QOTW: We're not in Kansas anymore!

Conventional wisdom tells us to always follow our instincts . . . but sometimes I can’t help myself. Every time I hear our neighborhood tornado sirens blaring, I have to go outside for a look!

(Don't worry! I didn't see this twister in person - I just copied the photo off of Wikipedia for aesthetic purposes!)

While everyone else is running for shelter, I’m the one in the back yard peeking over the top of my fence to see if an F5 twister is coming down my road.

Meanwhile, my sweet dear wife is yelling at me from a room with no windows and located in the middle of our house!

I’m not for sure why, but tornadoes inspire more curiosity than fear for me.

And it’s not like I’ve never had any close calls. I actually slept through one when I was younger. It hit the neighborhood next to us, skipped ours, hit our church, skipped over the highway, hit the next two neighborhoods and then my high school though it didn’t do enough damage to cancel classes – D’oh!

I hate to pick on my mother-in-law . . . buuuut, I never seen someone so glued to The Weather Channel anytime so much as a low pressure system moves through North Texas. I’m sure it has to do with her west coast up-bringing – and all she had to worry about was the occasional western seaboard re-arranging earthquake.

Granted, north Texas thunderstorms are a little nerve-racking if you’re not used to them, so I guess I can’t blame her.

Oh, well – at least the tumultuous spring season provides plenty of business for all the friendly independent contractors between here and Florida - and from the number of flyers I have stuck in my front door, each one of them apparently thinks I need a new roof!

Don’t call me – I’ll call you!__________________________________________________________

"Which natural disaster do you fear the most?"

Total votes: 14

Tornado: 11 votes, 78%

Earthquake: 2 votes, 14%

Hurricane: 1 vote, 7%

Blizzard: 0 votes

Tate-ism #7

"Go Mavs!"

"How does he do that?"

(Tate watching Dirk hit another fade-away jumper)

O Blessed Night!

Tate slept through the entire night!

It's the best anniversary present we've ever gotten!

8 Years and counting!

Today is our 8th Wedding Anniversary!

(Kelly's family portrait at our wedding reception - we were so young!)

Add 2 and a half years of dating & engagement and somehow I've convinced my wonderful wife to stick around for almost 11 years. I know - impressive, isn't it?

So in 8 years of marriage, Kelly and I have created quite a list of memories - here are my top 8 in no particular order.

1. Our first apartment . . . all 720 square feet of it!

2. Kelly nursing me back to good health - Since we've been married I've been hospitalized for a head injury, was rushed back to the ER because of a second head injury, taken by ambulance to Baylor ER because of a cycling accident, subsequently suffered horrendous migraines, hyper-extended my knee, sprained my ankle twice and endured a nasty paper-cut while selling copiers. She's an honorary RN!

3. Our vacations - My favorite one so far was to Washington D.C.

(Kelly & I on the Potomac River in Washington D.C.)

4. Bringing home Macy for the first time - I picked Macy out of a litter from a breeder and brought her home to meet Kelly. It was love at first sight!

(Macy at 2 months old!)

5. Closing on our house - We felt so grown up!

6. Hugging Kelly at the finish line of her marathon - It was so cool to watch Kelly reach a goal that she had worked so hard to accomplish . . . we both cried!

7. How our miscarriage brought Kelly & I closer together - Don't want to be a 'Debbie Downer', but we can both see how God was able to bring good out of a really cruddy experience; which ultimately made us better parents . . . speaking of which . . .

8. Little Man Tate - Our greatest accomplishment so far!

Kelly, the time we have spent together means so very much to me. My list of favorite memories is much, much longer than this and I love that we are adding to it each and every day.

I love you very much - Happy Anniversary!

W

QOTW: The Greatest Garage Sale Idea Ever!

My question of the week was about garage sales since there was a neighboorhood garage sale in our neighborhood this past weekend.

(I realize my opening sentence has all sorts of grammar issues - just fight through it!)

Garage sales are both great and an absolute beating.

They're great if people actually buy a lot of your stuff - thus clearing the clutter out of your home. But the brick to the head comes when you realize you're hagling with some old lady about the price of a 50-cent coffee mug!

The killer is when you count all your money after a full Saturday's work and you've totaled up a whole $54.20 - and that includes the $20 in change you started off with!! It's hardly worth the effort!

That's when I came up with the ingenious idea of having a Free Garage Sale! Everything is free so long as you take it away! Pretty clever, right? No hagling! No bargaining! Just a 'no purchase required' shopping spree of some of the best "left-over, we-don't-need-it, Kelly-painted-the-bedroom-so-these-pillows-don't-match-anymore" stuff we have to offer!

Brilliant! I get rid of our clutter without having to worry about getting ripped off by the Red Hat Club! Plus, since everything's free I don't have to sit outside and make change all day long. Just put out a sign that says "Everything's Free!" and people will come haul off your stuff! Genius!

So how did it go? Actually, I got lazy at the last minute and didn't do it! We had company over this weekend and I forgot to buy the posterboard for the signs and then there weren't many other people on our street doing a garage sale so I didn't think many people would even stop by . . . so I bailed!

But what a great idea for next year, right?!?

By the way, Kelly & I visited a few garage sales and I found a cycling water bottle and paid only 25 cents for it!!

Sucker!
_________________________________________________________

"Would you rather have a garage sale or go garage sale-ing?"

Total votes: 18

Have a garage sale: 8 votes, 44%

Stay home and sleep in: 7 votes, 38%

Go garage sale-ing: 3 votes, 16%

Mallory-ism #2

"What do you mean he doesn't do tricks?"

(Cousin Mallory & Tate)

Time to Refocus

I realize my last 2 posts were pretty harsh - I guess I've been a little edgy lately.

But I just read something that has helped take the edge off. AnotherThink.com is a blog that I've been reading (and enjoying) for a while and Charlie's recent post has reminded me that sometimes it's best to just 'be still and know that He is God'.

Please take a moment to read - I'll give you a teaser:

"Sometimes we miss God in the ordinary ebb and flow of life because the Ipod is turned up and we just can't hear a thing."

Click here for the rest!

Virginia Tech

It's usually good advice not to write a letter or an email (or in this case, a blog posting) when you're upset or emotional because you may say things you'll later regret.

Watch as I now take that advice and throw it out the window . . .



There are those among us who can not deal with the fact that they are a living human being! That alone is a burden apparently too difficult for them to bear. They can't handle how merely being alive comes with certain expectations on how we all are supposed to act and behave.

This is not a case of schizophrenia. This is not bi-polarism or manic depression. If that were the case, then I would pause (if only for a moment) before I judge.

But it's not. This is rage. Uncontrollable rage. This is someone who doesn't have the guts to say, "I have a problem." So instead, he insists that the whole world come to a stop and listen to his list of gripes. Unfortunately, he used a gun to get our attention.

We've all got problems, buddy! But we've had to learn how deal with them in a way that does not incite chaos - it's called being a productive member of society!

If you're so determined to remove yourself from this world, then even God Himself grants you that right! But don't think for one minute that you have the right to pull others into the misery that you allowed to fester in your own heart!

I can't even begin imagine what those families are going through right now. All I can do is pray for them.

(Sorry. I just had to get that out.)

QOTW: Governmentally Imposed Contributions

Taxes!

Or as Wikipedia defines it, "a pecuniary burden laid upon individuals or property to support the government".

(Pecuniary means 'pertaining to money'. Don't worry - I had to look it up, too!)

I bumped into a guy not too long ago who literally boasted about not paying taxes in over 10 years - I wonder if I'd get an reward for turning him in.

It was one of those situations where I would have loved just to go off on what a narrow-minded imbecile he is (because we all know that's what Jesus would have done, right?) - but instead I just stood there with a half-smile on my face and said, "Huh, you don't say?"

He apparently took that as a sign of me being half-impressed because from there he went off on some 5-minute diatribe using phrases such as "those IRS thieves" and "what are they gonna do about it?"

(What are they gonna do about it? Do the phrases "prison time" and "$25,000 in fines" mean anything to ya', pal?)

I've got much less of a problem with having to pay taxes myself than the problem I have with the societal parasites who think they're actually coming out ahead by not paying taxes.

And I realize that 'parasite' is a rather strong word to call someone - but think about it, people who don't pay taxes still enjoy the daily luxuries and conveniences provided by our government that our tax dollars pay for. This guy's just living off a free meal that he is supposed to help pay for!

Hey buddy, it's fine with me if you don't want to pay taxes. But since you're not a fully contributing member of society, do us law-abiding (and tax-paying) citizens a favor and adhere to the following list (provided by Buzzflash.com):

- Don't drive on paved streets or highways.

- Don't call 911.

- Don't flush your toilet.

- Don't bring your garbage to the curb.

- Don't fly in an airplane that uses air-traffic controllers.

- Don't call the police when you get robbed.

- Don't send your children to public schools.

- Don't be rescued by fire department paramedic team.

- Don't expect federal assistance if a natural disaster destroys your home or business.

- Don't watch state college sports.

- Don't expect your tap water to be clean and germ free.

- Don't expect to enjoy the benefits of the most stable regime in the world.

And finally . . .

- Don't complain because taxes can be a good thing and NOBODY wants to hear your whining anymore!

All of which is what I really wanted to say to that guy!

Man, I hope that knucklehead reads my blog!

______________________________________________

"Every year on April 15th, I am usually:"

Total votes: 22

Spending my tax refund: 16 votes, 72%

Putting my taxes in the mail: 2 votes, 9%

Filing for an extension: 2 votes, 9%

Clueless that my taxes are due: 2 votes, 9%

Thumbing my nose at taxes: 0 votes

Happy Blogiversary To Me!

Wade's Rantings is 1 year old today!

So what do I do? Am I'm supposed to throw a party or something? Oooo, maybe there will be presents - I'm a large!

I've noticed that other bloggers reminisce on their blogiversary.

OK, then. In the past year, I've shared with you:

• My ambulance ride to the Dallas Baylor Emergency Room


• The worst album covers of all time


• Some great pictures of the Enright girls shakin' it (Sorry girls, I had to resurrect this one!)


• My beef with UPS


• My one true obsession (Grab a spoon for this one!)


• Little Man Tate Video (This one still chokes me up!)


• How I love to destroy people's irreplaceable furniture
• 20 random things I love about my wife. (This one's my favorite, of course!)


• And a bunch of other mostly irrelevant rantings.

I used to give bloggers a hard time - I know, I know - I didn't understand blogs so I ridiculed them! But I became reformed (and refined) and started Wade's Rantings because I suddenly realized everybody had a soap box to stand on but me - and why should I be left out?

But rather than having my own little corner of cyberspace to rant and rave in, I've come to realize that the greatest thing about having a blog is that you get a chance to catch up with old friends and even make a few new ones - those are the true 'blog blessings!'

So having said that, I guess I'll keep this blog going another year just to see who I bump into.

Thank you all for stopping by this year!

Thought You'd Enjoy This One . . .

As I was walking out of a hospital recently, I noticed a mom and her 7'ish-year old daughter standing on the sidewalk.

The expression on the mom's face immediately caught my attention since she looked as though she was either lost or had just lost something.

The closer I walked towards the mom and her daughter, the more compelled I felt to ask if I could be of any help. But before I could say anything the little girl turned to me and said with a great big smile, "Do you know where my Mommy parked her car?"

Any effort to muffle my all-out laughter was pointless as the disoriented look on Mommy's face quickly changed to all-out embarrassment!

She then looked at me as if to say that they were fine and didn't need any help so I pressed on - still laughing.

Kelly-ism #12

Ever had one of those moments when you’re talking to people and you’re thinking one thing but you say something totally different and everybody laughs at you and then you turn red and get embarrassed and wonder, “Why in the world did I just say that?”

Me, neither! But Kelly sure did!

We were in the Labor & Delivery Waiting Room last week awaiting the arrival of Addison & Alex when the discussion turned to the newborns behind the glass window in the nursery.

At that same time, everyone noticed a doctor/nurse-type person begin to “work” on a baby. They pulled out a couple of instruments and began what looked like was a circumcision.

Kelly, who is overly sympathetic to little boys who have to be circumcised, meant to say, “I think that baby boy is about to get a circumcision!”

But what Kelly actually said was, “I think that baby boy is about to get a vasectomy!”

(In case you've forgotten, a vasectomy is the ol' 'snip-snip' guys get when they're done having kids!)

The funny part about it was that Kelly didn't even realize what she had said and just sat there with a concerned look on her face!

We all took turns laughing at, ahem!, with her!

Never a dull moment, folks!

QOTW: Don't Sweetie Talk Me!

This week's QOTW was prompted by a recent interchange between me and a lady cashier at at a gas station.

I walked up to the counter to pay for my Oak Farms Chocolate Milk.

Lady Cashier: "Will that be all, sweetie?"

(Excuse me?)

Sweetie (Me): "Yeah, that'll do it."

Lady Cashier: "Here's your change, sweetie."

(Don't push it, lady!)

Sweetie: "Uh . . . thanks."

Lady Cashier: "Have a great day, sweetie."

(Umph!)

I know she was just trying being nice. I know she wasn't flirting (because nobody ever flirts with me!). But that 'sweetie' talk bugs the heck out of me!

First of all, I'm not that kind of guy! I'm not your sweetie! It's hard for me to trust someone who immediately throws out the sweet talk! Even when Kelly does it I automatically think that she is either (1) about to ask for a favor or (2) apologize for something.

I've never felt comfortable with sweet talking people; with the obvious exception of calling Kelly 'Babe' (which I do regardless if I need something or want to apologize!). So I guess that's why I've never felt comfortable with people sweet talking me.

Just call me a grumpy old man!
____________________________________________________

"Does it bother you when people you don't know call you 'sweetie', 'hun' or 'darlin'?

Total votes: 23

Yes! It bothers me!: 13 votes, 56%

No, they're just trying to be nice: 8 votes, 34%

No. In fact, I do it all the time: 2 votes, 8%

Somebunny help me here!

Easter. Death, burial, resurrection and . . . the Easter Bunny?



I don't get it.

Jill's comment got me thinking - what in the world does the Easter Bunny have to do with Easter?

I've got nothing wrong with small furry farm animals carrying religious undertones (Hey, it works at the Nativity Scene, right?). But where does an egg-hiding rabbit fit into God's vast eternal plan?

First of all, didn't we all pay attention in Biology, folks? Rabbits don't lay eggs! They're mammals. Now, I'm sure my 9-year old child-genius nephew will tell me that he saw on Animal Planet that some mammal in Tiberia can lay eggs. But that still doesn't explain what a bunny rabbit has to do with Christ on the cross!

Secondly, the Easter Bunny freaks me out! Seriously! At least Santa Claus is a person! You can go to the mall and talk to Santa Claus. Ever tried talking to that 7-foot roided-out rabbit? It just stares back at you with that creepy smile and those huge teeth. You feel like those over sized ears are going to reach out and grab you!!



I don't blame kids for flipping out at the mall (I was one of them!). It almost makes you want to put some Valium in their eggs to help them calm down!

I know dying eggs and doing the Easter Egg Hunts are a fun part of this weekend - I just want to try and make sense of it all because eventually Tate is going ask me what the deal is and all I'll know to say is, "Stop talking and eat your dinner!"

Oh, in case you haven't already heard, Christ is risen!

The Twins Are Here!

In case you haven't heard, Alex & Allison were born yesterday evening!

Congrats, Jody & Janell! We're so happy for you!

I'll say it again, Janell, you're a pretty impressive woman! You did good, kid!

As If Once Wasn't Enough!

Everybody is a glutton for punishment for something. For me, it's pedaling crazy miles on a bike!

That's right - it's Sam's Club MS150 time again! May 5-6, 2007

If you're not familiar with the MS150, it's a 2-day 150-mile bicycle ride from Frisco to downtown Fort Worth, Texas. The cool part of this ride is that the starting line on Day 2 is on the race track at Texas Motor Speedway! Let's hope I don't hit the wall on Turn 4!

But as cool as that is, the real reason we're all out there is to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society! Such a great cause!


You may remember my ride from last year (Day 1, Day 2). Apparently I don't quite remember the dehydration, the cramps, the sore muscles and the really sore bum because I've signed up for another round of brutal punishment this year.

(Me at the finish line in downtown Fort Worth last year. Don't ask about the face I'm making - I'm really not sure myself. Hey, Michael Jordan stuck out his tongue when he dunked a basketball! I'm just sucking in my lips . . . for, uh . . . aerodynamic purposes!)

I'm hoping to improve upon last year in two categories. First, my goal is to finish 150 miles in less than 9.5 hours. But more importantly, I'm hoping raise more than $500 to help fight MS.

And guess what - you can help me do both! Come out and give me a big push from behind and/or sponsor me by donating on-line to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Any dollar amount is appreciated!

Click here to make an on-line donation. You'll need the following information:

Rider Name: Wade Strzinek
Rider Email: rstrzine@cephalon.com
More Information: Team FedEx/Mad Duck

This year our team joined up with the riders at FedEx to make Team FedEx/Mad Duck. Here's our team blog that I've been managing.

Also, I'm looking for MS survivors to ride in honor of. If you or someone you know suffers from MS then let me know and I'll add their name to a bandanna that I will carrying during the ride. Riding to keep in shape is great but there needs to be a reminder that this is a for a much better cause than keeping off that spare tire.

So please support me as I help fight Multiple Sclerosis by doing a pretty bad imitation of Lance Armstrong!

QOTW: A Song In My Head

Despite having so much in common, Kelly and I couldn't be more different when it comes to music.

A discussion we had today will give you a good idea what I mean: Kelly's first few albums she purchased after gaining musical consciousness were Spies Like Us (funny movie but stupid song - even if Sir Paul wrote it!), WHAM! and Julian Lennon. She would eventually go on to purchase her own pair of MC Hammer pants, so that makes her a fan even if she never bought one of his albums!



I recently gave Kelly's dad (who grew up listening to great music in the 60's & 70's) a hard time about totally dropping the ball in teaching his daughters appropriate music appreciation.

I, however, was brought into musical consciousness by the sounds of the Fab Four, The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix - those whom, I should say, have made a much more lasting impression on the musical landscape! My self-taught music appreciation progressed from there through each decade.



I still think the best music has already been written back in the 60's.

Here are my top picks from each decade.

1965 - Help! by The Beatles



1979 - My Sharona by The Knack (Racy lyrics but great guitar solo)



1987 - With or Without You by U2 (Pretty much tied with Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For)



1991 - Mysterious Ways by U2 (My all-time favorite Rock & Roll song!)



2000's - Zzzzzzz . . . (Oh pa-lease! I'm not even crazy about anything U2 has put out lately!)

OK, I'm sure you're all shaking your heads at my picks. Fine, then! Tell me where I'm wrong!
__________________________________________________

"Which decade has the best music?"

Total votes: 25

1980's: 9 votes, 36%

1970's: 8 votes, 32%

1960's: 5 votes, 20%

1990's: 2 votes, 8%

2000's: 1 vote, 4%