a better day

CATHARSIS-the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, esp. through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music.

So after yesterday's whine fest, I woke this morning feeling a little better about things.

Because the "shrinkage meter" was registering at normal levels after 3 days at defcon 5, I took the dog for a twenty minute walk/jog and then came home and did some stuff in the living room...a few pushups, situps, etc.

Maybe Old Red was right...."get busy livin', or get busy dyin'." We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Lifes' vicissitudes

"in singing garments Comes royally, at call -

Comes limber-hipped Indiff'renceFree stepping, straight and tall -

Comes singing and lamenting,The sweetest pipe of all."---Robert Louis Stevenson

RLS was writing about how his love had wained from passion into indifference, but I can relate his words to my feelings about getting into shape, work, life, everything.

I'm feeling blah about just about everything in my world right now. The blatant commercialism of the season, that I buy into hook, line and sinker. My job, which alternates between incredible goodness, and soul searing boredom. Even the family, usually my anchor, holds no special warmth right now. When I look at #1 son, I find that my pal, the bright, sensitive, empathetic creature whose company I once loved to keep, is gone. Replaced by a beast known as teenager, whose self-centeredness swallows everything around it, like a black hole, with hormones.

My quest for fitness seems like a lost dream. I can't find the gumption to fight the single digit temps and go out and do anything. My diet is a train wreck, derailed by crazy schedule, depression and a love of all things food.

I'm also miffed at the realization that my old office will soon be closing for the holidays, while the new gig shifts into panicked crunch mode. It's the first time I've missed the old place.

So now the question becomes how to shake this pall that hangs over me. I hope that Friday's festivities will snap me out of it. Adult conversation and competition at the euchre table, along with eats, drinks, and the like. (so my diet may continue to suffer, but hopefully my spirit will renew)

If not, I suppose I could fire up a fattie and party like 1999. Nah. I'd just get the munchies and blow my diet on doritos instead of Christmas cookies.

The Lion Sleeps tonight...

[tip of the Illini basketball hat to the Tokens]

The Lion sleeps now. His roar extinguished by smoke and flames at the age of 65.

I've been thinking about what I would say about him for a few weeks, now, and I still don't know. He was a good man. Flawed, but unlike so many, willing to freely admit those flaws. Many who knew him in his later years mistook his certainty for arrogance rather than for what it really was. If he knew something, he knew it. Period. If he didn't know it, he learned it.

His body gave out on him, largely due to his habit of ignoring warning signs until they became five alarm conflagrations, but his mind was still keen. His lack of success in long term relationships with the ladies was legendary. So much so that our in joke was that I would ask him for advice, then do just the opposite and find success.

He loved his grandkids, but he wasn't close to them. By the time they came along, his patience, never abundant, had worn away completely and he could only handle their company in measured doses.

The Cardinals and Illini were his passion, and he passed that love on to me. He read insatiably until his last days, and I see that trait in #1 son and I smile. They were just beginning to find common ground when the end came.

He was vain enough to not go out in public wearing his O2, which I found disappointing because he wouldn't attend his grand kids athletic events. We tussled about this ceaselessly. I even have a six pack that I bought at his request in my fridge, because he wouldn't come over and drink it with me, as much as I atttempted to entice him.

So many more things to say. Before his health failed, he was the life of the party, the one everyone knew and liked. I would have liked to have been around when he ruled CU. It must have been one hell of a ride. He had a fantastic sense of humor. He and I found humor in places that no one else could. It was a great bond to have.

If heaven has a softball team, I imagine he's playing 3rd base and driving the opponent crazy with his opposite field base hits. Then it's on to the "Lockerroom", for coldies and conversation. I hope they let me play some day.

It's not just me!

that thinks Bret fahvruh is the anti christ. Here's a rant from the message board on my fantasy fb league....

"Coo coo, kachoo. I am the egg man. Wait…maybe that was Paul or was it John. Well he is dead. WTF. I had to check to see who else Deron had for a QB, because if he played him on the matchup, he’d be the smartest mo-fo I’d know. But no. That wasn’t the case. His beloved Pay-a-ton Whanning had a bye. So he had to play is dead backup QB, and what happens? He sets a career record and ties a franchise record held by master cosksman Joe Namath. Now anytime someone mentions Broadway Joe I’ll have to hear about Brett Faravarav. And you know it’ll happen: Al Michaels: “Joe Namath scored 6 TDs against a team in his third season.” Madden: “Urr yaa, but Brett Farve scored 6TD’s in his fourth game as a Jet, with an entire team of Mini-Ditkas on defense, pushing against the tide of Katrina, and Napoleons’ eastern front. Brett Farve! Brett Farve!” Al Michaels: “I think it was Arizona, John.” Madden: “Fuck you, Al. Yer sucha bitch.” NBC was concerned at the conclusion of the game, because Madden jerked his turducken so long he went into a coma. Lucky Al Michaels was able to get the soaked and stained jockstrap Brett wore in the 92 Super Bowl, which hangs over the headboard in Madden’s bus, to resuscitate Madden before SNF. Whew. That was a close one. CLEAR!! The NFL needs to put in a new rule that if you belong to AARP you can’t play. He’s going to get hit one of these times and disintegrate into powder like those mummies do in that one movie. Shit what’s it called? Oh ya. The Mummy. So as if having the one thing in football I believe is the most unholy of unholy have a sold-my-sole-to-the-devil-day, I lost to Darren. And I’m not going to say, “No offense”, because I truly mean offense. Next time play Trent Green. He’s almost as old."

I'm hip.

brothers

Though you are in your shining days,
Voices among the crowd
And new friends busy with your praise,
Be not unkind or proud,
But think about old friends the most:
Time's bitter flood will rise,
Your beauty perish and be lost
For all eyes but these eyes.-----Yeats

There's a guy who lives in VG who was my stepbrother for 20+ years. Great guy, really. Loves his wife and loves his kids and loves their kids, but I don't really know him. We live two miles apart and see each other twice a year, and we're not bitter about it. There's no latent animosity. We're just at vastly different places in our lives and neither of us have the time or desire to mend what really isn't broken.

then there are those four rowdies whom I consider to be my true brothers....

I know that we've had our disagreements...about women, and 40th birthdays (sorry bro', sincerely) and gun control, (it doesn't work, TSE!), and Michigan football tix (I can't believe the whiff took a stand on the issue, Mikey!) but I know that when I truly need you guys, you'll be there for me, and vice versa. I appreciate all that you do for me, and I wanted to say it publicly. I still find it hard to believe that it all started with a summer job at Hardee's. (no offense, Melbs) Here's to the next 44 years, fellas!

Porches, hangovers, etc

The refuse from the porch has been hauled away and now it's time for Soffit, fascia, siding & gutters.

The plan was to get to it on Sunday, but that went to Hell in a handcart when I stayed up way late, playing Mexican dice and drinking with my sister unit & her hubbie, plus #2 sis & the madre. I've felt worse than I felt on Sunday, but not often! The boss, being sage beyond compare, ditched me around 11:30 and was into blissful repose long before I staggered in, grazed on whatever presented itself in the fridge and then collapsed on the couch. I must admit that it was a great time, one I want to repeat, just not any time soon, and preferably without the side effects monopolizing my Sunday.

Cookie's JFL B team won their second game in a row Saturday, but the lightweights lost. Soccer is in full swing, with all three kids having their first game this Saturday. I'm excited to see if their hard work will be rewarded.

We'll have to run concessions for three home games while the Princess plays in Tuscola, so it will be interesting, to say the least.

Bears!

No. Not the decidedly mediocre monsters of the midway, who snatched almost certain defeat from the jaws of victory yesterday. I'm not talking about the baby bears who reside at Waveland and Sheffield and who clinched the division at the expense of my beloved redbirds, either.

I'm talking about Ursus Americanus. The American Black Bear. A half mile from my deer hunting spot in the wilds of Hugo! Crazy, right? Rumor has it that one of the locals struck it with a vehicle in Pennsylvania and brought it home to play a trick on someone, which if it turns out to be illegal, will mean that Cubby could end up biting the guy after all.

I swear there's a world series metaphor in all of this, but I'm damned if I'll say that the Northsiders hopes will probably end up road kill, just like the Hugo Bruin. That would be too easy.

lessons

A few weeks ago, without prior notice, the school dismissed early due to excessive heat. I can't remember ever being prouder of my children and their subsequent actions. Mini-me immediately went to the princesses' classroom, found her and kept her with him. He then returned to his class and used the classroom phone to call the boss for instruction. #1 son, having been dismissed a few minutes later, then found his way to them and together they proceeded to the bosses' workplace. It makes me think that the underlying themes of family, togetherness, and looking out for one another that Jules and I stress ad nauseum just might be sinking in. Or we're extremely lucky to have such GREAT kids!

#1 son is now playing soccer with mini me. This is his first real foray into organized team sports, and he seems to be enjoying it. He's got innate talent, but has to think about every move rather than letting instinct dictate.

The Princess is going to be a beast, if she chooses to continue. She's fast, tough and fearless.

Mini-Me is excellent, but he needs to remember to play within the rules...he gets a little chippy at times....probably a bi-product of playing football.

After two weeks my fantasy league team, the VGBuffones, is on life support. My QB sucks and the two receivers I counted on most are hurt. Kinda funny, but not being versed in Chicago Bears history, two of my opponents mis read my team name. One thought I had misspelled buffoons, and the one I liked most was the Fabulous Redhead thinking I was saying Buff Ones!

Doug, they're sorry. They know not what they do!

She gone!

The porch is gone. Long live the porch. We cut it into pieces and hauled it to the recycling center. (made a righteous $30, too) So now I have to repair/replace soffits & fascia, put up a few pieces of siding and gutter, and call it done! It dramatically changed the appearance of the house from the drive/alley. Pictures will be posted when it's completed.

In JFL news...VG returned to their losing ways on Sunday. the B's lost 12-0 and the lightweights were anihilated, 34-0. Mini Me isn't getting to play much...not sure why. He certainly wouldn't do any worse than the product we've been putting on the field. He's really shining in soccer. I'm beginning to wonder if his future lies in a sport other than football. He's so small compared to everyone else. It will be his decision, ultimately.

The princess seems to really be getting into soccer this season, doing everything asked of her by the coaches. She's going full speed, running and sweating and not shying from contact.

#1 son continues to practice HRD. As he advances in belt rank, the materials become more and more complicated & physically demanding. I can't wait to see how far he takes it. He's adjusting well to junior high.

Sweet, sweet Victory!!

The winner takes all

It's the thrill of one more kill

The last one to fall

Will never sacrifice their will

Don't ever look back

on the wind closing in

The only attack

were their wings on the wind

oh the daydream begins

And it's sweet, sweet, sweet victory,

And it's ours for the taking

It's ours for the fight

And it's sweet, sweet, sweet victory,

And the world is ours to follow

Sweet sweet sweet victory ---------Spongebob Squarepants

Finally, after almost 1-1/2 seasons, mini me's team emerged victorious, defeating South Piatt 30-12. Countless repetitions, situps, wind sprints in 90 degree weather, and they've finally been rewarded with the taste of victory. They're only 10, so it's probably not as sweet a vintage as the draught the coaches are sipping. When you're ten, a new sun rises every day. Hope springs eternal. You're not burdened by a litany of failures and almosts and coulda beens. When you're ten, you can still dream of playing in the big leagues. You can dream of having a house full of snakes and Rottweilers complete with a guest house so your mom can still come visit. As a dad, I hope that my kids' days are always filled with snakes and rottweilers, or kitties kept upstairs so they don't make daddy sneeze when he visits. So innocent. So perfect.

FOOOOOOOTTTTTBAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!

Cookie's first game was last Saturday against Unity, and they played very well. As is tradition, a few of the second year guys move down and play with the first year team, and he made several tackles. The team lost 6-0, but Unity's team is comprised soley of 5th graders. He then got to play with the lightweights, and they fell 12-0 after fumbling twice inside the 20. The junior high team then beat the rockets 32-20, after being up 32-8 at the beginning of the 4th quarter. I'm confident that the little guys are going to win some games this season. Next up, Monticello at home at 3 pm. That will probably be a tough one, but then the rest of the games are very winnable.

It's funny, but I take great comfort in knowing virtually everyone in attendance at these sporting events. VG isn't wonderful, but it's home, and there's just something about that small town closeness that I think I'd miss elsewhere.

The boss has been getting up at dark thirty to walk with me, and #1 son then does a 1/2 hour work out twice a week. Today, I threw in a 10 minute lifting session and worked the heavy bag for 5 more. Great workout, and my arms are fried.

Work is crazy busy as we push toward the September start. lots of long days, but ultimately rewarding.

"The Sensitive One..."

In conversation last evening, the point was made that I've always been "the sensitive one". I can't deny it. My feathers are easily ruffled, my feelings get hurt, my psyche gets bruised, easily. Too easily probably. Because I'm aware of it, I have to filter everything through this lens. For example, when we invite 50 people to a swim party for cookie's birthday, and 20 of them don't rsvp, am I being overly sensitive when I get angry? When my sis and her hubbie, who live 3 hours away, drive to within 3 miles of my house to party and don't even bother to give me a call, am I wrong to think that maybe I'm not as relevant to them as they are to me? I think an argument can be made that I have a right to be a bit upset, but probably not to the extent that I take it. Of course, etiquette and good taste are on my side, but that's cold comfort.

Cookie's baseball season has ended. The team went 0-2 in their final tournament, and looked like a bunch of guys who were tired of baseball as they did it. Cookie proved that he belonged, as he reached base once and smoked a liner right at the 2nd baseman in another at bat, while playing stellar left field, a position he hadn't played all season. Football practice starts tonight. Yippee!

Zachary has earned his Green Belt in HRD, and spent the last week at Camp Drake, with the boy scouts. He's growing up, showing a level of maturity and sophistication that was sorely missing 6 months ago. Of course, he's 12, so he can still be dorky, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I've seen the prematurely mature thing up close, and it's ugly.

Tommie Anne taught herself to swim...yesterday. Thursday, she refused to get in the pool without a floaty...today she swam under water from one side of the pool to the other. Without prompting, or coaching, or help. Wierd, yet very cool.

more reflecting...

Time! on whose arbitrary wingThe varying hours must flag or fly,Whose tardy winter, fleeting spring,But drag or drive us on to die---(tip o' the Cardinals Cap to Lord Byron)

Kind of a bleak passage, in fact the whole poem is pretty much a downer, but kind of matching the spirits today. Tomorrow is the first day of July, and I feel like the days are flying past at an incomprehensible rate. #1 son turned 12 last week. 4 years until he's driving. 6 years until graduation, heartbreaks, failures, successes, joy and sorrow all in his path, and nothing a dad that loves him more than life itself can do but stand on the sidelines and offer encouragement.

Enough of the maudlin...let's get on with the progress reports...

Cookie's continuing to aquit himself well at all-star practices...proving that he belongs. The tournament is in Paris, IL so we've got some commuting to look forward to.

#1 son's green belt test was laid low by the flu. He'll be testing in July, apparently.

The bulk of the trim work has been completed in the lr & hall way. We have some touching up to do, and I need to trim out the kitchen & bath, but it's progressing nicely. I can't say enough about the Bostitch brad nailer. It's a life saver.

I've been running & walking twice a week, but the results aren't where I want them to be. Could it be the beer and late night dinners? Nah....

updates...

Take me out to the ballgame indeed...More baseball is in our future. Cookie made the All Star team!! I think he might be a bit outmatched by some of the stud pitchers he'll be facing, but he won't embarrass himself in the field and it will be a great experience for him. Our last regular game is tommorrow. we've overcome adversity and grown as a team and as players, but the record doesn't really reflect it. Next comes the league tournament...then all stars....then football starts July 19.

#1 son is testing for Green belt this week. Unreal...one more belt and he'll be half way to being a black belt. It's going to be difficult enforcing curfew on the boy when he can side kick me in the face.

The princess is so funny and pretty and smart. She's having a ball this summer, hanging at the ball park with her friends.

The floor is in and looks great. We found some end tables at a garage sale that fit perfectly. All we need to do is put in the base, wrap the front door and touch up some paint and the interior will be complete. The porch will be coming down in the near future. Then start replacing/repairing windows. Gutters are on the distant horizon...We're getting there.

Oh, and when you're invited to a party, always go. Otherwise the party might show up at your house. We had 20+ people show up at our house uninvited Saturday night around 9. 15 kids in a 15 ft pool. YEESH.

Good thing the neighbors already hated me.

sweet, sweet victory

The team finally pulled one out, and everyone played extremely well! Mini me made several outstanding plays at 2nd, including one where he grabbed a grounder, tagged the runner and very nearly outran the guy to first for the double play. He scored a couple runs and seemed to be enjoying the game again. the last few games seemed like they had been drudgery.

I've lost 7 pounds...hurray. As I've said before, that's equivalent to a flea jumping off the ass of jumbo the circus elephant. No beers since Memorial day. No bread, pizza, potatoes. Basically meat. Lots and lots of meat.

The remodel moves forward. new floors this weekend!! I'm stoked.

catching up...

So the remodeling project moves forward. The boss is amazing in her single minded focus. Front door is now in. Kitchen, living room, hall way and bath are painted. Cabinets are nearly finished, with fresh paint and new hardware. (Hinges and handles are significantly more than we expected, but still less than all new cabinets!) I finally finished trimming out the bathroom...it's only been two years since we put the new window in! I also trimmed out the patio door. This weekend, the porch comes down, and in two weeks we get the new flooring for the living room and after putting new base trim in, we'll be DONE for a while, I hope. A buddy of mine loaned me his brad nailer. I'll never hang another piece of trim without it, if I can help it.

The kids are, quite simply, amazing. The princess earned high marks in every subject, and the boys both made the honor roll after having terrible midterms. Mini me was in the top 5 in his class in AR (advanced reading) points, and #1 son had the most points in his class, by far.

Baseball season isn't going like we wished. We still haven't won, but the team is getting better every game. The light bulb's going to come on one of these days and we'll get a w. Mini me's in a hitting slump right now. His attitude has deteriorated to the point where he might find himself riding the pine at tonight's game, all because he fancies himself a pitcher. he's gotten better, but he has to understand that coaches kids are held to a different standard of behavior. If the other kids see a coach's kid acting up or pouting, they think it's acceptable and it all goes to hell.

Stepdad turned 70 on Saturday, and we partied all day long. Sister unit and her fam came up from the loo. It's amazing how much their children are growing, but I guess mine are too.

The class of 2008 graduated from VG recently...reading their bios in the paper made me sad and more that a tad jealous, because I should have been one of the beaming parents, helping to pick out a college, finding the first apartment, etc. Instead, I drove her to rehab, to keep her out of prison. Temporarily, probably.

In fat boy tries to get skinny news...I'm cutting carbs, ( no beer since last monday, so sell your A-B stock, immediately...or wait until that european company buys it!) and I lost 4 pounds last week. I ran/walked about 1-1/2 miles on Thursday, and then did the same or a little more on Saturday. Will try to squeeze in a jog tonight after work and before the game.

Cookie is the man!

Mini me, who's nickname has become Cookie based on a football incident involving his helmet and a bag of chocolate chip cookies, was the man at our game Monday. He smoked a double to right, and played flawlessly at second base, getting three put outs.

One of our best players, "the flash", was seriously injured in a car wreck Friday night and is out for the season, but it could have been worse. So much worse. He's young and resilient, and he'll get well and life will go on. Unfortunately, from a baseball standpoint, he was our catcher, and run after run scored when we couldn't find anyone who can catch a pitched ball. In the great scheme of things, a minor set back, but we really need to get a win for the kids, who've been working so hard since March. The coaches could use a win too. We play again Thursday, and then twice next week, and we'll continue to work hard to get better.

The raffle was relatively successful, raising $1800 toward the new concession stand, and the grand prize winner donated the $650 back to Summer Rec. They'll use it to stock the concession stand for the rest of the summer.

I remain the BIG FAT LOSER, and am too busy to care about my weight right now. We're going to put in a new front door this weekend, and hopefully finish up the last of the painting, in anticipation of our eminent "George Bush" flooring installation.

mi vida loca

My crazy life, indeed. The princess turns 7 tomorrow, and so we're (the boss, mostly) prepping for that. Mini me's baseball is in full gear...we're 0-2...not hitting at all....Soccer's final fling is this Saturday, and on top of all that, the raffle I started to pay for the new concession stand comes to it's end Saturday, during "opening day" ceremonies for baseball. Even though we've played a couple games, we're going to have a big deal to welcome the season, with inflatables, player intros, the whole nine yards. HRD continues, with #1 son continuing to build on his Wisconsin success.

There has been no action health-wise. I'm not exercising, I'm drinking too much, and I'm eating junk. But at least I've got brutal self evaluation to keep me warm at night.

parental pride

#1 son isn't known for his public displays. In fact, he quit baseball because "everyone looks at me" when he's at bat. So, for him to overcome his trepidation and to perform well at the HRD midwest tournament was quite an accomplishment. It's true, what they say about having kids. It's eminently easier to bowl a strike with the match on the line or get a game winning hit in the bottom of the ninth than it is to watch your child make a similar attempt. I can relate to the elation that my friend the nerdgardener felt when his son, "Kenny" scored his first basket. #1 son finished second in weapons and second in sparring, which I think is pretty amazing considering the fact that this was his first tournament.

In employment news, the new job seems to be for real. I am really liking what we're trying to do here, and the way they're going about it is comfortable also.

Mini me's first baseball game is tomorrow, against the other vg team, so bragging rights are on the line. I wish the kids were as confident in their abilities as I am. Soccer wraps up this weekend, but plans are in place for a end of the season bash next Saturday.

still busy

Every year is getting shorter, never seem to find the timePlans that either come to naught or half a page of scribbled linesHanging on in quiet desperation is the english wayThe time is gone, the song is over, thought Id something more to say (tip of the Illini cap to Pink Floyd)

I started my new job yesterday...early indications are that it's going to be good. Of course I've done nothing but new employee orientation things, but I'm getting a good vibe.

In youth sports news. We're half way through the soccer season. The princess' team is 1-1 and mini me's is 0-2, but they've both shown improvement as the season has progressed. We'll miss this weeks game to go to Madison, WI for #1 son's first Hwa Rang Do tournament. Since I won't be able to take a vacation this summer, we're going to stay a couple nights in a hotel with a pool and try to make it a mini vacation. Mini me's first baseball game is next Monday. I am anxious to see where the team stands.

We got the kitchen and hall way painted Sunday. The "applesauce cake" color was a tad darker than we invisioned, but not bad. We will contrast it with bright white trim and ceiling and we're probably going to paint the kitchen cabinets white also and add new hardware. Next weekend is "opening day" of little league, and VG is making a big production out of it, with inflatables, grilling, etc. Sounds like fun.

busy

Time has come today Young hearts can go their way Can't put it off another day I don't care what others say They say we don't listen anyway Time has come today (tip of the cardinal cap to the Chambers Brothers)

The time for my job change is approaching, and I find myself with a severe case of short timer's disease. Problem is, I care too much about the students I'm serving to be the slacker I want to be. troubles.

The old lion has been moved from hospital to convalescence center, and he seems to be convalescing nicely, if his demeanor with the staff is any indication. He should be released unto the world in the next couple weeks.

Mini me's soccer team is looking decent. There's some talent there, but the same issues we work on season after season are manifesting themselves. They all swarm to the ball like me to a buffet line, never holding their position on the field, which comes back to bite them when they lose possession.

The baseball team is shaping up pretty nicely. The game's still not instinctive for most of them, which leads to some slow decision making, but we'll keep drilling it into their craniums until it comes a bit more naturally. I've lost 5+ pounds (which, as I've said before is the equivalent of a flea jumping off the ass of a circus elephant) simply by curtailing my lunches out and by participating in soccer and baseball practice. I threw about 90 minutes of bp last saturday...the arm felt like it was going to fall off....First soccer game is this saturday, so we'll see what we have. The princess is also playing, and for once I'll be able to watch her games without coaching duties.

4-4-68

Early Morning, April 4, shots ring out in the memphis sky...free at last, they took your life, but they could not take your pride. ( tip of the cap to U2, obviously)

I've been ruminating on something for quite some time now. Why is it that so many African Americans seem so hell bent on destroying their own lives? From the recent report citing the graduation numbers in our inner cities to Chris Henry. From OJ to Michael Vick to the drive by on first street earlier in the week. As about the whitest white dude ever, I can't pretend to see the world through african eyes, but it seems self evident to me that all of these thugs and bangers and criminals are doing the worst sort of disservice to the memories of Dr. King, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, WEB DuBois and the other luminaries of the black rights movement. Today's black man has opportunities that his forefathers could only dream about, and it's a damned shame when they don't take advantage.

I once worked for an african american lady here at the U who did, and I'm trying not to use hyperbole, nothing each and every day. After observing her for several months, I asked her if she were afraid of retribution for her months of contributing zero to the operation of the unit. She looked me in the eye and said "I'm an african american single mother. They couldn't get me out of here with a stick of dynamite." Pretty much sums up the issues I have with affirmative action and other "equality" initiatives. She had no interest in being given equal opportunity. She believed she was entitled to her position based simply on the color of her skin....exactly what these programs were obstensively designed to combat.

on the exercise front...I played one on one for about a half hour with mini me last night. I worked up a good lather and had to hit some late threes to salvage victory. It's true...I was very nearly schooled by a nine year old!

parable, revisited

The old lion has gone back to carle. The same maladies resurface every 6 months, and I can't help but feel resentful because for 60 years he did nothing to address them and now I am expected to pay the checks that he wrote by abusing his body for all those years. I AM happy to still have him around, as most of my best friends have lost their dads. I just wish that he wouldn't try to guilt trip me into providing a level of care that I can't give him. He's generally been mean to the staff, and to me, to the point where I don't want to go see him. Of course I will go. It's what dutiful sons do.

In fitness news, I ran/walked for 27 minutes on Monday and I'm going to try to do some more tonight. #1 son advanced to yellow belt in HRD. He's taking great pride in his martial art and I am so glad that we signed him up. It got to be too expensive for all of us, so the boss and I dropped out, officially. We're planning on having #1 son teach us the materials at home. It will help us get fit and will help him remember his stuff. The princess is going to drop out too, apparently. She sparred for the first time last week and didn't like it AT ALL. She's got soccer and dance and brownies to keep her occupied. Mini me is in soccer & baseball, and #1 son has HRD & boy scouts.

better days...

Ok...so I'm feeling much better after last weeks' angst fest. I guess I needed a reminder that words can have an adverse effect regardless of their intention. At least I'm not taking sniper fire!

I'm really trying to reel in the diet, but I likes to eat and I likes to eat LOTS. #1 son and I took VGFATdog for a great walk Monday night. about 1-1/2 miles.

Baseball practice was good last night. We worked on infielder responsibilities on grounders. I have to constantly remind myself that none of this is instinctive for these little dudes. By the end of practice improvements were being seen. We've got a LONG way to go, and a short time to get there. (tip o' the cap to Waylon)

careless whisper...

Time can never mend the careless whispers of a good friend. To the heart and mind, ignorance is kind..there's no comfort in the truth..pain is all you'll find

So I thought I had good news for a friend and ran my mouth off, only to find that as usual I didn't know what the fuck I was talking about. Now he's deeply hurt and I feel like crap.

In other happy time joyful first day of Spring news, someone with his head up his ass has decided to juxtapose civil law and family law, leaving me holding the bag for my oldest's legal fees, even though she's not lived with me for a year. The fact that she was arrested, charged, convicted and sentenced as an adult means nothing in his eyes.

ch ch ch changes....

Still dont know what I was waiting for..And my time was running wild. A million dead-end streets and Every time I thought Id got it made...It seemed the taste was not so sweet. So I turned myself to face me, But Ive never caught a glimpse of how the others must see the faker. Im much too fast to take that test. (tip o' the cap to that noted philosopher, David Bowie)

There are many changes afoot in VGFATland. I've been offered a new position here at the big U, and I've decided to take it. The boss and I have decided to not do beers at night, and I'm starting a lifting program tomorrow with my friend, the nerdgardener.

We're going to start the renovation this weekend, painting the living room. The old carpet is on it's way out, the front door is being replaced, the kitchen cabinets are going to get refinished. Damn, that sounds like a ton of work, and we've not yet begun to discuss the garage into living space remodel.

Mini me and I had our second baseball practice on Saturday. 40 degrees and a little misty, but we survived and the kids loved it. Soccer will begin its six week run in the next week or two, so we'll be chasing our tails, but we'll git-r-done.

musings...

So the soon to be former governor of NY got caught with his pants down, and credit card out, apparently. Saw some pictures of the femme' fatale on the smoking gun web site...she's a "would", definitely. When he was AG, he reveled in taking down the big boys, the more publically the better, and now has gotten his just desserts. (even though I am personally rather ambivalent about the whole prostitution is a crime thing)

However, one lesson to be taken from this whole sordid mess is that when someone talks the talk, regardless of the subject, that person had better be ready to walk the walk. This is how I find myself going to umpiring school this weekend. I've been a vocal critic of the manner in which summer rec games have been officiated in the past, usually because of age and improper training, and so I felt obligated to attend the class when the opportunity arose. I probably won't be called on to officiate many games, it's a great way for high school/college kids to make some coin in the summer time, but at least I can stand in if called upon. It should also give me perspective as a coach and help me revisit the rules of the game.

Speaking of coaching...our boys hit the field tonight for the first time. I'm rather incredulous at the prospect of 9-10 year old boys having a season that lasts nearly 5 months, but it is what it is, so we'll have to go with it.

In exercise news, the nerdgardener himself and I have arranged for an unholy cabal of fitness, to convene twice weekly at 5:30 am in his garage, to lift weights. I've come to the point where I'm totally reliant on external motivation, so the thought is that this will get me back into fitness mode.

Weekend Wrap up

A friend called Friday and offered me 4 great tickets to the Illini game, and I gladly accepted. Took the boss and the sons while the daughter stayed with a sitter whom she idolizes. Went to BW3 for lunch, then bussed to the game. I sometimes forget how rural our childrens' upbringing is. I'm sure that the internet and some of their video games have made them more sophisticated than I was at their age, I was as hick as hick can be until middle school, when I grew up way too fast. However, certain occurances drive home the fact that they have led a sheltered existence. We used a Peoria charter bus for transport from Savoy to the Assembly Hall, and I was amazed at their sheer joy at being on a charter, rather than a school bus. I've posted this before, but I hope the innocence of their childhood lasts for a long, long time.

As for the game...A section, 7 rows from the floor, right behind Tubby Smith. Sweet. The illini made some free throws down the stretch to win a game that wouldn't have been close except for some amazing three point shooting by the Gophers. Television sure changes the ebb & flow of a game. It seemed as though every time the Illini would start a run and the crowd got fired up, it would be time for a tv timeout. That and the style of play employed by the UI insured a quiet assembly hall for great periods of time. Let's please get one win in the BTT. I don't think I could handle losing to Penn St three times in one year. At least Thursday's game is during working hours, so I guess I can't get too loaded.

Took #1 son and a 9 iron out to the back yard for his first swings yesterday. It's tough teaching him the grip and such, since he's a righty and I'm a wrongy, but by the end of the session he was hitting some pretty good shots. The best thing is that they were straight...they didn't travel very far, but they dissected the "fairway". We'll work on the takeaway and all that other golf stuff as we move along. I'm just ecstatic that he's showing interest.

Tired...

Tired of pwaying the game. Aint it a fwiggin shame.

So, the Illini did me in again last night...drank WAY TOO MANY beers while watching them go down in flames. If this season doesn't end soon, I'm gonna have to make reservations at the pavilion.

Thirsty Thursday...

The fighting Illini have another opportunity tonight to win a game against an upper echelon conference foe, the MSU Spartans. We usually do a good job of not allowing them to score a lot, but the question, as its been all season, is where are our points going to come from? Hopefully Trent can find the range at home....drain a few threes and give Pruitt room to work down low. I've been hyper critical of #55 most of the season, and truthfully he's probably deserved it, but I thought Saturday's game at Iowa was his best of the season. If he can play like that, we can win out, then win a couple in the Big Ten tournament...then go to this CBI (?) tournament and play a couple more games.....any experience our youngsters get will bode well for 08-09.

Jules (the realist) and I (the dreamer) have been at odds over the remodeling project. She wants the quick, simple, cheapest approach, while I want the expansive, to hell with how we'll pay for it, overhaul. I think we reached an amicable solution, finally. In a close one to one vote, I lost again. We're thinking one room addition, for now, with a deck, rather than monster addition with family room, complete with home theatre and gymnasium.

VGFatdog and I went a little over a mile this morning...it was around 19 degrees with strong northerly breezes. I also got a good stretching and lifting session in on Tuesday.

Weekend wrapup...

The three points of the trefoil stand for the three parts of the Scout Oath.

The shape of the Scout badge means that a Scout can point the right way in life as truly as does a compass in the field.

There are two stars on the badge. They symbolize truth and knowledge.

The eagle and shield stand for freedom and a Scout's readiness to defend that freedom.
The scroll bearing the Scout motto is turned up at the ends as a reminder that a Scout smiles as he does his duty.

The knot at the bottom of the scroll serves as a reminder of the Scout slogan, Do a Good Turn Daily.

#1 son and I traveled to merit badge training on Saturday. Left VG at 6:30 and returned home around 5. 550 boy scouts crammed into Holy Cross School. Thankfully, it was very well organized, and the instructors were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. All in all, a great way to spend a saturday with my son. He earned merit badges in computers, fingerprinting and first aid/cpr. Technically, I guess I did too, since I attended all three sessions. I'm well on my way to Eagle scout, apparently.

It's too bad that so many boys view scouting with a jaundiced eye, as something that the "popular" kids would never join. They teach so many values that can be lacking in todays' youth...crazy stuff like personal responsibility, initiative, leadership, and accountability to the group. The best part is that they teach these values while doing cool things like camping, orienteering, skiing, hiking, fishing, swimming and the like. There are also cool topics like the aforementioned computers, telecommunications, space exploration, etc., basically something for every interest. The other thing I noticed was the general lack of parental involvement, especially from my son's troop. It's just my opinion, naturally, but I think parents, especially dads, miss a great opportunity by not accompanying their boys to this and other Scouting events.

Yesterday was the draft for little league. I'm going to help coach Mini-me's team, and it looks like we've got some potential. We're going to have to find some pitching, but that's true of about every team every year. Took advantage of yesterdays' mild weather and went to the park to throw a baseball around. Mini-me wants to pitch, and he's miles ahead of where he was at this time last year.

VGFatdog and I went about a mile this morning, in the rain. It was about 45-50 degrees....great day for a run, and I did 3/1 splits. Down two pounds for the week, Hurray!!

friday followup...

Dr. U's office called. Blood sugar was fine. Cholesterol was "great", to quote her nurse. Still fighting me on the red meat and beer, but it's all about baby steps, kids.

Friday eve...

Went to the doctor today for the annual check up. Got to keep this finely tuned machine humming on all 12 cylinders....Bwahaha. Which, by the way, is an actual quote from my physician. Not a good sign. Bp was better than I expected, but not good enough. I'm to quit booze & red meat & limit my carbs. Oh, and lose a hundred pounds or so, while bringing my cv fitness into line. Now turn and place your elbows on the bench.....

tuesday bluesday

Well, the blizzard missed us this morning. Yippee!! I am SO ready for the sound of balls pinging off aluminum bats and hitting leather. I've been roped into coaching mini-me's baseball team, and I'm also getting my umpire certification, so look for the VGfatfamily to spend all of June & July at a ball park near you. #1 son has expressed an interest in learning the sweet sport of pasture pool....so I might be able to convince the boss to let me play once a week, for the sake of the children, really, honestly! The Old Dodge Globe pleasure palace on wheels is ready to fire up and go to the campground...we're going to be starting the massive remodeling project...have I mentioned how ready I am for warm weather?

Hit the weights a bit this morning...I read in one of my health mags about changing the position of your feet to destabilize your core when performing reps, so I did three sets of cleans...one with my feet at the traditional shoulder width...then one with my left foot in front of my right, and finished with my right in front of my left...the resulting instability reduced my strength significantly while really taxing my lower back/abs so I guess those exercise phys guys sometimes know what they're talking about. :-) I also did two sets of the db curl/tricep extension/speed bag trifecta of pain and finished off with some Pilates Core work....not bad for a fat guy!

Sign o' the times...

Hat tip to Prince.....

So I had to go to the Champaign County Courthouse today...dropping off a money order that my eldest had gotten to pay for her latest transgression....and I couldn't believe how much of an ordeal it is simply to enter a public building these days. No cell phones are allowed, and no you can't leave it with us, thank you very little. What's that? You have the temerity to wear a belt? Off with your pants! I am all for the judicious use of authority to insure the public welfare, but I certainly wish it didn't come with a full order of self important toolhood. I'm sure that the deputies manning the post have to deal with all sorts of shady types during the course of their day...but nothing justifies the overall attitude and arrogance on display this morning. The first words I heard from them were.." You don't tell us when it's 8 o'clock...we tell you." Nice.

In the never ending battle of the bulge...I am up to 287...which I believe is the exact weight I was when I started this blog last Summer. Wonderful. I went about a mile today...mostly walking...then did a 10 minute core routine, so the abs are whimpering. Tomorrow I'm lifting & doing HRD.

Sports are a diversion----not

So, the one redeeming factor(other than Demetri's continued emergence) about last night's pathetic Illini performance was the fact that I got to watch it with my bud, in his new crib, on his new HD flat screen. Unfortunately, this also gave us an opportunity to go back and review the crappiness multiple times. Of course, I could have watched on my wrist watch and been able to see the sloppy passes, matador defense and doinked 3 pointers at inopportune moments in the game. Bruce got t'ed up, and even after multiple replays we couldn't determine why. Randle's hurt again, what looks to be his fourth major injury in 5 years....he and Pruitt are Illini, so I'll always support them, but I am at the point where I can't wait for them to be gone and for a breath of fresh air to come into the program. This will be McCamey's team next year, and I for one can't wait. The biggest problem I have with watching Illinois hoops this year is it compels one to drink, a lot, so working out is not going to happen on the morning after. At least the pain shall be ending in a couple weeks....then I can start watching the mediocre Cardinals taking on the overrated Cubs. Joy.

Phyllis H Kaskavage, RIP

We buried my mother in law on Wednesday. A small Catholic cemetery just west of Oregon, Illinois. I'm not certain how to describe my relationship with her, but I feel compelled to try.

Our outlook on just about every topic was diametrically opposed, and this led to the occasional conflict. We always respected each other, but I couldn't escape the thought that she (probably correctly) felt that Jules could have done better on the spousal front than the wild eyed sailor boy she ended up marrying. Ultimately, she loved her kids and she loved my kids and that's enough.

She was an amazing woman who gave selflessly to her family, her church and her community, and I'll miss her. Even the times when she was razzing me.

This post doesn't adequately convey the myriad feelings I have, but it's enough for now. On monday I'm hoping to get back to mundane topics like diet & exercise...to try to get back to normal.

it pays to enrich your word power

To be eviscerated:
1. To have your entrails removed, to be disemboweled
2. To watch your favorite sports team lose in unfathomable fashion to the most reviled band of
asshats ever.

This is how it feels to know without uncertainty that a young man is going to miss a free throw
This is how it feels to be kissed by a dementor
This is how it feels to be nutpunched by a drunken midget until you pass out
This is how it feels to give birth....rectally
This is how it feels to be an Illini fan

Sometimes, the guys in the black hats win.
Sometimes, I hate sports.

Diary

Of a fatman. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failure

Screaming at the window-watch me die another day. Hopeless situation-endless price I have to pay. (thanks, Ozzie. I couldn't have said it any better myself.)

So I woke up this morning, brimming with joy de vivre, having gotten together with most of the greatest people in my life, all too briefly last night for the Melbs super bash. Good food, good friends, good game, for a change.

Then, as has become my ritual, I stepped on the scale for weekly weigh in and woe, misery and shame descended. Plus 5. What the hell? I haven't been a saint in the past week, but I certainly never invisioned my transgressions would manifest themselves in such a concrete fashion. I feel like drowning my sorrows in a burrito as big as my friggin head.

Today's workout....

CARDIO!! Took about 45 minutes to shovel the drive and sidewalk. Then went sledding with the kiddies. My body cries out for solace...and a good massage.

So long, friend.

I don't normally believe in fate, or pre-ordination, or whatever you want to call it, but the news that my friend had been murdered last night really made me think. You see, Ryan had been kidnapped last summer by murdering thugs, and had lived to tell the tale. Now a scant six months later, and he's gone. Killed by unknown assailants. Wrong place, wrong time? Who knows. I am simply floored by the notion that violent death came calling his name, not once, but twice, in six months, in an area of our country where gun violence is almost unheard of. It's almost enough to make one give serious thought to the concept of destiny. He and I weren't close, not more than acquaintances, really, but he was one of those guys who befriended all who crossed his path. I will miss him and his maniacal laugh and his ability to turn any occasion into a happening. My sincerest condolences to his family, and to the family of his friend, who was also foully murdered.

in totally irrelevant news, I worked out for about 40 minutes this morning. Mostly HRD forms, with some lifting and weapons work. Enough to work up a good lather.

I also picked up my C/Pap machine.

Verklempt

So as I was leaving Grazing Grounds yesterday ( http://finallyafarm.blogspot.com/ ), I decided to do a little donut in the gravel near the end of the lane. #1 son looked at me with a huge grin and pronounced that "Even if I could choose any dad, I'd choose you." As everyone knows, I don't always see eye to eye with my eldest male child, so these words were like ambrosia to a parched soul. Now I just have to figure out how to keep the sentiment alive. I can't be going around doing donuts in VGFATtruck, can I?

Went about a mile today with VGFATdog. Still running the 4/1 splits, but I felt like crapola. My quads were en fuego, and I'm not sure why. It was around 30, with 15 mph winds making it feel like 20.

Gained a pound this week. Who knew that not exercising, combined with pizza for dinner twice and beer every night would have such a deleterious impact?

mother in law

So, this weekend the boss and her family are set to move the MIL into a nursing home where she can get the sort of treatment for her illness that she needs. Frankly, she's chosen not to fight, after having watched her son battle lung cancer, so I don't think the end result will be long in coming. Selfishly, we wish she would stay around for years, but not at the cost of pain and suffering. Of greater concern to me is how the love of my life will respond when the time ultimately comes. She didn't do well when her father passed suddenly. The kids were babies then, however, and I worry now about how they'll perceive it if mommy has a breakdown.

Well, so much for Friday follies. I went about 1-1/2 miles this morning walking around campus, and I hope that temperatures come back to the positive side of zero in the next few days so I can resume jogging.

#1 son, revisited.

So, my oldest son sometimes has trouble accepting responsibility when problems arise, and I, having recently lived through this to the extreme with the firstborn, tend to reign down on him like Zeus in these situations. I don't expect or demand perfection or anything close to it, but I do want him to man up and just accept it when he's at fault. The problem is that he's so damned sensitive & lacking in confidence. He tends to take my mildest criticisms as an indictment of his character, and it's especially difficult now as he's staring into puberty's gaping maw. If anyone has a blueprint for getting through this, please publish it. It's a bestseller waiting to happen.

VGFATdog and I went a little over a mile this morning. It was 31 degrees, lightly snowing, with a 20+ mph wind making it feel like 19. I lengthened my splits to 4/1 and felt GOOD!

I managed to lose two more pounds, even though I spent Sunday and Monday in slothful indolence, so we're at 4 down, hundreds to go!

Friday blues

So, call me a wuss, a wienie boy, a wimp. Mother nature made me her bitch this morning. I wilted like the girly man in pig tails and a skirt that Tom thinks I am. 4 degrees, before wind chill, and I said Hell no, treadmill be damned. Rolled back over and grabbed an extra 15 winks. Lived to run another day.

We'll see what the ultimate determinant, the scale, has to say on Monday. This weekend, it's build a concession stand (indoors, thankfully) watch the Illini, and try not to exacerbate my missed day by consuming mass quantities of beer and nachos. Mmmmm NACHOS.

Go Giants & Go Lightning Bolts!!!

nothing shaking....

I don't have a whole lot to report today. I went to the sleep clinic Tuesday night for testing with the c/pap. It didn't go too well, as every time I stirred, the wires and mask brought me fully awake. I think I can get used to it, but I'm not going back to "Dr. Frankenstein's" lab again.

Went about 1-3/4 miles yesterday afternoon. It was 35 degrees with very little wind. My arch wasn't problematic like monday so I finished the last block in an all out sprint. VGfatdog actually had to lope a bit, rather than the condescending trot she usually maintains to humor me.

Tonight is either HRD or a core/lifting session at home. Got to keep it up!

Congratulations to the Fighting Illini, who finally got a W. If we can steal these next two on the road, our season can be salvaged.

monday morning, coming down

With sincerest apologies to Kris Kristofferson...

VGfatdog and I went about 1-1/2 miles this morning. Temp was around 20, with a wind chill making it feel like 9. New dri fit undergarments really seem to keep the wind at bay, so I wasn't cold at all. I've been loosely adhering to the "couch to 5-k" training program, found at http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml and today I increased my splits. I'm now running 3 blocks and walking 1 for the duration of my circuit and I felt fine. Having a small issue with my arches, but nothing drastic. To an experienced runner, it probably seems laughable to run for only 3 blocks, but when I started last Spring, I couldn't go much farther than 1 without wheezing, so improvements have been made.

Had some dietary issues over the weekend, but Monday weigh in showed me at a net loss of 2 pounds since last monday, so that made me happy. I helped a good friend move from VG Saturday, and he rewarded us with Monicals Pizza. Some damned fine eats, and who am I to refuse when in the company of good friends, eh? He built a new house along the Sangamon, near Rts 10 & 72, and I am one Jealous individual. Great location, beautiful home. He's earned it however, and this gets him much closer to his kids, so it's all good.

The boss had a few smoky treats over the weekend as well, but she's determined to jump back on the cessation wagon today.

HRD tonight, then lifting/core workout tomorrow morning, as the cycle continues. I'm going to attempt to include a swimming evolution into my training, in anticipation of the mini triathlon this Summer. Kenney Gym is open to UI staff, and is only 1 block from my office.

progress

Well, I fell off the wagon last night, (watching Illini basketball will do that to a guy)which lead to my sleeping in instead of running this morning. If I can drag my ass out tomorrow, I'll consider this a temporary set back. I've found in the past that if I take a day off, it invariably mushrooms into weeks and months of inactivity, so I have to try to get going tomorrow.

The Illini tried hard last night, but couldn't put the biscuit in the basket, falling by ten. Sunday's game promises to be an ugly affair. I think I'll scrub the toilet or something rather than subject myself to that prolonged agony.

The "end of days" is a work in progress. The boss has had a few puffs, but hasn't gone back to two packs a day yet. The household has stood down to code orange danger level....but we live with reality that DEFCON 4 can be back at any time.

politics

So, Hillary, sensing defeat, actually allows the ice to crack a bit on national tv, and Voila', she wins New Hampshire. Here's to betting we see more waterworks than Niagra Falls leading up to Florida. To counter her newfound mommy power, Obama will probably be feasting on greens & black eyed peas as he plays the race card. The GOP is a trainwreck right now, but it looks like McCain has captured the all important center, so my guy Huckabee, who used to be a fatty like me, is losing ground like he shed tonnage while serving as Arky Governor.
( go to http://www.menshealth.com/ and enter Mike Huckabee in the search field for his story)

As to my own battle of the bulge....I didn't get home until 8 last night, so I postponed #1 son's HRD/Core workout until this evening. He was disappointed, saying he didn't want it to be like last time, where we quit working out all together. How's that for external motivation?

nothing much to report...

I had a pretty good lifting session yesterday morning. Once again I supersetted the curls & tricep extensions with some work on the heavy bag. I also incorporated some bent over rows into the set, so I was feeling pretty burnt after about 25 minutes.

VGfatdog and I went for the 1.7 mile circuit this morning. Temp was in the 30's, wind chill around 20. I felt much better this morning than I did monday, for some reason.

Tonight #1 son and I are going to review our empty hand forms from HRD, and I'll probably do some ab work, including a new beauty I discovered at menshealth.com called the Prone Cobra. I did it for about 5 seconds last night, demonstrating it, and my lower abs cramped, leaving me whimpering on the floor, much to #1's obvious amusement.

Mini me loves the treadmill. He was doing side shuttles for about 10 minutes last night.

The smoking cessation event, hereafter known as "the end of days", continues. The pets, children and I continue to tread VERY lightly, but I am proud of the boss for making it 48 straight hours.

Monday routine

VGfatdog and I logged a bit over a mile and 1/2 today and then #1 son and I went to Hwa Rang Do for the first time since the end of November. My legs are jelly, but it's a GOOD jelly.

Managed to keep my eating on track also, even though a colleague brought in some great looking Panera cookies. The boss is in day one of the smoking cessation event, so I'm making myself scarce, hiding in the lounge.

Tomorrow is lifting/core routine, then another run on Wednesday.

Friends. How many of us have them?

Friends. Ones you can depend on? (Hat tip to Whodini.)

Got a call from my bestest bud, yesterday. Come to the auction and pick up the treadmill I just bought for you. No suggestion to bring cash or the check book. Just "come and get it", because he knew I needed it and would never buy it for myself. On the way home, I started ruminating on something I heard once. In our adult life, we should consider ourselves lucky to have 3 true lifelong friends. I think for most of us this rings true. Sure, we'll all have acquaintances that come and walk beside us for a while on life's journey. True friends, however, are a rare and valuable gift. It's been said that "friends help you move. True friends help you move bodies!", and I can kind of agree with the sentiment, minus the whole "felony concealment" angle.

So here's to friends. I'll sweat to you in the morning, if I can get #1 son off the treadmill. He loves it.

entitlements, training, etc

Well, I for one am disgusted to be associated in any way with the Illini "fans" who feel that they're entitled to boo one of our players because he isn't meeting their level of expectations. I challenge any one of those people to play Chet in a little full court one on one. Their asses would be gassed in about 30 seconds. The team isn't playing as well as we would hope, but they're playing hard. They just don't seem to have the tools to succeed. Hopefully the youngsters will start seeing more PT, building for next year. As for Chet, Brian and Shawn, they're Illini and I'll cheer them until the bitter end.

Went a little over a mile yesterday. Glad it's "only" going to be 2o degrees for tomorrow's run.

Happy weekend!

due diligence

Not a lot to report, really. I went back to work for the first time since Dec 20. The office was still there. :-) I had managed to keep up on e-mail traffic so it wasn't unbearably busy. I am thankful to have a job where I can actually advocate for the students rather than oppose them.

I dragged #1 son and mini-me out to the lounge for a 20 minute core routine last night. After MUCH wailing and nashing of teeth, they settled down and did a pretty fair job. I am still worried about #1's lack of core strength. He can barely do one situp without cheating. Oddly enough, he can do planks and bird dogs pretty well. These two moves KILL your abs, especially the transversus abdominus, or side abs, so I think his front abs are where the problem lies.

Today, the dog and I are going for a mile and a half. Too cold for #1 to join us.

The first time....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI7gzXz1cHo

Thanks, Roberta.

15 degree weather? Check.
winds at 30 mph? Check.
snowfall? Check.
Fatass out running? Check.

Some times I think it's God's design for me to be a fatty. Yesterday, the day BEFORE I started running, the temp was around 40 degrees, slight breeze. Perfect for a jog. Today, snowing, blowing, miserable.

I managed to go for about twenty minutes before facial freeze drove me to seek shelter. Came home and did a good core/stretching workout. Welcome to 2008, bitches.