It is the first week of December and things are busy as always. We still have no tree. Probably this weekend but no guarantee. Last night we went to Home Depot to get a tree and we were going to surprise the kids with a tree. Only, they were out of almost every kind of tree except a blue spruce or something. Generally an ugly tree. There were little 3-4ft trees, nice noble firs, so we got one of them so we could play a joke on the kids. We decorated it and had them help. They were two of the most grumpy kids you have ever seen. Delaney even said it was worse than when they had to paint the living room on their Christmas vacation. We took a picture when it was all decorated and I thought it looked nice.
Today, we had the kids deliver the tree to Pop. He was surprised and excited to see his grandchildren. Now, Christmas has come to Pop's house and his tree is displayed in his front window. It looks nice, and hopefully the kids appreciate what they have done.
Wednesday, December 6, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Another day in the life
So today I stepped it up a little tonight.
10 push ups
25 sit ups
7 min stairs
Yes, a whole two additional minutes. Right now, I just need to do something each day. On the other side of this equation, I did drive by one McDonald's, kept in check at lunch time, did fall off the wagon on the way home and had 2 McDoubles and 900 calories I really did not need. We are doing better, just want to keep improving.
Work was another day, the kids had school, and Andrew had work. Andrew I'd have some excitement as a customer had a seizure and he called 911 for help. I was going to submit him to Boys Life Scouts in Action. He is doing better with his SAT studying and hopefully it pays off this Saturday.
Delaney made dinner with me. It was Shepard's Pie Baked Potato. Aside from the challenge of the InstaPot, Delaney made a wonderful dinner. She complained about school, found a bargain on airfare for the Disneyland / PowerPoint trip, couldn't sleep, and then fell asleep.
Just another day.
10 push ups
25 sit ups
7 min stairs
Yes, a whole two additional minutes. Right now, I just need to do something each day. On the other side of this equation, I did drive by one McDonald's, kept in check at lunch time, did fall off the wagon on the way home and had 2 McDoubles and 900 calories I really did not need. We are doing better, just want to keep improving.
Work was another day, the kids had school, and Andrew had work. Andrew I'd have some excitement as a customer had a seizure and he called 911 for help. I was going to submit him to Boys Life Scouts in Action. He is doing better with his SAT studying and hopefully it pays off this Saturday.
Delaney made dinner with me. It was Shepard's Pie Baked Potato. Aside from the challenge of the InstaPot, Delaney made a wonderful dinner. She complained about school, found a bargain on airfare for the Disneyland / PowerPoint trip, couldn't sleep, and then fell asleep.
Just another day.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Need to lose weight
Dana and Amy went to see Bad Moms 2 last night. There was a sexy Santa contest in the movie. She normally tells me that she loves me no matter what I look like, but last night she said she wished I was thinner. Not because of health reasons, but because the sexy Santa guts looked pretty good.
So tonight we will start Operation Sexy Santa
10 push ups
25 sit ups
5 min stairs
I will update periodically
So tonight we will start Operation Sexy Santa
10 push ups
25 sit ups
5 min stairs
I will update periodically
Saturday, November 25, 2017
Saturday after Thanksgiving
it was not quite as busy today, but still kept moving along. Dana had work, Andrew had work, and Delaney went to the movies with Grace. I spent the morning cleaning my closet which is something that happens every two or three years. I needed space and decided that if I had not worn the shirt or pair of pants in the past year I should get rid of them. There were two shirts that still had the tags on them. Even then, I put them in a box in the attic and could not send them to Goodwill.
I did get some things to Goodwill, and returned aluminum cans at Safeway. The machine jammed and I thought about just going home because I know Andrew hates the bottle room. He did come out and help me though. Got Pop a loaf of bread and picked up a small Christmas tree for the front porch. A busy day with little errands to keep me busy. Tried to keep the house clean but generally failed there. Laundry tomorrow.
The boing thing was trying to help Andrew with SAT tests. I do not know what I can do to build a sense of urgency in Andrew. He has a million things almost done, but never completes them. He is content just showing up and taking a test. Getting in to college will be easy. No problem at all. Dana tells me he has to want something himself and she is right. It is frustrating when the easy path, the shortcut to success is right in front of him, but he is adamant in taking the longer, more difficult path to success. I do not know what to do.
I will end today with a pretty picture, Delaney has been cutting paper snowflakes the last two days. I asked if she was going to gang them anywhere other than her room. Tonight, over my bed, the snow arrived
I did get some things to Goodwill, and returned aluminum cans at Safeway. The machine jammed and I thought about just going home because I know Andrew hates the bottle room. He did come out and help me though. Got Pop a loaf of bread and picked up a small Christmas tree for the front porch. A busy day with little errands to keep me busy. Tried to keep the house clean but generally failed there. Laundry tomorrow.
The boing thing was trying to help Andrew with SAT tests. I do not know what I can do to build a sense of urgency in Andrew. He has a million things almost done, but never completes them. He is content just showing up and taking a test. Getting in to college will be easy. No problem at all. Dana tells me he has to want something himself and she is right. It is frustrating when the easy path, the shortcut to success is right in front of him, but he is adamant in taking the longer, more difficult path to success. I do not know what to do.
I will end today with a pretty picture, Delaney has been cutting paper snowflakes the last two days. I asked if she was going to gang them anywhere other than her room. Tonight, over my bed, the snow arrived
Friday, November 3, 2017
NFL: your viewers aren't leaving because of the national anthem and/or kneeling
On the off chance that the NFL is listening the reason the NFL tv ratings are down this season is gambling. Yes, gambling. The same reason the NFL achieved its lofty perch in the sports universe, gambling has now become its demise. So what changed?
Contrary to the ingenuine protestations of the commissioner and the owners, people still bet millions of dollars each year on NFL games. Both legal and illegal betting. Office pools, weighted pools, survival pools,point spreads and straight up. And, now, the elephant in the room, Fantasy Football.
The biggest change from 10 or 15 years ago is the technology. In the old days, one guy in the office organized the pool, people made their picks and counting the number right at the end of a long Sunday was fairly easy. The Monday night game did not add complexity, but was a convenient tie breaker. Ten years ago, tabulating the amount of yards run or passed for each player was a full time job. Ten years ago you watched football games and cheered for which ever team I chose that week.
Now, there are dozens of website with Fantasy Football that creates teams, and drafts, and calculates point total for a running back based on the number of yards rushed + rushing attempt + pass completions + yards passing + touchdowns scored - fumbles list + 2-pt conversions. Automatically. I have more trouble remembering my password to Yahoo fantasy football than calculating my point totals for the week. Now, I cheer for Drew Brees to throw a lot, Todd Gurley to run, and the Houston defense to get sacks. I do not watch games any longer because it doesn't matter in my gambling life who won or who lost. How many yards did they throw for? I track that on my iPhone. The only reason I watched any of the Monday Night football game was to see if the KC kicker missed a field goal. -3 points for every missed kick. And if anyone still believes gambling does not drive the popularity of the NFL, the announcers were talking about point spreads and over/under bets, not who won the game.
The ratings for the pre-game shows are higher this year, while the games are lower. The pre game shows will tell me last minute if I need to change my fantasy lineup. The games are 3 hours of footbal where I can see the highlights in 3 minutes on the news, ESPN, Fox Sports, online, youtube, or even Twitter sometimes. When it is time for the playoffs and the fantasy season has come to a close, then, the viewers will return and people will watch again. For now, I have errands to run on the weekends and things I want to do with my kids. Football on Thursday, Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon, Sunday evening, and Monday night is too much. I do not have 15 hours a week to watch football on TV. Thank you anyway, I will watch the updates on my iPhone.
Contrary to the ingenuine protestations of the commissioner and the owners, people still bet millions of dollars each year on NFL games. Both legal and illegal betting. Office pools, weighted pools, survival pools,point spreads and straight up. And, now, the elephant in the room, Fantasy Football.
The biggest change from 10 or 15 years ago is the technology. In the old days, one guy in the office organized the pool, people made their picks and counting the number right at the end of a long Sunday was fairly easy. The Monday night game did not add complexity, but was a convenient tie breaker. Ten years ago, tabulating the amount of yards run or passed for each player was a full time job. Ten years ago you watched football games and cheered for which ever team I chose that week.
Now, there are dozens of website with Fantasy Football that creates teams, and drafts, and calculates point total for a running back based on the number of yards rushed + rushing attempt + pass completions + yards passing + touchdowns scored - fumbles list + 2-pt conversions. Automatically. I have more trouble remembering my password to Yahoo fantasy football than calculating my point totals for the week. Now, I cheer for Drew Brees to throw a lot, Todd Gurley to run, and the Houston defense to get sacks. I do not watch games any longer because it doesn't matter in my gambling life who won or who lost. How many yards did they throw for? I track that on my iPhone. The only reason I watched any of the Monday Night football game was to see if the KC kicker missed a field goal. -3 points for every missed kick. And if anyone still believes gambling does not drive the popularity of the NFL, the announcers were talking about point spreads and over/under bets, not who won the game.
The ratings for the pre-game shows are higher this year, while the games are lower. The pre game shows will tell me last minute if I need to change my fantasy lineup. The games are 3 hours of footbal where I can see the highlights in 3 minutes on the news, ESPN, Fox Sports, online, youtube, or even Twitter sometimes. When it is time for the playoffs and the fantasy season has come to a close, then, the viewers will return and people will watch again. For now, I have errands to run on the weekends and things I want to do with my kids. Football on Thursday, Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon, Sunday evening, and Monday night is too much. I do not have 15 hours a week to watch football on TV. Thank you anyway, I will watch the updates on my iPhone.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Ode to Bridget Jones
I had two sausage muffins and two McDoubles and a McChicken. I weigh 297 pounds. I had managed to go all day without fast food yesterday, but failed miserably today.
They say that if you write things down and make them public, then you will hold yourself accountable. That is why they have a public weigh up in front of people's entire city on the Biggest Loser.
This will be the beginning for me.
They say that if you write things down and make them public, then you will hold yourself accountable. That is why they have a public weigh up in front of people's entire city on the Biggest Loser.
This will be the beginning for me.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Just another day today
Just another day in the life since the last post.
Our anniversary was Monday. Dana and I have been married for 18 years as of Monday. This year has even more challenging than others, but I consider myself lucky that she picked me and that she has stayed so long. Our big anniversary celebration included standing on the sidelines of a blowout soccer game watching Delaney play a game. Cold and wet. Afterwards, we ordered take out Chinese food and ate at home. Not extravagant or wildly romantic, but I enjoyed my anniversary dinner with my wife.
Andrew has done a great job with the social media project at school. It has been three weeks but things are going well. He managed to get Mr Mills to do the "Takeover Tuesday" on the Snapchat feed. His follows increased by about 25% that day and it has continued to grow each week. He is still working towards the High School Joyrnalist of the year award and it will be interesting to see how it ends.
Delaney likes her French class and tolerates her band class. Maybe a little practice will help, but we will see. She still takes photos every day with her camera and is having fun.
Our anniversary was Monday. Dana and I have been married for 18 years as of Monday. This year has even more challenging than others, but I consider myself lucky that she picked me and that she has stayed so long. Our big anniversary celebration included standing on the sidelines of a blowout soccer game watching Delaney play a game. Cold and wet. Afterwards, we ordered take out Chinese food and ate at home. Not extravagant or wildly romantic, but I enjoyed my anniversary dinner with my wife.
Andrew has done a great job with the social media project at school. It has been three weeks but things are going well. He managed to get Mr Mills to do the "Takeover Tuesday" on the Snapchat feed. His follows increased by about 25% that day and it has continued to grow each week. He is still working towards the High School Joyrnalist of the year award and it will be interesting to see how it ends.
Delaney likes her French class and tolerates her band class. Maybe a little practice will help, but we will see. She still takes photos every day with her camera and is having fun.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Update from the weekend
just catching up...
There was no football game on Friday night, so things were relatively calm to start. Andrew went bowling with his friends and as always, there was mini-drama. This group of high school boys seem to have more minor spats because someone's feelings are hurt than any group of boys I know. Maybe I am old and I can be a curmudgeon and complain about how soft the younger generation is these days. Anyway, he had fun with his friends and felt a little better about driving the Mini because his friend Ben thought it was cool. Not a "gay car" like his jealous friends.
Saturday was much busier and crazy. We started with reffing four games on Saturday. My team of assistant referees are getting much better after their second weekend. I did get a photo of them.
There was no football game on Friday night, so things were relatively calm to start. Andrew went bowling with his friends and as always, there was mini-drama. This group of high school boys seem to have more minor spats because someone's feelings are hurt than any group of boys I know. Maybe I am old and I can be a curmudgeon and complain about how soft the younger generation is these days. Anyway, he had fun with his friends and felt a little better about driving the Mini because his friend Ben thought it was cool. Not a "gay car" like his jealous friends.
Saturday was much busier and crazy. We started with reffing four games on Saturday. My team of assistant referees are getting much better after their second weekend. I did get a photo of them.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Good Day for the Kids
Today was a good day for both the kids.
Andrew had success tripling the SnapChat followers after Mr Mills did a day in the life for him. Mr Krake was blown away how popular it was and published it on WLHSnow right away. I still want him to get a team organized, but we will the the win where we can.
Delaney had a soccer game today. This was their first lost as they were beaten by Lincoln 8-2. She played well. Probably the best game so far. However the rec players who have coasted along so far had no idea how to play today. The outside defenders were pylons and no one could stop anyone when their opponents used the secret weapon known as a pass. Delaney played well
Andrew had success tripling the SnapChat followers after Mr Mills did a day in the life for him. Mr Krake was blown away how popular it was and published it on WLHSnow right away. I still want him to get a team organized, but we will the the win where we can.
Delaney had a soccer game today. This was their first lost as they were beaten by Lincoln 8-2. She played well. Probably the best game so far. However the rec players who have coasted along so far had no idea how to play today. The outside defenders were pylons and no one could stop anyone when their opponents used the secret weapon known as a pass. Delaney played well
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
So, once again I am at a point where I have months of a blank blog and I ask myself why this is so difficult. So we will try a new method. Instead of long deep thought provoking posts about the human condition, I will try a standard format with short paragraphs. Without further ado, here is the new blog.
Here is a picture for the day.
Here is a picture for the day.
It is August and the weather is nice. Time for a swim!
Monday, May 15, 2017
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Birthday Pause
Today I am 51 years old. Next year, I want to weigh 70 pounds less and be celebrating in Hawaii. That is my goal and there is a lot of work in front of me. No plans for my birthday really. Andrew has soccer practice and we might go out to dinner with Dana and Delaney and then watch Hidden Figures. Ever since Delaney read Rocket Girls, she has been wanting to see this movie.
There is one week of the Trump presidency gone by and Dana is still super, super mad. I cannot change the election but I feel I am to blame because I did not vote for Hillary. One more vote for Hillary from the state of Oregon would not have changed the election. It does not matter though. It is something that I will not understand, how important a woman president was/is for Dana, and I would guess women of her age. I viewed as a self serving criminal. I have not seen such hatred toward a politician or anyone that Dana has despised before.
So, I do not feel stuck at 51, but I am always dreaming of fancier, more important jobs out there for me. However, the upheaval that changing jobs would cause to the family is just too much. I see my role as secure, reliable job that lets Dänä and the kids take the risks, gain new experiences, and broaden their horizons. My role is cheerleader or coach for the next year. I just have to remember that the direction that everyone is heading may not be my chosen path. I just have to help them along.
I had a good birthday, a simple birthday, and I was happy. I got a nice new shirt that I can wear when it gets sunny. I just need to make a roadmap for 2017
There is one week of the Trump presidency gone by and Dana is still super, super mad. I cannot change the election but I feel I am to blame because I did not vote for Hillary. One more vote for Hillary from the state of Oregon would not have changed the election. It does not matter though. It is something that I will not understand, how important a woman president was/is for Dana, and I would guess women of her age. I viewed as a self serving criminal. I have not seen such hatred toward a politician or anyone that Dana has despised before.
So, I do not feel stuck at 51, but I am always dreaming of fancier, more important jobs out there for me. However, the upheaval that changing jobs would cause to the family is just too much. I see my role as secure, reliable job that lets Dänä and the kids take the risks, gain new experiences, and broaden their horizons. My role is cheerleader or coach for the next year. I just have to remember that the direction that everyone is heading may not be my chosen path. I just have to help them along.
I had a good birthday, a simple birthday, and I was happy. I got a nice new shirt that I can wear when it gets sunny. I just need to make a roadmap for 2017
Saturday, January 21, 2017
two days in a row
General news of the day stayed focused on President Trump. There were huge rallies of Women marching in the streets. I do not think it changes anything, and really, the time for them to march was in October, but hopefully it leads to something. If they can just save health care it would be amazing.
The NFL playoff games are tomorrow. I am cheering for Pittsburgh to beat New England. No more cheaters winning the Super Bowl please. As far as the Super Bowl itself, I would be happier with either Green Bay or Atlanta wining instead of Pittsburgh, but that is the next game.
Delaney went to her first boy/girl birthday party tonight. They played "Fun Pong" to start, which was beer pong, but played with Sprite instead of beer. Now I get to worry as she goes through High School, and I am sure college will be more nervous. Just make it through to the other side, please. Anyway, she said she had fun and knew everyone there which is good. Normally she withdraws in to her shell and that is always my fear. She didn't want to play Cards against humanity because I think she thought it was a dirty game. They ended up at a bonfire in the backyard which she does all the time, so it was much more comfortable.
Andrew, the child I normally never worry about except for his math grade, the normally happy go lucky, free spirit, nothing phases him was down tonight. It made me sad to see him so down. Tonight was Winter Ball and he did not go. His "frenemy" Jaden was taking the girl that he wanted to go with. I was sad for my son, but Dana tried to remind me that you learn and grow by challenges and obstacles, not rainbows and unicorns. I just want to make it better and see his smile again. I am sad for him. Once again, the most powerful force in the world is a teenage girl. The sad part is they do not know their own power.
Hopefully, things turn tomorrow and it will be a better day.
The NFL playoff games are tomorrow. I am cheering for Pittsburgh to beat New England. No more cheaters winning the Super Bowl please. As far as the Super Bowl itself, I would be happier with either Green Bay or Atlanta wining instead of Pittsburgh, but that is the next game.
Delaney went to her first boy/girl birthday party tonight. They played "Fun Pong" to start, which was beer pong, but played with Sprite instead of beer. Now I get to worry as she goes through High School, and I am sure college will be more nervous. Just make it through to the other side, please. Anyway, she said she had fun and knew everyone there which is good. Normally she withdraws in to her shell and that is always my fear. She didn't want to play Cards against humanity because I think she thought it was a dirty game. They ended up at a bonfire in the backyard which she does all the time, so it was much more comfortable.
Andrew, the child I normally never worry about except for his math grade, the normally happy go lucky, free spirit, nothing phases him was down tonight. It made me sad to see him so down. Tonight was Winter Ball and he did not go. His "frenemy" Jaden was taking the girl that he wanted to go with. I was sad for my son, but Dana tried to remind me that you learn and grow by challenges and obstacles, not rainbows and unicorns. I just want to make it better and see his smile again. I am sad for him. Once again, the most powerful force in the world is a teenage girl. The sad part is they do not know their own power.
Hopefully, things turn tomorrow and it will be a better day.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Inauguration Day
I listened to the Presidential Inauguration on the radio as I drove to work. As always I was impressed with the pomp and circumstance and the fact that there was a peaceful transfer of power between opponents. There are countries that still have not done that. It seems like such a common thing, but it is a pretty major thing.
The inaugural address was pretty depressing. No, I did not vote for President Trump, but his description of despair and closed factories is one I do not understand. Be up lifting, inspirational, positive. Today was despair. It will be an interesting four years and I will be interested toes what survives from President Obama. I hope healthcare survives somehow, but I am not counting on it.
I saw the picture of the crowd at the inauguration today and from 2009. It was pretty amazing to see the difference. In 2009, the crowd went past the Lincoln Memorial, and today there were plenty of seats available in front of the Washington Monument if you just happened to be driving around. Or hold up a protest sign.
For now, I will stay tuned for the next four years.
The inaugural address was pretty depressing. No, I did not vote for President Trump, but his description of despair and closed factories is one I do not understand. Be up lifting, inspirational, positive. Today was despair. It will be an interesting four years and I will be interested toes what survives from President Obama. I hope healthcare survives somehow, but I am not counting on it.
I saw the picture of the crowd at the inauguration today and from 2009. It was pretty amazing to see the difference. In 2009, the crowd went past the Lincoln Memorial, and today there were plenty of seats available in front of the Washington Monument if you just happened to be driving around. Or hold up a protest sign.
For now, I will stay tuned for the next four years.
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