May 25th, 2013
Whenever the kids have a day off, it can be a challenge to have a productive work day for this work-at-home parent. But yesterday, the kids were great. There were nearly zero arguments, they did a good job of coming in for a hug or two every now and then, while still allowing Dad to get his work done. After lunch, Bubs got to go check out the new Star Trek movie with his buddy Trey and his Dad. Viv hung out with my Mom and my niece later in the day.
After dropping the kids off with their Mom, Abbe and I got a dinner at Ott’s (big thanks to our server Kelsey for recommending having a Summer Shandy with a shot of Bacardi Limon – yum!) and then just relaxed on the couch for the night with our big puppy.
Today, Titan has a vet appointment this morning (just time for shots), I’m hoping to dismantle the broken treadmill in our bedroom, some shelving in our utility room needs cleaning, and then maybe, just maybe I’ll have time to get in a quick 5 miler (it’s been a week since I’ve ran. Been concentrating on getting through the burpee challenge). On Monday, Abbe, Bubs, Viv, my niece Emily, and I are going to run in the Medford Lakes Memorial Day 5K. Abbe and I are going to keep it slow for the kids so that they enjoy it. It will be Viv, Bubs, and Emily’s first 5K. I’m really proud of all three of them for doing this.
Movie Reviews…
Django Unchained
– this was so much better than the previews led me to believe. Another out of hand, great film from Quentin.
Smashed
– not a compelling or unique plot, but the great acting by Aaron Paul and Mary Elizabeth Winstead more than make up for it.
Funny/Interesting Links…
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May 24th, 2013
Tooth fairy got some work last night…
Movie Reviews…
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
– I really enjoyed this movie. Very tough to watch, but what an amazing job by Thomas Horn as Oskar.
Funny/Interesting Links…
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May 23rd, 2013
Spring/Summer evenings at the beach like last night are such great reminders of why I love my town. Abbe and the kids got me away from my coding to go sit on the beach and stare at the water for an hour. We arrived to a mostly empty beach, but as other families finished their dinners, the beach slowly filled up. Friends showed up and plopped down chairs next to us, all the kids running into the cedar water.
I took this shot of Viv playing in the water, like I have probably a hundred times before… but looking at it now, I realize – there are only so many evenings like this. Van and Viv are going to grow older and not want to go to the beach with Dad one day. Thanks for another sunset with you, Viv and Van – I love you two so much.
Woolwich attack: knife-wielding suspect named as Michael Adebolajo - awful stuff, also awful – the American media’s lack of coverage of this tragedy. Big thanks to my friend from across the pond, DTW for the reminder to be sure to get my news from better sources.
Movie Reviews…
Countdown To Zero
– While I agree with the concept of eliminating/reducing/securing nukes, this film was really skimpy on content and honestly could have been about 30 minutes shorter.
Like Crazy
– I’d give this one a solid, ‘ehh’. Pretty sure that I’m done watching movies without scripts.
Funny/Interesting Links…
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May 22nd, 2013
Last night, while I was finishing up some slightly frustrating CSS fixes (big shout-out to descendant selectors for saving my butt!) on a client site, I heard the kids laughing and yelling outside. I hoped up to get another glass of water and to make sure they weren’t bothering neighbors or Abbe while she was doing some yard work. Well, it turns out… they were helping Abbe do that yard work. And really helping, not just doing kid-sized portions of work. When all three of them came inside, they were tired, sweaty, and happy. What good kids and I have to really commend Abbe, making work fun and productive can be a sometimes impossible challenge with kids. Pretty impressive job, by all of you.
My buddy, BLP and I had lunch together on Monday and I wanted to talk about the great spot where we ate – Zoe’s Kitchen. Check out the shrimp kebobs – so good. But more importantly, I wanted to talk about what a good dude Bill is. He is the smartest guy in the room that doesn’t make you feel dumb. And that, is such a rarity. A trait that I really need to work on myself.
I’m constantly amazed at how much work Bill is able to handle and still give me time to discuss projects that we work on together. He has been instrumental in my development as an entrepreneur. I think the best way to pay it forward is to help another budding entrepreneur in the same way. It’s time for me to find that opportunity, and start paying back some of that karmaic debt.
Funny/Interesting Links…
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May 21st, 2013
I think it’s important today in light of what happened in Oklahoma yesterday to try to do something good today. Here’s a couple of ideas…
How to help Oklahoma tornado victims.
A quick, easy way to help those in Oklahoma right now! Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to the disaster relief fund to care for those in need of assistance.
And in another path to doing some good…
I wanted to direct your attention to a very cool idea started by a fellow Team in Training runner, Wendy – the “Little Dopey” virtual race to benefit LLS. First you need to register.
And then all you have to do is Run 4.86 miles anywhere or anytime you would like before July 15, 2013 and You will be the proud owner of a beautiful Virtual Race Medal!
The Medal is 3.0 inches and will look amazing next to all of your other race bling! Kids will love to get one to show off too!
Medals will be shipped 6-8 weeks after the Virtual Race closes on July 15th.
All you need to do is go “a Little Dopey” and Run, Walk, Hop, Skip or bike 4.86 Miles and email me a picture of you, your watch, your family, or whatever you would like, of you supporting LLS by participating and you will receive a medal!! It is just that Simple.
Virtual Race registration only costs $25.00 and All Proceeds will go to the leukemia and lymphoma society/team in training to help find a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma. So, in support of me going completely dopey and running 48.6 miles in 4 days in January 2014, I hope you Join the fun and go “a Little Dopey”!!
GO TEAM!!!
And one last thing… This morning I was reminded to be grateful for the things that are good in my life, and not focus on the bad stuff (that is truly minor). Abbe had a seizure this morning and I was able to keep her safe while it happened. Once I made sure she was coherent, I was able to get my kids and the kids that ride with us to school (Abbe seized right as we were about to leave). If the seizure would have happened 10 minutes later, she might not have made it to our bed, and injured herself. I am so grateful for the love in my life. Whatever stress the day brings, as long as I have my children and Abbe – I’ll be OK, and ready to tackle tomorrow too.
Funny/Interesting Links…
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