Tonight was Saturday. We invited Kevin and Tanya over for dinner and games. The kids love Tanya and Kevin. Tanya is Diana's cousin. Tanya is pregnant with her and Kevin's first kid (girl). Diana had invited Kevin and Tanya over while I was in Europe and all I heard was stories about how much fun they had and how Kevin likes bubble baths.
You see, they had played "Whoonu" which is a Cranium game where you try to decide what someone likes out of the cards you have. At some point Kevin picked bubble baths over something manly. The kids must bring this up once or twice a week.
Tonight we had a yummy Pronto Pasta Bake out of the Pampered Chef cookbook. It was super yummy. I like pasta. We then brought out the games. We started with Pictureka! which is a super fun game we got for Christmas from the Devoogd's. Tanya won one round and then Kevin won the second. I should warn you that Kevin is very competitive. Kevin was very happy to win.
After Pictureka! I was going to have us go to Whoonu, but once Kevin heard about Giant Spoons, he wanted to play a game where things could get a little violent. We started playing Giant Spoons and Kevin eliminated Tanya pretty quickly. He kept stealing the spoon from her and she was out. Jordan went out next, he played good, but he was just a step slow.
Chloe was the next to go out and she was sad, but she stuck around to watch. Jordan and Tanya went down to play Skee Ball. Next Diana went out - but just barely. She had just taken a lead over me, but I came back and got rid of her. Now it was me and Kevin head to head. I had to win two in a row to win. I did it. I took him out.
On the last hand I got two aces early and I saw that he put both in his hand. When I got the third one I put it in my hand, knowing he could not get his four of a kind. I now just waited to get my four and take the spoon. The card I needed came and I was done. I grab the spoon and winner, winner, chicken dinner! It was a great time.
Next, Tanya and Diana chatted while the kids and Kevin played around and goofed off. The kids love playing with Kevin. All in all, it was a great time! Thanks for coming over Tanya and Kevin, we will invite you again soon!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Something I Already Knew
I found this little nugget of goodness today while I was surfing the net. This is a listing of favorite bands compared to average SAT score. The closer your band is to the right-hand side the better. Look at where my favorite band, Counting Crows, lands on this thing. I am a freaking genius!
Find your favorite band and see where you fall on the chart (you will have to click the picture to enlarge it).
Find your favorite band and see where you fall on the chart (you will have to click the picture to enlarge it).
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
How I Met Your Mother
We had some friends over for dinner the other night and got to talking about TV shows that we have been watching. These friends had never seen or heard of How I Met Your Mother (which is the funniest show on television). I could not believe it. We told them we have the first season and they can borrow it. Here are a couple scenes from How I Met Your Mother:
Legendary!
Legendary!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Update on Previous Sleep Items
I was not awakened last night by the person that sleeps next to me. I was jolted awake by Jordan screaming for his Dad. I get up and go into his room to ask him if he is OK. Jordan starts to talk gibberish that I cannot understand. I ask him again if he is OK and once again the gibberish starts. I just shake my head and say to myself, "One of these nights I will make it through the night."
After that I looked out the back window to see if Rachel is out there and go back to bed.
After that I looked out the back window to see if Rachel is out there and go back to bed.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Who's in the Backyard?
Another great story where the names have been changed to protect the not so innocent.
I was sleeping last night (don't these stories always start this way?). I was awoken (not to crying), but by the person I sleep next to asking questions and being alarmed. This person was making quite a bit of noise. I asked this person who will not be named what was the matter. The reply was, "The guy and Rachel are in the backyard." Now, I don't know anyone named Rachel so I (of course) asked the question, "Who? I don't know a Rachel." The person than answers, "You know, the girl that played Rachel on Friends." You probably know that the person that plays Rachel on Friends is Jeninfer Aniston. I was pretty sure she was not in the backyard, but I ran out just to check.
No, I didn't. I said, "Not again. I can't take this tonight, good night." I quickly fell back to sleep. Once morning came around I talked to this person about the little night time adventure and they had the audacity to deny all of it! I could not believe it.
I was sleeping last night (don't these stories always start this way?). I was awoken (not to crying), but by the person I sleep next to asking questions and being alarmed. This person was making quite a bit of noise. I asked this person who will not be named what was the matter. The reply was, "The guy and Rachel are in the backyard." Now, I don't know anyone named Rachel so I (of course) asked the question, "Who? I don't know a Rachel." The person than answers, "You know, the girl that played Rachel on Friends." You probably know that the person that plays Rachel on Friends is Jeninfer Aniston. I was pretty sure she was not in the backyard, but I ran out just to check.
No, I didn't. I said, "Not again. I can't take this tonight, good night." I quickly fell back to sleep. Once morning came around I talked to this person about the little night time adventure and they had the audacity to deny all of it! I could not believe it.
Happy Birthday!
It was Jordan's birthday last week. I never got on to wish him a happy birthday so I am doing it now. Happy birthday!
Jordan is now 11! Jordan did a lot in the past year. He went to Disneyland (for the second time). He got a lot taller, really he did. Jordan got glasses and got his braces off. Jordan started to learn percussion instruments at school. Jordan also started to progress in school and is getting a lot better in his school studies. It was a great year for Jordan!
Jordan is now 11! Jordan did a lot in the past year. He went to Disneyland (for the second time). He got a lot taller, really he did. Jordan got glasses and got his braces off. Jordan started to learn percussion instruments at school. Jordan also started to progress in school and is getting a lot better in his school studies. It was a great year for Jordan!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My Pants!
I do not want to offend anyone so I will not say any names on this quick post. Last night, while sleeping, I was awoken by someone crying. This person was not very happy. I asked what the matter was. This person said to me, "Someone is trying to steal my pants!". I said sorry and then went back to bed. It was too late to deal with that.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
25 Things
I have posted some of these before, but I added more information on each item. This came from Facebook. Have fun learning a little bit more about me.
1. When I first met my wife and her friends I had them convinced my middle name was "S". This was not for like a week or two, this was for months.
2. My Uncle Mike rigged a drawing so I could get Optimus Prime (the main Transformer) for Christmas (this happened when I was a kid). My uncle managed an Arctic Circle that was giving the toy away.
3. I created the term "ridonkulous," which is something even more than ridiculous. Ask anyone, this is true. I have been using the term for years but now I have been hearing it everywhere. Other words/phrases I have created: "Golden" (as in “I’m Golden”) which means something good has happened; "Cool Beans" which was my newest and greatest phrase, but I heard it on a TV show last week. Isn't there any creativity in Hollywood anymore? Stop following me around.
4. My first two cars were both 1989 Nissan Sentras. One was a white two door and the other was blue (with a black hood) hatchback. I wrecked the white one, my Dad borrowed the blue one the day the timing belt went out. Sucks for him.
5. I had my daughter sleep in an Easter basket for her first few months of life. Chloe was born 10 weeks early and she was very tiny. Instead of putting her in a basinet or crib, we kept her close by in a small basket.
6. I really hate chewing gum. Nothing is more poetic than in the Johnny Depp remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when Willy Wonka says “Chewing gum is really gross, chewing gum I hate the most.”
7. I am the world's greatest cheese grater. I do not like to get my cheese pre-grated at the store. I do not like to have a processor grate my cheese. It must be hand-grated by me. When I grate cheese it is a glorious thing to behold.
8. I have the least read blog in the world. You can find my blog here: http://mattroblyer.blogspot.com. My blog is basically just a rundown of my days where I freely share all the stupid things that I do.
9. My favorite band is Counting Crows. I have seen them live 6 times – one was a secret show for Novell Brainshare. Some of my favorite Counting Crow music is Round Here, Baby, I’m a Big Star Now, 40 Years, Los Angeles, Kid Things, and Speedway.
10. I have had 5 great blessings in my life. They are: The day I met Diana; the day Diana became my wife; the day Chloe was born; the day Diana and I were sealed for time and all eternity; and lastly, the day Jordan was born
11. I had a college professor that HATED me. Not because I did anything, but because he had a son named Matt that he would complain about during class. He would then take out his aggression on me. I would raise my hand to comment or answer a question and he would completely ignore me. He even told me that I was going to fail his class and I should quit. This was the best B- I ever got.
12. I have seen Boyz II Men in concert. Not one of my better memories.
13. While growing up I always told people that I would never leave the good old USA, but now that I have been to Europe (for work) a couple times I cannot wait to do even more travelling.
14. I loved watching Chloe and Jordan’s face the first time they flew on a plane. When we took off they both tried to look brave, but you could tell in their minds they were thinking, “I’m flying! I’m flying! I’m flying? What the heck?”
15. My favorite TV shows ever are: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel (a Buffy spinoff), Seinfeld, Friends, LOST, How I Met Your Mother, Gilmore Girls and 24.
16. I love my job…a lot. I have worked many places, but my current place of employment (Burton Group) is the funnest and hardest job I have ever done. I could work for hours on end…ask my wife, I have.
17. I have hit a hole in one while playing golf. It was on a 118 yard par 3 and I hit a horrible shot that rolled up to the green. When my friend and I got up to the green we thought the ball had rolled over. Only after we could not find it did we look in the hole, and there it was. Dancing ensued. I was once at South Mountain, and this time I hit a great shot and the ball rolled closer and closer to the hole. The ball stopped one rotation away from another hole in one. Maybe another day.
18. I only met and got to know some of my nearest and dearest friends within the past 3 to 4 years.
19. I bite my fingernails, I have tried to stop, but I can’t. I feel bad when I bite them, but I still do it. I guess this is my burden to bear.
20. In July of 2005 I decided to stop drinking coke. I have not drunk one since. Some days are harder than others, but mostly I feel like I could put a huge glass of coke in front of me, stick my nose right up to it and just push it away.
21. I hate camping. It is not the mountains or the outside or the sleeping on the ground, it is my allergies that just crush me while I am outside. I am allergic to grass, which really slows me down when I am outside. Mowing the lawn is horrible for me, but I still do it (reluctantly).
22. I truly believe that when you are in the service of your fellow being you are really in the service of your God. I love to serve and try to look for any opportunities to serve whenever possible. You are never forced to give of your time, it is something you must choose to do. Time is one of only a few things you can never get back and by giving of your time you show there is no greater love than helping someone in need.
23. I love sports and a couple years ago I was introduced to fantasy sports. I now participate in fantasy sports leagues for football, basketball, and baseball. Participating in fantasy sports has increased my love of viewing sports. I love going to baseball games and in the past 3 years have been to games in San Francisco and San Diego while on business trips.
24. I am extremely lucky to be married to my best friend. There is no one more important to me and no one I would rather be with. I cannot wait to grow old with her.
25. I can’t wait to see what my children grow up to be. They both have so much promise inside of them. I hope that I, as their father, can bring out the best in them and let them know that not only are they loved, but that they are capable of doing anything they put their minds to.
1. When I first met my wife and her friends I had them convinced my middle name was "S". This was not for like a week or two, this was for months.
2. My Uncle Mike rigged a drawing so I could get Optimus Prime (the main Transformer) for Christmas (this happened when I was a kid). My uncle managed an Arctic Circle that was giving the toy away.
3. I created the term "ridonkulous," which is something even more than ridiculous. Ask anyone, this is true. I have been using the term for years but now I have been hearing it everywhere. Other words/phrases I have created: "Golden" (as in “I’m Golden”) which means something good has happened; "Cool Beans" which was my newest and greatest phrase, but I heard it on a TV show last week. Isn't there any creativity in Hollywood anymore? Stop following me around.
4. My first two cars were both 1989 Nissan Sentras. One was a white two door and the other was blue (with a black hood) hatchback. I wrecked the white one, my Dad borrowed the blue one the day the timing belt went out. Sucks for him.
5. I had my daughter sleep in an Easter basket for her first few months of life. Chloe was born 10 weeks early and she was very tiny. Instead of putting her in a basinet or crib, we kept her close by in a small basket.
6. I really hate chewing gum. Nothing is more poetic than in the Johnny Depp remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when Willy Wonka says “Chewing gum is really gross, chewing gum I hate the most.”
7. I am the world's greatest cheese grater. I do not like to get my cheese pre-grated at the store. I do not like to have a processor grate my cheese. It must be hand-grated by me. When I grate cheese it is a glorious thing to behold.
8. I have the least read blog in the world. You can find my blog here: http://mattroblyer.blogspot.com. My blog is basically just a rundown of my days where I freely share all the stupid things that I do.
9. My favorite band is Counting Crows. I have seen them live 6 times – one was a secret show for Novell Brainshare. Some of my favorite Counting Crow music is Round Here, Baby, I’m a Big Star Now, 40 Years, Los Angeles, Kid Things, and Speedway.
10. I have had 5 great blessings in my life. They are: The day I met Diana; the day Diana became my wife; the day Chloe was born; the day Diana and I were sealed for time and all eternity; and lastly, the day Jordan was born
11. I had a college professor that HATED me. Not because I did anything, but because he had a son named Matt that he would complain about during class. He would then take out his aggression on me. I would raise my hand to comment or answer a question and he would completely ignore me. He even told me that I was going to fail his class and I should quit. This was the best B- I ever got.
12. I have seen Boyz II Men in concert. Not one of my better memories.
13. While growing up I always told people that I would never leave the good old USA, but now that I have been to Europe (for work) a couple times I cannot wait to do even more travelling.
14. I loved watching Chloe and Jordan’s face the first time they flew on a plane. When we took off they both tried to look brave, but you could tell in their minds they were thinking, “I’m flying! I’m flying! I’m flying? What the heck?”
15. My favorite TV shows ever are: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel (a Buffy spinoff), Seinfeld, Friends, LOST, How I Met Your Mother, Gilmore Girls and 24.
16. I love my job…a lot. I have worked many places, but my current place of employment (Burton Group) is the funnest and hardest job I have ever done. I could work for hours on end…ask my wife, I have.
17. I have hit a hole in one while playing golf. It was on a 118 yard par 3 and I hit a horrible shot that rolled up to the green. When my friend and I got up to the green we thought the ball had rolled over. Only after we could not find it did we look in the hole, and there it was. Dancing ensued. I was once at South Mountain, and this time I hit a great shot and the ball rolled closer and closer to the hole. The ball stopped one rotation away from another hole in one. Maybe another day.
18. I only met and got to know some of my nearest and dearest friends within the past 3 to 4 years.
19. I bite my fingernails, I have tried to stop, but I can’t. I feel bad when I bite them, but I still do it. I guess this is my burden to bear.
20. In July of 2005 I decided to stop drinking coke. I have not drunk one since. Some days are harder than others, but mostly I feel like I could put a huge glass of coke in front of me, stick my nose right up to it and just push it away.
21. I hate camping. It is not the mountains or the outside or the sleeping on the ground, it is my allergies that just crush me while I am outside. I am allergic to grass, which really slows me down when I am outside. Mowing the lawn is horrible for me, but I still do it (reluctantly).
22. I truly believe that when you are in the service of your fellow being you are really in the service of your God. I love to serve and try to look for any opportunities to serve whenever possible. You are never forced to give of your time, it is something you must choose to do. Time is one of only a few things you can never get back and by giving of your time you show there is no greater love than helping someone in need.
23. I love sports and a couple years ago I was introduced to fantasy sports. I now participate in fantasy sports leagues for football, basketball, and baseball. Participating in fantasy sports has increased my love of viewing sports. I love going to baseball games and in the past 3 years have been to games in San Francisco and San Diego while on business trips.
24. I am extremely lucky to be married to my best friend. There is no one more important to me and no one I would rather be with. I cannot wait to grow old with her.
25. I can’t wait to see what my children grow up to be. They both have so much promise inside of them. I hope that I, as their father, can bring out the best in them and let them know that not only are they loved, but that they are capable of doing anything they put their minds to.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Thanks Sweetie!
Today, Diana got the ironing done. This might not sound like a huge feat, but it was. We had let the ironing get out of control. I do not think we had ironed anything or at least a month (we have had to do a couple one-off things). This is a big deal for me. I have my pants back.
You see, I usually wear dressier pants to work, but because the pants have been in the ironing basket I have been wearing Levis. This is just not me. It looks like this week I will be back to normal. I will probably start wearing the Levis once or twice a week though. It is just so easy.
I just wanted to post a big thank you to Diana for doing the ironing. I know that it is not fun. Laundry and ironing is the one thing that you are never done with. No matter how much laundry/ironing you do in a day you will have more that needs to be done that night (unless you are a nudist, then maybe you could truly get ALL your laundry done).
You see, I usually wear dressier pants to work, but because the pants have been in the ironing basket I have been wearing Levis. This is just not me. It looks like this week I will be back to normal. I will probably start wearing the Levis once or twice a week though. It is just so easy.
I just wanted to post a big thank you to Diana for doing the ironing. I know that it is not fun. Laundry and ironing is the one thing that you are never done with. No matter how much laundry/ironing you do in a day you will have more that needs to be done that night (unless you are a nudist, then maybe you could truly get ALL your laundry done).
I Heart Costco
I went to Costco today. It was great. I got a bunch of stuff. There are not many stores you can buy a 4 pound bag of broccoli and 355 pieces of licorice along with a 5 pack of toothpaste. There was also many other items on my list today. I got a twelve pack of chicken broth and an eight pack of refried beans. Some of the really great stuff I got was the 42 pack of Fruit by the Foot. My kids could eat the box of Fruit by the Foot in one sitting. All together I spent almost $200. Good times.
Overall, it was an awesome Costco today. The only bad part is that I did not get anything from the food court. I would have loved a slice of pizza or a hot dog after my shopping, but Diana was making Broccoli cupcakes tonight, so I did not want to ruin my appetite.
The only bad thing about Costco is you still have to go to a regular grocery store after. There is just no way you can get everything that you need at the Costco. Believe me, I have tried. Diana and I used to say that you get too much at Costco, but we have gotten better at just making sure we use something or splitting up the food and freezing the part we don't use.
I love the Costco.
Overall, it was an awesome Costco today. The only bad part is that I did not get anything from the food court. I would have loved a slice of pizza or a hot dog after my shopping, but Diana was making Broccoli cupcakes tonight, so I did not want to ruin my appetite.
The only bad thing about Costco is you still have to go to a regular grocery store after. There is just no way you can get everything that you need at the Costco. Believe me, I have tried. Diana and I used to say that you get too much at Costco, but we have gotten better at just making sure we use something or splitting up the food and freezing the part we don't use.
I love the Costco.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
5 for 5
If you can't tell I am trying to bring the blogging back. I have been pretty bad the past few months. For February I have now posted 5 times and it is only the 5th. I feel like my loyal readers deserve a little bit of me each day!
I have not posted on LOST yet this year, but let me tell you, I have seen all the episodes and they have been very, very good. I don't want to go all the way to great, but an hour of LOST is better than just about anything else on TV. I look forward to Wednesday nights (even though I am usually pretty busy and I go and play hoop) and I stay up as late as I need to watch the new episode.
The reason I like LOST is because I have really come to trust the writers and I will go with whatever they put out there because they have a long history of always coming through. Most times the writers come up with something 10 times better than I could have. LOST is just a great show.
I will be posting more as the year goes on!
I have not posted on LOST yet this year, but let me tell you, I have seen all the episodes and they have been very, very good. I don't want to go all the way to great, but an hour of LOST is better than just about anything else on TV. I look forward to Wednesday nights (even though I am usually pretty busy and I go and play hoop) and I stay up as late as I need to watch the new episode.
The reason I like LOST is because I have really come to trust the writers and I will go with whatever they put out there because they have a long history of always coming through. Most times the writers come up with something 10 times better than I could have. LOST is just a great show.
I will be posting more as the year goes on!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Getting Excited
I have been working on a big vendor briefing project at work lately. When I say lately I mean for almost the past year. It seems like I have had the project on my list for ever. This Friday I have the big debut of the new process/system with our analyst team. This is the part where I get nervous about how it will be accepted. Will someone see a huge flaw in the system that I have overlooked? Will there be a revolt because of the extra responsibility?
I have been lock and step with my boss on this project, so I don't think there will be any problems. I really, really hope that there is not any problems. I cannot think of any and I have been through the process hundreds of times. I have gone through the system so many times I am sick of it.
Friday is my big presentation and then IT rolls the system live. By Monday all of the companies vendor briefings will be routed through the new system. Some of the cool new features (like you care, but it helps me write this stuff out so I will be ready on Friday):
I have been lock and step with my boss on this project, so I don't think there will be any problems. I really, really hope that there is not any problems. I cannot think of any and I have been through the process hundreds of times. I have gone through the system so many times I am sick of it.
Friday is my big presentation and then IT rolls the system live. By Monday all of the companies vendor briefings will be routed through the new system. Some of the cool new features (like you care, but it helps me write this stuff out so I will be ready on Friday):
- Automatic routing of the briefing through the routing topic lists
- Sales notifications
- Synopsis for each briefing
- Vendor can upload presentation files directly
- Emails that contain all pertinent information
- Reminder emails to managers
- New overview and FAQ for vendors
Yesterday
I tried to post a couple times yesterday but I could not stay connected to Blogger. Here is what I finally saved in Word and decided I would post today:
Ticked Off
12:18 A.M.
I spent 30 minutes writing about how I finally built the last four of Diana's cube units to build her second tower/shelf in her scrap booking room. At the end of my long post about all of the cool stuff she has in rooms I clicked post and got an error. Blogger then deleted all my text and I am now way too tired to retype it all.
Just so you know, I built the 5 cubes and got them setup in the scrap booking room. I hung up the white magnet board that we have had for like six months.
Next time you are at the house, check it out.
I am going to bed. I feel like I ate a hot pocket. My back hurts.
Ticked Off
12:18 A.M.
I spent 30 minutes writing about how I finally built the last four of Diana's cube units to build her second tower/shelf in her scrap booking room. At the end of my long post about all of the cool stuff she has in rooms I clicked post and got an error. Blogger then deleted all my text and I am now way too tired to retype it all.
Just so you know, I built the 5 cubes and got them setup in the scrap booking room. I hung up the white magnet board that we have had for like six months.
Next time you are at the house, check it out.
I am going to bed. I feel like I ate a hot pocket. My back hurts.
Monday, February 2, 2009
The Teacher
Yesterday, while watching the Super Bowl, my Mom talked about how she had an assignment due in her PowerPoint class and did not know how to do it. Diana talked me into stopping by my parents and helping her out with PowerPoint (not that I am expert).
I got to the house around 5pm and we started her presentation. She needed to create a Master title slide and then a master content slide. This is pretty easy to do. You can find the instructions here: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/HA100780111033.aspx. My Mom actually needed a little more help than that. She needed to know how to draw boxes and change fonts and move things around. One of the other things that she needed to know how to do was load her own pictures onto a slide. These things are pretty basic for me, but Diana has a point that most people need to be shown how to do these things. I have been using computers for so long I can look at an icon and know what it should do.
I spent the hour with my Mom and she said I should become a trainer. That probably would not be best as I get annoyed pretty fast when I explain things and people don't understand them. Here is an example:
I got home from my parents and Chloe says she needs math help. She shows it to me and it is the same problems that we worked on last week (order of operations with fractions). I was annoyed. It took my wife to calm me down and actually help Chloe get her math done. Diana says I do not usually teach, I just do. When I do math with the kids I grab the pencil and show them one or two problems and then let them take over. Hopefully Chloe has learned her order of operations, we have now spent two nights teaching and learning how to do them.
I think after all this work my Mom and Chloe better both get A's on their assignments or they will have me to answer to.
Science project update: We finished Jordan's science project last night. He turned it in and did his oral presentation today. I am excited to see how he did. Jordan also got a B on his Wordly Wise (English) test from last week. Way to go Jordan! Jordan is trying to get his grades up so he can go to Sacramento this summer. Good luck!
I got to the house around 5pm and we started her presentation. She needed to create a Master title slide and then a master content slide. This is pretty easy to do. You can find the instructions here: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/powerpoint/HA100780111033.aspx. My Mom actually needed a little more help than that. She needed to know how to draw boxes and change fonts and move things around. One of the other things that she needed to know how to do was load her own pictures onto a slide. These things are pretty basic for me, but Diana has a point that most people need to be shown how to do these things. I have been using computers for so long I can look at an icon and know what it should do.
I spent the hour with my Mom and she said I should become a trainer. That probably would not be best as I get annoyed pretty fast when I explain things and people don't understand them. Here is an example:
I got home from my parents and Chloe says she needs math help. She shows it to me and it is the same problems that we worked on last week (order of operations with fractions). I was annoyed. It took my wife to calm me down and actually help Chloe get her math done. Diana says I do not usually teach, I just do. When I do math with the kids I grab the pencil and show them one or two problems and then let them take over. Hopefully Chloe has learned her order of operations, we have now spent two nights teaching and learning how to do them.
I think after all this work my Mom and Chloe better both get A's on their assignments or they will have me to answer to.
Science project update: We finished Jordan's science project last night. He turned it in and did his oral presentation today. I am excited to see how he did. Jordan also got a B on his Wordly Wise (English) test from last week. Way to go Jordan! Jordan is trying to get his grades up so he can go to Sacramento this summer. Good luck!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Science Projects
I hate science projects.
When I was a child I did everything I could to not do a science project. I was pretty lucky because at my school science projects were usually extra credit. I don't think I did more than two in all my school years.
Now that I have two kids it is different. My kids have been required to do a science project every year of their school. The project is part of their grade. I cannot stand it! Not that we haven't done some pretty cool projects in the past.
One year, Chloe and I went downtown and rode a bunch of elevators to see how your weight changed while in an elevator. Once, Jordan did a project about shadows and different times of the day. It was pretty cool as well.
Last year, Jordan did a popcorn project that was fun. He wanted to see what popped the most kernels, the microwave or the air popper. Chloe did one on name brand cereal versus off brand cereal and how long the cereal stayed crunchy. It was a fun year of projects.
This year, we could not find a project that we were allowed to do and wanted to do. Chloe finally got her idea right from her science teacher, and like usual, we waited until the day before it was due to get it done. I guess everything turned out OK because Chloe got selected for the science fair. Only 16of 80 kids get to go to the science fair, so it is quite an achievement, but I hate science projects, so, I just look at the extra work that this might cause for me.
Jordan is doing his project today, it is due Monday. We are going to go to the track around here and see how many steps it takes to walk and then run the track and also measure you to see if how tall you are leads to less steps. It will be a fun time. We will see how it all goes down later. We will then work on his board today and tomorrow so it will be ready for Monday.
I hate science projects.
When I was a child I did everything I could to not do a science project. I was pretty lucky because at my school science projects were usually extra credit. I don't think I did more than two in all my school years.
Now that I have two kids it is different. My kids have been required to do a science project every year of their school. The project is part of their grade. I cannot stand it! Not that we haven't done some pretty cool projects in the past.
One year, Chloe and I went downtown and rode a bunch of elevators to see how your weight changed while in an elevator. Once, Jordan did a project about shadows and different times of the day. It was pretty cool as well.
Last year, Jordan did a popcorn project that was fun. He wanted to see what popped the most kernels, the microwave or the air popper. Chloe did one on name brand cereal versus off brand cereal and how long the cereal stayed crunchy. It was a fun year of projects.
This year, we could not find a project that we were allowed to do and wanted to do. Chloe finally got her idea right from her science teacher, and like usual, we waited until the day before it was due to get it done. I guess everything turned out OK because Chloe got selected for the science fair. Only 16of 80 kids get to go to the science fair, so it is quite an achievement, but I hate science projects, so, I just look at the extra work that this might cause for me.
Jordan is doing his project today, it is due Monday. We are going to go to the track around here and see how many steps it takes to walk and then run the track and also measure you to see if how tall you are leads to less steps. It will be a fun time. We will see how it all goes down later. We will then work on his board today and tomorrow so it will be ready for Monday.
I hate science projects.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Brown Bagging It
I have actually been brown bagging it at work. I usually either go out to lunch or just do not have lunch. I have refused to brown bag up to this point. There has been a couple times where Diana has tried to switch me over, but I resisted. This time, I am not resisting. Diana and I have had a long talk about our current financial situation. Things are fine. We really have no money problems. Little debt, relatively cheap car payments, and I make enough money to be able to put some away at the end of every month. So you are now asking, why were you talking about your financial situation?
Well, Diana and I have plans, we want to progress in life. Once day move to St. George, buy a big house, ensure ours and our children's future by putting away enough for college for the kids, plus saving more for weddings and other things that will surely be coming. All this and my company has frozen salaries for the year. How am I going to get a raise to help us along our financial path? The only way I get a raise this year is to save money.
"Brown bagging is saving money." That is what I say to myself as I take my lunch in the morning and eat it in the afternoon. It is just so much funner to eat out. To make things fair, I am still doing Monday Wendy's and then one other day a week I go to Costco for a hot dog or a slice of pizza (I love Costco pizza). This seems like a pretty good trade-off.
We are doing other things as well. Refinancing the house to a better rate (a no-cost streamline refinance). I am looking at our car insurance to see where we can save (will be switching in April when current contract expires). We have also been looking at other items that we could reduce our monthly spend on.
It is going to be a long year, and it also looks as if things are going to get worse out in the world before it gets better.
Who knows, maybe a year from now I will like brown bagging it so much I won't even notice.
Well, Diana and I have plans, we want to progress in life. Once day move to St. George, buy a big house, ensure ours and our children's future by putting away enough for college for the kids, plus saving more for weddings and other things that will surely be coming. All this and my company has frozen salaries for the year. How am I going to get a raise to help us along our financial path? The only way I get a raise this year is to save money.
"Brown bagging is saving money." That is what I say to myself as I take my lunch in the morning and eat it in the afternoon. It is just so much funner to eat out. To make things fair, I am still doing Monday Wendy's and then one other day a week I go to Costco for a hot dog or a slice of pizza (I love Costco pizza). This seems like a pretty good trade-off.
We are doing other things as well. Refinancing the house to a better rate (a no-cost streamline refinance). I am looking at our car insurance to see where we can save (will be switching in April when current contract expires). We have also been looking at other items that we could reduce our monthly spend on.
It is going to be a long year, and it also looks as if things are going to get worse out in the world before it gets better.
Who knows, maybe a year from now I will like brown bagging it so much I won't even notice.
Been Sick
I have not felt well lately. I really started feeling bad last Wednesday (it probably did not help that I spent the [late] night playing basketball). I have been very achy and my throat has had a little bit of a scratch in it. The worst was my nose. I was overflowing awesomeness (my nose was running) all day. Thursday my nose stopped running, but I was still congested. My head was hurting, I could not breathe through my nose. I kept blowing my nose but nothing would come out. When I spoke you could tell there was no air coming through my nose. I was awful.
Even though I was sick, I was still working. I had many things going on at the end of the week (I did have donuts on Friday) so I could not stay home. Saturday I basically stayed in bed and rested. I got up to help make meals and to go to the restroom, but otherwise, I was in bed. I took a couple naps and it was good. On Sunday I had meetings in the morning and then church, which I could not miss. I got home, had lunch, ran a couple more errands and then faded fast. I dropped into bed and I was out. I slept for multiple hours. I did not get up until after 6. It was quite a nap. I woke up and my wife said that I did not snore (which was a first for the weekend). I still felt stuffy and sore, so I had some dinner and watched the first 5 episodes of 24 and then went back to bed. I was tired.
It is interesting, when your head is all stuffy like mine is and you wake up. While you are laying down you are OK, but as you stand you get all dizzy and feel like you are going down. You just have to stand for a second to get your bearings back. That was me as I woke up. And it had snowed the night before so there was multiple inches on the ground and I just did not have it in me to shovel. I decided right then that I was going to have to work from home today. I just did not want to wait in traffic for an hour to just to get to work.
As the day has progressed I have felt better. Still sniffling, still blowing my nose plenty, but I am on the right side of this cold now. Good thing, too, I have got to get to work tomorrow, lots to do. Today was a good work day though. I spent the morning updating the wiki training area of my works intranet and the afternoon working through the timeline for our next European conference. In between both of those items I worked on other projects I have going.
Diana has also been sick. I feel bad for her. Her sickness is different than mine. She says her liver hurts. I have been giving her a bad time about it, but it is funny. She also says she has been stuffy, but her main complaint has been the liver.
Even though I was sick, I was still working. I had many things going on at the end of the week (I did have donuts on Friday) so I could not stay home. Saturday I basically stayed in bed and rested. I got up to help make meals and to go to the restroom, but otherwise, I was in bed. I took a couple naps and it was good. On Sunday I had meetings in the morning and then church, which I could not miss. I got home, had lunch, ran a couple more errands and then faded fast. I dropped into bed and I was out. I slept for multiple hours. I did not get up until after 6. It was quite a nap. I woke up and my wife said that I did not snore (which was a first for the weekend). I still felt stuffy and sore, so I had some dinner and watched the first 5 episodes of 24 and then went back to bed. I was tired.
It is interesting, when your head is all stuffy like mine is and you wake up. While you are laying down you are OK, but as you stand you get all dizzy and feel like you are going down. You just have to stand for a second to get your bearings back. That was me as I woke up. And it had snowed the night before so there was multiple inches on the ground and I just did not have it in me to shovel. I decided right then that I was going to have to work from home today. I just did not want to wait in traffic for an hour to just to get to work.
As the day has progressed I have felt better. Still sniffling, still blowing my nose plenty, but I am on the right side of this cold now. Good thing, too, I have got to get to work tomorrow, lots to do. Today was a good work day though. I spent the morning updating the wiki training area of my works intranet and the afternoon working through the timeline for our next European conference. In between both of those items I worked on other projects I have going.
Diana has also been sick. I feel bad for her. Her sickness is different than mine. She says her liver hurts. I have been giving her a bad time about it, but it is funny. She also says she has been stuffy, but her main complaint has been the liver.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Saturday Morning Wake Up Call
I wasn't going to post this (I already look like a big enough idiot on most days on this blog). I decided that in fairness to my "brutal honesty" mantra I had to let you know. On Saturday morning I was woken up by a cop. No, he was not in my house, he was ringing my doorbell. I grumbled awake at the sound of the bell and thought, "Who is ringing my doorbell, what a jerk. It is 6:00 am!" I got to the door and saw the officer. He asked if the white car over there was mine. I was expecting a busted window or something, but noticed that the trunk was ajar. Then I thought, "They broke into my trunk, good things my golf clubs are in the basement!" I walked out and looked at the car, nothing to show a break-in. Nothing gone. Then I am thinking, "What is going on here?"
The cop asks me to go get my keys so we could look inside. I go in to the house and notice that there is things on my keychain pressing the trunk button. I am an idiot. I was not careful with my stuff and it bit me in the butt. As soon as the cop was happy and left I climbed back into bed for a little more shut eye. I told Diana that it was all a misunderstanding and closed my eyes.
I suck.
The cop asks me to go get my keys so we could look inside. I go in to the house and notice that there is things on my keychain pressing the trunk button. I am an idiot. I was not careful with my stuff and it bit me in the butt. As soon as the cop was happy and left I climbed back into bed for a little more shut eye. I told Diana that it was all a misunderstanding and closed my eyes.
I suck.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Hard Day
"In this economic climate."
How many times have you heard that statement in the past couple months? If you are at my house or at my job it has been quite a lot. Well, today "the economic climate" became very real to me. People actually lost their jobs today (not me, thank goodness). I know this is going on all over the world and there are probably places that are no where near as nice as my place of employment that has let people go, places where people were actually better off not working there. That does not make it any easier. Letting people go is never an easy decision, and I am sure many sacrifices were made. On days like today I count my blessings and vow to never forget how much I love my job.
Hopefully, Obama and his people can get something passed in congress that can help spur the economy. Until then I will be saving my money and not going out as often, being a little more careful with what I have. I also know that I will get my tax return submitted and get the money in the bank as soon as possible.
How many times have you heard that statement in the past couple months? If you are at my house or at my job it has been quite a lot. Well, today "the economic climate" became very real to me. People actually lost their jobs today (not me, thank goodness). I know this is going on all over the world and there are probably places that are no where near as nice as my place of employment that has let people go, places where people were actually better off not working there. That does not make it any easier. Letting people go is never an easy decision, and I am sure many sacrifices were made. On days like today I count my blessings and vow to never forget how much I love my job.
Hopefully, Obama and his people can get something passed in congress that can help spur the economy. Until then I will be saving my money and not going out as often, being a little more careful with what I have. I also know that I will get my tax return submitted and get the money in the bank as soon as possible.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
You Had a Bad Day
Everyone has those days where things just don't seem to go right. Where you think you are the unluckiest person in the world and one of the biggest losers (not the kind that is on TV losing weight).
Today was not one of those days for me, but for my lovely wife. She woke up with a big migraine, that is never fun. Migraines are the worst. Maybe they are contagious because Jordan went to bed last night with one. Diana slept in to get rid of the migraine so she was not able to get her list of things done today.
Then, on the way to pick up the kids from school...well, I better tell this the way I was told from Diana. "I was driving and I cut a person off, so as I went to wave [editors note: the one-finger wave?] I did not see how close the person in front of me was...and then my foot slipped as I tried to stop. We barely even touched!" That is her story...not mine.
Diana says there was no (hardly any) damage to the person she hit. Our car looks like this:
Just kidding. The car is fine. There is a little crack in the front bumper, but the car is just a thing and Diana is a person, so it is great that she is OK. When she called me she was hysterical, but I had her laughing pretty quick.
The day did get better as it went on. The migraine cleared up, she went to activity days and learned all about the girls she will be working with, she got to hang out with me (this is probably the best thing you can do if you are having a bad day) and she had friends commenting that they hoped she was OK on facebook after I updated my status that I was worried about her.
Hope things stay good for a while honey!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
iTunes
I have many iPods (as you probably know). I really like music, almost all kinds (I despise 99% of country music). I can listen to almost anything though, and I have. When I worked at the paint store as a young man, most of the employees wanted country so I dealt with it. Sometimes they would go with 80's rock. That stuff is really bad! But, to the point of this post...
After Christmas and Diana's birthday we have a $75 credit at the iTunes store. I have $15 and Diana has the rest. I need some ideas on what to buy. So far, I have bought "Crack the Shutters" by Snow Patrol. Comment some cool new (or old) music that would is good for the ears.
Diana is working her way through her credit as well. She has bought the Adele and A Fine Frenzy albums. I really like A Fine Frenzy, her voice is great and the music is awesome. Diana also purchased a bunch of other singles for her iPod.
One last shout out for Apple: Apple recently switched 8 million (of 10 million) songs to DRM free. That means you can download once and copy as many times as you want. It still downloads in AAC (which is the iPod language), but once you download the music you can export it to MP3. We all really know that you should all just get an iPod, the greatest music player in the world. If you want even more fun, get an iPod Touch and a world of applications are yours! You can also get an iPhone if you have AT&T, but AT&T sucks!
After Christmas and Diana's birthday we have a $75 credit at the iTunes store. I have $15 and Diana has the rest. I need some ideas on what to buy. So far, I have bought "Crack the Shutters" by Snow Patrol. Comment some cool new (or old) music that would is good for the ears.
Diana is working her way through her credit as well. She has bought the Adele and A Fine Frenzy albums. I really like A Fine Frenzy, her voice is great and the music is awesome. Diana also purchased a bunch of other singles for her iPod.
One last shout out for Apple: Apple recently switched 8 million (of 10 million) songs to DRM free. That means you can download once and copy as many times as you want. It still downloads in AAC (which is the iPod language), but once you download the music you can export it to MP3. We all really know that you should all just get an iPod, the greatest music player in the world. If you want even more fun, get an iPod Touch and a world of applications are yours! You can also get an iPhone if you have AT&T, but AT&T sucks!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
St. Geoge Weekend
We spent the weekend in St. George and having a fun time. It was Diana's birthday, so it was also a special occasion. We drove down on the 1st of January hoping to get some yummy dinner at Marv's and then get a Golden Spoon. Our hopes were dashed when we get to St. George and everything is closed! We ended up at Quiznos getting subs and then not getting our Golden Spoon either. Sad for us.
The next day we got up and I went golfing while the kids and Diana hung out. While in St. George we were planning on spending some time with our friends, the Ridings. Imagine my surprise as I arrived back at the condo complex and in the parking lot is the Riding car. I go in and the Riding mom and kids are ready to get out on the town. We end up at The Pizza Factory having lunch and then off to the movie theatre to see Bedtime Stories. Bedtime Stories was hilarious by the way, one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. I laughed freely and loudly as Jordan told me he could here me laughing from where he sat (the kids and the Ridings sat away from me and Diana). After the movie we took the two Riding boys back to the condo and Riding mom and baby girl went back to their home base for a while. They said they would come back later to play games. I thought they might be a while, but about an hour later there was a knock on the door and the Riding were here to have dinner, watch the Sugar Bowl and play games. We watched the game and talked for a while and then taught the Riding adults how to play Nertz while the kids just played and played. By the way, way to go Utes with the big win. I counted them out a long time ago but they did it. Good job. The Riding left after Diana and I won at Nertz. We were awesome, we do not usually win. After the Ridings left us idiots stayed up and played Phase 10 until 2:30 in the morning. At least I can say I won, I don't know what excuse anyone else is using for staying up so late.
Saturday morning came quickly for us. We had decided to go play laser tag with the Riding boys. I go to pick them up and we head to Laser Mania in St. George to get a two hour pass. We love laser tag. It is awesome. I know why Barney loves it so much. We laser tag for our time and have a great time. I win almost every time out, usually destroying everyone. It was fun. The kids loved it. The Riding dad even got injured while trying to jump through what he thought was an open square, but was really covered with chain link fence (it is hard to see in the playing area).
After laser tag the Ridings had to go home, but we had a blast with them during the time they were in St. George with us. Can't wait to do it all again around Easter when we will be back down. We came back from Laser Tag and just hung out for a while. I got a car wash and went to Great Harvest to get the bread for Diana's french toast on Sunday as well as Golden Spoon for ice cream. Diana got Gingerbread and she loved it. I also got some Chocolate Malt for Sunday, it wasn't very good. Saturday night we went to Texas Roadhouse and met Diana's brother that lives in Vegas. He made the drive up with his wife to see us (last time we were in St. George we drove to Vegas to see them). It was a fun time. I am still not a Texas Roadhouse fan, but it was not as bad as I remembered and I would probably go there again. I just think I could spend $5 for the whole family and get a better meal at Lone Star. We came back from Texas Roadhouse and played Mexi Train until about midnight and then went to bed. I was exhausted.
I love going to St. George, it is just so much fun. The weather is pretty good and we just go, go, go the whole time. I can't wait to go down there again!
The next day we got up and I went golfing while the kids and Diana hung out. While in St. George we were planning on spending some time with our friends, the Ridings. Imagine my surprise as I arrived back at the condo complex and in the parking lot is the Riding car. I go in and the Riding mom and kids are ready to get out on the town. We end up at The Pizza Factory having lunch and then off to the movie theatre to see Bedtime Stories. Bedtime Stories was hilarious by the way, one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. I laughed freely and loudly as Jordan told me he could here me laughing from where he sat (the kids and the Ridings sat away from me and Diana). After the movie we took the two Riding boys back to the condo and Riding mom and baby girl went back to their home base for a while. They said they would come back later to play games. I thought they might be a while, but about an hour later there was a knock on the door and the Riding were here to have dinner, watch the Sugar Bowl and play games. We watched the game and talked for a while and then taught the Riding adults how to play Nertz while the kids just played and played. By the way, way to go Utes with the big win. I counted them out a long time ago but they did it. Good job. The Riding left after Diana and I won at Nertz. We were awesome, we do not usually win. After the Ridings left us idiots stayed up and played Phase 10 until 2:30 in the morning. At least I can say I won, I don't know what excuse anyone else is using for staying up so late.
Saturday morning came quickly for us. We had decided to go play laser tag with the Riding boys. I go to pick them up and we head to Laser Mania in St. George to get a two hour pass. We love laser tag. It is awesome. I know why Barney loves it so much. We laser tag for our time and have a great time. I win almost every time out, usually destroying everyone. It was fun. The kids loved it. The Riding dad even got injured while trying to jump through what he thought was an open square, but was really covered with chain link fence (it is hard to see in the playing area).
After laser tag the Ridings had to go home, but we had a blast with them during the time they were in St. George with us. Can't wait to do it all again around Easter when we will be back down. We came back from Laser Tag and just hung out for a while. I got a car wash and went to Great Harvest to get the bread for Diana's french toast on Sunday as well as Golden Spoon for ice cream. Diana got Gingerbread and she loved it. I also got some Chocolate Malt for Sunday, it wasn't very good. Saturday night we went to Texas Roadhouse and met Diana's brother that lives in Vegas. He made the drive up with his wife to see us (last time we were in St. George we drove to Vegas to see them). It was a fun time. I am still not a Texas Roadhouse fan, but it was not as bad as I remembered and I would probably go there again. I just think I could spend $5 for the whole family and get a better meal at Lone Star. We came back from Texas Roadhouse and played Mexi Train until about midnight and then went to bed. I was exhausted.
I love going to St. George, it is just so much fun. The weather is pretty good and we just go, go, go the whole time. I can't wait to go down there again!
Driving Home From St. George
The family spent the weekend in St. George. It was fun. The weather turned bad Monday morning. We were driving home Monday. The day was cloudy, gray, and cold. The snow started as soon as we left St. George and before we hit Hurricane. The roads became wet and slippery. I slowed down enough so I could change the Pathfinder in to four-wheel drive (you have to be under 60MPH to make the switch), and then I took off. The snow got worse and worse and worse and worse. It was crazy. We saw three cars that were on their sides or tops. There were many other crashed vehicles and even many more cars that had slid off the road.
We drove and drove and drove and only stopped for gas once in Scipio.
The best part of the drive was when I was in a place where the snow was so bad you couldn't even see the lane markers, it was just snow everywhere. In this driving there was a car that decided it was best to just drive in the middle and not make room for any one else. I come upon this vehicle and did not know what to do. I did not want to slow down. I just veered off to the side (mostly staying on the road) and passed this joker in no time. Diana was not real pleased by it. I loved it.
The drive took a little more than five and a half hours (I can usually make this drive in four hours). It was OK. Even after all my great driving I still did not win the MVP on this drive. That award goes to Diana for making it the whole drive home without taking a potty break. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
We drove and drove and drove and only stopped for gas once in Scipio.
The best part of the drive was when I was in a place where the snow was so bad you couldn't even see the lane markers, it was just snow everywhere. In this driving there was a car that decided it was best to just drive in the middle and not make room for any one else. I come upon this vehicle and did not know what to do. I did not want to slow down. I just veered off to the side (mostly staying on the road) and passed this joker in no time. Diana was not real pleased by it. I loved it.
The drive took a little more than five and a half hours (I can usually make this drive in four hours). It was OK. Even after all my great driving I still did not win the MVP on this drive. That award goes to Diana for making it the whole drive home without taking a potty break. Winner, winner, chicken dinner.
Diana's Birthday
Sunday was Diana's birthday. Once again, she is 29! It was a good day. We lounged around my parents condo and watched movies and ate snacks for meals. It was fun. Just the kind of day that Diana wanted (I hope). We had some yummy Cinnamon Burst french toast for breakfast. Diana got a bunch of Facebook friends that contacted her to wish her a happy birthday. Diana had friends call and leave her messages of birthday wishes. Diana had my parents and family wish her a happy birthday face to face at the condo. It was a good day.
The one thing that my wife did not have on her birthday was either of her parents call to say, "Happy Birthday." I could not believe it. It was a joke. Diana acts like it does not bug her, but I don't act. This really pisses me off. How hard is it to call your own kid to wish them a good day.
I can't say anything else or I might make people mad.
The one thing that my wife did not have on her birthday was either of her parents call to say, "Happy Birthday." I could not believe it. It was a joke. Diana acts like it does not bug her, but I don't act. This really pisses me off. How hard is it to call your own kid to wish them a good day.
I can't say anything else or I might make people mad.
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