Another One Down

Christmas has come and gone and Jax pulled in the loot (again) - Santa brought her that stereo she wanted, Ma & Pa got her some miscellaneous items (board & Playstation games) and the rest of the crap you see is from people who have never had to fight the "clean your room" fight with her. The whole "there's a place for everything, and everything has it's place" is a hard argument to make when she scores like this! Everything is much appreciated though and she is a gracious child so we can't complain. Uncle Pat made her really think with his naughty for 11 months/nice for 1 remark though. Thanks Pat.
Of course we got the TV for xmas, anniversaries & birthdays for about the next 3 years! It's the gift that keeps on giving (much like the jelly of the month club.) Hope all have a fun and safe New Year.

Just in Case!

We're tetering on naughty or nice this year so we thought a little extra insurance couldn't hurt with Santa!

'Tis the Season

As Xmas fast approaches, lets reflect on a few quotes from what (in my opinion)is the most classic holiday film: Christmas Vacation (apologies for language, but it doesn't work with editing so it must be this way.)

"Shitter's Full"

And the ever poplular moment at the peak of holiday stress:
"Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no! We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here! We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fucking Kaye! And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse!"

What Was I Thinking?

Just when you thought polyester couldn't get more stylish! I'm never going to drink hard liquor again!

Belt Order & Karate Style

Answering question on KBTS' comments about belt order, first off it varies from different systems of Karate. Jackie is in the Kenpo system (Same system that Elvis reached an 8th degree black belt in - first- he later studied Taekwando) In the Kenpo system, which yes - is about the discipline not the fight (although the fight is a kick -pardon the pun - to watch and Jax enjoys it but will only use it in the dojo unless provoked in which case she will kick the shit out of someone!) Sorry, we are not pacifists here, our fearless/brainless leader says so. Anyhow, the belt order is as follows:

White = Beginners
Yellow, Gold, Orange = Advanced Beginner
Purple, Blue, HighBlue = Intermediate
Green, HighGreen, Red = Advanced Intermediate
Brown 3, Brown 2, Brown 1 = Advanced
Black = Well, it = Black

So Jax has 5 more to go before she tests for her Black Belt. Should have it by the time she enters Middle School so she can handle all of those pimply-faced, hormoned crazed, little ****heads!

Nothing says growing up like a little pain!

Big day for Jax, getting the ears pierced. Friend of ours did it for her after a scooner of beer at the Edgewater Inn! Maybe Jackie should have had the beer! (We're not that bad of parents, our friend does it all the time at her beauty salon)

Black Uni

The black uniform - from ignoramous' resuest - is because she is in the Black Belt Club - which means she has committed for 2 years (& Mom & Dad paid for 2 years in advance) to reach her black belt (it will likely take a bit longer) She begins competing in tournaments in February as she has joined the compitition team. Any other questions? She is quite the star when she spars, she goes from mild manner girl to a bulldog! It's quite entertaining.

"Horse Stance and Breath" After doing her combos for testing

Just got her Green Belt - moved to Advanced Intermediate

December Morn

Couldn't very well be left out of the strahl blog craze now could we? We got our first sticking snow last night, but it's the type that if I wait a few hours I shouldn't have to shovel. Neighbors are shoveling but they're overachievers. Jackie's belt testing today for her green belt and is a bit worked up about it. She should do fine though. THat's all I got for now except to mention that I believe I was the first to put up a tree this year (at least in the metro area!) Later.