DIS Dads DDC XXVII: Penguins in Paradise!

[cj9200]

Afternoon guys,

Yesterday on the news they showed a fisherman off Ft. Lauderdale who hooked a Great White. He cut the line after taking a couple of pictures. Today, The dive operation I use posted this pic.

Seems he/she decided to check out the Keys. Would have been so cool to see it underwater.

 

[Bo Duke]

BRIAN THEY FOUND YOUR MOOSE

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/04/11/bc-moose-smithers-safeway.html

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Another cold, rainy, grey day here in Southeast Wisconsin.
Good thing I've got live streaming HD coverage of the Masters from sunny August, Ga to keep my spirits up.

Best tournament of the year.

Any chance you can break through my office firewall? I'm stuck reading live blogs...while I work, of course.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Afternoon guys,

Yesterday on the news they showed a fisherman off Ft. Lauderdale who hooked a Great White. He cut the line after taking a couple of pictures. Today, The dive operation I use posted this pic.

Seems he/she decided to check out the Keys. Would have been so cool to see it underwater.

...followed very shortly by a brown trout.

Best tournament of the year.

Any chance you can break through my office firewall? I'm stuck reading live blogs...while I work, of course.

I might be able to. But first I have to check to see if Wisconsin will extradite to Delaware for trial or if I can live out my days in the Dairy State evading the long arm of the law.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

‘Morning all…

Wait a minute, that’s not right… ummmm…

Happy Monday?

No, no, no that’s not it either… where’s that calendar? Oh, here it is… let’s see here…

Thursday? Really?? It’s Thursday? Afternoon???
Where’d the rest of the week go?

Between the month-end requirements of work (and the fact that I hate work), having to put one of the cars in the shop, having one of the AC units start acting up, and learning that apparently we’re “too wealthy” for my boy to qualify for any grants of tuition assistance of any kind… It has been a rather blurry series of days.

There’s just something about April… It’s always been a chaotic month in my life; phenomenally good about 4 or 5 times, and alarmingly catastrophic the other 45 or so times I’ve encountered it.

Well enough of that noise, what are y’all up to?

It was basicly the next move in contract negotiations. We are officially working without a contract now. The 95% in favour vote is hopefully to show the government we won't be pushovers. They want to inact a wage-freeze (not that I care about that, I make decent money I think), and reduce benefits, sick and vacation time, reduce wages on new hires etc, and naturally reduce budgets.

Another ugly battle ahead. Over the years we are busier then ever, but work with reduced staff (roughly 2 less people per shift). They want to reduce, reduce reduce, BUT notice they have no problem raising prices.

And of course there is a lot of pressure now from corner stores wanting to sell alcohol too, and privatization. Funny thing is, I had a customer the other day from Alberta, and she commented that things went downhill once they went private. Things never got any cheaper, and the prodct selection went down. They claim they can keep alcohol out of underagers better then we can as all the youths smoking can attest to.

I hate this stress, last time it went to the 11th hour. If there is a strike, it'll be in the summer likely.

That’s a lot to have to stress about.
On the upside, you do have the right to negotiate in the first place.
Down here, that’s not an option. We are dictated to… end of story.

Morning guys.

Norm gave me a bottle of Kentucky's finest bourbon. I will be cracking that bad boy open when we bring the children we are adopting home

My pain the butt customer sent an email demanding that our president, VP, Sales Mgr and myself be at her office this morning. I had to reply thanking her for the invite but that all of us are either too busy or out of town on business. I took great joy in sending that

Liquor and a brief victory over tyranny.
String enough of those events together and you’ll be having a good day.

It is April isn't it?

I can’t confirm that…
As I already said, I’ain’t even sure what day it is.

Welcome to America! Shots for everybody! Ummm.....

Another staycation day. Once again, I am the last one in the neighborhood to cut the grass. Today, it is raining, so I may need to use the machete after it dries out. I posted on FB that oldest dd and her 5th grade class met with our representative in Washington DC. She asked him to lower taxes. The teachers were not happy.

Need to get out and cut my grass this evening.
So long as no other problems rear up and keep me occupied.

Glad to here that DD is taking full advantage of her time in the capitol.

Any chance you can break through my office firewall? I'm stuck reading live blogs...while I work, of course.

Of course…

 

[theduck619]

I think I remember reading that in one of those parenting books.

If its in a book then it must be good advice!!!!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I might be able to. But first I have to check to see if Wisconsin will extradite to Delaware for trial or if I can live out my days in the Dairy State evading the long arm of the law.

Assuming Delaware even has the staff and budget to send someone to Wisconsin.

Between the month-end requirements of work (and the fact that I hate work), having to put one of the cars in the shop, having one of the AC units start acting up, and learning that apparently we’re “too wealthy” for my boy to qualify for any grants of tuition assistance of any kind… It has been a rather blurry series of days.

There’s just something about April… It’s always been a chaotic month in my life; phenomenally good about 4 or 5 times, and alarmingly catastrophic the other 45 or so times I’ve encountered it.

Well, that just sounds...craptacular.

I've heard that story with college tuition before. Probably the only time in your life you'll ever be called "wealthy". Congratulations on your newfound riches!

 

[theduck619]

Another staycation day. Once again, I am the last one in the neighborhood to cut the grass. Today, it is raining, so I may need to use the machete after it dries out. I posted on FB that oldest dd and her 5th grade class met with our representative in Washington DC. She asked him to lower taxes. The teachers were not happy. It is surprising that KY is such a red state; however, all the people that voted red don't seem to want to follow any of those philosophies when it is related to themselves.

I'm thinking David might not want to share his plan to liquor up the kids until after the adoption is final. But, it is a nice way to get them to behave.

The plan is to get me liquored up, not the kids.

 

[middlepat]

...followed very shortly by a brown trout.

Wow, that's really cool, trout like to follow sharks.....oh.....

I might be able to. But first I have to check to see if Wisconsin will extradite to Delaware for trial or if I can live out my days in the Dairy State evading the long arm of the law.

Long? This is Delaware. They can barely reach Pennsylvania. Of course, he does work at DeDOT, so there may be national DOT ramifications. Better not risk it. Sorry there nemesis, gotta look out for my fellow DisDad, Barry.

 

[mm1971]

I know a couple of relatives that would love that. One would put it on the shelf and the other would have that sucker finished in 24 hours.

It would take him all 24 hours? I'm thinking 3-4.

So far so good, none of the "s" word yet just some rain, and a bit of freezing rain or ice pellets so far. Hope everyone else is holding up well.

Held my tongue today, rather then start something on FB with a friend of DWs. She posted that she's got the kids with her, since school bus service is cancelled. THEY LIVE A BLOCK AWAY. Her kids go to the same school as mine, I can see the school from my window. Her kids already miss more then their fair share of class due to prolonged "illness", such a freaking irresponsible parent. I would prefer DW not associate as much with her.

Wonder who she'll go crying to if her kids are held back...

Yeah, I'm a bit irritable today.

Hang in there. Instead of thinking about it, just get your mind to August and envision Mickey on that first float heading down Main Street. Once you are calm and relaxed.........egg the neighbors house.

My 6 year old niece used to walk around singing "Whistle" by Flo Rida.

Yup, we squashed that one right away. DD started signing it and I was like . Luckily, it didn't last long.

 

[declansdad]

Yup, we squashed that one right away. DD started signing it and I was like . Luckily, it didn't last long.

Being the good uncle I am, I encouraged it.

 

[jmwest]

Afternoon guys.i left the office early to come home and get some rest. The only person in our house who hasn't vacated their stomach in the past 12 hours is the one who is supposed to be having morning sickness. Blech! Hope this virus passes quickly. Guess ill just lay here and watch this golf tournament.

 

[mm1971]

Afternoon guys,

Yesterday on the news they showed a fisherman off Ft. Lauderdale who hooked a Great White. He cut the line after taking a couple of pictures. Today, The dive operation I use posted this pic.

Seems he/she decided to check out the Keys. Would have been so cool to see it underwater.

Yup, cool. The race to get out of the water would have been cool too. Maybe pull out that diving knife and just happen to nick that other diver as you swim away.

BRIAN THEY FOUND YOUR MOOSE

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/04/11/bc-moose-smithers-safeway.html

You Canadians. The sign clearly says "NO PETS" in the store. The funniest part is the lady with the carriage that still hasn't noticed the 2000lb. (oh, sorry KG) moose in her way.

Wow, that's really cool, trout like to follow sharks.....oh.....

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Well, that just sounds...craptacular.

I've heard that story with college tuition before. Probably the only time in your life you'll ever be called "wealthy". Congratulations on your newfound riches!

It’s been samewhat trying.

The tuition thing was surprising. We weren’t looking for a free ride or anything like that, but some assistance between our FAFSA calculated “Expected Family Contribution” and the universities “Cost of Admission” (which is the point of FAFSA to begin with) would have been, shall we say, helpful. Part of the problem is that we live in the wrong Carolina (by 8 miles). A little help with the out-of-state penalty was all I was hoping for. Didn’t happen…

If I sell my house and move into an apartment eight miles north of here, then they’ll cut the tuition by about half starting in the second year (housing and other fees stay the same but still…). We were wanting to downsize after we get him through school, but that’s a rather drastic solution to the problem.

I could demand that he stay in-state, but this particular institution has the best school of music for the dollar (and as music performance/education is a tough business to begin with, that’s important). It also has a general environment and “feel” that will better match my boy’s personality. He’ll be going, don’t doubt that, but now I’m exploring different options on how to deal with it.

 

[cj9200]

...and learning that apparently we’re “too wealthy” for my boy to qualify for any grants of tuition assistance of any kind… It has been a rather blurry series of days.

Went through that last year. Thankfully some of the schools she was interested in ponied up some money to offset costs. They were willing to negotiate with us to get her to come to the school.

Not sure about other location, but Makers will bring the dipping to your local liquor stores for special events. Last year, they offered a dip your own Christmas bottle, with a vat of red wax and a vat of green wax. You had to buy the bottle, dress in protective apron and goggles, and sign the waiver. They did a short training program before, I watched a few buy and dip their own bottles. I was good on Makers at the time so didn't buy one. Maybe next time.

Same process at the distillery. Pretty fun to do.

...followed very shortly by a brown trout.

Yup, cool. The race to get out of the water would have been cool too. Maybe pull out that diving knife and just happen to nick that other diver as you swim away.

I would have to change the wet suit after I got back to the surface. Plus I would have made sure my dive buddy was always between me and the shark. If it came down to it, I would have taken off one of his fins and outrace him to the boat.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

He’ll be going, don’t doubt that, but now I’m exploring different options on how to deal with it.

You know, a body can function just fine on one kidney....

Sorry to hear about the college payment issues. Ironically, I just opened the 529 College Savings account for Ryder yesterday. (Yes, about a year too late, but it was always one of those things on the "to do" list that never really got done.) DW and I each have about 4 more years of payments on our student loans, then we'll just take that money and it to what we're already contributing to those savings accounts for the kids. I can't wait to see what tuition costs in 11, 13 and 17 years. Hopefully we can at least buy them a book or two...

 

[afwdwfan]

You know, a body can function just fine on one kidney....

Sorry to hear about the college payment issues. Ironically, I just opened the 529 College Savings account for Ryder yesterday. (Yes, about a year too late, but it was always one of those things on the "to do" list that never really got done.) DW and I each have about 4 more years of payments on our student loans, then we'll just take that money and it to what we're already contributing to those savings accounts for the kids. I can't wait to see what tuition costs in 11, 13 and 17 years. Hopefully we can at least buy them a book or two...

I went to a conference a couple of years ago and one of the breakout sessions was on planning for your kids' college expenses. I thought it would be a good one to check out. I took 2 very important pieces of information from that session...

1. The 529 plan is a great investment, because you get a 20% income tax credit if you contribute up to $5000 (in Indiana anyway). Basically a 20% return on your money just for putting it in.

2. If you contribute $5000 every year and the interest returns are very good, you're still not going to put a dent in the cost of an education in 18 years.




And on a minor note...
3. Some how you actually have to find that extra $5000 laying around somewhere to begin with.

 

[AirGoofy]

Same process at the distillery. Pretty fun to do.

Do they offer those at your local stores or is it just a ky thing?

You know, a body can function just fine on one kidney....

Sorry to hear about the college payment issues. Ironically, I just opened the 529 College Savings account for Ryder yesterday. (Yes, about a year too late, but it was always one of those things on the "to do" list that never really got done.) DW and I each have about 4 more years of payments on our student loans, then we'll just take that money and it to what we're already contributing to those savings accounts for the kids. I can't wait to see what tuition costs in 11, 13 and 17 years. Hopefully we can at least buy them a book or two...

But, you can't legally sell an organ in the US, but you can in other countries. Good to see some countries have embraced capitalism.

Another cold, rainy, grey day here in Southeast Wisconsin.
Good thing I've got live streaming HD coverage of the Masters from sunny August, Ga to keep my spirits up.

Hard day at work?

Afternoon guys,

Yesterday on the news they showed a fisherman off Ft. Lauderdale who hooked a Great White. He cut the line after taking a couple of pictures. Today, The dive operation I use posted this pic.

Seems he/she decided to check out the Keys. Would have been so cool to see it underwater.

Cool picture.

 

[mm1971]

It’s been samewhat trying.

The tuition thing was surprising. We weren’t looking for a free ride or anything like that, but some assistance between our FAFSA calculated “Expected Family Contribution” and the universities “Cost of Admission” (which is the point of FAFSA to begin with) would have been, shall we say, helpful. Part of the problem is that we live in the wrong Carolina (by 8 miles). A little help with the out-of-state penalty was all I was hoping for. Didn’t happen…

If I sell my house and move into an apartment eight miles north of here, then they’ll cut the tuition by about half starting in the second year (housing and other fees stay the same but still…). We were wanting to downsize after we get him through school, but that’s a rather drastic solution to the problem.

I could demand that he stay in-state, but this particular institution has the best school of music for the dollar (and as music performance/education is a tough business to begin with, that’s important). It also has a general environment and “feel” that will better match my boy’s personality. He’ll be going, don’t doubt that, but now I’m exploring different options on how to deal with it.

Thankfully I have a few more years before we get turned down.

Have you looked at Berkeley in Boston? I know they have a pretty good assistance plan normally and it is a really strong music school. I know a couple of students there and they both got decent scholarships. Not sure if that looking at other schools is an option this late in the game.

Selling your house does seem a bit drastic. We are already planning to transfer assets long before applying for financial aid. Not sure that will work either, but it's worth a shot. Good luck. I'll ask my in laws how they do it. I have a nephew at Quinnipiac in CT now and his brother starting there in the fall. I'll let you know if they have any good ideas.

 

[FreezinRafiki]

Hard day at work?

At least I haven't shanked one into the woods or into Rae's Creek yet.