Three Days - Can I Make It?

Angie begun her 3-Day Walk for Cancer Research today. In fact, I just got off the phone with her. They are at their pit stop (about halfway point for the day) and she has walked over 8 miles already today. She's doing well, but was appreciative of the couple of team members who are walking slow purposefully to stay with her.

I think I'd rather be walking 60 miles than doing her job this weekend. I am just not wired to sit in line picking up kids from school. Don't get me wrong, I love when I have to kids to myself. We spend some real quality time together that I don't always get to have with them and we do things that I don't do with the regularly. In fact, even though my day started at 4:30 today when Angie got up, my day REALLY starts at 2:00 after my last conference call today.

After I hang up from that call, I go to Cassie's school to volunteer in her classroom. I stuff the Friday folders and then help her teacher with the remaining class. At 3:00, Cassie gets out and we leave together. We will then get Marissa and Dylan at 3:50. We'll have Snack-Attack Friday, where we'll go somewhere and get a snack. The kids love that. Then Marissa has pictures and a Volleyball game, and then she's off to a Halloween party. Me, Dylan and Cassie will hangout until Marissa gets home at 10:30. We'll end our day with popcorn and a movie.

Saturday will be errands, seeing mom and a spectator section of her walk, a birthday party (hopefully) and a ball game. We'll end our day the same way - a movie and snacks.

Sunday - church, lunch, cleaning and picking up mom.

I can't wait till she's home - already

SL

Bored Sick

I was in Raleigh yesterday for an important operational review. In fact, since my interviews back in January, I've had two very important meetings with my boss and his boss (among others). The first was my recommendation for vendor selection (one of the reasons I was hired). The second (yesterday) was to review how that vendor has been doing.

As before every important meeting, I get nervous. Besides preparation, the other way I get ready for these meetings is to pray - I pray to God to help me say the right things and to represent Him properly. I also ask those close to me to pray for the same. So, when I called Angie before the meeting to ask her to pray for me, she informed me that Cassie was sick with a cold and wasn't going to school today (her first missed day). I know how well she is doing in school, so I wasn't overly concerned.

We had our meeting, which went very long due to the great discussion (yes, it went very well) and at my first opportunity I called home to inform Angie. When I got no answer, I became a little concerned - perhaps Cassie got worse and they went to the doctor. I couldn't imagine them doing anything else if Cassie was ill. I tried Angie on her cell phone.

When she answered, I could tell she was out. I asked where, and she informed me she was picking up some items for her three day walk this weekend. I asked how Cassie was, and she informed me that she was at school....

"At school", I inquired.

"Yes, at school. She was bored and asked me to take her to school. She went about 9:30AM."

I couldn't believe my ears. All of the kids know that if they stay home from school, the have to stay in bed or on the couch and that they cannot do anything else for the day. I guess watching Disney Channel all day was worse than sitting in class, so off to school she went.

Does anyone else find that amazing?

SL

D-Troop Redux

Our First Meeting

Last night we had our first meeting of Daisy Girl Scout Troop 8459. The girls arrived and we decorated name tags. Cassie had made me one earlier in the day, so the girls worked on theirs, coloring and drawing pictures on index cards that had their name printed on front and the promise on the back. We laminated them, and put some yarn on them (as a lanyard) and we were good to go. The room was real quiet.

The next activity was out meeting opening. We practiced the Girl Scout Promise and the Girl Scout Sign in our friendship circle. I introduced the girls to scouting, the circle and what we would be working on. I introduced the girls to the quiet sign, but it was unnecessary as the girls still haven't spoken.

Next, the girls traced each other on large craft paper and then finished their self portraits by adding eyes, hair, noses and mouths, and whatever else they wanted. The girls started to open up a little bit.

We then had snack - yummy rice krispy treats and punch. The girls helped me clean up and then we ended the meeting with a friendship circle. It was quiet, but the girls were eating.

We had 6 girls participate and all seemed to have a great time. It was fun, and we are looking forward to our next meeting in a couple of weeks. I just hope the girls make some noise next time. I want to have to use my quiet sign.

SL

Separated At Birth...

...Peter Frampton and my great Uncle Tony.

I should have known by the age of the crowd...I should have known by the fact that my sister was in love with him (in the 70's)...I should have known, but I didn't expect this. Peter Frampton (the guy with the crazy fro on his album cover) has gotten old. And I mean old. When he came out on stage at I was struck how much he reminded me of my uncle Tony. I made jokes about him not being able to play guitar because of arthritis, or that I was afraid he was going to stroke out on stage, or perhaps even break a hip. He even joked at one point that he and his bassist have been playing together since 1847.

Truth be told, the guy can rock. He is one amazing guitar player. When he covered Soundgarden's Black Hole Sun, I knew I liked this guy.

Angie had received tickets to see him at Billy Bob's (the World's Largest Honky Tonk) in Forth Worth. We made an evening of it and spent the night there, had a great Mexican food dinner at Mercado Juarez (perhaps the best Mexican we've ever had - better than the Goose, even) and enjoyed some time with each other - some much needed time as I've been in school for the last three weekends and she has her three day walk coming up.

Ultimately, we had a fantastic time at the concert. I think I'm going to have to bring her to more, because she leaned over to me during the show and said to me, "I want to go to more concerts!" I've been asking her to be more clear about what she wants, and she definitely did.

Anyone know the number for ticketmaster?

SL

Garbage Sale

That's right...not GARAGE sale, but garbage sale.

It is amazing to see the constant flow of people stop at our driveway to rummage through our garbage. Angie is having a garage sale today and Saturday to get rid of some of our clutter, junk, not used items, etc. The proceeds are going to buy her some of her remaining equipment for the three day walk.

When I look at the stuff on the driveway, I see garbage. Old shoes, clothes, furniture, house items, and toys. I guess others see a deal. The first lady who stopped (she arrived at the house even before I had the signs up in the neighborhood) bought $35 worth of Angie's old clothes. A pile of maybe 30 pair of shoes is already half gone, and she's been out there less than an hour. It is amazing. I haven't seen anyone walk away empty handed.

This is on top of the garage sale that her 3-day team had several weeks ago and made more than $1000. I guess there is a market for other peoples garbage. If you are local, come on by...there is still a mirror, a bottle of bubbles or some coffee mugs still available. But you better hurry, another car just pulled up.

SL

D-Troop

Girl Scout Daisy Troop 8459 had our first official meeting last night, as parents of five of the girls met at our house for some information sharing. We have a total of 8 girls signed up, but two couldn't make it and I've been unable to reach one. We discussed the structure of the troop, service unit and council, as well as, the goals and probable activities that we can do during this next year.

I am very confident that we have the makings of a good troop. All of the parents were motivated and all were willing to help.

Our focus this year will be on:
1) The Girl Scout Promise and Girl Scout Law
2) Earning Daisy Petals
3) The Program Goals for Girl Scouts, and
4) HAVING FUN!

Cassie and one of the other girls played while we met - apparently Cassie told her that she is her new best friend...that was quick, but I hope it points to the fact that she is excited and will enjoy being a scout.

Too bad Daisies can't sell cookies. That's what I am going to enjoy.

SL

Thank God For Friends

Response to April. See her comment to my last post and her post on her blog, Another Place to Think...

It's nice to know that I have good friends...friends that care about me to tell me when I'm doing good, and more importantly, when I'm not doing so good. April's post is an example of what I'm talking about.

The truth of the matter is that I have an eating problem...call it a disorder, call it weakness, call it whatever you want - just don't call me late to dinner!!! All kidding aside, I know that I shouldn't be eating certain foods and certain amounts of different foods, but in many instances, I just can't help it - and yes, I despise that within myself. I am such a control freak, and make efforts to control so much about my environment, that I see the inability to do this as an significant weakness - in myself and others.

I've blogged about my judgmental thoughts of others, and this area is no different. I project the despair I have onto others, and judge them for my sin...

Thinking about it, though - maybe being aware of these facts and keeping April's post in perspective are part of the battle. If I acknowledge my inability in this area (and allow others to have that same freedom), I would be defeating the judgment and would be on my way to recovery. I don't know, but in other areas of my life that the good Lord has provided healing, it's happened in a similar way.

It will be an interesting journey, one that I will post about often.

Thanks, April. As I learn to love my neighbors more, perhaps I'll learn a little more about loving myself.

SL

It's Monday, Where's The Update?

When I look back at previous entries, I see a trail of posts about getting in shape and quitting smoking. They are hard to read, mostly because they represent an area of my life which is just an incredibly difficult struggle. It's not all bad news (As of Oct 5, it's been five months since I smoked a cigarette), but when it comes to my weight it's been starts and stops. This time is no different - the busy-ness of life (and my own lack of discipline and laziness) seem to have gotten me off track again.

I haven't been to the gym in over a week, and my diet has died. As school has ramped, as work has gotten busier and as the kids have gotten involved in activities, it seems as though I just jump from one thing to the other, and taking care of myself is lost in the wake. It's hard to eat right when you have five minutes before you have to leave for something. It's hard to eat right when you spend all weekend in a fast-track class (I started a third class this semester that lasts three weeks as we meet on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for five hours per day). It's hard to get up to go work out when you are so tired to begin with.

I've felt good about the progress I made in the few short weeks, especially in the gym. I'm going to make an extra effort to continue that - even if it means that I go early in the morning and not with Angie at 8:15. Please pray for my success, and let me know if you've been successful in this area - and how you've done it.

SL

Opinion Piece IV

The following is a mediation piece that I wrote for my writing course. A mediation is an essay that attempts to propose a compromise solution to two polar opposites. The difficult part of this type of writing assignment is that you may not actually agree with the position you are advocating.

American Imperialism…Extremes Don’t Work
(A mediation of Ivo H. Daalder’s and James M. Lindsay’s, “The Bush Revolution”)

Should I stay or should I go now? Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble. And if I stay it will be double.

So come on and let me know.

-The Clash

There have been two camps historically within the American foreign policy debate, those that believe the United States should look inwardly and not get involved in international affairs (“isolationists”) and those that believe that American hegemony is the only effective method of supporting our interests (“imperialists”). This debate has been going on nearly as long as there has been a United States, as George Washington was presented a difficult decision when France went to war with England a mere four years after the Constitution was signed (Daalder). Isolationism ruled American politics for many years until the end of the Spanish American war (Daalder) as it was believed that a new nation like the United States would be unable to defend itself (both militarily and culturally). Once it was proven that the US could defend herself, the imperialists took over. With Woodrow Wilson, American foreign policy began to justify getting involved internationally through a moral imperative (Daalder). In fact, when he declared war on Germany kicking off America’s involvement in World War I, he did so be claiming that the “world must be made safe for democracy”.

This imperialistic frame of thought took us through the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and the rest of the cold war. However, with the end of the cold war, and for all intensive purposes the defeat of the Soviet Union, the United States no longer had a great enemy. In fact, the U.S. no longer had any institution or world power in which could control its actions. Basically, the imperialists lost their controls and foreign policy took on a new spirit – that the United States had “freedom of action” (Daalder). The Bush Administration took full advantage of this arrangement. According to Daalder and Lindsay, this set up the Bush presidency for three claims to his foreign policy:

1) Constraints on actions were shed.
2) An unbound America should use its strength to change the status quo.
3) We should use our power to force regime change in rogue states.

The problem with uncontrolled power is that it has a tendency to be used inappropriately. In this case the old saying rings true, absolute power corrupts absolutely. In this case, our unbound ability to do whatever we wanted resulted in a global perception change of America that adversely affects all Americans. Instead of the moral imperative that we should be defending, we are seen as bullies trying to inflict our culture on the rest of the world. Worse yet, much of the rest of the world sees us as only interested in defending our economic interests elsewhere, even at the cost of human lives.

It is clear to see that both an uncontrolled isolationism and an unbound imperialism neither works nor is sustainable. Ask yourself, is the United States more secure now than before September 11? Although we have not been directly attacked since then, it is obvious that more people in this world hate us than ever before. I would argue that this is due to the uncontrolled imperialism of the last several years and that to repair the damage done, we must return to a spirit of moderation, justified by the moral imperative, within our foreign policy.

SL

Bad News Travels Fast

From This: To This:
I've been on suicide watch since yesterday. Angie has taken away my shoelaces, belt and anything else that I might try to hurt myself with...

You see, the Mets season as again ended in despair. If you remember last year, I blogged about their lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Championship Series. This year, it is much more devastating. In fact, the Mets are now the owners of the biggest/fastest collapse in baseball history, and truth be told, the last couple of weeks have been very difficult to watch. The Mets lost 12 of their last 17 games to give up a 7 game lead to the Phillies. These are the same Phillies who have on their team Jimmy Rollins who predicted in January that the Phillies were the team to beat, not the Mets.

It's interesting to see the national sports coverage of the New York media today. The headlines from the rags in New York (Daily News, Post) are really funny. A friend sent me the picture of a drunken Mr. Met with a tagline that's a play on the Met's motto, "You Gotta Believe".

I am "bereaving", but I am given solace with another popular Met slogan - "There's always next year!"

SL

Opinion Piece III

If you follow the news then you know that the toys in your house may contain a great deal of lead paint and that the pet food you serve to your dog or cat may have harmful chemicals in it. What you may not know is why this is the case or what we can do about it. The following essay is a "Visual Rhetoric" essay which attempts to explain this current leading news story. A "visual rhetoric" essay is one in which we were to use images as part of our story telling. Images can be a very important part of our communication.

CHINA: WILLING AND ABLE TO MAKE SAFE PRODUCTS?

More often than not, when you look at a product to see where it was made you’ll see “Made In China” on the label. It is a fact of our global economy that China has a massive manufacturing infrastructure and has dominated that segment of the global economy for several decades. The Chinese, with an artificially devalued yen, cheap labor, and a robust manufacturing infrastructure, supply much of the products we use every day and enjoy a massive trade surplus with the United States. Many of these products wouldn’t surprise us, like small plastic toys and low-end electronics. What may be surprising is to learn that China supplies many high end products, and even food products. China is a leading exporter of: rice, wheat, potatoes, corn, peanuts, tea, millet, and barley…apples, oilseeds, pork and fish (U.S. Dept. of State).

Because of the recent press around the safety of Chinese products, this issue has come to the forefront for both the American consumer, and the US government, whose many responsibilities include the protection of the consumer. Toys with lead paint are being recalled (MSNBC.com). Tainted pet food products are killing dogs and cats (Barboza). A high-level Chinese official was executed for drug safety testing fraud (Schwartz) These and other occurrences (e.g., toothpaste, tires, mattresses, etc.) have made it clear that China does not have the legislative and enforcement infrastructure required to ensure that the products they ship are safe and meet minimum safety standards. In fact, it may be entirely possible that China does not want to have these safeguards in place, as it will raise the costs of goods exported from China and may erode their competitive advantage in the market place.

Recent figures place the trade surplus China enjoys with the United States at $24.97 billion in August 2007, the second-highest monthly level on record. (NY Times.com) It is these enormous amounts of money that China necessarily wants to protect, and any change to the status quo would be viewed as potentially damaging to the Chinese economy.

In fact, the tainted pet food scare of several months ago potentially cost Chinese industry millions of dollars. Many brands of pet food products were found to have industrial chemicals in them and several dogs and cats were killed as a result. This, in itself, would be a terrifying prospect. However, the reality may be much worse. Many believe that these products were PURPOSEFULLY contaminated to bring them up to nutritional requirements.

Now, regulators with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are examining the possibility that melamine was intentionally mixed into the wheat gluten in China as a way to bolster the apparent protein content and to meet pet food requirements, according to a person briefed on the investigation (Barboza).

However, the cost to China is negligible when compared to the possible impact of the current Mattel recall. Potentially, billions of dollars worth of Mattel toys may contain high levels of lead paint, even though the use of lead-based paint has been outlawed for several years. In fact, since June 6, 2007 Mattel has recalled over $430 million – this compared to $130 million in recalls for ALL of 2006 (Ng). The total of all products withdrawn from American shelves so far this year is over $1 billion (Ng). What these figures don’t speak to is the dramatic health effects that these toys may have on American children. Lead is known to cause learning disabilities and birth defects – enough to where lead in paint was outlawed.

There are many different health effects associated with elevated blood lead levels. Young children under the age of six are especially vulnerable to lead's harmful health effects, because their brains and central nervous system are still being formed. For them, even very low levels of exposure can result in reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing, and kidney damage. At high levels of exposure, a child may become mentally retarded, fall into a coma, and even die from lead poisoning (National Safety Council).

Although the Chinese government has taken several steps of late, many argue that these steps are just window-dressing – or an effort of damage control to the reputation of Chinese products. What is especially troublesome is that China does not acknowledge that there is a widespread problem.

China, while conceding that regulation needs to be improved, has insisted that most of its products are safe. The government takes seriously media reports questioning the safety of Chinese goods and has "begun enforcing a very strict examination and inspection procedure,'' President Hu Jintao said at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Sydney on Sept. 6. Hu said 99 percent of China's exports meet international quality standards (Ng).

Yet, 1% of potentially $300 billion in merchandise is still $3 billion in merchandise. Clearly, the Chinese are diminishing the magnitude of their problem. I would argue that China is neither motivated to enact significant changes, nor are they capable. China, although a massive and growing economic power, is still behind the rest of the industrial powers in many ways. They appear to be ill equipped to handle many of these regulatory pressures that countries like the US, England, Japan, etc. are able to enact with respect to consumer protection. In fact, it is becoming increasingly evident that the US government is no longer sure that the Chinese can regulate their products properly and some congressmen are starting to say we should do it for them. Rep. Mike Ferguson, R-N.J., reiterated that companies that manufacture their products in China will need to ensure they meet federal safety regulations. He adds, “If they don’t, I believe Congress must give federal regulators the authority to ensure that our kids’ toys won’t actually harm them” (MSNBC.com).

This regulation, whether done in China, or at home, will have the ultimate effect of forcing the American consumer to pay higher prices to get the products they crave. However, a silver lining of this may be a return to “Made in USA” purchasing. It is entirely conceivable that clever marketers will spin this current environment to something akin to: “Buy American, Buy Safe”. In fact, according to the Anholt Nation Brands Index, “China dropped to 37 out of 38 nations, ahead of Indonesia, in the second quarter in a ranking of how favorably consumers view a product based on its origin” (Ng). Will this lead to people buying less from China? Will this lead to more companies going to other manufacturing locations for their products? Ultimately, the consumer will have the final say as they always do.

SL

Man Among Girls

I was a big deal last night - a really big deal. It seems as though the Girl Scouts really like it when men get involved and volunteer and as I received my troop leader pin last night, I was the only man up on stage. You see, I told Cassie if she wanted to join I would get involved too. I am a big fan of scouting and the ideals that it teaches, so I would do anything if she would join.

So it seems, I may have sold my soul....or at least, my free time.

I am now the troop leader for Troop 8459 Daisy Scouts. Cassie and 4 other girls (currently) are in my troop. I've taken their online overview training and hope to get more training soon, because I have no clue what's going on. I do know, however, that the principles of Girl Scouting are the same principles that I want Cassie and the rest of the kids to have, so I am completely on board. We are going to have some fun, as the learn the Girl Scout Law and Girl Scout Promise and while we do activities that attempt to reach one of the 4 goals of girl scouting:

*** Develop to their full potential.
*** Relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect.
*** Develop a meaningful set of values to guide their actions and to provide for sound decision-making.
*** Contribute to the improvement of society.

Aren't those goals that we all have for our girls?

SL

Opinion Piece II

The following essay was written for class as a review of the movie, "The Ad and The Ego". I don't recommend the movie, and you'll understand why if you read my essay.

The Ad and the Ego: Unconscious Mumbo Jumbo

I knew this movie was doomed when a commentator used the word unconscious when he meant subconscious – as in “advertising affects the unconscious mind”. The creators of “The Ad and The Ego” would have us believe that all of the world’s ills are caused by advertising and knowing this will remove the power that ads have over us. This is clearly an unfinished hypothesis and the authors do nothing to complete it. In fact, they offer no solutions, at all, other than espousing an unoriginal argument that power holders utilize advertising to bend us to their will and ultimately support their powerbase.

Unfortunately, the authors defend their position with sociologists that seem to be unable to communicate anything other than the rhetoric expected of those sitting on the “left” side of the spectrum. In fact, I would not be surprised if their argument would be silenced should an administration be in office that more aligned with their political ideology.

The above notwithstanding, there are aspects of a society that is constantly bombarded with sounds bites that last anywhere from fifteen to thirty seconds that we should look to address. Our “MVT-ized” culture seems to be unable to pay attention to anything for more than short periods. If something challenges us to think, we seem to be overpowered by it and quickly turn to something else. Our news is delivered without substance. We are told what to think without challenging it. We are numb to the constant barrage that we are under. However, the problem isn’t with “advertising” per se, rather a culture that demands immediate gratification and is largely unwilling to work for the things that we want. Any media delivered in a way that is counter to the “I want it with no effort” criteria is rejected. Advertisings fault? I don’t think so.

In fact, advertising takes advantage of knowing what we want and delivering it in a way that we’ll accept. It is SUPPOSED to generate a need response and cannot do this without making us first feel that we are missing something. Companies are SUPPOSED to sell products, creating markets for their products when needed. People in power are SUPPOSED to want to remain in power. However, this doesn’t mean that we need to be automatons, powerless to the onslaught of advertising as the creators of the movie seem to think we are. In fact, should more people come to the realization that we are powerful and that we do have the ability to filter what we see, control what we think, and determine what stimuli we allow into our bodies, our culture would grow by leaps and bounds.

Until we exercise this ability, and our bodies which are accustomed to sitting in front of the television, we’ll continue to respond to the emptiness that is delivered in short sound- and video-bites.

SL

A Day Late And A Pound Short

Because I wanted to blog about Angie's birthday party yesterday, I did not blog my weekly fitness update. I thought I would do that today particularly because it was a tough weekend. Not only was the Goose very hard to turn down on Sunday, we had two birthday cakes this weekend, and one trip to Ruby Tuesday's for Angie's birthday on Friday. Lastly, since I needed to use my "time" at the gym on Saturday for clandestine shopping, I only worked out three times. My goal is to get to the gym a minimum of three times a week, but that fourth session of Saturday is important because I can stay a long time a get a killer workout in.

All told, however, I am mostly pleased with the week. Yes, I was out of range for my nutrition this past weekend, but I was really good during the week and didn't gain a pound. I didn't lose any weight, either, but given the week - I'll take it.

I worked out this morning and ate right yesterday, so I'm right back on track.

SL

I've Been Living A Lie...

...several, in fact. I've been lying to my wife and kids for a while now, and it's taken a toll. I've not been sleeping real well and I feel like I'm physically falling apart. I can't do it anymore and I'm thankful that I don't have to. We celebrated Angie's 40th birthday last night with a monster surprise party and it was great, but I'm glad it's finally over.

About a month ago, Angie's friends and I started conspiring to pull this off. Carey helped secure the location and Jessie was the mechanism to get her there. There rest was mine. I catered the party with Mexican food from the Blue Goose (Angie's favorite restaurant). I ordered a bounce house to keep the many kids busy so the adults could have a good time. I had a trip to Sam's Club for drinks with Bob (Angie thought I was working out - even dumped water on my head to make it look like sweat). Dylan and I did the rest of the shopping while we were "hunting" before the party.

Almost everyone showed and everybody had a good time. The food was outstanding (enchiladas, fajitas, and quesadilla bar - made to order) and we even had a little entertainment as Justin wrote an original song for his mom and played it at the party. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place when he did.

Everything went real well and she got the 40th birthday surprise party that she had dreamed about. Me - I'm just glad its over. I've slept better already.

SL

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart

Today is Angie's 40th birthday. I think she is handling it ok and why shouldn't she? She is as good looking today as she has ever been. She's as whole a person today as she ever has. I'm guessing she is happy and mostly content.

I just hope she knows what she means to me. I never imagined loving someone they way I love her. In fact, I never imagined another human being making me want to be more of a man - to be a better person. Angie does that to me.

They say that 40 is the new 30. I can see that. I can also see that 40 is just a 4 with a zero after it. I think that's how we should view this birthday - with childlike exuberance and happiness. And a deep desire for many more together.

I hope she does.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANGIE.

SL

Enough Said....

WOW

Opinion Piece

I'm taking a persuasive writing course this semester called Rhetoric. Although I don't feel like I'm learning a whole lot, writing assignements are interesting because we are forced to write about things that we wouldn't normally write about. Additionally, Angie always says that I write well, so I thought I'd post my essays as I get them back from my professor. They may not always make sense (as they will be out of context, especially the counter point type essays, but that's ok - I'll post anyway).

The following is an opinon piece in response to Peter J. Gomes' "Homophobic? Read Your Bible"...

The problem with Peter J. Gomes’ “Homophobic? Read Your Bible”, isn’t his disdain for fundamentalists who validate their prejudice and persecution of homosexuals using Scripture, it’s that his (Gomes’) arguments just don’t support his claims. Gomes puts forth a refutation of common arguments made by fundamentalist Christians when they “gay bash” (3) or otherwise demonstrate their “hatred” (1) for homosexuality. Additionally, he argues that either these fundamentalists are misapplying Scripture, picking which Scripture to follow in an a la carte fashion, or are otherwise ignorant.

While I do wholeheartedly agree that prejudice, hatred, violence and other acts against homosexuals are despicable, and I agree that fundamentalists do much of what Gomes states above, I also think it is no less important to recognize that many Christians view homosexuality as a sinful act, in the same way that ANY sexual activity outside of the vows of marriage is a sinful act.

Gomes’ argues that many fundamentalist Christians “appeal to the moral injunctions of the Bible” (4) as they oppose political and social equality for homosexuals. He then attempts to refute the common verses in the Bible cited as being anti-homosexual. What Gomes misses, is that these verses are defining a morality that Christians follow. As homosexual acts are defined as sinful, so is prostitution. He even goes so far as to state that “the moral teachings of Jesus are not concerned with [homosexuality]. (7) This is perhaps the most ignorant statement within the essay, and clearly shows that Gomes has little grasp on the contents of the Bible. Jesus’ teachings were about ALL morality, not just some of the more important sins, as Gomes seems to intimate. Sexual purity was just as important to Jesus as greed, violence, and other sins. However, Jesus’ application of His moral teaching is where the fundamentalist faction could stand to learn. Jesus loved all, even the sinner. He knew why He was on earth, and it wasn’t to save the sinless (they were already saved – even if there are none). He was here to save the sinner – the liar, the cheat, the murderer, the greedy, the philanderer and the homosexual alike.

Gomes’ essay continues with questionable logic and he eventually moves on to the topic of subjectivity in the interpretation of Scripture. He claims that, “The right to use the Bible, an exercise as old as the church itself, means that we confront our prejudices rather than merely confirm them”. (12) In this, I agree with him, however this statement does not change the fact that Christians believe homosexuality to be sinful.

In fact, his essay does not repudiate the status of homosexual behavior as sinful. And in this statement, we see the weakness of his argument. Because he cannot challenge the claim put forth in the Bible that any sexual activity outside of marriage is considered immoral, he instead focuses on the fundamentalist Christian movement - a movement that perhaps needs to apply a more Christ-like application of Scripture instead of a hateful one.

It is here that his essay finally gets it right – but not for the reasons he intends. He uses examples of fundamentalists using the bible to justify more heinous acts in history – slavery (17), segregation (18), misogyny (19) and, to according to his logic, homophobia (20). However, what he fails to bridge is that even though the actions of these fundamentalists is wrong, it is wrong in a similar way that homosexuality is wrong – it is sinful according to Scripture and Gomes’ essay never addresses that.

Gomes argues that fundamentalists are dangerous to homosexuals, and in this I agree – in fact, they are dangerous to everyone, because they often espouse a hatred that is neither Christian nor Scriptural. Remember, Jesus spent his time with sinners because He knew that the so called “religious” were most likely unable to give themselves to Him. However, that never made the behavior of the sinner acceptable to God.

SL

296...I Wish I was Bowling

I'm actually very pleased with my 296. That's what I weighed in at this morning, and it means I basically lost a pound a day for the last week. Considering I've stayed on plan and worked out real hard this week, it is about where I expected. I hope I can keep it going. I haven't felt hungry or denied this last week, and I've enjoyed working out. I'm already seeing differences in my ability to walk longer distances. Angie and I went again this morning, so this week is off to a good start, as well.

I've decided to post my progress on my blog each Monday. I will post my weight and BMI, as well as my nutrition and exercise results from the week previous. Knowing that I'm going to share this will hopefully keep me motivated.

One additional update: I received my results from my lab work and my cholesterol is fine. In fact, I came it at 174. I wish that was more my weight...

SL

Work It Out

Angie and I worked out today and we are both feeling very positive. We've been supporting each other and motivating each other as we eat properly and get some exercise. We already have another date for tomorrow morning after we drop off Cassie at school.

It's a lot better doing this together than trying to go it alone. Even though she goes to the treadmill and I go to the elliptical - we may not say another word to each other as we work out - but I can look at her, and tell her with my eyes that she looks good all sweaty :)

It's been only a couple of days, but I did succumb to the temptation of getting on the scale. I had lost 2 pounds since Monday and that was very motivating. Add to that the workouts that the trainers put their teams through on "The Biggest Loser" and I was ready to kick butt today. I worked out for 40 minutes and burned 550 cals. I did legs and shoulders while Angie finished her hour on the treadmill.

The most important thing is that we are getting healthy. I'm sure as I work through the message series from church this fitness journey will become a spiritual journey. It has to, as this is the only way I'll be successful.

SL

We Shall Never Forget

I fear that in some way these are empty words. For some reason I am compelled to blog today as I have an overriding fear that as the anniversary of 9/11 passes, we'll go back to our routines and wait until next September to remember how we felt six years ago today.

I'm watching MSNBC as I type this. They are rebroadcasting their coverage from that terrible morning - unedited and without commentary. I can't believe the flood of emotions that take over as I watch it. Like other memorable moments in history that occur during our lives, I can remember that morning vividly. Many older people can tell you where they were and what they were doing when Kennedy was shot or when we landed on the moon. I remember the entire morning of September 11 like that.

I also remember the patriotism, brotherhood and charity that all Americans had following the attacks. I remember seeing American flags all over. I remember fund raisers for the families of fallen fire and police personnel. I remember speeches that were uplifting. I remember a prevailing sense of pride in being an American, and more specifically, of being from New York.

I remember these feelings so well that I miss them. Those feelings are gone, but for once a year and that is sad. We are still under attack - it is only a matter of time that some wacko that hates what we stand for will be successful in attacking us.

Perhaps we should remember how that feels BEFORE it happens because if there was any good that came from 9/11 it was the brotherhood that we all felt and acted upon.

SL

Biggest Loser Wins

If you track my blog, you know that I have made a decision to change my lifestyle and get in shape. What you might not know, is that Angie made that decision a while ago, as part of her training for her 3-day walk to support Cancer research. Since Cassie started school, she's been at the Rowlett Community Centre working out - and she's looking good.

I told myself that when I started working from home with NetApp, I would use some of that extra time to work out. I haven't. Instead, I've used that time to sleep in - until today, that is.

Angie and I went and worked out after dropping Cassie at school. She did an hour on the treadmill, and I did 40 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes lifting weights. I worked up a pretty good sweat doing cardio (working off 500 calories), and took it relatively easy while I did chest, back and triceps.

It felt good going, and Angie and I really motivated each other. Having a workout buddy will help both of us on the days that one of us doesn't feel like going. In fact, we have agreed to bet who will lose 5% of their weight first (in my case, over 15 lbs). I'll track my progress on the blog. We don't know what to bet....anyone have any ideas?

SL

When Doves Cry

(I have that Prince song in my head and can't get it out!!!)

I recently heard someone say that a bad day spent hunting is better than a good day doing most other things. There is some truth to that. I don't have to be successful when I hunt to appreciate the activity. That being said, it is MUCH MORE FUN when the hunting is good - or at least action packed.

The dove season opened Saturday, Sept. 1 and I have hunted six times already. Most of my hunts were not very exciting. A couple of shots here and there, but no sustained action. Last year, I did a couple of guided (read: expensive) hunts and we would shoot a couple of boxes in a couple of hours; a box contains 25 shells. I haven't experienced anything like that this year - until today.

I spent the entire day in a large field that Dylan, his dad and I have hunted a couple of times this year. I started at 6:35am and had a couple of shots here and there till about 11:00am...I was alone by this point, so I decided to go get some lunch and to rehydrate. By the time I started hunting the field in earnest again it was 3:30am. I hadn't seen a dove in hours and was getting pretty bored.

However, at 4:00pm, something changed. All of a sudden I got flights of doves right towards me. First two, and another two, and another...then three, then four...I must have had 20 birds fly past me in a half hours time. Each were a perfect shot and I shot more than a box in this time, and finally harvested my first bird. If I was a good shot, I would have limited out (15 is a day's bag limit).

I've seen several sunrises, a couple of sunsets, and have thoroughly enjoyed nature and family, but that one bird beats 'em all!

SL

3:10 To M.I. Station

I had my annual physical today, and the news is not good. It's not a surprise, either, but several key numbers are up. And it is time to take care of them. Either that, or I'm on an express train to a heart attack.

One number is cholesterol. Although I don't have the results back from this exam, my cholesterol has been creeping up for several years. 178 to 209 and who knows now. I won't be surprised if it comes back near 240, or so.

Another number is my blood pressure. I have always had good numbers here, except for the last two times it has been taken. 136 /98 today. Combine that with a 146 / 93 from my last check-up and my doctor is concerned.

The last number is probably the most important, as it is very likely the one responsible for my others...it's my weight. I've blogged about my weight before and it is up, way up. In fact, I've gained 30 pounds from March alone, and at over 310 pounds it is time to do something about it.

I think I've been given enough warning...swollen legs, back pain, and a digestive system that is out of control. Clearly, the warning signs are there and if I don't change I'll be dead. Angie has joked about the way I eat (either how much, or how fast) and she has seen it. My heart is working overtime.

That being said, the doctor has given me a clean bill of health to start working out. He is a big supporter of working out and no so much of dieting. He rather seem me eat more fiber and more protein and less carbs and fat and work out. If I do this, he says I'm gonna be ok, and I believe him.

So - I am gonna track my weight and my working out on my blog - I think I might even post a couple of "before" pics, as well. If you don't see an update - ask me. It will help keep me motivated.

SL

Christmas For Rednecks

That's what Dylan called it. The excitement of opening day for hunting in Texas caused me to wake up on my own before the alarm went off. Dylan uttered this phrase up as we drove to our dove hunting location in Royce City, TX. Aptly named, as the only fools up at 4:45AM were hunters and party animals.

This weekend has been spent out in the fields, on some private land (with Dylan, Marissa, me, their dad and their grandfather - good fun), and on public dove hunting lands (available to anyone willing to shell out for a $48 annual public hunting license).

We went out Saturday morning, and again Saturday afternoon. We went out Sunday afternoon, and again Monday morning. We'll likely finish up our disappointing opening weekend with one more afternoon hunt. Dylan and I have not bagged a single bird, so we are definitely looking to break the schneid.

Either way, it's been fun. I've seen sunrises, sunsets, and nature and have spent some quality time with two of my step-children. Can't ask for more than that.

SL

Child Garden

Merriam Websters provides the etymology for the word 'Kindergarten": German, from Kinder children + Garten garden. Normally, I wouldn't care, but since today was Cassie's first day of school, it's been a pretty amazing morning.


Cassie started today with at Dorsey Elementary School in Rowlett. She was so excited this morning that she got up great at 6:40AM. When we dropped her off, you could tell she was a little nervous, but also very excited. She hung up her school bag and lunch box, put on her ID lanyard, hugged her brother and sister, and sat at a desk. Mom was about to cry, but everyone else handled it very well.


I don't remember my first day of school, but I am finding it very hard to comprehend that my baby is grown up enough to already be attending elementary school. I'm sure it will just be a flash where she's graduating high school and looking for colleges.


Marissa also started Junior High today, and was more nervious that Cassie. Clearly, she has more social pressures that Cassie does - but thankfully she has friends and a big brother to help her acclimate. Next year, the girls will be old pros and Dylan will start high school.


The kids were kind enough to let me take a picture of them - below it is the picture from MY first day of kindergarten with my sister, Michele and my brother, Marc (from 1974).



The kids dress much more hip than we did.


SL

Stress Free

Is it possible to live stress free?

For the last couple of days, Angie and I have been living the life - running around the east end of Long Island like we haven't had a care in the world. We taken leisurely drives, walked around antique stores and junk shops, we've eaten at fine restaurants and greasy spoons, we've taken pictures and caught fish. We've walked the concrete jungle and sailed the open ocean. We've laughed so hard that snot came out of our noses.

We've hugged and kissed and snuggled like we haven't in a long time.

But, we are now back to reality and home.

My question is, "How do we keep it going? How do we live a life that focuses on the important things and doesn't let the worries of life get in the way?"

SL

40 days to 40 years

In forty days, Angie turns 40. The incredible thing is that people often think she is much younger. In fact, we often have a good laugh because people think she is much younger than she is, and that I am much older than I am. I've blogged before that she has these natural good looks. I think she is just awesome and love her more today than I did when we were married. That being said, I don't believe she is having trouble with turning forty. If she is, she's hiding it well. We shall see.

To lighten the blow, I've decided to treat the next 40 days, until she turns 40, as each day being her birthday. You see, I have a history of not making a big enough deal about her birthdays or other holidays. I'm not going to make that mistake for her 40th.

The first day we spent in Manhattan and saw Xanadu on Broadway. (Un)fortunately, we had rented the cheesy movie a couple of nights ago, so we knew the story. The pleasant surprise is that the play was a spoof/homage and was very funny. We had a great time as we watched from our front row seats. Add a dirty water dog from a Sabrett guy in Times Square, and we were good to go.

We finished the evening at one of my favorite restaurants on Long Island, Gasho of Japan. It's a Japanese Hibachi style restaurant and the filet mignon and lobster tail was great. We'll spend the next couple of days on the East End of Long Island in Riverhead, the Hamptons, and Montauk - where ever Angie wants to go.

Should be easy to find opportunities to celebrate her birthday. It will get hard when we get home.

You know what? That's ok, she's worth it.

SL

Poof! We've Disappeared

Because of school, work and particularly the travel that I've done of late, Angie and I have not had a great deal of time to spend together. In fact, it seems as though we've allowed our normal day to day routines to steal some of the time we get to spend together. Add the looming prospects of school starting (for me, the kids, AND Angie), as well as hunting season starting soon, and it becomes apparent that if allowed, our relationship could take second seat...

...not a smart thing to do!

So, to stave off the doldrums, Angie, Cassie and I leave for NY today. However, after spending a couple of days with family (which is always so awesome), Angie and I pick up a rental car and disappear off the face of the earth. Cassie gets to stay with AMA.

Where are we going? I can't tell you! Actually, we have tickets to Xanadu on Broadway for Sunday and then we'll drive east until we get out to the Hamptons on Long Island. We'll hide out there for a couple of days driving through small towns, eating seafood, having a cocktail or two, and checking out the beach. Ultimately, we'll be spending ALONE time together.

I can't think of a better vacation.

SL

I Had Forgotten

I had forgotten how beautiful the mountains were...I forgot how bumpy the approach to the airport was. I forgot how much I enjoyed Utah.

Yesterday, I landed in Salt Lake City to officially kick off training and our vendor relationship. Since February, I have been working on documenting our needs, evaluating and ultimately selecting a vendor, and now coordinating launch. Yesterday we kicked off training and today I had a full day of meetings with the vendor. Tonight I address the engineers.

Then - off to one of my favorite-"ist" restaurants at one of my favorite-"ist" places. The restaurant is the Foundry Grill and it is located at the top of Sundance, Robert Redford's personal mountain here in Utah.

The food is amazing, the views are awesome, even the drive through the valley and up the mountain is fun. I just love it, and I haven't been there in a while. After coming to Utah many times since 1998, I hadn't been here since - frankly, I don't remember how long it's been. A couple of years, I think.

Just add it to the list of things I had forgotten.

SL

Rabbit Season

AMA's not gonna be happy reading this one...

Yesterday, while perusing Bass Pro, I found an excellent entry-level model on sale and, with matching funds to Angie, I bought it. My first rifle. All four-legged creatures in Texas are now shaking in their fur.

I purchased a Savage combo package (comes with scope and lock). It's a model 11fxp3, a .270 caliber bolt action. It's not wood, but has a synthetic stock and is very light. Both the manufacturer and the caliber were recommended to me by Angie's family of avid hunters, so I know I couldn't go wrong.

I'll limit myself to the range for this hunting season until we get down to Goliad in the spring like last year. I'll let the boys go for the turkey (we owe our 12-year old host for last year when he gave Dylan and I the shot). I will go for the wild hog with the new rifle.

Speaking of the range, Dylan and I went to the range yesterday and shot a full box of clays (135 per box). We shot and shot and hardly ever missed. Clearly, we are ready for dove season, which is a primer for duck season.

Or is it rabbit season?!?!

SL

I Am Yellow

Now that the Simpson's movie is out, the marketing machine is in full swing. They are everywhere, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I've been a fan of the Simpson's since they were just a short serial on the Tracy Ullman Show. I'm glad to see that Homer and the family have finally made it to the big screen, although I must admit that I'll probably wait until it gets to video.

The interesting thing is how much the Simpson's are a part of our culture. "DOH!" is uttered in my house on a daily basis. "HaHa" pretty often as well.

Because of the movie, they seem to be even more in your face. I "Simpsonized" myself today, and here is what I would look like if I were in the Simpson's. Our church has a message using the Simpson's this weekend (our Sr. Pastor is simpsonized on the website). Burger King commercials with Krusty are very funny and are everywhere. It's one heck of a machine.

By the way, what exactly is a Spiderpig?

SL

The Finals Countdown

Arghhh - it was one of those weekends. The weekend before a final exam. I've spent this weekend with my nose in my textbook, notes, and taking practice quizzes online. I'm beat, and particularly tired of marketing.

I'm one three hour test away from completing my second year at the University of Texas at Dallas. I have taken 30 credits so far, as I work to complete my BS in Business Administration. Sometimes I think the degree is aptly named - a BS!

I'm tired, but I am always tired at the end of a semester. This summer seems to have been particularly hard - somewhat due to the class and somewhat due to work. I've been getting hot and heavy into work, and have putting an increasing number of cycles towards that. The last thing I want to do at the end of a workday is school work. Don't get me wrong, I like to learn and I love the competitive nature of being in school (and doing better than the rest of the class), but it is hard to work eight to ten hours, then sit in a class for four more. I am just so fantastically lucky that I get to spend as much time on school work as I need, and that my company reimburses me for the cost. Unfortunately, even with taking five classes a year, I won't graduate till sometime in 2010.

I hope the kids understand the hard work, and I hope they learn from it. Perhaps they will decide to go to school right after high school, so they don't have to go through what I go through.

Just think, next semester starts in three short weeks.

SL

Twice In Two Months

After living in Texas for over seven years, I finally got to San Antonio. Not once, mind you, but twice over the course of about six weeks. The first was a one day business trip in early June. The second, our long awaited camping trip with good friends.


It would have been another camping cancellation, and as of Friday night/Saturday morning, it should have been.

We left for our trip at 6:45 am on Friday morning. The kids were great, the forecast was not. We hit such a storm in Austin, that we couldn't go more than 20MPH. Unfortunately for us, that storm was the edge of a monster system that reached all the way to San Antonio and further, all the way to Laredo. It rained most of Friday.

However, the incredible thunderstorms early Saturday morning were what really had me questioning our safety. It poured down, there was incredible lightening, thunder, the whole deal. I was afraid we were gonna get zapped or washed away. However, the camper really did AWESOME. No leaks and no real wet areas inside. It really held up well.

After everyone teasing me about the fact that I didn't sleep all night (by the way, the kids slept through the whole thing. It wasn't until I went to check on them at 6am that Cassie woke up and started crying that she was afraid. She came and slept with me, but she had no clue daddy was more frightened than her).

Saturday morning was wet and ominous, so we ditched our plans for Six Flags and went downtown instead. It stopped raining, and we enjoyed the River Walk, some Tex/Mex food, the Alamo, the Guinness Book for Word Records, Ripley's Haunted Adventure and Dave Crockett's Tall Tale Ride. We went back to the campsite and swam and had a great "breakfast for dinner". Sunday was dry and hot and the outside of the camper dried up so we could pack it up without threat of mildew. The ride home was mostly dry and we're home and camper is cleaned up and safely in the garage.

I learned two things this weekend: 1) We can camp in the rain, 2) I won't camp in thunderstorms if I can avoid it.

SL

Rain Schmain

One way or another, we are gonna get wet!

Early tomorrow morning we leave for San Antonio with the camper in tow. As mentioned in an earlier post, we are meeting some friends for camping, grilling, swimming and Fiesta Texas'ing. We're only going for the weekend, but it'll be a packed weekend.

Unfortunately, scattered thunderstorms are in our forecast. I'd probably cancel again, but since we are meeting friends and the kids are stoked, we'll take are chances.

I'm just hoping that our 12 year old pop-up camper is waterproof. We shall see!

I'll post all about it when we get back.

SL

Hot Sauce and Half-Shells

About two and a half months ago, upon arriving home from a business trip on a Friday evening, I bummed a cigarette from a neighbor. The date was May 4th, and it was the last cigarette that I have had. At the time, I started working out, but haven't kept that up. In the same period of time, I haven't even tried to diet. It's been pretty hard.

However, this Monday I started my diet again. I'm at 300 lbs, and I've gotten disgusted enough to do something about it. I've had a great two days ending at about 1950 calories for each. It's been relatively easy, as well. Angie bought a bunch of different diet foods for me to help.

I use a website, SparkPeople.com to track my intake. The site has a lot of foods listed, so you can search your food and enter how much you've had. It tracks the calories, fat, carbs, protein, etc. You can also track your progress with your weight, interact with others for support, get recipes, and meal plans.

I have a lunch planned today, and I was pre-planning my menu choices to stay in line with the diet. We are going to Flying Fish and they have a great grilled menu. I'm getting grilled tilapia and a dozen raw oysters. The amazing thing is that the entire meal is only a couple of hundred calories. Grilled and boiled seafood is an awesome way to eat - low fat and carbs and huge amounts of protein. Hopefully, eating like this will help me melt the pounds away. My goal is to be at 199 by my 40th birthday.

Next week I'm back in the gym.

SL

Camping....Cancelled

The wet weather that Texas has been experiencing has been a mixed blessing. Looking back at last year, we were suffering through a prolonged drought, lake (reservoir) levels were very low and the city we live in was exacting water restrictions. Amazing the difference a year makes. We've had almost two months of constant thunderstorms, north Texas has been flooding as lakes are overflowing and I've yet to run the sprinklers, but have a lush green lawn. In fact, looking at this month's water billed, we used 5,100 gallons. Twelve months ago, we used over 50,000.

Unfortunately, because of these thunderstorms, and the constant threat of thunderstorms, we've been unable to use our camper. In fact, we've had three cancelled camping trips, with only one outing actually completed. This last weekend was the latest cancellation, as Cassie, Angie and I were going to spend a day swimming at Bonham State Park. We have several more trips scheduled, but the storms look to continue so we're not sure if we'll make them or not.

This coming weekend we have scheduled with some good friends in San Antonio. The plan is the camp at Blazing Star RV Friday and Saturday nights, and go to San Antonio's Six Flags (Fiesta Texas) on Saturday. Perhaps the kids will get some swimming and we'll do some grilling, as well.

Next month, we have two trips planned. One to Lake Tawakoni State Park and one to Tyler State Park. Hopefully, we'll have normal Texas weather to enjoy (hot and dry).

Ultimately, however, the real camping season this year starts in September. The plan is to camp in State Parks near public hunting lands. Texas puts aside almost two hundred lots of acreage dedicated to dove and other hunting. With a public annual hunting permit, we'll be able to hunt these lands for free. Dylan and I may try our luck at some public hunting for hog, deer, javelina and turkey, as well. Some of these hunts are lottery based, but we'll be putting on our entries for the drawings.

Hopefully, it won't be too wet to go.

SL

In a New York Minute Maid

This weekend was the culmination of a week's "forced" vacation. My company shut down operations due to the Independence Day Holiday, so I got to play with Cassie and Marissa all week (Angie and Dylan were away at church camp). We played games, went out to eat, rented movies and ate popcorn with M&M's. All told it was a good week - but not quite a vacation - at least until the weekend.

This weekend we've started a new annual tradition for our family. We went to Houston to watch the visiting New York Mets battle the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, and several amazing things happened.

First, the game: A 17-inning pitchers duel that lasted five hours and nine minutes. OK, so I know your thinking that a five year old and two eleven year old girls, and an almost 40-year old woman weren't going to be into that (Dylan couldn't come with us because his all star baseball team made the championships, and he had to stay back to play). The fact is that the girls wanted to stay (all except Cassie, she was done by the eleventh inning). We stayed and saw a couple of amazing plays. The Mets won when Carlos Beltran hit a RBI single in the 17th. He had also made one of the most amazing catches I have ever seen to save the game in the 14th inning.

On Sunday, we drove to Kemah Boardwalk and enjoyed some rides, some games and some great seafood.

Some of the more interesting things from the weekend:

1) Marissa has come to like baseball. Why? Because she learned that David Wright is a cutie. She can't get enough of him. She didn't want to leave on Saturday night. She watched the game on Sunday on TV as we ate lunch. She wanted to see pictures of him on the computer. Ahhh - puppy love.

2) Cassie actually behaved for the entire game. Yeah, she was antsy at time and never stopped talking for the entire five hours, but she was well behaved and even watched some of the game.

3) I got two for the price of one...when we planned this weekend, I originally was going to get tickets for the Saturday night game AND the Sunday afternoon game. Angie said she would rather go to Kemah, so we didn't. However, I basically got to see two games on Saturday night.

4) We pet (is it "petted") and fed stingrays. They're slimy like catfish.

5) When driving hundreds of miles, get behind someone with a radar detector. It will save you money.

6) There are a lot of Met fans in Houston. We sat with many fans with Met's jerseys and hats. Marissa, who is usually more interested in not being embarrassed than having a good time even got into the spirit - she high-fived anyone with Met gear on as we walked out of the stadium after the game.

Next year's schedule isn't out yet, but you can count on us being in Houston for at least one Met game next year. We already planning it.

SL

What a Father's Day

Cassie couldn't wait to give it to me, and asked throughout dinner if I was ready for my present. I wasn't because I was so enjoying the dinner that Angie and her mom cooked for me (fried chicken cutlets, mash potatoes, green beans, salad). Ultimately, however, Cassie's enthusiasm became infectious, so I told her I was ready.

She told me to close my eyes - and BANG, it was right in front of me! I had finally gotten my bass boat. It is absolutely amazing - a two seater with two raised fishing chairs, a live well, a trawling motor, fishing pole, and net. There's nothing that it doesn't have. Funny thing is, that Angie didn't even give it to me, her mother did. What's that say?

Ok - now that I "hooked" you in - here's the deal. My boat isn't 14 feet long, it's 14 inches. It's a toy boat from Bass Pro - and it just may be the closest thing I get to ever owning my own. Maybe, but then again, maybe not.

I'm going to play in the tub!



SL

Technology - The Good...

Sometimes I am in awe of technology. I think it is just absolutely amazing how connected we are and how fast it has happened. I remember a world with no Internet. I remember a world with Bulletin Boards (BBS) on 2400 baud modems. I remember the familiar chime of a dial up connection (and having two phone lines in our home to allow me to work and talk). I remember broadband on wired connections only. I now have broadband over wireless in the home. I have a PDA that allows me to access the Internet anywhere I am at any time.

I am, by no means, a techo-junkie. In fact, I adopt new technology pretty slowly because it is too expensive. I don't have all the toys. But I do have a healthy admiration for how connected we are and how small the world has become. For instance, I am sitting in my hotel room in Ottawa, chatting with someone in India, while watching a baseball game on the Internet from Los Angeles and working on some school work with fellow students in Dallas. It doesn't matter where I am, my virtual office is in the form of an IBM/Lenovo T60 Laptop.

Another good example happened while at the airport in Chicago today. While waiting during a layover, I decided to pull out my iPod Nano and listen to a couple of podcasts. Approximately 1 in every 10 times I start it, it locks up. You can't do anything. I'm sitting there racking my brain on how to do a soft reset. I can't remember, so I pull out my Treo and browse to Google. I search for "ipod + soft reset", and voila, the instructions.

It is just so awesome being connected.

SL

Shakes On A Plane

I had given up all hope, and resigned myself to the fact that my plane was going down.

Since I'm typing this entry, I was obviously wrong, but yesterday, I did have perhaps the worst flight ever. There were several factors in the making of this story. First, I was on a very small plane, an ERJ-145 that had 50 seats. Second, there was some severe weather between Rochester and Chicago (directly in our way). Third, and most importantly, I wasn't supposed to be on that flight. I had put myself on a earlier flight as my day in New York finished up early. I am a big believer that when you change your travel arrangements, you are just asking for trouble.

You would think that as much as I fly that I wouldn't mind it, but the fact is that I am completely afraid of being in the air. I do not enjoy flying at all. As our plane bounced, rumbled, dropped and shuddered, I was miserable. Looking around, everyone else seemed fine, but I was grabbing the arms of my seat with white knuckled death grips. At one point I was convinced we were going down.

Twenty five minutes later we were out of the storm and flying smoothly. I prayed in gratitude and on let go of the arms of my seat. Ultimately, I arrived home about 15 minutes earlier than scheduled on my original itinerary, but my original itinerary didn’t arrive in Dallas until the next morning, so twenty five minutes of terror got me home about 12 hours earlier. I’ll take that trade.

SL

What is a Canuck, anyway?

I am in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and it is a very interesting place. For one, it is exceedingly beautiful - like to great northwest (Portland, Seattle) but even nicer. I can't get over how green everything is and how mild the temperature.

I wish I had some time to go sightseeing and perhaps some fishing (there's halibut and salmon here, among others), but I don't. Perhaps I'll have reason to return.

A couple of things I will do should I have a chance, in addition to fishing:

1) Whale watching - they have all types of whales including Killer Whales (Orcas) here. Taking a three hour tour into the bay seems to be a great way to see them.

Sea Breeze Adventures

2) Whistler - skiing Whistler seems to be a must do. Never heard of Whistler? No matter, you will - just say 2010 Winter Olympics from Vancouver.

Whistler Blackcomb

3) Train Ride - they have several scenic trains available, including a three hour to Whistler. Seems like it would be a beautiful ride.

4) Float Plane Ride - like number three, but in a small plane that lands on water.

West Coast Air

5) The city has a very strong international feel...not only American and Canadian, but European in many ways. Additionally, there is a very strong Asian influence here, as Vancouver is considered the gateway to Asia.

Perhaps we'll have a chance to come back. There's a direct flight from DFW.

SL

Blog Bytes

Formerly known as "Quick Takes"...

Not anything major going on, so I thought some updates were in order.

1) Summer has begun. The kids are apparently already bored and are taking it out on Angie and I. That's really an exaggeration, but the summer presents an interesting challege. How do you keep the kids from becoming idle? Angie and I are going to try to keep the kids more organized with respect to activity this summer, including regular chores, intellectual time, down time, etc. They are harping against the plan now, but hopefully they'll come to appreciate some structure.

2) In the same vein, Cassie started swimming lessons today at our neighborhood water park. The good - she loved it and can't wait to go back tomorrow. The bad - it's at 8:00-8:30AM. Thank God that Angie will be taking her most of the time.

3) I leave for Vancouver tomorrow. I built in some travel days, so I will have a complete afternoon and evening in Vancouver. Might take in some sightseeing. Friday I'll be in Rochester, NY.

4) School is a challenge this semester, particularly in light of number 3 above. I was up till midnight last night getting some homework done.

5) Trip to NY. We're still trying to get something going for a couple days in NY. It's not working out real well, particularly in light of all the other travel I'm doing. Perhaps a trip in August for AMA's birthday.

That's about it.

SL

Lots of travel

I spent this last week on the road, totaling six flights and three different cities. The good thing about the travel was that these were three cities I've never been to (Orlando, San Antonio, and Sioux City - I have been to Orlando, but never venturing off the Magic Kingdom might not count). The bad news was that it was work with little down time.

This week of travel starts four weeks where I will be on the road except for the weekends. A total of 21 flights and 9 different cities will be covered. Again, most will be new cities, but all will be work.

When I travel a lot like this, I am typically more mindful of my time with the kids and more open to some of Angie's ideas around family outings - today is a good example. We were supposed to be camping at Lake Whitney State Park, but the threat of severe thunderstorms kept us away. (I don't believe it actually ever rained - it's been rather pleasant, instead). Since we didn't camp, we decided to do a little outdoor activities. Angie suggested we go sit outside at the restaurant at Bass Pro (right on the lake) and have desert for dinner. We did and ate brownie sundaes and chocolate chip cookie sundaes. The kids washed them down with Shirley Temples. We had lots of fun and it was very pleasant. We then went to a park right on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard and fished, sat and talked, threw around the football and had fun. Cassie and her friend Grant played together while Marissa, Dylan and I fished. Angie shared time with both sets of kids. Marissa caught a large snapping turtle and Dylan caught a small catfish. We had a great time. Cassie even fished a little, so we think we might have to go get some kiddie poles.

All in all, we had a great time spending some time with the kids. Considering I won't be seeing much of them over the course of June, I better make every moment count.

SL