Fat Kid Syndrome ... Could You Have It?

by Randy C. Watts (480) 343-3868

Amidst all of the illnesses and maladies in today’s world, there is one that is quickly emerging as the front-runner of all the syndromes. It’s called FKS (Fat Kid Syndrome). I feel perfectly comfortable editorializing this phenomenon, because I have fallen victim to the monster. I have been self-diagnosed with Fat Kid Syndrome.

I should have known years ago. All of the signs were there; I just chose to ignore them. By the time I finally saw a specialist, and the diagnosis was delivered, it was too late. The syndrome was deeply buried in my psyche, and I could not return to a normal lifestyle.

Here are a few of the reasons I became suspicious that I might be afflicted with FKS. Perhaps you will read a few symptoms that ring a vague familiarity to you as well. Read carefully, as you well may be a victim of this ailment, too!

Don't Get Ink on Your Soul

DON’T GET INK ON YOUR SOUL
by
Randy C. Watts (480) 343-3868


It was a sunny day in Aviles, with the distinct flavor of Spain in the air. I was 19 years old, and serving a religious mission for my church. For the last week my companion and I had ventured out of the city and into a country neighborhood where there were actually doors we had not yet knocked on. We were in search of a needful soul willing to listen to our gospel message. Each day, as we entered this newly-found neighborhood, we were greeted with the most unusual sight; see, there was a house with a monkey in the front yard. It was tethered on a very long leash that was chained to a post. Now, I am not an expert on the subject of monkeys, but I’d say that this one was a chimpanzee.

When You Wish

WHEN YOU WISH
by
Randy C. Watts


A childish wish I made that night,
that one day I would see
my favorite "leader of the club,"
for he was real, to me.

Now many years have come and gone,
my temples, worn and gray.
I guard the Magic Kingdom now
to pass the time away.

I see that all the doors and gates
are closed securely tight;
that all is well protected
‘til the early morning light.

One night a special visit
added meaning to my quest.
I’m not sure I can tell it well,
I’ll do my very best.

Now He Can Run

NOW HE CAN RUN
By
Randy C. Watts (480) 343-3868

Timmy was eight years old. He watched eagerly as his classmates kicked the soccer ball up and down the field. He would laugh when his friends would run by, and he would clap as each team scored. Every now and then his eyes would light up as one of the children hollered something to him from the field, or as a teacher would pat him on the back while walking by. Timmy did all he could to show his contentment from the confinement of his little wheelchair.

How Do I Love Thee Kitty?

HOW DO I LOVE THEE KITTY
by
Randy C. Watts (480) 343-3868


I have been told that it is fun to own a cat. I have heard stories of people who claim to enjoy the time they spend with their feline companions. I guess that this is the reason that I let my eleven-year-old son keep the cat they gave him at the pet store when he accompanied his sister to buy a bird. The mere fact that they gave him the cat should have been my first clue. Nonetheless, I gave in and told him he could keep it.

Let me share with you some of the things I love most about our new pet "Rains:"

Is Your House Haunted, Or Do You Just Have Kids?

Is Your House Haunted … Or Do You Just Have Kids?
By Randy C. Watts (480) 343-3868


Throughout history there has always been a great deal of curious discussion and intriguing speculation about the supernatural. As a father with four young children who resided in my home, I can testify that these supernatural occurrences were a daily part of my life. Malicious poltergeists would dwell within the confines of our abode, creating a very wide range of havoc. Cryptic crayon messages appeared on the walls, alarm clocks were mysteriously turned off during the night, Pop Tarts vanished from the pantry into thin air, leaving behind the empty cardboard carcass from whence they came.

Allow me to present a few facts that should convince even the greatest of skeptics that these ghostly manifestations are indeed real … especially when your children are at home:

The Remote Control - A Man's Perspective

THE REMOTE CONTROL – A MAN’S PERSPECTIVE
By Randy C. Watts (480) 343-3868


In the beginning, there was the television. It was good, but man could not relax while watching it. He repeatedly had to remove himself from the couch and change the channel or adjust the volume. Finally, the remote control was created, and it was very good … for a while.