Rants and Raves... mostly rants...

So I have been away from the blog for a while. For that, I am sorry. It's not you, it's me. As you know, I am kind of a big deal here in Des Moines. My time is precious, and its "Wedding Season." I promise to do better going forward.

So I showed up to work today in a nice Polo shirt (tucked in), and dress khaki shorts. Apparently this was the equivalent of farting in an elevator, as the egregious act became the topic de jour in the office. Mind you, these are casual Fridays and people (especially the ones pointing out my shorts) routinely wear jeans and t-shirts. Yes, t-shirts. Not collared knit polos like myself, but straight up t-shirts. In fact, some people in the office rock jeans and sweet "my favorite band rocks"-type shirts during the normal business casual Monday-Thursdays. So I ask you fair reader, are dress khaki shorts or jeans? My contention is that the shorts are a nicer look than jeans. But if not that, then they are at least equal to jeans.

We have now mowed the lawn 2x in this young spring season. I say "we" because Lindsey has been getting behind the blades of the mower as she all of sudden "likes mowing." I am all for anything that requires me to do less work, if that is even possible :) Though, it appears the trade-off for Lindsey mowing is giving Jack his bath, so its not like I am getting off scott-free here. Then again, I guess Lindsey has given Jack a disproportionate share of baths so far in his young life. Anyway, I have found that I haven't developed a rhythm with the new lawn yet. Back in Mission, I had my mowing routine set. I could mow that lawn with my eyes closed - I knew the turns, I knew how much gas I needed to get through a full mow, and I knew the time it would take me down to the minute. With the new house/lawn, I find myself zigging when the lawn wants me to zag. We are definitely not in sync, and it is causing noticeable issues - dead and dry spots. That, and the lack of water? I am giving it 3 weeks before I bring in the Lawn Whisperer.

Also, our household has been fairly insulated from "the economy." We even derived a decent benefit from it with a new vehicle (72 months at 0% APR!!!) resulting from..."the economy." Man, I wish we were first time homebuyers right now! However, last week I received a notice from CapitalOne that they were closing my card due to inactivity. Apparently, I have not used said card since last January. It doesn't really bother me that they are closing off my credit. I mean, it's not like they are making any money off me not using it; but what angers me is that when a creditor closes an account it negatively impacts a person's credit rating. I should not have to take a hit on my credit score simply because I am a good consumer that doesn't make late payments and the like. So I called CapitalOne to discuss this issue - I asked them if I could stop the closing of the account by actually using the card. I was told no. Nice business decision CapOne. I appreciate the loyalty for my 8 years of card membership... Anyway, because of that decision, I was then forced to request an early closing at my request so as to mitigate the credit score hit. Just a dumb situation.

AND YOUR RAVE (you have been very patient, and you deserve it). Looking forward to a nice relaxing memorial day weekend. It will be action packed, which is consistent with our lives in the last month. Tomorrow night we will be attending The Ballard of Huxley Class of 1998 10-Year Reunion. Yes, it is 2009, and technically 11 years after the fact, but what do you expect when former President Severson-Mills is tasked with planning said event? I think they just got running water in Huxley, so being only a year late on a reunion isn't so bad. On Sunday morning, we will then head to "Boji" to hang out with some friends that we have not seen for what seems like forever. We are definitely looking forward to it. UPDATE: We did not make the trip to BOJI. Jack was sick with the flu. Bummer. We were really disappointed. He is lots better this weekend. Want to reschedule for this weekend, guys?

And a shout out to our wonderful veterans. For without you, our country would not be what it is today (even when its "bad" its still the best place to be in the world); nor would I receive a day off work. Thank you!