Man, I had plans today to do a big blog post about my adventures last weekend camping. But, I'm not going to get to it. The wife and I spent last night preparing for our garage sale opening today, after work I need to go do my first landlord duty of fixing a shower head and I've been putting a huge amount of time into what will be known throughout history as The Cutest Gift Ever Given for a Nephew's 1st Birthday.
But, next week: The Adventure of the Bird Safari!
Quotes of the Week:
"He hasn't exactly clothed himself in glory this year." --Pat Hughes on a Cubs broadcast. I was flipping through channels and this strange, creative way of saying "He kinda sucks" made me giggle.
"I told them to leave him in the chimney and let him die." --A Very Angry Ex, who found her ex-boyfriend drunk and stuck in her chimney.
"Adorable pets of Inpop Records and CTI are not eligible." An Edit of One of My Magazine Files. This is actually a very mysterious case. I wrote up a blurb for a contest. The other editors read it to make suggestions and edits. When I got it back, this sentence had been added. And no editor will take responsibility--or credit--for it! Was "adorable pets" cut and pasted in instead of "employees?" I don't know. I am just glad that homely pets are eligible to enter the contest.
"I love this fuzzy sweatshirt. It makes me feel like my own cuddly stuffed animal." --Pure Heart
"Lucky! It really is the year of the todd." -A Text from Jill after Thome's 500th homerun.
9.21.2007
9.20.2007
Random Pictures
A while back, I had my camera in the truck for a week or two and kept forgetting to take it out. The other day, I found several pictures from that period of time. It's all just random stuff that made me giggle. And so, for some reason I took pictures.
I thought I'd do something with them:
Nothing like a day at the swim pool. It's better than the bathing tub. (Man, English is complicated.)
Don't park in these parkings. They are reserveds.
Okay, so any LIQUID is forbidden to those under 16? How about milk? Ginger ale? It must be, since the sign is very adamant that it's talking about LIQUID.
I thought I'd do something with them:
Nothing like a day at the swim pool. It's better than the bathing tub. (Man, English is complicated.)
Don't park in these parkings. They are reserveds.
Okay, so any LIQUID is forbidden to those under 16? How about milk? Ginger ale? It must be, since the sign is very adamant that it's talking about LIQUID.
9.19.2007
That's Not Toothpaste
Since I've gotten married, I've noticed more and more the differences in how men and women think. I've always known that women multi-task better than men. But the compounding evidence fascinates me.
It's so true: Women can think about and/or do 489 things at once. Guys? One. If we (OK, maybe it's just me) try to do more than that one thing--or you bring up something for us to think about while we're still focused on our one item, errors occur.
Like the other night: I was telling the wife a story as I prepared for bed. And I was really into the story. As I talked, I grabbed my toothbrush, squirted paste on it and began brushing--all the while concentrating on whatever wonderful story I was telling. About two strokes in, I stopped. Something is wrong here, I thought. That doesn't taste like toothpaste.
It wasn't. I was so focused on my story, I squirted hair gel onto my toothbrush.
Mmm-mmm good.
Related note: I went to the dentist yesterday. Despite my troubled dental past, I am now a model of oral health!
It's so true: Women can think about and/or do 489 things at once. Guys? One. If we (OK, maybe it's just me) try to do more than that one thing--or you bring up something for us to think about while we're still focused on our one item, errors occur.
Like the other night: I was telling the wife a story as I prepared for bed. And I was really into the story. As I talked, I grabbed my toothbrush, squirted paste on it and began brushing--all the while concentrating on whatever wonderful story I was telling. About two strokes in, I stopped. Something is wrong here, I thought. That doesn't taste like toothpaste.
It wasn't. I was so focused on my story, I squirted hair gel onto my toothbrush.
Mmm-mmm good.
Related note: I went to the dentist yesterday. Despite my troubled dental past, I am now a model of oral health!
9.17.2007
Behold the Power of the Bobble
It may be predictable, but getting my dad a Father's Day gift every year is pretty simple: White Sox tickets. I almost always get him a ticket and arrange for the whole family to go to the game together.With the busy summer my wife and I had this year, we knew when planning the Father's Day Sox Game that it had to be 1) On a Sunday and 2) After August. Looking at the schedule, I found a good day (for the family, for dad and for me)--September 16: Jim Thome Bobblehead Day. It was a Sunday, we'd be less busy, it should be cool weather, and best of all, I would get a new Bobblehead out of it. Score.
We scheduled the big game with family early this summer: My wife's dad and sister, my parents, brother, sister-in-law and Little Sis. Yay. I was excited (have I mentioned the bobblehead?). However, by early June, we realized the game would mean nothing. My dad even mentioned how we'd be watching the Sox Triple-A team. Bummer. But at least we'd get to tailgate, play bags and, of course, get our Bobbleheads.
And then, a new hope arose. Two or three weeks ago I was home and told my Dad, "You know, we could get very close to seeing Jim Thome hit his 500th Career Homerun." It was a long shot but when he hit 4 homers in six days, he made it more probable. And then, he got to 499.
All week, I've been nervous he'd hit it. I really had no doubt that if he didn't hit it before Sunday, we would see it. The trick was getting to Sunday with no homer. Jim's been smoking hot. Friday night, Jill called me while I was camping to notify me it didn't happen while she and the Gate 5 Gang were there. On Saturday, Pure Heart the Wife texted me at the campsite to say Jim struck out in his last at bat. It was on.
We all got to the ballpark early yesterday and got a great tailgating spot. We ate a lot and enjoyed the cool, sunny weather. It was really the perfect day to be at a ballgame. About 30 minutes before game time, I went in to make sure I got my Bobblehead (sadly my collection is packed in boxes somewhere so Jim is on his own here in my office right now.)
All 9 of us were pretty stoked. Thome was still on 499 and we really just had a feeling. My Sister-in-Laws both said they thought Thome would win the game with a homer. I felt like he'd hit a foul ball (that I would catch) and the the bomb.
The game didn't start off so well. We were down 7-1. Jim was like 0-4. I told my brother, "If he does get up again and get the 500th, that will at least make up for it." About that's when the magic happened. The Angels put in some poor reliever named Bootcheck (really) and we hammered him. Before long, a Danny Richar homerun put the icing on the cake. It was 7-7. And even better--the Sox rallies moved through the lineup enough that Big Jim would get one more at bat--in the 9th.
As the 8th inning ended, I felt like I needed to get my Bobblehead out of the box to have it out for Jim. I'm very baseball-superstitious. (In fact, I am pretty sure the Sox came back because our party all rearranged in our seat for better feng shui, a tactic I learned from The Gate 5 Gang. Thanks, peeps.) Anyway, I had this feeling that bobbling Jim during his at bat was maybe what it would take. But, I also thought maybe it was too dorky. I resisted the urge.
During the break between innings, Pure Heart began to unpackage her Bobblehead. Hmmm, I thought. Maybe there's something to this. She feels it, too! So, we got out our Bobbleheads. As Jim came to bat with no outs and a man on, we held our Jims high and bobbled
their little heads.The count went to 3 balls. My dad and I thought they'd walk him. My brother said, "Nope. He's got to give him a cookie." And then, Jim hit a foul ball. I didn't catch it but my bro said, "There's the foul ball you predicted."
Sure enough, the next pitch came in and Jim CRUSHED it. There was really no doubt. Everything after that is a blur of yelling, hugging and crying. Jim's 500th won the game. (It's the first time that a member of the 500 club hit his 500th as a walk-off.) I remember yelling, "It actually happened! Is this real? I can't believe this is real." I was shocked and in utter jubilation.
Thome's 500th homerun in the bottom of the ninth to win the game on Jim Thome Bobblehead Day? Please. That can't happen.
As Jim pumped his fists, got carried around by Jermaine and Jenks, and the Jumbotron played a montage tribute, my dad and I both teared up. After the game ended, none of us really wanted to leave. We hung around for a long time (In fact, we eventually got yelled at by a cranky security guy). The energy, the excitement and the fact that this happened with the family all together was just too perfect.It was the best Father's Day in September Ever.
9.09.2007
"I'm Todd. I'll Be The Class Numbskull."
Pure Heart and I started a new Bible Study on Sunday afternoon. It's a Crown Financial class offered at our church; it teaches what the Bible says about money and gets into practical stuff like budgets, investments and debt-reduction.
The class is on Sundays from 4 to 6. Yah, that's football time, but that doesn't really bother me. I'm actually not used to watching football on Sundays because I've had Sunday youth group commitments for the last 9 years. In fact, usually I would be busy from about 2 to 9 on Sundays. I'm used to just checking scores and getting recaps. But still, this first class was smack in the middle of the Bears game. D'oh.
At about 4:45 we were at a good pausing point, and the leader asked if people needed "a bathroom break, water break, or..." and I injected, "Check the Bears Score Break..." However, I seemed to be the only one interested in that. In fact, we all decided we weren't ready for a break yet. We carried on.
At 5:20, the group was now ready for a break. We were given 5 minutes. Class would resume at 5:25. I turned to Pure Heart: "I'm running outside to check the score."
I dashed out the church to the car. I turned on the radio just as LT threw a TD pass. Chargers up 7-3. Ugh. I ran back to the church and...
The doors were locked. I checked the next set down. Locked. Apparently, after the classes get started at 4, they figure everyone is in for the afternoon and lock up the joint. I knocked a bit on the windows hoping a classmate returning from the bathroom might hear. Nope. I called Pure Heart. Of course, her phone was off because she is a considerate classmate. I texted her saying, "LOCKED OUT!" I called two more times just to be sure.
At this point, the break had been over for 5 minutes. I saw no one in the church and so I ran down to two more sets of doors. All locked. I got in the car and drove around the church checking doors. Locked. Locked. Locked. Well, at least we are safe in there, I thought.
At this point it's 5:35. I've checked every door of the church (which is a lot because the church is the size of Disneyland.) I went back to the main doors. Still locked.
I peered through windows hoping a custodian or security would be strolling by. No luck. And so I waited.
At about 5:45 (the class ends at 6), Pure Heart came looking for me. She had been concerned because it wasn't like me to just not return. I was so happy to see her approaching those doors. I thought maybe I was lost forever. (And was actually expecting a St. Bernard with a little barrel of rum.)
Although my wife had no rum, I followed her back to class sheepishly. Once there, I apologized to the class and assured them that no one was going to sneak in and get us during class.
Actually, those long minutes locked outside were kinda interesting. I think God was teaching me a little bit about humility, my attitude--and my priorities. Apparently, maybe I shouldn't be quite so concerned about the Bears during a Bible study.
Or I should bring headphones and a radio with me...
The class is on Sundays from 4 to 6. Yah, that's football time, but that doesn't really bother me. I'm actually not used to watching football on Sundays because I've had Sunday youth group commitments for the last 9 years. In fact, usually I would be busy from about 2 to 9 on Sundays. I'm used to just checking scores and getting recaps. But still, this first class was smack in the middle of the Bears game. D'oh.
At about 4:45 we were at a good pausing point, and the leader asked if people needed "a bathroom break, water break, or..." and I injected, "Check the Bears Score Break..." However, I seemed to be the only one interested in that. In fact, we all decided we weren't ready for a break yet. We carried on.
At 5:20, the group was now ready for a break. We were given 5 minutes. Class would resume at 5:25. I turned to Pure Heart: "I'm running outside to check the score."
I dashed out the church to the car. I turned on the radio just as LT threw a TD pass. Chargers up 7-3. Ugh. I ran back to the church and...
The doors were locked. I checked the next set down. Locked. Apparently, after the classes get started at 4, they figure everyone is in for the afternoon and lock up the joint. I knocked a bit on the windows hoping a classmate returning from the bathroom might hear. Nope. I called Pure Heart. Of course, her phone was off because she is a considerate classmate. I texted her saying, "LOCKED OUT!" I called two more times just to be sure.
At this point, the break had been over for 5 minutes. I saw no one in the church and so I ran down to two more sets of doors. All locked. I got in the car and drove around the church checking doors. Locked. Locked. Locked. Well, at least we are safe in there, I thought.
At this point it's 5:35. I've checked every door of the church (which is a lot because the church is the size of Disneyland.) I went back to the main doors. Still locked.
I peered through windows hoping a custodian or security would be strolling by. No luck. And so I waited.
At about 5:45 (the class ends at 6), Pure Heart came looking for me. She had been concerned because it wasn't like me to just not return. I was so happy to see her approaching those doors. I thought maybe I was lost forever. (And was actually expecting a St. Bernard with a little barrel of rum.)
Although my wife had no rum, I followed her back to class sheepishly. Once there, I apologized to the class and assured them that no one was going to sneak in and get us during class.
Actually, those long minutes locked outside were kinda interesting. I think God was teaching me a little bit about humility, my attitude--and my priorities. Apparently, maybe I shouldn't be quite so concerned about the Bears during a Bible study.
Or I should bring headphones and a radio with me...
9.06.2007
Back In the Cubicle
When I first started working at my current magazine, I worked in a cubicle that we use for student interns. The guy formerly in my job didn't leave the company--he just switched jobs--so, until they could find a new place for him, he squatted in what is now my creaky, leaky office.
I am back in that cube as I write this. I came back here to remember my roots--to never get so big and mighty that I forget where I came from. Actually, I'm here because my computer is not working. Whenever my PC goes out on me, I come work at the intern's terminal if it's free. (NOTE: This also means that I'm working on a toaster and do not have IM. So if you are bugging Emily about where I am at on IM, you can leave her alone. Now you know.)
Before the wedding, my hard drive had this bad habit of freezing or going to a blue screen that said "Beginning Physical Memory Dump." I am no technician, but that doesn't sound good at all. But while I was away from work for 3 weeks, the good people in Computer Services fixed my dumping problem.
Until Tuesday. It dumped on me again. And so I alerted Computer Services. They responded that instead of trying any more fixes, they would be giving me a newer harddrive. Yay!
And it couldn't have been soon enough. This morning, I was 5 minutes into work when it did it's physical memory dump and then...went black. The screen said, "Unable to find hard drive." I am no technician, but that doesn't sound good at all.
So, I am in the cube and the good people in Computer Services are preparing my New Super Computer. Hopefully this one won't hate me. Or be able to smell my fear.
UPDATE: I have my new Super Computer and I'm out of the cubicle. Life is good. If my fantasy team will score ANY points this week!
I am back in that cube as I write this. I came back here to remember my roots--to never get so big and mighty that I forget where I came from. Actually, I'm here because my computer is not working. Whenever my PC goes out on me, I come work at the intern's terminal if it's free. (NOTE: This also means that I'm working on a toaster and do not have IM. So if you are bugging Emily about where I am at on IM, you can leave her alone. Now you know.)
Before the wedding, my hard drive had this bad habit of freezing or going to a blue screen that said "Beginning Physical Memory Dump." I am no technician, but that doesn't sound good at all. But while I was away from work for 3 weeks, the good people in Computer Services fixed my dumping problem.
Until Tuesday. It dumped on me again. And so I alerted Computer Services. They responded that instead of trying any more fixes, they would be giving me a newer harddrive. Yay!
And it couldn't have been soon enough. This morning, I was 5 minutes into work when it did it's physical memory dump and then...went black. The screen said, "Unable to find hard drive." I am no technician, but that doesn't sound good at all.
So, I am in the cube and the good people in Computer Services are preparing my New Super Computer. Hopefully this one won't hate me. Or be able to smell my fear.
UPDATE: I have my new Super Computer and I'm out of the cubicle. Life is good. If my fantasy team will score ANY points this week!
9.04.2007
Those Who Seek
I know I pledged not to talk about Fantasy Football this week for Lil Sis's birthday, but man... Drew Brees actually COST me points last night. You know, with Brees being in the negative, I could have started a guy not playing this week and gotten more points.
Next week, I start Jim McMahon.
So, I am depressed. I guess I will go watch that "Ticking Noise" puppet show. Also what makes me giggle is to look at the Google Analytics page that tracks my blog traffic to see what people search for that brings them here. Here are my top five favorite searches that brought peopel to PTOIT:
5. "blogs about tricoci university" Someone was very specific here and found exactly what they were looking for. I wonder if it was the little girl who weaved fiber into my head or the one who cut my hair for 2 hours.
4. "sweet valley soda" Who wouldn't be searching this. It is Great Tasting!
3. "neal cotts" I bet this is Neal Cotts himself. I mean, who else would be Googling him? Except for my sister, but she knows where to find my blog ...
2. "i love baseball excitement" This one makes me giggle. Not even sure why. But I too love baseball excitement.
1. "nipple looks odd" I feel bad giggling because this person possibly has a serious medical condition and I doubt my blog could help.
Next week, I start Jim McMahon.
So, I am depressed. I guess I will go watch that "Ticking Noise" puppet show. Also what makes me giggle is to look at the Google Analytics page that tracks my blog traffic to see what people search for that brings them here. Here are my top five favorite searches that brought peopel to PTOIT:
5. "blogs about tricoci university" Someone was very specific here and found exactly what they were looking for. I wonder if it was the little girl who weaved fiber into my head or the one who cut my hair for 2 hours.
4. "sweet valley soda" Who wouldn't be searching this. It is Great Tasting!
3. "neal cotts" I bet this is Neal Cotts himself. I mean, who else would be Googling him? Except for my sister, but she knows where to find my blog ...
2. "i love baseball excitement" This one makes me giggle. Not even sure why. But I too love baseball excitement.
1. "nipple looks odd" I feel bad giggling because this person possibly has a serious medical condition and I doubt my blog could help.
"My Name is Todd. I like to do Drawrings"
I found something in the pocket of a pair of shorts the other day. I thought I'd share it. (Don't worry, it's not lint or a used Kleenex.)
It's a page of stellar drawings I did on a placemat at Steak N' Shake:
I drew these doodles while out to eat with Pure Heart and her Grandma a few weekends ago. I had my pen out because I am back on Weight Watchers (I once lost 60 pounds on it a few years ago--and have now gained 25 back). I needed the pen to scribble down how many points I used. (A side note: It turns out that this Devil Sandwich from Hades was 22 points! To put it into perspective: I have a daily allowance of 31. 22 out of 31? Dang you, Steak 'N Shake!)
But at the time, I knew not of the evil of this Cursed Chicken Melt. So I giddily doodled while the wife and her grandma chatted. Turns out this small sheet of drawings has actually become a bit scandelous. Granny has said since that I'm a bit childish because of my doodles.
Well, let me tell you this: there's nothing childish about that evil robot. Thats a very adultish drawing. Let any 6-year-old try to top THAT!
It's a page of stellar drawings I did on a placemat at Steak N' Shake:
I drew these doodles while out to eat with Pure Heart and her Grandma a few weekends ago. I had my pen out because I am back on Weight Watchers (I once lost 60 pounds on it a few years ago--and have now gained 25 back). I needed the pen to scribble down how many points I used. (A side note: It turns out that this Devil Sandwich from Hades was 22 points! To put it into perspective: I have a daily allowance of 31. 22 out of 31? Dang you, Steak 'N Shake!)
But at the time, I knew not of the evil of this Cursed Chicken Melt. So I giddily doodled while the wife and her grandma chatted. Turns out this small sheet of drawings has actually become a bit scandelous. Granny has said since that I'm a bit childish because of my doodles.
Well, let me tell you this: there's nothing childish about that evil robot. Thats a very adultish drawing. Let any 6-year-old try to top THAT!
Sox Surprise!
At lunch on Tuesday I went over to our East Estate, the unrented, unsold condo from my bachelor days. I needed to vacuum and grab a few things. While there, I decided to take home my nice wooden end table that used to belong to my grandparents.
The table is hard to describe but it's pretty tall and about 3-feet wide with one drawer. There are markings on it that make us believe that it may be an old Communion table from a church (which makes sense because many of my ancestors were clergymen.)
I took the drawer out to carry the table downstairs. When I got outside, I turned the table and something fell out of the drawer slot. I looked down and saw it was some booklet. All I could notice was an ad on the back so I assumed it was a mailer of some sort. I bent down and picked it up and was very surprised by it: It's a 1970 Official White Sox Program and Scorecard.
Apparently, I've never taken that drawer out before.
It's pretty bent up from being jammed back behind the drawer for who knows how many years and it's discolored, but it's in decent condition. There's a feature on the young up-and-comer Bill Melton in his second year. An ad advertises a White Sox jacket for $8.45 (plus $.25 for shipping.) The team slogan is apparently "Angry Young Men." The program sold for 25 cents and the highest ticket price was $3.50. The bleachers were only $1.
The table is hard to describe but it's pretty tall and about 3-feet wide with one drawer. There are markings on it that make us believe that it may be an old Communion table from a church (which makes sense because many of my ancestors were clergymen.)
I took the drawer out to carry the table downstairs. When I got outside, I turned the table and something fell out of the drawer slot. I looked down and saw it was some booklet. All I could notice was an ad on the back so I assumed it was a mailer of some sort. I bent down and picked it up and was very surprised by it: It's a 1970 Official White Sox Program and Scorecard.
Apparently, I've never taken that drawer out before.
It's pretty bent up from being jammed back behind the drawer for who knows how many years and it's discolored, but it's in decent condition. There's a feature on the young up-and-comer Bill Melton in his second year. An ad advertises a White Sox jacket for $8.45 (plus $.25 for shipping.) The team slogan is apparently "Angry Young Men." The program sold for 25 cents and the highest ticket price was $3.50. The bleachers were only $1.
Since yesterday, I've gotten to read about the Sox's "Mainstay on the Mound" Joel Horlen, the "husky little outfielder" Walter Williams, "star lefthander" Tommy John, and "Baseball's Premier Shortstop" Luis Aparicio. It's a neat time-capsule.
I can't wait to give it back to my dad, who I am assuming it belongs to.
I can't wait to give it back to my dad, who I am assuming it belongs to.
8.31.2007
Come Back to This Whenever Grumpy
On Friday, I found a video on YouTube that I've been obsessed with all weekend. I've watched it almost 10 times. It has been stuck in my head 98% of the weekend. It's not new so maybe you've seen it. I heard about it from some Harry Potter fans at work during our Potter Discussion Lunch last week. And I was mucho impressed.
If you are in a bad mood or feeling cranky, here's your cure:
If you are in a bad mood or feeling cranky, here's your cure:
In Dedication to the Birthday Girl
Today is my sister's birthday. (Any comments and you're banned for life, Derfman.) I love her to death, but I am afraid she's getting mean and surley in her old age.
I saw her on Sunday to celebrate her big day and all I got was grief. It started with criticism about the blog. Apparently, she doesn't care about fantasy football (it starts this week!) or monster movies (what's wrong with her?). Thus, she's been bored with me for the last week or so. I'm just not operating at a standard level for her.
So, as a birthday gift, I commit to not blog about football or geeky movies all week. I considered gearing PTOIT towards her interest areas this week, but I don't think I could handle a week of blogging about purses, brownies and cute boys who used to be effective bullpen pitchers. (Just kidding. Well, not about Cotts no longer being an effective pitcher.)
I could actually blog for awhile about brownies, I spose. That's an interest of mine too. At my parents' house this weekend, we had many deserts for the celebration. Someone asked me before I left for home if we'd have cake for the birthday party. Nope. Little Sis, like me, is anti-cake. Our birthdays are all about Big Cookies. And... Grandma also made TWO pies. One I think was made especially for me because it was Lemon Merinque. (I love when I get presents for others' birthdays...)
We also found some brownies in the fridge and pulled them out for the party. We know they were made by Little Sis because all that was left were the outside crust peices around the edge of the pan. A 5-inch block out of the center was gone. That's her trademark. If she was a criminal, the police would identify her as the culprit by finding baked goods with the gooey centers eaten out.
Like I said, the big centerpoint of any birthday in our family is usually the Big Cookie. When Pure Heart and I arrived Sunday, the Big Cookie was ready--but not decorated. I decided, out of my extreme and giving love for my sister, that I would decorate it. This is when Little Sis got on a roll. Apparently, I don't decorate the way she'd like. The enitre process of icing the cookie was one long beratement and barrage of criticism. "Aren't you gonna put any words on it?" "If you make the H that big, how's everything else gonna fit?" "Blah blah mean comment blah."
I reminded those present that I do hold a minor in art from my college that fully qualifies me for expert cookie decoration. But reminding them of my credentials only brought upon me more resentment. Apparently, my education is no good since I did not specifically take a class in "Cookie Arts," which I must have opted out of.
In my defense, I think it was a beautiful cookie. Which is fitting because it was for a beautiful young lady who I love--despite all the abuse I take and am nothing but charming and sweet in return. Or something like that.
I saw her on Sunday to celebrate her big day and all I got was grief. It started with criticism about the blog. Apparently, she doesn't care about fantasy football (it starts this week!) or monster movies (what's wrong with her?). Thus, she's been bored with me for the last week or so. I'm just not operating at a standard level for her.
So, as a birthday gift, I commit to not blog about football or geeky movies all week. I considered gearing PTOIT towards her interest areas this week, but I don't think I could handle a week of blogging about purses, brownies and cute boys who used to be effective bullpen pitchers. (Just kidding. Well, not about Cotts no longer being an effective pitcher.)
I could actually blog for awhile about brownies, I spose. That's an interest of mine too. At my parents' house this weekend, we had many deserts for the celebration. Someone asked me before I left for home if we'd have cake for the birthday party. Nope. Little Sis, like me, is anti-cake. Our birthdays are all about Big Cookies. And... Grandma also made TWO pies. One I think was made especially for me because it was Lemon Merinque. (I love when I get presents for others' birthdays...)
We also found some brownies in the fridge and pulled them out for the party. We know they were made by Little Sis because all that was left were the outside crust peices around the edge of the pan. A 5-inch block out of the center was gone. That's her trademark. If she was a criminal, the police would identify her as the culprit by finding baked goods with the gooey centers eaten out.
Like I said, the big centerpoint of any birthday in our family is usually the Big Cookie. When Pure Heart and I arrived Sunday, the Big Cookie was ready--but not decorated. I decided, out of my extreme and giving love for my sister, that I would decorate it. This is when Little Sis got on a roll. Apparently, I don't decorate the way she'd like. The enitre process of icing the cookie was one long beratement and barrage of criticism. "Aren't you gonna put any words on it?" "If you make the H that big, how's everything else gonna fit?" "Blah blah mean comment blah."
I reminded those present that I do hold a minor in art from my college that fully qualifies me for expert cookie decoration. But reminding them of my credentials only brought upon me more resentment. Apparently, my education is no good since I did not specifically take a class in "Cookie Arts," which I must have opted out of.
In my defense, I think it was a beautiful cookie. Which is fitting because it was for a beautiful young lady who I love--despite all the abuse I take and am nothing but charming and sweet in return. Or something like that.
Movie Geek Freakout
Since Pure Heart has Masters classes on Tuesday, it's my movie night. This week, I went to Blockbuster with a list of films that have alrady been nominated for the ChristianityTodayMovies.com end-of-year best movies list. I was shocked when I saw someone had nominated a monster movie I'd never heard of called The Host.
Turns out that it's from South Korea and is currently getting a 92% rating on RottenTomatoes.com. I really loved watching it. It was just fun, enjoyable, quirky entertainment. It's not perfect, but it's just a good time. Some people have compared it to Jaws (it is about a water-bourne killing creature) but really it's more like a well-made, beautifully-shot Tremors because it's not really scary but more of a goofy, off-beat adventure. It's not for everyone (the only person who's seen it on my recommendation so far didn't like it...) but I think it's a gem.
I'm a sucker, though, for the creative takes on monster thrillers. I've been really excited about a yet-untitled movie I saw a preview for a few months ago. Here it is:
The movie's getting a lot of buzz (you've probbaly seen the trailer already). There's still no name released, but it's produced by J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost, M:I 3). I love J.J. but am especially interested because I discovered it's written by Drew Goddard. Any non-geek won't know that name. But luckily, I am a geek.
Drew was a whizkid writer for the final seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. After his amazing first ep, the Anya-centric Selfless, I knew an ep would rock if his name was on it. And they did. He's very, very good--creative and witty. Since Buffy, he's written some great eps of Lost (some of the bigger eps of last year, for instance). So, knowing what he's capable of, I recommend keeping an eye on this movie....
Quote of the Week
"I wish my apartment building was a retirement villiage for retired mafia men." -Camerin
I'm a sucker, though, for the creative takes on monster thrillers. I've been really excited about a yet-untitled movie I saw a preview for a few months ago. Here it is:
Drew was a whizkid writer for the final seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. After his amazing first ep, the Anya-centric Selfless, I knew an ep would rock if his name was on it. And they did. He's very, very good--creative and witty. Since Buffy, he's written some great eps of Lost (some of the bigger eps of last year, for instance). So, knowing what he's capable of, I recommend keeping an eye on this movie....
Quote of the Week
"I wish my apartment building was a retirement villiage for retired mafia men." -Camerin
8.30.2007
The Haircut Extravaganza
Marc has updated his blog with a great chronicle of "The Haircut Extravaganza," as Charissa referred to it earlier this week when she offered us cookies if we held the event at her house.
In the end, those fresh-baked cookies made it worth it to hold the haircut in public. But there's a lot of pressure when it comes to cutting another man's hair in front of people. This video, borrowed from Marc's blog, illustrates:
As you can tell in the video, few haircuts in the history of mankind have commanded such a crowd as this one did. Samson's maybe beats us out. I guess there's something about a man cutting another's man's hair in the kitchen of entirely unrelated people that elicits attention and, well, criticism. We felt like an oddity in a circus sideshow and I think Marc secretly felt like outcast for liking his hair so incredibly short. Charissa commented as we swept up the cut hair: "I sweep up more loose hair off this floor every day!"
I like the way that Marc explained how, really, this isn't that weird: "This is normal for this group. We used to tailgate breakfast in the parking lot before work. We’ve pulled multiple pranks for many birthdays. Todd and I nearly drove to Milwaukee [in a snowstorm] to watch two baseball teams that neither of us root for."
These are just the things we do. However, when I told Camerin I would be cutting Marc's hair, she questioned whether we'd be eating red meat and talking about football during the process to help increase the testosterone levels. But you know, I think it's mainly for a guy to allow a friend to put sharp objects near his head. That's macho.
In the end, those fresh-baked cookies made it worth it to hold the haircut in public. But there's a lot of pressure when it comes to cutting another man's hair in front of people. This video, borrowed from Marc's blog, illustrates:
As you can tell in the video, few haircuts in the history of mankind have commanded such a crowd as this one did. Samson's maybe beats us out. I guess there's something about a man cutting another's man's hair in the kitchen of entirely unrelated people that elicits attention and, well, criticism. We felt like an oddity in a circus sideshow and I think Marc secretly felt like outcast for liking his hair so incredibly short. Charissa commented as we swept up the cut hair: "I sweep up more loose hair off this floor every day!"
I like the way that Marc explained how, really, this isn't that weird: "This is normal for this group. We used to tailgate breakfast in the parking lot before work. We’ve pulled multiple pranks for many birthdays. Todd and I nearly drove to Milwaukee [in a snowstorm] to watch two baseball teams that neither of us root for."
These are just the things we do. However, when I told Camerin I would be cutting Marc's hair, she questioned whether we'd be eating red meat and talking about football during the process to help increase the testosterone levels. But you know, I think it's mainly for a guy to allow a friend to put sharp objects near his head. That's macho.
Welcome Home, Drew
For the second straight year, I landed Drew Brees to head up my mighty fantasy football team (which is this year called IGNITE YOUR FACE). I am pretty happy with that. I didn't set out to get Drew again because I have a bad history with two-years-in-a-row QBs.I once took Rich Gannon onto my team not knowing much about him at all. He blew up that season and scored approx. 9,000 TDs. He led my team to the post-season for the first time in my fantasy career. And so, the next season, I deliberately took him again. I think he actually played without both arms that season. It was that bad.
But I have faith in Drew. And I drafted a pretty stellar backup: Donovan McNabb. He was still available in the 5th round and I couldn't pass him up. He was injured last year but still scored 200 fantasy points in 10 games.
The rest of the team is OK although hard to evaluate right now. My WRs may be weak, several players too old or fragile, and if one RB goes down, I could be thin quick.
Non-Football Stuff Starts Here:
So far, this post has been way geeky. Well, it's only gonna get worse. In fact, I may have had The Geekiest Day Ever yesterday. And I loved it.
It all started with a lunch group to discuss the final Harry Potter book. Nothing says "geekboy" like discussing wizards and house elfs. After work was the 2-hour draft and then, I went to Emily and Charissa's house to cut Marc's hair. Yah, really. (There should be video eventually.)
The whole night was kinda surreal. We went over to E and C's for the haircut because 1) We needed a place to host this shearing, and 2) we wanted to hang out with them (Marc doesn't work here now and so doesn't get to see me and E as much.)
Let me note here that I've come to see E and C's house as pretty much a Campus Coffeehouse, or maybe a university union. Folks just come and go as they please. And I'm convinced that there's always someone in the house who doesn't live there but an outsider might assume they do because they're lounging about or making food.
So anyway, when Marc and I arrived to the C&E Clubhouse, their new roommate and two other guests hadn't eaten dinner yet. So, as they ate, Marc and I literally sat in lawn chairs about 3 feet away and watched. It was as if their dinner was a spectator sport. And let's just say that E is a far better salad tong wielder than C. If C hopes to get anywhere in competitive salad scooping, she needs some practice.
If she improves, I would consider drafting her late in my Fantasy Eaters League.
8.28.2007
I'm not Patricia Arquette
On Sunday night, I watched the movie Zodiac. It's a very good procedural film about the cops, journalists and a cartoonist (really...) who attempted to track down the Zodiac killer.
Well, that night I had several vivid dreams about doing investigations and crime-fighting. But the dreams aren't the funny part. The best part was that in the middle of the night I somewhat awoke in a sleepy haze and thought, "Man, I need to call the police. I could help them solve crimes with my dreams."
When I woke up more I realized that I'm not a pyschic. Or in this TV show.
Well, that night I had several vivid dreams about doing investigations and crime-fighting. But the dreams aren't the funny part. The best part was that in the middle of the night I somewhat awoke in a sleepy haze and thought, "Man, I need to call the police. I could help them solve crimes with my dreams."
When I woke up more I realized that I'm not a pyschic. Or in this TV show.
8.27.2007
A Tale of Two Sox
Before Friday night, I'd never left a Chicago White Sox game early. But as the 8th inning began, I just didn't care anymore. I didn't want anymore to do with this 10-1 loss and I couldn't bear listening to Red Sox fans anymore. And I'd had enough of my White Sox. It wasn't fun anymore.
Back up a minute: My afternoon started with heading downtown on the train for a screening of a new Brad Pitt western about Jesse James. (It's an interesting and artistic--but ultimately too plodding--character study.) Afterwards, I grabbed the Green Line to U.S. Cellular. The second game of Friday's double-header didn't start until 7:11 and I arrived at about 5:30.
The Green Line is a few blocks East of the ballpark in the ITT campus. As I walked west through the streets, I was reminded of the last time I was on those sidewalks: October 4, 2005. It was Game One of the playoffs. My friend Mike and I had to park about 4 miles east of the ballpark (maybe not 4 miles. That'd be in the water, I think...). As we got to the ITT campus walking along 35th Street, we could hear the roar of the crowd--even across busy 90/94. It was as if there was so much energy and excitement that the park could barely hold it in. Approaching that stadium that day was the first time I really got a glimpse of what was happening: We had hope.
Two years later, I was walking the same path to the stadium. We were again playing the Red Sox. But with no hope. In fact, by the end of the weekend, we'd be beaten 46-7 in four games. During that walk, two strikingly contrasted but connected moments as a fan came together. I remembered the high as I now experience the low. In fact, mid-way through the game I told Pure Heart that I needed to go home and watch my 2005 DVDs to remember what winning feels like. Losing stinks, especially when you are a fan through thick and thin.
It's even harder to make it through a hopeless and embarrassing season when you have to sit in your home stadium surrounded by more Red Sox fans than those of the White Sox. How does this happen? I've noticed it since 2004: Red Sox fans outnumber us at games. They are everywhere. Is it because they are now becoming America's team? Or because many East Coasters move to the Chicago-area? Or is it because their fans travel to support their team? How can White Sox fans allow this? Why aren't we at the games? Well, maybe it's the same reason why I left early. It's just sad to be there.
And while I'm embarrassed about our year, mad about Kenny William's incorrect guesses about our bullpen, and letdown about being in August with nothing to play for, I am still a fan. They are still my team. I root for the White Sox because they are the White Sox. Not becuase they win. That's why there are Royals fans or Devil Ray fans. Because being a fan is about love. Not results.If it wasnt, I'd be a Yankees fan. Or a Red Sox fan. (shutter)
People have asked me this season (and my Dad reported this happening too) why I'd still cheer for a team doing poorly when a team on the other side of town is worth cheering for this year. The thing is: my love for the Sox isn't about success. It's unconditional. I'm a White Sox fan the same as I am a member of my family. I can't change that. It's just the way it is. I may be mad at family members or embarrassed of mistakes, but I can't change that I'm one of them. It's just who I am. And this is my team--good or bad.
During my two hours alone at the stadium before game time and before Pure Heart made it through traffic, I enjoyed just soaking in the scene outside the stadium and in. I had a pretzal, listened to music, watched other fans explore the park. As I stood at one fence overlooking the field I realized, I love it here. Even in the bad times, this is my home. I watched the grounds team prepare the field. I talked to a merch vendor. I saw kids taking grounders in the Fundamentals area and daydreamed of taking my kids and introducing them to this love. I felt good in that stadium, watching my old faves and new prospects, and sharing memories of the White Sox with my wife.
But then the Red Sox kept scoring. And kept scoring. Unfortunately, I had no recourse on Boston. One White Sox fan kept chanting "Red Sox sucks..." but, ummm, they don't. We do. All we can do is look forward to a time when our team can get their own revenge on the Red Sox and other teams. We can only bleed, cry and root for our team until the good times come again.
And remember 2005 when we whipped Boston 14-2 in a playoff game. And in 2004 when two Boston fans left and my friend Paul and I ate their peanuts. That taught them.
Back up a minute: My afternoon started with heading downtown on the train for a screening of a new Brad Pitt western about Jesse James. (It's an interesting and artistic--but ultimately too plodding--character study.) Afterwards, I grabbed the Green Line to U.S. Cellular. The second game of Friday's double-header didn't start until 7:11 and I arrived at about 5:30.
The Green Line is a few blocks East of the ballpark in the ITT campus. As I walked west through the streets, I was reminded of the last time I was on those sidewalks: October 4, 2005. It was Game One of the playoffs. My friend Mike and I had to park about 4 miles east of the ballpark (maybe not 4 miles. That'd be in the water, I think...). As we got to the ITT campus walking along 35th Street, we could hear the roar of the crowd--even across busy 90/94. It was as if there was so much energy and excitement that the park could barely hold it in. Approaching that stadium that day was the first time I really got a glimpse of what was happening: We had hope.
Two years later, I was walking the same path to the stadium. We were again playing the Red Sox. But with no hope. In fact, by the end of the weekend, we'd be beaten 46-7 in four games. During that walk, two strikingly contrasted but connected moments as a fan came together. I remembered the high as I now experience the low. In fact, mid-way through the game I told Pure Heart that I needed to go home and watch my 2005 DVDs to remember what winning feels like. Losing stinks, especially when you are a fan through thick and thin.
It's even harder to make it through a hopeless and embarrassing season when you have to sit in your home stadium surrounded by more Red Sox fans than those of the White Sox. How does this happen? I've noticed it since 2004: Red Sox fans outnumber us at games. They are everywhere. Is it because they are now becoming America's team? Or because many East Coasters move to the Chicago-area? Or is it because their fans travel to support their team? How can White Sox fans allow this? Why aren't we at the games? Well, maybe it's the same reason why I left early. It's just sad to be there.
And while I'm embarrassed about our year, mad about Kenny William's incorrect guesses about our bullpen, and letdown about being in August with nothing to play for, I am still a fan. They are still my team. I root for the White Sox because they are the White Sox. Not becuase they win. That's why there are Royals fans or Devil Ray fans. Because being a fan is about love. Not results.If it wasnt, I'd be a Yankees fan. Or a Red Sox fan. (shutter)
People have asked me this season (and my Dad reported this happening too) why I'd still cheer for a team doing poorly when a team on the other side of town is worth cheering for this year. The thing is: my love for the Sox isn't about success. It's unconditional. I'm a White Sox fan the same as I am a member of my family. I can't change that. It's just the way it is. I may be mad at family members or embarrassed of mistakes, but I can't change that I'm one of them. It's just who I am. And this is my team--good or bad.
During my two hours alone at the stadium before game time and before Pure Heart made it through traffic, I enjoyed just soaking in the scene outside the stadium and in. I had a pretzal, listened to music, watched other fans explore the park. As I stood at one fence overlooking the field I realized, I love it here. Even in the bad times, this is my home. I watched the grounds team prepare the field. I talked to a merch vendor. I saw kids taking grounders in the Fundamentals area and daydreamed of taking my kids and introducing them to this love. I felt good in that stadium, watching my old faves and new prospects, and sharing memories of the White Sox with my wife.
But then the Red Sox kept scoring. And kept scoring. Unfortunately, I had no recourse on Boston. One White Sox fan kept chanting "Red Sox sucks..." but, ummm, they don't. We do. All we can do is look forward to a time when our team can get their own revenge on the Red Sox and other teams. We can only bleed, cry and root for our team until the good times come again.
And remember 2005 when we whipped Boston 14-2 in a playoff game. And in 2004 when two Boston fans left and my friend Paul and I ate their peanuts. That taught them.
8.24.2007
Crisis!
In one key way, my worklife is like being a pirate. When I told Camerin this yesterday, she asked if it was because I get to run people through with my scabbard or because I have to walk the plank all the time. She also made some reference to a parrot. But I wasn't quite thinking of those things. Instead, living in my office is like being in the underbelly of a damp, creaky ship with leaks ready to spring at any time.
When the rains started yesterday, I kept my eye on the Southwest corner of my office. This is where my infamous leak is. I was told earlier this week that the roofers thought they'd finally solved that leak, but I knew yesterday's Armageddon rains would be the proving grounds. During the first minutes of the storm, no water streamed down the brick. All was well.
I went to look at the dark skies out the window. Next door to the office is a testing plant of some kind with a whole back area full of barrels. (Perhaps they test barrels?) When I saw a wind gust throw one of the barrels out of a pile int he warehouse, I thought maybe this was gonna be kinda bad. The sirens started and we all rushed to the basement.
When I came back up, the old leak was nowhere to be seen. Whew. I went back to work. That's when I heard a dripping. Drip. Drip. Drip. I checked the Southwest corner. Dry. Drip. Drip. Drip. And then I realized that what I heard the drips on was the head of my R2-D2 Pepsi cooler. In the SouthEAST corner.
Now, here's the thing: Because the Southwest corner is like a waterfall, I don't keep anything over there. But just this week I redecorated and put new pictures on the corner of the opposite wall and left all my Star Wars stuff on the shelf right under the corner. Why not? It's dry.
Well, this creaky old ship of an office mounted a surprise attack. She hit me where I wasn't expecting it. Water started as three different drips and then turned into a good flow--out of the tiles, over posters and pictures and onto my beloved Star Wars toys. She hit me where it hurt.
To get to the problem, I had to move R2 out. He became a refugee from his home. I moved all my stuff from that corner. Nothing was ruined but some old posters that I really don't care about.
Now, the entire corner is bare. Buckets and trashcans are standing watch. But the good news is that we survived. The old ship is still intact. In fact, the storms turned out to be worse than I thought they were yesterday. Lots of downed trees, electricity outage and damage in the area. My commute home last night took 2 hours but it was mainly because of rain-slowed traffic and not actual storm issues. (Though I did have to caulk up the wagon and ford one river/road.)
I hope the rain stays away today--not just for the sake of my creaky office but also because I'm going downtown for a movie screening (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) and then to the Sox game.
Quotes of the Week
"The dog has more street cred than me. It's had the cops called on it twice!" -Mario
"There's heat coming from inside my shirt!" -The Sister-In-Law.
"I'm damn proud of that veggie tray." -Pure Heart
When the rains started yesterday, I kept my eye on the Southwest corner of my office. This is where my infamous leak is. I was told earlier this week that the roofers thought they'd finally solved that leak, but I knew yesterday's Armageddon rains would be the proving grounds. During the first minutes of the storm, no water streamed down the brick. All was well.
I went to look at the dark skies out the window. Next door to the office is a testing plant of some kind with a whole back area full of barrels. (Perhaps they test barrels?) When I saw a wind gust throw one of the barrels out of a pile int he warehouse, I thought maybe this was gonna be kinda bad. The sirens started and we all rushed to the basement.
When I came back up, the old leak was nowhere to be seen. Whew. I went back to work. That's when I heard a dripping. Drip. Drip. Drip. I checked the Southwest corner. Dry. Drip. Drip. Drip. And then I realized that what I heard the drips on was the head of my R2-D2 Pepsi cooler. In the SouthEAST corner.
Now, here's the thing: Because the Southwest corner is like a waterfall, I don't keep anything over there. But just this week I redecorated and put new pictures on the corner of the opposite wall and left all my Star Wars stuff on the shelf right under the corner. Why not? It's dry.
Well, this creaky old ship of an office mounted a surprise attack. She hit me where I wasn't expecting it. Water started as three different drips and then turned into a good flow--out of the tiles, over posters and pictures and onto my beloved Star Wars toys. She hit me where it hurt.
To get to the problem, I had to move R2 out. He became a refugee from his home. I moved all my stuff from that corner. Nothing was ruined but some old posters that I really don't care about.
Now, the entire corner is bare. Buckets and trashcans are standing watch. But the good news is that we survived. The old ship is still intact. In fact, the storms turned out to be worse than I thought they were yesterday. Lots of downed trees, electricity outage and damage in the area. My commute home last night took 2 hours but it was mainly because of rain-slowed traffic and not actual storm issues. (Though I did have to caulk up the wagon and ford one river/road.)
I hope the rain stays away today--not just for the sake of my creaky office but also because I'm going downtown for a movie screening (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford) and then to the Sox game.
Quotes of the Week
"The dog has more street cred than me. It's had the cops called on it twice!" -Mario
"There's heat coming from inside my shirt!" -The Sister-In-Law.
"I'm damn proud of that veggie tray." -Pure Heart
8.23.2007
Did We Find my Voice Twin?
Today in the lunchroom, a co-worker asked me if I've done any moonlighting work with any insurance companies. I really wasn't expecting that question and wasn't too sure what freelance work for an insurance company would look like. Spying on people to make sure they are really injured?
At any rate, I was pretty certain the answer was no. She said that when she called her agency today, the phone system's automated voice sounded just like me. I've had people tell me that they've seen people who look like me, but I've never heard about having a voice twin before.
Of course, whenever someone says they've seen (or heard) someone "just like me," I am always curious. Would I think they look (or sound) like me? Would seeing (or hearing) that person give me a glimpse into how others see me?
It also makes me wonder: Maybe that was me. Maybe I did once record the voice prompts for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Or maybe they kidnapped me and hyponotied me into it. Who knows. When Kim once asked me if I was at Cardinal Fitness the night before because she saw a guy who "looked just like me," I thought, Maybe I was there. I don't know what I even did last night! Am I working out in my sleep again?
After all, apparentely I do a lot of things and don't realize it. It seems that I'm an NFL player, too. I got this envelope in the mail not long ago:
I didn't even know I was in the draft. Or that I played football. But apparently, they can just draft anyone these days. Hmmm. I guess that explains Rex Grossman. And the Cleveland Browns.
At any rate, I was pretty certain the answer was no. She said that when she called her agency today, the phone system's automated voice sounded just like me. I've had people tell me that they've seen people who look like me, but I've never heard about having a voice twin before.
Of course, whenever someone says they've seen (or heard) someone "just like me," I am always curious. Would I think they look (or sound) like me? Would seeing (or hearing) that person give me a glimpse into how others see me?
It also makes me wonder: Maybe that was me. Maybe I did once record the voice prompts for Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Or maybe they kidnapped me and hyponotied me into it. Who knows. When Kim once asked me if I was at Cardinal Fitness the night before because she saw a guy who "looked just like me," I thought, Maybe I was there. I don't know what I even did last night! Am I working out in my sleep again?
After all, apparentely I do a lot of things and don't realize it. It seems that I'm an NFL player, too. I got this envelope in the mail not long ago:
I didn't even know I was in the draft. Or that I played football. But apparently, they can just draft anyone these days. Hmmm. I guess that explains Rex Grossman. And the Cleveland Browns.
8.22.2007
iPod? iPod? Who's got the iPod?
WEDDING WEDNESDAY
(OK, I've said it before, but I am pretty sure this is really the final Wedding Wednesday.)
Much of the wedding reception is a blur. Lots of people. Much dancing. Many conversations. More dancing. Happy. Happy Happy.
What made most of it run so smoothly is that we delegated jobs to people. Shawn was the charming and in-control emcee. The caterer handled all the decorations and food. Youth Group Steve ran the iPod of music for the dance. And my sister was going to get the iPod at the end of the night from Steve since we wanted to leave early.
Well, we didn’t get out of the reception quite as early as we thought. We're talkers. There were just so many people to talk to and too much fun to have. So, when we were finally leaving, we realized that the party was pretty much over. The dancing was done and pretty much only family remained clustered around tables chatting.
We called an audible and grabbed the iPod. Might as well take it with us for the ride to Galena, we thought.
The morning after the wedding, I gave my tux to The Father-In-Law. We stayed at the same hotel and he offered to return it to the rental store with his own tux. Then, he met us back at the house for some lunch before he left for home and we drove to Galena.
Not long later, Pure Heart and I were opening a few gifts and packing for the honeymoon. I thought, Where’s that iPod? After looking around and replaying the blurry night in my head, I remembered I’d grabbed it from the reception hall…and stuck it into my tux coat pocket.
Ruh-roh, Raggy.
Luckily, everything worked out well. I called the rental place and the guy checked the pocket: still there. And then, The Father-In-Law offered to go back to the place to pick it up.
And so, we are still rockin’ today.
8.17.2007
Todd and the Mystery of the Tall Tower
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve developed a bit of an obsession. (No, not with “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Although, we did decide over lunch one day that the only reason why I like the Devil’s part so much is simply the band of demons. The devil’s playing itself is not that good, I suppose. The backing band just makes him sound better. Imagine if Johnny played with the band of demons…)
I’ve grown obsessed with this giant tower behind our building at work.
It all started at lunch one day. Intern Ethan, a kid from my youth group, and I sat at the picnic table out front. The tower peeked over the top of the building. Really, all I could see were these orange number cards on top.
And I got thinking. First I was trying to figure out what 33.0 means. And then I realized that it was probably 330 but the 0 got moved over. I am assuming it means the tower in 330 feet high. Or that it is Tower Number 330. I am not sure. That's only part of the mystery.
But what really go me thinking were the size of those numbers. From where I sat, those cards (or boards or whatever they are) seem small. But, because of the deceptive perspective shift, the narrowing of the tower as it ascends and the sheer height of the tower, I am betting those cards are really big. I think they’d easily be bigger than a person. But the truth is, I don't know.
A few days later, I stood in the parking lot staring up at them trying to figure out a fool-proof ma thematic equation to estimate their size. Soon, I realized that a group of women—returning from lunch—were all standing around looking at me. I explained what I was doing. They offered no viable solutions. (One suggested cutting the tower down, but I don’t have the manpower for that. Ethan’s internship is now over.)
A few days later, Camerin came into the office all excited. She claimed there was a helicopter buzzing around the office. She was amused because a guy was hanging out the side like in action movies. But without the machine gun. I've seen helicopters often flying around the towers out back monitoring them or something. So I went out. I thought maybe the copter would pull alongside my numbers to give me a sense of proportion. Unfortunately, the copter had moved on to another tower.
Looking at this picture, it seems that man is a bit bigger compared to the tower than I would have guessed. It makes me think that maybe the number cards are only about 3 or 4 feet high perhaps.
But still, it's a mystery. The only real solution here is that I need my own helicopter.
8.12.2007
Quote of the Year?
This weekend Pure Heart and I went to Central Illinois to visit her family. We did a lot of eating out, saw Hairspray (amazing! funny! Best Supporting Actress of the Year: John Travolta!), and went to the State Fair (where we actually ran into my dad, too).
We then went to Decatur to see the wife's grandma. We had a wonderful time and we both wish we could see her more often. She takes great care of us. I wouldn't ever make fun of her (she's a very informed, sharp and clever lady), but she sometimes says aloud whatever comes to mind. And I love it. The last time we were there, Granny gave us this wonderfully sincere quote to remember her by: "I wouldn't normally say this to anyone--but I know I am among friends: I just have to say I've become disillusioned by monkeys."
I was hoping that this visit might produce another out-of-the-blue, completely serious comment. I'm happy to report that Granny not only topped herself, but vaulted her monkey quote with this:
"Do you know what a third nipple looks like? Because I think I have one."
To be honest, this comment didn't come out of nowhere. Her son is a nurse and she was seeking his expertise. But, I sure wasn't expecting that sentence to be said. I was on my way out of the room when she said it and I decided it was best if I just kept walking.
When I came back, the verdict was that it was just a mole.
We then went to Decatur to see the wife's grandma. We had a wonderful time and we both wish we could see her more often. She takes great care of us. I wouldn't ever make fun of her (she's a very informed, sharp and clever lady), but she sometimes says aloud whatever comes to mind. And I love it. The last time we were there, Granny gave us this wonderfully sincere quote to remember her by: "I wouldn't normally say this to anyone--but I know I am among friends: I just have to say I've become disillusioned by monkeys."
I was hoping that this visit might produce another out-of-the-blue, completely serious comment. I'm happy to report that Granny not only topped herself, but vaulted her monkey quote with this:
"Do you know what a third nipple looks like? Because I think I have one."
To be honest, this comment didn't come out of nowhere. Her son is a nurse and she was seeking his expertise. But, I sure wasn't expecting that sentence to be said. I was on my way out of the room when she said it and I decided it was best if I just kept walking.
When I came back, the verdict was that it was just a mole.
8.10.2007
No, no, no, no, no, no, no....
I had a small stroke this morning on my way to work.I heard news that the Cubs have allegedly claimed Scott Podsednik, my favorite White Sox player, off of waivers. Now, what frightens me is not so much Scotty leaving. I am quite resigned to the fact that Pods won't be on the South Side next year. And I decided that he was a player--like Tadahito or Buehrle (had he actually been traded)--that I would continue to follow when he left.
But...
It's the Cubs.
I honestly don't know what I'll do if the deal goes through. I don't even know how serious it all is. The Cubs have reportedly until Monday to make a deal with the Sox for him. It might not work out. After all, the Sox claimed Baltimore's Miguel Tejada, but couldn't work a trade with the Orioles after the waiver claim.
I'm gonna let this pan out and if it becomes a reality, I will wrestle with what to do from there. Root for the Cubs? Tell Scotty Pods that he's dead to me? Try to root for the player, but not the team? Support the Cubs during this playoff push with my guy leading them and then go back to normal next year?
It's like Harry Potter joining the Death Eaters. I need a butterbeer....
UPDATE: The Cubs and Sox never reached a deal and Pods isn't a Cub. Whew.
Uneasy On the Office Front
Hector is still MIA. This is what I was afraid of when I chose not to make a preemptive strike. Back then, I always knew where he was. I could watch him. Now, he could be anywhere. Suddenly, this has turned into guerrilla warfare.
The last encounter with Hector was a frenzy of emotion and violence. I said things I don't mean and there were a lot of hurt feelings. And then, I tried to stomp on him. I swung a golf club a few times.
Now, I am no insectologist, but I can tell you this: Crickets are fast little buggers. Hector was jumping like 3 feet at a time. He's like a phantom. A really fast, small, jumpy phantom.
After the incident yesterday, I drove to my old (still un-rented) condo and got a can of Raid. I sprayed it all over Hector's area and the back corner of the office where I saw him run. If I were a betting man, I'd say that he's probably dead in a corner back there where I can't see. Or maybe he made it out of the building the way he came in.
Is the last we'll see of Hector?
Will he launch another offensive?
Will he kidnap one of my Fez Monkeys for payback?
Only time will tell.
The last encounter with Hector was a frenzy of emotion and violence. I said things I don't mean and there were a lot of hurt feelings. And then, I tried to stomp on him. I swung a golf club a few times.
Now, I am no insectologist, but I can tell you this: Crickets are fast little buggers. Hector was jumping like 3 feet at a time. He's like a phantom. A really fast, small, jumpy phantom.
After the incident yesterday, I drove to my old (still un-rented) condo and got a can of Raid. I sprayed it all over Hector's area and the back corner of the office where I saw him run. If I were a betting man, I'd say that he's probably dead in a corner back there where I can't see. Or maybe he made it out of the building the way he came in.
Is the last we'll see of Hector?
Will he launch another offensive?
Will he kidnap one of my Fez Monkeys for payback?
Only time will tell.
8.09.2007
Broken Truce!
Update: Hector is gone! He left his agreed-upon spot on the ceiling. He was crawling near my chair when I tried to capture him to release him back into the wild.
He's quick though. He must have known I'd try something and darted off.
He is now at large...
He's quick though. He must have known I'd try something and darted off.
He is now at large...
Meet Hector
This is Hector. He's my new pet cricket. Or, I guess, office mate.There's a bad leak in the corner of my office. Since it's been rainy lately, water has splashed down the brick and the whole office is damp. Apparently, water is not the only thing getting in.
I first noticed Hector (thanks to Camerin's observant eye) yesterday morning. He's pretty good sized and doesn't move. I've seen him twitch or step side-to-side a few times. But for the most part, he stays right in his little spot.
The appearance of Hector has created within my office a tiny microcosm of the Iraq debate. It's a little Just War drama going on here.
Here's the dilemma: Hector has done nothing to me. He's just there. But, some people who have seen him feel that he poses an immediate threat. They would argue that I should launch a preemptive strike on hector because of the potential danger. He may jump onto my head or into my food.
On the other hand, I could live in peace with Hector. I could draw some stringent boundaries and sanctions. If he broaches those, than an attack is warranted.
For the time being, this second policy is my choice. We're getting along fine. We have an understanding--he stays in his spot, I don't squish him. We've discussed it and I think we agree on all the terms.
I'd like to give peace a chance for two reasons (besides Hector's well-being): 1) He's so big, that killing him is kinda of an icky proposition. I am fine squishing bugs, but when they get this big, it's like squishing a squirrel or something. 2) He's in a bad spot to reach. To kill him, I'd have to use my Office Golf Club or stand perilously astride my bookcase and desk.
So for now, we will see how the arrangement plays out.
8.08.2007
Updates
Not a whole lot has been going on with me lately, actually. Last weekend, Pure Heart and I saw Underdog. OK, I had to. It’s my job. But I was such a big fan of the cartoon growing up. The movie, of course, is not the same. But for what it is (and for them turning Underdog into a kid’s pet dog), it’s not horrible. There are some good nods to the old show that I wasn’t expecting, the new theme song rocks, and Puddy from Seinfeld plays Cad. It’s an average kid’s flick. Still, I enjoyed coming home and watching old shows on You Tube.
We also saw Order of the Phoenix (Yay). It’s a good movie—my second favorite to Goblet of Fire in terms of the movies. There are some really cool moments visually. I loved when Dudley and Harry are running from the fish-eye lens. The director is top notch. Glad he's doing movie 6...
Watching the 5th movie after finishing the final book was weird. (The wife and I finished at 2 in the morning one night a couple weeks ago. Once you hit chapter 26, you have to press on toward the end. We were both very, very pleased.) Anyway, I now know how it all ends so watching Order of the Phoenix was neat because you're seeing things forming--while knowing what they lead to! I also liked watching the movie and imagining how book 7 will look on screen. Oh man.
I need to come up with my book rankings. Hmmm.
We also saw Order of the Phoenix (Yay). It’s a good movie—my second favorite to Goblet of Fire in terms of the movies. There are some really cool moments visually. I loved when Dudley and Harry are running from the fish-eye lens. The director is top notch. Glad he's doing movie 6...
Watching the 5th movie after finishing the final book was weird. (The wife and I finished at 2 in the morning one night a couple weeks ago. Once you hit chapter 26, you have to press on toward the end. We were both very, very pleased.) Anyway, I now know how it all ends so watching Order of the Phoenix was neat because you're seeing things forming--while knowing what they lead to! I also liked watching the movie and imagining how book 7 will look on screen. Oh man.
Here's my off-the-cuff ranking of the movies so far (fave to least-fave):
Goblet of Fire
Order of the Phoenix
Prisoner of Azkaban
Chamber of Secrets
Sorcerer's Stone
On Sunday, we babysat a friends’ daughter. We took her to Magic Waters in Rockford. It was fun. They have a new water roller coaster that is rocking. It’s actually really intense. My biggest takeaway of the day though is how many tattooed people there are in Rockford. Weird.
Hopefully, we’ll be singing a lease to rent my condo this weekend. While we’d rather be selling it, this is better than nothing. And even better—I’ll become a slum lord! I plan to walk around with a box of cigarettes rolled up in my shirt sleeve like the guy on One Day at A Time.
I've been enjoying the last couple weeks of White Sox baseball. We're not setting the world on fire, but we're at least playing fun-to-watch ball (for the most part). I can't help loving these guys, to be honest. I don't care how we do. I get mad at them, but I always come back. You complete me, Chicago White Sox. I think Josh Fields may be a Todd Favorite Player of the Future. I really wanted a sweep of the Tribe after a sweep of the Tigers so that I'd feel like we had an ounce of dignity this season. (I brought in a broom for Tigers Fan David on Monday. He hated that.) But 2 out of 3 from the Indians would be great.
I have noticed that these winning ways coincide with the re-introduction of a certain player. Hmmm. So, for good measure:
Hopefully, we’ll be singing a lease to rent my condo this weekend. While we’d rather be selling it, this is better than nothing. And even better—I’ll become a slum lord! I plan to walk around with a box of cigarettes rolled up in my shirt sleeve like the guy on One Day at A Time.
I've been enjoying the last couple weeks of White Sox baseball. We're not setting the world on fire, but we're at least playing fun-to-watch ball (for the most part). I can't help loving these guys, to be honest. I don't care how we do. I get mad at them, but I always come back. You complete me, Chicago White Sox. I think Josh Fields may be a Todd Favorite Player of the Future. I really wanted a sweep of the Tribe after a sweep of the Tigers so that I'd feel like we had an ounce of dignity this season. (I brought in a broom for Tigers Fan David on Monday. He hated that.) But 2 out of 3 from the Indians would be great.
I have noticed that these winning ways coincide with the re-introduction of a certain player. Hmmm. So, for good measure:
The Need for Good Rehearsal
Wedding Wednesday
At our wedding rehearsal on the night before the wedding, some of the groomsmen and I noticed the TV screens throughout the church had the church calendar up.
We liked the fact that at 6:00 was the wedding rehearsal--and at 6:15, if things didn't go well, there was a DivorceCare meeting.
Luckily, the rehearsal went quite well. And got us well-rehearsed and ready for the big day.
In fact, one of the flower girls had been waiting for the rehearsal. She showed up in brand new shoes and told me, "They're my weddin' shoes!" Because she had the shoes and everything, I said, "Then you must be already, huh?"
The 3-year-old looked at me and said, "Duh, I have to rehearse first!"
At our wedding rehearsal on the night before the wedding, some of the groomsmen and I noticed the TV screens throughout the church had the church calendar up.
We liked the fact that at 6:00 was the wedding rehearsal--and at 6:15, if things didn't go well, there was a DivorceCare meeting.
Luckily, the rehearsal went quite well. And got us well-rehearsed and ready for the big day.
In fact, one of the flower girls had been waiting for the rehearsal. She showed up in brand new shoes and told me, "They're my weddin' shoes!" Because she had the shoes and everything, I said, "Then you must be already, huh?"
The 3-year-old looked at me and said, "Duh, I have to rehearse first!"
8.07.2007
Don't Overcook Your Pancakes!
I haven't really been remembering my dreams lately, which is odd because I normally have such long, vivid, movie-like dreams I remember in great detail. I actually can't recall a real in-depth ,strange dream I've had in over a month.
The last one was right before the wedding. It was the return of my fighting-zombies dreams. I hadn't had one of those zombie/vampire dreams in about a year. I even used my trademark wooden bat to fight them off--just like in my old fighting dreams. It was great.
But last night's dream topped it. Here's the gist: The wife and I were back in Europe with a group of teens. It was my Dad's birthday, so I decided to treat him to pancakes. I went to this little kitchen in the hotel lobby and started making these simply perfect pancakes on a griddle.
I had one pancake left when my wife and a teen girl came over. They needed help with a vending machine. I went with them to check it out. After we got it working, I saw there were baseball cards inside the vending machine. Ooh, I thought, Baseball cards! I started to count out money to get some. ..
That's when I remembered, "My Pancake!"
When I got back to the griddle, I found that I'd left the pancake on too long and, OF COURSE, it turned into a baby. When I saw this, it was if it made perfect logical sense: If you burn a pancake, it turns into a person. I grabbed the little boy off the griddle and he had toasted buns.Literary. And so I scrubbed the black toasted stuff off his bum. When I was done, he'd aged to be a 3-year-old Italian kid with black curly hair. He said it was time for his birthday party.
Again, I got distracted because a teen girl had wandered off by herself. And she left the hotel. Now, I'm not a very good chaperon in my dreams apparently. Before I caught up with her to bring her back to the hotel, I got distracted again by a band playing in a little restaurant. There was a boy playing tympani, two girls on horns and their mom playing a purple hippo squeeze toy.
I eventually got bored and left again to go sight-seeing. I saw Holyrood Palace and the Tower of London. Then, my wife picked me up in a white van and told me she wanted to show me her favorite thing in Europe. We drove over London's Tower Bridge (and saw a second one in the distance) and then onto a Pier. Off to the right was the Eiffel Tower. "There," she said, "Is my favorite sight." It was a submarine in a lagoon right in front of the Eiffel Tower. I was impressed.
The last one was right before the wedding. It was the return of my fighting-zombies dreams. I hadn't had one of those zombie/vampire dreams in about a year. I even used my trademark wooden bat to fight them off--just like in my old fighting dreams. It was great.
But last night's dream topped it. Here's the gist: The wife and I were back in Europe with a group of teens. It was my Dad's birthday, so I decided to treat him to pancakes. I went to this little kitchen in the hotel lobby and started making these simply perfect pancakes on a griddle.
I had one pancake left when my wife and a teen girl came over. They needed help with a vending machine. I went with them to check it out. After we got it working, I saw there were baseball cards inside the vending machine. Ooh, I thought, Baseball cards! I started to count out money to get some. ..
That's when I remembered, "My Pancake!"
When I got back to the griddle, I found that I'd left the pancake on too long and, OF COURSE, it turned into a baby. When I saw this, it was if it made perfect logical sense: If you burn a pancake, it turns into a person. I grabbed the little boy off the griddle and he had toasted buns.Literary. And so I scrubbed the black toasted stuff off his bum. When I was done, he'd aged to be a 3-year-old Italian kid with black curly hair. He said it was time for his birthday party.
Again, I got distracted because a teen girl had wandered off by herself. And she left the hotel. Now, I'm not a very good chaperon in my dreams apparently. Before I caught up with her to bring her back to the hotel, I got distracted again by a band playing in a little restaurant. There was a boy playing tympani, two girls on horns and their mom playing a purple hippo squeeze toy.
I eventually got bored and left again to go sight-seeing. I saw Holyrood Palace and the Tower of London. Then, my wife picked me up in a white van and told me she wanted to show me her favorite thing in Europe. We drove over London's Tower Bridge (and saw a second one in the distance) and then onto a Pier. Off to the right was the Eiffel Tower. "There," she said, "Is my favorite sight." It was a submarine in a lagoon right in front of the Eiffel Tower. I was impressed.
8.02.2007
More Travel Stories!
I've shared ten of the best moments of the trip to England, Scotland and France. But like any travel, there were some not-so-best moments, too. (Like those French urinals.)
So, here are the Bottom 4 Moments of the trip:
As I put my hand down, I felt a prick on my wrist. Thistle. A few minutes later, I pulled up my hoodie sleeve because my wrist was itchy and aflame. Sure enough, I had this giant hive there. So did another boy who I talked in to taking the goofy photo as well. Nurse Pure Heart came to the rescue with wet naps and all was well. But still, it really itched there for awhile.
Teaches me to take stupid pictures. I also then lost that beloved hoodie in Edinburgh. I blame that on the thistle, too.
3) Italians. OK, so we weren't in Italy. And I don't dislike all Italians. But we did have problems with about 8 certain ones. I've always heard stories about how young ladies visiting Italy should be aware of how, umm, friendly Italian men can be on the street. We learned that without even going there.
In a Cathedral at Oxford College, our tour guide was giving a talk about a certain monument when two Italian guys pushed their way into our tightly bunched group. Believe it or not, they were not interested in the history. they were trying to be close to some of the girls in our group. And take cell phone pictures. And I believe, even touch. I wasn't a big fan of this. Soon, two became 4. And then 4 became 6. It's like they were coming out of the woodwork. And jabbering really loudly.
Early on (I think when it was just 4), one guy was getting way to close and just kept pushing in on the girls. I put my hand on his chest and said, "Back off." It worked for about 30 seconds. And more of their friends came in. As it reached it's worst point, I decided I had enough. I grabbed the leader and was about to escort him away when one of the teachers on the trip said, "Richard, it seems our group has grown and we now can't hear you. We'll have to ask them to go."
Thankfully, they went.
When we heard that we'd be taking a ferry across the English Channel to France--and landing in Normandy at 6:20 a.m. like on D-Day, it seemed quite wonderful. Charming, even. But it was actually a pain in the rear. First of all, our bus driver was only paid to be with us until 7 the night of our departure. But the Ferry didn't board until 11:30. So, we had to wait in the Ferry station for a long time. Second, by the time we got boarded and into bed, it was about 1 a.m. Third, we had to be off the ferry as soon as it docked which meant getting up a full hour before to wake up kids and be prepared. Fourth, we lost an hour due to time zones. So, that meant going to bed at 1 and up at 4:30. With 22 teens. Good times.
I walked into a small store that sold a lot of postcards. I assumed it would also have stamps. I politely greeted the woman in French by asking, "How are you?" She was kinda grumpy, but I carried on. Usually, if you try to speak French and show that you aren't just expecting them to do all the work, they cut you some slack she didn't.
I asked if she had any stamps, in French. She went off on a long, fast tirade of French. I was lost. I asked, "How much is a stamp to send a postcard to the United States." She again, began to rant in French. She rudely pulled out a sheet of stamps. I knew from my long battle to get stamps in France that these weren't the right ones. I needed 85 cent stamps, not 60 cents.
That was my down fall. I wasn't sure how to explain that. So, I said, in broken French, "No, I need an 80 cent stamp for a postcard to the United States."
Apparently, one of three things happened: 1) She didn't like me correcting her, 2) She was aggravated by my broken French and gull at trying to come into her shop without knowing the language or 3) My French was off and I insulted her dead grandmother.
All I remember is a frenzy of fast and emphatic French. I said, "Merci!" And walked out. As I left I heard her yell, "Un American!"
If it weren't for my triumph later, that could've ruined my day.
So, here are the Bottom 4 Moments of the trip:
4) The Thistle Attack. Did you know that one of the symbols of Scotland is the thistle? It's because it's tough and hardy. And well, because it grows there. Which is a key fact I learned. When I took that goofy picture of myself on the Edinburgh crag next to the "Falling Rocks" sign, I supported myself with my right hand.
As I put my hand down, I felt a prick on my wrist. Thistle. A few minutes later, I pulled up my hoodie sleeve because my wrist was itchy and aflame. Sure enough, I had this giant hive there. So did another boy who I talked in to taking the goofy photo as well. Nurse Pure Heart came to the rescue with wet naps and all was well. But still, it really itched there for awhile.
Teaches me to take stupid pictures. I also then lost that beloved hoodie in Edinburgh. I blame that on the thistle, too.
3) Italians. OK, so we weren't in Italy. And I don't dislike all Italians. But we did have problems with about 8 certain ones. I've always heard stories about how young ladies visiting Italy should be aware of how, umm, friendly Italian men can be on the street. We learned that without even going there.
In a Cathedral at Oxford College, our tour guide was giving a talk about a certain monument when two Italian guys pushed their way into our tightly bunched group. Believe it or not, they were not interested in the history. they were trying to be close to some of the girls in our group. And take cell phone pictures. And I believe, even touch. I wasn't a big fan of this. Soon, two became 4. And then 4 became 6. It's like they were coming out of the woodwork. And jabbering really loudly.
Early on (I think when it was just 4), one guy was getting way to close and just kept pushing in on the girls. I put my hand on his chest and said, "Back off." It worked for about 30 seconds. And more of their friends came in. As it reached it's worst point, I decided I had enough. I grabbed the leader and was about to escort him away when one of the teachers on the trip said, "Richard, it seems our group has grown and we now can't hear you. We'll have to ask them to go."
Thankfully, they went.
The plus side of all of this is two-fold: 1) I kind of got the chance to come off looking gallant and 2) One of our boys happened to snap a photo right when I had my hand on the kid's chest. You can see my mouth stuck in saying, "OFF!" It's kinda tough.
2) Regular Travel Inconveniences. We didn't have any major issues. Everyone survived. Nothing happened that was trip-ruining, but we seemed to collect a lot of minor annoyances. On the way there, 2 people lost their luggage (one of the suitcases never caught up with us.) On the way home, we ALL lost our bags. Mine came three days later (by Santa, you'll remember.) Pure Heart's came the next night (by Vampire Courier, I think.) We had hotels mix up our reservations (waiting in the lobby with a group of 27 is not as fun as you expect). And we had one night accommodations not quite live up to the billing.
When we heard that we'd be taking a ferry across the English Channel to France--and landing in Normandy at 6:20 a.m. like on D-Day, it seemed quite wonderful. Charming, even. But it was actually a pain in the rear. First of all, our bus driver was only paid to be with us until 7 the night of our departure. But the Ferry didn't board until 11:30. So, we had to wait in the Ferry station for a long time. Second, by the time we got boarded and into bed, it was about 1 a.m. Third, we had to be off the ferry as soon as it docked which meant getting up a full hour before to wake up kids and be prepared. Fourth, we lost an hour due to time zones. So, that meant going to bed at 1 and up at 4:30. With 22 teens. Good times.1) The Angry French Woman. This was a huge downer on my trip to France. To be honest, most of the French we interacted with were great. But this woman made them all look as advertised. I wrote about my triumph of buying stamps by speaking in only French. Well, this experience just an hour before that made the triumph so sweet.
I walked into a small store that sold a lot of postcards. I assumed it would also have stamps. I politely greeted the woman in French by asking, "How are you?" She was kinda grumpy, but I carried on. Usually, if you try to speak French and show that you aren't just expecting them to do all the work, they cut you some slack she didn't.
I asked if she had any stamps, in French. She went off on a long, fast tirade of French. I was lost. I asked, "How much is a stamp to send a postcard to the United States." She again, began to rant in French. She rudely pulled out a sheet of stamps. I knew from my long battle to get stamps in France that these weren't the right ones. I needed 85 cent stamps, not 60 cents.
That was my down fall. I wasn't sure how to explain that. So, I said, in broken French, "No, I need an 80 cent stamp for a postcard to the United States."
Apparently, one of three things happened: 1) She didn't like me correcting her, 2) She was aggravated by my broken French and gull at trying to come into her shop without knowing the language or 3) My French was off and I insulted her dead grandmother.
All I remember is a frenzy of fast and emphatic French. I said, "Merci!" And walked out. As I left I heard her yell, "Un American!"
If it weren't for my triumph later, that could've ruined my day.
8.01.2007
The Legend of Dancing Susie
WEDDING WEDNESDAY!
One of the most frequently asked questions after the wedding from quests was, "So what was the giant box wrapped in cartoon wrapping paper?"
During the reception, I hadn't even noticed the giant gift. But as friends carried the box out to load it up (seemingly on a flatbed truck), I saw it. It was huge. From the Transformers and Scooby Doo wrapping paper, I knew it must be from my old Youth Group kids. Actually, I feared maybe they gave me one of the Youth Group kids.
It turns out it was an old water heater box. When we lifted the top off, we discovered loads of camping gear taped all around the sides. It was a generous gift--with excellent packaging.
This wasn't the only fun and creative gift. The other one was very well expected--and feared.
It all started at Christmas probably 3 to 4 years ago. The Bible Study Group I was in had a Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange. At my turn, I chose a long, squishy package and opened it. Inside was a doll with a plastic face, blue hat and long, expandable arms. She was called Dancing Susie. The idea was that kids could strap her feet onto theirs, grab her arms and dance the night away (until bedtime at 8, I suppose).
Well, Susie was kinda weird but not that big of a deal. Yet, Joey--who had brought this as his White Elephant gift--was cracking up. "Turn her over," he said. I did, and found that Susie had two faces! When her hat was pulled up over her face, she revealed a boy face on the back of her head. Creeeepy. It got worse. One night, she randomly began to talk and sing. Even worse: The batteries were dying so it was a low-pitched, slow garble. Creeeepy.
Because of how strange Susie is--and frankly, how afraid of her we all are--she began to be passed from person to person. Sometimes, she'd be in a gift to another member of that study group. Other times, she'd be hidden in a house to be discovered later. She's moved around a lot.
And so, I was expecting to find her in a wedding package. Especially when I saw that the matted picture guests signed had this note:
"Muhahahaha. -Dancing Susie."
But as Pure Heart and I opened gifts, we saw no Susie. I started to feel relief. But then, we got down to the final box.
And there she was.
The best part really was that the person responsible (yes, I know who you are...) dressed Susie up for the occasion. She was very cleverly dressed as a bride...
And a groom...
One of the most frequently asked questions after the wedding from quests was, "So what was the giant box wrapped in cartoon wrapping paper?"
During the reception, I hadn't even noticed the giant gift. But as friends carried the box out to load it up (seemingly on a flatbed truck), I saw it. It was huge. From the Transformers and Scooby Doo wrapping paper, I knew it must be from my old Youth Group kids. Actually, I feared maybe they gave me one of the Youth Group kids.
It turns out it was an old water heater box. When we lifted the top off, we discovered loads of camping gear taped all around the sides. It was a generous gift--with excellent packaging.
This wasn't the only fun and creative gift. The other one was very well expected--and feared.
It all started at Christmas probably 3 to 4 years ago. The Bible Study Group I was in had a Christmas party with a white elephant gift exchange. At my turn, I chose a long, squishy package and opened it. Inside was a doll with a plastic face, blue hat and long, expandable arms. She was called Dancing Susie. The idea was that kids could strap her feet onto theirs, grab her arms and dance the night away (until bedtime at 8, I suppose).
Well, Susie was kinda weird but not that big of a deal. Yet, Joey--who had brought this as his White Elephant gift--was cracking up. "Turn her over," he said. I did, and found that Susie had two faces! When her hat was pulled up over her face, she revealed a boy face on the back of her head. Creeeepy. It got worse. One night, she randomly began to talk and sing. Even worse: The batteries were dying so it was a low-pitched, slow garble. Creeeepy.
Because of how strange Susie is--and frankly, how afraid of her we all are--she began to be passed from person to person. Sometimes, she'd be in a gift to another member of that study group. Other times, she'd be hidden in a house to be discovered later. She's moved around a lot.
And so, I was expecting to find her in a wedding package. Especially when I saw that the matted picture guests signed had this note:
"Muhahahaha. -Dancing Susie."
But as Pure Heart and I opened gifts, we saw no Susie. I started to feel relief. But then, we got down to the final box.
And there she was.
The best part really was that the person responsible (yes, I know who you are...) dressed Susie up for the occasion. She was very cleverly dressed as a bride...
And a groom...
7.31.2007
Goo(ch)dbye, Tadahito
This is a weird photo for me to see. Aaron Rowand and Tadahito Iguchi together again...but wearing red? I may never get used to seeing my boys in other uniforms. And because Aaron and Tadahito were members of that 2005 squad, there's an extra sadness. One by one, that team is leaving.And with Freddy, Aaron and Gooch now all on the Phillies, I think I've found my National League team to root for this season. How can I go wrong following them? They are practically an extension team of the Sox. Therefore, I was very pleased last night as Aaron and Gooch combined their magical powers to drill the Cubs. Yes. If my White Sox can't be better than the Cubs, than maybe the White Sox East can.
Tadahito's departure to the Phillies last week wasn't a big surprise. But I wish we'd gotten more for him than a Jumbo Pretzal. Some cheese would have been nice to go with it. I think my wife was happy with the trade though. Now it's less likely that I will push for our first son to be named Tadahito (or Todd Ahito).
To mark the Gooch's departure, I wrote a poem. It's called, "Goodbye, Tadahito":
Goodbye Tadahito,
We knew you not enough.
After all, you didn't speak English.
But you didn't have to.
You spoke Baseball.
And World Series Championship.
And, well, Japanese.
So, as you depart,
I think of our memories.
Of the clutch hitting.
Of the quiet hustle.
Of your ridiculous dives for grounders.
Of explaining to people that we weren't booing you.
We were saying, "Gooooooch."
And, lastly, I think of your silly, but adorable, grin.
And so, Gooooooch, I say to you:
Domo Arigato, Mr. Iguchi.
Smokin' Fiddle Thoughts
I've been listening a lot lately to Charlie Daniel's "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," and you know, I am not so sure Johnny won that duel. I mean he plays pretty good fiddle, but my favorite part of that song is when the Devil and his band of demons plays. It's just so good.
I have to give the devil his due here. I think he was cheated out of this Battle of the Bands. I don't know who was actually judging them, but I doubt their credentials.
Maybe I need to pray about this...
I have to give the devil his due here. I think he was cheated out of this Battle of the Bands. I don't know who was actually judging them, but I doubt their credentials.
Maybe I need to pray about this...
7.26.2007
Top Ten Cool Things of the Trip
The above picture is from Salisbury Cathedral in England. It's one of my favorites. Being there a couple weeks ago reminded me of the first time I was there. My college roommate Gene and I were doing an independent study over Christmas break in 1998.Two days before Christmas, we took a train to Salisbury. We walked around the town pretty aimlessly. And then, we turned a corner and boom--after acres of flat, green yard rose this massive brick Cathedral as if it just dropped there. It was impressive.
The second cool moment of that day happened after we toured the church. We were walking through downtown Salisbury on cobblestone streets, eating roasted chestnuts we bought from a street vendor and listening to a choir sing Christmas Carol. It was a very Dickens Christmas.
Now, I skip ahead to this month's trip. It too had magical moments. Here are 10 experiences that made the trip:
10) Traditional English Tea. In Durham, England, the director of the tour company met our group's adults and tour guide for chat about how things were going. She took us to a charming restaurant for a regular English tea with scones. It was delightful and very, very British. I even learned to pour the milk into the tea cup before the tea. And yah, it does taste better.
9) Living with Youth. Anybody who knows me knows that I am really about 12. It's why I still work with youth--I am pretty much one of them. I have a lot of fun with whoever I am with, but teens can bring such joy and energy to life. I just love it. There's such vibrant life. There were moments of pure fun with the high school students on the trip. They gave me a nickname (Chad Scott Toddler. Long story). And they joined me in my goofy travel pictures (a tradition I started with my college roommates.) At Hadrian's Wall, a girl and I did the requisite Karate Kid pose on old pillars and one guy took this picture of me in Edinburgh.
Here's the story of why I am spitting on Scotland: This heart on the pavement marks the site of an old prison where citizens were wrongly held and tortured. The people of Edinburgh hated this prison. They felt it oppressed the heart of the people. And so, when it was torn down, they marked it with the heart. The people so hated that prison, they would spit on the marker to show their disdain. And so did I.One of my favorite moments with the teens was at Versailles. One of the ornate murals depicted a very romantic rendition of the artist himself painting a picture surrounded by cherubs. "Oh, I said, so that's how all this was painted. I bet all the floating naked babies helped." One of the kids didn't miss a beat and said dreamily, "And the paint is made of love..."
8) The Crag. I like to climb stuff. I'm not like a full-blown climber with rappelling equipment or anything, but I love hikes in areas I'm visiting. I've climbed smaller mountains in Alaska and in Colorado. And in Edinburgh, we spied a crag from the grounds of Holyrood Palace. While we didn't have time to climb it then with all the kids, Pure Heart and I decided to take any volunteers up after dinner. Six went with. We got amazing views of Edinburgh, had great conversations, and worked off a filling meal of Bangers and Mash. Oh, and took funny pictures, too!
7) Castles. Not much more needs to be said. I love castles. We saw several amazing castles in Edinburgh (pictured below), Stirling, Durham, London, etc. Loved it. I wish I lived in a castle.
6) Discovery. One of my favorite parts of traveling is unknowignly stumbling onto something that blows your mind. My favorite memory from when I traveled to Germany, Austria and Switzerland on a group trip (much like this tour) after my senior year of high school was one of these accidental discoveries. During a long free time in Lucerne, Switzerland, my friend Eric and I decided to go do shopping.
Before we knew it, we were outside the main shopping district. We were in a residential area. And we were lost. As we wandered around we found this old medieval wall that used to surround the whole city. Only 12 of the original 80 towers were left. We got to climb it and had amazing views. It was almost better because 1) no one else on the trip had found it and 2) it was something that seemed like ours because we were told about it or taken there--we discovered it.
Before we knew it, we were outside the main shopping district. We were in a residential area. And we were lost. As we wandered around we found this old medieval wall that used to surround the whole city. Only 12 of the original 80 towers were left. We got to climb it and had amazing views. It was almost better because 1) no one else on the trip had found it and 2) it was something that seemed like ours because we were told about it or taken there--we discovered it.
On this trip, my wife and I were on free time in York. Most of the group went shopping. We ate lunch and then popped from shop to shop. I saw a sign that said "Castle Area." I was like, "Oooh, a castle!" We followed the signs to find only a shopping center. Oh, I thought. I guess that is just the name of the shopping district. But then, we turned a corner and saw Clifford's Tower. Among all the shops and praking lots, was this big green hill with a massive, round castle keep jutting from the top. We hadn't ever heard of it or anything, and so it became one of those little special Easter eggs.
5) Traveling with the Wife. Other than our laid-back short-distance trip of a honeymoon, this was out first time traveling together. Now, because we were with 22 high school students, it was not romantic or like "our" trip. In fact, we saw many of the sights with her at the front of the group and me patrolling the back of our group. We'd meet up later and be like, "That was cool, huh?" 
But still, we got to share the experience. We held hands under the Eiffel Tower, took pictures of us in front of amazing sights, learned history together and made fun discoveries. It was all the more special that we were in England, the place which she'd told me on our first e-Harmony correspondence was her "heart's home." I cannot wait to return and share it again--without 22 friends.
4) Conquering the French. I took two years of French in high school, and I remember only the very very basics (and how to announce I'm taking my sheep to the pool.) Being in small French towns, I regretted that I remember so very little of the language. I wanted to talk to the people and let them know that I wasn't an ignorant American (OK, point taken). I also needed to find the right stamps to mail postcards.
All morning on the bus ride, I studied the French phrase book and took notes on how to ask for stamps. After a very bad experience (more on that in the 5 Lowlights List), I walked into a small Tabaac. I was stressed out. In French, I asked the clerk if he spoke English. He said, "Non." So, I mustered up courage and started rattling off the French I taught myself, "What is the postage to send a postcard to the United States?"
Somehow, he knew what I said. He held up a sheet of purple 86-cent stamps. "Oui!" I said. He repeated: "Oui!" And then he asked something that I assume was, "How many?" I held up 6 fingers. And so, capitalism was completed and I walked out of that shop triumphant.
3) Those Intangible Local Moments. There are some moments in traveling that just hit and you go, "Am I really here? Am I in a postcard?" These experiences are made by those little details that seem surreal:Being on a Scottish slope with the breeze blowing and only the sound of sheep bleating around you. Watching the Tower Bridge lifting to let a boat by. Walking alone through a small local French market, hearing music, feeling excitement and smelling food. Running down a small dirt road through French farmland--like Allied troops laden with gear would have done. Eating a pastry in the center square of York with pigeons all around. Seeing a French woman walking her bike down the street--with a long loaf of French Bread on the back. These are just special moments.
2) The Day of D-Day. One morning on the trip, we awoke at 5:30 a.m. on a boat. We were approaching the coast of France. The beaches of Normandy. Like on D-Day, we arrived across the English Channel early in the morning. And for us too, it was our longest day (and most moving). With an expert World War II guide, we visited Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, Sword Beach, and the tiny town of St Mere Eglise (where a U.S. parachuter was stuck on the church steeple--as seen in The Longest Day). I was familiar with all these locations from reading, from WWII movies and even from video games.
It all becomes so much more real when you are there. When you stand on the beach that early and breathe in the cold air. When you see how the land is still pocked and cratered form massive shelling. When you stand on a French dirt road, look over the fields and don't have to worry about someone shooting you. When you smell the death lingering in the bunkers.
The day ended with a visit to the American Cemetery overlooking the beaches. It was far more emotional and striking than I imagined. And I knew it would be both moving and impressive. But this is a very well done tribute. My wife and I both teared up a few times because of seeing older men walking through the seas of white crosses, obviously looking for comrades and friends. It also made me think how lucky all of us are who had grandfathers return from World War II.
1) Living History. The thing that struck me about all the sights on this trip was that it was about more than WHAT we saw. Each building was pretty or majestic or ahead of its time, sure. But what really gets me was the sheer idea of history in each and every place. This isn't just a magnificently ornate room with actual gold trim, but right there, that door is the door Marie Antoinette fled through from rioting French citizens. (Dang French.)
Below is Holyrood Abbey, the remains of a massive cathedral destroyed by anti-Catholic rioters. I was obsessed with this structure. It has such history and nobility. It's a tribute to the Scots that they've let it stand (even after the roof fell in during the 18th centry) to echo the history it's seen.
We'd see cathedrals that weren't just awe-inspiring because craftsmen were able to do that in the 1100's, but because of the role they played in the reformation, literature, politics, the coronation of kings and queens. We ate in the pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien would meet with the Inklings and read their new works. We saw where John Know led a reformation in Edinburgh. We observed the items around Oxford College that inspired Lewis Carroll to go to Wonderland. We walked where William Wallace did.We saw History.
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