Map Test Page

Hi folks,

This isn't a typical post.  It is a test page so I can figure out how to get maps on here, and make them for other projects.  It might be updated occasionally, and might even turn into a FAQ or tutorial, depending on how much I learn.

We'll start with a map of the places Miss Mox, Kenzie, and I ate on our most recent trip.  It was a multiculti experience, with pizza, kolache, bar food, standard American breakfast fare, and Lebanese food (the last two at the same place!)


Google Maps plain link- Francis Family Restaurant







Restaurants on map

What I Did On Summer Vacation

First off, I didn't have a whole lot of vacation days.  I did enjoy the summer, and had a few days off, and could use some more.

I spent as much time with Baby K. and Miss Mox as I could.  We took a few little trips so she could meet family, and of course everyone loves her- even random grandmas at groceries and rest stops.  I am learning how to be a dad, and it is hard.  I need more free time, and more sleep.   Miss Mox needs it even more, since she is here with the baby while I'm at work.  She is a very good mom, and Baby K. loves her.  Maybe just because she is a food source, but still...

I can't imagine having more than one kid.   One baby to two adults is a good ratio; actually, even that is overwhelming.  Mama Mox, my mother-in-law, has a bunch of kids in the house and I am amazed at her stamina and patience.  She is so happy that school has started, though... 

Ate a lot of good food, went to museums, went to a Dead show.  I have some other writing projects, and I tried to plug away at them.  We have a smaller garden this year and we've tried to stay on top of that, but it has been super hot all summer.  Not just hot spells with breaks- hot all the time.  Since I work nights I am struggling to get up and outside before 10am to get yard work done.  We are enjoying the fruits, or rather vegetables, of our labor: tomatoes, cukes, hot peppers, etc.

We've had a good summer.  We're looking forward to the fall for the weather, and to get some projects done.  Baby K. is getting ready to crawl, and teethe, and start solid food.  Just when we start to figure out how to do things, everything will change.  I'm glad to have Miss Mox by my side (really, leading.)  She is an amazing person.  We are trying to raise an awesome kid.  Looking forward to where life takes us...

Take Time To Make Time, Make Time To Be There

I just took some time off work to spend with my daughter- they call it bonding time.  Not nearly enough, since I don't get paid for it, but some.  I love being with her, and my wife, and I take advantage of every chance I have.  I love the weekends, so we can hang out all day.  I like my job, but on workdays I don't see nearly enough of her.  I do not want to be that dad who is gone all the time.  Yes, we all need to work, and it provides what we need- what she needs- but there has to be a balance.

We lazed around, laughed, changed disgusting diapers, napped.  My mom came to see her for a few days, and we took her to meet other family members.  She is so cute, and fun.  I can't wait till she talks, and starts exploring the world.  I am eager to find out what she is interested in.

Listen- take the time to be with the people you love.  Slow down when you can.  Do interesting things, or nothing at all, together.  Enjoy the little things, the fleeting moments, the goofy laughs.  Spend time with your kids.  Spend time with your spouse, or partner, or friends.  Life is in the living.  These little moments... Years from now we will have pictures, sure, but we will also have memories.  Take time to enjoy the little things that will become memories, not just the big trips, etc.  And make sure you have some time at home to allow for them, and don't spend all your time at work.  Work can be exciting and fulfilling, but so is watching your daughter try to crawl.

Opinions Are Like... Well, Not Like Facts

There are so many grey areas in this world, in life, in history, in politics.  So many things that are fuzzy, open to interpretation, that we can respectfully disagree about.

But there is also right and wrong- morally, and practically.  The sky is blue.  If it looks green to you, well, I can't get inside your head, but it's still blue out here, and not just to me.  2+2 equals 4, regardless of your opinions about the issue.   In some cases, differing opinions should not have equal weight, or equal time.

Vaccinating your kids is not something that is open to debate.  Vaccinations are good for your kids, and for society.  Yes, there are extremely small risks, far outweighed by the risk of diseases they prevent.  The reality is, there is no reason not to vaccinate, and very strong reasons to do so.

Whether the earth is round is not open for debate.  It is demonstrably so, and the issue has been settled for decades.  Evolution works.  That's provable, and settled.  "I don't believe it!"  Well, you don't have to believe it, but it still works...

Whether Trump is an asshole who is unqualified, in experience and temperament, to be president is not open to debate.  It should be obvious to anyone.  It is provable, with facts.  Just because you disagree with those facts does not make you right, and does not make your opinion equally valid.


Here are some things people say about Trump:

He's a racist
He's an anti-vaxxer
The KKK and Nazis are big fans of him.
He is unstable.
He has no relevant experience.
He is a bad businessman.
He is a blowhard.


These are truths.  These aren't opinions.  These are facts.  I can back them up; you and I can research them.


Here are some things people say about Clinton:

She's a liar.
She got people killed at Benghazi. 
She killed Vince Foster.
She is unstable.
She has no experience.

These are mostly false.  Most are made up, or at the least disputable.

You can disagree with her on policy; you can't disagree with Trump on it because he doesn't have much, and the little he has changes every day.

You don't like her?  Fine.  But most of the accusations against her are false. Trump is a loud asshole. That is true, not an opinion. If that is what you like about him, admit it.  I will think much less of you, but at least you will be honest.