Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
I just came in from my daily 1.5 mile walk, today in the freezing cold and wind. And I decided that reaffirmed a) my dedication to getting fit and, b) I am really getting into the habit of daily exercise. Which caused me to ponder why I am doing this. This morning I had an epiphany of sorts as far as why I am doing this exercise/eating change: it is so I can be a better father. I want to feel better physically, and be healthier in general, but the thing that really drives me in this is a desire to be a better dad, and part of that is being physically active so I can play games etc, have more energy and so on. So yes, it is about me, being selfish about being there for the kids and being able to be a part of their lives.
TV Thoughts
Mad Men
Wow, what an episode! Betty just handled that perfectly, like an expert prosecutor. And Jon Hamm did a great job of showing how a Don Draper would react to knowing that his deepest darkest secrets and shameful deeds were exposed. This wasn't like Pete tried to expose Don to Bert Cooper, there was an audience of sorts then, this was vastly different. And this was one of the few episodes where I actually Liked Roger, thought he did the right thing, and just handled that situation perfectly.
And poor Joan, she gets up the nerve to get her poor sap of a husband to wake up and do right by her, like she expected when they got married. And he turns her into an Army wife! It's just another turn in that cycle, although maybe Roger will rescue her...
Just a fascinating show, keeps me on my toes every week.
Heroes
I know I said the show was dead to me but I was watching some of it with Kim this week. And it just continues to be horrible, no good, very bad. I don't give a damn about any of the characters, even Sylar is boring as boring can be. Even the underplayed sexual tension with Claire fails to grab my attention (and that means a lot).
Family
So I have the next 2 days off, which totals up to a 4 day weekend. So I might be off the radar a bit. I have pledged to avoid talk of work for the next couple of days as much as possible, along with Kim. We'll try to have some cheap fun with the boys and enjoy the time as much as possible. So the only real update will be on the Loopt feed.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Happy Birthday Emily
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY MAE!It seems like just last night that Kim woke me up with the declaration: "Just like the other kids!" Which was her way of announcing that her water had just broke. So off to the hospital and a few hours later there you were, little Emily Mae.
What a wonder and a joy you have been! And what an education too! You certainly have your very own unique girl personality, for better or worse. It's been a wonderful 2 years, and I look forward to all the many more!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Weekend Recap + Football thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Overall a good weekend, albeit somewhat stressful as we continue to play the waiting game on the strike news. The Daddy hours went okay, I enjoyed the time at least, and I think the boys did too. I overindulged in football on Saturday, but basically watched none on Sunday (bye weeks will do that). We got to watch a couple of movies and otherwise just relax in the evenings, which was nice.
Daddy hours
James and I attempted to play some Bakugan first, but I don't think we did it right so we stopped fairly quickly. Then we sat down and played a couple of games of Othello. James seemed to enjoy playing a new game, he took to it fairly well, although he had a harder time grasping the strategy, so he actually played worse after I explained it to him. Daniel and I took advantage of the nice weather and played/wrestled on the trampoline for our time, which also neatly doubled as my work out for the day. I know James would have liked more time, but it was nice none the less. And I know Daniel enjoyed our time. So I think this will be something I keep moving forward with.
The boys cannot complain we didn't focus on them in general this weekend as we took them to Fall Carnival on Friday night, then to a friends birthday party on Sunday. They had a good time at both. Although the birthday party was a little chaotic, we pitched in to wrangle the kids, it gets tough to handle 8-12 active boys in the 4-9 age range. But that just comes with the territory and helps remind us all why we aren't teachers...
Football Thoughts
CU Buffs
Well if I had a toe on the bandwagon it sure jumped off real damn quick after this weekend. I didn't watch or listen to the game, but from the recaps all I can think is that someone needs to put Coach Hawkins on notice for next year that there needs to be some improvement. Why exactly was Cody in the game when h threw the 2 interceptions? I watched bits of the Iowa State-Nebraska game and all I can say is all that won that game was tough defense and mistake free offense. Why can't we play that simple formula? Arrgh, it is a tough year for Colorado football at the college level that's for sure.
Ole Miss Rebels
We got the home win against Arkansas that we needed. Now it just remains to keep the momentum from the last 2 weeks going when we play this week. I worry a little about Snead throwing 2 interceptions, but at least he also got 2 scores and we moved the ball, to complement the defense. Considering 1 of the Arkansas scores came on a fluke play I think the defense is where it needs to be as the schedule shifts.
St. Louis Rams
Once again we were reminded of exactly how far the Rams have to go before they can even get respectable again in the NFL. A ridiculously low talent level, plus some occasional poor coaching/management decisions. I know it is a rebuilding year, and the Colts are one of the top teams in the NFL, but is it too much to ask them to put up a fight? I still think that a franchise QB should be the top priority in the draft, because a top QB can make average receivers look good.
Overall a good weekend, albeit somewhat stressful as we continue to play the waiting game on the strike news. The Daddy hours went okay, I enjoyed the time at least, and I think the boys did too. I overindulged in football on Saturday, but basically watched none on Sunday (bye weeks will do that). We got to watch a couple of movies and otherwise just relax in the evenings, which was nice.
Daddy hours
James and I attempted to play some Bakugan first, but I don't think we did it right so we stopped fairly quickly. Then we sat down and played a couple of games of Othello. James seemed to enjoy playing a new game, he took to it fairly well, although he had a harder time grasping the strategy, so he actually played worse after I explained it to him. Daniel and I took advantage of the nice weather and played/wrestled on the trampoline for our time, which also neatly doubled as my work out for the day. I know James would have liked more time, but it was nice none the less. And I know Daniel enjoyed our time. So I think this will be something I keep moving forward with.
The boys cannot complain we didn't focus on them in general this weekend as we took them to Fall Carnival on Friday night, then to a friends birthday party on Sunday. They had a good time at both. Although the birthday party was a little chaotic, we pitched in to wrangle the kids, it gets tough to handle 8-12 active boys in the 4-9 age range. But that just comes with the territory and helps remind us all why we aren't teachers...
Football Thoughts
CU Buffs
Well if I had a toe on the bandwagon it sure jumped off real damn quick after this weekend. I didn't watch or listen to the game, but from the recaps all I can think is that someone needs to put Coach Hawkins on notice for next year that there needs to be some improvement. Why exactly was Cody in the game when h threw the 2 interceptions? I watched bits of the Iowa State-Nebraska game and all I can say is all that won that game was tough defense and mistake free offense. Why can't we play that simple formula? Arrgh, it is a tough year for Colorado football at the college level that's for sure.
Ole Miss Rebels
We got the home win against Arkansas that we needed. Now it just remains to keep the momentum from the last 2 weeks going when we play this week. I worry a little about Snead throwing 2 interceptions, but at least he also got 2 scores and we moved the ball, to complement the defense. Considering 1 of the Arkansas scores came on a fluke play I think the defense is where it needs to be as the schedule shifts.
St. Louis Rams
Once again we were reminded of exactly how far the Rams have to go before they can even get respectable again in the NFL. A ridiculously low talent level, plus some occasional poor coaching/management decisions. I know it is a rebuilding year, and the Colts are one of the top teams in the NFL, but is it too much to ask them to put up a fight? I still think that a franchise QB should be the top priority in the draft, because a top QB can make average receivers look good.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Weekend Plans + Football Friday + TV Thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
So much to talk about today. While it isn't official yet it appears that the strike/lockout will occur any day now. Which of course has set me on a stress filled binge of anger the second half of the week. Coupled with extra work at week due to some people being out ill this week has not ended well. I am very ready for the weekend, and next week is a short week for me, so I've got that going for me. Tomorrow I will try to implement my Daddy Hours with James and Daniel. Sunday is another child's birthday party (not one of ours, a friend from school). But otherwise it should be a relatively relaxed weekend.
Football Friday
Colorado Buffaloes
Well Hansen mania may be upon us if the Buffs can pull off another big victory. I'm not holding my breath of course, I am not 100% convinced we have turned the corner. But if we do win, and put together a string of victories the big question facing the coaching staff is why didn't they make the change earlier? But I think they would rather have that question than another lost season in the never ending rebuilding phase.
Ole Miss
Aside from this embarrassing development the only thing that has really bothered me this year about the Rebs was almost predictable when you lose a top 10 First round offensive tackle to the NFL. They just don't have the offensive line strength they had last year which is really killing Snead. I can hope that they use another Arkansas game as a spring board to another big run. I don't know though if they can get their act together offensively this quickly, but I will hope that they can use home field to at least beat the Hogs and get some momentum for the end of the season.
St. Louis Rams
Wow, the Colts this week. Talk about potential for a beat down of epic proportions. I think one of the funnier things I read about this game was when Peter King said that if Manning has a really bad game that he will cease all mentions of Starbucks and Red Sox in his column, if that isn't motivation enough I don't know what it will take... The other humorous thing was when they had an article in the St. Louis paper asking the columnists which college Quarterback they would draft and almost to a man (or woman) they all said they wouldn't draft a quarterback. Of all the weeks, facing the Colts and Peyton Manning should be a reminder about how much a franchise quarterback can do for your team, no matter how bad he might be at the start. A franchise quarterback is just huge when you are in total rebuilding mode like the Rams.
TV Thoughts
Finally caught up on Mad Men, House, NCIS etc. for the week. Here's some quick thoughts:
Mad Men
If there's any one thing Mad Men does, it never fails to make sure that people realize that for all of his cool and suave attitude Don Draper is at heart a real bastard. I really liked most of this weeks episode and find myself really interested in how things end up, will Betty figure out a way to make Don really pay, or will she end up making yet another Devil's compromise in the face of the ever persuasive Don? And just how will he escape, or will he just cut and run on everything, return to being Dick Whitman and run off to California to start over?
House
I liked the PotW, and how the little mystery of Wilson and his old girlfriend worked out. But I am less than interested in what happens with Chase, I would almost rather deal with Foreteen again (almost).
NCIS
With the exception of the Simpsons I pretty much universally dislike Halloween episodes like this one. I find them even more contrived than normal. This weeks episode was interesting, but still would rather have to deal with a normal week than this.
NCIS: LA
This show is really starting to grow on me. The chemistry of Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J is very good. And Heddy is just cool. I also really like that this show deal with very different cases than the regular NCIS. This one is a lot more spy action thriller, like fighting an international assassin. And there is a different emphasis in terms of less crime fighting an more action and high tech spy gadgets. Which makes it very cool, instead of following the model used in the regular NCIS.
So much to talk about today. While it isn't official yet it appears that the strike/lockout will occur any day now. Which of course has set me on a stress filled binge of anger the second half of the week. Coupled with extra work at week due to some people being out ill this week has not ended well. I am very ready for the weekend, and next week is a short week for me, so I've got that going for me. Tomorrow I will try to implement my Daddy Hours with James and Daniel. Sunday is another child's birthday party (not one of ours, a friend from school). But otherwise it should be a relatively relaxed weekend.
Football Friday
Colorado Buffaloes
Well Hansen mania may be upon us if the Buffs can pull off another big victory. I'm not holding my breath of course, I am not 100% convinced we have turned the corner. But if we do win, and put together a string of victories the big question facing the coaching staff is why didn't they make the change earlier? But I think they would rather have that question than another lost season in the never ending rebuilding phase.
Ole Miss
Aside from this embarrassing development the only thing that has really bothered me this year about the Rebs was almost predictable when you lose a top 10 First round offensive tackle to the NFL. They just don't have the offensive line strength they had last year which is really killing Snead. I can hope that they use another Arkansas game as a spring board to another big run. I don't know though if they can get their act together offensively this quickly, but I will hope that they can use home field to at least beat the Hogs and get some momentum for the end of the season.
St. Louis Rams
Wow, the Colts this week. Talk about potential for a beat down of epic proportions. I think one of the funnier things I read about this game was when Peter King said that if Manning has a really bad game that he will cease all mentions of Starbucks and Red Sox in his column, if that isn't motivation enough I don't know what it will take... The other humorous thing was when they had an article in the St. Louis paper asking the columnists which college Quarterback they would draft and almost to a man (or woman) they all said they wouldn't draft a quarterback. Of all the weeks, facing the Colts and Peyton Manning should be a reminder about how much a franchise quarterback can do for your team, no matter how bad he might be at the start. A franchise quarterback is just huge when you are in total rebuilding mode like the Rams.
TV Thoughts
Finally caught up on Mad Men, House, NCIS etc. for the week. Here's some quick thoughts:
Mad Men
If there's any one thing Mad Men does, it never fails to make sure that people realize that for all of his cool and suave attitude Don Draper is at heart a real bastard. I really liked most of this weeks episode and find myself really interested in how things end up, will Betty figure out a way to make Don really pay, or will she end up making yet another Devil's compromise in the face of the ever persuasive Don? And just how will he escape, or will he just cut and run on everything, return to being Dick Whitman and run off to California to start over?
House
I liked the PotW, and how the little mystery of Wilson and his old girlfriend worked out. But I am less than interested in what happens with Chase, I would almost rather deal with Foreteen again (almost).
NCIS
With the exception of the Simpsons I pretty much universally dislike Halloween episodes like this one. I find them even more contrived than normal. This weeks episode was interesting, but still would rather have to deal with a normal week than this.
NCIS: LA
This show is really starting to grow on me. The chemistry of Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J is very good. And Heddy is just cool. I also really like that this show deal with very different cases than the regular NCIS. This one is a lot more spy action thriller, like fighting an international assassin. And there is a different emphasis in terms of less crime fighting an more action and high tech spy gadgets. Which makes it very cool, instead of following the model used in the regular NCIS.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Tuesday Thoughts + Football Thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Feeling good about the start to the week as far as exercise & diet (of course it's only Tuesday...). Still kinda giddy from the Bronco game last night. Got a couple of good nights sleep so now feeling like I have fought off the plague for now. Looking forward to establishing the new weekend routine this coming weekend.
Football
Denver Broncos
Wow, as one guy I was talking to on Sunday said, I am officially ready to start drinking the kool aid and thinking we might actually make some big noise this year. How cool was that game? And how cool is it to hear the ESPN analysts mentioning the Broncos and Patriots and Broncos in the same breath when it's complimentary instead of comparing good v. bad? Here are my tweets from last nights game:
Walk done, time to watch the #Broncos game!
Maybe the #Broncos shouldn't blitz quite so freely or else this could be a long long night...
95 yards to the house for Royal, now that's what I'm talking about for the #Broncos
I'm not sure what the defensive scheme is for the #Broncos, but they had better make some adjustments...
Holy cow what a night for Royal already 2 TD returns for the #Broncos
Big 2 minute drill for Orton and #Broncos, get a score here and it's huge.
That was some horrid play at the end of the half for the #Broncos, why kick to Sproles? Still anyones game if we adjust on Defense
Time to do some channel jumping between #Broncos and #Big Bang Theory
Great #BigBangTheory, thank you @wilw, back to #Broncos, oh look we have the lead!
You can't stop Scheffler, you can only hope to control him for the #Broncos, big challenge here...
Let's not get too relaxed on Defense and get this one done #Broncos
That's it, time to crack open the kool-aid for your 6-0 unbeaten Denver #Broncos
Go #Broncos, do you believe it now? 6-0 and undefeated!
So that is the story of the season in a capsule so far, maybe not starting sharp, but keeping it close, bending but not breaking. Then a couple of big plays, followed by the masterful half time adjustments and boom! Next thing you know we have the lead! And it's never the same player or players. 2 weeks ago it was run game, then a couple of big plays by Marshall. Then against the Patriots it was the Royal and Marshall show. Last night it was Scheffler who shined. If there was ever one thing about the Patriots in their big run that I admired was the way that the team played smart, and it was never the same guys who made the difference. Which made it hard to game plan. And the same thing has happened so far for the Broncos.
Feeling good about the start to the week as far as exercise & diet (of course it's only Tuesday...). Still kinda giddy from the Bronco game last night. Got a couple of good nights sleep so now feeling like I have fought off the plague for now. Looking forward to establishing the new weekend routine this coming weekend.
Football
Denver Broncos
Wow, as one guy I was talking to on Sunday said, I am officially ready to start drinking the kool aid and thinking we might actually make some big noise this year. How cool was that game? And how cool is it to hear the ESPN analysts mentioning the Broncos and Patriots and Broncos in the same breath when it's complimentary instead of comparing good v. bad? Here are my tweets from last nights game:
Walk done, time to watch the #Broncos game!
Maybe the #Broncos shouldn't blitz quite so freely or else this could be a long long night...
95 yards to the house for Royal, now that's what I'm talking about for the #Broncos
I'm not sure what the defensive scheme is for the #Broncos, but they had better make some adjustments...
Holy cow what a night for Royal already 2 TD returns for the #Broncos
Big 2 minute drill for Orton and #Broncos, get a score here and it's huge.
That was some horrid play at the end of the half for the #Broncos, why kick to Sproles? Still anyones game if we adjust on Defense
Time to do some channel jumping between #Broncos and #Big Bang Theory
Great #BigBangTheory, thank you @wilw, back to #Broncos, oh look we have the lead!
You can't stop Scheffler, you can only hope to control him for the #Broncos, big challenge here...
Let's not get too relaxed on Defense and get this one done #Broncos
That's it, time to crack open the kool-aid for your 6-0 unbeaten Denver #Broncos
Go #Broncos, do you believe it now? 6-0 and undefeated!
So that is the story of the season in a capsule so far, maybe not starting sharp, but keeping it close, bending but not breaking. Then a couple of big plays, followed by the masterful half time adjustments and boom! Next thing you know we have the lead! And it's never the same player or players. 2 weeks ago it was run game, then a couple of big plays by Marshall. Then against the Patriots it was the Royal and Marshall show. Last night it was Scheffler who shined. If there was ever one thing about the Patriots in their big run that I admired was the way that the team played smart, and it was never the same guys who made the difference. Which made it hard to game plan. And the same thing has happened so far for the Broncos.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Weekend Recap + Football thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Weekend Recap
Another good weekend, with Kim off both days again, I could get used to seeing my wife for 2 days in a row... oh well. The last day of soccer went well, with the addition of a stop at the library. We had a good time at a friends party Saturday night. Then James' Lego party went very well, followed by a neighborhood party. Over all it was an excellent weekend, in keeping with the weather (got to wear shorts 2 days in a row again!.
The boys soccer season ended on a high note as Daniel again played well and had a good time. He still isn't as excited about playing soccer as James, but he enjoyed himself. James ended with a double header and they were able to complete the season undefeated, with a tie in the last game, a game they would have won save for the exhaustion of playing a double header. But it was a good season. And a good way to end as I think James will move up another level next season (assuming he wants to keep playing).
Saturday afternoon we went over to our friend Angela's for a pumpkin carving party/ pot luck. Which was fun, the kids had a good time racing around playing with the other kids their age. Carving the pumpkins was fun for all ages. And I got to enjoy a little pickup football/catch as well. One of the side benefits of all these kids getting older is I get a new group of kids to play football with...
Sunday was all about James' Lego party. Getting the house picked up, baking and decorating the cake. Then the party itself went well, with the kids who were able to attend having a good time. James just has a good group of kids to pal around with in the neighborhood and through soccer. It will be interesting to watch as they grow up together in the coming years. One of the parents was commenting on how this year and next summer there will be a lot more interaction as the kids all get more mobile and independent.
We then topped the day off by going to the neighborhood family barbecue. Which is usually fun for the kids as they get to race around with other kids. And there was good food again (as usual). So lots of fun and a very social weekend for us. October is usually very good for that, gets us out of the house and forces us to be social, which is not a bad thing.
Football Thoughts
Well College football treated me well. I got home in time to watch CU score the winning TD and then hold on for dear life in the face of the KU offensive juggernaut. Ole Miss pounded UAB as expected. Plus the hopes for a possible USC-Florida national championship are still alive. And of course Nebraska got pounded, which is some serious icing on the cake.
The Rams put up a valiant fight before losing in Overtime. I think they might actually pull out a game or 2 at some point this season as they get a little better each week. And of course tonight is the big game for the Broncos. Which has the added bonus of a reason to not watch Heroes.
Exercise
Well the week of laziness is over, back to regular walks and diet this week. Didn't do too much damage but feeling the lack of exercise. I sill don't know how I am going to resume the Couch to 5K workouts though with it getting dark so early. But if I can at least get in some walks every day and then maybe get to the Y for some treadmill work I should be getting my fair share.
Weekend Recap
Another good weekend, with Kim off both days again, I could get used to seeing my wife for 2 days in a row... oh well. The last day of soccer went well, with the addition of a stop at the library. We had a good time at a friends party Saturday night. Then James' Lego party went very well, followed by a neighborhood party. Over all it was an excellent weekend, in keeping with the weather (got to wear shorts 2 days in a row again!.
The boys soccer season ended on a high note as Daniel again played well and had a good time. He still isn't as excited about playing soccer as James, but he enjoyed himself. James ended with a double header and they were able to complete the season undefeated, with a tie in the last game, a game they would have won save for the exhaustion of playing a double header. But it was a good season. And a good way to end as I think James will move up another level next season (assuming he wants to keep playing).
Saturday afternoon we went over to our friend Angela's for a pumpkin carving party/ pot luck. Which was fun, the kids had a good time racing around playing with the other kids their age. Carving the pumpkins was fun for all ages. And I got to enjoy a little pickup football/catch as well. One of the side benefits of all these kids getting older is I get a new group of kids to play football with...
Sunday was all about James' Lego party. Getting the house picked up, baking and decorating the cake. Then the party itself went well, with the kids who were able to attend having a good time. James just has a good group of kids to pal around with in the neighborhood and through soccer. It will be interesting to watch as they grow up together in the coming years. One of the parents was commenting on how this year and next summer there will be a lot more interaction as the kids all get more mobile and independent.
We then topped the day off by going to the neighborhood family barbecue. Which is usually fun for the kids as they get to race around with other kids. And there was good food again (as usual). So lots of fun and a very social weekend for us. October is usually very good for that, gets us out of the house and forces us to be social, which is not a bad thing.
Football Thoughts
Well College football treated me well. I got home in time to watch CU score the winning TD and then hold on for dear life in the face of the KU offensive juggernaut. Ole Miss pounded UAB as expected. Plus the hopes for a possible USC-Florida national championship are still alive. And of course Nebraska got pounded, which is some serious icing on the cake.
The Rams put up a valiant fight before losing in Overtime. I think they might actually pull out a game or 2 at some point this season as they get a little better each week. And of course tonight is the big game for the Broncos. Which has the added bonus of a reason to not watch Heroes.
Exercise
Well the week of laziness is over, back to regular walks and diet this week. Didn't do too much damage but feeling the lack of exercise. I sill don't know how I am going to resume the Couch to 5K workouts though with it getting dark so early. But if I can at least get in some walks every day and then maybe get to the Y for some treadmill work I should be getting my fair share.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Future Weekend Plans + Football Friday
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Football Friday
CU Buffs
Well at least there is a chance to put poor Cody out of our misery this weekend. I know Coach says he still might play but I think it might be best for all concerned if he stopped playing at this point. We get a chance to see if Hansen is the answer this week against a Kansas team that barely won a shootout with Iowa State so there is a chance the offense might finally see a spark. And it will need it because the KU offense is not a pushover so our improving defense will have to keep improving this week. I'm not holding my breath, in fact I still think that a 3 win season is the most I can expect right now. But it's a home game and maybe some home cooking will inspire the team to new heights.
Ole Miss Rebels
Crap, what was a promising season has completely disintegrated behind a mess of an offensive line. Snead has no time and no chance with that sorry excuse for blocking in front of him. And there is no running game either. So as good as the Defense has been, it can't win all the games. Maybe they can get a breather and recoup this weekend against UAB, because they are going to need it if they want to get into a bowl, forget the SEC West, that's done.
Denver Broncos
Big Monday night game against the Chargers. Road game, first time really favored this season, maybe getting some expectations. All of that versus a Charger team playing what amounts to a Must win game (must win this early in the season at least). All of that indicates that the Broncos might be in for a let down. But I think that may not happen here. What are the Chargers biggest problems this year? Trouble stopping the run and protecting the QB. What have been the 2 big strengths for the Broncos this year: run game, pass rush. Add in the coaching edge and I think we just might pull this one off.
St. Louis Rams
When the only reason people talk about your team is because a radio celebrity is possibly involved in buying the team it not a good sign. How low can the Rams go? I don't know at this point. I still think a Herschel Walker like trade of Steven Jackson might be a good thing for the future of the franchise and his career. That being said, there is the Any Given Sunday point, and when you are playing a team that just lost 41-0, you never know... ah who am I kidding, chalk up another loss for the Same Old Sorry Rams.
Family Plan
The boys soccer ends this weekend. And there won't be any more activities until January at least. So that leaves me with having to fill Saturday mornings. I have been reading a very interesting book: Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks by Ethan Gilsdorf. Like the title says the book is an exploration of modern 'geek' culture. One of the things that struck me as I read the book was that while I have been known to wave my geek flag high I have not exactly been doing much to pass those things along to my kids. I know that James has developed a fascination with Star Wars, and Lego, but that's pretty much the standard for kids his age. I am talking about the real geek things: D&D, Warhammer, etc.
So I got it into my head that I might take some of this impending Saturday morning time to start educating James on these finder points of 'geekdom'. Then I thought about Daniel, would that be fair to him? Spending all that time focused on James. Then I remembered a fond memory from my childhood a practice my Dad termed 'free days'. Every year for our birthdays and/or Christmas Dad would grant each of us brothers a free day where we could do more or less whatever we wanted and he would foot the bill, drive etc.
Taking that as a guide my plan is to dedicate an hour to each boy (Emily just not being old enough to get much out of this) on Saturday mornings. For that hour the other kids will have to do their own thing (I'll try to focus the timing during nap time for Emily when possible). And the chosen kid will get an hour of my time to do what they want, within limits. I won't sit and watch cartoons for an hour or play computer or console games. But I will play other games, or teach them new games. It's a work in progress and we'll see how it goes, but I am actually kind of excited to see how it goes.
James is getting to the age where I can start teaching him lots of new games. So this could be a real learning experience for both of us. And to be honest it could be really good for me to spend an hour of time with Daniel doing something with him so we can both learn a little more about each other.
Football Friday
CU Buffs
Well at least there is a chance to put poor Cody out of our misery this weekend. I know Coach says he still might play but I think it might be best for all concerned if he stopped playing at this point. We get a chance to see if Hansen is the answer this week against a Kansas team that barely won a shootout with Iowa State so there is a chance the offense might finally see a spark. And it will need it because the KU offense is not a pushover so our improving defense will have to keep improving this week. I'm not holding my breath, in fact I still think that a 3 win season is the most I can expect right now. But it's a home game and maybe some home cooking will inspire the team to new heights.
Ole Miss Rebels
Crap, what was a promising season has completely disintegrated behind a mess of an offensive line. Snead has no time and no chance with that sorry excuse for blocking in front of him. And there is no running game either. So as good as the Defense has been, it can't win all the games. Maybe they can get a breather and recoup this weekend against UAB, because they are going to need it if they want to get into a bowl, forget the SEC West, that's done.
Denver Broncos
Big Monday night game against the Chargers. Road game, first time really favored this season, maybe getting some expectations. All of that versus a Charger team playing what amounts to a Must win game (must win this early in the season at least). All of that indicates that the Broncos might be in for a let down. But I think that may not happen here. What are the Chargers biggest problems this year? Trouble stopping the run and protecting the QB. What have been the 2 big strengths for the Broncos this year: run game, pass rush. Add in the coaching edge and I think we just might pull this one off.
St. Louis Rams
When the only reason people talk about your team is because a radio celebrity is possibly involved in buying the team it not a good sign. How low can the Rams go? I don't know at this point. I still think a Herschel Walker like trade of Steven Jackson might be a good thing for the future of the franchise and his career. That being said, there is the Any Given Sunday point, and when you are playing a team that just lost 41-0, you never know... ah who am I kidding, chalk up another loss for the Same Old Sorry Rams.
Family Plan
The boys soccer ends this weekend. And there won't be any more activities until January at least. So that leaves me with having to fill Saturday mornings. I have been reading a very interesting book: Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks by Ethan Gilsdorf. Like the title says the book is an exploration of modern 'geek' culture. One of the things that struck me as I read the book was that while I have been known to wave my geek flag high I have not exactly been doing much to pass those things along to my kids. I know that James has developed a fascination with Star Wars, and Lego, but that's pretty much the standard for kids his age. I am talking about the real geek things: D&D, Warhammer, etc.
So I got it into my head that I might take some of this impending Saturday morning time to start educating James on these finder points of 'geekdom'. Then I thought about Daniel, would that be fair to him? Spending all that time focused on James. Then I remembered a fond memory from my childhood a practice my Dad termed 'free days'. Every year for our birthdays and/or Christmas Dad would grant each of us brothers a free day where we could do more or less whatever we wanted and he would foot the bill, drive etc.
Taking that as a guide my plan is to dedicate an hour to each boy (Emily just not being old enough to get much out of this) on Saturday mornings. For that hour the other kids will have to do their own thing (I'll try to focus the timing during nap time for Emily when possible). And the chosen kid will get an hour of my time to do what they want, within limits. I won't sit and watch cartoons for an hour or play computer or console games. But I will play other games, or teach them new games. It's a work in progress and we'll see how it goes, but I am actually kind of excited to see how it goes.
James is getting to the age where I can start teaching him lots of new games. So this could be a real learning experience for both of us. And to be honest it could be really good for me to spend an hour of time with Daniel doing something with him so we can both learn a little more about each other.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Report from the front + TV Thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
So yesterday at lunch I was all rarin' to go to the Mall and spend some birthday money. So I was pulling my car out of a tight parking space, trying to avoid running over the curb or hit the car parked right next to me. And I was so focused on that that I didn't realize how close I was to the Semi-trailer parked in the parking lot for storage purposes. But I sure noticed it when I hit the stupid trailer, shattering the back window and denting the corner of the van. Stupid me, big careless mistake dammit. So the rest of the day was filled with calls to insurance company, taking van to the body shop, then making arrangements for people to get the boys and Emily the next couple of days since Kim will not have a car. There are times when I get tired of driving a minivan, and this was one of them, I have more problems backing them up (second time something along these lines has occurred).
TV Thoughts
Mad Men
I don't know what to make out this weeks episode. It was both good and infuriating. It didn't really accomplish a lot in the long run. Other than point out how childish and romantic Betty is and what an odd character Don is. I just think he is one of those guys who operates best when things are in flux and chaos, and has no real idea how to handle a stable life. And as a result he goes out and looks for trouble. Here are my quick thoughts:
Betty sure has some interesting dreams, looks like Don is smitten... #MadMen
Poor closeted Sal, and I thought Betty had put all that behind her (guess not). Lots of secrets on #MadMen...
Fire Sal? That's some quick cover up. Don's sippin' shine with Connie while Betty is this close to really doing it on #MadMen
Damn Don just cut poor Sal off at the knees, guess he had to do it but still. Watching Betty try & cover males me squirm #MadMen
Betty spurns and Don gets turned down there's a common theme her but I can't put my finger on it with #MadMen
Just when you almost feel sorry for Don. I can pretty much imagine where Sal was. Maybe Don gets his mojo back on #MadMen...
I think the central theme for this season is control, and how the characters react when control is taken out of their hands, either by just normal life changes,or other factors. Betty wants the control of a distant, romantic, fantasy affair, and when Harry intrudes on that by suggesting they make the fantasy a reality she quickly backs off, because that isn't what she wants. Don needs control, and as he is slowly losing it at work (witness the confrontation with Roger) he has to find another way to exert it. The preview from next week suggest that having that affair will restore Don's mojo to some extent.
Heroes
I know I said I wasn't going to watch but Kim wasn't ready to give up just yet so I stuck it out. And I was sorry I did, the story lines are still going no where that I can see. I just don't see the point in this mysterious Carnival or how it will all end. And more to the point I just don't care. To make a dramatic TV series interesting viewers must care about the characters on some level, and Heroes has reached that point.
House
Interesting episode, I am interested in the direction they are taking Chase. Although I think there is something larger at work here. The hacking of 13's email and the report that Foreman and Chase needed appearing oh so conveniently make me think that there is someone else doing something in the hospital. I do think they dropped the ball on an interesting tack with the POTW (patient of the week), but lately I wonder if they are putting enough energy into that part of the show. But to follow up my comments on Heroes, I am still interested in the characters on this show, so I want to know what happens next.
NCIS
Skipped these last night, so nothing new on them.
So yesterday at lunch I was all rarin' to go to the Mall and spend some birthday money. So I was pulling my car out of a tight parking space, trying to avoid running over the curb or hit the car parked right next to me. And I was so focused on that that I didn't realize how close I was to the Semi-trailer parked in the parking lot for storage purposes. But I sure noticed it when I hit the stupid trailer, shattering the back window and denting the corner of the van. Stupid me, big careless mistake dammit. So the rest of the day was filled with calls to insurance company, taking van to the body shop, then making arrangements for people to get the boys and Emily the next couple of days since Kim will not have a car. There are times when I get tired of driving a minivan, and this was one of them, I have more problems backing them up (second time something along these lines has occurred).
TV Thoughts
Mad Men
I don't know what to make out this weeks episode. It was both good and infuriating. It didn't really accomplish a lot in the long run. Other than point out how childish and romantic Betty is and what an odd character Don is. I just think he is one of those guys who operates best when things are in flux and chaos, and has no real idea how to handle a stable life. And as a result he goes out and looks for trouble. Here are my quick thoughts:
Betty sure has some interesting dreams, looks like Don is smitten... #MadMen
Poor closeted Sal, and I thought Betty had put all that behind her (guess not). Lots of secrets on #MadMen...
Fire Sal? That's some quick cover up. Don's sippin' shine with Connie while Betty is this close to really doing it on #MadMen
Damn Don just cut poor Sal off at the knees, guess he had to do it but still. Watching Betty try & cover males me squirm #MadMen
Betty spurns and Don gets turned down there's a common theme her but I can't put my finger on it with #MadMen
Just when you almost feel sorry for Don. I can pretty much imagine where Sal was. Maybe Don gets his mojo back on #MadMen...
I think the central theme for this season is control, and how the characters react when control is taken out of their hands, either by just normal life changes,or other factors. Betty wants the control of a distant, romantic, fantasy affair, and when Harry intrudes on that by suggesting they make the fantasy a reality she quickly backs off, because that isn't what she wants. Don needs control, and as he is slowly losing it at work (witness the confrontation with Roger) he has to find another way to exert it. The preview from next week suggest that having that affair will restore Don's mojo to some extent.
Heroes
I know I said I wasn't going to watch but Kim wasn't ready to give up just yet so I stuck it out. And I was sorry I did, the story lines are still going no where that I can see. I just don't see the point in this mysterious Carnival or how it will all end. And more to the point I just don't care. To make a dramatic TV series interesting viewers must care about the characters on some level, and Heroes has reached that point.
House
Interesting episode, I am interested in the direction they are taking Chase. Although I think there is something larger at work here. The hacking of 13's email and the report that Foreman and Chase needed appearing oh so conveniently make me think that there is someone else doing something in the hospital. I do think they dropped the ball on an interesting tack with the POTW (patient of the week), but lately I wonder if they are putting enough energy into that part of the show. But to follow up my comments on Heroes, I am still interested in the characters on this show, so I want to know what happens next.
NCIS
Skipped these last night, so nothing new on them.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Happy Birthday James
Happy Birthday Jimmy
Today marks the momentous occasion when my first born child, young James, was born, 8 years ago. And while I have no favorite amongst my children, he will always be the first. It has been a wonderful and great 8 years, and I look forward to so many more. Yes he can be a royal pain in the rump some times, but those moments are so outweighed by the many proud Papa moments that I have to say it has been a great pleasure to be a parent. Just yesterday, watching him ride his new big kid bike while I walked was truly special. And a little awe inspiring to think he has come so far, seemingly so fast.
So thanks James for all the wonderful thoughts and memories, I so look forward to great things to happen in the coming years.
Today marks the momentous occasion when my first born child, young James, was born, 8 years ago. And while I have no favorite amongst my children, he will always be the first. It has been a wonderful and great 8 years, and I look forward to so many more. Yes he can be a royal pain in the rump some times, but those moments are so outweighed by the many proud Papa moments that I have to say it has been a great pleasure to be a parent. Just yesterday, watching him ride his new big kid bike while I walked was truly special. And a little awe inspiring to think he has come so far, seemingly so fast.
So thanks James for all the wonderful thoughts and memories, I so look forward to great things to happen in the coming years.
Weekend Recap + Football thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Had a really good weekend, despite all the chaos and Emily being under the weather. The soccer games went well, despite the weather. And the birthday party went very well, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Unfortunately Emily got progressively worse, so we had to stay home yesterday, and get her to the Doctor.
Daniel played his soccer game indoors, and only Kim went so I could stay home and keep Emily. Then we ran some errands, picking out some last minute birthday gifts etc. Then we left the younger 2 with Connie so we could watch James play on a field better suited to ice skates. But he had a good time, scored 2 goals, and managed to stay warm in spite of everything. Then it was home to get some cleaning done, including a couple of little projects.
The Birthday party on Sunday was good. Thanks again to everyone who came. I understand why we didn't run as late as usual or go play some football, with the weather making travel kind of dicey. But it was a good time (even if we did have to watch Dallas win...). And James enjoyed his presents (as did I).
Sunday night Emily gradually got worse, ending up in our bed, with a spiking fever and cough. So I stayed home with her yesterday and took her to the doctor. Where she got some antibiotics for an ear infection, plus some breathing treatments so she can sleep better, hopefully clearing all of the congestion out of her chest.
Football
Well my pro teams are polar opposites: the Broncos are the surprise of the league at 5-0, while the Rams are one of the duds of the league at 0-5. I am not as surprised at the Broncos as I am at the Rams. I really thought there was more talent on the Rams, but it is clear it just isn't there this year. I think the thing most fans forget is the Broncos were in the playoffs, with a seeming lock on the division, until they lost the third starting running back of the season and ended up blowing their last 3 games. And could have won 2 of those if they had any kind of consistent running game. So while I am a little surprised at their success, it doesn't shock me as much.
Had a really good weekend, despite all the chaos and Emily being under the weather. The soccer games went well, despite the weather. And the birthday party went very well, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Unfortunately Emily got progressively worse, so we had to stay home yesterday, and get her to the Doctor.
Daniel played his soccer game indoors, and only Kim went so I could stay home and keep Emily. Then we ran some errands, picking out some last minute birthday gifts etc. Then we left the younger 2 with Connie so we could watch James play on a field better suited to ice skates. But he had a good time, scored 2 goals, and managed to stay warm in spite of everything. Then it was home to get some cleaning done, including a couple of little projects.
The Birthday party on Sunday was good. Thanks again to everyone who came. I understand why we didn't run as late as usual or go play some football, with the weather making travel kind of dicey. But it was a good time (even if we did have to watch Dallas win...). And James enjoyed his presents (as did I).
Sunday night Emily gradually got worse, ending up in our bed, with a spiking fever and cough. So I stayed home with her yesterday and took her to the doctor. Where she got some antibiotics for an ear infection, plus some breathing treatments so she can sleep better, hopefully clearing all of the congestion out of her chest.
Football
Well my pro teams are polar opposites: the Broncos are the surprise of the league at 5-0, while the Rams are one of the duds of the league at 0-5. I am not as surprised at the Broncos as I am at the Rams. I really thought there was more talent on the Rams, but it is clear it just isn't there this year. I think the thing most fans forget is the Broncos were in the playoffs, with a seeming lock on the division, until they lost the third starting running back of the season and ended up blowing their last 3 games. And could have won 2 of those if they had any kind of consistent running game. So while I am a little surprised at their success, it doesn't shock me as much.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Various Thoughts + Football Friday
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Exercise & Diet consequences
An interesting thing happened to me on Wednesday, my birthday. I treated myself to a lunch at Five Guys burger & Fries, where I got a burger and fries (imagine that). I was so stuffed from that that when I got home that night I could barely eat my dinner, in fact only ate about a 1/3 of the steak. And then I didn't feel right until I went out and took a 30 minute walk after dinner. This is not a complaint, in fact it's a great thing, but still just strikes me as odd. I have dieted before, but then the emphasis was more on exercise, now with the emphasis on shrinking my appetite I feel so much better about my ability to keep it up.
Football Friday
Colorado Buffaloes
Yep nothing like another nationally televised butt whipping to look forward to this weekend. It just does wonders for recruiting having your team get destroyed on national TV where any recruit can watch... The sad part is that I would watch this game except Texas doesn't really have any players that I really want to watch in a blow out, like if we played Florida and the Tebow Express. Ah well, no one ever guaranteed it would be easy to support a team, no guarantee of 10 win seasons every year.
Ole Miss Rebels
HUGE HUGE game this week. Home game against Alabama and the cheatin' Saban's. I have to hope that Snead and the offense miraculously pull out of their funk, although that could be touch playing the nasty Tide Defense. Yuck, this is a game for me to avoid watching for the sake of my sanity...
St. Louis Rams
Well it is an odd circumstance that we are playing the Vikings this week, because the thought that is most prominent in my mind is if it would be at all possible to pull off a Herschel Walker trade with Steven Jackson. I am referring to the massive trade that propelled the Dallas Cowboys to dominance of the 90's. I don't want to part with Jackson, and I think that the NFL has gotten too smart for any GM to get fleeced like that again, but I can hope. Because I don't see this team regaining anything even close to competitive levels in the next year or two, resulting in blowing Jackson's prime years.
Denver Broncos
It's the teacher vs. the pupil this week. I want to say the Broncos win this one. I want to say that Josh McDaniels uses his knowledge of all the Pats weaknesses to his advantage and teaches Belichik a lesson. I want to say that... but I can't. This is a home game for the Broncos, and the Pats are coming off a huge, tough game against the Ravens. But I am still afraid of the Pats passing game, and not entirely convinced our secondary can solve that problem. Win this one and I start to get convinced, but if I am the jury this is the closing argument.
With the joint birthday party planned for Sunday I am hoping to not watch too much football anyway. I am hoping to round up enough folks to go down to West and play some pickup football. James is becoming excited about playing football so I figure I should strike while the iron is hot and get him into it. I'm not saying I wan't watch at all, but I probably won't sit and do nothing but like I did last weekend.
Exercise & Diet consequences
An interesting thing happened to me on Wednesday, my birthday. I treated myself to a lunch at Five Guys burger & Fries, where I got a burger and fries (imagine that). I was so stuffed from that that when I got home that night I could barely eat my dinner, in fact only ate about a 1/3 of the steak. And then I didn't feel right until I went out and took a 30 minute walk after dinner. This is not a complaint, in fact it's a great thing, but still just strikes me as odd. I have dieted before, but then the emphasis was more on exercise, now with the emphasis on shrinking my appetite I feel so much better about my ability to keep it up.
Football Friday
Colorado Buffaloes
Yep nothing like another nationally televised butt whipping to look forward to this weekend. It just does wonders for recruiting having your team get destroyed on national TV where any recruit can watch... The sad part is that I would watch this game except Texas doesn't really have any players that I really want to watch in a blow out, like if we played Florida and the Tebow Express. Ah well, no one ever guaranteed it would be easy to support a team, no guarantee of 10 win seasons every year.
Ole Miss Rebels
HUGE HUGE game this week. Home game against Alabama and the cheatin' Saban's. I have to hope that Snead and the offense miraculously pull out of their funk, although that could be touch playing the nasty Tide Defense. Yuck, this is a game for me to avoid watching for the sake of my sanity...
St. Louis Rams
Well it is an odd circumstance that we are playing the Vikings this week, because the thought that is most prominent in my mind is if it would be at all possible to pull off a Herschel Walker trade with Steven Jackson. I am referring to the massive trade that propelled the Dallas Cowboys to dominance of the 90's. I don't want to part with Jackson, and I think that the NFL has gotten too smart for any GM to get fleeced like that again, but I can hope. Because I don't see this team regaining anything even close to competitive levels in the next year or two, resulting in blowing Jackson's prime years.
Denver Broncos
It's the teacher vs. the pupil this week. I want to say the Broncos win this one. I want to say that Josh McDaniels uses his knowledge of all the Pats weaknesses to his advantage and teaches Belichik a lesson. I want to say that... but I can't. This is a home game for the Broncos, and the Pats are coming off a huge, tough game against the Ravens. But I am still afraid of the Pats passing game, and not entirely convinced our secondary can solve that problem. Win this one and I start to get convinced, but if I am the jury this is the closing argument.
With the joint birthday party planned for Sunday I am hoping to not watch too much football anyway. I am hoping to round up enough folks to go down to West and play some pickup football. James is becoming excited about playing football so I figure I should strike while the iron is hot and get him into it. I'm not saying I wan't watch at all, but I probably won't sit and do nothing but like I did last weekend.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Wednesday TV
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Sitting here enjoying another year in the life. And what a year it has been: Kim's Uncle Randy and Manual both taken from us too soon. The kids are growing by leaps and bounds. And Kim's family continues to be a never ending source of drama. But enough about me, on to my thoughts on this week's TV:
Mad Men
I enjoyed this weeks episode. It picked a very interesting way to deal with a phenomenon that has gone away: the time when people would truly take a summer vacation, and some workplaces would just shut down. That is truly a sign of bygone days. We saw Pete once again demonstrate what a weasel he truly is (sometimes I feel sorry for the actors who get these roles). And we saw why Betty is so full of angst and ennui about her role in life, she just doesn't feel like a suburban house wife deep down, at her core she is still the attractive, exciting young model that she was when Don found her and married her. Here are my Tweats from this week:
Harry puts the moves on big time, and Pete gets a new friend on #MadMen
Wow a whole different side of Betty, and poor Joan. Definitely changes on #MadMen
Goodness me, all kinds of takes on relationships on tonights #MadMen, Pete the weasel finds a way again...
Huh, I wouldn't have taken Pete for the guilty type. Betty & Don may be renewed but I don't think she's happy on #MadMen
Heroes
I think this line from Twitter explains my feelings on this show:
#Heroes just has no spark any more, umpteen boring ass story lines, no real interesting things happening...
I am done, I think that I would rather just watch House when it is on, or with less delay, or watch the CBS sitcoms, than watch Heroes at this stage.
House
I liked parts of this episode, but did not much like the patient of the week. House is always interesting, and found an amusing and interesting way to solve his conundrum of the week. But I am tired to the Foreteen story line, it could go away completely and I would not be sorry, despite the fact that 13 is an astoundingly attractive woman.
I think they missed a chance for a really cool divergence in the patient of the week, I would have liked it if the woman whose blood they were basically forced to use actually held the horrible disease that killed the dictator. I think that would have been more interesting than the way it actually went down, which was a little too pat for a show with a better history than this. I did enjoy making Darth Vader quotes whenever James Earl Jones was making speeches, that is always fun.
NCIS
An interesting little case this week. I really like how they let the characters grow and change, and still remain interesting. McGee is not the useless computer wonk he started out as. And Dinozo has changed as well. The Zeeva story line is interesting but I hope they don't carry it too far or for too long.
And f course the best part was when Abby was discussing why the coffin she uses as a bed is superior to the shiny new one they are opening up as part of the case. They have found such an interesting take on how to handle her as a character, I was really hoping that Zeeva would take her up on the offer of a Girls night out so we could get a view of Abby outside of work, just for the heck of it...
So an Okay week so far, pleasantly diverting from the family drama that threatens to overwhelm our life right now.
Sitting here enjoying another year in the life. And what a year it has been: Kim's Uncle Randy and Manual both taken from us too soon. The kids are growing by leaps and bounds. And Kim's family continues to be a never ending source of drama. But enough about me, on to my thoughts on this week's TV:
Mad Men
I enjoyed this weeks episode. It picked a very interesting way to deal with a phenomenon that has gone away: the time when people would truly take a summer vacation, and some workplaces would just shut down. That is truly a sign of bygone days. We saw Pete once again demonstrate what a weasel he truly is (sometimes I feel sorry for the actors who get these roles). And we saw why Betty is so full of angst and ennui about her role in life, she just doesn't feel like a suburban house wife deep down, at her core she is still the attractive, exciting young model that she was when Don found her and married her. Here are my Tweats from this week:
Harry puts the moves on big time, and Pete gets a new friend on #MadMen
Wow a whole different side of Betty, and poor Joan. Definitely changes on #MadMen
Goodness me, all kinds of takes on relationships on tonights #MadMen, Pete the weasel finds a way again...
Huh, I wouldn't have taken Pete for the guilty type. Betty & Don may be renewed but I don't think she's happy on #MadMen
Heroes
I think this line from Twitter explains my feelings on this show:
#Heroes just has no spark any more, umpteen boring ass story lines, no real interesting things happening...
I am done, I think that I would rather just watch House when it is on, or with less delay, or watch the CBS sitcoms, than watch Heroes at this stage.
House
I liked parts of this episode, but did not much like the patient of the week. House is always interesting, and found an amusing and interesting way to solve his conundrum of the week. But I am tired to the Foreteen story line, it could go away completely and I would not be sorry, despite the fact that 13 is an astoundingly attractive woman.
I think they missed a chance for a really cool divergence in the patient of the week, I would have liked it if the woman whose blood they were basically forced to use actually held the horrible disease that killed the dictator. I think that would have been more interesting than the way it actually went down, which was a little too pat for a show with a better history than this. I did enjoy making Darth Vader quotes whenever James Earl Jones was making speeches, that is always fun.
NCIS
An interesting little case this week. I really like how they let the characters grow and change, and still remain interesting. McGee is not the useless computer wonk he started out as. And Dinozo has changed as well. The Zeeva story line is interesting but I hope they don't carry it too far or for too long.
And f course the best part was when Abby was discussing why the coffin she uses as a bed is superior to the shiny new one they are opening up as part of the case. They have found such an interesting take on how to handle her as a character, I was really hoping that Zeeva would take her up on the offer of a Girls night out so we could get a view of Abby outside of work, just for the heck of it...
So an Okay week so far, pleasantly diverting from the family drama that threatens to overwhelm our life right now.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
3 Simple things
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
On my daily walk today I was pondering what I would like to say to the person I know who is deep trouble at the moment. I won't go into detail except to say that this person is in legal trouble, and it is trouble that was a long time coming and in a great part of her own doing. And I was thinking what would be the simplest thing I could teach this person as they (hopefully) recover from what is (again hopefully) rock bottom. And I decided that it would be to practice saying 3 simple things and mean it: Please, Thank you, and I'm Sorry.
These 3 things cost nothing, it is not hard to say them, and yet they can mean a world of difference to the person hearing them. There's a whole lot of other parts to life, but if I wanted to boil down the essence of what I wanted to teach my children it would come down to these 3 things in a lot of ways.
Please
Saying please and meaning it doesn't just get someone to listen, but it also gets them to realize and understand that you want what you are asking for. It also implies a level of respect, instead of just demanding, like asking a dog to drop a ball or taking away a dangerous item from a baby, you are instead showing the person you are talking to that you respect them enough to ask nicely and politely. Like the old saying it is easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar it is easier to get what you want when you simply ask with a please. I often find myself saying it twice when I ask my kids to do something: "could you please get your shoes on please?". And it helps immensely whenver dealing with a stranger in a service setting.
Thank You
Works hand in hand with Please. This is another simple one, and if there is any single big complaint about the person mentioned above it is that they almost never say thank you when someone does something for them. And it means so much. From simply saying it when someone holds a door open to when someone responds to a big request. It goes a long way to getting someone to repeat a favor or provide future assistance. And when you don't say it the person who has offered that helping hand can feel like you slapped that helping hand. And again it doesn't cost a thing, just saying 2 simple words when someone has offered a kindness.
I'm Sorry
This is the biggest one. It's huge, and means so much. It's so easy, yet so hard. Because saying I am sorry implies that you did something wrong, accept that you did it, and you want to make amends. And that is not as easy as it sounds, because most people like to think they are doing the right thing all the time, we don't want to think we did something wrong. And saying I am sorry means accepting that you did do something wrong, even if you had no intention of it. And it does require some sense of humility to accept you made a mistake. But telling someone you are sorry can mean the whole world to them, and again doesn't really cost you anything, not in the long run. Maybe a little dignity at that precise moment.
I think that if this person could practice and learn to do those 3 things above as they struggle to recover from (again hopefully) rock bottom they could make big strides. Will they learn them? Who knows, based on prior experience I doubt it, but you never know. I have other members of my extended family that I would not have bet on who did finally learn these lessons, so it is not impossible. And I earnestly hope that they will learn them before it doesn't matter any more. Because there are some things that no amount of I'm sorry's can cure.
On my daily walk today I was pondering what I would like to say to the person I know who is deep trouble at the moment. I won't go into detail except to say that this person is in legal trouble, and it is trouble that was a long time coming and in a great part of her own doing. And I was thinking what would be the simplest thing I could teach this person as they (hopefully) recover from what is (again hopefully) rock bottom. And I decided that it would be to practice saying 3 simple things and mean it: Please, Thank you, and I'm Sorry.
These 3 things cost nothing, it is not hard to say them, and yet they can mean a world of difference to the person hearing them. There's a whole lot of other parts to life, but if I wanted to boil down the essence of what I wanted to teach my children it would come down to these 3 things in a lot of ways.
Please
Saying please and meaning it doesn't just get someone to listen, but it also gets them to realize and understand that you want what you are asking for. It also implies a level of respect, instead of just demanding, like asking a dog to drop a ball or taking away a dangerous item from a baby, you are instead showing the person you are talking to that you respect them enough to ask nicely and politely. Like the old saying it is easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar it is easier to get what you want when you simply ask with a please. I often find myself saying it twice when I ask my kids to do something: "could you please get your shoes on please?". And it helps immensely whenver dealing with a stranger in a service setting.
Thank You
Works hand in hand with Please. This is another simple one, and if there is any single big complaint about the person mentioned above it is that they almost never say thank you when someone does something for them. And it means so much. From simply saying it when someone holds a door open to when someone responds to a big request. It goes a long way to getting someone to repeat a favor or provide future assistance. And when you don't say it the person who has offered that helping hand can feel like you slapped that helping hand. And again it doesn't cost a thing, just saying 2 simple words when someone has offered a kindness.
I'm Sorry
This is the biggest one. It's huge, and means so much. It's so easy, yet so hard. Because saying I am sorry implies that you did something wrong, accept that you did it, and you want to make amends. And that is not as easy as it sounds, because most people like to think they are doing the right thing all the time, we don't want to think we did something wrong. And saying I am sorry means accepting that you did do something wrong, even if you had no intention of it. And it does require some sense of humility to accept you made a mistake. But telling someone you are sorry can mean the whole world to them, and again doesn't really cost you anything, not in the long run. Maybe a little dignity at that precise moment.
I think that if this person could practice and learn to do those 3 things above as they struggle to recover from (again hopefully) rock bottom they could make big strides. Will they learn them? Who knows, based on prior experience I doubt it, but you never know. I have other members of my extended family that I would not have bet on who did finally learn these lessons, so it is not impossible. And I earnestly hope that they will learn them before it doesn't matter any more. Because there are some things that no amount of I'm sorry's can cure.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Well it was certainly a restful weekend, Saturday I did almost nothing other than veg on the couch. Sunday we got a few things done but nowhere near as much as we wanted to get done. But we did get to celebrate a big victory for the Broncos. And I did manage to get in some decent workouts both days so it wasn't a total waste. And James had a great time hanging out with his new friend Kellen. All in all it was a nice way to spend the calm before the storm.
Saturday I tried something new, after Daniel's game I went over the the Y, put the kids in the Youth Center/Childwatch and went to the Fitness Center. I thought I would try the treadmill, which was a good workout, although I couldn't figure out how to program in my current stage on Couch to 5K so it is not an ideal replacement. But it was better then trying to cope with the insanity of running around that tiny track umpteen times. Overall though I would call the experiment a success though. Sunday we got out for a walk/run after the Broncos game so I was able to get in exercise very day.
I enjoyed watching football both days but I was ready to move on to something new and a little more active by Sunday morning. So I was happy to get what we did get done, plus cleaning the trash out of my van. And I was definitely ready to go out at half time of the Bronco game to throw the football around with James, he is slowly learning the basics of throwing and catching. Really looking forward to some family football games in the future years. I was definitely pleased with the Broncos game, it was actually nice to see the team return to the more traditional formula of great defense and mistake free offense. I enjoyed the Jay Cutler years, but the prospect of winning games in which we turned over the ball 2-3 times and had to outscore the other team were getting old.
So James has struck up a friendship with an older kids from his school: Kellen. Which has led to Kellen spending time at our house pretty much every day the past week, except when James was not feeling well. And it has been good, although we had to remove the Playstation on Sunday after the boys all overindulged. It was especially great on Saturday, which traditionally are tough days since Jon Del can't play on those days. It is of course gratifying that James feels so comfortable playing with an older kid, and I look forward to future play times for them.
So the chaos of 2 weeks of big parties begins this coming weekend. Which will mean lots more work every night, trying to get things picked up and ready. But it will be nice to have some busy weekends after a couple of weekend breaks.
Well it was certainly a restful weekend, Saturday I did almost nothing other than veg on the couch. Sunday we got a few things done but nowhere near as much as we wanted to get done. But we did get to celebrate a big victory for the Broncos. And I did manage to get in some decent workouts both days so it wasn't a total waste. And James had a great time hanging out with his new friend Kellen. All in all it was a nice way to spend the calm before the storm.
Saturday I tried something new, after Daniel's game I went over the the Y, put the kids in the Youth Center/Childwatch and went to the Fitness Center. I thought I would try the treadmill, which was a good workout, although I couldn't figure out how to program in my current stage on Couch to 5K so it is not an ideal replacement. But it was better then trying to cope with the insanity of running around that tiny track umpteen times. Overall though I would call the experiment a success though. Sunday we got out for a walk/run after the Broncos game so I was able to get in exercise very day.
I enjoyed watching football both days but I was ready to move on to something new and a little more active by Sunday morning. So I was happy to get what we did get done, plus cleaning the trash out of my van. And I was definitely ready to go out at half time of the Bronco game to throw the football around with James, he is slowly learning the basics of throwing and catching. Really looking forward to some family football games in the future years. I was definitely pleased with the Broncos game, it was actually nice to see the team return to the more traditional formula of great defense and mistake free offense. I enjoyed the Jay Cutler years, but the prospect of winning games in which we turned over the ball 2-3 times and had to outscore the other team were getting old.
So James has struck up a friendship with an older kids from his school: Kellen. Which has led to Kellen spending time at our house pretty much every day the past week, except when James was not feeling well. And it has been good, although we had to remove the Playstation on Sunday after the boys all overindulged. It was especially great on Saturday, which traditionally are tough days since Jon Del can't play on those days. It is of course gratifying that James feels so comfortable playing with an older kid, and I look forward to future play times for them.
So the chaos of 2 weeks of big parties begins this coming weekend. Which will mean lots more work every night, trying to get things picked up and ready. But it will be nice to have some busy weekends after a couple of weekend breaks.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Weekend Plans + Football Friday
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Last Free Weekend...
This is the lightest weekend this month as far as plans or potential plans. We only have 1 soccer game, Daniel at 8:00AM, and after that nothing planned the rest of the weekend. Which will allow us to get some deep cleaning done in preparation for the parties to come, and maybe some other projects around the house. Which will be nice for the kids as well, catch a bit of a breather so maybe they can get some rest and recuperate from the nagging coughs.
An aside, I was able to find a nice little App that not only simultaneously update Facebook and Twitter but also has an RSS feed so you can see my posts on this blog as well, just a fun tool to have.
Football Friday
CU Buffs
I watched the first half of the game last night and while I wasn't as disgusted as I was with the Toledo game (hard to imagine that could happen). I was still not impressed, the team is just punchless and lacks so much it is just not funny any more. The Defense actually showed up for most of the game, but the Offenses was a joke. Our offensive coordinator really has no idea how to manage this team. And my status as one of the last Cody Hawkins defenders has pretty much ended. He just is not a very good quarterback. You can make all of the excuses in the world, about missing Wide receivers etc. but other teams in college football get far more done with less impressive talent. I think we can pretty much write this off as a 2-3 win season and pray that a miracle happens in recruiting next year...
Ole Miss
Well thank goodness for Vanderbilt week... Should be a good chance to get the offensive composure back so we can start to regain the lost stature from that horrendous loss to South Carolina. Cause if we don't get it back before we play Alabama it could get real ugly. I am hoping the ship gets back on track this weekend.
St. Louis Rams
Oh how dreadfully things have changed! We are back looking up at the 49ers, life is bad. And I doubt they will get better. From what I read each week is almost like a preseason game as someone new gets waived and someone else is picked up. It's like a whole season of open tryouts. This week Kyle Boller gets a chance to turn Marc Bulger into Wally Pip, his big shot at regaining the glory of his original 1st round draft status. Who knows if that happens since the wide receiver corps is a like that team in fantasy that is scrambling every week to replace another injured guy, scanning the waiver sheet and crossing their fingers. At least the 49ers are missing their best offensive weapon, giving the Rams at least some small chance of righting the ship, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Denver Broncos
This is one of those weeks I look forward to, a real test in the Cowboys, a home game where we really see if that 3-0 record really means something. I think this will be the week we make the rest of the league wake up and realize we might be for real. I don't think you want to bring a shaky QB with a hurting running game into a road game against a reborn defense playing like the Broncos. And you don't want to have a questionable run defense run into the 2 headed monster of the Broncos, with a smart QB willing to take those mismatches given if they single Brandon Marshall against an inferior corner. Of course my dislike of the Cowboys means that I won't exactly be objective when I say the Broncos will win this one confidently.
Last Free Weekend...
This is the lightest weekend this month as far as plans or potential plans. We only have 1 soccer game, Daniel at 8:00AM, and after that nothing planned the rest of the weekend. Which will allow us to get some deep cleaning done in preparation for the parties to come, and maybe some other projects around the house. Which will be nice for the kids as well, catch a bit of a breather so maybe they can get some rest and recuperate from the nagging coughs.
An aside, I was able to find a nice little App that not only simultaneously update Facebook and Twitter but also has an RSS feed so you can see my posts on this blog as well, just a fun tool to have.
Football Friday
CU Buffs
I watched the first half of the game last night and while I wasn't as disgusted as I was with the Toledo game (hard to imagine that could happen). I was still not impressed, the team is just punchless and lacks so much it is just not funny any more. The Defense actually showed up for most of the game, but the Offenses was a joke. Our offensive coordinator really has no idea how to manage this team. And my status as one of the last Cody Hawkins defenders has pretty much ended. He just is not a very good quarterback. You can make all of the excuses in the world, about missing Wide receivers etc. but other teams in college football get far more done with less impressive talent. I think we can pretty much write this off as a 2-3 win season and pray that a miracle happens in recruiting next year...
Ole Miss
Well thank goodness for Vanderbilt week... Should be a good chance to get the offensive composure back so we can start to regain the lost stature from that horrendous loss to South Carolina. Cause if we don't get it back before we play Alabama it could get real ugly. I am hoping the ship gets back on track this weekend.
St. Louis Rams
Oh how dreadfully things have changed! We are back looking up at the 49ers, life is bad. And I doubt they will get better. From what I read each week is almost like a preseason game as someone new gets waived and someone else is picked up. It's like a whole season of open tryouts. This week Kyle Boller gets a chance to turn Marc Bulger into Wally Pip, his big shot at regaining the glory of his original 1st round draft status. Who knows if that happens since the wide receiver corps is a like that team in fantasy that is scrambling every week to replace another injured guy, scanning the waiver sheet and crossing their fingers. At least the 49ers are missing their best offensive weapon, giving the Rams at least some small chance of righting the ship, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Denver Broncos
This is one of those weeks I look forward to, a real test in the Cowboys, a home game where we really see if that 3-0 record really means something. I think this will be the week we make the rest of the league wake up and realize we might be for real. I don't think you want to bring a shaky QB with a hurting running game into a road game against a reborn defense playing like the Broncos. And you don't want to have a questionable run defense run into the 2 headed monster of the Broncos, with a smart QB willing to take those mismatches given if they single Brandon Marshall against an inferior corner. Of course my dislike of the Cowboys means that I won't exactly be objective when I say the Broncos will win this one confidently.
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