Quick Update

So, recently a collegue of mine told me that It's been too long since I've updated my life in the blogosphere. So here is a quick attempt at bringing everyone up to speed.

1. Jared is still alive. I opted not to kill him for getting suspended from school since the economy has taken such a dive I still need him as a tax deduction. Thankfully he has straighted up his act and both his grade and behavior have improved.

2. I have completed the assemply of the ham radio station.

I've gotten on the air several times and spoken with some nice folks in West Africa, Northern Europe and South America. I've even been speaking with my dad in California a couple of times. Now, for those of you who would mock my life-long hobby, I just have to put in this disclaimer. I'm not a skiier, snowboarder, or other winter outside enthusiast. I like to hibernate when the snow flies. Ham radio keeps me inside, occupied and close to a warm mug of hot chocholate. I'm home. And that's that. The rest of ya all can just go out and freeze. Have fun with your frostbite!! I'm having fun! My bride and daughter think I'm a nerd. Oh well, I am, and proud of it! Either way, no one in the neighborhood has a problem anymore trying to find my house! We just tell them, "look for the lightening rod. That's ours!"

3. On Sunday, some lady brought by some food to the fire station. It was good, but a little out of date. The next day, I found out why they put dates on food. Holy crap, was I sick! A little food poisoning cost me two days of work! Sorry... I didn't take any pictures of me barfing, it just didn't enter my mind at the time!

4. My computer has been out of comission for the last 2 weeks. (Hence the lack of updates.) Had to have it serviced and the tech found just under 2000 viruses on the hard drive. OUCH!! At any rate, it's fixed and now you can catch up on my life. (or lack thereof)

5. A good friend of mine has decided to defect from the blog world and join up with the enemy. Tven that great and spacious building called 'Facebook.' Whatever! Too bad for her I guess! You know who you are! Repent, lest I continue to smite you with the rod of my mouth!

Jared's wonderful week at school (NOT!)

So, here it goes. I think its the beginning of the end as far as 'the boy' is concerned. His week started off so well. His teacher e-mailed me and said that he is turning in his work and that his grades are improving. Lisa and I sighed in relief. Ever since August when Jared's school track started he completes his work, but then doesn't turn it in. We pleaded and threatened and finally bribed him into turning in his work so he would get full credit. Finally, its starting to work! His grades are improving, he is happier and loving school. Or so we thought.

Here's how Thursday afternoon went:

Ring ring goes the telephone. "Hello" I answered. "Mr. Allen?" asked the female voice on the other end.

"Yes, that's me!"

"I'm glad I caught you at home today, Mr. Allen. My name is Mrs. Bona and I'm the assistant principal at Jared's school. We have a situation, and I need you to come and speak with me and Jared right away."

Yea, it's offical. Jared was suspended from school on Friday. Seems he and a group of his friends choose to get in a maylay on the playgound to settle a close call in a dodgeball game. No one got hurt, but Jared appearently became a little to much WWF for the rest of the boys. Teachers came out and broke up the brawl before having to call in the K9 units!

He was suspended for Friday only, and was sent home with a grundle of class work. When I got to the school the teacher and principal each told me that they were forced to suspend all those involved. (Which I totally understand, and am happy they are strict in matters like these!) But both of these ladies told me that Jared immediatly fessed up to be responsible for the fight and even tried to take all the blame so no one else got suspended. That's mighty mature, I think.

So all in all it was a tough lesson for Jared to learn. Although I am upset about his decision to fight to solve a disagreement, I'm really proud of his behavior afterward by admitting his guilt. The toughest part for his parents right now is pretending to be really disappointed in the fighting, while congradulating him on being more of a man immediatly afterward.

Parenting is tough!