Super Bowl Thoughts

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

What if we have a party and nobody comes? Not trying to sound like a whiner but pretty much everyone I have invited has declined (all with good reasons). Oh well, those people will be missing out on some excellent Green Chili, and enjoying the game on our new Big screen TV, their loss, more chili for me...

My prediction:

I want the Cardinals to win. It would be a small victory for the Rams to have a division rival win. Plus I like Kurt Warner, he's the guy who resurrected the Rams (albeit temporarily).

The Steelers do have 2 Colorado guys: 1 CU Buff and 1 native of Colorado Springs. Plus if they win they have more Super Bowl rings than the Cowboys, which is always good. So it's not that I dislike the Steelers.

But the reality is that I think the Steelers are simply the better team. I think it will be an awful lot like the BCS Championship game. The Cardinals offense will generate some excitement. But the Steelers defense will make it hard for the Cardinals. And the Steelers offense will wear down the Cardinals defense.

This isn't like last year where no one could see a way for the Giants to win, paving the way for a 'miracle' game. This is a game where the teams are closer on paper, which makes the little things magnified. And that is where the Steelers have the edge. The Cardinals take a lot of chances, they are a lot more dynamic. Which means they could explode on a couple of plays, but they could also have something go horribly wrong just as easily. And I think that will be the difference.

Steelers 34 Cardinals 20 (Green Chili wins!)

25 Things

(I got this from Facebook, and it will be posted there as well, but it seemed like an interesting exercise)

25 random things....

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I am 10 years older than my wife

2. I have several tattoos

3. I once identified myself as a skinhead

4. I have a very good memory of my high school, so much so that most of my friends come to me with questions about people or stories.

5. Judd Nelson once signed my head

6. I am way too preoccupied with my various physical ailments for someone my age.

7. I haven't bought an album of 'new music' in at least 10 years, and don't care.

8. I actively dislike silence, except when sleeping, I always have music or TV going on.

9. I was once suspended from High school for stealing.

10. My politics changed completely the minute I had kids

11. I think that the best thing I can pass along to my kids is my love of reading

12. I refuse to stop learning things that have little to do with my every day life

13. The majority of my immediate family are teachers

14. The thing I miss most about not having kids is long car rides

15. I love to network with people, just for the sake of networking

16. I still love to role play (D&D type games)

17. I enjoy picking out cute outfits for my daughter each morning a lot more than I expected to.

18. I think being a father is the ultimate expression of masculinity, not just getting a girl pregnant, but actually being a father

19. I have a far more active social life than my wife, and she is totally content with that

20. I am really bad at video games

21. I prefer to always order the same thing at any restaurant, because I know it won't be screwed up

22. I am a sports bigamist, I love multiple teams in most major sports, not just one.

23. I despise the whole concept of 'play dates', I feel like I am pimping out my kids. If there is anything I miss about my childhood it is the freedom to just wander around the neighborhood, and play with other kids.

24. I love writing, about random topics, but this is a lot harder to come up with than you might think.

25. One of the hardest things for me as a parent is to not live through my kids when it comes to sports, just let them play and have fun.

Cannot keep silent any more

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Back in November, shortly after Manny's Cardiac Arrest, I was asked by a member of the family to tone down/limit what I said about members of the family. And I have tried to do so. But I have reached the limit of my patience with Tammy, and rather than blow up at her in person I had to put all of this down in writing instead. And if it gets back to her and she complains oh well, it is nothing that people haven't already said to her.

For the past 2 months we have all done as much as we can to help Connie, Kim & I have not done as much as Dennis & Megan, but we have done as much as possible. Over that same period of time Tammy has moved into Connie's house, taken advantage of her, driven her car into the ground, lost her job, refused to discipline her kids, and generally made things worse for Connie instead of better.

Connie's house is a complete mess, and is starting to acquire the odor that I associated with Tammy's houses. Tammy's kids have been obnoxious, disrespectful and do nothing to help their grandma. Tammy has done nothing to find a new job, she just lays around on the couch all day, or borrows Connie's van and runs out her gas. She keeps wavering back and forth as far as getting back with her 'husband' or not. It has just become a colossal pain, and I know that everyone is at the end of their rope.

I know there is nothing I can do about it. I can't make her grow up. I can't force Connie to throw her and the kids out. But that is what she needs at this point, she needs to be forced to live completely on her own, rather than leeching off Connie. I know she watches the kids for us, and for that I always say thanks. And we watch hers from time to time when she asks. But that is going to stop real damn soon because last night Kim & I found that 4 of our movies were gone from our DVD library, and the only person who could have remove them was one of her kids. So now, in addition to hiding the nicer of the kids toys when they come over, we will have to start watching our stuff. And that is just unacceptable.

This is rhetorical, because I know I cannot do anything about this, it is up to Connie to really put her foot down. So while advice is accepted, I can't expect this note to be anything other than catharsis for me.

Weekend Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So Kim ended up having a 4 day weekend so we had a full weekend for once. Which was really nice. We didn't really do anything dramatic as far as projects, but we did have some good down time and relaxation. We helped Connie get the cabinets for her kitchen, and got them moved in. We took the boys to the store so they could spend some of their money, which was burning a hole in James' pocket. And my family had their Winter Birthday combined birthday party, which was fun.

Connie had planned to get the rest of her cabinets for her kitchen but the events of the last couple of months had put that on hold. So Saturday Kim & I and the kids, along with Dennis & Megan picked up Connie and took her out to Lowe's to pick up the remaining cabinets. Then took them to her house and planned things out. Hopefully Dennis will be able to get them installed in the next couple of weeks. Her kitchen looks to be finally getting done.

James had some allowance money and Daniel had some Christmas money that they wanted to spend so we finally got them to the store. They each got a new Lego set. James was able to get his done on his own, while Kim & I put Daniel's together. It was quite fun to see them so excited about something.

My family has a number of birthdays in the December-January-February range. And since most of them are adults we usually just have a big combined party. Well I had actually forgotten about it until Dad called Sunday morning, because we had had the party for Dad & Alex already. Fortunately Dad did call and reminded me so we were able to get over there. It was a good time, the kids got some play time with the younger kids, and we had a chance to visit with some folks. I uploaded pictures to Picasa already.

Overall it was a very nice weekend. We both got a good chance to relax and get some rest. The boys got some good play time and some opportunity to play with other kids. Hopefully the rest will help with us having a better week.

Good visit

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So last night I had the good fortune to have dinner with a mini impromptu CSS gathering: Steve, Candy & Jane. And had a really good time. It was fun to get together with these people I interact with just about every day on Facebook, but almost never see face to face. It was a real good visit, with a variety of stories swapped, and catching up on what other people are doing etc.

This was the first of what I would call Facebook spurred events. That is people who either haven't seen each other in a long time or I really have never spoken to face to face, getting together. I was admittedly a little nervous at first, but it went so smoothly that I was really pleased.

It was interesting, because there was a gap in ages: Steve & Candy graduated 3 years ahead of me and Jane was 1 year ahead of me. So at least in high school these were people I never socialized with. But 20+ years later, with all of the High school baggage gone, and with the lubrication of daily interaction on Facebook, it was just a group of friends getting together. Talking about their kids, many shared memories etc. Lots of fun.

Thanks Candy for spurring things along, and I hope we can repeat these gatherings more frequently.

Amazing

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

This is one of the best (and saddest) essays Bill Simmons has written in the 6 or so years I have been reading his column:

Be prepared for some emotions

Misc. thoughts

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

1. Wishing my nephew David luck as he leaves today for Denmark where he will be a paid player coach for a professional football team there. I wish him all the luck in the world and hope he takes advantage of the fabulous opportunities that he is being presented.

2. Yesterday I typed a very angry, erratic post, which I decided not to post, about conservatives and government. I decided not to post it because it was too incoherent. I will sum up my thoughts with a blanket statement that one of my hopes of the change in D.C. is a change in culture where people stop being afraid of having government perform the jobs it once did: education, prisons, defense, transportation building. I think one of the sadder effects of the great Conservative movement has been the decline in the government being able to do it's own tasks, and instead for profit corporations have moved into areas where the profit margins are theoretically small, yet have become big due to the government overpaying.

3. I am quite proud and pleased to know that my country is now out of the torture business. I wish I could say this was something that concerned me on a daily basis, but I will admit it didn't. But in retrospect it was a bad thing. Our country is supposed to be a shining beacon of liberty and the rule of law, and we have not stood for that the last couple of years under the mistaken assumption that we had to sacrifice these principals in the name of security.

4. I got into a mini argument with a friend yesterday over a comment made by Rush Limbaugh. Rush had stated that he hoped Obama failed. He qualified the statement by stating that he hopes the liberal policies that Obama is planning fail. My response is that if this failure takes place it will be at a tremendous cost to this country, he is in effect hoping that our economy and security get worse than they already are. Now I know that there were people protesting Bush when he was elected. But I don't think for one minute that anyone other than the real left wing nut jobs wanted George III to fail after 9/11. We wanted him to protect our country.

It reminds me of when Reagan was shot, there were a lot of people who disagreed with his policies, but no one wanted an assassin to succeed in killing him. The problem is that Rush won't be penalized for this, his ratings will not go down, he will not be pushed to the rubbish heap along with the other discredited voices and critics from the extremes of both sides. Instead he will continue on, with his ditto heads echoing whatever drivel he spouts. And that more than anything is what ticks me off.

Weekend Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

What a nice 3 day weekend. I feel considerably more energized than I normally do at the beginning of the week. I did what I set out to do. I had some quality time with the kids, completed some projects, and the house is not worse for wear.

I took the boys to the Star Wars science demo at the library on Saturday. The boys got some time riding in the driveway, giving me a chance to assess James' ability to rid his bike. I taught James to play Risk, and he enjoyed it. The boys picked up the basement and their room.

Kim & I finished the kitchen project. Completely done now so we can take the paint materials back to the shed until we are ready for the next project. And I am satisfied with the end look.

NFL Comments

The Arizona Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl! What is next? The LA Clippers going to the NBA Finals? Is Kurt Warner just the savior of downtrodden NFL franchises? I was pleased with the outcome of the game. I like Warner, and if the Cardinals win it will validate the Rams to some extent since it is a divisional rival.

Rarely do I exclaim over hits made in an NFL game. It's part of the game. And I am more likely to comment over a great catch or run. But I saw 2 hits in the Ravens Steelers game that were just astounding. That was not a game for the squeamish. Those teams were just playing 100% flat out, no mercy. I am amazed that McGahee wasn't seriously injured by that last hit.

The interesting thing is that in both games there was a defining drive and in both cases it was the defining unit that made it. For the Cardinals it was that Touchdown drive, the nearly 8 minute drive that defined the team. And for the Steelers it was that drive for the Ravens ended by the Polamalu interception.

I am looking forward to the Super Bowl, although I am afraid the Steelers could win in a run away. I can hope the Cardinals will retain their momentum, but that so rarely happens in Super Bowls. And I think that the Steelers top to bottom are the better team.

Kitchen Project

 
 
 
 


Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

We completed the kitchen project last night while I watched the AFC championship game. Finishing the highlights around the window and the 2 entrance ways, plus the touch up where necessary. In addition I sprayed the face plates for the electrical sockets and light switches with Fleckstone and we put those back up. Kim & I are quite pleased with the overall job and look.

We learned some things doing this job. First, it was the first time we took the time to paint a coat of primer and I have to say that made a huge difference. It eliminated the need for a double coat on the main walls. So that was definitely worth the work. Second, painters tape is a big key, we are learning to use that more and more and it really helps with painting nice lines. Third, doing the cut out first is another big help, avoids some of the normal roller splash on the other surface.

There are other projects to do, but I think we can do a more satisfactory job with them now, as we get better and better. And it was a fun project to do really. We worked together, with each of use performing a task so we got it done and actually got some enjoyment out of it.

The pictures here are a sequence of shots from the start to the finish. So you can see where things were at the beginning and get a good idea of what it looks like at the end. There are more at my Picasa site under the Kitchen Work folder.

Just a relaxing day, until the end...

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So we had some relaxation time yesterday. hung out at the house all morning, went and had lunch with Kim, stopped at Ace to pick up some fleckstone that I am planning on using on the electrical face plates in the kitchen. Then it was home for Emily to nap and for me and the boys to do some bike riding. Then off to the library for the science demonstration/Star Wars demo. Then home, where the boys watched some movies while I picked up. Overall a pretty relaxing day, until the evening.

Then James got It in his head that he wasn't going to go play in his room or the basement, he had to be in the room with us. And of course we were trying to quietly watch some TV. And really no amount of asking nicely, ordering, yelling would get him to leave us alone, it was really odd. And of course since he wouldn't leave Daniel and Emily stayed in there too, resulting in lots of noise etc. When I put them to bed I asked James why he was so disobedient and he really couldn't answer. I told him that he's the leader, that Daniel and Emily follow his lead, so if he is obnoxious and not listening, they will be the same. I think he understood.

The bike riding time was a learning experience, Kim had already taken off the training wheels so we tried that for a while. But James just wasn't ready. After working with him I realized he just doesn't have pedaling down to where it is second nature, so he has to work on that. Which means his mind is trying to focus on moving the pedals instead of balancing. So I put the training wheels back, but raised them so eha can't rely on them as much. Now he just needs to spend a lot more time riding before we take the training wheels off again.

Misc. Friday thoughts

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

1. On changing schools: So the other night we were talking about the possibility of James changing schools. And during the conversation I realized that I went through a similar change myself at about the same age. I went from a free, relaxed, pace yourself kind of hippy school which I attended through 2nd grade, and switched to the standard, regimented, everyone sit in your desk, all desks in rows kind of class room. It was not fun, I had a real hard time adjusting. Something I need to be aware of if this happens. Daniel will probably not really notice the difference at his age so it won't be a big deal for him.

2. NFL Playoffs: Clearly I don't exactly have the Midas touch with my picks, the only one I got right was the easiest pick: Steelers over Chargers. Right now I am cheering for the Cardinals and Kurt Warner (go NFC West!) and the Steelers (just so they can get that 6th ring and get ahead of the Cowboys...). Either way I will sit back and enjoy the games, and look forward to the Super Bowl Party.

3. James had a play date (again don't like the idea or term, it feels like I am pimping out my child) yesterday, Daniel played for a while but it was pretty cold and he was tired so Kim took him home early. It went well, so I just need to keep these up. I told James that if there is someone he wants to play with to get Grandpa to get the parents phone number and I will make a plan. I think this is important to him right now, that he has some friends outside of family and neighbors to play with.

4. Walked the kids to school today, despite the chill. Daniel did OK, although he was kind of whimpering after he fell once. He is just so sensitive sometimes, I try to be gentle with him, but it is hard. Apparently he doesn't have a problem with other kids at school though, so I don't worry too much.

More Facebook evangelizing

Recently I experienced another mini immigration of folks to Facebook. Mostly some relatives. This seems to be a trend, every couple of weeks a few more people join up. Which is cool. I really enjoy having all of these acquaintances. And it is super convenient to see what is going on in some people's lives, and make connections. Like today James and Daniel are having a 'play date' (I really despise that term and concept but what are you gonna do?) with some kids from school that was arranged via Facebook. So how fitting that his happens the same day I find this article:


Everyone else is on Facebook. Why aren't you? - By Farhad Manjoo - Slate Magazine

This article covers just about every argument I have heard from the many people I know who aren't on Facebook. The 2 exceptions are people who aren't 'wired' like my wife and other members of my family who basically never touch a computer. And there are other people who just got fed up with all of the notifications and application requests. I think that is the easier one to defeat: just minimize what notifications you want to receive.

I know I can't control people who basically never touch a computer or e-mail, like Kim, or my mother in law or sister in law. Getting them to login to a computer is rare enough that any thought of something like Facebook is just foreign.

However, I have one friend who joined Facebook not long after I did, and then he ended his account. His reasoning was he got tired of all the notifications and application request etc. Well there are ways to minimize the intrusiveness of the notifications. And the application requests have actually declined considerable in the past year for some reason. So I don't really buy this argument. I think that if you want to keep in touch with someone, and you already communicate via e-mail then there is no reason not to join Facebook and link up with the same friends there. I am in much better contact with some people I would otherwise never hear from, like some of my cousins, I know what they are doing and what their life is like. And I can utilize it like a vast rolodex when I want as well.

Google and Facebook battle for your friends. - By Michael Agger - Slate Magazine

Most of this article deals with things most people don't care about. But it does bring up a very good point. As more and more of my friends come on to Facebook, and as I add new friends via Facebook connections, what happens if FB shuts down? Or if I change my environment, losing the daily connection of FB? Or if a group of friends moved to another network? All viable questions.

For now I will content myself with not worrying about it, and keep up the Facebook connections. And figure that the market and the smart people who run Google and Facebook will work these things out. Because the dream of the Google guy in this article is a good one, and it make sense from a marketing perspective as well as just a utopian dream. It makes sense, from all the sci-fi and cyberpunk fiction I have read that the idea of a 'digital identity' is an eventual result of all this technology

I have a plan

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So this weekend is a 3 day weekend for me and the boys, sadly Kim has to work every day (although she will be off at either 1:30 or 2:30). Sunday I will be watching football starting at 11 (it's the conference championships after all, not like preseason or something). But the weather does appear to be promising (for January at least). One of the things I feel we need to do is get out of the house, but not just to go shopping and then eat fast food. I want to get into a mode of spending more time outside with the kids. And while it is January I think there are things we can do so long as it's sunny.

So on Saturday I plan a trek to downtown, sign the boys up for swim lessons, go to the library, swing by my friends new store. We will do some walking, getting some mild exercise and breathing fresh air. Sunday morning, if the weather holds, I think I will take the kids down to West so Daniel can ride around the track on his tricycle, and I am contemplating taking the training wheels off James' bike. Kim used to be an avid biker, riding her bike all over town. And she made the comment last summer that she thinks it's horrible that her son doesn't know how to ride a bike. And while I am not Mr. Bike man I agree that he needs to learn, broaden his horizons a little. And since Kim has done nothing about it I propose to take the bull by the horns, as it were. Monday I plan to do more of the same if the weather holds.

So that's my plan for the weekend: get myself and the kids outside. Get some fresh air, and focus the weekend activities on them. Because last weekend we stayed inside pretty much the whole time, and the focus was on house projects. So they deserve it.

A Vivid Reminder

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So today one of my friends here at work mentioned how her husband returns from Iraq netxt Tuesday, the day of the Inaguration. And I thought to myself, what an auspicious day for him to return home to his wife and daughter whom he has not seen since her birth.

And this week I started reading a book called The Wrecking Crew, which has the very interesting premise that since the central premise of American Conservatism is oppostion to government, the logical response was for that movement to do it's level best to wreck the government fromthe inside while it was in control for the past 30 to 40 years (depending on who you want to count, and when you decide they took control). THis is an excellent book, and it's really a clarion call for the voters of this coutnry to stand up to the Conservaitves.

And last, while the parents are fighting a valiant fight, attending every important meeting, organizing letter and e-mail campaigns etc. to keep Buena Vista Elementary open (which I strongly support). I think that the campaign is doomed, we might keep the school off the chopping block for this year, but the bottom line is that barring a dramati reversal of the voting patterns in Colorado Springs, District 11 will have to close some schools.

All 3 of these things are reminders why I voted for Obama in November. And why I shall remain more politically attentive than in the past. And why I will do my best to keep other people involved in the process. Because if you want a picture of what the Conservative Republican ideal of a city is, and the consequences that must be paid to retain that ideal it is Colorado SPrings. And if there is hope in the election of Obama it is what that election, and his inspiration, can do for this country.

I love COlorado Springs, it is my home, I have lived here virtually all of my life. I have seen it go through some good times and some bad times. And I think that the bad times that the city is headed for is due to the incredible lack of foresight and mismanagment from decades of misrule by a city council firmly in the pockets of business and developers. And the fact that one of the largest school districts in the state is disintegrating before our eyes because it has no money or tax base is an example of the consequences I am talking about.

Weekend Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Another good weekend, had a relaxing Saturday, followed by a busy, but productive Sunday. The kids didn't get out much, not a lot of fun for them, but they handled it quite well really. The nice thing is that with the project out of the way next weekend we can do something fun for the 3 day weekend.

About a year or so ago Kim & I decided to paint the kitchen. We went to Home Depot, picked out some paint, got a book on painting techniques, bought some additional kitchen tools, the whole nine yards. Then life kind of took over, and we never got around to actually doing the painting. Well I decided that I wanted to host a Super Bowl party, and looking at the calendar, thought that we could get the kitchen done before then.

As usual Kim got us started early, and then pushed the project to get it done in 1 day, instead of 2 days, as I figured. But we were quite pleased with the results, it really is a different looking kitchen, I hope to post some pictures on Picasa tonight. The kids were very cooperative, allowing us to just get it done. Other than that the weekend was really quite relaxing, and the painting was actually kind of fun, Kim and I managed to get it done without any arguments, we already pretty much knew how we wanted it to go, so we just worked together and got it done.

NFL football

So my prediction pretty much went by the way side for 3 out of 4 games. Which is not a bad thing, since I don't gamble or anything. And since I really don't have my heart in it, no teams I dsilike or really like, I can just relax and enjoy the games. What I saw of the games I was impressed by the Cardinals, they really played well. I didn't watch much of the Ravens-Titans game, but from what I read it sounds like Tennessee basically blew the game. The GIants really just ran out of steam, I think they missed Plaxico more than people thought. And the Steelers did what I expected.

So he Broncos are hiring the young wunderkind from New England. There are questions: why an Offesneive coordinator when it is the Defense that needs work? Will the young guy get the attention of the players? Here's what I think Bowlen's thinking is:

1. Lightning will strike twice, and the Belichik magic will rub off on McDaniel
2. He already had a Defensive Coordinator under contract and didn't want to fire him
3. Since McDaniel is so young, he will be easier to control, and will not ask for extra authority.
4. Cutler and the other offensive players still need polishing, and since they are the key to the franchise future he needed a coach who could keep them improving.

If that all pans out then Bowlen looks like a genius. If not, then McDaniel won't be super expensive to fire.

As a Rams fan I am happy , because that means the Rams should hire a good defensive mind, instead of making the mistake of an offensive coordinator again.

Another working weekend day

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So yesterday was a relaxing day around the house. The kids and I just hung out while Kim was at work. I played around on the computer, finding a bunch of fun YouTube clips and posting the to Facebook. I got a little overboard on that process, but what the heck. Then we watched a movie, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, I am slowly watching movies in my DVD collection that are more cinematic, to see what they look like on the big screen. And this movie didn't disappoint, it looked great.

When Kim got home we ran to Home Depot, then Goodwill. We needed to pick up the last supplies we needed for painting the kitchen. I decided that I wanted to finally tackle that project this month, before the Super Bowl party (although the attendance doesn't look too promising for that). Then we grabbed an early dinner and home so I could watch the second playoff game while Kim and the boys played downstairs, computer and Playstation.

The plan for today is to get the patching and texturing done in the kitchen, basically get the kitchen ready for painting. So next weekend all we have to do is paint. We've only been planning this work for over a year now, what the heck. I might see if I can get the ice maker hooked up to the Refrigerator while we are at it. So just a domestic, relaxing day.

NFL Football

So I wasn't terribly surprised by the results of the Ravens-Titans game. From the sound of it Tennessee was just wrapped too tight, and made all the mistakes, while the Ravens just did their job. I watched the Cardinals-Panthers game and I was pleasantly surprised by that outcome. I still have a soft spot for Warner, since his heroics brought the Rams their one and only Super Bowl victory. I think the Cardinals defenses is just out scheming teams right now. I was really surprised by the Panthers, if I didn't know any better I could swear that Jake had money on the game, because he threw some really bad passes. As for today, I think the Giants take it, and the Steelers, setting up some interesting rematches in the conference championship games.

BCS Championship thoughts

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So congratulations Florida, great game last night. Tebow is just an amazing player, I haven't seen a college quarterback this dominant since Tommy Frazier for Nebraska back in the early 90's. Oklahoma can hold their heads high, especially their defense, which just got worn out at the end. Although once again I have the feeling Bob Stoops got out coached at the highest level.

It's nice to see that my predictions/thoughts were confirmed on how the game would play out. Forida's defense was just like nothing Oklahoma has had to face all year. These spread it out, chuck the ball all over offenses are pretty, and sexy, but if anything has been proven in the last couple of years it is that they can be stopped.

And one last comment for Florida:

Are you ready? Hell yes! Damn Right!
Hotty Toddy, Gosh almighty
Who in the hell are we - Hey
Flim Flam, Bim Bam
Ole Miss By Damn!

My Father the Hero

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

When I was a little boy I had heroes,
Like most little kids:
Jim West, James Bond, Batman,
My Dad

As I grew older, became a teenager,
My heroes changed as I changed:
Jim Morrison, Magic Johnson, Che Guevara,
My Dad

As time went by I grew up, became a man,
And again my heroes changed:
Ronald Reagan, Henry Rollins, Hunter S. Thompson,
My Dad

In time I got married, had kids of my own,
and once again my heroes changed:
Barack Obama, My wife, My kids,
My Dad

And now as he turns 70 I realize one thing,
I have changed, the world has changed,
My heroes have changed, save one,
The greatest hero of all:
My Dad

Back to school

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So the boys went back to school today. Some resistance from Daniel initially, but by the time we got to the school he was fine. I think Emily was a little curious about where her brothers were going and why she wasn't going with them, there will be some withdrawal there I am sure. But she got her own new thing today as she graduated to the new car seat, the forward facing one where she gets to actually sit up and see what is going on.

Things went well as far as getting the kids up, dressed, eating. The boys were basically ready to go by 7:30, which is kind of my goal. I want to avoid the mad rush, yelling etc that they are accustomed to in the mornings.

I would like to make Fridays a walk to school day, as I don't have to be at work until 9, so I would have time to walk them to school, then walk back and get Emily ready. That will be weather permitting of course. But it's a worthwhile goal and plan.

More football thoughts

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

College football

So I watched most of the Fiesta Bowl last night, I was torn by the final result. On the one hand I don't hate UT, and want the Big 12 to look good. On the other hand, if UT lost it might open the door for USC to get some votes in the final polls. But the one thing I was pleased about was that for the third time this bowl season one of these crazy productive Big 12 offenses ran into a real defense and got stuffed, at least to a certain extent. Because I really want Florida to win on Thursday night, and think they will. Because I don't think Oklahoma has not faced anything like an SEC defense and will discover what it's like. And Florida will get the joy of running against what passes for defense in the Big 12 this year. So the game last night will be a template for what we will see Thursday night. I think it will be similar to what happened when Florida got creamed by Nebraska in the 90's, or when Nebraska lost to Miami.

NFL Playoffs

It's relaxing not having a favorite or team I really dislike in the playoffs. I can just look at the teams, and enjoy the games. If there is one thing I think would be interesting would be if Tennessee had spent it's off week preparing some Vince Young packages, geared towards maximizing his athletic ability against the Ravens blitzes. That would be cool to see.

New Blog

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So I went ahead and created the New blog for my gaming stuff: Free Range Geek. That blog will not get as frequent updates (once or twice a week) and the posts will be focused on my 'geek' interests: gaming, Star Wars etc. I put a link on this blog to reference it, so you can see at a glance if there are updates.

Weekend Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Well we had a good weekend. Friday night we watched a movie: Hot Fuzz, surprisingly hilarious. Saturday I got the kids out of the house long enough to get the oil changed then it was quickly home to get out of the cold. Then Kim & began to lengthy process of cleaning out our back room in our basement. This ended up being a 2 day process but we managed to get the area much better organized and create room to move around again. We have a huge stack of stuff for a summer yard sale/donation. It is all part of the process of getting the basement under control and easier for the kids to play in.

Then Kim took the boys sledding and played in the snow for a couple of hours. Followed by some game time, playing Uno with the boys (including Daniel for the first time.) I was able to take a page from my own family history to explain to James that when he plays games with Daniel he has to make sure to play nice, in order to avoid giving Daniel the same experiences my brother and I experienced at the hands of our oldest brother. It was quite fun.

I think the boys had a good vacation. And I think they did a good job or adjusting to a no TV or video game schedule for the most part. There really wasn't much griping when I turned off the cartoons in the mornings. And while Daniel still wanted to play Playstation all day, I think he enjoyed his time overall. I think Emily will go through some withdrawals without the brothers around, but she'll adjust.

I managed to watch bits of all 4 NFL playoff games over the weekend. I was impressed by Arizona, not really having watched them all season. I wasn't all that surprised by the Sand Diego game unfortunately (or the Dolphins-Ravens). And Philadelphia did what it had to do. None of the games that I did watch made me think these teams are eventual Super Bowl champs however. I think Baltimore will have problems when they run into a more balanced offense. And San Diego can't ride the little man forever. At least America is spared the possibility of a Manning Super Bowl.

Misc. Saturday thoughts

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Facebook & Picasa

After seeing a few of my Facebook pals add their Flickr accounts to Facebook I said to myself: 'Self, I wonder if someone has done the same thing for Picasa, linking Picasa and Facebook?' So I did a quick search this AM and lo & behold, there it was! So now if you are on Facebook you can just go to my Profile, click on the Picasa Tab, and see all of my Picasa albums! Which makes it easier for my Facebook friends to see my Pictures, and it means I only have to perform one upload, instead of 2.

Another Blog

A few months back I had thrown out the idea of creating a second blog, at the time it would have been focused on politics. And my dedicated readers (Mom & Dad) both disliked the idea, so I discarded it. Well I think I am going to do another one, only this will be focused on my more 'geeky' interests. Like my ideas for a Role playing game setting. Or my Star Wars interests or miniature gaming. I haven't actually created it yet. I want to come up with a decent title, and link it everywhere etc. My plan is to only do weekly updates on it, because it will not be current event focused or family focused. I will post something when I do bring it online though.

Weekend plans

Gonna get the oil changed on Kim's car, other than that nothing real special. I imagine Kim will want to get some work done on the storage room in the basement. And I would like to get the banister in the stairs put up. But, otherwise no major plans. It's supposed to snow tonight and tomorrow, so we will likely be stuck in the house tomorrow anyway.

Back to work

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So, back to work for a day today, then the grind really begins again on Monday. We are changing up our schedule with the New Year. Kim will be going to work early, which means I get the later morning shift, with the fun of wrangling kids to school. Today was a dry run, getting the kids up, dressed and fed before dropping them off at Connie's on my way to work. It went OK, although Emily is used to sleeping later so it was straight from bed to car seat for her.

We'll see how the change goes, Kim says she will take over more of the dinner cooking, baths, etc. with this change. Since I get the joy of dealing with the young ones in the morning. Which shouldn't be that hard really, just have to get up early enough that I get all of my stuff done so I can focus on them and getting the boys to eat and get dressed. The problem is Kim isn't all that good at getting up early, so she was always ending up pressed for time.