Post Turkey Day

I believe it’s safe to say that we are moved in to our new house. All of the boxes from the move have been unpacked. We still have quite a few boxes that contain garage sale things in the garage. Need anything? Chances are it’s in a box in my garage. At least the garage is no longer a staging area for boxes to be unpacked. We can actually park Kathy’s van in the garage. Once the van is inside, there isn't much room for anything else but it is in the garage. We still have a few things to put up and organize in the house but again not too much remains to be done. We have few things we still need to get for the house or that haven’t come in yet (i.e. our bed, Katlin’s bed etc.) So there will be plenty to keep us busy for a while yet.

Kathy said that “We’ll break our house in by having Thanksgiving” and she was right. My parents (Butch and Rose Mary), Kathy’s Dad and his girlfriend (Warren and Jean) and our good friends the Franc’s (pronounced France’s – Brian, Tina, Destiny and Bryson) joined us for Thanksgiving. We’ve known the Franc’s for many years. Brian was the person who actually hired me at my current job many years ago. He no longer works with me and hasn’t for several years. Brian and his family will be moving to Ft. Lauderdale very shortly due to a change in jobs. So this was one of our last chances to see them and hangout with them before they leave. They are good friends and we will miss them when they are gone. We had a great time, the food was good but we all enjoyed being together and hanging out. Lot of fun. Warren and Jean stayed until Monday morning and then left for home. We enjoyed having them stay as well. There was plenty to do in the new house to keep Warren busy.

Butch and Rose Mary (Ron’s Parents) continue to work on remodeling/renovating our old house which is their new house. They have put in carpet, repainted (inside and out), put in ceramic tiles, completely redid the kitchen and two bathrooms – these are just a few of the things they have done. They have also bought new furniture and TV’s for the whole place. It will look much different than when we lived there. They have put a lot of time, effort and money into making it their home. It will be very nice once they get done and I know that they are going to enjoy living closer to town. I know they’re ready for it done.

We're back to work this week and the boys are back to school. Off to Tallahassee on Saturday to Market Days. I think I have my works Christmas party Saturday night. Not sure if we will go or not, depends when we get back from Market Days. Not much else just enjoying each day. Hope everyone is well and had a good holiday.

No Preservatives Added

This is not a Thanksgiving story per se but since it did involve a turkey and since turkey is synonymous with Thanksgiving it will have to do.

Many years ago we were stationed in Belgium when we were in the Air Force. It was really a great experience and it had always been one of my life long dreams to live in another country. While we were there we became good friends with one particular Belgian family. Even though their English was limited and our French was virtually non-existent, we still managed to communicate….somewhat.

One night our Belgian friends had us over for dinner in their home. Let me say that dinner at someone’s home in Belgium is no small affair. They go to great lengths to ensure everything is prepared to perfection, that there is great variety and plenty for everyone to eat. When you eat at someone’s house in Belgium you can plan on spending the entire evening. Often times dinners went well into the wee hours of the morning simply sitting at the table eating, talking, drinking and having a good time. It really is quite an event. At the time, Christophe (Our Belgian Host) spoke very little English but more than the rest of his family. He would usually ask Kathy and I a question and after we responded, he would translate in French to the rest of his family (i.e. parents and brothers). Christophe was very interested in what we thought of this particular meal. His mother had worked very hard on the preparing dinner especially the turkey. It was important for them to know that as their guest we were pleased.

In his broken English Christophe asked “Whut do you tink of the Belgian food? Is Good No? You like Turrr-key?” I was absolutely sincere in my response. I proceeded to tell him how much we were enjoying the food and that everything was wonderful. I told him that we particularly liked the turrr-key. In hindsight I now realize that I should have stopped there. I then proceeded to tell Christophe “Belgian food taste very good, it’s very fresh. It’s probably because there are no preservatives added like there are in American food”. As soon as I said the word “preservatives” everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at me. Remember the old E.F. Hutton commercials – “When E.F. Hutton talk’s people listen”. Well that’s what it felt like except when Ron says “preservatives” in Belgium, people stop and stare. Just as the pregnant pause in the conversation was beginning to become uncomfortable everyone burst out in laughter except Kathy and I. We kind of smiled nervously and Kathy gave me a look that said “Oh crap what did you say!”.

The laughter went on for what seemed an eternity. Christophe finally gained his composure and explained to me that in French the word “preservative” (actually“preservatif” but sounds the same) means condom. You know the round things that guys keep in their wallets but never use? At least that explains why the turkey didn't taste "rubbery" (sorry - couldn't help myself). So did I basically just tell our Belgian host that our meal was exceptional because there were no condoms in my turkey? I believe I did. Great. Real Smooth. Very Impressive. I’m a real Ambassador of goodwill aren’t I? I spent the rest of the evening trying to bail myself out and explain what I meant but I don’t think worked to well. Something got lost in translation…..me. I learned I could put my foot in my mouth no matter what laungage. I felt compelled to eat potatoes the rest of the night (they seemed safe anyhow). Oh well, live and learn. I can promise you it's never happened since.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and hoping that your turkey is “preservative” free….Ron

Thanksgiving!

It’s nearly Thanksgiving again; hard to believe it’s almost here. I have to tell you that Thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday of the year. I like it more than Christmas, New Years and Independence Day, any of them. I even like Thanksgiving better than my birthday! I guess I just like the whole premise of Thanksgiving. I like the idea that we as a nation set aside an entire day (during the week I might add) to stop and simply give thanks. I know that on many previous Thanksgiving’s I looked at it as “just another holiday” or long weekend. I missed the point no doubt. I used to think it was about eating a bunch of turkey, watching football and taking the mother of all power naps. Now all these things are cool and make Thanksgiving fun and I don’t intend to give any of them up in the near future (i.e. the power nap). But they are not the point of Thanksgiving. The point of Thanksgiving is to stop and “Give Thanks”, hence the name Thanksgiving. I know what you’re thinking; thank you for pointing that out Captain Obvious. But sometimes I think we miss the forest through the trees when it comes to Thanksgiving. I think we sometimes do forget to stop and Give Thanks. At least I know I have. Oh sure, I may say something Thanksgiving-ish during the prayer before the meal. But I don’t stop and really Give Thanks for all that I have in my life. I just kind of blow through the day without thinking about what it really means. So with that thought in mind I have decided to stop and think about what I am thankful for. Kathy, Kiel and Katlin have also listed some of the things they are Thankful for. Here are just a few of the things (in no particular order) that we are thankful for.

This Thanksgiving I am thankful for...
God’s Grace and Mercy – it is beyond my comprehension.
Jesus – I can’t imagine the kind of Love that led you to do what you did for me.
Love – It covers a multitude of sins you know?
Tylonel PM - Can't imagne sleeping without it.
My Life – I can’t imagine it being anything but what it is.
Kathy – How wonderful is she? I don’t think I’ll ever truly know.
Kiel & Katlin – Two distinct personalities, two distinct kinds of Love.
Our Dog K.C. – I miss her.
My Parents – Unique to say the least.
In-Laws (all of them) – I appreciate and love ALL of them more than they know.
Food – If you haven’t noticed, I like to eat. Especially Italian Food - it rocks.
My Health – Breathing and Walking are not always a simple as they used to be but I’m still doing both.
Sleeping in a KING sized bed.
Friends – What’s the old saying; they are the ‘family’ we get to choose. I made good choices. Football – It’s no coincidence that the NFL plays on Sunday, it's The Lord’s Day.
A noisy house and a quite house - obviously not at the same time.
Humor - Being able to laugh at yourself and make others laugh is a gift.
Saliva (not the band) – without it your mouth would be dry all the time and how bad would that suck?
All that I have been given - I don’t understand how I can be given as much as I have.
Church – It is very cool to be a part of something much larger than myself.
Oreos – Only the greatest cookie ever made.
Electricity – Almost all other inventions from the 20th century depend on it. Try going with out it for a week of so.
Indoor Plumbing – Even though we live in redneck country our plumbing is indoors.
Toilet Paper – Enough said.
My Job – I feel blessed to be able to get paid to do what I enjoy.
Beer – One with a piece of pizza or on a hot day after mowing the yard is incredible.
Manny’s Pizza – The world’s thinnest and greasiest pizza. Oh Baby it's awesome!
Learning – I have so much yet to learn and so little time.
Being Comfortable in my own skin – I am who I am.
What I have learned in difficult times.
Apple Desserts – Apple Pies, Apple Dumplings, Apple Fritters and Apple Cobbler all come directly from heaven.
The Bible – What a book! If you don't believe me, read a version called “The Message”. Something new is revealed to me every time I read it.
Stories – I love stories!
Underwear - think about it...
Air Conditioning - Florida without it? Yeah Right.

Katlin is thankful for...
God
Drs. for when you get stung by bees
Centrum Silver for Iron deficiences
X-Box
Music
My family
Sportscenter
Remote Controls for the TV and fireplace
Ficus Trees
Hot Pockets, Ramen Noodles and Pop Tarts
IBC Root Beer
Lucha Libre i.e. Mexican Wrestling
My family again
Pencil Sharpeners
Water Pik for my teeth but I'm not thankful for my braces
Oh yeah, our new house
Vanilla Air Fresheners
Real Southern BBQ, not stupid, notheren Sloppy Joes called BBQ - Imposters!
Chicago
Moes Burritto Bar - 'Welcome to Moes!"
Ron Artest for being a EXCELLENT role model

Kathy is thankful for...
My family
Ron - after 21 years patience, love and understanding
Kiel & Katlin - the two best boys a mom could have.
God - couldn't live life without Him.
Friends - Past, present and future
Sunshine, birds singing and screened in porches
Jacuzzi Bathtubs with very little bubbles.
M&M
Pepsi
Shrimp
Prime Rib
Cooking on Thanksgiving Day
My In-Laws
My Dad
My Mom & Mike
Brother Dave, Sharon and Family - 'Even Though they are far away, they are in my heart to stay".
Brother Keith and him fullfilling his dreams
Subway Sandwhichs - Toasted Subs
Our New House - Cause it only has our dirt in it.
Memories - As we have packed and unpacked we have re-discovered the treasures we have saved.
Blessings
Not working on Saturdays
Breakfast on Saturdays at the NEW Waffle House - Whoo Hoo

Kiel is thankful for....
God
Family
Girls
Friends
Parents
Sleeping in a Queen Sized Bed
Nutter Butters
School
Opportunites
Did I say Girls?
Church
Pillows
My Car
For Penguins, they are the only thing that keep me sane.
Caffine
Poker
Just to be safe....Girls

Like I said, it’s just a few of the things we are Thankful for. It’s not inclusive by any means, so I know we have left plenty off. Feel free to let me know what you think we missed or what you are thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving.

Perspective

Perspective is an interesting thing. You and I could both be looking at the exact same thing and we both could see it completely different. It really depends on how we are looking at it. For example, I have noticed that in our house that several of our newly painted walls have “issues”. They may have nicks, fingerprints, swipe marks or missed spots on them. Just a side note: Regardless of the flaw it really bugs me that newly painted walls can end up this way. This drives me nuts. Anyhow, often times I will notice these problems and ask my wife if she sees them. Most of the time she doesn’t see them from where she is standing, so I’ll have her come over and look it at from my vantage point. It’s not until she changes the way she looks at the wall (i.e. her perspective) does she see the same things that I see.

Several years ago I was staying at a hotel in Louisville, Kentucky on a business trip. I had just finished a long conversation on the telephone with my best friend. After we hungup, I went to bed and had one of the most interesting experiences I’ve ever had. And it had to do with perspective. As I lay in bed, I became very restless. Actually I came became so restless that I couldn’t relax and fall asleep. From deep inside me I felt this overwhelming desire and urge to “Go Stand in Front of the Door”. Keep in mind that it’s late, I’m in my underwear(sorry about that mental picture) and all I want to do is to go to sleep. I try to fight this urge but it gets stronger and stronger. It gets to the point where it seems that the only way I am going to get rid of urge, is to get out bed and go stand in front of the door. Finally, I do just that, I get up and go stand in front of the door. The same force that was telling me to get up now leads me to “Look out the Peep Hole”. At this point I figure I’ve got nothing to lose so I might as well see this thing through. I look out the peep hole and see what I expected to see: not much. What I do see is limited, distorted and out of focus. If you've ever looked through a peep hole then you know what I'm talking about. I step away from the peep hole and a voice inside me tells me “This is how you see things”. I turn and try to go back to bed but now I’m led to “Look out the Window”. Next to the door is a huge picture window, it actually seemed oversized. I go over to this window and pull the blinds back and look out the window. I am amazed. Just moments before, I could see virtually nothing when I looked out the peep hole. Now, I can see everything. Not only do I see everything in my field of view but I see it clearly, it’s all in focus. I even have peripheral vision so I can see what’s coming down the hall. The contrast between the two views is staggering, there is no comparison. Two ways of looking at the same thing, two distinctly different viewpoints. The same voice from earlier now tells me “This is how God sees things”. I’m floored…literally.

One of my favorite books is by Dr. Tony Evans and it’s called “Our God is Awesome”. Not that it can ever be completely done or understood, but the book is basically a character study on God. In his book Dr. Evans talks about God’s perspective. He contrasts God view to our view with a parade. Evans says our view of things is like standing on the street watching a parade pass by. We may see the marching band coming by and perhaps a float or two behind the band but we don’t see the whole parade. We can’t see what’s next because our view is limited. We have to wait for each element of the parade to pass us by before we can clearly see the next. It’s not so with God. He has an aerial view of the whole parade. He knows what’s behind the marching band and around the corner. He sees the clowns in their little cars eight blocks away. He sees the fire trucks with people handing out candy coming our way. He even knows when the end of the parade is coming and when Santa Claus will pass us by.

God’s view is not my view. God’s perspective is not my perspective. The Bible says (I’m paraphrasing, not quoting) that “God’s ways are not our ways” and “His thoughts are not our thoughts.” The Bible also goes on to describe how much “Higher” His ways are than ours. What this tells me is that God does not see things the way I see them. He looks at them much, much differently than I do. His perspective is much bigger, much broader and clearer than mine – much more eternal than mine. This is a good thing. I make my decisions based upon only what I can see, touch, feel or think I know. The input that I have in the decision making process is limited. I am limited to the here and now. It’s not so with God. He sees and knows all. Today, tomorrow, a thousand years from now, it doesn’t matter: He knows all and He knows what’s best. I have a bad habit of forgetting this. Sometimes I think that only what I see through the peep hole is all that there is to the picture. I forget that the lenses that I look through are distorted and out of focus. I forget that this is not the real picture of my life or circumstances. I also forget that a parade isn’t made of just one marching band and a float. That’s why I need to trust God, to have the faith that He knows what He is doing and what is best for me. I need to remember that He sees the “whole parade” and He knows what’s beyond the peep hole. So now if you see ever me standing on my tip toes at a parade or standing in my underwear looking out of a picture window, you'll know why. I'm just trying to get the proper perspective.

Timeout

Sometimes you just half to call a timeout. Sometimes no matter how much you have to do you simply have to take a break. Tonight was the right time. For the first time in nearly three weeks we took a break. It wasn't in the script it just kind of happened. For the first time we actually got a chance to enjoy our new home - and it was awesome. We forgot about the 15 or so boxes left in the garage and just relaxed.

Kiel has a religion class at school on Monday nights so he was gone. Kathy got home at about 6:30PM. Katlin and I decided to cook dinner. We made Pasta, Ceasar Salad and Bread with Olive Oil. Nothing special but it was the first time we cooked in the new kitchen. Kathy was happy because she didn't have to cook or clean up, Kat took care of that. Kathy and I each had a glass of wine with dinner. It was nice to eat something that wasn't handed to you through a window or came in a greasy bag. Kathy then decided that she wanted to give her Jacuzzi tub a try. She hasn't had the chance...until now. She lit some candles and filled up the tub. Only problem, she put a few too many bubbles in the tub. Lesson learned. I went in to check on her and all I saw was this massive pile of bubbles where the tub was with this little face poking out. She said "Oopps, too much bubble bath". She enjoyed non the less. We turned music on in the house, she soaked, I cleaned the stove and Kat hung out. Kat and I then went on the screened porch/veranda (whatever it is called) - lit a candle and enjoyed the cool evening. Kathy had pruned up enough and then came out to join us. After we hung out and talked, we came in and "lit" a fire (i.e. turned on the electric fireplace). And that's it...I know it sounds boring but for us tonight was a reward. It was so cool just to step away from all the business and work that surronds us and realize what we have to look forward to. The boxes will still be there tomorrow night and we'll wade through them. But we really needed a break. I'm glad we called a timeout. Maybe it's like football and I still have two left in this half...

Grrrrr

What ever happened to Customer Service? I can’t believe that I pay people for a service they treat me like crap. I’m not talking about being pampered or asking for the moon but simply getting what I paid for, that’s all I want. We bought a new bed for Katlin’s bedroom. When we bought the bed we also paid to have it delivered and setup. We were told that the bed would be in, delivered and setup last Wednesday. That was 10 days ago. To “make things better” the lady at the store has offered to refund my delivery and setup fee by dropping off the bed herself after work but I’ll need to set it up. If this is what I wanted I would have picked the bed up with my truck and set it up myself. But that’s not what I asked for. If having me set it myself is making it better then I missed something. Anyhow, the bring the bed and drop it off. It's a day bed and the bring the sides but no back. Then they also gave us bed post to some other type of bed that had nothing to do with ours. Does anyone check these things? So we had them take it back and give us our money back. Grrrrr.

We ordered Direct TV and asked if they had local channels. We were assured that they did. Well guess what? They don’t. The installer came out installed the system and was showing me how to use it. When I asked him show me my local channels he looked at me like I had three eyes. Hole have been drilled, satellite is installed, cables ran – kind of after the fact isn’t it? So I decided to get the most basic cable service I could just to get our local channels. So I called the Cable Company and setup a date and time for the install. The install was setup for Wednesday (Kathy’s day off) between 1 and 5. Well guess what? The installer never shows up. Kathy waste her afternoon off waiting for this yahoo to show but he never does. About 10 minutes after Five he calls and speaks with Kiel. Tells him he can’t make it and that he’ll be there tomorrow between 11 and 12 (nice of him to ask). We jockey our schedules and make sure someone is there to meet him. He decides to show up at 9:00AM (two hours earlier than he said). Then he proceeds to tell us he can’t install the cable because there is no cable service on my block! He says they’ll need to run it to our street then come out again and try to install it. Excuse me, but don’t you think someone would have known cable service didn’t run to our area when they scheduled this? I’ve called and spoke to customer service reps and managers and I still don’t have a clue as to what the deal is or when it will be installed. Grrrrr again.

All I want is what honest answers, what we agreed on and what I paid for. If my bed isn’t going to be in for six weeks, tell me up front. I may not like that and I may even go somewhere else but at least we won’t begin the relationship off on the wrong foot. If you don’t offer local channels be honest with me and let me know. Again, if I would have known that up front I probably wouldn’t have gotten the service. If you are going to make an appointment, keep it. At least have the courtesy to call and cancel so we don't waste our day off waiting for you. Don’t jerk me around, simply tell me the truth. “Mr. Cravatta we currently don’t offer service in your area and it will take approximately a month to put it in.” Again, I may not like it but at least I won’t be angry with you for misleading me. What is the problem?

New Beds, local channels and cable TV are not the issue here. We can live without them. It’s not about “stuff”, it’s about people and how we treat each other. My point is this: Treat me the way you want to be treated. Don’t lie. Don’t mislead. Keep your promises. Be on time. Keep your appointments. It’s the Golden Rule: Do unto others….Remember? Didn’t we learn this in elementary school already? The good book says “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Stand by your word. Do what you say. Geez…all I want is what I paid for, a little honesty and of course my local channels......Grrrrrr

Back Online

We got the DSL (Internet) service connected so we are once again online. So we are able to check email and hopefully update this blog on a regular basis. Things are coming along well. Some areas are taking more time than others but all in all we're moving forward and settling in. Tonight we might start hanging some things on the wall. We have about 50 boxes left to go throught in the garage. So there is going to be plenty to do for awhile yet. I'll post more later, just wanted to let you know that we're back online! Talk to you soon...

We're In

Quick Update: We’ve moved in but we’re pretty much living out of boxes. However, we do have everything and I mean every thing out of the old house and shed. This is huge for us. First because we had so much stuff to move and second because now that we have everything in the new house we can focus on setting it up. We have about 75 boxes left in the garage that we need to unpack. Haven’t hung a single thing on the walls yet, just haven’t had time. Having an electrician stopping by tonight to do a few things for us. One of them is to make sure all the phone jacks work, they currently don’t. Once that is fixed I will try to connect our DSL (internet) up via the phone jacks so we can be online and have internet and email. Hopefully I’ll then be able to update this blog on a regular basis.

While we we’re moving stuff from the old house on Saturday, Katlin got stung by a bee. He’s never had a problem when he got stung before but he did this time. He started swelling and itching so we took him to the emergency room. They gave him a shot in his butt and he got better pretty quick. Katlin has to keep an eppi-pen nearby from now on in case he gets stung again. He’s better now but it was pretty intense for a while, thought he was going to burst.

We’re doing pretty well; we just have a lot to do. Yesterday in church I felt so overwhelmed and blessed that I couldn’t sing. I tried but the words wouldn’t come out. I feel very thankful, not just for the house, but for everyone and everything that I have been given and trusted with in my life. I know that I had nothing to with any it and everything that is good in my life comes from the hand of God – He gets all the credit.

Hope all is well, will post more later. Hopefully we’ll get our internet up and running soon. Keep in touch….

Let The Move Begin

We closed on our house! That’s the good the news. We have to move twelve years of stuff into it. That’s the bad news. We got home around 5:15PM last night after the close. I noticed my dad’s truck and trailer parked in my yard. Big mistake on his part. I seized the opportunity and we loaded it up with boxes from the kitchen. We drove his truck and trailer, my truck and Kathy’s van (all loaded to the max) out to the new house. We unloaded the vehicles, went and ate dinner and came back and got to work. Dad and I started to hang blinds. We didn’t get them finished but plan on doing that tonight. What we got done looks great.

I went to the house at lunch today so our new fridge could be delivered. It’s HUGE! Just what I need, something that holds more food. The painter stopped by to patch a small hole and touch up a few spots that we’re bugging the heck out of me. We’re going to move the computer, surround sound, DVD, X-boxes etc. over tonight. The movers come tomorrow and pick up and deliver our stuff. It’s all pretty much ready to go. We’ll move our clothes ourselves. I believe everybody and his brother will be delivering or connecting stuff on Thursday. Beds, phones and electrical work will be the order of the day, along with unpacking. Direct TV gets connected on Friday can you say “NFL Sunday Ticket”? Oh Yeah. Not sure when we’ll be connected to the internet but I’ll let you know.

It’s just a lot of work for awhile yet. Don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. Mom and Dad have to go through this too. So we’ll need to get them up and running too. Not complaining, if I am slap me. There is just so much to do and just want to get it done. Feel incredibly fortunate and blessed – more than I could ever ask for or deserve. If I got what deserved, I’d be in serious trouble. Oh yeah, don’t forget to vote….Later