Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Many things to catch up on and ponder as it turns to December, and my thoughts gradually turn to the NBA. We had an excellent long weekend/holiday. Thanksgiving went very well, I missed the chance to go and visit with my side of the family, but it was nice to have a quiet, relaxing day at home with the family instead of rushing about. I got some good chances to relax and hangout around the house, just relaxing with the kids. And our new addition arrived Saturday night, making Sunday a get acquainted day. All in all a good time, save for a bit of a crushing end to the college football season fro my teams.
Daddy Hours
Didn't get the official time with either boy this weekend, due to the length of the weekend etc. But I did sit down with James on Thanksgiving day and play a few hands of Magic. Then on Friday we went the game store and he used some saved birthday money to buy some of his own Magic cards. He enjoys playing the game, and has no idea about the whole collectible part of it, which I am doing my best to maintain. Because the whole collectible aspect really ruined the game for me in a lot of ways when I played it regularly. Daniel got to sate himself on Playstation and Lego Star Wars until Saturday night when I put the game up entirely. So my focus next Saturday has to be on him, and finding something new for him to do.
Spotty
This whole thing started a while back. The boys, James especially, had been making noises about getting a puppy. And to be honest I think Kim & I had wanted one as well, but had remained sensible about it. Well one of Kim's realtives in Texas had a dog that just gave birth to a litter, dogs that would be at least half terrier. And Dennis asked us if we watned them to bring one back when they went down there for Thanksgiving. After some discussion we decided to give them the go ahead. So Saturday night they showed up with the puppy. We had planned this to some extent so the kids knew it was coming.
So Sunday was a day spent getting acquainted, with the puppy recovering from the transplant, and the boys learning to0 get used to it. She has pretty much recovered by now and apparently is quite energetic already, whcih means the boys will have a new focus when they get home from school. I have documented my pictures from the first day here if anyone wants to see more of them.
Football
CU Buffs
And so the season ended, with crash and a whimper. With the team putting up a fight against the hated Huskers. And with the AD deciding that Hawkins will get at least 1 more year of reprieve. I can't say I am real happy about that. But with the youth of this team I guess there some chance things might come together next year. But I am not optimistic, I think they just put off the inevitable.
Ole Miss Rebels
Hate State! Damn, there goes a chance at a top tier bowl game. I hate this aspect of Rivalry weekend in college football, those times when they underdog rival just ups and smacks the favored team. Of course that could also be jealousy because the Buffs have been losing all of the rivalry games of late. Anyway, it's just a waiting period now before they decide what bowl they are going to. And inevitibaly it will again be played at a date and time when I won't be able to watch...
Denver Broncos
Well how about that? I sure didn't expect to see that team again this season. The team that plays defense with anger and speed. The team that dominates the Offensive line of scrimmage and grinds out the running game. Does this mean they have turned the season free fall around? I don't know, I sure as hell am not going to get my hoeps up after that 4 game losing streak. But I have regained at least some modicum of optimism. Which is more than I can say for the Rams...
St. Louis Rams
Same old sorry Rams, yep, losing to the same Seahawks team that was demolished the week before. This Rams team just might be the worst team in the NFL right now. At least it should be a pretty stacked draft to look forward to.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Remembering Manny
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
It was a year ago tonight that Manny went into Cardiac Arrest. He never recovered from that and the subsequent shock and surgery. While his body hung on for several months after that to all intents and purposes he was gone from our lives that night.
I wasn't what you might call close to Manny, we were too different for that. But he was the closest person in my life to pass away since my grandmother Ruch passed over 20 years ago. And rarely does a day go past without my thinking of him in some fashion. He was too big a part of my family life for him to just be forgotten.
In the immortal words of Hunter Thompson: "He stomped Terra". He had a lot of friends and played a part in a lot of people's lives. And his effect on our life is hard not to notice. And a family event doesn't occur without my half expecting Big Red to pull up and him to come in and announce he would show us 'rookies' how to play whatever game we were playing. So tonight I am figuratively raising a toast to him, and letting him know that we all miss him, and he left us all too soon.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Weekend Recap + Football thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Good weekend, could have been better had football not been such a downer, but overall it went well. Friday night was a good role playing session. The players seemed to enjoy themselves which was the most important part. Saturday was okay, Daddy Hour with James went well. Sunday we got the basement picked up, with some changes and just general cleaning. So it was a nice weekend, if unspectacular.
Daddy Hours
James and I played Magic again this week. I didn't get to my time with Daniel. I think this might end up being a trend, only really getting the time with 1 kid per week. Although how it all plays out once James gets back to sports is unclear. James is really enjoying the time paying Magic. Although this coming weekend I might teach him a new game, just to shake things up.
Projects
We cleared out the back room of the basement, again applying our ruthless efficiency, ending up with 2 large bags of goodwill items. Then we changed things up a little in the kids room, swapping out the mats for some carpet we had bought some time ago. We might have done even more but we didn't get started on Saturday as Kim came home from working feeling really bad, so I just focused on letting her relax.
Football
Ole Miss Rebels
I watched most of the 1st half, and then the end of this game. It was pretty crazy, I was glad that Ole Miss won. Although I think this was not one of those games that the SEC officials will keep for the records of how great their refs are. The Rebels had 2 horrible calls go against them in the first quarter, and if they had lost the game it would have been yet another disaster for the SEC. Fortunately LSU forgot how to handle the clock in the closing seconds so they blew what should have been a big win for them. I'll take it, and look forward to State, and hopefully a good bowl game.
St. Louis Rams
Ah well, another outmatched, hard fought loss. I guess they made some good adjustments and played a good second half. This team just has some big strides to make as far as talent. I just hope they saw what the Lions did and saw what a difference a franchise quarterback can actually make.
Denver Broncos
If this season is about the stages of grief we Broncos fans should be ready for Acceptance after this coming week:
Denial: How did we lose to the Ravens? They just needed it more than we did I guess
Anger: Damn Orton, throwing the game away woith turnovers, it's all his fault
Bargaining: OK, so Orton got hurt, we had it, but blew it because of bad luck, maybe if Simms can just shake off the rust...
Depression: ah crap, we got thumped by the Chargers, this just sucks...
I can blame a lot of external factors but I have to admit to myself that this team is presently not far different from what I expected from this season. It is just frustrating that we got that early 6-0 start which got everyone thinking big things. The reality is there are some real holes: the defense is small and the secondary is not composed of the right type of talent for the scheme. The offense is limited by the weakness of the QB. But, if we can regain some momentum, and then plug some holes with the draft we could make some real noise next year.
Good weekend, could have been better had football not been such a downer, but overall it went well. Friday night was a good role playing session. The players seemed to enjoy themselves which was the most important part. Saturday was okay, Daddy Hour with James went well. Sunday we got the basement picked up, with some changes and just general cleaning. So it was a nice weekend, if unspectacular.
Daddy Hours
James and I played Magic again this week. I didn't get to my time with Daniel. I think this might end up being a trend, only really getting the time with 1 kid per week. Although how it all plays out once James gets back to sports is unclear. James is really enjoying the time paying Magic. Although this coming weekend I might teach him a new game, just to shake things up.
Projects
We cleared out the back room of the basement, again applying our ruthless efficiency, ending up with 2 large bags of goodwill items. Then we changed things up a little in the kids room, swapping out the mats for some carpet we had bought some time ago. We might have done even more but we didn't get started on Saturday as Kim came home from working feeling really bad, so I just focused on letting her relax.
Football
Ole Miss Rebels
I watched most of the 1st half, and then the end of this game. It was pretty crazy, I was glad that Ole Miss won. Although I think this was not one of those games that the SEC officials will keep for the records of how great their refs are. The Rebels had 2 horrible calls go against them in the first quarter, and if they had lost the game it would have been yet another disaster for the SEC. Fortunately LSU forgot how to handle the clock in the closing seconds so they blew what should have been a big win for them. I'll take it, and look forward to State, and hopefully a good bowl game.
St. Louis Rams
Ah well, another outmatched, hard fought loss. I guess they made some good adjustments and played a good second half. This team just has some big strides to make as far as talent. I just hope they saw what the Lions did and saw what a difference a franchise quarterback can actually make.
Denver Broncos
If this season is about the stages of grief we Broncos fans should be ready for Acceptance after this coming week:
Denial: How did we lose to the Ravens? They just needed it more than we did I guess
Anger: Damn Orton, throwing the game away woith turnovers, it's all his fault
Bargaining: OK, so Orton got hurt, we had it, but blew it because of bad luck, maybe if Simms can just shake off the rust...
Depression: ah crap, we got thumped by the Chargers, this just sucks...
I can blame a lot of external factors but I have to admit to myself that this team is presently not far different from what I expected from this season. It is just frustrating that we got that early 6-0 start which got everyone thinking big things. The reality is there are some real holes: the defense is small and the secondary is not composed of the right type of talent for the scheme. The offense is limited by the weakness of the QB. But, if we can regain some momentum, and then plug some holes with the draft we could make some real noise next year.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Weekend Plans + Football Friday
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Lot's to cover today, weekend plans, Daddy Hours, football, misc. other thoughts cluttering up my mind. I have hard a hard time getting motivated to write this week, finally feeling the urge today so be warned. I might end up ranting a little and writing an epic post.
Weekend Plans
This is short, no plans! Hopefully get some cleaning and house organizing done, clearing the decks for the holiday. We need to clean out and organize the back room (again). Which shouldn't be too painful, just time consuming.
Daddy Hours
I don't know what Daniel wants to do, I asked him this morning and he said he wants to play on the trampoline. I don't mind that if the weather is decent, gives me some exercise, which is not always easy to come by on a weekend. If the weather doesn't permit that then maybe I will take the time to show him how to play something simple, like Candy Land.
I am looking forward to sitting down with James this week and showing him the new Magic deck I built for him. I had fun constructing it for him, it's a super basic deck, I have no idea if it is competitive, but it should be fun anyway. I think Magic is a good alternative for us for right now, it forces him to learn some new skills, and he can practice other things, like reading.
Family
There is nothing real new this week, it's just a tough time right now, with Thanksgiving coming up, which means the anniversary of Manny's cardiac arrest (which meant his death to all intents and purposes). And all we can do is offer a helping hand to Connie, make sure she has someone there for her. And try to help her make the right decisions right now. Tammy is maybe getting her act together to some extent, and now it is time for Connie to find some way to move on. But all we can do as far as that is concerned is just be there, and that's my focus for next week, make sure she doesn't have a lot of time to just sit around and think about that horrible time a year ago.
Football
CU Buffs
I watched bits and pieces of the game last night, and followed score updates on my phone. I saw what I have seen for pretty much the enitre season: a young, talented team with very little experience. They made a lot of mistakes, but also just enough plays to stay in the game. Such promise. And I think that if that or next week end up being Dan Hawkins last game it will be fitting. Because if there was a better example of what went wrong this year and in other years this was it: promise and talent that was wasted due to ineffective coaching. We have the players, but they haven't met their promise likely due to a failure of the coaches. That is the coaching staffs job: take that talent and mold it into a successful team, and that is what the coaching staff missed.
Ole Miss
LSU game this week. This was the game last year that made me realize the potential for this team. And if there is any game this season that they need to win to fulfill a part of this season's promise it is this one. Beat LSU, and they get into a better bowl, and keep the ball rolling on improving this year to next.
St. Louis Rams
Big game this week, sort of, as big as they get for a 1-8 team. Big to beat Warner in St. Louis. Big for Bulger to try and remind the fans that the team made the right move several years ago. I just want them to keep doing what they have been doing: play tough, competitive football. Maybe scare the other teams, start building the core of the team for next year.
Denver Broncos
Can Simms rediscover what it was that made him a 2nd round draft pick? Can the offensive line open enough holes for the running game so the defense has to be honest? And most importantly can the defense get enough rest so it doesn't wipe out in exhaustion in the 2nd half again? Big questions. I don't know the answers, I like to think the coaching staff can figure things out and make the right adjustments, but San Diego flat out scares me, so I just don't know. I hope that the bleeding stops this week, but I kind of doubt that it will.
Basketball
LA Lakers
If there is any one thing that Laker fans need to remember right now it is that they don't hand out championship trophies in November. Just because they had a couple of big losses won't mean a thing in May and June, that's just a fact. So I am not remotely worried about this big losses last week, nor did I care when my mother in law chortled about the Nuggets thumping the Lakers, don't mean a thing in November, as long as you don't have a major injury.
Simmons' The Book of Basketball
Slowly working my way through this book. Taking my time, trying to ration it, enjoy it, argue with it etc. So far I am immensely pleased with it, and think it is a wonderful addition to my collection. Sure I may not agree with him on everything, but it is great none the less, and so far he has presented reasonable argument so far pretty much all of his stands, even if I don't agree with all of them.
Lot's to cover today, weekend plans, Daddy Hours, football, misc. other thoughts cluttering up my mind. I have hard a hard time getting motivated to write this week, finally feeling the urge today so be warned. I might end up ranting a little and writing an epic post.
Weekend Plans
This is short, no plans! Hopefully get some cleaning and house organizing done, clearing the decks for the holiday. We need to clean out and organize the back room (again). Which shouldn't be too painful, just time consuming.
Daddy Hours
I don't know what Daniel wants to do, I asked him this morning and he said he wants to play on the trampoline. I don't mind that if the weather is decent, gives me some exercise, which is not always easy to come by on a weekend. If the weather doesn't permit that then maybe I will take the time to show him how to play something simple, like Candy Land.
I am looking forward to sitting down with James this week and showing him the new Magic deck I built for him. I had fun constructing it for him, it's a super basic deck, I have no idea if it is competitive, but it should be fun anyway. I think Magic is a good alternative for us for right now, it forces him to learn some new skills, and he can practice other things, like reading.
Family
There is nothing real new this week, it's just a tough time right now, with Thanksgiving coming up, which means the anniversary of Manny's cardiac arrest (which meant his death to all intents and purposes). And all we can do is offer a helping hand to Connie, make sure she has someone there for her. And try to help her make the right decisions right now. Tammy is maybe getting her act together to some extent, and now it is time for Connie to find some way to move on. But all we can do as far as that is concerned is just be there, and that's my focus for next week, make sure she doesn't have a lot of time to just sit around and think about that horrible time a year ago.
Football
CU Buffs
I watched bits and pieces of the game last night, and followed score updates on my phone. I saw what I have seen for pretty much the enitre season: a young, talented team with very little experience. They made a lot of mistakes, but also just enough plays to stay in the game. Such promise. And I think that if that or next week end up being Dan Hawkins last game it will be fitting. Because if there was a better example of what went wrong this year and in other years this was it: promise and talent that was wasted due to ineffective coaching. We have the players, but they haven't met their promise likely due to a failure of the coaches. That is the coaching staffs job: take that talent and mold it into a successful team, and that is what the coaching staff missed.
Ole Miss
LSU game this week. This was the game last year that made me realize the potential for this team. And if there is any game this season that they need to win to fulfill a part of this season's promise it is this one. Beat LSU, and they get into a better bowl, and keep the ball rolling on improving this year to next.
St. Louis Rams
Big game this week, sort of, as big as they get for a 1-8 team. Big to beat Warner in St. Louis. Big for Bulger to try and remind the fans that the team made the right move several years ago. I just want them to keep doing what they have been doing: play tough, competitive football. Maybe scare the other teams, start building the core of the team for next year.
Denver Broncos
Can Simms rediscover what it was that made him a 2nd round draft pick? Can the offensive line open enough holes for the running game so the defense has to be honest? And most importantly can the defense get enough rest so it doesn't wipe out in exhaustion in the 2nd half again? Big questions. I don't know the answers, I like to think the coaching staff can figure things out and make the right adjustments, but San Diego flat out scares me, so I just don't know. I hope that the bleeding stops this week, but I kind of doubt that it will.
Basketball
LA Lakers
If there is any one thing that Laker fans need to remember right now it is that they don't hand out championship trophies in November. Just because they had a couple of big losses won't mean a thing in May and June, that's just a fact. So I am not remotely worried about this big losses last week, nor did I care when my mother in law chortled about the Nuggets thumping the Lakers, don't mean a thing in November, as long as you don't have a major injury.
Simmons' The Book of Basketball
Slowly working my way through this book. Taking my time, trying to ration it, enjoy it, argue with it etc. So far I am immensely pleased with it, and think it is a wonderful addition to my collection. Sure I may not agree with him on everything, but it is great none the less, and so far he has presented reasonable argument so far pretty much all of his stands, even if I don't agree with all of them.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Weekend Recap + Football thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Another good weekend was marred by some horrible football luck, but it's weekends like this that remind me I have to learn to push past those things and not let them affect me. I was able to get in Daddy Hours with both boys, and both went well. We all had a good time at Dillon's birthday party, despite the weather limiting options somewhat. I was stricken by a major headache on Sunday that sent me to bed early and had me thinking I might be finally catching the plague that has affected everyone but after some initial blurriness I was able to move forward this morning.
Daddy Hours
Daniel and I built him a Lego car. It was fun, Daniel enjoyed the car, which was the important part. It wasn't real interactive, but it's hard to find that kind of time right now with all of the kids awake and wanting to do stuff. James and I played some more Magic, he wanted to play Lego's but I told him that the time was better doing something we are both involved in like play a game, and he chose Magic. Which spurred me to look at all of my cards and ponder building some more decks to play with, give us more options. And maybe Santa will gift him with some decks for Xmas. I know I have gotten him several games, and he hasn't played as much with some of them, but I think that is part of the learning process and he might play some of them again as he gets older and more sophisticated in game play.
Football
CU Buffs
I listened to the game on the radio for about 10 minutes and turned it off. This season just wasn't meant to be. The big thing right now is that we have a very young team, and in the cyclical nature of college football the same players may all gel next year and have a big season. You never know, but a season like this does make even the hard core fans like me question if we really have the right coach.
Ole Miss
I actually got to watch some of the game on Saturday. Why oh why did Nutt wait so long to make sure McCluster got touches? He's such an explosive player, and he barely saw the ball in our biggest games of the season. It is surprising for Nutt, because at Arkansas he wasn't exactly shy about molding his game plans around his best players. Odd, but at least the Rebs will get in a bowl game, and hopefully keep stocking the team with quality recruits.
St. Louis Rams
Effort, it's what a season like this is about for bad teams like the Rams, who just don't have a lot of talent. I had hoped for just this type of loss: close, with the Rams really fighting it out to the end. The team can feel bad about the loss, but feel bad while thinking 'hey we could, should have won that game' which is a good feeling for a 1-8 team to have. As opposed to the 'why did we lose? Are we just not that good?' type of loss, which is what the Broncos had.
Denver Broncos
How do you feel about the Broncos now? To quote the Birdcage: "How do you think I feel? Betrayed, bewildered..." That was the type of loss that does make you leave thinking that maybe you just aren't that good. Maybe your early season wins were mostly luck. I just don't know at this point, my confidence from Friday about a winning season is now in doubt. Who would have thought that our hopes for the rest of the season would rest on Orton's health? I can hope that Simms just needed to knock some rust off, but I doubt that is really the case. I am back to hoping we get that good quarterback in the draft next year, who can make all of the throws, not just the short ones or the ones to wide open receivers. We've got to do something to help the offense, otherwise 2 excellent wide receivers are being totally wasted.
So a pretty crappy weekend football wise, I just need to find better ways of handling that when it happens. Because if you take that away I had a good weekend, so it's all in my head. I know I can do it, just have to get focused on it.
Another good weekend was marred by some horrible football luck, but it's weekends like this that remind me I have to learn to push past those things and not let them affect me. I was able to get in Daddy Hours with both boys, and both went well. We all had a good time at Dillon's birthday party, despite the weather limiting options somewhat. I was stricken by a major headache on Sunday that sent me to bed early and had me thinking I might be finally catching the plague that has affected everyone but after some initial blurriness I was able to move forward this morning.
Daddy Hours
Daniel and I built him a Lego car. It was fun, Daniel enjoyed the car, which was the important part. It wasn't real interactive, but it's hard to find that kind of time right now with all of the kids awake and wanting to do stuff. James and I played some more Magic, he wanted to play Lego's but I told him that the time was better doing something we are both involved in like play a game, and he chose Magic. Which spurred me to look at all of my cards and ponder building some more decks to play with, give us more options. And maybe Santa will gift him with some decks for Xmas. I know I have gotten him several games, and he hasn't played as much with some of them, but I think that is part of the learning process and he might play some of them again as he gets older and more sophisticated in game play.
Football
CU Buffs
I listened to the game on the radio for about 10 minutes and turned it off. This season just wasn't meant to be. The big thing right now is that we have a very young team, and in the cyclical nature of college football the same players may all gel next year and have a big season. You never know, but a season like this does make even the hard core fans like me question if we really have the right coach.
Ole Miss
I actually got to watch some of the game on Saturday. Why oh why did Nutt wait so long to make sure McCluster got touches? He's such an explosive player, and he barely saw the ball in our biggest games of the season. It is surprising for Nutt, because at Arkansas he wasn't exactly shy about molding his game plans around his best players. Odd, but at least the Rebs will get in a bowl game, and hopefully keep stocking the team with quality recruits.
St. Louis Rams
Effort, it's what a season like this is about for bad teams like the Rams, who just don't have a lot of talent. I had hoped for just this type of loss: close, with the Rams really fighting it out to the end. The team can feel bad about the loss, but feel bad while thinking 'hey we could, should have won that game' which is a good feeling for a 1-8 team to have. As opposed to the 'why did we lose? Are we just not that good?' type of loss, which is what the Broncos had.
Denver Broncos
How do you feel about the Broncos now? To quote the Birdcage: "How do you think I feel? Betrayed, bewildered..." That was the type of loss that does make you leave thinking that maybe you just aren't that good. Maybe your early season wins were mostly luck. I just don't know at this point, my confidence from Friday about a winning season is now in doubt. Who would have thought that our hopes for the rest of the season would rest on Orton's health? I can hope that Simms just needed to knock some rust off, but I doubt that is really the case. I am back to hoping we get that good quarterback in the draft next year, who can make all of the throws, not just the short ones or the ones to wide open receivers. We've got to do something to help the offense, otherwise 2 excellent wide receivers are being totally wasted.
So a pretty crappy weekend football wise, I just need to find better ways of handling that when it happens. Because if you take that away I had a good weekend, so it's all in my head. I know I can do it, just have to get focused on it.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Football Friday + Other thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Glad this is Friday, it's been a bit of a slog this week,what with James being sick, then the holiday in the middle of the week for the boys. But it's almost over. I had a good week maintaining diet/exercise routine. The weekend looks promising despite the threats of poor weather. Another Family birthday party, but for once a free Sunday. And a chance for me to actually watch some football in peace. Daniel will get priority with the Daddy Hour this week as he missed out last week.
Exercise
So I have gradually settled into a routine that I can live with. I decided to for go Couch to 5K for now, make that a Spring goal. For now it is walking 4-5 days a week, plus evening stretching and situps every other day. That plus maintaining good eating habits should allow me to accomplish my goals. And the energy level continues to go up, which only has the draw back of feeling kind of restless in the evenings, which isn't that bad of a deal.
Daddy Hours
So I told the boys that Daniel gets first priority this weekend since he got skipped last weekend. James sort of balked but I made it clear that is the way this goes. It is the only way to keep it fair for both of them. Daniel says he wants to play legos, learn how to build a Lego car, which should be interesting to work with him.
Football
CU Buffs
Absolute Make or break game this weekend, to be honest this is already a lost season but there is the thinnest of margins left. If they win out and other things fall their way they could still win the North, and get the joy of being destroyed by Texas... I am not getting my hopes up or making plans to watch the games any more. But it is still nice to imagine some good might still happen.
Ole Miss Rebels
Big game this week, not for the SEC West, that is already gone. Just for the chance at a respectable record and a better bowl. That's what they are fighting for against Tennessee this weekend. And really boils down to what Jevan Snead shows up this week: the guy who throws multiple TD's every week, or the skittish, throw it up for grabs guy we saw against Auburn. As Snead goes so go the Rebs...
Denver Broncos
Welcome back to earth. Now looking at the schedule with realistic expectations there are 4 games left against bad teams: Redskins, Raiders, Chiefs twice. If all we do is win 3 out of those 4 games we end up with a winning record. I have higher hopes, but there are some limitations with the available talent that have to be taken into consideration. I hope that the coaches can scheme their way past those limitations to win enough games to make it into the playoffs, which is a win for us for the season. But we have to start with the Redskins game this weekend. Which has the defense to accomplish what the Ravens and Steelers did, but not any where close to the same level Offense, so this might be another close game where the Defense wins the game for us.
St. Louis Rams
Ugh, coming off a bye week after the first victory of the season would seem to be the time to gain some momentum, except when you have to play the most dominant team in the league this season. Well this is one of those weeks that is all about moral victories: can we hold the Saints under 30 points? Can we actually score a touchdown? Things like that. And it is one of those weeks where we really see how good a Defensive coach Spagnolo really is.
So should be a good weekend, I'm looking forward to it.
Glad this is Friday, it's been a bit of a slog this week,what with James being sick, then the holiday in the middle of the week for the boys. But it's almost over. I had a good week maintaining diet/exercise routine. The weekend looks promising despite the threats of poor weather. Another Family birthday party, but for once a free Sunday. And a chance for me to actually watch some football in peace. Daniel will get priority with the Daddy Hour this week as he missed out last week.
Exercise
So I have gradually settled into a routine that I can live with. I decided to for go Couch to 5K for now, make that a Spring goal. For now it is walking 4-5 days a week, plus evening stretching and situps every other day. That plus maintaining good eating habits should allow me to accomplish my goals. And the energy level continues to go up, which only has the draw back of feeling kind of restless in the evenings, which isn't that bad of a deal.
Daddy Hours
So I told the boys that Daniel gets first priority this weekend since he got skipped last weekend. James sort of balked but I made it clear that is the way this goes. It is the only way to keep it fair for both of them. Daniel says he wants to play legos, learn how to build a Lego car, which should be interesting to work with him.
Football
CU Buffs
Absolute Make or break game this weekend, to be honest this is already a lost season but there is the thinnest of margins left. If they win out and other things fall their way they could still win the North, and get the joy of being destroyed by Texas... I am not getting my hopes up or making plans to watch the games any more. But it is still nice to imagine some good might still happen.
Ole Miss Rebels
Big game this week, not for the SEC West, that is already gone. Just for the chance at a respectable record and a better bowl. That's what they are fighting for against Tennessee this weekend. And really boils down to what Jevan Snead shows up this week: the guy who throws multiple TD's every week, or the skittish, throw it up for grabs guy we saw against Auburn. As Snead goes so go the Rebs...
Denver Broncos
Welcome back to earth. Now looking at the schedule with realistic expectations there are 4 games left against bad teams: Redskins, Raiders, Chiefs twice. If all we do is win 3 out of those 4 games we end up with a winning record. I have higher hopes, but there are some limitations with the available talent that have to be taken into consideration. I hope that the coaches can scheme their way past those limitations to win enough games to make it into the playoffs, which is a win for us for the season. But we have to start with the Redskins game this weekend. Which has the defense to accomplish what the Ravens and Steelers did, but not any where close to the same level Offense, so this might be another close game where the Defense wins the game for us.
St. Louis Rams
Ugh, coming off a bye week after the first victory of the season would seem to be the time to gain some momentum, except when you have to play the most dominant team in the league this season. Well this is one of those weeks that is all about moral victories: can we hold the Saints under 30 points? Can we actually score a touchdown? Things like that. And it is one of those weeks where we really see how good a Defensive coach Spagnolo really is.
So should be a good weekend, I'm looking forward to it.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Football Thoughts + Mad Men thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Football
Denver Broncos
Well I don't think the sky is falling, but I do think the league has caught up to this team a little bit, and figured out where the smoke and mirrors are. The defense can be worn down, it is about scheme more than talent. When they take that jump in weight class and play a team with a top offensive line they can be blocked. The offense is limited by the ability of Orton to accurately throw a deep ball. And the run game is as much about scheme as it is about talent.
The schedule does grant us some favors, we get the Chiefs twice, and the Raiders again, plus the Redskins. So I still see a winning record and possibly a fight for the playoffs. But there is a talent deficit in some areas and we have seen that the last 2 weeks. And boy genius will have to figure out some clever ways to scheme around the limitations of the quarterback. But I don't see us making much noise in January, the limitations will be too difficult to overcome
My tweets from the game:
Nervous? Heck yeah I'm nervous, down 3-7 with the offense looking slow, not good #Broncos
Looks like one of the teams made an adjustment at the half, not the #bronco D..,
Come on #Bronco defense, we need another turnover while Orton gets settled down.
We dodged a bullet but the #Broncos offense couldn't do much so it's up to the D to do their part
Our defensive line is getting held on nearly every play, I guess refs read press clippings too #Broncos
Think Orton and the #Bronco offense have a miracle in them? I sure don't, not tonight.
First time the refs haven't screwed us tonight...
That's it I'm done, better to finish off #MadMen than lt #Broncos ruin the whole night.
Which leads me to my discussion of:
Mad Men
What a great way to end the season! Some people thought it was a little anti-climactic after the last episode. But I loved it, because it focused on the most interesting characters and what they bring to the show. And it was a kind of 'let's get the gang together' type of story, which I always find interesting. And of course, just when I feel bad for Don he brings me back to the fold with some great selfless speech, humbling himself before the jury as it were.
I really enjoyed this season, and now have the melancholy feel that you get when you finish a really good book. You loved it so much you don't want it to end. But at least I can console myself with the knowledge that there will be at least one more season next year to look forward to.
Football
Denver Broncos
Well I don't think the sky is falling, but I do think the league has caught up to this team a little bit, and figured out where the smoke and mirrors are. The defense can be worn down, it is about scheme more than talent. When they take that jump in weight class and play a team with a top offensive line they can be blocked. The offense is limited by the ability of Orton to accurately throw a deep ball. And the run game is as much about scheme as it is about talent.
The schedule does grant us some favors, we get the Chiefs twice, and the Raiders again, plus the Redskins. So I still see a winning record and possibly a fight for the playoffs. But there is a talent deficit in some areas and we have seen that the last 2 weeks. And boy genius will have to figure out some clever ways to scheme around the limitations of the quarterback. But I don't see us making much noise in January, the limitations will be too difficult to overcome
My tweets from the game:
Nervous? Heck yeah I'm nervous, down 3-7 with the offense looking slow, not good #Broncos
Looks like one of the teams made an adjustment at the half, not the #bronco D..,
Come on #Bronco defense, we need another turnover while Orton gets settled down.
We dodged a bullet but the #Broncos offense couldn't do much so it's up to the D to do their part
Our defensive line is getting held on nearly every play, I guess refs read press clippings too #Broncos
Think Orton and the #Bronco offense have a miracle in them? I sure don't, not tonight.
First time the refs haven't screwed us tonight...
That's it I'm done, better to finish off #MadMen than lt #Broncos ruin the whole night.
Which leads me to my discussion of:
Mad Men
What a great way to end the season! Some people thought it was a little anti-climactic after the last episode. But I loved it, because it focused on the most interesting characters and what they bring to the show. And it was a kind of 'let's get the gang together' type of story, which I always find interesting. And of course, just when I feel bad for Don he brings me back to the fold with some great selfless speech, humbling himself before the jury as it were.
I really enjoyed this season, and now have the melancholy feel that you get when you finish a really good book. You loved it so much you don't want it to end. But at least I can console myself with the knowledge that there will be at least one more season next year to look forward to.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Weekend Recap
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Barely watched any football this weekend so not much to say there. But a decent weekend all told. Good time getting back into the Role playing mode Friday night. Got in a trip to the library Saturday, decent Daddy hour with James despite Emily being in a grouchy mood. Sunday's birthday party for Kim went well, despite James being laid up in bed all day. Good weekend overall though.
Role Playing
We had a good time role playing Friday night. I kept the scenario simple and combat oriented, I knew this group wouldn't be up to anything too serious the first time back together after a long hiatus. But it was fun, I kept things consistent and fun. Poor Stephan came down with the flu so he didn't get to play much, hope he gets better. And I already have a good idea germinating in my skull for the next game in 2 weeks.
Daddy Hour
Daniel didn't get his time this week, I have to make him the priority next weekend. But I decided that James was ready to learn another new game. So I sat him down and taught him the Magic card game. He did well, I don't exactly think he is ready to build decks or anything like that yet, but he had a good time and seemed enthused about playing. Which is all I can really ask for. I have to focus on getting Daniel his time next week, which shouldn't be too hard since we will be heading to another family birthday party where James will get lots of play time with big kids.
Kim's party
Went well, she was happy with it. And the only real hitch was James not being able to do anything. He woke up with a sore throat and fever and it gradually got worse as the day went on. Kim will take him to the Dr. today, hope it's not anything too dreadful, although since he has been throwing up today it could be Flu + Strep throat, whcih could lay him up for a couple of days.
Anyway, thanks to everyone for coming. Kim appreciated all the company and presents and cards. She had a good time teaching some new games. And the food was all very good, and the cake was devoured, which is always a good thing. This was the last of our family birthdays for a while, at least for us as hosts, Dennis gets to host the next 2 for Dillon and Megan. Although we will host Thanksgiving in between, which won't be all that big since it will be just our family and Tammy's family plus 2 grandma's.
James officially has Strep, which will mean he's out of school for at least another day (already has Wednesday off though). 10 day course of antibiotics and lots of TLC should see him back to normal by Thursday. Good thing we kept him in seclusion for most of the day yesterday though.
Football Thoughts
Ole Miss
Did it's job, as expected, knocking off that noted power house Northern Arizona. So they will get to go to a bowl game, which is good. But still a bit of a disappointing season over all.
CU Buffs
I wasn't able to watch the game as it played, but I was on the computer the whole time so I was following it in a kind of play by play mode. So it was cool that we came back and won. It wasn't exactly a convincing win, but a W is a W. After the week the program had we really needed something good to happen like this. I can only hope that they find a way to build on it.
Broncos
Play tonight, so nothing real new to report there. This is a big game. A chance to see how they rebound from their first loss. How does the coach game plan and adjust to what was done to them. And how do they handle a tough opponent. All very big questions that will go a long way towards determining what kind of season we can really expect the rest of the way. I am really looking forward to the game.
Barely watched any football this weekend so not much to say there. But a decent weekend all told. Good time getting back into the Role playing mode Friday night. Got in a trip to the library Saturday, decent Daddy hour with James despite Emily being in a grouchy mood. Sunday's birthday party for Kim went well, despite James being laid up in bed all day. Good weekend overall though.
Role Playing
We had a good time role playing Friday night. I kept the scenario simple and combat oriented, I knew this group wouldn't be up to anything too serious the first time back together after a long hiatus. But it was fun, I kept things consistent and fun. Poor Stephan came down with the flu so he didn't get to play much, hope he gets better. And I already have a good idea germinating in my skull for the next game in 2 weeks.
Daddy Hour
Daniel didn't get his time this week, I have to make him the priority next weekend. But I decided that James was ready to learn another new game. So I sat him down and taught him the Magic card game. He did well, I don't exactly think he is ready to build decks or anything like that yet, but he had a good time and seemed enthused about playing. Which is all I can really ask for. I have to focus on getting Daniel his time next week, which shouldn't be too hard since we will be heading to another family birthday party where James will get lots of play time with big kids.
Kim's party
Went well, she was happy with it. And the only real hitch was James not being able to do anything. He woke up with a sore throat and fever and it gradually got worse as the day went on. Kim will take him to the Dr. today, hope it's not anything too dreadful, although since he has been throwing up today it could be Flu + Strep throat, whcih could lay him up for a couple of days.
Anyway, thanks to everyone for coming. Kim appreciated all the company and presents and cards. She had a good time teaching some new games. And the food was all very good, and the cake was devoured, which is always a good thing. This was the last of our family birthdays for a while, at least for us as hosts, Dennis gets to host the next 2 for Dillon and Megan. Although we will host Thanksgiving in between, which won't be all that big since it will be just our family and Tammy's family plus 2 grandma's.
James officially has Strep, which will mean he's out of school for at least another day (already has Wednesday off though). 10 day course of antibiotics and lots of TLC should see him back to normal by Thursday. Good thing we kept him in seclusion for most of the day yesterday though.
Football Thoughts
Ole Miss
Did it's job, as expected, knocking off that noted power house Northern Arizona. So they will get to go to a bowl game, which is good. But still a bit of a disappointing season over all.
CU Buffs
I wasn't able to watch the game as it played, but I was on the computer the whole time so I was following it in a kind of play by play mode. So it was cool that we came back and won. It wasn't exactly a convincing win, but a W is a W. After the week the program had we really needed something good to happen like this. I can only hope that they find a way to build on it.
Broncos
Play tonight, so nothing real new to report there. This is a big game. A chance to see how they rebound from their first loss. How does the coach game plan and adjust to what was done to them. And how do they handle a tough opponent. All very big questions that will go a long way towards determining what kind of season we can really expect the rest of the way. I am really looking forward to the game.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Football Friday + Other thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily
Football
CU Buffs
I am emotionally spent by this season. It has just been exhausting, so many hopes dashed. And having another top recruit fail to succeed and transfer was just the topping on this crap sandwich of a season. I know the team and coaching team have to remain optimistic and act like everything will turn around, but I just don't see it. I will be surprised if we win another game this season. yuck...
Ole Miss Rebels
Oh yeah I forgot this is Ole Miss, not a real football school. Ole Miss doesn't contend in the SEC West, no matter how good they look. Another disappointment, more disappointing than CU in that the expectations were so much higher. It just goes to show you how important continuity is in a program, and really appreciate how good the top programs and coaches really are. You would think they can at least insure another bowl game this week against Northern Arizona.
St. Louis Rams
I can guarantee you the Rams will not lose this week... They have a bye. 1-7 is not what I hoped for this season, but if there is such a thing as 1-7 with a bullet it would be the Rams. I think the worst may be behind the team, there is a sense that while the talent is still no where close, there are good things starting to happen.
Denver Broncos
So Monday Night is the game for the season for the new coach. How does he get the team to handle it's first loss? And how does he defeat the blueprint that was clearly shown by the Ravens on how to beat the Broncos? Big time, tough questions. Should be interesting to watch. I am not sure we will have all of the answers, but a home game, even against the Steelers, should help restore some of the luster.
Weekend Plans
Daddy Hours
Week two of the Daddy Hours tomorrow. Daniel has said he wants to play Lego's he wants to know how to build a car. James wasn't sure what he wanted to do the last I checked. This is where this new 'tradition' will really start in. The first week 2 weeks ago was more of a test run. This week marks the start of 2 months of these weekends, so we should see if the idea has any staying power.
Kim's Party
Not trying to sound like a whiner but I am a little frustrated. I know Kim is not as social I am, and doesn't have as large a circle of friends as I do. But I try to arrange parties for her, and it rarely works out. I initially planned for a Saturday night so people could hang out later, play games etc. like she really enjoys. But a number of people said they had plans. So I moved it, and now even more people are unable to make it! It's frustrating. Again I know Kim just isn't that social, and to be honest she probably won't care so long as her family shows up. But it is still annoying to me that we make efforts to accept pretty much every social invitation for family style events (kids allowed, we don't do much 'adult' events because we don't drink so those types of parties tend to bore us), and there is not much in the way of reciprocity. But anyway we are having her birthday party this Sunday at 1:00PM for those who can make it by.
Football
CU Buffs
I am emotionally spent by this season. It has just been exhausting, so many hopes dashed. And having another top recruit fail to succeed and transfer was just the topping on this crap sandwich of a season. I know the team and coaching team have to remain optimistic and act like everything will turn around, but I just don't see it. I will be surprised if we win another game this season. yuck...
Ole Miss Rebels
Oh yeah I forgot this is Ole Miss, not a real football school. Ole Miss doesn't contend in the SEC West, no matter how good they look. Another disappointment, more disappointing than CU in that the expectations were so much higher. It just goes to show you how important continuity is in a program, and really appreciate how good the top programs and coaches really are. You would think they can at least insure another bowl game this week against Northern Arizona.
St. Louis Rams
I can guarantee you the Rams will not lose this week... They have a bye. 1-7 is not what I hoped for this season, but if there is such a thing as 1-7 with a bullet it would be the Rams. I think the worst may be behind the team, there is a sense that while the talent is still no where close, there are good things starting to happen.
Denver Broncos
So Monday Night is the game for the season for the new coach. How does he get the team to handle it's first loss? And how does he defeat the blueprint that was clearly shown by the Ravens on how to beat the Broncos? Big time, tough questions. Should be interesting to watch. I am not sure we will have all of the answers, but a home game, even against the Steelers, should help restore some of the luster.
Weekend Plans
Daddy Hours
Week two of the Daddy Hours tomorrow. Daniel has said he wants to play Lego's he wants to know how to build a car. James wasn't sure what he wanted to do the last I checked. This is where this new 'tradition' will really start in. The first week 2 weeks ago was more of a test run. This week marks the start of 2 months of these weekends, so we should see if the idea has any staying power.
Kim's Party
Not trying to sound like a whiner but I am a little frustrated. I know Kim is not as social I am, and doesn't have as large a circle of friends as I do. But I try to arrange parties for her, and it rarely works out. I initially planned for a Saturday night so people could hang out later, play games etc. like she really enjoys. But a number of people said they had plans. So I moved it, and now even more people are unable to make it! It's frustrating. Again I know Kim just isn't that social, and to be honest she probably won't care so long as her family shows up. But it is still annoying to me that we make efforts to accept pretty much every social invitation for family style events (kids allowed, we don't do much 'adult' events because we don't drink so those types of parties tend to bore us), and there is not much in the way of reciprocity. But anyway we are having her birthday party this Sunday at 1:00PM for those who can make it by.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Happy Birthday Kim
Happy Happy Birthday
A special super happy birthday to my goofy girl. It has been 14 wonderful years since I met you and I cannot imagine a life without you in it. You are a wonderful wife, partner and friend. A loving and great mother to our children, a man could not ask for more. We have been through good times and bad, and my love remains as strong as ever. I know the last year was a rough one for you family, but your love and your strength has helped us all get through it. Here's wishing and hoping the next one will be so much better.
Mike
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Wednesday TV + Other thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
TV Thoughts
Mad Men
Wow, just amazing, what a great way to build the story lines around a major true event like the Kennedy Assassination. Oddly the only other time I can think of any TV show working with something like this was a Jefferson's episode dealing with the King assassination. But that's another issue. This show just does a great job of maintaining it's expectations episode after episode. I can only imagine how it would have felt to have had a major event like that intrude on your life. I guess I can come close with one of my best friends getting married the weekend after 9/11, that was a pretty amazing time, and the closest modern parallel to the Kennedy Assassination.
As far as the events in the show, nothing really moved along except that veryone's favorite weasel might actually show some backbone and his own form of integrity and leave the agency, to which I reply: yeah go for it!. And of course the Draper drama. When Betty stood up and told Don she just doesn't love him anymore, and then you see Don just walk alone into his room and sit down it is was just amazing. He has seen his life just collapse over the last couple of episodes, a collapse that mirrors the shock of major events in the world. And you see him being forced to cope with everything seemingly spinning out of control, which is so unlike Don that it must be a huge shock. Just amazing work and acting.
Big Bang Theory
Love this show, especially this episode. The whole idea of someone who knows nothing about football trying to figure it out so he can fit in is so cool. And then the lines from Sheldon where he explains he's from Texas, of course he understands football, the whole scene wit that was so cool. Ending with him picking up Football for Dummies, looking at it and tossing it aside in disgust is just so picture perfect with what you can imagine Sheldon's father was like when dealing with him. This is such a fun show. And the character of Sheldon is so funny. Of course it makes it funny that I happen to have an old and dear friends who has some very similar mannerisms to that character.
Politics
Well I can't exactly say I was surprised by the election results here in Colorado Springs yesterday. Doesn't mean that I am happy, in fact I am pretty mad about it, but not surprised. We (liberals, progressives, Democrats etc.) really need to find a new paradigm, a new way of framing any argument that involves taxes. Because the gut instinct of anyone in this country now, after a generation of Republican-Conservative brainwashing/propaganda is that Taxes = bad, evil etc. It doesn't matter who is getting taxed, or where that money goes or even how much real money is being given to the government. The bottom line is that if you take a random poll the simple question: would you ever vote to increase taxes? The answer will be no 6 or 7 times out of 10. (These are non-scientific numbers of course). It doesn't matter what that tax money will go to, you could tell people that if they pay 10$ a year in additional taxes they will all get a free big screen TV, there will always be some portion of people whose response will be Hell No, don't you dare raise my taxes.
And I think that is exactly what happened here in Colorado Springs. We were asked to pay what really amounted to a small additional amount of taxes, taxes that not everyone in the city would pay, to pay for nice parks, bus service, and efficient responsive Fire and Law Enforcement service. And the reaction was: "It's just scare tactics, how dare the city government ask me for more money!?" I think that people have been educated to react to any request for money from the government with a response of Hell No.
So my response is that until we can re-educate people that government <> waste my feeling is that we will get what we pay for. And the next time I hear anyone complain about a lack of city services: snow plows, slow fire response, trashed parks, poor schools my response will be that they are getting what they are paying for. I feel like I live somewhere with only 1 restaurant. And restaurant management will limit the wait staff and menu options and cleanliness until the customers are willing to pay higher prices. So even though I am willing to pay for it, until the majority of the customers agree we are all stuck with crappy service.
I love my home town, but there are many times I feel like the character in the Bruce Springsteen song. It is my home, I couldn't leave it even if I wanted to. But damn there sure are time when the people here make it real hard to love any more.
TV Thoughts
Mad Men
Wow, just amazing, what a great way to build the story lines around a major true event like the Kennedy Assassination. Oddly the only other time I can think of any TV show working with something like this was a Jefferson's episode dealing with the King assassination. But that's another issue. This show just does a great job of maintaining it's expectations episode after episode. I can only imagine how it would have felt to have had a major event like that intrude on your life. I guess I can come close with one of my best friends getting married the weekend after 9/11, that was a pretty amazing time, and the closest modern parallel to the Kennedy Assassination.
As far as the events in the show, nothing really moved along except that veryone's favorite weasel might actually show some backbone and his own form of integrity and leave the agency, to which I reply: yeah go for it!. And of course the Draper drama. When Betty stood up and told Don she just doesn't love him anymore, and then you see Don just walk alone into his room and sit down it is was just amazing. He has seen his life just collapse over the last couple of episodes, a collapse that mirrors the shock of major events in the world. And you see him being forced to cope with everything seemingly spinning out of control, which is so unlike Don that it must be a huge shock. Just amazing work and acting.
Big Bang Theory
Love this show, especially this episode. The whole idea of someone who knows nothing about football trying to figure it out so he can fit in is so cool. And then the lines from Sheldon where he explains he's from Texas, of course he understands football, the whole scene wit that was so cool. Ending with him picking up Football for Dummies, looking at it and tossing it aside in disgust is just so picture perfect with what you can imagine Sheldon's father was like when dealing with him. This is such a fun show. And the character of Sheldon is so funny. Of course it makes it funny that I happen to have an old and dear friends who has some very similar mannerisms to that character.
Politics
Well I can't exactly say I was surprised by the election results here in Colorado Springs yesterday. Doesn't mean that I am happy, in fact I am pretty mad about it, but not surprised. We (liberals, progressives, Democrats etc.) really need to find a new paradigm, a new way of framing any argument that involves taxes. Because the gut instinct of anyone in this country now, after a generation of Republican-Conservative brainwashing/propaganda is that Taxes = bad, evil etc. It doesn't matter who is getting taxed, or where that money goes or even how much real money is being given to the government. The bottom line is that if you take a random poll the simple question: would you ever vote to increase taxes? The answer will be no 6 or 7 times out of 10. (These are non-scientific numbers of course). It doesn't matter what that tax money will go to, you could tell people that if they pay 10$ a year in additional taxes they will all get a free big screen TV, there will always be some portion of people whose response will be Hell No, don't you dare raise my taxes.
And I think that is exactly what happened here in Colorado Springs. We were asked to pay what really amounted to a small additional amount of taxes, taxes that not everyone in the city would pay, to pay for nice parks, bus service, and efficient responsive Fire and Law Enforcement service. And the reaction was: "It's just scare tactics, how dare the city government ask me for more money!?" I think that people have been educated to react to any request for money from the government with a response of Hell No.
So my response is that until we can re-educate people that government <> waste my feeling is that we will get what we pay for. And the next time I hear anyone complain about a lack of city services: snow plows, slow fire response, trashed parks, poor schools my response will be that they are getting what they are paying for. I feel like I live somewhere with only 1 restaurant. And restaurant management will limit the wait staff and menu options and cleanliness until the customers are willing to pay higher prices. So even though I am willing to pay for it, until the majority of the customers agree we are all stuck with crappy service.
I love my home town, but there are many times I feel like the character in the Bruce Springsteen song. It is my home, I couldn't leave it even if I wanted to. But damn there sure are time when the people here make it real hard to love any more.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Catching Up + Football Thoughts
Dear James, Daniel and Emily,
Yesterday work got pretty busy so I didn't get around to writing a post. There's a lot to cover what with the 4 day weekend, 2 days of football, new book, another birthday party etc. Plus sick kids, and future plans, yep lots to cover so here goes.
Family
The boys had 2 days off from school, ostensibly for parent-teacher conferences, so I had taken those days off, then Kim did so as well so we ended up with a 4 day family vacation of sorts. Due to the weather and other factors we went ahead and put Emily in Day Care like normal on Thursday & Friday. Thursday we took the boys to the Mall, for some wandering around, play time, lunch and a movie (AstroBoy, which was a fun kids movie). Friday we went down to the Mall for some racquetball followed by some swimming with the boys and a lunch at the Depot. So the boys got 2 fun days with Mom & Dad, with no kid sister to bother them.
Saturday of course was Halloween, we had a relaxing morning. Then walked down to Old Colorado City for their Trick or Treat deal, then walked back. Which was nice, the weather made that very bearable. Then we had a little time at home before we went over to Connie's to do the Trick or Treat in her neighborhood and finally got home. It was a fun day, albeit a little long, the kids all had a good time trick or treating and we ended up with 3 large bowls of candy, 1 for each kid. It is funny I just don't have much recollection of doing much trick or treating growing up, for a variety of reasons I guess we just didn't do it that much. While Kim apparently was trick or treating up until her late teens.
Sunday was Emily's birthday party, which we prepared for by cleaning house, and then gathering leaves in the yard (taking advantage of the time change and the extra hour). Leaving us ready by 11 when the Bronco game started, which unfortunately soured my mood for a couple of hours (more on the game later). The party went well over all I think Emily enjoyed herself and the presents. Plus we were able to get in some real low key family football, which was fun.
Sunday night after we had been asleep for a couple of hours were awoken by Daniel throwing up, which meant cleanup etc. and he stayed home with Kim, and rode with her and Emily to Emily's 2 year checkup, where Emily got 2 shots. Leaving Kim home with 2 sick/grouchy kids the rest of the day. Daniel stayed with Grandpa Pete today, more a precaution than anything else (thanks for the Super Grandpa duty Dad!), but Emily returned to Day Care today, making the transition to the next age group as she just passed her 2nd birthday.
So it was an eventful and busy long weekend, but fun for everyone. We host Kim's birthday party this coming weekend and slowly get back to normal, just in time for Thanksgiving...
Football
CU Buffs
Well I tried to watch the game on Saturday, but every time I turned the channel over Missouri was scoring so I decided to avoid the game in the interests of sanity. It's just real depressing at this point. It is just a general failure all the way through the program: talent level (poor recruiting), inept play (bad coaching), mistakes (poor execution). I am pretty discouraged, I just hope that all of the rah rah, life lesson high education standards are taking hold because it isn't a lot of fun to root for a crappy team.
Ole Miss Rebels
Talk about a fall from grace. A preseason Top 10 to wondering if they can even make a bowl game. This is part of the overall trend this year on how crucial chemistry and coaching are in college football. Because there are a lot of top teams that have not been able to recover from losses to graduation, and the whole complexion of the season has changed as a result of that. And Ole Miss is a prime example as the few players they lost have just blown the whole season.
Denver Broncos
Well I kind of thought they might lose this game. But that didn't make it any easier to watch. It was just a painful game to watch, because it felt like we were in it until all of a sudden I realized we were not in it any more, just a strange game to watch. I just hope this doesn't result in a losing streak. This is where the new coach will really make his bones, how does he and the staff handle this? I just don't know if this loss exposed a major flaw in the team or if it was just a one time thing. We'll know better this coming week.
St. Louis Rams
If you had told me the Rams and Broncos could not win in the same weekend for the entire season I would have not been happy but accepted it. And to be honest if you had then told me that meant the Broncos would be 6-1 and the Rams 1-7 I guess that would have been easier to swallow than 4-3 and 3-5 for example. So the Rams finally got that win, there is hope for the future. Which is what this season is all about: setting up for the future.
The Sports Guy
So I used a birthday gift to buy The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons. Simmons is one of my favorite sports writers, and the reason I didn't buy his first book is I really don't like baseball enough to buy a baseball book. But I like basketball and the NBA so I was looking forward to this one. And so far it has not disappointed. It is a really good book, very informative and definitely well researched.
I only have 2 problems with it so far, one is easier to overcome than the other. I have gotten used to the unabashed Boston Sports Rule! bias of his columns, and to be honest you can't write the 'definitive' book on the NBA without dealing with the Celtics (like it or not, it would be like writing a book about college basketball and leaving out UCLA and John Wooden). Since I am still just starting it I still have not uncovered the reason for his antipathy towards one of my heroes though, I just don't get the Kareem bashing. I never have gotten why some people dislike Kareem, it's like Simmons is that little kid in Airplane.
But those problems aside I heartily endorse this book to anyone who has ever followed the NBA. It is definitely a work of love by someone who genuinely loves basketball and the NBA specifically.
Yesterday work got pretty busy so I didn't get around to writing a post. There's a lot to cover what with the 4 day weekend, 2 days of football, new book, another birthday party etc. Plus sick kids, and future plans, yep lots to cover so here goes.
Family
The boys had 2 days off from school, ostensibly for parent-teacher conferences, so I had taken those days off, then Kim did so as well so we ended up with a 4 day family vacation of sorts. Due to the weather and other factors we went ahead and put Emily in Day Care like normal on Thursday & Friday. Thursday we took the boys to the Mall, for some wandering around, play time, lunch and a movie (AstroBoy, which was a fun kids movie). Friday we went down to the Mall for some racquetball followed by some swimming with the boys and a lunch at the Depot. So the boys got 2 fun days with Mom & Dad, with no kid sister to bother them.
Saturday of course was Halloween, we had a relaxing morning. Then walked down to Old Colorado City for their Trick or Treat deal, then walked back. Which was nice, the weather made that very bearable. Then we had a little time at home before we went over to Connie's to do the Trick or Treat in her neighborhood and finally got home. It was a fun day, albeit a little long, the kids all had a good time trick or treating and we ended up with 3 large bowls of candy, 1 for each kid. It is funny I just don't have much recollection of doing much trick or treating growing up, for a variety of reasons I guess we just didn't do it that much. While Kim apparently was trick or treating up until her late teens.
Sunday was Emily's birthday party, which we prepared for by cleaning house, and then gathering leaves in the yard (taking advantage of the time change and the extra hour). Leaving us ready by 11 when the Bronco game started, which unfortunately soured my mood for a couple of hours (more on the game later). The party went well over all I think Emily enjoyed herself and the presents. Plus we were able to get in some real low key family football, which was fun.
Sunday night after we had been asleep for a couple of hours were awoken by Daniel throwing up, which meant cleanup etc. and he stayed home with Kim, and rode with her and Emily to Emily's 2 year checkup, where Emily got 2 shots. Leaving Kim home with 2 sick/grouchy kids the rest of the day. Daniel stayed with Grandpa Pete today, more a precaution than anything else (thanks for the Super Grandpa duty Dad!), but Emily returned to Day Care today, making the transition to the next age group as she just passed her 2nd birthday.
So it was an eventful and busy long weekend, but fun for everyone. We host Kim's birthday party this coming weekend and slowly get back to normal, just in time for Thanksgiving...
Football
CU Buffs
Well I tried to watch the game on Saturday, but every time I turned the channel over Missouri was scoring so I decided to avoid the game in the interests of sanity. It's just real depressing at this point. It is just a general failure all the way through the program: talent level (poor recruiting), inept play (bad coaching), mistakes (poor execution). I am pretty discouraged, I just hope that all of the rah rah, life lesson high education standards are taking hold because it isn't a lot of fun to root for a crappy team.
Ole Miss Rebels
Talk about a fall from grace. A preseason Top 10 to wondering if they can even make a bowl game. This is part of the overall trend this year on how crucial chemistry and coaching are in college football. Because there are a lot of top teams that have not been able to recover from losses to graduation, and the whole complexion of the season has changed as a result of that. And Ole Miss is a prime example as the few players they lost have just blown the whole season.
Denver Broncos
Well I kind of thought they might lose this game. But that didn't make it any easier to watch. It was just a painful game to watch, because it felt like we were in it until all of a sudden I realized we were not in it any more, just a strange game to watch. I just hope this doesn't result in a losing streak. This is where the new coach will really make his bones, how does he and the staff handle this? I just don't know if this loss exposed a major flaw in the team or if it was just a one time thing. We'll know better this coming week.
St. Louis Rams
If you had told me the Rams and Broncos could not win in the same weekend for the entire season I would have not been happy but accepted it. And to be honest if you had then told me that meant the Broncos would be 6-1 and the Rams 1-7 I guess that would have been easier to swallow than 4-3 and 3-5 for example. So the Rams finally got that win, there is hope for the future. Which is what this season is all about: setting up for the future.
The Sports Guy
So I used a birthday gift to buy The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons. Simmons is one of my favorite sports writers, and the reason I didn't buy his first book is I really don't like baseball enough to buy a baseball book. But I like basketball and the NBA so I was looking forward to this one. And so far it has not disappointed. It is a really good book, very informative and definitely well researched.
I only have 2 problems with it so far, one is easier to overcome than the other. I have gotten used to the unabashed Boston Sports Rule! bias of his columns, and to be honest you can't write the 'definitive' book on the NBA without dealing with the Celtics (like it or not, it would be like writing a book about college basketball and leaving out UCLA and John Wooden). Since I am still just starting it I still have not uncovered the reason for his antipathy towards one of my heroes though, I just don't get the Kareem bashing. I never have gotten why some people dislike Kareem, it's like Simmons is that little kid in Airplane.
But those problems aside I heartily endorse this book to anyone who has ever followed the NBA. It is definitely a work of love by someone who genuinely loves basketball and the NBA specifically.
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