Good Morning and welcome back to reality!
So, it started Saturday night, was full blown yesterday afternoon and I can still feel it today. It's the flu. Whether I really have it or not, doesn't matter. It certainly feels that way.
So, this is what I have:
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Crazy, or...
Good Morning and how about those stars coming out for the Philly Thanksgiving Day parade!?!
A couple of years ago, my brother said he wanted to compete in an Ironman competition. You know, the one where you have to swim a couple miles, ride a bike for like 122 miles, then run a marathon.
To which, I said he was crazy.
A year ago, he volunteered to work along the route of the Ironman in Phoenix. He handed out water, helped competitors, did whatever was asked. He volunteered for the sole purpose of being able to register for the next Ironman.
To which, I said he was crazy.
For the past year, he's gotten up early in the morning (like the same ungodly hour my alarm goes off) and ventured to a pool to swim laps. He's rode his bike ridiculous distances (like the time he pedaled from his home in Conshohocken to the Ben Franklin Bridge, then to Phoenixville, then back home). He's jumped off the bike and run mile after mile. He blogged about it all RIGHT HERE
To which, I said he was crazy.
He booked the flight. Packed up the gear. Got on the airplane and, last weekend, landed in Phoenix.
To which, I said he was crazy.
This past Sunday, he jumped into a river with 2,500 other people and swam nearly three miles. He jumped out of the water and hopped on his bike. More than six hours later, he hopped off the bike and started running. My mother sent along a photo as he started the run. He was smiling.
To which, I said he was crazy.
It took six hours to finish the marathon part of the Ironman. He said yesterday he walked about 13 miles of the marathon, but was never going to stop. He said he was sore Sunday, but felt great Monday. He also said he signed up again for next year's race.
To which...well, he's crazy, but pretty damn impressive.
A couple of years ago, my brother said he wanted to compete in an Ironman competition. You know, the one where you have to swim a couple miles, ride a bike for like 122 miles, then run a marathon.
To which, I said he was crazy.
A year ago, he volunteered to work along the route of the Ironman in Phoenix. He handed out water, helped competitors, did whatever was asked. He volunteered for the sole purpose of being able to register for the next Ironman.
To which, I said he was crazy.
For the past year, he's gotten up early in the morning (like the same ungodly hour my alarm goes off) and ventured to a pool to swim laps. He's rode his bike ridiculous distances (like the time he pedaled from his home in Conshohocken to the Ben Franklin Bridge, then to Phoenixville, then back home). He's jumped off the bike and run mile after mile. He blogged about it all RIGHT HERE
To which, I said he was crazy.
He booked the flight. Packed up the gear. Got on the airplane and, last weekend, landed in Phoenix.
To which, I said he was crazy.
This past Sunday, he jumped into a river with 2,500 other people and swam nearly three miles. He jumped out of the water and hopped on his bike. More than six hours later, he hopped off the bike and started running. My mother sent along a photo as he started the run. He was smiling.
To which, I said he was crazy.
It took six hours to finish the marathon part of the Ironman. He said yesterday he walked about 13 miles of the marathon, but was never going to stop. He said he was sore Sunday, but felt great Monday. He also said he signed up again for next year's race.
To which...well, he's crazy, but pretty damn impressive.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Birthday present
Good Morning and isn't it nice to have these 60 degree days in November!
So, about this time last week, I started asking a 6-year old (turning 15 this week) what she would like for her birthday.
We went to the toy store. Looked at the usual suspects. I didn't know there were so many doll accessories.
Even though she said she wanted this and that and this and that, I could tell her heart wasn't really into anything special. Sure, it would be nice to have that new version of the LaLa Loopsy, but where's last year's? Another doll house, really?
So, over a hot chocolate, I asked: What to you really want?
She smiled and said, "It's a secret. Come closer.
"I want to go ice skating in New York City."
Well, we did that around Christmas last year and it certainly left more of an effect on the young mind than I thought.
So, we got in the car Saturday morning and made the trek North to Bryant Park in the heart of New York City.
The amazing thing, to me anyway, was how much easier it was this year to go around the rink. Last year, most of the time was spent crawling along the wall. If the hand came off, well, let's just say it seemed like the rest of the rink was enjoying the comedy.
So, we skated for close to an hour (before her brothers practically demanded we leave).
On the way out, a little voice came from the back of the van: "Thank You, Daddy. Can we we come again next Saturday?"
So, about this time last week, I started asking a 6-year old (turning 15 this week) what she would like for her birthday.
We went to the toy store. Looked at the usual suspects. I didn't know there were so many doll accessories.
Even though she said she wanted this and that and this and that, I could tell her heart wasn't really into anything special. Sure, it would be nice to have that new version of the LaLa Loopsy, but where's last year's? Another doll house, really?
So, over a hot chocolate, I asked: What to you really want?
She smiled and said, "It's a secret. Come closer.
"I want to go ice skating in New York City."
Well, we did that around Christmas last year and it certainly left more of an effect on the young mind than I thought.
So, we got in the car Saturday morning and made the trek North to Bryant Park in the heart of New York City.
The amazing thing, to me anyway, was how much easier it was this year to go around the rink. Last year, most of the time was spent crawling along the wall. If the hand came off, well, let's just say it seemed like the rest of the rink was enjoying the comedy.
So, we skated for close to an hour (before her brothers practically demanded we leave).
On the way out, a little voice came from the back of the van: "Thank You, Daddy. Can we we come again next Saturday?"
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Trees, lights, ahhhh
Good Morning and welcome to another brilliant morning!
Now, I know I'm behind the eight-ball on this, but I really don't want to see any more Christmas stuff right now.
It all started a few weeks ago when I went into the Home Depot to search for some Halloween lights and could only find reindeers.
Then I noticed every other commercial on TV was pumping up pre-Black Friday sales or Lowest Prices of the Season.
The season? What season is that? Late summer?
Anyway, it all hit this past weekend when we decided to take a trip to King of Prussia. It wasn't so much the piped in holiday songs. It wasn't so much seeing Santa on his couch. It wasn't so much seeing workers at one store being forced to wear elf hats.
No, it was the attitude of many walking through the stores. You would have thought we were sitting a few days before Christmas instead of the beginning of November.
People were buying all the junk in the center of the aisles (do you really know somebody who needs a desk nose-hair trimmer?). They were pushing, wrinkling shirts, knocking things on the ground.
All I could think was, thank goodness for Internet shopping.
Now, I know I'm behind the eight-ball on this, but I really don't want to see any more Christmas stuff right now.
It all started a few weeks ago when I went into the Home Depot to search for some Halloween lights and could only find reindeers.
Then I noticed every other commercial on TV was pumping up pre-Black Friday sales or Lowest Prices of the Season.
The season? What season is that? Late summer?
Anyway, it all hit this past weekend when we decided to take a trip to King of Prussia. It wasn't so much the piped in holiday songs. It wasn't so much seeing Santa on his couch. It wasn't so much seeing workers at one store being forced to wear elf hats.
No, it was the attitude of many walking through the stores. You would have thought we were sitting a few days before Christmas instead of the beginning of November.
People were buying all the junk in the center of the aisles (do you really know somebody who needs a desk nose-hair trimmer?). They were pushing, wrinkling shirts, knocking things on the ground.
All I could think was, thank goodness for Internet shopping.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Joe Must Go!
Good Morning and welcome to a brilliant fall day!
Since it is Fall, the next head to fall at Penn State should be head football coach Joe Paterno.
Sorry, all you apologists out there, Paterno had to know what was going on with his former defensive coordinator. Anybody who's ever witnessed the Paterno show during the week before a game knows that nothing, absolutely nothing, goes on around the football program without the head coach's knowledge.
Paterno knows who is using the weight room, who is using the offices, who is walking around campus with a football shirt.
So, when he comes out with a statement last night saying, Jerry Sandusky "fooled us all," the only real person Paterno is trying to fool is the public.
The Penn State board should sweep the whole program clean right now. Get rid of all the old guard before this week's game with Nebraska. Don't let Paterno walk back into the stadium. Don't let him near the football offices.
If those that run Penn State buy into the whole lilly white program thing, well, this is the chance to show it. Any other response makes Penn State no different than any other bandit program.
Since it is Fall, the next head to fall at Penn State should be head football coach Joe Paterno.
Sorry, all you apologists out there, Paterno had to know what was going on with his former defensive coordinator. Anybody who's ever witnessed the Paterno show during the week before a game knows that nothing, absolutely nothing, goes on around the football program without the head coach's knowledge.
Paterno knows who is using the weight room, who is using the offices, who is walking around campus with a football shirt.
So, when he comes out with a statement last night saying, Jerry Sandusky "fooled us all," the only real person Paterno is trying to fool is the public.
The Penn State board should sweep the whole program clean right now. Get rid of all the old guard before this week's game with Nebraska. Don't let Paterno walk back into the stadium. Don't let him near the football offices.
If those that run Penn State buy into the whole lilly white program thing, well, this is the chance to show it. Any other response makes Penn State no different than any other bandit program.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Come on now!
Good Morning and we are really lucking out this Fall!
Let's get real for a minute here, folks. Saw the results of a survey yesterday that said 52 percent of businesses can't find people to fill open positions.
Really? Unemployment sits at 9 percent and those responding to this poll say they can't find workers?
The poll also said 42 percent of businesses say those applying for jobs are under-qualified.
Really? I know people with college degrees (some with masters) who are unemployed. They would certainly be over-qualified for any job, but can't get a hit.
Why don't we just say what it is? These places don't really want to hire people or if they do they don't want to pay a fair wage.
It's in the best interest of some places to keep unemployment high right now to try and force a change in the White House. If there is a fundamental change in government, maybe those tax perks and what-nots will continue to stay around.
So, when you hear polls about jobs and how there aren't people to fill them, well, let's really look around at reality.
Let's get real for a minute here, folks. Saw the results of a survey yesterday that said 52 percent of businesses can't find people to fill open positions.
Really? Unemployment sits at 9 percent and those responding to this poll say they can't find workers?
The poll also said 42 percent of businesses say those applying for jobs are under-qualified.
Really? I know people with college degrees (some with masters) who are unemployed. They would certainly be over-qualified for any job, but can't get a hit.
Why don't we just say what it is? These places don't really want to hire people or if they do they don't want to pay a fair wage.
It's in the best interest of some places to keep unemployment high right now to try and force a change in the White House. If there is a fundamental change in government, maybe those tax perks and what-nots will continue to stay around.
So, when you hear polls about jobs and how there aren't people to fill them, well, let's really look around at reality.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Two wheels!
Good Morning and welcome to the week before Halloween!
One of the things we like to do in the summer is ride bikes. So, with everybody getting a little bigger, two new (actually used) bikes were purchased last spring. The problem for one was that meant no more training wheels.
So, we tried in the spring. We tried at various times throughout the summer. We tried before school started. Still, the one couldn't get over the fear of falling.
That's OK, I kept saying, you'll get it. Until then, we'll put the training wheels back on your little bike.
"No," was the answer. "I'm not a little kid. I don't need a little bike."
So, the Not Little Kid used a scooter instead. Road up and down in front of the house. Mile after mile throughout the early fall.
Then on Saturday, the scooter went away and the bike came back out.
"I can do it now," the Not Little Kid said. "Watch."
So, moments after jumping on the bike (her brother's, but let's not quibble), it was back and forth on two wheels.
"I can do it! I can do it! Look Daddy! I Can Do IT!" the Not Little Kid yelled with joy.
Yeah, you can do it. You're right, you're not a little kid any more. :(
One of the things we like to do in the summer is ride bikes. So, with everybody getting a little bigger, two new (actually used) bikes were purchased last spring. The problem for one was that meant no more training wheels.
So, we tried in the spring. We tried at various times throughout the summer. We tried before school started. Still, the one couldn't get over the fear of falling.
That's OK, I kept saying, you'll get it. Until then, we'll put the training wheels back on your little bike.
"No," was the answer. "I'm not a little kid. I don't need a little bike."
So, the Not Little Kid used a scooter instead. Road up and down in front of the house. Mile after mile throughout the early fall.
Then on Saturday, the scooter went away and the bike came back out.
"I can do it now," the Not Little Kid said. "Watch."
So, moments after jumping on the bike (her brother's, but let's not quibble), it was back and forth on two wheels.
"I can do it! I can do it! Look Daddy! I Can Do IT!" the Not Little Kid yelled with joy.
Yeah, you can do it. You're right, you're not a little kid any more. :(
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Rise and Shine --- How's it going?
Good Morning and, that's right, here we are again!
So, how is everybody doing today? Everybody feeling OK? Well, if you're under the weather or above the clouds, this should bring a smile to your face.
So, how is everybody doing today? Everybody feeling OK? Well, if you're under the weather or above the clouds, this should bring a smile to your face.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Fall
Good Morning and wouldn't it be nice to have a week without rain?
While we could skip winter and it would be OK with me, I really do look forward to the changing of the seasons.
It's tough to give up the summer and all that comes with it (trips to the beach, swimming), there is something special about the Fall.
The vibrant colors of the leaves as you drive from here to there are very cool. The temperatures isn't so bad as long as you can convince everybody to wear a jacket.
On Saturday, we (along with seemingly the rest of Delaware County) decided to take a ride up to Linvilla Orchards for our annual pumpkin-hunting quest.
Each one is put under scrutiny. OK, this one is a little flat on the back, but it's perfectly round on the front. Perfect for a Jack O'Lantern. Wait, that one over there is pretty good too. Hey, can't we all get a pumpkin.
Getting caught up in the season, well, of course.
So, this year, we ended up with a record-breaking 81 pounds of pumpkins (breaking the old record of 72 set in 2009).
Now, who's going to start cutting?
While we could skip winter and it would be OK with me, I really do look forward to the changing of the seasons.
It's tough to give up the summer and all that comes with it (trips to the beach, swimming), there is something special about the Fall.
The vibrant colors of the leaves as you drive from here to there are very cool. The temperatures isn't so bad as long as you can convince everybody to wear a jacket.
On Saturday, we (along with seemingly the rest of Delaware County) decided to take a ride up to Linvilla Orchards for our annual pumpkin-hunting quest.
Each one is put under scrutiny. OK, this one is a little flat on the back, but it's perfectly round on the front. Perfect for a Jack O'Lantern. Wait, that one over there is pretty good too. Hey, can't we all get a pumpkin.
Getting caught up in the season, well, of course.
So, this year, we ended up with a record-breaking 81 pounds of pumpkins (breaking the old record of 72 set in 2009).
Now, who's going to start cutting?
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Rise and Shine --- World gone to pot
Good Morning and how come it seems like every team can hit except the Phillies come playoff time?
So, a neighbor A didn't like what Neighbor B was doing on his own property. Neighbor A becomes so enraged, he kills Neighbor B.
Uh, OK. Sure, that's the logical conclusion. Get your gun and shoot down somebody you don't like. Of course, we need to have said guns handy in case aliens attack or some such ... stuff.
The more I see this kind of stuff happening, the less I can listen to gun right's advocates make their argument.
I've seen neighbors do plenty of annoying things. I've had neighbors make a lot of noise. I've been so annoyed with neighbors that I looked out the window to make sure they weren't there before I left the house.
Getting a gun and shooting them dead? Never once ever crossed my mind.
Now, I believe most people have that ability to differentiate between crazy and sane. There is a large group that can not, though.
So, next time somebody tells me they need a gun in the house, I'll give them a feather.
So, a neighbor A didn't like what Neighbor B was doing on his own property. Neighbor A becomes so enraged, he kills Neighbor B.
Uh, OK. Sure, that's the logical conclusion. Get your gun and shoot down somebody you don't like. Of course, we need to have said guns handy in case aliens attack or some such ... stuff.
The more I see this kind of stuff happening, the less I can listen to gun right's advocates make their argument.
I've seen neighbors do plenty of annoying things. I've had neighbors make a lot of noise. I've been so annoyed with neighbors that I looked out the window to make sure they weren't there before I left the house.
Getting a gun and shooting them dead? Never once ever crossed my mind.
Now, I believe most people have that ability to differentiate between crazy and sane. There is a large group that can not, though.
So, next time somebody tells me they need a gun in the house, I'll give them a feather.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Oh boy, what a day at the beach
Good Morning and welcome to another blue Monday!
The best thing about having these warm, sunny October days is you can ignore such a pathetic performance by Philadelphia sports teams.
Truth be told, if I wasn't in the office yesterday, I would have found something better to do than watch the Eagles.
Anyway, I was here, having left Ocean City, N.J., early Sunday morning. With the sun gleaming off the water, that was no easy task.
Even though we went through a warm summer with plenty of sunny days, it's something special when that weather sits around for a weekend in October.
Sure, the cold air will be here soon. That's going to happen in Pennsylvania. It's not like we were suddenly transferred to San Diego or something.
So, we enjoyed the weekend and will enjoy the next couple of days before the rain comes in to ruin the party.
For now, though, we can only dream.
The best thing about having these warm, sunny October days is you can ignore such a pathetic performance by Philadelphia sports teams.
Truth be told, if I wasn't in the office yesterday, I would have found something better to do than watch the Eagles.
Anyway, I was here, having left Ocean City, N.J., early Sunday morning. With the sun gleaming off the water, that was no easy task.
Even though we went through a warm summer with plenty of sunny days, it's something special when that weather sits around for a weekend in October.
Sure, the cold air will be here soon. That's going to happen in Pennsylvania. It's not like we were suddenly transferred to San Diego or something.
So, we enjoyed the weekend and will enjoy the next couple of days before the rain comes in to ruin the party.
For now, though, we can only dream.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Rise and Shine --- To heat or not to heat
Good Morning and it's time to change the pitcher!
As this wacky weather year took a chilly turn this week, the first thing I heard after school yesterday was 'It's cold in here.'
OK, you might need to put away the shorts for the season, but it's not cold. Maybe a sweatshirt instead of the T-shirt would help.
One thing that's not happening is the heat is not going on yet. Maybe I'm still stuck in the summer or maybe I'm looking for one month of a decent PECO bill, but the heater will not kick in this week.
Or next week.
My rule is the heat doesn't go on before Halloween. Yeah, yeah, yeah, things could change. The way the weather has been going, would it surprise anybody if we saw snow in October?
Now, though, the after-school crowd is going to have do deal with it. After all, there are plenty of blankets.
As this wacky weather year took a chilly turn this week, the first thing I heard after school yesterday was 'It's cold in here.'
OK, you might need to put away the shorts for the season, but it's not cold. Maybe a sweatshirt instead of the T-shirt would help.
One thing that's not happening is the heat is not going on yet. Maybe I'm still stuck in the summer or maybe I'm looking for one month of a decent PECO bill, but the heater will not kick in this week.
Or next week.
My rule is the heat doesn't go on before Halloween. Yeah, yeah, yeah, things could change. The way the weather has been going, would it surprise anybody if we saw snow in October?
Now, though, the after-school crowd is going to have do deal with it. After all, there are plenty of blankets.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Taking a tour
Good Morning and welcome to the beginning of another long week!
As the minutes ticked away while not being able to fall asleep last night, I kept thinking "I could have gone to bed at 10 and it wouldn't have made any difference."
That's what happens when you stick through a Phillies playoff game that stretches past midnight and is one of those frustrating games the Phillies always seem to play.
Well, at least the rest of the weekend (despite trying to battle through an early-Fall cold) was busy but fun.
It all started Friday morning when I was invited by one of the Delcotimes.com bloggers, Chef Jacquie (CHECK OUT her web site here), to take her culinary tour of the Italian Market.
Now, I've been to South Philly's Italian Market. I like to get down there maybe once a month or so to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables.
This tour was a little more, though. There was history (one of the businesses had been there since the early 1900s), there were stories (one shop was opened in the 1930s when a competing shop wouldn't let workers take a day off Jan. 1) and there was food. Lots and lots of food.
We started out with a caramel and chocolate covered apple, followed with a couple of different cheeses, a cheesesteak, a hoagie, pizza and finished with cannolis.
Now, I have to figure out when I can get back.
As the minutes ticked away while not being able to fall asleep last night, I kept thinking "I could have gone to bed at 10 and it wouldn't have made any difference."
That's what happens when you stick through a Phillies playoff game that stretches past midnight and is one of those frustrating games the Phillies always seem to play.
Well, at least the rest of the weekend (despite trying to battle through an early-Fall cold) was busy but fun.
It all started Friday morning when I was invited by one of the Delcotimes.com bloggers, Chef Jacquie (CHECK OUT her web site here), to take her culinary tour of the Italian Market.
Now, I've been to South Philly's Italian Market. I like to get down there maybe once a month or so to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables.
This tour was a little more, though. There was history (one of the businesses had been there since the early 1900s), there were stories (one shop was opened in the 1930s when a competing shop wouldn't let workers take a day off Jan. 1) and there was food. Lots and lots of food.
We started out with a caramel and chocolate covered apple, followed with a couple of different cheeses, a cheesesteak, a hoagie, pizza and finished with cannolis.
Now, I have to figure out when I can get back.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Shaky, shaky
Good Morning and, yes, here we are again!
So, isn't it a sinking feeling when, after shaking somebody's hand, they say, "Yeah, I'm just getting over a nasty cold."
Come on now. Really? You just had a cold and think it's a good idea to shake hands. Couldn't you have prefaced the hand shaking with that information? Now I know why Howie Mandell gives that fist pump all the time.
All right. I know there are a lot worse things than a late-summer, early-fall cold. When the chills start hitting and the only thing you can think about is soup, well, you know it's going to be a long couple of days.
So, to help out, how about this:
So, isn't it a sinking feeling when, after shaking somebody's hand, they say, "Yeah, I'm just getting over a nasty cold."
Come on now. Really? You just had a cold and think it's a good idea to shake hands. Couldn't you have prefaced the hand shaking with that information? Now I know why Howie Mandell gives that fist pump all the time.
All right. I know there are a lot worse things than a late-summer, early-fall cold. When the chills start hitting and the only thing you can think about is soup, well, you know it's going to be a long couple of days.
So, to help out, how about this:
Monday, September 26, 2011
Rise and Shine --- How much is enough?
Good Morning and welcome back to a whole new week!!
You know it's going to be a long week when you wake up tired. Tried to go to bed early Sunday night, but it didn't seem to matter.
Better start brewing the coffee.
Here are some Monday wakeup sounds:
You know it's going to be a long week when you wake up tired. Tried to go to bed early Sunday night, but it didn't seem to matter.
Better start brewing the coffee.
Here are some Monday wakeup sounds:
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Rise and Shine -- Does the heart good
Good Morning and, hey, is that a Cardinal out there!
So, Monday morning about 6:55 a.m., the oldest said he needed a photo of me for school. Now, I quickly noticed a few things.
First was why did the request come about 10 minutes before the bus was going to arrive ("I forgot I had homework," came the reply).
Second was most of my photos exist in digital form. I never think about getting them printed.
Third was there was very few photos of me. I take the pictures, don't need to be in them.
So, we scrambled, found one, the computer crashed and couldn't get it in time.
What do you need it for? I asked.
"It's just part of homework," came the 12-year old's reply. "It's OK. It'll be all right without one."
So, off to the bus and through the day, not thinking about it again.
Anyway, Monday was the dreaded back-to-school night. While walking through the halls, I noticed the students were tasked to make up a front-page of a newspaper (imagine that!) about themselves.
In the lower left corner, there was a spot for "Meet My Hero."
In that spot, the boy had written "My Dad."
I don't know if I've ever had a prouder moment.
So, Monday morning about 6:55 a.m., the oldest said he needed a photo of me for school. Now, I quickly noticed a few things.
First was why did the request come about 10 minutes before the bus was going to arrive ("I forgot I had homework," came the reply).
Second was most of my photos exist in digital form. I never think about getting them printed.
Third was there was very few photos of me. I take the pictures, don't need to be in them.
So, we scrambled, found one, the computer crashed and couldn't get it in time.
What do you need it for? I asked.
"It's just part of homework," came the 12-year old's reply. "It's OK. It'll be all right without one."
So, off to the bus and through the day, not thinking about it again.
Anyway, Monday was the dreaded back-to-school night. While walking through the halls, I noticed the students were tasked to make up a front-page of a newspaper (imagine that!) about themselves.
In the lower left corner, there was a spot for "Meet My Hero."
In that spot, the boy had written "My Dad."
I don't know if I've ever had a prouder moment.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Late nights, early mornings
Good Morning Eagles fans and welcome to the Kafka era!
I know better. I know that alarm's going to be about as welcome as the next bill. I know I'm looking at a day that's going to fall into a haze of sleepiness.
Still, I stayed up to watch the Eagles/Falcons game last night.
OK, truth be told, I did doze off a bit in the third quarter. When I woke up, Mike Kafka was in the game. I was sure it was a blowout one way or the other.
As the clock ticked past 11 p.m. I said to myself, "Self, 10 more minutes and it's off to bed."
Ten minutes turned into 20 and finally 40 before I pulled up off the couch and made the way up to bed (by the way, why do we go upstairs to bed?).
Sure enough, about four hours later when that alarm went off, getting up was tough. Made it to work on time, but I'm only asking for one thing: Send coffee!
I know better. I know that alarm's going to be about as welcome as the next bill. I know I'm looking at a day that's going to fall into a haze of sleepiness.
Still, I stayed up to watch the Eagles/Falcons game last night.
OK, truth be told, I did doze off a bit in the third quarter. When I woke up, Mike Kafka was in the game. I was sure it was a blowout one way or the other.
As the clock ticked past 11 p.m. I said to myself, "Self, 10 more minutes and it's off to bed."
Ten minutes turned into 20 and finally 40 before I pulled up off the couch and made the way up to bed (by the way, why do we go upstairs to bed?).
Sure enough, about four hours later when that alarm went off, getting up was tough. Made it to work on time, but I'm only asking for one thing: Send coffee!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Language demon
Good Morning and here we are again, me and you!
Remember that classic scene in the movie 'A Christmas Story' when Ralphie, while helping his dad fix a blown tire, blurted out the "THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the "F-dash-dash-dash" word!"
Of course, Ralphie then had his mouth washed out with soap, was sent to his room, blamed a friend and all hilarity ensued.
OK, little kids shouldn't be walking around cursing (should parents?). There are other words you can use when frustrated, upset, etc.
Still, swear words are the demons of the English language. It all depends on how you treat those demons.
A lot of parents will act like Ralphie's when a bad word comes out of a child's mouth. The child will be punished, get their mouth washed with soap, sent to their rooms, sometimes smacked on the bottom.
Everybody has their own way of handling the situation. Whether it is the right way or wrong way is up to you.
For me, I'd rather make the de-deomonize the words. I don't punish. I might say something like, "Come on, there are better things to say."
The funny thing about children is they like to test you. If you are arguing about, say, homework. You want it done now. The child says he will do it later. In the heat of the moment, to throw you off balance, the demon may come out of their mouth.
If you've taken the sting out of the word, it may not be used.
At least it's worked for me.
Now, get back to work.
Remember that classic scene in the movie 'A Christmas Story' when Ralphie, while helping his dad fix a blown tire, blurted out the "THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the "F-dash-dash-dash" word!"
Of course, Ralphie then had his mouth washed out with soap, was sent to his room, blamed a friend and all hilarity ensued.
OK, little kids shouldn't be walking around cursing (should parents?). There are other words you can use when frustrated, upset, etc.
Still, swear words are the demons of the English language. It all depends on how you treat those demons.
A lot of parents will act like Ralphie's when a bad word comes out of a child's mouth. The child will be punished, get their mouth washed with soap, sent to their rooms, sometimes smacked on the bottom.
Everybody has their own way of handling the situation. Whether it is the right way or wrong way is up to you.
For me, I'd rather make the de-deomonize the words. I don't punish. I might say something like, "Come on, there are better things to say."
The funny thing about children is they like to test you. If you are arguing about, say, homework. You want it done now. The child says he will do it later. In the heat of the moment, to throw you off balance, the demon may come out of their mouth.
If you've taken the sting out of the word, it may not be used.
At least it's worked for me.
Now, get back to work.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Rise and Shine --- School days
Good Morning and welcome back to the fog!
So, the first week of school is out of the way. That means now things can really get down to business.
I warned everybody this weekend to expect homework to start, probably today.
Since they are all still in summer mode (my fault, maybe), the cold slap of the homework bug is going to be a major wake up.
Now, instead of getting off the bus, throwing down the bags and tossing around the Frisbee, it's going to mean get the sharpened pencil and get back to work. The biggest problem is there hasn't really been any homework since late May.
The schoolies have taken great pride in coming home and saying, "Well, Dad, you have homework!"
OK, I expected that. Fill out all the forms, cover the books and make sure all the ducks are in order.
This week, I expect the fight.
Sure, you can have a snack, but I want the homework done. I don't want to argue. I don't want to hear how tired you are after school.
If the homework doesn't get done, well, you'll be more tired tomorrow. Welcome to the vicious cycle.
My goal this year is to try to make homework fun. Let's play a game. Get the math done, get a treat. Spelling done? Another treat. Reading? OK, it's time for dinner, no more.
Somehow, I don't think it will work out that way.
So, the first week of school is out of the way. That means now things can really get down to business.
I warned everybody this weekend to expect homework to start, probably today.
Since they are all still in summer mode (my fault, maybe), the cold slap of the homework bug is going to be a major wake up.
Now, instead of getting off the bus, throwing down the bags and tossing around the Frisbee, it's going to mean get the sharpened pencil and get back to work. The biggest problem is there hasn't really been any homework since late May.
The schoolies have taken great pride in coming home and saying, "Well, Dad, you have homework!"
OK, I expected that. Fill out all the forms, cover the books and make sure all the ducks are in order.
This week, I expect the fight.
Sure, you can have a snack, but I want the homework done. I don't want to argue. I don't want to hear how tired you are after school.
If the homework doesn't get done, well, you'll be more tired tomorrow. Welcome to the vicious cycle.
My goal this year is to try to make homework fun. Let's play a game. Get the math done, get a treat. Spelling done? Another treat. Reading? OK, it's time for dinner, no more.
Somehow, I don't think it will work out that way.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Rise and Shine --- Green tomatoes
Good Morning and welcome to, fall?
So, back in the spring, I decided to build a little garden. I watched the sun for a few days to figure out where the best place would be to put everything down.
I picked up the wood and the dirt. I then put together a little raised area where I could put the plants.
With my traveling companions, we went out to the store and picked up the tomato and pepper plants(OK, maybe too many for our small space, but it was tough to say no).
I made sure the tomatoes and peppers were watered every day. When I went on vacation in June, I made sure the neighbor would give them a spritz each day.
Now, as August is coming to a close, I have strong looking plants with a lot of tomatoes hanging on the vine. Problem is, all of them are green. They aren't turning.
I'm getting a little jealous as others talk about their bountiful harvest.
Heck, I'd settle for one red one this week.
Maybe the sun will help me out.
So, back in the spring, I decided to build a little garden. I watched the sun for a few days to figure out where the best place would be to put everything down.
I picked up the wood and the dirt. I then put together a little raised area where I could put the plants.
With my traveling companions, we went out to the store and picked up the tomato and pepper plants(OK, maybe too many for our small space, but it was tough to say no).
I made sure the tomatoes and peppers were watered every day. When I went on vacation in June, I made sure the neighbor would give them a spritz each day.
Now, as August is coming to a close, I have strong looking plants with a lot of tomatoes hanging on the vine. Problem is, all of them are green. They aren't turning.
I'm getting a little jealous as others talk about their bountiful harvest.
Heck, I'd settle for one red one this week.
Maybe the sun will help me out.
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