More Baby Steps

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Trying to continue/maintain momentum on the health front. I see the Doctor next week for my physical, already mentally preparing for the inevitable lecture about weight etc. But I am trying to gear myself up by focusing on the walking. I decided that next week I will try to find a place I can drive to at lunchtime and get a decent walk/hike in, because to be honest the loop I do for a walk up here is boring and I am craving variety.

Today on my walk I came to a realization that the current economic situation may at least be good for the family health. It's a lot easier to eat better when you can't afford to eat out all the time. And a walk/hike is a heck of a lot cheaper than a trip to the store or a movie or entertainment center as far as weekend entertainment for the family. And exercise is a heck of a stress reliever. Gosh no wonder we went camping so much when I was a child (although I imagine that taking 6-7 kids ranging from 8 to 16 years old was it's own form of stress).

Yard plans, weekend thoughts, Malazan book of the fallen

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Touching on a number of topics here today that are bigger than a twitter comment but not large enough for a single post.

1. Yard plans

So with the rains and snow of the last couple of weeks the yard is starting to green up. Not with grass mind you. The damage from last year was too much for our poor grass lawn to overcome. But at least there is some ground cover to keep the strays from using the area for a litter box. I am contemplating attempting to transplant and grow some the lilacs to the front fence. There promises to be a lot of work in store for me as I try to restore the yard to respectability. But I think I can do it.

2. Weekend plans

I am already looking forward to the coming weekend. Saturday will be a full day but should be a fun time as we have swimming, soccer, then the Library. And a visit to Bargain Comics for Free Comic Book Day. Sunday I am not sure where we plan on going but I am looking forward to another hike/walk.

3. Toll the Hounds

Almost done with this book, book 8 in the saga. And it just an excellent read, just amazing to me how these books keep coming out and at number 8 are still consistently excellent. Anyone who likes Fantasy novels would be doing themselves a huge favor in picking up the series, they won't be disappointed.

Sports Talk

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Sometimes it's helpful to talk things out regarding sports. Today I talked through a realization of why I haven't really missed the NBA playoffs as much as I would have thought. It isn't so much that I have lost my love for watching basketball. And it isn't like my favorite teams have done something unforgivable like the Dodgers did for me and baseball. Instead it is a side product of how the game has changed.

I grew up loving and watching the Showtime Lakers. At the same time I watched other teams of that era with very defined personalities: Celtics (the fundamentals team), the Nuggets (shoot it at all costs), Pistons (basketball as conceived by a hockey player). To a certain extent the team's system overrode the personalities of the players. As the years have progressed that has died off. And the current NBA is not a game of systems, despite the fact that coaches have become superstars along with the players. It is a league of personalities. the teams are basically interchangeable based on the players. This playoffs we saw the likely end of the last 2 system teams: Pistons and Spurs. And even if the Lakers do win it all (which I doubt, I think the title belongs to Lebron James) it just won't feel the same.

Which brings me to why I like football more than any other sport. Because in football no one star dominates how your team plays. Sure if you have Peyton Manning you will focus on the passing game. But that doesn't reflect what your overall team personality is. Certain teams will always play and build their teams a certain way, no matter what. And that makes it more interesting as a fan, to see styles compete and contrast.

So when the NFL draft was on opposite NBA playoffs there was no question which thing I was going to watch: the draft. I liked how both of my teams drafted. I like the Rams solid, no frills draft, because they need to keep rebuilding a talent base. And I like the fact that the Broncos new leadership clearly has a plan and system and drafted players for that. Rather than just grabbing players who didn't really fit what they were doing. And questions like this are more interesting to me than if the Lakers win their playoff series right now.

Weekend Recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

All in all I would say a good weekend. James didn't necessarily complete the challenge I gave him, but he did have fun playing with the Lego's all weekend. Had a relaxing family movie night Friday night. Saturday swimming and soccer were good, although it was too cold for the younger ones so they played in the car. Sunday we got in a nice intro hike, then got in some real good work in Connie's yard. Ending with a relaxing evening with some spelling quizzes for James.

I had given James the challenge to construct something worthy of sending to Lego magazine on Thursday night. He came up with some interesting stuff, but mainly just battle scenes, not any single creating. But he had a lot of fun with it and that kept him occupied pretty much the entire time we were home.

I had wanted to do a decent walk on Sunday, and it was Kim's idea to go to Red Rocks canyon instead of just walking to the park. It was a nice little hike, the first time we had been up there. The kids did awfully well. Emily probably walked about half of it, and Daniel did the whole thing without any complaining. James got kind of bored, but that's okay, that just means we need to find things for him to focus on on hikes. Little science projects or contests that fire his competitive nature. I am really looking forward to making this a weekly thing once summer starts.

Now that Tammy has (more or less) moved out of Connie's house we all can start helping her get things done to get the house the way she wants it. So after lunch we met up with Dennis & Megan and got in some good cleaning in the back yard and got the gazebo put up for her. Which means that when she is in the kitchen and looks out in the back yard it won't be such a negative experience for her. Although there is a bunch of trash that needs to be hauled off but it was a good start. And it was therapeutic for her to kind of feel that she is moving forward, like getting the kitchen completed.

And the kids were all amazingly good the whole time we were over there. James and Daniel played just fine with each other and Brandon and the neighbor kid. And Emily was content to just follow her brothers around or just play on her own.

So it's another week, nothing really major on the horizon for now. James has a spelling test tomorrow, so we have been pounding away at him. He does well, although he does have some quirks that he needs to get stuck in his head. Although his reading is getting quite good. He was able to read pretty much all the signs on the hike yesterday, and he was trying to follow along with me when I read to him last night. Overall though, he is doing quite well in school.

 
 


Dear James, Daniel and Emily

We had a family movie night last night. Watched Adma Sandler's Bedtime stories, a cute little movie, with the requisite references in all Adam Sandler movies. At one point Emily crawled up on James and jumped on his back. The picture was too cute to pass up, so I took a couple of shots and thought I would post them up here.

Weekend plans + recapping some thoughts

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Plans
Nothing real big planned for the weekend, hopefully we will have 3 healthy children all weekend. The usual swim lessons/soccer game. But other than that nothing major planned. Maybe a hike/trip to the park on Sunday.

Kim had suggested possibly digging out and setting up the tent in the backyard, to see how big/small it is. She seems to think it is big enough for a family camp out, I have maintained that it would be too small for that. So if the weather cooperates we will maybe dig it out Saturday afternoon and set it up, not necessarily for a backyard camp out, but more as a test.

Sunday I want to take the kids to America the Beautiful park, and then either all walk home as a family, or at me and James walk home. Depending on the weather that plan may evolve, we'll see. This is part of my new goal of finding different free stuff to do on the weekends plus teaching James the joy of hikes plus working on my own exercise.

Politics
So this week I had thought about writing a long, heavy political diatribe about torture and gun rights. Especially in the light of all the many anniversaries that are marked in mid-April. But I finally decided not to. Realizing that I just don't have the emotional energy to write something like that, and then potentially spend time defending it. So in keeping with my attempt at down playing my political focus I decided to pass on it.

Sports
Last, I am very successful so far in keeping my sports addiction under control. Despite the fact that the NBA playoffs are now in full swing, with the Lakers one of the favorites to win it all, I have kept to my goal of not watching any games beyond some little drips and drabs. Plus this weekend is the NFL draft, and again I am keeping my interest reduced to what I can read online and in the paper, and have no plans to watch the actual draft coverage. Keeping it under control, that's the prevailing theme.

Finding that new preoccupation

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

I'll be honest, our lives (that is Kim & I) are centered/focused on our TV shows each week. Even with Tivo and Netflix we still set our schedules around following the shows and watching them every night. Well with the TV schedule ending for the season, and nothing really stepping up to take it's place that means it's time for us to find something else to do.

Normally about this time of year my focus in the past was the NBA playoffs. But I think I have conquered the attraction to a large extent. I will watch the end of games if they are close. But honestly it doesn't have the same attraction. (Just goes to show that when I finally reach the point where I can watch sports in HD is the time that I choose not to). So that is out as a preoccupation at night (plus Kim didn't really care enough about basketball to watch games with me anyway).

Last night we played some games, which is nice but I think we will want something more substantive for an every night plan. Although we always have Netflix movies to keep us occupied. The bottom line is that we will have to find something new to do at night after the kids go to bed. Which limits us to something around the house. We'll see. Might be a good time to learn some new 2 person games.

Heckuva weekend

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Health has returned to the Ruch household! It actually returned yesterday, just in time for a swim/birthday party for some kids friends. And it held the rest of the day as life gradually returned to normal along with the weather. And with the weather returning to 'normal' my mind is turning to fun things to do on the weekends.

We all had a good time at the pool. James had a real good time, especially once he realized that he could swim with the other kids. And Daniel enjoyed splashing around in his vest. Emily was not so excited, but that's okay. The pizza and cake afterwards was fun. And we had a little park time as well.

Once we got home and Kim got home it was time for some cleaning/picking up around the house. A little budget work as well. Then a quick thrown together dinner and off to bath and bed for the kids. And a movie for us, allowing us to clear all 3 Netflix movies over the space of the weekend. Amazing how many movies you can watch when you are stuck with sick kids, and the well has run dry of new series to watch/catch up on.

Yesterday afternoon I was perusing the trail map for the Pikes Peak Region that Dad gave me while back. And I was thinking of which trails to 'do' first with the kids. In addition to finding a way to get out and ride bikes this summer I want to get them in the habit of enjoying a nice hike/walk. Since I will be dealing with little kids the key element is finding a carrot. And then figuring out a way to get there. I had a flash of inspiration this morning on the way to work to figure out a way to take the city bus to the beginning of a trail, then walk the trail home. This would also accomplish a goal of getting the kids to realize that you don't have to take a car everywhere. We'll see how that works.

Weekend plans become fluid (in many ways)

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

The original plan for today was Daniel swim lesson, followed by James' soccer game, followed by Parris' birthday party, and maybe a shopping trip. These plans have all been overtaken by events.

First, the snow caused a postponement of Parris' birthday party and the movement of James' soccer game indoors. And to be honest I was not bothered by that. No more than I was bothered by the chance to stay home yesterday due to kid's snow day. So school and work were out of the picture and so was the birthday party.

That all began to change yesterday afternoon when James first started complaining that his tummy bothered him. This was followed by his throwing up all over the couch as we were watching a movie, and just as Kim got home. He actually started feeling better after that. So I figured that maybe lunch just didn't agree with him. Then after eating dinner his Tummy went south again, leading to his throwing up just before we were going to send him to bed (yay more puke to throw up!). But he began to settle down after that and seemed like he might be okay.

Then we got woken up at 1 by Daniel throwing up all over the place. 2 bouts of that to clean up, a quick aside, apparently after 3 kids Kim has a very hard time dealing with puke so it is up to me to do the cleaning now. So maybe it was a temporary thing, and maybe we could still do the swim lesson and soccer game. Until they both woke up feeling out of sorts, and complaining about their stomach's. That cinched it, I am afraid to give them any food right now, and there is no way I would expect them to swim and play soccer. So it is a day of nursing for me, keep giving them fluids, and keeping Emily away from them. The odd thing about this is there are really no other symptoms, just icky tummy, no fever to speak of. I just hope they are feeling well enough tomorrow to go to a friends birthday party at the swimming pool.

So the plans for the weekend so far have been cancelled, and here's hoping that only happens today, and Sunday we can resume life as scheduled.

Historic Photos of Colorado Springs (reviewed)

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So I got this book a month or so ago as a complimentary gift in exchange for reviewing it here. So here we go:

Historic Photos of Colorado Springs
Text and captions by Sharon Swint

I already have 2 similar books to this so another one seemed redundant at first. But this is an excellent addition rather than a rehash of what I already have. There are some new photos I didn't have. And it is a little more focused and better organized than the others.

My only problem is omission rather than what is in there. I was hoping that this book might contain some more recent photos. The older ones are great. But I would really like to see some more recent shots, like from the 1970's and 1980's. Like some shots of downtown when there were 3 movie theaters and people used to cruise Nevada Ave. Or some shots from when the Citadel Mall opened. This would be cool addition to the current picture books.

A couple of the shots that really stuck out for me:

Page 129 and the double page picture on pages 130 & 131
The Golden Cycle Mill complex off what is now highway 24. The big picture really provides an excellent illustration of how big that mill was. I have walked up there, seen the ruins, and of course grew up with the big smokestack, but never realized how bit that building really was.

Page 122
El Pomar interior
I have been puzzling and puzzling over this shot. I went to school in that building and I have been trying to identify which room this was. I am pretty sure it is the secondary room that we used as a library. This is what makes books like this fun. Do I remember this?

Overall this was a good book, and I welcome it as an addition to my collection. I will keep it in the living room to share with people who come over. For someone who is looking for an introduction to Colorado Springs history or just a refresher it would be a worthwhile purchase.

Some really interesting thoughts on taxes on Patriot Day

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Whilst arguing with some people on the inaccuracies and idiocy of the GOP wingnut Teabag protests I had to do some real research and came up with some very good sources and interesting information.

My theory was that people who are protesting high taxes are actually paying the lowest taxes they have paid in a really long time. So I first wanted to find a way to compare dollars, and found that the generally accepted method for determine the effect of inflation is the consumer price index of CPI. And here is a link to an excellent chart for CPI rates. My next step was to find tax tables for historical comparisons, which is very educational on it's own.

I have written before here about the difference between taxable income and real income and tax rates. Very simply for this post taxable income is income after all deductions and adjustments are made, but before any refundable deductions kick in. That is the number that a persons tax rate is based on.

So let's take a hypothetical taxable income of 100,000$ for a married couple (which is a decent amount, more than I make). In 1978 dollars that would be 34,300$, which would have landed you in the 39% tax bracket. In 1988 the equivalent would have been 59,400% which would have landed you in the 28% tax bracket. In 2008 that amount puts you in the 25% tax bracket. So taxes have not gone up, in fact the trend has been steadily downward since the end of the 1970's. So people in that bracket have no justification for complaining about taxes always getting higher.

So my friend that I am arguing with (who is not a wingnut BTW, just your normal conservative) said the real argument is that spending is increasing. If you look at the federal spending as a percentage of the Gross Domestic product (see here for lots of data) the percentage of spending compared to GDP has not changed much since 1968. With the current stimulus that will increase to 22-25%, which is higher. But as a Keynesian by preference I don't view that as a negative.

An interesting piece of information that can be gleaned from these charts is that the percentage of federal income from corporate taxes dropped in 1970 and haven't come close to returning to that number. So we the people, not corporations, have been footing a larger chunk of the bill for federal spending over the last 40 years. Why else do you think corporations have been funding lobbyists etc. to keep the anti-tax spiel going?

In short the media spin on taxes has become overwhelmingly one of all taxes must get lower, when they are at historic lows, and can't get much lower. And at a time when our economy needs more government help, not less, the last thing we should be complaining about is high taxes, when they realistically aren't high.

Trying to break free from the news cycle

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Last week while on furlough I made a conscious effort to not spend time on the web reading the news and news blogs. And it was really refreshing. I had gotten so caught up in the never ending cycle of ADD politics that I was feeling continually stressed by news and politics.

So when I returned to work this week I decided to try and make an effort to stay away from that cycle. It hasn't been easy, but I think it will improve my emotional well being. It is so easy to get swept up in the never ending news cycle, that you find yourself expecting instant action. Which fuels a feeling that the economy will instantly turn around this week, when reality is that it just doesn't work that way.

I will keep up with the news and current events. But I am planning on avoiding the news blogs and the endless cycle of complaints that accomplish nothing.

Friday Night Lights

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

The season is over. And the epilogue episode was good, with a nice little twist that I think carries a lot of potential for next season. There were a lot of teary farewells, and some other twists that weren't handled so well. Overall it was good, with lot's to think about and look forward to.

The big twist, which was kind of foreseen, was Joe McCoy using his money and connections to stab a large knife in Eric's back. Forcing his bought and paid for QB tutor into the head coaching job, in place of Eric. Eric has the option (and I am certain he will take it) to take over the football position at the newly reformed East Dillon High. Which sets up all kinds of subplots about rivalry with the McCoy driven Dillon High.

Of the changing relationships the one I thought that was handled best was between Landry and Tyra. His speech to end their argument where he really laid it out for her that he believes in her, and it is time for her to stop feeling sorry and believe in herself. It was so well done, and so dead on for the two characters that I definitely felt more than a little teary eyed.

The twist I didn't like was Matt apparently forsaking his goal of Art School and all that means for his future, in exchange for becoming a full time caretaker for his grandmother. His heart was in the right place, but that is one time when you just want him to not lead with his heart and realize that doing that will help no one in the long run, not him, not his grandmother, not Julie, not anyone. But Eric wasn't around to help him realize the truth.

I am so happy the show will be back next year, even if I have to wait until January to watch it. And I am already full of anticipation about what could happen. What sort of cast will they add as the poor struggling East Dillon team? And will we see a few mid-season departures a la Smash and Street?

Weekend recap

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

We had a good Easter overall. However, Emily is sick, she had a rough night Saturday night, throwing up at dinner, then not sleeping well all night. Then she threw up again Sunday morning, and was listless and running a fever all day. We took her with us to Dad's then Connie's but it fell to us to basically hold her the whole time. Daniel has his 4 year check up today so I arranged for the Dr. to see Emily at the same time, hopefully it is just another ear infection, and not Strep.

James and Daniel had a real good time though. Searching for eggs in the house when they got up, then again at Dad's. They got lots of good candy and some cool toys. And also made some money as well, so the Easter Bunny treated them well.

We went over to Connie's after Dad's house. Both as an Easter Dinner and as a birthday party for Tammy. Also, as I realized when we pulled up, to be there for Connie at a holiday so she doesn't spend it alone, thinking of Manny. It was a good time, the kids were very good (in contrast to their cousins). And then it was home to bed for a well deserved good nights sleep.

Overall it was a nice Easter. I hope to upload pictures from Easter and James' game tonight or tomorrow night. So look for those soon.

Catching Up

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

With Kim taking time off I haven't had as much time to just sit around on the computer. So here's a recap of a few highlights from the past couple of days:

1. Racquetball

Kim decided that she wanted to take advantage of our joint time off to go down and play some racquetball. We haven't played in quite a while. For a variety of reasons: my health issues (foot, neck wrist), time. So I agreed to play, and despite waking up with an odd, very intense pain in my toe I persevered. We got in 5 games (I won 4-1). But they were all very close. It was clear that we were both rusty and out of shape, but we had fun. Despite my taking a ball in my left eye (note to self, if we start playing more, have to get eye protection). The best part is that there is no residual pain in my wrist, feet or anywhere else.

2. Saturday mornings

These will be very busy for me the next 4 weeks. I have Daniel signed up for swim lessons at 10:30, then James' soccer is at 11:30. Today was the first weekend, and it helped that Kim was there. I was able to get a better sense of what to expect. Daniel continues to enjoy the swim lessons. And James' soccer game went quite well. It ended up 0-0, but there was a lot of good action, and James had a couple shots on goal. These will be mildly crazy the next couple of weeks, but I think it was good for Daniel to get to do his own thing while James does his thing.

3. Easter

Not being particularly religious Easter doesn't mean much other than a visit from the Easter bunny. We will die some eggs tonight. Then head over to Dad's tomorrow for an egg hunt and lunch. Then over to Connie's for a combo Easter/Tammy Bday party after that.

4. Furlough

So hopefully the last of the furloughs is done for me. Back to work as normal next week. This was the productive as far as actually doing something. But I had the opportunity to spend more time with the kids and especially with Kim as she took a couple of days off as well. So it was nice. But to be honest, I am ready to return to a normal work schedule next week. There is something to be said for taking time off on your own terms rather than sick time or company enforced time.

Happy Birthday T

 


Happy Birthday Tammy!

Have a happy birthday Aunt Tammy from James, Daniel, Emily.

Daniel's birthday party

 
 
 
 


Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

So Daniel's birthday is past and I think it was quite successful. He seemed genuinely happy, if a bit bemused, by being the center of attention. We had a mini party Friday night for just the family with home made pizza and cupcakes. The first couple of shots are from that. Emily especially enjoyed the cupcakes.

Sunday we had the big party. The house and yard were full of kids ranging in age from 18 months to 16 years old. The final count was 19 total kids. The trampoline got a serious work out (as you can see from one of these shots). And the dining room was full to overflowing for the cake and candles.

With so many people, in particular so many kids, we made the decision to not try and have him handle all the presents at once, he did them kind of piece by piece. And he has enjoyed all of them so far. And some other folks had a good time with them as well.

So on behalf of Daniel thanks to all who came, he enjoyed your coming to the party and making it a success. And thanks for all of the presents, he has enjoyed each and everyone so far.

With a large family it is not every day we get to make one of the kids feel so special, and for Daniel being the middle child has meant he has felt the full brunt of that. However he got that this weekend and I think he genuinely felt very good about it.

Friday Night Lights

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

Very strong episode last night. Caught myself getting a little teary eyed a few times. The episode wasn't so much about different stories this week. It was more about how much it meant for the team to get to State. And how much the main characters have grown in the past 2 years (3 seasons). And the sub plot about the McCoys aided that plot line.

One of the great stories was about Tyra, and Landry. Tyra was working on her college essay and Landry ended up helping her. And the way that developed, and the way the final product came out was just outstanding. When you have a show, any show, with growing kids in it you have to deal with the fact that they are growing up. You can choose to ignore it (which is how sitcoms normally handle it). Or you address it. And one of the things that FNL did in this episode was point out how much they have had the characters grow and change. And Tyra is a prime example. One of the first stories about her was her getting picked up in a diner by some sleazy salesman with a story of 'I'll get you out of here'. And now she is the strong, mostly self assured young woman.

They chose a very interesting tack to deal with the same thing with Matt. His grandmother walks in on him discussing going to art school with his Mom. At first she freaks out a little and pulls the traditional fear driven: 'you can't go there and leave me, who would care for me?'. But later on she is talking with Julie and in a lucid moment start to realize the Matt has grown up, and does want to be an artist. And makes the statement that she doesn't want to hold him back. Again there is a realization that Matt is and has grown up.

The McCoy story is a splendid counter point. Eric and Tammy realize that they have to call DHS to report a parent striking their child. And the resultant fall out shows J.D.'s immaturity, he is just a scared freshman after all. And also Joe's immaturity as well, he's not going to let Eric get away with this humiliation.

Which of course leads into what happens at State. J.D. displays his youth and inexperience with how he handles pressure. Leading to 2 big interceptions returned for touchdowns, resulting in a big halt time deficit. And Eric turns to his Senior leaders: Matt and Riggins (with some help from Landry). And they lead a magnificent comeback to take the lead. Only to have the game snatched away with a last second field goal.

One of the comments Kim made at the end was: "one of the things about this show is they don't always win". And this is so true and what makes the show so outstanding. Because then the people have to deal with the reality of you can't win them all. But you can learn from adversity and grow. And that is what this episode was all about: growth.

Of course there will be repercussions from the failure to win (although no one thought they would) and the benching of J.D.. You can be sure that Joe McCoy won't let his humiliation (which he brought on himself) and his son's humiliation (again brought on himself) go unpunished. It should be interesting how it all turns out.

Happy 4th Birthday Daniel!

Happy Happy Birthday to my Smiling Little Man!

Hard to believe it's been 4 years already. Seems like just yesterday we were in the hospital room when James came jumping in all sugared up on doughnuts, wearing his new 'I'm the Big Brother' shirt. Daniel has always been one of my great joys, mister ever present smile and go with it attitude. All of my kids have such different personalities and Daniel has always been the happy go lucky easy going one. So wishing my smiling man a special and happy birthday!

Random thoughts while waiting to take kids to school

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

2 hour delay today. So I am going in late to work so I can drop James off then the young ones to Tammy.

1. Looking forward to another week off. I know the furloughs were a pain in one sense, and they chewed up my saved vacation time. Which meant no big summer vacation this year. But it has been nice to give the kids a break from their usual child care. And I have gotten some things done around the house that I might not have otherwise. Next week I am hoping to settle summer child care plans. And get some yard projects done. Plus finish transferring the Clone Wars to DVD.

2. James had his first soccer practice last night. Kim reported that this will be very different: it was basically all drills, not just endless scrimmage. But apparently James is not the smallest kid out there, which is unexpected. I think the drills will be good, he need to get some fundamentals in. But he needs to work on his shot, specifically it apparently isn't very strong. So we will have to start taking some time to either set up the goal here at home or take a walk to the middle school and have him start practicing shots. All of his games will be at 11:30 on Saturdays, which means it shouldn't be too hard to combine swim lessons for Daniel with James' soccer.

3. I finally returned to reading some fiction this week (Book 8 in the fall of Malazan series). And that has helped my outlook a little. Reading a liberal diatribe on politics at the same time that I spend much of the day browsing liberal and progressive web sites does not lead to relaxed view of the world. I was getting a little too tensed and stressed about politics last week. There's a lot to get angry and worried about out there, and it is very easy to fall into the trap of focusing on it.

Jay Cutler can ride his river of tears all the way out of town

Dear James, Daniel and Emily,

As you might have guessed this will be a sports post. This is the type of thing that turns people off from professional sports. When a 25 year old millionaire demands to change companies in the middle of a recession because his feelings were hurt he should not expect any sympathy. The fans who pay his salary through ticket and merchandise sales don't have the option of just leaving there jobs when their boss hurts their feelings.

This just makes me angrier than I can recall since the Baseball strike. It will be much easier to relax my football/Broncos obsession in the face of this news. I do not anticipate being all that fired up to watch football now, and certainly care less if the Broncos win or lose.

There are no winners in this.