Jimmy's New Groove

For those of you wondering "Where's Jimmy Now?", he's still safely 2 time zones away from most of us, enjoying the local color and flavor of the US Virgin Islands. He tells me he's been welcomed with open arms and is thoroughly enjoying his time amongst the locals. Although he was apprehensive at first, the local residents have really taken him in as one of their own. The chains don't really bother him anymore and he's getting use to the food. He tells me however that a neighboring village elder occasioanally comes by to check in and make sure he is getting enough to eat. He also keeps mentioning the big feast they are planning in his honor at the end of the summer. He wanted me to let anybody concerned know that he is being treated humanly and is healthy in both body and spirit. He's not really sure what he will do next. Some of his roommates have been talking about a group trip to the British side before the big party. Some sort of historical tour group...or something.

Space Shuttle Discovery Launch

One of the coolest things about living in Central Florida is the fact that we have a front row seat for all things NASA. The shuttle launch never fails to impress me. It is truly inspiring. Many Floridians take for granted the how lucky we are to be able to witness such an awesome display several times a year. Not me. I always grab my daughter and watch the countdown on TV and then run outside like a little kid to watch it and listen for the now familiar rumble. Night launches are cool but last nights launch was the first "twilight" launch I have had the opportunity to see first hand in my near 10 years in Florida. This picture is from about 60 miles North of Cape Canaveral. Due to the time of day, it was spectacularly colorful event. 4 more launches are scheduled for 2009 and 5 for 2010 in an effort to complete the International Space Station. Once complete, the Shuttle Fleet will be retired after 135 flights spanning almost 30 years. Godspeed Discovery. Fair thee well.

Where's Jimmy Now?

There are so many depressing and intellectual topics I could rant about right now, but by far and away, the most interesting topic today is the infamous O'Neill report. The great O'Neill has always been a nomad of sorts. Recently though I have noticed a disturbing trend in his migratory habits. His range is extending dramatically. Also, the frequency of his movement has increased from once every few years to as many as 2 or 3 migrations a year. If you are worried about being exposed to high levels of Jimmyness, take precautions. His movements are erratic and unpredictable. O'Neill, in the space of the last 6 months, has gone from gig to gig like a hyper active hummingbird with ADD. Recent reports have tracked him from Alaska, to Florida, to Phoenix, back to Tampa, and on to Colorado in a few months time. He's cooked for the masses, worked a hunting camp in the Rockies, crewed a hot air balloon, driven cross country and back, flown from Orlando to Denver to Tampa and back, leaving a trail of chaos in his wake to eventually end up..........well, odds are he doesn't even know where he is. All we have to go by is this cryptic picture from which we may be able to find clues as to his whereabouts. More from the trenches as the story develops.

Blast from the Past

My best friend Troy from boot camp contacted me after almost 25 years this week. I couldn't believe it! It sure brings back some memories.
We both found the whole experience, as surreal as it was, to be hysterically funny. I 'm not sure if was was the sleep deprivation, physical exhaustion or if we were just insane but I remember having a great time laughing at the things the DI's said and did. I thought the hard part was over after boot camp. Boy was I wrong. Fond memories though and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Looking at these pictures and realizing that they are almost 25 years old really makes me feel old...and FAT. I don't know why I was smiling at the camera in the bottom picture. That's the kind of thing that got you "thrashed". That picture would have been about half way through boot camp so maybe I was beginning to enjoy it, I don't remember. Thanks Troy for tracking me down and for the trip down memory lane.

Ahh...toothlessness

I have never seen someone so happy to lose their teeth. Jaida just thinks she is the coolest ever. The other kids in school think so too since she's one of the first to lose her baby teeth. They came out about a week apart, leaving her about $10 richer. Apparently market value of baby teeth has increased over the years. I don't remember getting more than a quarter or two for each. I had her saying "sally sells seashells down by the seashore" and "peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" over and over and the funny thing is she doesn't even talk funny without her teeth. So we just practiced squirting water instead. Good family entertainment. Always smiling this kid...even with no teeth. There is a lesson there.

Jaida's new Friend, Peebo

Few joys in life match the feeling you have when your little girl is as happy as this one. This weekend we surprised Jaida with a new doggy named Peebo. We adopted him from a friend of ours whose husband passed away last year. George was a great man and we all miss him. Peebo was his dog. Louise was having a really tough time with his passing and Peebo was a constant and present reminder of how much she missed George. We are honored that she entrusted our family with his care. I know it wasn't easy to let him go. I am certain that George would be thrilled to know that Peebo has made a little girl so happy and take great comfort in knowing that he is with a loving family. Thank you Louise and thank you George for making Jaida's wish come true. God Bless.

Would you hire this guy?

CRAZY JIMMY!!!!!! You gotta love him. Say what you want about the Great O'Neill but I have known the man since....well, a long time and I don't remember him ever not having a job. Among the list of interesting jobs he's had are:

Flatulence Analyst, Barnyard Masturbator, Sensory Deprivation Research Subject, Janitor in a Porno Theatre, Worm Taster, Ant Catcher, Egg Smeller, Village Idiot and most recently an Extremist Leader.
These are just the weird ones since I've known him. Hat's off to Jimmy! 6% unemployment!? You lazy bastards!