Random Musings

Well another birthday has come and gone. At this point, I'm looking forward to Social Security and that target date seemingly changes every two or three months so birthdays don't really have too much importance for me personally. The boys however, it means that their's are getting closer so they provide more if not all the excitement for the day. I did however get to have a home made Boston Cream pie made by my lovely wife which was incredibly delicious. OK, enough with that, let's talk about what's going on......

• I have a co-worker that was nicknamed "Flycatcher" by a friend of mine. He got this nickname because of his constant stare and open mouth. Flycatcher likes to think of himself as an authority on many topics, most of which he really doesn't have a clue other than what he has seen on the "intranets". Recently we engaged in a McCain/Obama debate that was quite fun. I wish I would have recorded it, because I know the other people in the office were enjoying our exchange. To sum it up, he would make a statement, then I would retort, "Now R, I'm sure you would agree that a logical person would....." and then go on to destroy his statement. It ended with him saying, "I don't see what logic has to do with anything anyways". Yeah, that was actually said and yes this person does have a license to drive, has a child, and will probably be voting. Sad, isn't it. Maybe one post will talk about our recent overnight stay in Norman where he couldn't believe the hotel didn't have a "Lincoln Continental" breakfast and he was NOT quoting the hit Pixar flick, Cars.

• I'm pretty damn tired of hearing about "Joe the plumber" and also tired of hearing McCain. He's a damn winer, he's so obviously grasping at straws. He knows his goose is cooked and is playing Bush league ball (yes than can have more than one meaning).

• I'm very excited about going to see my nephews and niece in TX, ok I am looking forward to seeing my brother and sister in law also. I have never had the opportunity to see my oldest nephew play any sports, he's very excited about playing football and I am looking forward to sharing in his enthusiasm.

• Dear reader, if you are still awake after reading all of my ramblings, please please make sure that you and your loved ones have a college education. It is literally tearing me up that I am so limited in my career choices. My current position is a decent one, however I can't help myself each day thinking, "If only I would have continued in school, if only I would have applied myself or taken advantage of the situations I was in". I know that hindsight is always 20/20, but I am sure in the fact that my college years were totally and completely wasted and fear that not only am I paying for that mistake, but also my family. Let me tell you dear reader, it hurts like hell.

Well, nothing like ending on a downer but the wine is half way gone and the debate is almost over.

Just keep swimming.....

Man, Time Flies!

I have to apologize dear reader, I have neglected you for almost a month! So much has happened, things get moving quicker and see who suffers. I apologize dear reader, I sincerely do. I'm actually running the risk of being "dooced", but that adds to the thrill of it all.

Let's hit some bullet points:

• Sarah Palin- I wanted to like her. I really did. I was excited when she was announced and thought that maybe, just maybe they were sincerely looking to the future. But then I heard her speak and realized that she is just a pawn who is going to be filled with sound bites and trotted out for the Nascar dads et al. I read a quote from Gloria Steinham that said basically that she is doing nothing for women. Steinham said that feminism does not work for one woman getting a job, but for all women advancing. I truly agree with that statement and hope that more people can understand what she is saying.
• Soccer has started for Boomer. We are taking Otter to practice so he can get some exercise and start to learn how to play. He's doing a good job and actually did a better job of dribbling the ball last night than some of the older kids. The Rockets had their first game last Saturday. Boomer played goalie for three of the quarters and did a pretty good job. The referee came up to him and asked if he was a professional, Boomer just shrugged and said, "No, not yet. My mom says I'm not old enough."
• The return of soccer means the return of KK and family. They are some of the best and coolest people to be around. If I didn't have them for practices and the games I would go crazy. They have the same outlook as I do for the kids in that winning is not the most important thing, that exercise, teamwork, and fun is most important. Unfortunately, there are some parents who feel that kids 5 and under need to be world beaters and dominate every team they play. Seriously, does little Johnny or Jane really need to be screamed at incessantly to kick a ball? Tell them to pay attention to the game and have fun and have a good conversation with another parent while you watch your child PLAY A GAME. Note to certain parents on the Rockets: DO NOT LIVE VICARIOUSLY THROUGH YOUR CHILDREN. REALIZE THAT THEY WILL NOT COMPETE AS YOU DO AND THAT YOUR SOCIAL STATUS WILL NOT SUFFER IF YOUR CHILD DOESN'T SCORE A GOAL. IT'S ABOUT THE CHILDREN, NOT THE PARENTS!
• Dear Reader, if you read one article this year about the Presidential race, read the current article in Utne magazine about how the Office of the President has transformed into a superhero. Remember how the Office was designed by our forefathers and how limited the power the President truly has and also realize the role of the President not only in our country but around the world and cast your very important vote.....for Obama.

Well, I am going to end this post for now. Don't fret, I will not ignore you as long again! There is much more to talk about! Trips to Norman, Mamma Mia, football, more politics, cooking...the list is endless.

Stay tuned and hey, stay classy....

First Day of School

Today was a milestone for Boomer. He started Kindergarten. He has the new backpack, shirts, shorts, socks, and of course new shoes that make him run even faster than before. He was ready to go at about 7:05, we weren't scheduled to leave the house until 7:45 but he came into our bedroom dressed and ready to go. He had his collar "popped", but decided to go ahead and put it down today so that he wouldn't make his new classmates think that he is "too cool".

Otter has been saying that he is starting school today too, but he still has a little time left before that happens. Grandpa had told him earlier about picking him up from daycare one day when Boomer was at school, so that has been all that he has talked about lately. Grandpa called this morning though and said that he would spend the whole day with Otter. Otter's reaction is below.

I was surprised that I didn't have to hold back as many tears as I did last year when dropping Boomer off. I suppose it's because he's an old pro now and knows where to go, friends to see and hang out with. I can vividly remember bringing him home from the hospital and now here he is going to school. All day, having lunch, recess, all the big kid stuff that he is ready for.

Just not me...not just yet anyway.... aww heck, here come the waterworks

Here She Is!

There she is! Miss S.C. entered the world on August 7, 2008 weighing in at 8lbs, 4 oz and a 20 1/4 inches long. At post time, both mother and baby are doing extremely well and are at home. She got to bond with her current favorite uncle (her other uncle hasn't made the trip to see her yet) for a few minutes the day after she was born. She said she was still a little tired from the move, but is excited at the idea of living with her two older brothers and getting into lots of trouble with them. The proud father taped the morning of her birth and asked everyone if they were excited about S's arrival. Her 4 yr old brother was a bit apprehensive, but once he saw her he was more than ready to bring her home. I'm sure they will be fast friends very soon.

In addition to seeing Miss S, our trip down south was also a mini-Vacation (see Otter above in full vacay mode) so we took the opportunity to visit some of Dallas' attractions. We went to the fair park's aquarium, natural history and science museum and botanical gardens. All were quite impressive and we had a fun and educational time. Ask Boomer and Otter though and all they will talk about is the pool at the hotel and how Boomer had shrimp for the first time (He deduced that it tasted a lot like chicken).

We had a great meal at Pappadeaux, picked up some cupcakes from Sprinkles and made the obligatory visit to Whole Foods. Plus, of course a little bootlegging (time to get with the times Oklahoma- 3.2 sucks!). The trips down south are never long enough, but we are already planning another to take place sometime in October to visit life size dinosaurs and to check out a travelling exhibit of some works by Van Gogh ( a favorite of L*). Plus I am sure we will get all of the boys together for some good quality time as well as sampling some fine Tex-Mex cuisine.

With that dear reader, I leave you with another picture of Otter and his new best friend, Cody.

Went to the movies! And it wasn't rated G!!

For the first time in I don't know how long, L* and I went with some friends for dinner and a real movie. A real movie I said, not Wall-E, Kung-Fu Panda or Horton Hears a Who or anything like that. This movie had real people in it! They didn't have super powers or spoke to flowers, these were real live PEOPLE!!

The dinner was great. We met at an Italian place called Carrabas. L* had a great fettucini alfredo dish, I had the seafood special. Very good stuff although I was a little disappointed by the wine. It was an Estate Clos du Bois Cabernet and I felt it was extremely lacking. It didn't pack a punch at the first sip nor did it cleanse the palate as I am accustomed stronger wines to do. It was however, very drinkable and the bottle was gone fairly quickly- can't let a bottle of wine go to waste no matter what is what I always say.

Now, the Main Event, the Big Kahuna, the MOVIE!! We went and saw.....


just wait for it.....


still waiting.....????


is this annoying yet?????


We saw.....



MAMMA MIA!!!

I first fell in love with the play when L* and I were in Las Vegas a few years ago. It was awesome, people were dancing in the aisles laughing and singing along with the cast. For those not familiar with Mamma Mia (you should be ashamed of yourself), it's a story about a girl who is getting married, doesn't know who her father is, reads her mother's diary, figures it's one of three men she knew one summer, sent invitations to them, so on and so on...blah blah blah. The star of the show is the music. The music is from the Swedish Supergroup...Abba. That's right, Dancing Queen, SOS, Waterloo, Mamma Mia (of course), Voulez-Vous, all the hits you remember. If you don't remember (shame on you), run out and grab a copy of Abba Gold.

To be honest, the acting was awful and the story is less than plausible, but you could see that the actors had as much fun filming the movie as the viewer has watching it. While in the theatre, no one was dancing, but there were plenty of folks singing along and many clapped when the movie was over. When was the last time there was actual applause at the movie theatre??

I laughed so hard I was crying and had just a great time! I can't recommend any higher for you, dear reader, to go see this film. You will walk out of the theatre with a spring in your step while humming Waterloo then Mamma Mia then Take a Chance on Me et al.

First Day on the New Job and WII!!

So today was the first day of the new gig. I was the first one there this morning, which of course I didn't have a key so I had to sit out in the lobby for a bit. Once one of my co-workers arrived, I was shown my desk, computer, cards, camera, briefcase and various other office products. For the first time in quite a while, I don't have work email address, so much for having much else available in the 21st century. Granted some information is available on a computer, most is still done the old fashioned way- pencil (not kidding) and paper.

I didn't get to go out and do any assessing today since the assessor was gone and the person whose position I am taking didn't come in today. So I busied myself looking up various properties and reading manuals. Pretty eventful first day let me tell you.

However, once I got home. L* and the boys had done some shopping. They found a Wii at the local Walmart. The boys were told that once I got home, I would be the one to hook it up so they could play. Nothing like having a 5 and 3 yr old "helping" you with electronics. Fortunately, it wasn't a difficult procedure so we had the games up and running in no time.

Now, I used to work with a person who raves about the Wii. Now I know why. That thing is a lot of fun! It was getting quite addictive. I am going to have to video L* and the boys at bowling, it's too funny. They have perfect form, complete with the full follow through and kicking the leg out to the side. Pretty funny.

No one has beaten good ole Dad though, I'm sure that will change.

Ask a 3 yr old a question? You get what you ask for!

This afternoon while home for lunch from the new job started today. L* asked Otter if *WARNING-IF YOU ARE OFFENDED, DISGUSTED, HAVE A WEAK STOMACH, OR ANYTHING SIMILAR-STOP READING NOW* he had gone to the bathroom and didn't yell for her to come "finish up". Otter paused for a second, then stuck his finger down his pants looked at it and said, "Yep".

That's my boy!

Funny How Things Change

You know how you always tell yourself that there is no way that a certain activity, sport, or whatever it is would ever be interesting for you? Well for me, soccer was one of those things. Sure, when I was younger I played a few years (Goalie- pretty damn good if I say so myself, at least compared to the rest of the 14-under group) and enjoyed it. But that gave way to baseball, golf, girls, music, and pretty much everything else.

Boomer started playing soccer last fall. Since then, I have to admit that I have become something of a fan of the sport again. I can't quote stats, players, teams or anything like that yet. But when flipping through the stations, I will find myself stopping on a match and enjoy watching the game.

I used to work with a guy who is a big soccer fan, played it up through college. He was nothing but excited when the World Cup started. One day I made the fatal error and asked him if he saw the amazing shot on TV that was on in the break room. Told him that it won the game for that team and everything. He just glared at me, called me an asshole and said that he was Tivo-ing the match. I felt like crap, but honestly how was I to know. However to this day if there is a match or golf tournament on TV, I will not talk to him about action that has just taken place.




Seriously though, look at that group up there. How could you not love the game that gives them so much excitment. So the other night, Boomer and I watched the MLS All Star game and had a blast, talking about how he was going to try some of the cool things they were doing out in the yard and that one day he would make sure that I would have the best seats in the stadium to watch him play. Can't wait buddy.

You Think Your Mondays Are Bad?

On Mondays-Wednesdays, L* has to be at work before 7AM, so she rushes around getting herself together plus laying the groundwork for the boys morning preparation for me to finish. Sometimes though, the boys have a rough time getting their motors running. Generally it happens on Wednesdays since they are told all week long that they don't have to get up early Thursday-Sunday. This morning was particularly difficult for Boomer, apparently his eyes had a hard time opening. What follows is our conversation while I was trying to get myself together:

Boomer (enters crying softly): Daddy, I'm sad because my eyes won't open and I can't see what Pinky Dinky Do is doing.

Me: What? Your eyes won't stay open?

B: No, every time I try to open them they just go back shut again. (Crying intensifies a bit)

Me: Well, maybe we should get you a granola bar or a muffin.

B: But my eyes aren't open! I will probably bite my finger or something!

Me (trying to control my laughter because, let's be honest, eyes not opening can be a serious situation): OK, come over here and let's see if a wet washcloth can help.

Miracles of miracles, the washcloth worked! Boomer was able to have a piece of toast and enjoy the last few minutes of Pinky Dinky Do.

It didn't end there though, when Pinky was over- I asked Otter to turn off the TV. He couldn't because his finger was sunburned and he couldn't press the button. When advised that he has another hand/finger he could use and that he should try that, his response was, "Oh yeah sure! I can do that!"

Rainy days and Mondays might have given Karen Carpenter the blues, thank goodness she didn't have Wednesdays!

Go Mitch Go

This morning I received an add from Facebook from a guy I worked with for a little while. JWhit was hell of a guy to work with, plus one of the coolest mofos around. He's a fitness stud, incredibly well prepared worker, hip, funny, baseball fanatic I could go on and on--just one of those guys that you like to be around.



Whit's got a big hole in his heart though, a Mitchell sized hole. Mitchell is John's son who went with the Lord in September 2007. I had the honor of meeting Mitch at a NO/OKC Hornets basketball game, our conversation wasn't much more than "Hi, nice to meet you. Are you excited about the game?" but it was special nonetheless. My words can't do justice describing the guy. Please visit http://www.gomitchgo.com/ , start at the beginning and be amazed by the power of God's love and the strength of faith held by the Whitaker family. While you are at it, think about how many children you know going through the same thing and do what you can to help find a cure.

Through their site, Mitch has touched countless people around the world. I know that he certainly changed the way that I look at things and appreciate all that I have.

Peace

Long Time- No Post- Big Changes

Man, step away from the computer every now and then and the world really changes. I link More Hip than Hippie and get a shout out which was very cool. Seriously, if you haven't checked them out on iTunes or Podcast alley, definitely do so. They are so much fun to listen to and also give great advice. I failed to provide my necessary information, so here goes. Porn Star name is Bandit MacKenzie, favorite beer right now is Sierra Nevada Stout, favorite chocolate is too hard to determine but I definitely enjoy the higher cacao percentage. Also, I'm a male from rural Oklahoma.

Big change in the world is that I am starting a new job on August 1st. Getting out of insurance and into the world of county government as the deputy field assessor. I'm looking forward to it since I will be closer to home and be able to take advantage of additional benefits offered through the county. Dad is excited because we will be able to play more golf together and the boys are pumped since they will be able to come along as well. L* is glad to have me closer to home also.

I have mixed feelings about leaving. Quite honestly, the agent that I have worked for the last couple of years has been nothing short of an incredible mentor. He teaches professionalism like I have never seen before, he does things completely, honestly, and is constantly looking for the best value for the client. I wish that the industry had a reputation more like his than what an insurance salesman currently has. He, his staff, and family will definitely be missed. My experience here has definitely been positive and educational.

Dad's birthday is this weekend, the boys and I will be going out to his house for steaks, golf, and fun. He bought them a go-cart that they love to tear around in. Oldest son (Boomer-5 yrs old) was out across the yard one time and the younger son (Otter- 3 yrs old) was on the other side of the house. Boomer saw Larry the armadillo and yells, "LARRY!!". I look out and he has gripped the steering wheel with both hands and has floored the gas pedal on the go- cart aimed right at Larry. Meanwhile a flash runs beside me, it's Otter with a stick out to whack Larry on the head a couple of times. I have never seen an armadillo run so fast in my life. Fortunate for Larry, the boys did not inflict serious harm.

The diet is going well. Haven't had serious overeating issues, although I haven't worked out like I had hoped because of the bronchitis, sinus infection and ear infection. Hopefully that stuff will get worked out soon and I can get back on the treadmill.


More info to come as I receive it about the job, we are preparing for our trip to Dallas to meet the new niece in August plus taking the boys to various Big-D attractions. Until then loyal reader.....

Day 2

So here we are again. Went back to work, only to have co-workers say that I should have stayed home. Really people, tell me what you honestly think of me. No no, they just don't want to get infected with the crud and I can't say that I blame them.

Diet went well today, had two Slim Fasts (strawberry and cream) , G2 gatorade drink, a Hostess Peach Pie, and then half of a lovely dinner prepared by my wife. I also had to have one of her delicious mini cheesecake bites-but hey I only had one. Not too shabby.

I also got to take the boys out to the course for a few holes. They love it and I envision myself as a combo of Richard Williams/Earl Woods by raising future star siblings. My youngest developed the ability to burp on command today, couldn't be prouder while the oldest perfected the finer points of jumping in and out of a moving golf cart.

One of my weekly highlights is downloading the "More Hip Than Hippie" podcast from iTunes. If you haven't heard Dori and Val, check them out immediately! They are too damn funny while also sharing some great advice on how to live a more greener life. Plus they throw in a review of some beer and chocolate, how bad can that be?

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming........

(Credit that line to Dori and K)

Let's Begin

Wow, so here it is...the first post...the first blog. Somehow I expected more. Isn't that always the way though? As you get older, things tend to "wow" you less and less. One of the two hundred and fifty seven kaz-bil-gillion things that I love about my kids (boys, ages 5 and 3 as of this posting date) is that at this point in their lives -everything is new, everything is an adventure and that's how it should be, in my opinion. Kids grow up too damn fast....save that for another post.

So, why should I write a blog? Who knows, vanity perhaps. Thinking that my ideas and thoughts and opinions are just so clever, funny, and intelligent EVERYONE should know about it. In addition, my life is just as important and doggone it, my phone isn't ringing enough so I need to let more people know about me.

Just kidding, the real goal is to document things for the future to pass on to my kids. I have kept a journal for a while but decided to get more with the times. Plus, this font is a hell of a lot easier to read than my writing. I am aiming to talk about all sorts of different topics ranging from education to sports to movies to weight loss to wine to books and everything else in between.

Might as well get started with my day today. I'm home from work (bronchitis-not playing golf unfortunately) and went to the doctor to get something to help with the fever, chills, etc. I should explain before I go any further that I live in a small town, my doctor is not only that he is also a golfing buddy/friend and also treats my father. OK, that should be enough...back to the story. My doctor diagnoses me and recommends some medicine so I'm starting to get up and he asks if I have seen my dad in the last 24-48 hours. I knew my dad had an appointment with him so immediately I think the worst and quickly said no. "Well", he said, "I wanted to talk to you before he did so you didn't think there was an ambush going on. We are concerned about your weight."

So now I am relieved that there isn't anything wrong with my dad but I'm kind of shocked that I would come up in their conversations. Part of me was upset because what business is it of my dad to know my medical conditions-if something is wrong and I want him to know, I will tell him and vice versa. Then I was also kind of mad at the doctor for talking to him about me, what happened to the whole patient/doctor confidentiality thing?

But further reflection shows me that I am actually fortunate to have a doctor/friend like I do not to mention how fortunate I am to have a father that would be willing to help out with this struggle. The anger turned to warm fuzzies and hopefully fat will be turning to muscle. I'll keep you all posted.

Man, there you have it! Big day! Start a diet, start a blog....I wonder what else I can get accomplished with a 101 fever and chills. I know, nap time.