Deep Something

Partying at a Naturalization Ceremony

November 1, 2009September 29, 2018 390 Views 0 Comments Citizenship and Inetegration Services, Department of Homeland Security, ICE, Swearing-in, Naturalization Ceremony, Citizenship, government, USCIS, Naturalization

Some of you will know that Lay’s been through a two and one-half year experience trying to get naturalized. Of course he had permanent status, and has lived here since he was 2 years old. In fact, he’s never been back ot Laos. So it was past time to go ahead and get this over with, but little did we know what an ordeal it would be. Then, I came away from the Naturalization Ceremony profoundly concerned about the complete lack of competence in how even the ceremony was conducted.

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Where I Was 40 Years Ago

July 20, 2009September 29, 2018 B. John 324 Views 0 Comments Buzz Aldrin, Cronkite, Schirra, NASA, Moon, White Lake, July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong

Everyone is writing about where they were 40 years ago today when Armstrong and Aldrin first set foot on the moon, so I thought I should also chime in. It was certainly one of those defining moments. I was at White Lake, NC with family and friends.

Family Fun Stuff

Dala Turns Three

June 23, 2009September 29, 2018 B. John 287 Views 0 Comments Dora, 2009, Flickr, Swimming, Summer, Birthday

We had a big birthday party here Sunday afternoon as Dala, Lay’s niece turns three years old. She loves to swim and always throws a fit when it’s time to go home. She learned to jump off the side of the pool, and doggy paddle around with her little tube.

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So Where Have I Been Lately

December 29, 2008September 29, 2018 B. John 495 Views 0 Comments home, Christmas, Blogging, Depression, Malaise, diary

If you’re a regular visitor (or you receive the digest email) I suppose you have noticed a decided lack of activity here lately. I have to tell you, I’ve just been tired. I think that’s the best way to describe what’s been going on in my life lately. It’s not that feeling of “being sick and tired of being sick and tired,” but more a general malaise that came over me during the last months. I didn’t send out Christmas cards this year, and didn’t even decorate the house. I came into the season with a good deal of the shopping done, and combined with some upcoming time off, I was actually looking forward to the holiday, but somewhere along the way, I just sort of lost that holiday spirit. I’m working on a comeback.

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A Visit to North Carolina

November 10, 2008September 29, 2018 B. John 502 Views 0 Comments Bridges Barbecue, Barbecue, hushpuppies, Kings Mountain, North Carolina, Burlington, Shelby, Greensboro

No blogging or politics last week, as I was on the road from Monday to Friday. I drove up North Carolina because we had a business meeting in Burlington Wednesday, and then I took two days off, visited Mom and drove home. It was actually a pleasant week. i also took some photos around Kings Mountain and Shelby.

Southern Family Featured Fun Stuff Places Kings Mountain Culture

Salvaging A Small Part of A Small Town Downtown

June 5, 2008September 29, 2018 B. John 410 Views 1 Comment home, Kings Mountain, Downtown, Small Town, Home Town, Belks, Plonks

I’m from a small town, Kings Mountain, North Carolina, just across the South Carolina state line. It’s right off Interstate 85. Recently my Mom sent me a clipping from the local paper. The main article on clipped page was about an effort to restore the downtown local theater. This started me thinking back to the downtown where I grew up, and considering how it’s changed.

Family Fun Stuff Travel General

Been Away and Busy

May 8, 2008September 29, 2018 B. John 331 Views 0 Comments Reston, Work, Las Vegas, Minneapolis

Things have been very busy with work, and they will continue that way for a while. I wanted to go home and seem Mom this weekend, but I can’t take the days off for the trip right now. There are several major projects all due next week.

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Christmas 2007

January 6, 2008September 29, 2018 B. John 302 Views 0 Comments sick, Christmas, 2007, Christmas Cards, Christmas Party, Doctor, New Years Eve

We’re well into the new year already, and I’m just now getting around to writing about the holidays. I suppose that is because it wasn’t one of the better holidays. I did travel home for the usual visit, but it was very short. Lay took ill the week before Christmas week, and remains sick with the doctor still testing to try and find out what is wrong, but it got fairly serious there right after Christmas.

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Thanksgiving Summary

December 2, 2007September 29, 2018 B. John 283 Views 0 Comments thanksgiving, Boone, North Carolina, Blowing Rock

I know it’s a bit late, but I thought I’d write an update from our Thanksgiving trip to North Carolina.

Kings Mountain Culture Holidays Family Fun Stuff Places

Cold In Tampa

November 17, 2007September 29, 2018 B. John 318 Views 0 Comments thanksgiving, Boone, Blowing Rock, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Weather

It remains dry, but it’s been very cool the past few nights, getting into the 40’s. There could be some frost tonight north of here and inland. Lay’s nephews are over to spend the night, as two of them have birthday’s next week. We won’t be here. Lay and I will be traveling to North Carolina. While I’m taking the whole week off, Lay will be working Monday and Tuesday, so unfortunately, we’ll be on the road Wednesday. I am not looking forward to that.

Culture Southern Family Fun Stuff

Home Funerals

October 26, 2007September 29, 2018 B. John 398 Views 0 Comments death, funerals, home funerals, mourning, rituals

I read an article on MSNBC a few days back about a small but growing practice of “home funerals.” It’s touted as a way for people to reclaim their death rituals. Having been a funeral director in the past, the title certainly caught my eye.