SQ Pre-Con – Day 3

We start the morning early at 8:30 for a general meeting.

9:00 are the ‘Breakout Meeting’ – The one we attend was the Program Committee (which includes the Youth). I did take in some information. We also was able to talk to P. about more information.

Back to the hotel for a quick nap, (and I do mean quick)

We headed back over for the Luncheon. Mom D did win the center piece like I won the center piece at the dinner the night before.

After the lunch no it was back to a general session for a recap and evaluation from the NEC.

After the meeting, it was now time to go back and change to get ready for the square dance.

But wanted to check out to see how much the western sports jackets cost at Shepllers; well let’s say I did not want to pay that much right now.

I have been concerned about the RV parking for the 2008 convention, so we went for a drive to see if we can find a close RV park. I really did not like the idea of camping for 4 days without full hookups (electric only). We found a place that was closer then the conventions RV parking will be held at and it has full hookups.

After making the reservations, we need dinner, so we found a local restaurant and enjoyed the very reasonably priced dinner.

Back to the hotel to change and go dance. The convention had over 100 squares dancing – that is good for a pre-con I was told.

I went ahead and paid for Mom M. so, now she is registered for Wichita.

Two other people requested that I could bring things back, so I agreed of course.

I took Mom D back early and I went back to dance, but it turned out I just socialize some more and enjoyed the company of the group.

SQ Pre-Con – Day 2

This morning Mom D got breakfast in the hotel buffet (simple but good enough). I had a package of pop tarts and I was good.

We made it over to the Hilton to go our Facilities tour of the convention hall and all the facilities that the 57th National Square Dance Convention will use.

After we finished the tour we returned back to the hotel and Mom D. changed for our next thing – Lunch

We participated in the Civic Luncheon.

After the lunch we sat in the 58th National Square Dance Convention (NSDC) – Long Beach meeting. The portion that Cheryl and I are responsible for and the guy responsible for the general square dance were questioned a little bit through our leader P&A H. about the family room.

After the meeting, Mom D and I went to Sheplers. I went and bought a pair of boots, while Mom D, bought some stuff also.

After our shopping trip, now it was time for dinner. We went back over to the Hilton and did the dinner activity with a nice and simple entertainment.

After dinner we came back and watch Grey's Anatomy on my computer.

Nice day. But a lot of sitting. But still a nice day.

SQ Pre-Con – Day 1

Well for a Thursday, it was a relatively easy day.

Morning was the city tour of Wichita on a bus.

After the tour, I went and got lunch and returned to the hotel.

I phoned Cheryl to check this out. I found out that Amanda and Cheryl did not go to school or work. They both were sick and in fact Cheryl went to the doctors. She got some meds to help her to recover.

Went to a meeting about computer information session.

I got a call from Mom D. and she stated that she has landed. She finally made it to the hotel (the correct one after a few phone calls).

We got changed and then headed on out to the dinner location.

The dinner location was really cool place called Prairie Rose about 22 miles away from the hotel.

A good day!

Not as Long Drive – Second of Four

Not a very good night sleep. I think the longest sleep period was about 2.5 hours, the rest was catnapping.

I got up about 7:30 and finally left the hotel about 8:30, then the next half hour trying to get the GPS to work and then putting the address into the car. Finally I was on the road moving.

I only stopped for gas once.

About an hour away from Wichita, I got a call from P and asked if I had dinner plans, he checked if my counter part was available, which they are not, so P invited me do dinner with his counter part.

Dinner was at good stake place called Mikes Steak.

Once we returned, I headed on over with another person that is attending the Pre-con and we did a little shopping of goodies.

LONG DRIVE – First of four

We I started late by an hour. I filled the car up before I started. I stopped only two times for gas today. One at the Flying J’s in Kingman and my second stop was at Grants.

A lot of the drive I had lots of wind blowing me around. I even managed to hit a few tumbleweeds.

I stop for the night at a Comfort Inn in Moriarty. I am well over halfway there

Monday – Busy

Amanda made it to school almost on time, but she at least made it to her first period on time (she had an early appointment)

Lunch was at Arbys

Once at now it was time for me getting my stuff ready for my trip to Wichita Pre-Con Square Dance Meeting and Dance.

Dance then Meeting

Well the morning started off slow and easy. Nothing major but relaxing.

Now it was time to head on over so the kids can do there practice for the competition for the state square dance competition – see photos on my other blog.

After the dance I was started to head for home, then I got a call to remind me about the HDR meeting. So turn north and head for the meeting. Eric really didn’t like the idea of setting in a meeting, but o well…

I ran the meeting this time. K.G. is still trying to recover but at least he was there. We got our updates and things a progressing as they should.

Back at home, I helped Cheryl with a load of laundry and we watch a few episodes of Buffy and then watch another one of the NetFlix movies we have.

Fixing Jeep Day

We this morning for some reason, I woke up early for a Saturday.

I worked on paying some bills before everybody else got up.

I finally started working on the Jeep. I fixed the following.
1. Electric Fan (radiator fan)
2. Power connection for a 12volt connection in the back of the Jeep
3. Filled the coolant (radiator) bottle
4. Filled the windshield washer bottle
5. Replaced the passenger side tale light
6. Unbend the passenger front (the one I bent and broke the turn signal light at Thanksgiving weekend in Truckhaven)
7. Fixed the gas tank sending unit – now we have a reading on the gas gauge.
8. Fixed the ground for the CB – made it more permanent
9. Fixed air line for front shocks

I then went to The Gear Shop and talked with him for awhile. I also paid my bill. I talked with him about how I could get Green fixed. They want some computer work done – wires and networking stuff, so we might do a trade for services.

On the way home I stopped to get gas to make sure I didn’t create a gas leak and all is fine!

When I got home I ate some lunch/dinner and started to work on the computer.

Cheryl and Amanda decided that we needed to go to a movie – The Last Mimzy. We left in a hurry, but the Long Beach (Carson Blvd) theater was very crowded and we would not be able to get the tickets in time, so we headed to the next theater that was showing the movie. We got the tickets at the Lakewood South but we where really early so we headed over the Circuit City and did some window shopping. Once back, we went into the theater and waited some more.

Once the movie started I noticed that the screen was shacking back and forth. I went out three different times to tell them. After the movie I had a headache and I did tell the manager about it. After our discussion, I got tickets for another free movie for all four of us.

Edited 3/26/07: add number 9

Late – But Made it.

Amanda did not make it to her first period class, but at least she got there to attend the rest of her class. We did find out about her grades in some of her classes and as expected she is failing, but here is still plenty of time to recover (hopefully).

Lunch I went with two friends over to an Italian place – but it was a little code setting out on there patio

At home the family relaxed and watched a few movies. Nothing really exciting.

Dealing with Amanda issue, she has now agreed to a goal. If she does not miss another day of school, unless she is sick (temperature, throwing up, or something major), for the remainder of this year and all of next school year, she wants a dirt bike (yes a motorcycle). This brings up a whole lot of things to consider. I don’t want her to be by herself when she is out, so that means I need to get one myself. The other main thing to consider is how would I transport the bikes and the Jeep at the same time. Then there is all the cost of the gear necessary to keep both of us safe. And now thinking about it, I would really like her to have a training class to make sure she (and I) know the safety aspect of the bike. Wow I sure hope this works!

It’s a big goal for her and a major financial expectation from us, but with the battles we have had and if she really needs a major goal, then I really hope this works.

We have told her many times, that our love is unconditional (of course that is always hard for a youngster to understand!)

Another Day Out

Well I went to work to get to my first meeting. After the meeting I called Cheryl to find out the status of Amanda, well she still home. So I asked my boss if I could work from home and he allowed me to go and work from home. He has been very understanding throughout this whole ordeal, I am grateful about that.

Eric also stayed home because he was sick with the sniffles and sore throat.

I did take Amanda to anther appointment in the afternoon. Our friend L.S. came over and Eric and her played the video game while we where gone.

The whole family watched Eragon, and enjoyed it. Now it was time for bed, because I still am not feeling good with this cold. Eric is having problems getting to sleep – he slept too much during the day.

Another Late Day for Amanda

Well she didn’t make it to school until her second class. Still not 100%.

Lunch was with a friend at the bar.

I cam home and took a nap. The cold that I got is getting to me, but I still move on.

I worked on my desk some more, Now I have the three stacks again, not just a total mess.

Off to bed early tonight.

Another Appointment Day

I woke up with a soar throat – great, now how long am I going to have to deal with this.

Well Amanda had another appointment today for an upper GI to be done. She got up and we went. She did not like it to much, but all went ok. We won’t know the results for about 4 to 6 days.

After the appointment I went back to work and Amanda stayed home to deal with the after affects of the test.

Lunch was at a oriental place near Ralphs with two friends.

I came home and took a nap. After the nap, I worked on trying to get my photos organized so I can back them up onto a DVD and store them off site.

Cheryl took Eric to a church group of middle school kids – seems like Eric had fun.

Monday – Watch Kid Day

Well here we go again. Amanda not feeling good (at least she talked and not just be there like a bump on a long). I stayed home from work and watch Amanda.

Well, actually I worked from home. I did take Amanda to here appointment (for her wrist) and went to her school to sign a paper. I did not stop for any food anywhere for lunch.

I did work on my desk a little bit, but since I was at the desk the whole day working, it was a little hard to work on the pile once I was done with work stuff.

The chair I use at my desk is not comfortable to work at for all day. My back was sure in pain by the evening.

Fiesta and Now Home

Well the kids got up before me – Wow.

Amanda and K. did go dancing until they closed the halls down. I was a little slow on tearing down camp, but we finally left about 1:30.

I was having a minor problem with the RV. The break controller was not reporting that it was connected to the trailer. But hitting the panic switch on the control, I can feel the breaks on the trailer working.

We stopped at Gorman for a quick lunch stop.

After lunch Amanda wanted to stop at the Water Authority Center over looking Pyramid Lake. It a neat center describing the water we use in the state from all the water we get for drinking and farming.

I changed my route home this time and I took the 405. I was in luck and had a very easy ride getting home, but man filling up the tank is getting hard at $3.05 a gallon.

Square Dancing Day in Bakersfield

Well, this morning like usual I got up early.

Amanda and her friends went to dance and we relaxed. By the time it was lunch; we are trying to get the kids back to the RV so we can go to lunch. We had 13 people in our group that went to lunch.

After lunch Amanda and her friends went dancing again. Cheryl, Eric and I went walking around looking at things. Once the dancing was over we went back to the RV – a few of us got a quick nap and now it was time for dinner

We invited the other people for dinner, but it was just the group I brought up – the six of us.

After returning to the RV, I took a shower and everybody got ready for the dancing. The kids danced in the Mainstream all most of the night. Amanda and a smaller group of kids danced a tip or two in the plus hall. Eric and Cheryl danced a few tips, where I only took pictures (I will post the pictures and entries sometime Sunday or Monday). I think this is the first time I have not danced a tip the whole event.

We returned back to the RV and wind down, I was invited over to anther camp site and enjoy some festivities. I had an interesting talk about our vacation I am planning for this year. The kids did good and stayed in sight so no issues there.

I finally got the kids in the RV about 1:00

Going to Bakersfield

Well, Amanda did not want to go to the first period because of not knowing what uniform to ware – which I think was not a really good excuse to miss her first period, but at least she made it to school. I sure hope this will last. The big test will be Monday

Lunch was with two friends – we went to Russell’s.

We did make it in time for Amanda’s appointment.

We got the RV ready and we left about our usual time of 7:00 pm. Tonight was not a really good drive – there seemed to be more idiots out tonight. Our first stop is usually at Flying J’s and when I tried to get propane – again broken – that has been four times. I asked for the Manager and I got the Manager and the General Manager. They were falling all over themselves to apologize about it not working. In-fact the Manager made sure that I should call to make sure they have it working before I stop next time and to make sure I ask for her. Well at least they are trying to satisfy there costumers.

We make it to the Kern County Fair Grounds and would you know it, the Wagon Master was no where to be found. I spent the next 45 mins trying to find a Wagon Master and then trying to find a spot to camp, I did use the scooter in trying to help find a place to camp. The kids (Amanda and two other friends) went and found some of the other kids and went dancing.

Eric help setup camp with me – all we have is electric – no other hookups.

I finally got the Satellite all setup, but I had to restore the router. Not being plugged for a long time reset the router back to default. But at least I am on line now. Also just a few campsites down there is another Satellite setup with the nice blue light on it (the automatic one on the roof of the RV)

Hurray – Amanda went to school!!!

She got up and went to school – WOW.

Lunch was at Pinno Pizza with two friends.

Amanda did make dinner tonight for the family.

Wow – my desk is getting deeper in papers. I need to start working the desk again, but I won’t be able to do that until later.

Another Bad Morning.

Well another day and Amanda still didn’t go to school.

Lunch was with a big group from work at oriental buffet at the Long Beach Town Center to celebrate March birthdays.

Our friend L.S. did come over to be with Amanda during the day.

I did pick up the jeep today; the scooter didn’t really make it from home to work and then from work to the repair shop – so the current battery only last about 3 miles about half of what is should do.

L.S. did order pizza for us – Thanks!

I did do some work from home – so I am up latter then normal…

ANOTHER Day

Well, another day Amanda did not make it to school. Dam it is getting very frustrating.

Lunch was a quick walk with two friends to Ralph. I got a sub sandwich to eat.

I am still waiting for my Jeep to be fixed, but riding the electric scooter has been fun and refreshing.

Once Cheryl got home, it was off for dinner at Tokyo Hibachi to celebrate Cheryl’s birthday. Cheryl and the kids had a good time.

Another Day Missed

I went to work early so I would be removed from the fight with Amanda.

I found out later in the morning that Amanda AGAIN didn’t get up to be able to go to school. Well she didn’t go to sleep early. So this going to bed early has not worked yet!

We did go to Amanda’s next appointment with another Doctor. So now Amanda is on meds. But even the doc stated that the meds takes time to take affect. The doc says Amanda has depression.

After dropping me off at work, Cheryl and Amanda got the prescription filled and did all the necessary blood work for what the doc wanted. – Busy afternoon for Cheryl.

For lunch I went to the bar with a friend. I was good and did not have the bun.

Once I got home, I noticed and found out that Cheryl and Eric went grocery shopping. She also had started the first load of laundry.

Because of the daylight saving time thingy, I started to tare apart some of the water bed frame that has been sitting out on the patio outside; I had plenty of light to do a few things outside, still need to do more.

We did have dinner at the table – yes all four of us at the table eating dinner; its been awhile.

I have finished almost all the laundry.

Amanda was to go to bed at 8:00, but no she went at 9:00 because she was hooked on a show and Cheryl let her. Now its 11:04 and she is still awake. She stated that the heat is getting to her. I do not have high hopes that she will be going to school again.

I just wanted to state, that if I had my way I would have taken a lot more things away, but I am trying to compromise with Cheryl. Currently I am so MAD! With Amanda having depression, taking more things away may make it worse, but I am my wits end!

Relaxing Sunday

Well this morning, Cheryl went to church, but I stayed and slept in which I needed. After Cheryl got home I got ready and the family went to lunch with the cousin family.

After lunch back home, cleaned the house and relaxed.

We did get Amanda to go to bed early – so lets hope that she gets up and goes to school.

Blast Class – Not Continued…

Well this morning I got a phone call from Mom D. and I got up and got ready for the Blast Class. Cheryl and the kids stayed home.

I attended the second of the blast class. We did not have enough angels to help. We finally got a few more people, to help, but then some of the class members started to leave early – which you cannot do in a blast class. At the end of the day, it was decided that we would cancel the rest of the blast class because we do not have enough students that stayed through the whole session.

On the way home, we heard that the cousin was taking Amanda out (hopefully trying to get some info), so Mom D made a suggestion that the rest of the family and friend go to an Irish place in down town Long Beach for dinner and also celebrate Cheryl birthday.

Dinner was good, but the place was defiantly loud. Its not a place that I would rush down too to have dinner, it’s a little on the higher price, and I would have expected a little more food.

Once we got home, the cousin and Amanda asked if Amanda could spend the night at the cousin’s place. I said no, but Cheryl agreed to it.

Now Eric and Lisa are playing a video game. I am so glad we currently do not have a problem with Eric staying up late.

Another Bad Morning

Well again, Amanda refused to go to school. What a big fight. I just don’t understand why she would spend so much energy in refusing to get up and just use that energy to get dressed and go to school. With all the crying and refusal to do what is needed to be done. Cheryl stayed home to try to deal with her.

I went to work and for lunch I went with a friend to El Torito.

Amanda had another appointment; Cheryl took her to that appointment.

A friend came to visit and we (Her, Eric, and myself) played a Play Station 2 game. We started and finished the game – what a quick game.

Appointments Day

Well another terrible morning. We still could not get Amanda to get up and go to school. I made a phone call to change an appointment for today. I went to work. When it was time for the appointment Cheryl picked me up and went to the appointment.

After that appointment we wanted to see the other doctor so we waited again for another unplanned appointment.

I returned back to work and went to lunch with a friend to the pantry (always way to much food)

After that appointment we need to contact the insurance company and after several more phone calls by Cheryl, we got another appointment for today.

I left work early so I can also attend this appointment. After the appointment I returned home and Cheryl and Amanda went and got there ordered items from Barns & Nobel and dinner for the family.

Once I was home, I started working on Amanda room. I took down her bed, so now she will be sleeping on the floor. Maybe with her bed on the floor, we might be able to get her up a little easier.

I guess we will see tomorrow, hopefully a better morning, but at least it will be a Friday.

Dawgs Meeting Night

Well here we go again, Amanda stayed home again. Cheryl made an appointment, and I took Amanda to the doctors. More appointments are planned.

After returning home, I took the Jeep in to get things fixed. I just don’t have the time to fix things, but man it’s going to cost – DAM. I did ride the scooter from the repair shop to work (over 2 miles).

I had an interest talk with my boss, it seems like he knew of girls about the same age as Amanda and the parents usually has some type of problems, so he understood what I have been going through.

Once Cheryl got home, I went to the Dawgs Meeting, nobody want to go with me, so I was again by myself, thank goodness for the prius and the decals so I can drive in the carpool lanes. The meeting was short. Its looks like they will have the meetings at the pizza place where I can make it every three months. The other locations where the meetings are held are to far away with too much traffic; which would take me 2 hours to get there.

Dirt Devils Meeting Night

Well Amanda was slow to get up again. When Cheryl finally got Amanda to school, she had totally missed her first class. I also was latter then normal to work, but still ok.

Before lunch, Cheryl called to say that Amanda was not feeling good, I had a few meetings to attend, so Cheryl was able to leave work and pick Amanda up. Cheryl was able to work from home for the afternoon.

(I had no lunch today – Meeting)

Once I got home, it was time to head for the Dirt Devils Meeting. Nobody wanted to go with me, so I went by myself. I was able to convince the club to donate more for HDR (High Desert Roundup (CA4WDC)).

On the way home, I talked to my mom.

Monday – Fight?

Well, this morning was nothing but a big problem. Amanda refused to get up and go to school. So, we took money away – no allowance for two weeks, no cell phone (calling friends) for two weeks, and I made sure to disable the internet until I came home.

Lunch was at Tia Corner with a buddy.

After work, I took a nap, but I still feel tired. I did have to go out and get a bag of dog food so they would not be hungry.

Meeting, Dancing, Work!

Well, no real sleeping in today. Cheryl and the kids and a friend went to church, while I had to head for a meeting in Corona.

The meeting was for the 48th California State Square Dance Convention. We worked on the scheduling and last minute items for the program.

After the meeting, I headed on over to where the kids were doing their square dancing practice.

Once the practice was over, a small group headed on over to Denny’s.

About the time we where wrapping things up, I got a phone call from work, so I left immediately for home so I can work the problem. It took about 1½ hours, but I will have to finish the resolution on Monday.

Blast Class Day

Well this was the blast class day. We started a new class today (I know you thought we have already did that, but we did not have enough people last time.) We had two squares dancing. Not a really good class for size, but ok.

My wrist has started to hurt me. It started sometime during this week. If I use the blackberry it hurts, so I have to hold the blackberry differently. The pain working the mouse is very minor but I still can feel it.

After the class we went to Olive Garden for dinner with a group from class and had a good time.

Bowling meeting at work

I took the scooter into work this morning, but for lunch I came home took a quick nap and return back to work but I took the Jeep back.

There was a meeting schedule for the afternoon but we did not know anything about it. The meeting location was in front of the builder and we where then told the meeting will be held at the bowling alley. I think the whole group that went bowling had a really good time and a good moral buster.

At home, we relaxed. Eric cooked dinner tonight. We got the new Netflix movies, and we started watching one of the DVD.

Tax Day for me…

I took the scooter into work today – nice quick ride.

Lunch, well, I needed to pick up the center caps for the Prius. So after picking the center caps up my buddy and I went to IN-N-OUT and ordered a 4by4 protein style and a drink. Mmmm good.

When I got home after work, I was tired for some reason, so I took a very quick nap on the couch - about 10 min.

I finally did our taxes for 2006. That took all night to finish it and get them sent in. Well a big thing off my back…