vetting

President Trump just might have a problem with possible ties to Russia. Recently General Flynn, his National Security Adviser, resigned/quit because he lied about a conversations with the Russian Ambassador. Mr. Trump was later asked if "anyone else talk to Russia?" His response was, "Nobody that I know of." It has since been reported that several people associated with his campaign and administration have communicated with Russian officials. The list includes:

• National Security Adviser - General Micheal Flynn, was confirmed, but then quit upon allegation of communiques with Russia.
• Attorney General - Senator Jeff Sessions,talked to Russian ambassador and did not release information during confirmation hearings.
• Campaign Manager - Paul Manafort, forced to resign as campaign manager upon news of his lobbying ties with Ukraine.
• Campaign Adviser - Carter Page,  met with Russian Ambassador.
• Son-in-law and Senior Adviser - Jarad Kushner, met with Russian Ambassador.

I wonder, were inquiries made into these individuals regarding suspicious or controversial business ties? Did Mr. trump know? Or did he chose to not find out?

Vetting is typically performed to determine the suitability of an individual. It appears that Mr. Trump believes it suitable for his campaign staff and administration to have friendly, cooperative business ties with Russia. But what about vetting beyond the subject of Russia? How much vetting does Mr. Trump consider is appropriate for his administration? By the news reports, it appears that Mr. Trump performs little, if any vetting of his political appointees. Please consider:

• Labor Secretary - Andrew Puzder, withdrew due to business record and personal hiring of an undocumented immigrant.
• Secretary of the Army -  Vincent Viola, withdrew due to financial entanglements. 
• Secretary of the Navy - Philip Bilden, withdrew due to financial entanglements.

As for individuals that made it through the gauntlet, please consider:

• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development - Dr. Ben Carson, stated that "immigrants"came to America in the slave ships.
• Secretary of the Dept of Education - Betsy DeVos, has never taught, does not understand basic education measurements.
• Administrator Environmental Protection Agency - Scott Pruitt, denies human contribution to climate change in opposition to agency reports and scientific consensus.

So I wonder, what does Mr. Trump believe in regards to vetting? He is quite happy to yell out that immigrants should undergo extreme vetting. But by all accounts, his friends, the people he wants to lead our nation, do not require any significant vetting. All it takes to be in Mr. Trump's administration is to; a) be an old friend with lots of money, b) belief that Russia is our friend, and c) believe that everything that is said about Mr. Trump is a lie by the corrupt media.

planning, no planning, and the need for lists

So, Galen wanted a lunchable for tomorrow's school field trip. I am not a fan, I believe them to be overpriced, over salted, and not of high quality selection. I can make something using better crackers, lunch-meat, cheese, etc. But he won't eat those, sometimes quality loses. So after work I dropped by Cub Foods to get one, along with some fruit.

Fast forward a half hour and Liam stormed home. He wasn't angry, just heavy footed. After saying hello, what was his first question, "Did you get my pictures?" AHHHH! This morning we sent a batch of pics for his school project to Walgreens. So, off to Walgreens I go.

Which is next door to Cub Foods.

Fast foreword another half hour. Galen gets home, the first thing he asks if I picked up a lunchable for tomorrow's field trip. "Yep, it's in the fridge." He looks at it, "It's the wrong flavor, and its gotta be cooked." Hmm. Now, if it was just the flavor I would of told the dude he was outta luck and had to deal with it. But I didn't look that closely at the packaging, I never considered that a lunchable would require being nuked. We talked about it, wondered how it would taste cold. So, off to Cub I go.

Three trips in a sixty minute window to basically the same place. That was poor planning - maybe the total lack of any planning. Reminds me of the time I installed a new ceiling fan electrical box, and fan. Needed support, electrical boxes, all manner of doodads I hadn't considered beforehand. That install took five trips to Home Depot over the course of three hours. That was poor planning.

Lists, sometimes they do come in handy...

plumbing

Procreation occurred later in my life than most of my childhood peers. Thanks to the occasional class reunion and social wonders piped through the internet, I have read, seen, and heard as my classmates had kids, sent those kids off to college and military. Now more than a few have grand-children. Me? My kids are in elementary and middle school. Many, many years are to pass before they become adults, make babies, and live within the confines of their choices.

Many, many years that I need to live, most hopefully with a healthy quality of life. My general health could be improved upon. Cholesterol is a few ticks too high. My blood pressure should be lower. On the good side, my liver is surviving my appreciation of too many tasty adult beverages. I have all my teeth. My lungs seem to have shrugged off my former pack-a-day addition. And my plumbing and ancillary operations work normally.

I will be in my mid to upper sixties before those grand-babies start to appear. Media is full of stories of folk in my predicament. I have met more than a few of a similar predicament. But, I don't know about their plumbing. Point is, I am not alone or unique in my status or concerns.

I know that an active social and physical life are key contributors to achieving life longevity. And genes, they provide a contribution. But my genes have already provided their input, Now it is me, my own decisions for social and physical activities that might help me stick around to see my progeny.

Both of these have been erratic throughout my entire life. I have always cycled between periods of great social interaction to lesser. Physically active to couch potato. At least my weight hasn't varied much, throughout my adult life it has been remarkable consistent within a 20 pound window. No major weigh yo-yos to add yet more stress to my body.

So, here's to finding the proper mix of physical and social choice to ensure I get to see my grand-babies. Here's to the health profession's contribution to my longevity. And here's to my plumbing and ancillary operations continued contribution to my long and pleasurable life.

the sounds of silence

Getting divorced leads to several outcomes. Getting divorced with joint custody of children adds one very specific outcome, visitation. I don't begrudge her kid-time. She is their mother and is as deserving of kid time as I. And above all else, the kids are entitled, deserve, to spend time with her.

That's not to say that I don't miss them. I struggle finding words to describe the impact, the weight on my soul. My heart beats with a bit less emotion. A part of me is missing, and that is just the way it is.

But there is the peace and quiet that falls upon the house upon their departure. It is quiet. There is a distinct lack of squeals, fights, breakage, dog pestering, toilets flushing, refrigerator opening, doors closing, strange songs playing. Food doesn't disappear, no crumbs on the floor or counter. Candy wrappers are not to be found in the trash. No cries for help when it is discovered the toilet paper roll is empty.

Therein lies the source of my guilt, because for a time I enjoy, I treasure the peace and quiet. I get a moment to recharge, a moment to drop my guard and relax. Paul Simon once said that their song, the Sounds of Silence, was about youthful alienation. I do not pretend to reinterpret their words into my world. But for me, the song title conjures up thoughts of my guilty pleasure upon the scheduled disappearance of my children. I do like the quiet, I do like the lifting of responsibility.

Is this a normal? Do other parents feel this way? I know of at least one that admits to sharing such a feeling. We both look upon visitation as an opportunity to restore a bit of sanity. And it just as possible that we two are abnormal, crazy, just a wee bit selfish.

But only for a day or so, then I want all that noise and confusion back in my house. I want my kids. I wish I could schedule these moments at my discretion. My convenience, but that is not to be. I share my kids with their mother and that is how it should be. So, I cherish their presence as I can and when they are gone I enjoy the guilty pleasure of the sounds of silence.