PM

 
And why do meteorolgists have chiefs? Do they have squaws too?
posted by James at 2/13/2003 01:03:00 PM

 
Why are weathermen called meteorologists? I thought that meteors were those rocks that are always flying through space.
posted by James at 2/13/2003 01:03:00 PM

 
The kids football games start next week, I'm ready to see them out there running around and hear the parents screaming for them! You haven't lived til you've heard the Alexanders, Maddoxes, Moreaus, and Marsalises at a football game yelling for their kids. For those that don't know, football is called soccer in America, but America thinks the South didn't have a right to secede, so what do they know.
posted by James at 2/12/2003 11:20:00 AM

 
Beautiful day. Let's go play golf!
posted by James at 2/12/2003 11:17:00 AM

 
How many have seen the movie "Deliverance"? I personally never made it all the way through it, the NB seen was too much, but I heard this morning that the actors that were originally cast for three of the roles were Marlon Brando, Charleton Heston, and Jimmy Stewart. I'm sorry, I just don't quite think I could picture any of the three of those men playing Ned Beatty's part.
posted by James at 2/11/2003 09:08:00 AM

 
We went over our budget again tonight. We can see the end of all the debt from where we are at, but it's going to require a second job to get it done in a timely manner. I have a long list of places I have to go by over the next couple of weeks in addition to trying to find a new job to replace the one I currently have. I don't look forward to working the extra hours it will require to get the rest of these bills that we have sitting around knocked off(it's really not that many or that much in the grand scheme of things, but it's all relative isn't it?) but we've decided it be easier in the longrun to knock it out quickly instead of this little bit here and there that seems to drag out for years. It will also look considerably better to have 75% of them paid off by the time my Oral Interview rolls around for the LSP. They asked me about the bills the last time and I proceeded to tell them about our plan for getting out of debt and so on. It seems to have a bearing on your standing in their eyes. A shame that normal employers don't encourage their employees to be fiscally responsible(easy for me to say, I'm not one). All of this budgeting and paying off debt has taught my wife and I a valuable lesson about how and what to teach our kids about money. The first is to teach them by example(novel concept, huh?) to save up for it and pay cash for it. The second is to teach them that it's not our/their money, but it's the Lord's and we are to be good stewards of it. Oh, don't worry, I'll still teach them that it's okay to have fun with money, but only after you've taken care of your responsibilities first. One other thing I've learned-if I didn't have any bills(like the ones where people call you about them), I might do that thing that Dave Ramsey talks about...you know, the one where the boss starts ranting and raving at you, and you have 6 months expenses saved up, and you just look at him and head for the door because of the things he's saying. When he asks you where you're going you say, "Somewhere besides here, I ain't got no bills". Yep, that'd feel pretty cool.
posted by James at 2/10/2003 10:43:00 PM

 
We just got back from Courtney and Lisa's wedding(and reception). I'm...well, amazed how God can take two people and make them one. Just six months ago, none of us(or at least a very, very few of us) would have considered the two of them as a couple. After tonight, none of us will consider one of them without the other. It's no longer Courtney and it's no longer Lisa; it's now Courtney and Lisa. I don't know why, but for some reason my wife and I seem to really connect with some couples more than others(I suppose that it's just the way we are all put together, some would just call it human nature), anyway, we were just so excited for Courtney and Lisa tonight, I simply can't put it into words. We were talking about it on the way home, we just want to cry when we think about the family this church has become to us, I find myself wishing this kind of experience for all the people I run into. I know this is all mushy, but I decided to write it and post it before I had time to sleep on it since none of what I was typing was critical. May the Lord in His Infinite Wisdom continue to bless our church family with good matches and marriages as He has so done.
posted by James at 2/08/2003 09:58:00 PM

 
A conversation with someone else: Them- "Where did this come from? Me- "His wife's shop" T- "Why are we putting it here" M- "Because Tim doesn't know what to do with it and Paul doesn't want to throw it away" T- "You just summed up the entire birth, history, and possible demise of this company"
posted by James at 2/07/2003 08:26:00 AM

 
An example of a conversation this morning: "Can we please consider not bringing in temporary help unless we get them from a reputable company?" "Why should we?" "Because when we pay bottom dollar, we get people that typically don't know how to do what it is we are hiring them to do. It causes everyone in the office extra work because we have to babysit them much more than we would a skilled worker." "Don't talk to me about that anymore."
posted by James at 2/07/2003 08:24:00 AM

 
How did we ever make it without kids? Most things I did before we had them seemed like, well, just not a good use of time compared to what we do now.
posted by James at 2/06/2003 05:26:00 AM

 
You know, as challenging as things can be at times, it could be a lot worse. I know how blessed I am, and I really am thankful for it. Just thought I'd mention that.
posted by James at 2/06/2003 05:25:00 AM

 
We have leaks in our roof at my office and they drip water on the floor of our warehouse. This morning I came in and there was water all over the floor and it was slicker than snot on a doorknob(just ask my tushie). After mopping it up and putting a trash can under it, I wondered why people don't listen to those that give them good advice because following it would cost a little money. I've told my owners that we need to replace the transluscent panels in the roof because of the leaks and they never follow through with getting them. I own my home(well, we're buying it, but you know what I mean) and if I had a storage building that had that sort of a problem, I'd get it fixed because if I didn't, I'd be setting myself up for a lawsuit. I know that's indicative of the world we live in, but I'm a lot less likely to have to deal with that type of thing than the owners of this company are, yet I can't get them to see the wisdom in an ounce of prevention. Any advice?
posted by James at 2/06/2003 05:23:00 AM

 
You know what? I've met many, many college grads that couldn't find their way out of a cardboard box with a box cutter and a flashlight, but since this market seems to require that piece of paper that I sometimes call an attendance certificate, I shall have to get one. Don't get me wrong, I've never intended on not finishing-it's just that I planned on having it before now and now that I've waited this long, I can't believe how much more it costs just to take a class or two. All that money for someone that may or may not have ever done what they are going to teach me. Oh well, time to follow through with it. I remember my dad telling me when I was in high school, "If you don't get that silly piece of paper, you'll just have to see to believe the number of doors that will be closed in your face". Once again, he was right. I'm going to take a class each summer session at NLU(no, it's not ulm, it has been and will always be NLU for those of you that are still confused), and then if I get into the academy(Please God, may that be granted me) the Troopers will pay for me to finish my schooling. Okay, my boys are finished with their showers and ready to hear some more of "Captains Courageous".
posted by James at 2/04/2003 08:34:00 PM

 
Anyone ever see the movie, "The Parent Trap"? I mean the one with Haley Mills and Maureen O'Hara, not the new one. Well, remember the part when the father is sitting in the jeep with his chin on his hand and the ranchhand asks him what's wrong? He says, "You ever get that feeling...like there's a storm a-coming?" Well, that's how it feels around here.
posted by James at 2/03/2003 08:19:00 AM

 
A wife that loves me and that I love back, kids that think I hung the moon, a great church, friends we can laugh with, talk with, and eat with, a roof over our heads complete with a place to lay those heads...forgive me, sometimes, like after what happened yesterday, I sit back and take inventory of what really matters and every time I find it all to have been graciously given to me and more. I just have to sit down and think about it when I get going, because I usually end up realizing that "There, but for the Grace of God, go I". I am so thankful for what I/we've been given...I often find myself thinking that I don't deserve it, but I'm glad He gave it to me.
posted by James at 2/02/2003 08:40:00 PM

 
Last night, we planned on putting the kids to bed early and watching a movie. I started the grill and we got the two littlest ones in the bed. Then, I sent Candice to Charlie's for a movie. While she was gone, the boys made up a place in the living room for us to eat at(the made the coffee table into a dining table). Will made a stand out of paper and wrote "Enjoy your stay" on a rectangular piece of paper. Stephen wrote, "I love you mom. Enjoy your time together". They put fancy napkins on the table and got it all ready for us to eat. We had a nice candlelight dinner in the living room. Amazing, how such a simple little thing can just make you feel so good. Candice and I don't go on "dates" enough(my fault). It was nice, dinner and a movie at home(we watched "About a boy", cute). I also started auditing classes at Dabney yesterday. I have to say, those are some smart mean teaching us. I hope by the endo of the semester that I can understand all that I heard just yesterday. Being around people from the conference and reading a few of your blogs has made me realize all the more that I have much to learn and I better get started learning it if I'm going to be able to properly equip my family.
posted by James at 2/02/2003 06:00:00 AM

 
I've been trying really hard to hold out here until I get hired on with the La State Troopers, but a man can only take so much. I'm with Duane, eye knead uh gnu "book-of-the-Bible-that-comes-between-Esther-and-Psalms". I'm told over and over again by employees, technicians, franchisees, and our vendors that I'm the most valuable assett our company has. That's nice and it does make me feel good, but it doesn't do much for our bills around our home. On top of that, a friendship of over 10 years has suffered because I didn't get anything in writing. I realize there are a very few people that see this, but if any of you know of another "book-of-the-Bible-that-comes-between-Esther-and-Psalms" that you feel that I may be able to support my family on, please let me know. You can e-mail me at jc50292@yahoo.com.
posted by James at 1/31/2003 10:25:00 AM

 
This cat showed up at our office about two months ago. It used to get on the roof all the time and end up in our warehouse. The owners said something about keeping the cat out of the building and asked if anyone would take it home. Well, we were having a bit of a mouse and mole problem at our place so I put the cat in a box and brought it home several weeks ago. The cat camped out on the roof for 2 nights and then disappeared on the third day. Three days later, the cat was back at our office in Monroe. Now, we live in Luna, so that's quite a trek. As unbelievable as that is, this is more unbelievable...the cat is a stray and hangs around here. What in the world is so great about hanging around this office? I think dogs are smarter than cats. A dog would realize the value of staying in the country with four kids to play with.
posted by James at 1/31/2003 08:53:00 AM

 
We've started our football season again for both the boys teams(for those of you that don't know, I'm talking about real football commonly known in America as soccer, not American football). The kids are a real joy to watch and run around out there with. They are enthusiastic and we emphasize the fun factor over anything else. I remember 25 years ago when my mom and dad first signed us up in football. We were walking down a strip mall in Slidell, Louisiana when this man told my father, "You should sign those boys up for soccer". My dad told the man he knew nothing about the sport. The man's wife said, "Well, for what it's worth, all the boys get to play at least half of a game". My mom made the decision for us right then and there. My mom tells me of the story when I played little league baseball in Forest City, Arkansas and got to play one inning of one game the whole season. She says that she and dad would see me sitting on the bench crying because I didn't get to play. I don't remember that at all, and I remember playing some baseball in my elementary school and junior high school years, but I don't remember ever looking forward to baseball practice, games, or the season like I did to football(soccer) seasons every year. Well, that day in Slidell started my dad and mom coaching football and the rest of us kids playing the sport. Now, here I am coaching my own kids in the same sport that was as much a part of our family activities as was the evening meal. It's really something, seeing your children follow in your footsteps. It just reminds me how important it is to teach our children to love the Lord and His Word. So often, we, at least we men, can be so enthusiastic at passing our enthusiasm of a sport or activity that we love onto our children and yet forget to pass the love for God's Word onto those same children. I realize this point doesn't need to be made to many people that will read this, but I grew up in the United Methodist Church, and while there were and are some Bible believing people in that denomination as in any other, I did not have the example that I see being set before me and my family at Auburn. I find that just being around His people encourages me to "walk a little plainer" before my wife and children.
posted by James at 1/30/2003 05:06:00 PM

 
Ho' boy. I was out running this morning and I almost had an incident. When it's overcast like it was this morning, I have to run in the middle of the road because it's so dark that I can't see any holes or depressions or trash that may be in the grass on the side of the road. Well, our dog runs with me when I go. She was off in the cutover checking out some critter trail so she was no help with this. A deer jumped out in front of me. I wear some red flashing lights on the front and the back of my jogging suit so I don't get runover by any of the drivers out there. Well, the deer didn't know what to make of this red flashing light that was coming toward it. The deer bleated, ran around in a circle a couple of times and stopped. I had stopped by this point and all I could think of was that video I saw when the deer attacked the hunter. Well, I figured maybe I could scare the deer into getting out of my way, so I threw my hands up in the air, took a step towards the deer, and yelled "Oobaloobaloooobaaaa". I have no idea why that is what came out, but I think that deer crossed I-20 about 10 minutes later. I'm happy to say that I completed my run without any more confrontations with wildlife.
posted by James at 1/30/2003 05:16:00 AM

 
By the way, a "pitch" is a soccer field and a "green" is the putting surface in golf. Someone asked me "verbally" what I was talking about with my title.
posted by James at 1/29/2003 09:28:00 AM

 
Ok ladies, I'm going to show Candice all the ins and outs of this blogging Friday night(like I know a lot...)so you can expect to see her comments starting next week. This means the communications from Pitch and Green will immediately be more intelligent and thought provoking.
posted by James at 1/29/2003 07:44:00 AM

 
Does anyone remember watching the movie "Wizard of Oz"? Remember the witch's guards, when they were marching into the castle? They are chanting something that is hard to understand and most people think it's "Ohhweeoh weohhhoh". It's not. They are saying, "Oh we loathe the old one." Isn't that cool! They are talking bad about their boss and she doesn't even know it! Wow.
posted by James at 1/28/2003 10:55:00 AM

 
Our washer and dryer went down for the count on Monday. The heating element went out on the dryer and the tank gasket is gone on the washer. Both are repairable, but the amount of time involved in each case would cancel out any money I would save by doing that myself. We chose to use some emergency fund money and purchase "new used" machines. We got a Maytag washer and dryer(the dryer is gas and we've wanted that for a while now) and they look like they were bought as a set. Well, Robbie and Bart were very gracious enough to help. Before I knew it, their help had consisted of them coming by my office, picking up both machines, delivering them to our house, taking the old machines out, and putting the new machines in. If you've never had someone help so much that you had to stay out of the way, well, it's a strange feeling I must tell you. I told you all that to tell you this: my wife and I are very grateful and feel extremely blessed to have friends that are willing to help us so freely when a need arises. It seems like a little thing I know, but when you're out of clean clothes, sheets, and towels and you have sick kids that are still needing those items to be clean, it's not a little thing. May all of you reading this have friends that will help you as we have been helped.
posted by James at 1/28/2003 08:45:00 AM

 
We came home last night and I've determined that being on the road at the same time the Superbowl is being played is one of the safest times to drive. I can not believe how light the traffic was. We had supper at Las Margaritas...we were the only people there. I got to see about 30 minutes of the game, apparently the only part of the game that the Raiders played respectively. We got home, unloaded, and got everyone in bed. About 1 am, our daughter got sick again. At 1:30, our youngest son got sick again. My wife got 3 hours sleep, I think I had four. You know what? Even as trying as that is when the kids are sick like that, we wouldn't trade being parents for anything in the world.
posted by James at 1/27/2003 05:33:00 AM

 
This past week was a bit of an experience. I've been decided for quite some time on going into law enforcement as a career and have chosen the La State Troopers as the career I want to have. I've been keeping it under wraps though, at least insofar as my bosses are concerned. Well, Wednesday, a State Trooper showed up and was going over my background check at work. The only challenge with this was that I thought I had written "NO" in the box that asked if it was permissable for them to contact my current employer. He had aleady called my boss that I had listed as my supervisor, the other one was out of town, and he was very apologetic for the misunderstanding. There was no misunderstanding, I messed up and put the wrong sheet back in the packet when I sent it off last November. Anyway, this put me into a bit of a "I have no idea what is going to happen with my job here" frame of mind for when Monday rolls around. Thursday after work the plan was for all of us to come down to see my parents in Covington, La and spend the weekend. Candice and I were to go to Baton Rouge for the day on Friday and leave the kids with mom and dad. Well, Thursday afternoon my daughter got sick and Candice got sick about the time I got home. Since I had an appointment I had to keep on Friday at the La State Police Academy and since the boys and I had planned to go to the D-Day museum anyway, we went ahead and came on down. Well, Thursday afternoon my daughter got sick and Candice got sick about the time I got home. Since I had an appointment I had to keep on Friday at the La State Police Academy and since the boys and I had planned to go to the D-Day museum anyway, we went ahead and came on down. Friday morning, I got up and did my running and workout and then met with one of the Lieutenants down at Troop L in Covington. I can't tell you how tight knit these guys seem to be all over the state. I think that has a lot to do with why I've chosen this to do. Every one of them I've met considers it a privelege to do the job that they get to do. Maybe I'm naive, but I think that's the way a person should feel about their job-privileged and honored to perform it Well, long story short, John James got sick on the way down, twice, and Will and Stephen both got sick on Friday. No D-Day museum and too much television was the result. We enjoyed seeing my folks and I know they enjoyed having us, but it's been a kind of surreal weekend. Before we left on Thursday I found a nail in one of my tires(no worries, I plugged it and we aired it up at the gas station) and had to get the girls situated before we could leave. So here's my question: Is this what they mean when peeople say, "When it rains, it pours"?
posted by James at 1/25/2003 11:47:00 PM

 
Okay, I've held out for as long as I can, and to quote Popeye, "Ize hads allz I can stands, and I can't stands no more"! So here is our blog. This will be whatever is going on in the Marsalis' lives. I'll post whatever we're thinking of at the time as well as any funny stories that the kids create(and those of you with kids know that this happens daily). Right now, my mother needs to get on her computer so I'll do some more posting a little later. Oh yes, I'm looking forward to getting Candice involved in this. I think she and I both stand to really benefit from corresponding with many if not all of you that I've been reading thus far. Forgive the simplicity of the blog at this time. More to come later.
posted by James at 1/25/2003 02:41:00 PM