Each night many individuals fill coffee makers with water, pour their flavor preference into a paper filter, check the clock against the correct time and hope it will automatically begin the next morning’s sequence with freshly brewed coffee. It should be ready at first light, so slipping into a comfortable bed for restful sleep is logical.

When the appointed time arrives without the aroma of the morning elixir, the day's first problem is presented. The question would be “What is the most turned off, the machine or the person's brain without a first cup of coffee?” It didn't deliver what we expected, when we expected it.

Occasionally snow and icy conditions require either cancellation or delay of school to insure the safety of the student body. This necessitates different arrangements for some children by parents, morning transportation to a sitter or adjustments to alarm clock settings for a delay. These little changes give enhanced visibility for things like black ice aiding in everyone's additional safety.

Few, if any children mind. The parents, on the other hand, are the ones enacting the alternative schedules they planned for winter emergencies. Although not always convenient, the value is genuinely true and parents wouldn't want their children placed at risk.

Parents expect planned schedules to be normal, but realize they are not always possible and react accordingly, another of those joys of parenthood.

To be a parent, everyone agrees it's necessary to have both a forward and a reverse, ready to deal with the alterations in their children's attitudes. Expect the best, accept the rest.

All the twists and turns of parenting are right up there with the changes in Indiana weather, waiting for lightning to strike one day and the next the sun will shine brilliantly, although unexpectedly.

We know the boys basketball season is quickly approaching tournament time simply by the severe and unpredictable Indiana weather. Teams worked diligently to increase their skills throughout the year, gaining control to raise the victory level.

Coaches around the state have worked out masterful plays, strengthened endurance with various running drills and attempted to embed the necessity of good nutrition and rest to keep the team healthy and strong. But, the truth is, a flu season is raging and doesn't care if you're a team member or not. The velocity of the bug's attack will stagger whomever it hits, creating an immediate halt, thus allowing another of those questionable expectations to arise.

Americans expect country leaders to maintain an above normal standard, but question their true character when the media addresses their independent values against party lines. This distinction is like comparing apples to oranges without likening exact questions to direct answers.

I don't care what heritage his middle name implies, what happened during her husband's presidency or even if the other fraternized with a lobbyist. However, I care about here and now. I care about tomorrow and what a candidate intends to do to protect our future.

Explain your views regarding the reduction of inflation, recession control, specific health care plans, as well as better policing during our own national disasters. I want point blank statements about future policies, not generalization of needed change, and personally welcome facts without the innuendo of why from opponents.

Important questions deserve some direct answers. However, I expect less. Therefore, I will not be disappointed.

Americans aren't ignorant concerning past political proceedings and some feel resentful for being manipulated, as well as helpless in knowing what to do about it. Most want to be addressed as equals, not used as pawns in the candidates’ play for delegates.

Each newscast brings another set of he-said- she-said and in truth it becomes boring for even the most staunch political standing follower.