Tuesday I had the sniffles and a cough. You never think it’s as bad as you sound, though I try to be mindful of co-workers. Hate to take sick days. If I’m sitting at my desk, even if I’m not working like crazy, stuff doesn’t pile up as much. Over the weekend I had felt worse, with aching joints, etc. Was feeling better Sunday afternoon (most afternoons the last week have felt better than mornings). But a couple of co-workers said I didn’t look very good Tuesday morning. I knew there was a lot going on at home and I wouldn’t get much rest, so after eating lunch with the Ogre, I went home.
Took all the kids up to Living Science for Anna’s class while Ceil ran errands and sewed Halloween costumes. Visited with the Hurts…Margaret isn’t able to do much due to being worn out from the treatments. Took a quick nap, then ran Will to basketball. Ceil had her last Bible Study. Will was getting sick as well.
Wednesday I got up, got ready, and started driving to work…mainly because it was the last day of the month. There wasn’t that much going on, particularly because we already had month-end on the 19th. I remembered the afternoon traffic jam that Halloween always is, at that was the last straw…I turned around, drove home, and went back to bed. Never even called in.
Lots of workers at the house, putting on the primer coat. Hard to sleep with all the noise, but I actually rested most of the day. Only went out once for a quick trip to Kroger for drugs. Saw the end of “Fever Pitch” Will dragged out the winter clothes to complete a Halloween outfit, so I organized half of that. Ceil took the kids out trick or treating…we only had a few at our house…less than ever. Anna decided to be a reindeer, and convinced Matthew to be an elf. Will actually stayed home. Guess he gets what wasn’t passed out.
Better today, though still weak. Talked Ceil out of going to SC this weekend…bad move. House is a wreck, and we have two things Friday, one on Saturday, and two on Sunday. Will is better, but Anna and Matthew are coughing as well.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Another Tech Disappointment
Big game, and GT doesn’t show up…big surprise. Down two touchdowns they should’ve stuck to their strength, running the ball. Instead they throw against excellent defensive backs, and also let VT recover an onsides kick. Typical Tech.
More and more I’m seeing how college football is an emotional game. Perhaps Tech has too many analytical types to get up for big games. Last night’s game was a big contrast to last Saturday’s UGA/Florida game. Certainly Tech fans are less emotional/passionate than most. The faithful show up dressed in Tech colors, but the numbers are significantly less than the Bulldogs, Clemsons, Gamecocks, Auburns, Alabamas, Gators, Nols, or Volunteers. Most pragmatic GT grads move on to other pursuits and passions besides college athletics.
Chan wouldn’t have lasted so long at an SEC school, not that they would’ve hired him.
More and more I’m seeing how college football is an emotional game. Perhaps Tech has too many analytical types to get up for big games. Last night’s game was a big contrast to last Saturday’s UGA/Florida game. Certainly Tech fans are less emotional/passionate than most. The faithful show up dressed in Tech colors, but the numbers are significantly less than the Bulldogs, Clemsons, Gamecocks, Auburns, Alabamas, Gators, Nols, or Volunteers. Most pragmatic GT grads move on to other pursuits and passions besides college athletics.
Chan wouldn’t have lasted so long at an SEC school, not that they would’ve hired him.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sick Weekend
I wasn’t feeling good all last week, and felt worse Saturday and Sunday morning. Probably didn’t help to go up to the ball field and sit out in the cold. Will didn’t play, but I needed to tie up some ends, so I scored the game. Fourteen year-old on the other team threw 107 pitches over 6 innings…only allowed one hit / 9 K’s / 8 walks. Besides Will, the other good player wasn’t there either, so they didn’t have anyone to make things happen.
Saturday night we were supposed to eat with a family in town from Germany, but I stayed home because I felt so bad. Got to watch the Series on the couch. Did a little late Sunday afternoon, and Ceil and I snuck out for some nearby Mexican. Anna painted some shelves for her room. Will has something every night this week, which means I do as well.
I would be more motivated to go to my high school reunion, but like no one from my old gang goes. I know many that do go, but they weren’t my best friends. So I really didn’t miss going this time.
Saw Joe Saturday morning at Publix. I knew his oldest daughter Jennifer lives near him (and us) in East Cobb, and has a child. Probably haven’t seen her since Claire’s wedding. Kathryn is getting married to a Clemson grad. “Little” Joe is still living at home, he said.
Saturday night we were supposed to eat with a family in town from Germany, but I stayed home because I felt so bad. Got to watch the Series on the couch. Did a little late Sunday afternoon, and Ceil and I snuck out for some nearby Mexican. Anna painted some shelves for her room. Will has something every night this week, which means I do as well.
I would be more motivated to go to my high school reunion, but like no one from my old gang goes. I know many that do go, but they weren’t my best friends. So I really didn’t miss going this time.
Saw Joe Saturday morning at Publix. I knew his oldest daughter Jennifer lives near him (and us) in East Cobb, and has a child. Probably haven’t seen her since Claire’s wedding. Kathryn is getting married to a Clemson grad. “Little” Joe is still living at home, he said.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Top 5 TV shows
The AJC’s Dave O’Brien recently asked new Braves GM Frank Wren to name his Top 5 TV shows for the paper. His list included 24 and The Today Show. While I can stare at the TV for hours, 24 is the only show I’ll block out time to watch.
My top five…
Braves Baseball
24…have yet to see the first few years.
Letterman
Good Eats (& Alton’s on the road show).
Seinfeld reruns
Also…
Best Damn Top 50…whatever.
SpongeBob
MASH reruns
SportsCenter/Baseball Tonight
Comcast Sports Tonight
Suite Life of Zack & Cody
Drake & Josh
Newhart reruns (or the Bob Newhart Show)
Reba (though I don’t know the characters names)
Jeopardy
…NOT Hannah Montana.
…Outgrown Jimmy Neutron.
…RIP Turner South’s Junkin and the West Wing.
…Doesn’t count movies.
My top five…
Braves Baseball
24…have yet to see the first few years.
Letterman
Good Eats (& Alton’s on the road show).
Seinfeld reruns
Also…
Best Damn Top 50…whatever.
SpongeBob
MASH reruns
SportsCenter/Baseball Tonight
Comcast Sports Tonight
Suite Life of Zack & Cody
Drake & Josh
Newhart reruns (or the Bob Newhart Show)
Reba (though I don’t know the characters names)
Jeopardy
…NOT Hannah Montana.
…Outgrown Jimmy Neutron.
…RIP Turner South’s Junkin and the West Wing.
…Doesn’t count movies.
Puma Suedes
Here they are, in all their splendor...Coming to a gym near you.
Came with red shoestrings...and very wide white ones.
I plan on picking up some white 50" strings on the way home today.
Any comments from the peanut gallery?
Friday Stuff
Haven’t really felt too good all week…not quite the flu. Hopefully this weekend I’ll be able to get out the winter clothes and put up the summer stuff. Will usually helps with the attic stuff, but he has another retreat. I don’t think Will will play enough to warrant getting a new pair of bball shoes. The $29.00 Nike Total Force Max shoes at Marshall’s yesterday were too small anyway.
Sometimes when it’s late the child gets tired, and nothing works but rest. Makes it hard when there’s a lot to squeeze in. We’re not too good with discipline, and our three have different personalities. Kids constantly grow and move into different age groups, meaning new and harder challenges. I would say I’m no Bobby Cox or Joe Torre when it comes to parenting…unfortunately I’m more like Leo Mazzone. I have three Cy Young winners, but how much of it is me?
Scorekeeping: I’m going to have to work up to recording missed shots, rebounds (offensive and defensive), assists, and steals. Right now keeping the running score, individual scoring and fouls, team fouls, and timeouts. And the possession arrow!
Dave O’Brien’s AJC blogs have been pretty good this week. Looks like I was wrong about the Rockies. Missed most of the game last night, but saw the exciting BC comeback over VT.
No more Poronto. He’s 32, the new guy is 25. I guess some team will scoop up Poronto, based on his record last year.
Sometimes when it’s late the child gets tired, and nothing works but rest. Makes it hard when there’s a lot to squeeze in. We’re not too good with discipline, and our three have different personalities. Kids constantly grow and move into different age groups, meaning new and harder challenges. I would say I’m no Bobby Cox or Joe Torre when it comes to parenting…unfortunately I’m more like Leo Mazzone. I have three Cy Young winners, but how much of it is me?
Scorekeeping: I’m going to have to work up to recording missed shots, rebounds (offensive and defensive), assists, and steals. Right now keeping the running score, individual scoring and fouls, team fouls, and timeouts. And the possession arrow!
Dave O’Brien’s AJC blogs have been pretty good this week. Looks like I was wrong about the Rockies. Missed most of the game last night, but saw the exciting BC comeback over VT.
No more Poronto. He’s 32, the new guy is 25. I guess some team will scoop up Poronto, based on his record last year.
Intersquad Basketball Night
Will’s Flight basketball program had the big season kickoff / intersquad game last night. Will got in a little action as the JV & Varsity boys scrimmaged. On JV he mostly plays forward, but last night mostly played guard / wing against the bigger boys. He got an assist and forced a couple of turnovers, and got a few bumps and bruises along the way. One time senior leader Ben tried to drive past him, and Will somehow grabbed the ball. Ben was called for a walk (and had to briefly leave the game from being hit in the Adam’s apple). Once he jumped high to contest a boy’s open three. The boy hesitated, trying to draw a foul, but none was called.
When we arrived I was handed a whistle and asked to referee the first middle-school scrimmage. Luckily l found a more able volunteer, because the refs had to official the entire evening. I hung around Living Science dad Eric at the scorer’s table, where I knew I’d have to volunteer during the season. There’s a certain pressure that goes with keeping the clock and scoreboard. Keeping score in basketball requires a lot more attention than baseball, where you can be looking down or chatting, and hear the crack of the bat, thump of the ball in the mitt, or umpire’s call, and have time to look up and not miss anything.
There were several Living Science kids playing, on all six teams. Many familiar faces from previous expeditions and retreats, in the stands and on the court. The middle-school girls played first. Will’s friend Abby hustled, moved well without the ball, made crisp passes, and played tight defense. She stayed out on the perimeter, and needs to use her height inside in upcoming JV games. I recognized her dad from an expedition…husband of the somersaulting Tammy. Another little LS girl was aggressive and pretty good.
Charles looked like Spud Webb even against the middle-school boys. He played point the entire game and almost orchestrated a dramatic comeback for his white team. With time running down he split the defense and drove the lane for a clutch layup. As he ran back down the court I caught his eye and tried to get him to grin, but he didn’t want to remove his game face.
A few 8th-graders are playing both middle-school and JV, including LS students Conner and Holt. Conner is a younger/smaller version on 10th-grade sensation DJ, a sharp-shooting slasher. Conner dominated the middle-school game, making several three-pointers and almost some nice cuts to the basket for one-handed shots. He also held his own against the big boys in the JV-Varsity game. Afterwards I asked his dad if Conner was going to play varsity and he laughed, but he appreciated the compliment. Conner’s older brother Garrison was on last weekend’s retreat.
Holt is tall and plays inside. Like Will, he’s a baseball player with little roundball experience, but his size will serve him well in middle-school games. He also mixed it up against the big boys, drawing two fouls. Holt is the adopted younger brother of the blonde servant-leader MaryKathryn, and during much of the older boys game I chatted with their parents. I confessed that I had planted the crackers in MK’s shoes.
The JV-Varsity girls game had more action than the middle-school games. Eric’s daughters are aggressive and good inside…once one blocked the other’s shot.
After the girls finished the big boys came out to warm up. Will was wearing number 34, making him look even less like a basketball player. All night the games had been two quarters, and after those 16 minutes DJ’s burgundy squad had blown out older brother Ben’s white team. They reset the scoreboard and played another quarter, but the white team still lost by three points. Birthday-boy DJ put on a show, scoring 32 points. He had 4 three-pointers, 9 two-pointers, and two foul shots. Ben led the white team with ten points. It’s their older brother that wants to walk on at Tech.
Brothers Willis and David also played on opposite teams, and both played important inside roles. Willis had several good shots that just missed, but David had four points. David is a little more aggressive than the taller Willis, but he could get in foul trouble once the season starts. Younger brother Joel started the game and didn’t back down, but had several of his shots blocked.
After practice tonight Will leaves with the older boys and girls on a north Georgia team-building campout/retreat.
When we arrived I was handed a whistle and asked to referee the first middle-school scrimmage. Luckily l found a more able volunteer, because the refs had to official the entire evening. I hung around Living Science dad Eric at the scorer’s table, where I knew I’d have to volunteer during the season. There’s a certain pressure that goes with keeping the clock and scoreboard. Keeping score in basketball requires a lot more attention than baseball, where you can be looking down or chatting, and hear the crack of the bat, thump of the ball in the mitt, or umpire’s call, and have time to look up and not miss anything.
There were several Living Science kids playing, on all six teams. Many familiar faces from previous expeditions and retreats, in the stands and on the court. The middle-school girls played first. Will’s friend Abby hustled, moved well without the ball, made crisp passes, and played tight defense. She stayed out on the perimeter, and needs to use her height inside in upcoming JV games. I recognized her dad from an expedition…husband of the somersaulting Tammy. Another little LS girl was aggressive and pretty good.
Charles looked like Spud Webb even against the middle-school boys. He played point the entire game and almost orchestrated a dramatic comeback for his white team. With time running down he split the defense and drove the lane for a clutch layup. As he ran back down the court I caught his eye and tried to get him to grin, but he didn’t want to remove his game face.
A few 8th-graders are playing both middle-school and JV, including LS students Conner and Holt. Conner is a younger/smaller version on 10th-grade sensation DJ, a sharp-shooting slasher. Conner dominated the middle-school game, making several three-pointers and almost some nice cuts to the basket for one-handed shots. He also held his own against the big boys in the JV-Varsity game. Afterwards I asked his dad if Conner was going to play varsity and he laughed, but he appreciated the compliment. Conner’s older brother Garrison was on last weekend’s retreat.
Holt is tall and plays inside. Like Will, he’s a baseball player with little roundball experience, but his size will serve him well in middle-school games. He also mixed it up against the big boys, drawing two fouls. Holt is the adopted younger brother of the blonde servant-leader MaryKathryn, and during much of the older boys game I chatted with their parents. I confessed that I had planted the crackers in MK’s shoes.
The JV-Varsity girls game had more action than the middle-school games. Eric’s daughters are aggressive and good inside…once one blocked the other’s shot.
After the girls finished the big boys came out to warm up. Will was wearing number 34, making him look even less like a basketball player. All night the games had been two quarters, and after those 16 minutes DJ’s burgundy squad had blown out older brother Ben’s white team. They reset the scoreboard and played another quarter, but the white team still lost by three points. Birthday-boy DJ put on a show, scoring 32 points. He had 4 three-pointers, 9 two-pointers, and two foul shots. Ben led the white team with ten points. It’s their older brother that wants to walk on at Tech.
Brothers Willis and David also played on opposite teams, and both played important inside roles. Willis had several good shots that just missed, but David had four points. David is a little more aggressive than the taller Willis, but he could get in foul trouble once the season starts. Younger brother Joel started the game and didn’t back down, but had several of his shots blocked.
After practice tonight Will leaves with the older boys and girls on a north Georgia team-building campout/retreat.
Nike Air Total Force Max
While we're on shoes, these were the ones on sale, but a size too small for Will.
Had the picture, so I thought I'd share.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
My Footwear Inventory
Shoes are one of my few indulgences, and still I only buy when it’s a great deal. A few years ago co-worker Darryl and I agreed it would be fun to have a pair of red shoes…former boss Steve had secured a pair. Couldn’t wear them often, but they’d be fun to have.
A few weeks ago I spied a pair of red suede Puma court shoes at Marshals for $25.00. Didn’t bite. Yesterday while looking for a pair of basketball shoes for Will I bought some driving shoes. Today I found the red Pumas are 25% off for the next two days. May have to get them tomorrow.
As justification, I’ve listed my current shoe inventory…
Dress Shoes
1. Black "Gucci" loafers…2006...work & nice occasions.
2. Black Brutini air loafers…2005...worn to work most days.
3. Black Timberlands…2006...look good with jeans/kaikis.
4. Brown Timberlands…2004...identical to the blacks.
5. Brown penny loafers…2007...mostly worn at work.
6. Brown driving shoes…2007...just got'em.
Nice Sneakers
7. NB – good…2004...still look new.
8. adidas Nastasis…2005...one of my favorites.
9. Puma Romas – blue trim…2006...best with jeans.
10. Puma driving shoes…2007...funky blue & grey trim.
Knock-Around the House Shoes
11. Puma Romas – less blue trim…2006...worn out more than # 9.
12. Nike Air Mocs...1995...look like a baked potato.
13. Merrill Loafers…2004...wear with jeans for the outdoor look.
14. Converse One-Stars…2001...blue suede, looks best with jeans.
15. Timberland Sandals…2003...great for going out in the summer.
16. Nike Prestos…2001...all black, I run in them at night!
17. NB grey/black…2003...for yardwork.
18. Reebok Pumps…2003...yellow! My houseshoes, or for movies.
19. Nike soccer slides…2001...at the beach or washing the car.
20. Oakley flip-flops…2005...black, so not really in style.
21. adidas coaching shoes…2006...for the ball field. Blue!
22. Converse Chuck Taylors...2005...black, they look too new.
Retired Shoes (keepers!)
23. Nike Air Flight Lites…1990...NY Knick colors.
24. Nike vintage Air Flights…1990...great with jeans, Will wears 'em.
25. Air Jordan 3’s…1988…busted, or I'd wear'em.
26. Nike Air Max…1988...classic running shoe.
27. NB running shoes…1998...yardwork.
28. Reebok basketball…1990...from Lang.
29. Nike All-Court (white)…1982...what everone used to wear.
30. Nike All-Court (black)…1983...the black version.
31. Tretorns…1984...my preppie phase.
32. Cordovan loafers…2004...just replaced by newer loafers.
33. Black pointy loafers…2002...still hanging in the closet.
Besides the groups, they’re in random order. Might’ve missed some retired shoes. Will has also inherted at least five other old pairs of mine, since he now wears the same size as me.
A few weeks ago I spied a pair of red suede Puma court shoes at Marshals for $25.00. Didn’t bite. Yesterday while looking for a pair of basketball shoes for Will I bought some driving shoes. Today I found the red Pumas are 25% off for the next two days. May have to get them tomorrow.
As justification, I’ve listed my current shoe inventory…
Dress Shoes
1. Black "Gucci" loafers…2006...work & nice occasions.
2. Black Brutini air loafers…2005...worn to work most days.
3. Black Timberlands…2006...look good with jeans/kaikis.
4. Brown Timberlands…2004...identical to the blacks.
5. Brown penny loafers…2007...mostly worn at work.
6. Brown driving shoes…2007...just got'em.
Nice Sneakers
7. NB – good…2004...still look new.
8. adidas Nastasis…2005...one of my favorites.
9. Puma Romas – blue trim…2006...best with jeans.
10. Puma driving shoes…2007...funky blue & grey trim.
Knock-Around the House Shoes
11. Puma Romas – less blue trim…2006...worn out more than # 9.
12. Nike Air Mocs...1995...look like a baked potato.
13. Merrill Loafers…2004...wear with jeans for the outdoor look.
14. Converse One-Stars…2001...blue suede, looks best with jeans.
15. Timberland Sandals…2003...great for going out in the summer.
16. Nike Prestos…2001...all black, I run in them at night!
17. NB grey/black…2003...for yardwork.
18. Reebok Pumps…2003...yellow! My houseshoes, or for movies.
19. Nike soccer slides…2001...at the beach or washing the car.
20. Oakley flip-flops…2005...black, so not really in style.
21. adidas coaching shoes…2006...for the ball field. Blue!
22. Converse Chuck Taylors...2005...black, they look too new.
Retired Shoes (keepers!)
23. Nike Air Flight Lites…1990...NY Knick colors.
24. Nike vintage Air Flights…1990...great with jeans, Will wears 'em.
25. Air Jordan 3’s…1988…busted, or I'd wear'em.
26. Nike Air Max…1988...classic running shoe.
27. NB running shoes…1998...yardwork.
28. Reebok basketball…1990...from Lang.
29. Nike All-Court (white)…1982...what everone used to wear.
30. Nike All-Court (black)…1983...the black version.
31. Tretorns…1984...my preppie phase.
32. Cordovan loafers…2004...just replaced by newer loafers.
33. Black pointy loafers…2002...still hanging in the closet.
Besides the groups, they’re in random order. Might’ve missed some retired shoes. Will has also inherted at least five other old pairs of mine, since he now wears the same size as me.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Reunion Opt-Out
As much as I’d like to go, I don’t see how I can get down to Macon this weekend for my 25th high scool reunion. We're hosting friends from Germany in town this weekend, among a million other things.
The football game idea was brilliant…surely I still have my 21 jersey somewhere. My orange letter jacket still hangs in the closet! (Coach Jones’ 9th grade team was the best, though).
I am doing well. Healthy family, beautiful wife, growing kids that make me proud (and laugh!). We’re not rich but we make ends meet…we’re able to do many things important to us. Like Mr. Foster in Houston, north Atlanta has become our home. My parents still live in the same Macon house and are in reasonably good health…they ask about old classmates from time to time.
Tell everyone what a sorry SOB I am for not attending…but it should be a one-reunion thing!
The football game idea was brilliant…surely I still have my 21 jersey somewhere. My orange letter jacket still hangs in the closet! (Coach Jones’ 9th grade team was the best, though).
I am doing well. Healthy family, beautiful wife, growing kids that make me proud (and laugh!). We’re not rich but we make ends meet…we’re able to do many things important to us. Like Mr. Foster in Houston, north Atlanta has become our home. My parents still live in the same Macon house and are in reasonably good health…they ask about old classmates from time to time.
Tell everyone what a sorry SOB I am for not attending…but it should be a one-reunion thing!
Death of a Salesman
Got an email from the Birmingham office today…a 51 year-old lady that worked there had a heart attack and died Monday evening (not at the office). I had just replied to an email of hers that day.
Interesting that the AJC.com's DOB senses the Rockies are wide-eyed going into Boston, and Beckett and Schilling and Dice K could cool them off real quick. And I agree with Rowland’s Office, that it will be more interesting with Boston than Cleveland. I didn’t watch enough to know as many Indians as Sox.
What were they talking about this morning on 680, that someone in the Boston ownership group had something to do with breaking the Paul Byrd story right in the middle of the ALDS? With millions on the line, I guess there will be pitchers (and hitters, and football and basketball players) that roll the dice with steroids and HGH. The temptation of Paul Byrd.
Adding seats behind the plate at the Ted…less foul territory was the first thing I thought of. Goes both ways, but…
I felt fine until I got to work this morning…been sneezing ever since. Interesting ghost stuff on Q100, though I wonder how much of it was manufactured.
So last Friday the sale of our company went through, to the Platinum Group. The top three bigwigs “left the company” and a director from here in Norcross was named COO. They say they’re going to decentralize, which is good for us outlying types, I suppose.
Margaret, David & Mary’s 12 year old daughter is home from the hospital now, and is expected to recover fully from leukemia. There are more treatments, and she could lose her hair (she dyed it red for fun, since she was losing it anyway). The Hurts have received lots of support, particularly from Buckhead Church and Living Science, where my oldest two also attend. Ceil and the kids visited their new house yesterday…they’re going to fence in their yard and get some miniature horses.
Interesting that the AJC.com's DOB senses the Rockies are wide-eyed going into Boston, and Beckett and Schilling and Dice K could cool them off real quick. And I agree with Rowland’s Office, that it will be more interesting with Boston than Cleveland. I didn’t watch enough to know as many Indians as Sox.
What were they talking about this morning on 680, that someone in the Boston ownership group had something to do with breaking the Paul Byrd story right in the middle of the ALDS? With millions on the line, I guess there will be pitchers (and hitters, and football and basketball players) that roll the dice with steroids and HGH. The temptation of Paul Byrd.
Adding seats behind the plate at the Ted…less foul territory was the first thing I thought of. Goes both ways, but…
I felt fine until I got to work this morning…been sneezing ever since. Interesting ghost stuff on Q100, though I wonder how much of it was manufactured.
So last Friday the sale of our company went through, to the Platinum Group. The top three bigwigs “left the company” and a director from here in Norcross was named COO. They say they’re going to decentralize, which is good for us outlying types, I suppose.
Margaret, David & Mary’s 12 year old daughter is home from the hospital now, and is expected to recover fully from leukemia. There are more treatments, and she could lose her hair (she dyed it red for fun, since she was losing it anyway). The Hurts have received lots of support, particularly from Buckhead Church and Living Science, where my oldest two also attend. Ceil and the kids visited their new house yesterday…they’re going to fence in their yard and get some miniature horses.
Animal Farm
There I was in one of those focus groups, seated around a table. As I looked around I saw eight interesting looking individuals. Couple of them bore strong resemblance to an animal. It made me do something I normally don’t: In my mind I went around the room and assigned each an animal look-alike. I took a pen and wrote PDCMGDPB on my hand…my normal spot for jotting a quick must-remember note. The animal anagram.
PIG: Sorry! It was more her pink complexion than her weight, but both stood out all the more in her too-short-for-her black dress. Red hair.
Loveable Dog: The European moderator had a gentle smile and manner.
COW: Maybe I’m not the best at this, but I thought I saw her in Barnyard. A sometimes gentle, sometimes gruff mother, not too old or not too young. Lithonia resident…a long way from our Perimeter Mall-area setting. Afterwards in the elevator she was sharing focus group tips with the Donkey and Poodle…she loves the tax-free money, so she can be found most nights at a focus group. Has her young daughter in the same racket. Figure she takes in about $300.00 a week. Obviously she must stretch the truth to qualify for all these studies. The money would be nice, but I certainly don’t have the time or inclination to make it my second job.
Mule/Donkey: A “gentleman” older and more overweight than me. Long grey hair. Spins records on weekends, does focus groups during the week.
GOAT: Skinny, hard-working Nigerian entrepreneur in a dark shirt and monochromatic tie. Wanted us to know he did a lot of walking, a MARTA regular.
Angry but Devoted Sheep-Herding Dog: Working mother from Cartersville. Looked like a Texan, whose opinion was not to be swayed. Tough. Eyes close together like a sheep-herding dog. Very interesting / unusual name, which I forgot. Late in the session she rambled a conclusion, summing up each person’s stance…”Some are this, some are that. Some want to kill themselves…” WHAT? Did I miss something? Was she talking about herself! Sad, but I had to keep from laughing!
POODLE: A well groomed but casually-dressed lady older than me. Didn’t say much.
BULL: Big guy, didn’t say much either. Wore black urban attire. What he did say didn’t make much sense…seemed to contradict himself (I probably came across the same way).
Notice I skipped myself, vain soul that I am.
PIG: Sorry! It was more her pink complexion than her weight, but both stood out all the more in her too-short-for-her black dress. Red hair.
Loveable Dog: The European moderator had a gentle smile and manner.
COW: Maybe I’m not the best at this, but I thought I saw her in Barnyard. A sometimes gentle, sometimes gruff mother, not too old or not too young. Lithonia resident…a long way from our Perimeter Mall-area setting. Afterwards in the elevator she was sharing focus group tips with the Donkey and Poodle…she loves the tax-free money, so she can be found most nights at a focus group. Has her young daughter in the same racket. Figure she takes in about $300.00 a week. Obviously she must stretch the truth to qualify for all these studies. The money would be nice, but I certainly don’t have the time or inclination to make it my second job.
Mule/Donkey: A “gentleman” older and more overweight than me. Long grey hair. Spins records on weekends, does focus groups during the week.
GOAT: Skinny, hard-working Nigerian entrepreneur in a dark shirt and monochromatic tie. Wanted us to know he did a lot of walking, a MARTA regular.
Angry but Devoted Sheep-Herding Dog: Working mother from Cartersville. Looked like a Texan, whose opinion was not to be swayed. Tough. Eyes close together like a sheep-herding dog. Very interesting / unusual name, which I forgot. Late in the session she rambled a conclusion, summing up each person’s stance…”Some are this, some are that. Some want to kill themselves…” WHAT? Did I miss something? Was she talking about herself! Sad, but I had to keep from laughing!
POODLE: A well groomed but casually-dressed lady older than me. Didn’t say much.
BULL: Big guy, didn’t say much either. Wore black urban attire. What he did say didn’t make much sense…seemed to contradict himself (I probably came across the same way).
Notice I skipped myself, vain soul that I am.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
I'll take the Rockies
World Series prediction? I’ll take the Rockies, since the majority will pick Boston. I like Todd helton and maybe Holliday, and Boston's Manny, Papi, Wakefield, Schilling and his big mouth, Dice-K, the catcher from Tech, the 3rd-sacker from Miami, and even Beckett.
Leo Mazzone: I kinda think the Braves won’t hire him, even for the minor leagues. The Braves have tried to steer away from such volatile personalities over the years, like David Justice and Gary Sheffield. Roger McDowell may not be the best, but with Cox only having a year or three left, I doubt they’ll upset the apple cart.
Went to the dentist this morning, over across from Clairmont Hills Baptist.
Leo Mazzone: I kinda think the Braves won’t hire him, even for the minor leagues. The Braves have tried to steer away from such volatile personalities over the years, like David Justice and Gary Sheffield. Roger McDowell may not be the best, but with Cox only having a year or three left, I doubt they’ll upset the apple cart.
Went to the dentist this morning, over across from Clairmont Hills Baptist.
What is Your Favorite Spice?
Ceil took Anna & Matthew to the zoo last week.
When 13-year old Haley was riding with him, Matthew (now 9) asked,
"What is your favorite spice?"
I think it was a line from SpongeBob.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Living Science Senior Retreat Recap
The next few posts laboriously detail my past week on Tybee Island.
Each day adds info that culmanates in a quite funny experience.
Hopefully you didn't have to be there.
Let me know if any details are inaccurate!
Enjoy!?
Each day adds info that culmanates in a quite funny experience.
Hopefully you didn't have to be there.
Let me know if any details are inaccurate!
Enjoy!?
Wednesday: New Friends, Young & Old
I was the last driver to arrive, 15 minutes “late.” As the chaperones / drivers met, I met Lynn; a friend of Ceil’s who lives nearby. I figured out Tammy was the mother of Abby, who I’ve driven home before. Will’s English teacher Sandy was also going on the trip. Since they know Ceil, they were interested in getting to know me. Hopefully this will yield more carpools!
We still departed early, at 5:45 am. I didn’t know the four high schoolers in my first group. Lain rode shotgun and plays soccer, but is working on his football kicking. North of Macon the students switched, and Andrew, the slugging catcher, rode shotgun. Will and basketball marvel DJ rode the last leg of the trip.
The male chaperones were responsible for keeping the beverage coolers well stocked, which meant us Diet Coke devotes were never lacking at meals served without Cokes. It always takes a while for the chaperones to get to know each other, and which kids belong to whom. Bryan saw me speaking several times to dark-headed guitar-player Kyle, my young friend I’d chaperoned on two earlier expeditions…and asked if Kyle was my son.
Discovered junior servant leader MaryKathryn enjoyed jokes, so I tried to have one ready every time I saw her. She reminded me of Kelly Curran.
We arrived at our Tybee hotel in time for lunch on the ocean pier, then we drove over to tour the Tybee lighthouse and museum. The guide pointed out homes owned by John Mellencamp and Sandra Bulloch. While half the group toured, the other half worked on a science project on the nearby beach.
After supper popular teacher Andy spoke on Monarch butterflies…how a chubby six-eyed caterpillar enters his cocoon, turns into a yellow liquid, then into a skinny four-eyed butterfly with wing markings resembling predator eyes (to ward off enemies). Monarchs migrate thousands of miles over several generations, returning to the same area south of Mexico City…without brains. Andy’s point: Evolutionists don’t have an explanation for this.
Kyle and Willis & David Norman performed a short skit from “Monty Python & the Holy Grail” Mr. Cain, another popular teacher, leaned over to me and asked “Bring back memories?”
We still departed early, at 5:45 am. I didn’t know the four high schoolers in my first group. Lain rode shotgun and plays soccer, but is working on his football kicking. North of Macon the students switched, and Andrew, the slugging catcher, rode shotgun. Will and basketball marvel DJ rode the last leg of the trip.
The male chaperones were responsible for keeping the beverage coolers well stocked, which meant us Diet Coke devotes were never lacking at meals served without Cokes. It always takes a while for the chaperones to get to know each other, and which kids belong to whom. Bryan saw me speaking several times to dark-headed guitar-player Kyle, my young friend I’d chaperoned on two earlier expeditions…and asked if Kyle was my son.
Discovered junior servant leader MaryKathryn enjoyed jokes, so I tried to have one ready every time I saw her. She reminded me of Kelly Curran.
We arrived at our Tybee hotel in time for lunch on the ocean pier, then we drove over to tour the Tybee lighthouse and museum. The guide pointed out homes owned by John Mellencamp and Sandra Bulloch. While half the group toured, the other half worked on a science project on the nearby beach.
After supper popular teacher Andy spoke on Monarch butterflies…how a chubby six-eyed caterpillar enters his cocoon, turns into a yellow liquid, then into a skinny four-eyed butterfly with wing markings resembling predator eyes (to ward off enemies). Monarchs migrate thousands of miles over several generations, returning to the same area south of Mexico City…without brains. Andy’s point: Evolutionists don’t have an explanation for this.
Kyle and Willis & David Norman performed a short skit from “Monty Python & the Holy Grail” Mr. Cain, another popular teacher, leaned over to me and asked “Bring back memories?”
Thursday: The Videographer's Assistants
We set up an operation in the town park, where we had lunch. As the boys played a quick football game I saw Lain kick a decent placement. Later I noticed it was a hard rubber football…the hardest kind to kick. I was even more impressed with his boot. The kids walked to a nearby wilderness area and collected insects. It was funny to see big boys running and jumping trying to catch butterflies. Afterwards they identified the specific insect.
A videographer arrived to document these studies…they are to be turned into curriculum to be sold to home school families for individual use. Tammy and Sandy were drafted to assist and record video taken and needed.
That night Andy spoke on fresh-water mollusks, which attract fish with an amazing decoy technique. The mollusk deploys an appendage with markings that look exactly like a small fish…it even has markings like eyes. This attracts a larger fish. Just as the fish tries to take a bite, the blind mollusk shoots its eggs into the fish’s mouth, where they attach to the gills to grow. When larger they drop off and repeat the process. Again, unexplainable by evolutionists.
We also saw a film on how the earth is situated in a specific area in the solar system and Milky Way, making it most conducive not only for life, but also telescopic exploration of the universe.
In elaborate costumes David Norman, Meg, and other students dramatisized caterpillars turning into butterflies in a humorous skit.
Kyle and Andrew played in the band, and Will had his first go at the video board, broadcasting words to songs.
A videographer arrived to document these studies…they are to be turned into curriculum to be sold to home school families for individual use. Tammy and Sandy were drafted to assist and record video taken and needed.
That night Andy spoke on fresh-water mollusks, which attract fish with an amazing decoy technique. The mollusk deploys an appendage with markings that look exactly like a small fish…it even has markings like eyes. This attracts a larger fish. Just as the fish tries to take a bite, the blind mollusk shoots its eggs into the fish’s mouth, where they attach to the gills to grow. When larger they drop off and repeat the process. Again, unexplainable by evolutionists.
We also saw a film on how the earth is situated in a specific area in the solar system and Milky Way, making it most conducive not only for life, but also telescopic exploration of the universe.
In elaborate costumes David Norman, Meg, and other students dramatisized caterpillars turning into butterflies in a humorous skit.
Kyle and Andrew played in the band, and Will had his first go at the video board, broadcasting words to songs.
Friday: The Golden Idea
After a morning beach project, we toured nearby Fort Polaski. Walked past a young alligator basking in the sun. As we listened to an actor speak on history of the fort, someone’s walkie-talkie crackled to life, and everyone heard the leader’s voice say it was time for the students to return to the cars. The poor actor lost 90% of his audience!
Drove to a nearby picnic area for a cookout. After lunch the kids broke back up into groups and entered the adjacent march, to collect crabs and other wildlife samples for study. Some got muddier than others, and many boys wore muddy handprints on their shirts.
Tammy and Sandy again assisted the straight-laced videographer. Tammy is an East Cobb mom with long blonde hair (on this day pulled back in a ponytail, sticking through the rear opening of her pink-trimmed Auburn cap). Looks like the former Georgia State tennis player she was. Sandy looks like the English teacher she is, and is greatly loved by her students. She wore her glasses and straw hat trimmed in pink decorative fabric familiar to the students. Sandy joked she was old enough to be Tammy’s mother, though Tammy said that was a stretch.
While the two weren’t peas-in-a-pod, they hung together all weekend like BFFs, enjoying their videographer assistant duties a little too much. As we cleaned up the area at the end of the day Tammy and Sandy planned out their futures, which apparently included Hollywood, limousines, gowns, chocolates, rehab, and guest spots on Oprah.
My mind raced back to my days at church youth camp, where this was golden skit material. I quickly shared this with Mrs. Switzer, whose role I aspire: guardian of skits. She agreed, and called over dark-haired Meg, the fun-loving senior. Meg enlisted blonde Marykathryn to play Tammy, and both began studying the chaperone ladies for the skit.
As fate would have it, a few minutes later students gathered as Sandy’s daughter performed somersaults. Sandy proclaimed that she could do better, and proceeded to execute several of her own. Then Tammy emptied her pockets and tucked in her shirt as the crowing crowd cheered her on (and her teenage daughter Abby cowered in embarrassment). Her somersaults were even better, and the crowd roared. Then tall Willis Norman tried some.
I was standing next to the boisterous Andrew. He loudly called me by my Living Science nickname, and the crowd joined in. “Krypto! Krypto! Krypto!” I’d never tried a somersault in my life, and wasn’t quick-witted enough to think of anything else. I made a half-hearted attempt, making sure to wind up on the ground for comedic effect.
Jim, another chaperone (and school trustee), stood on his head. Senior gymnast Brittany ended the performance impressively, by going from a split to a handstand.
Drove to a nearby picnic area for a cookout. After lunch the kids broke back up into groups and entered the adjacent march, to collect crabs and other wildlife samples for study. Some got muddier than others, and many boys wore muddy handprints on their shirts.
Tammy and Sandy again assisted the straight-laced videographer. Tammy is an East Cobb mom with long blonde hair (on this day pulled back in a ponytail, sticking through the rear opening of her pink-trimmed Auburn cap). Looks like the former Georgia State tennis player she was. Sandy looks like the English teacher she is, and is greatly loved by her students. She wore her glasses and straw hat trimmed in pink decorative fabric familiar to the students. Sandy joked she was old enough to be Tammy’s mother, though Tammy said that was a stretch.
While the two weren’t peas-in-a-pod, they hung together all weekend like BFFs, enjoying their videographer assistant duties a little too much. As we cleaned up the area at the end of the day Tammy and Sandy planned out their futures, which apparently included Hollywood, limousines, gowns, chocolates, rehab, and guest spots on Oprah.
My mind raced back to my days at church youth camp, where this was golden skit material. I quickly shared this with Mrs. Switzer, whose role I aspire: guardian of skits. She agreed, and called over dark-haired Meg, the fun-loving senior. Meg enlisted blonde Marykathryn to play Tammy, and both began studying the chaperone ladies for the skit.
As fate would have it, a few minutes later students gathered as Sandy’s daughter performed somersaults. Sandy proclaimed that she could do better, and proceeded to execute several of her own. Then Tammy emptied her pockets and tucked in her shirt as the crowing crowd cheered her on (and her teenage daughter Abby cowered in embarrassment). Her somersaults were even better, and the crowd roared. Then tall Willis Norman tried some.
I was standing next to the boisterous Andrew. He loudly called me by my Living Science nickname, and the crowd joined in. “Krypto! Krypto! Krypto!” I’d never tried a somersault in my life, and wasn’t quick-witted enough to think of anything else. I made a half-hearted attempt, making sure to wind up on the ground for comedic effect.
Jim, another chaperone (and school trustee), stood on his head. Senior gymnast Brittany ended the performance impressively, by going from a split to a handstand.
The Skit
Back at the hotel Mrs. Switzer and the girls huddled. David Norman was cast as the videographer. He came out and scouted about, finally calling back off-stage for the ladies to come out.
Out bounded Meg and MaryKathryn, wearing Sandy and Tammy’s hats. MK had her jeans rolled up to match Tammy’s. The crowd loved it, including Sandy and Tammy (and Abby-her mom was now famous!). Meg and MK spoke of shopping and the horrible mud, driving David more crazy than Sandy & Tammy ever could. Meg/Sandy bragged on one of her students…Meg, of course. Meg and MK sang ‘Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better’ and stumbled through somersaults. Then they called offstage “Mr. Murphy!”
Out came Kyle. When Kyle had been drafted to play me, he asked what costume he should wear. He couldn’t accept just dressing normal, so he put together his own outfit…white T-shirt with a large blue (duct-taped) “K” and a shiny cape. Kyle made his entrance and said “I am Krypto! Mud? I run marathons through mud! And water! And fire!” The girls pointed and asked “Is that a skirt you’re wearing?” Kyle stammered “It is a Kilt!” With that he performed a forward roll much better than mine. The skit was a huge success, a riot.
Afterwards Sandy and Tammy learned the skit was my idea, and I had some explaining to do.
Out bounded Meg and MaryKathryn, wearing Sandy and Tammy’s hats. MK had her jeans rolled up to match Tammy’s. The crowd loved it, including Sandy and Tammy (and Abby-her mom was now famous!). Meg and MK spoke of shopping and the horrible mud, driving David more crazy than Sandy & Tammy ever could. Meg/Sandy bragged on one of her students…Meg, of course. Meg and MK sang ‘Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better’ and stumbled through somersaults. Then they called offstage “Mr. Murphy!”
Out came Kyle. When Kyle had been drafted to play me, he asked what costume he should wear. He couldn’t accept just dressing normal, so he put together his own outfit…white T-shirt with a large blue (duct-taped) “K” and a shiny cape. Kyle made his entrance and said “I am Krypto! Mud? I run marathons through mud! And water! And fire!” The girls pointed and asked “Is that a skirt you’re wearing?” Kyle stammered “It is a Kilt!” With that he performed a forward roll much better than mine. The skit was a huge success, a riot.
Afterwards Sandy and Tammy learned the skit was my idea, and I had some explaining to do.
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