Was it too much?

Last summer we purchased a pop-up camper and towed it several times with our minivan. We never had a problem towing it and made sure not to exceed the tow capacity of our van. I have noticed now that our van doesn't sound quite right and there is quite a bit of squeaking an grinding coming from it. I have to wonder if all of the motorhome towing somehow contributed to this? I am hoping that we can upgrade to some kind of truck for towing in the future because I think it would be better than using a minivan. It is really hard to fit everything we need in the van because of the weight restrictions. I don't know that we will be able to afford a truck anytime soon but if the van needs major repairs we may have to figure something out. The other option is to just do all of our camping in the backyard until we can afford a more powerful tow vehicle. The kids probably wouldn't mind this so much but the neighbors might start to wonder about us.

Sometimes work is good.

There are days when I am glad to be able to go to the office. Don't get me wrong I am very thankful to have a job but the truth is that my job is pretty thankless most days. I work for a government agency and deals a great deal with populations who feel "entitled" to government handouts. I can't say more about it but I think you get the idea. There are people who genuinely need help but many are indeed working very hard to get everything they possibly can for doing as little as possible. Every once in a while a person comes along who touches me and makes it all seem worthwhile. Last week a woman called me to thank me for all the help I provided her over the last year and said that she would no longer need our help. She was proud to report that she finished school and obtained a great paying job. She had tears in her voice as she told me the details and I could really sense she had done everything possible to make sure she got off of our caseload as soon as she possibly could. I only wish that everyone has this attitude but I will take it when I can get it.

What brings them out?

Why is it that the worse the weather is the crazier some people seem to drive. We are in the midst of some really bad weather in our part of the country and so many people seem to be completely oblivious. It is as if they never had to learn a single Oklahoma city law or rule or driving before getting behind the wheel. In the city limits our speed limit is 35 miles per hour when road conditions are ideal. When the roads are slippery and visibility is reduced commonsense would dictate that you go less than 35 miles per hour rather than increase your speed. I can't tell you the number of times I have been passed on the wrong side of the road lately in our town by people who for whatever reason seem to have no idea that they are breaking numerous laws and putting people's lives at risk in their rush to get where they are going. I really think people should have to test more often behind the wheel or at least take an online refresher course to remind them of just what the laws really are.

What more?

This weekend I build a work station for our numerous computers. We really needed a place where we could set up several computers and link the various devices we use with them. It took me about an hour to construct a workstation that accommodates everything we use. Now that it is done my wife is asking me to extend it to cover the length of the room. I can see why she is asking me to do this but wish she would have made up her mind when I had all of the tools and equipment out this weekend. I will give her the benefit of the doubt in that until the project was complete it was hard to visualize exactly what I was going to build. Nonetheless I would have been happier to do it all at once rather than look forward to another weekend of building.

Can we skip it?

The winter weather is finally pounding us here in the northeast and I am just happy about it. With the approach of the Christmas holiday there is nothing I would like more than to escape to someplace like one of those turks and caicos hotels. I am just not in the mood for parties, snow, and the stress of the holidays. It would be nice to skip Christmas but I have no choice but to participate in the festivities. I am not really sure when my grumpy attitude started but it doesn't seem to be waning anytime soon. I suspect it has something to do with my general displeasure in my job right now. I feel very fortunate to have a job but there are times when it just seems like enough will never be enough. If I could blog all day and not go to work the world would indeed be a grand place.