The Road

Christmas Prayers

2011-12-23T12:38:00.003-06:00

Last night, after yet another round of present wrapping, in order to quell the giddiness swelling in a certain five year old, Ari and Avi sat down to write a follow up letter to Ol’ St. Nick.

Now, these letters are prepared to silence any misapprehension in the gift giver, supplying the jolly old elf not only with written names and descriptions, but accompanying pictures to ensure that Santa Claus doesn’t get it wrong.

Ari and I watched Avi as he completed his last drawing, turned with his impish smile and proclaimed, “all done!” Then, quicker than Claus down the chimney, a somber look came over Avi’s face and “Serious Olivier” took over. He gently sat the letter down on the coffee table, turned, and knelt down. Clasping his hands together, he closed his eyes and spoke softly. “Dear Santa Claus, please bring me these presents. Amen.” He then opened his eyes, looked at me, and then asked, “What?” when he saw my face.

Just as the famed poem’s author, “I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.”

Sure, one can write to Santa, but the power of prayer is obviously not lost on this guy!

Wedding!

2011-08-03T09:24:00.002-05:00

The date and time are set! The sealing clearance from the First Presidency has been approved! Now the panic of preparation is setting in.

Ari and I will be married and sealed in the Houston Temple on September 17th. Announcements are forthcoming, but we plan on having a relatively small wedding with family (including any available "extendeds") in attendance.

More details to come! (We just have to finalize them!)

The Truth that Terrified My Son

2010-11-09T13:56:00.003-06:00

I hadn't shaved yesterday and so last night Avi was exploring my face, fascinated with his subject. He summarily decided that he, in fact, did not like it.

I spoke: "You know, you're going to have a beard too, buddy."

A look of complete horror came over his face.

"No," he breathed, dripping with trepidation. "I no want that."

"Doesn't matter," I replied. "It's gonna happen."

"No. Please, no."

I finally ended it with a little white lie so that he could sleep. Oh, the horror that awaits.

Comedy

2010-11-09T05:51:00.004-06:00

I love writing. I've tried writing in several genres and discovered something amazing: the under-appreciation of comedy. The sheer difficulty of writing/performing something truly funny is staggering. It's easy to see: take a look at great movies. In my view, there are a lot of great dramas, action movies, and horror movies out there. But to find a truly great comedy, one that will make you laugh out loud to the point where you have tears springing to your eyes... well that is something different, altogether. ("Well that is something different" -- come on - Airplane reference, people!)

Sure, there are great Rom-Coms that warm the heart... but a true comedy - or a true comedian for that matter... now that is a gem. For some reason, the British churn them out in mass production. I'm almost to the point of adding the full BBC package to my cable. We're missing a lot of great stuff over on this side of the pond!

I recently stumbled across this new show in Britain called "The Trip." It's about two comedians (Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon) that go to restaurants in the North of England and (evidently) try and make each other laugh. In this clip, they do an impression. (Now warning kids: do not try this at home. Impressions should only be left in the hands of a handful of people in the world... and you are probably not one of them. But these two guys are. Check out the full clip on youtube where they tackle other people as well.)

Warning: Contains some strong language.

The part about "the broken voice" makes me lose it. (If you want to see something amazing, also check out Rob Brydon's "Angry man trapped in a box.")

I'm getting excited for the holidays. The food, the family, the love, the joy... all that is great. But the real goal of the season is when my brothers and I get together and try to make our Dad laugh to the point that he cries.

Challenge accepted.

Four!

2010-11-07T10:07:00.006-06:00

Well, he made it. My boy is four years old. And, not to sound like a proud dad or anything, but he did it really well!

The Day:
The family tradition is breakfast in bed, however at this point in life, bed is not something we enjoy spending time in so Avi opted out of that perk. Instead, he was met with a choice: hang out watching TV or go to the church to clean (our week this year happened to fall on his B-Day!).

"Daddy, let's go church and CLEAN!"

So we did. We were working in the chapel (Avi dusting and Dad vacuuming) after we talked about reverence. In walked the Bishop and in a normal voice said, "You're doing a great job, Olivier!" Avi's response: "Shhhh!" The Bishop laughed.

After our cleaning adventure, we went on a donut/kolache run and took them over to Grandma and Poppops. We then came home and relaxed for a little bit until we found three hornets nests out on the patio.

There was a massacre (the authorities would have found 9 bodies had we not "taken care" of them), but the victors emerged unscathed and proceeded to clean the patio so that there would no longer be a "perfect spot" for our vespa vulgaris friends to squat on.

We then filled the car trunk to the brim with presents and decorations and headed back over to the grandparents' for the festivities.

We started with a quick dinner with some of the most unhealthy food Dad could find:

(here Finn is wondering why the food hasn't yet arrived)

We then went on an adventure! Evidently, Buzz was lost in a carnival and needed Avi, Nadia, and Finn to help find him and the presents. We first had to find money, then we drew pictures (to know who we were looking for), we threw balls,, and we destroyed a pinata as we made our way through the carnival, eventually finding Buzz and way too many presents!

That fun was followed by the cake!

We then headed home to watch (what else?) Toy Story 3 before having a crazy bath (by the end, the ceiling had ended up with more water than the bathtub) and off to bed.

Thanks to everyone for all the presents, cards, texts, and calls! The boy is certainly loved!
(And special thanks to Ari, my photographer and videographer!)

Birthday Party Planning

2010-11-04T12:12:00.003-05:00

Olivier turns four on Saturday. He's excited, I'm excited, we're all excited. Gotta have a party, right? Then it hits me. I'm the one that has to plan it. Cue sinking feeling in stomach. (Guess I'm still not used to all the responsibilities.)

He had a great party at his Mom's house last week, but he still needs to have his Houston party (and especially since it will be on his birthday) so I have to plan something. Last week's party revolved around THE Buzz Lightyear (which touches every aspect of our lives these days). So I, thinking that it would be good/fun to change it up, decide to do a Spiderman party instead. Afterall, we've been watching Spiderman a lot lately and get excited talking about it.

So yesterday after work I sprint to:

to pick up the decorations. I spend an embarrising amount of money on streamers, balloons, gifts, and a pinata and head home.

Later that night, I start talking with Avi in a casual tone:

"Hey bud, your birthday is on Saturday."
(No response as he is transfixed on the TV - watching Spiderman by the way!)
"You want to have a party?"
"Yes."
"You want to have a Spiderman party?"
(Face goes into 'thinking mode')
"We can have a cool Spiderman party."
"No, thanks."
"You don't want to have a Spiderman party?"
"No. Spiderman too scary."
"It's not scary. We watch it all the time. You don't want that kind of party?"
"No. I want Buzz party."
"You want to have a Buzz party?"
"Yep."

Back to Party City today.

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T22:24:00.002-05:00

Number of Trick-or-Treaters tonight: Zero
Upside: Tons of left over candy for Avi and my office to enjoy
Downside: The realization that it's possible that I'm becoming that strange old guy in the neighborhood that lives alone and who parents tell their children to avoid...

Anyway... on to Avi's Birthday and then Thanksgiving! I love the fall!

The Raven

2010-10-29T09:38:00.004-05:00

I love Poe's "The Raven." So in the below bit of a parody I might most closely identify with the roommate instead of the author! :-)

The Roommate

Once a year on Halloween night, while I kid and scare with fright
My eccentric roommate grows forlorn and shocks me to the core.
While I’m tricking, terrorizing, watching kids (they’re supersizing),
My emo friend starts reprising, that dreaded chant I deplore
Pining away for some dead author, to me they’re all a bore.
But she’s crying on the floor!

So I venture into her room, which really feels more like a tomb,
And not the holiday kind with ghosts and goblins on the door.
I try to greet her, say “hello,” but then I see that she’s below,
For even in her status quo, she whines about “lost Lenore,”
I’m unsure but I think she’s some roommate that was here before.
“Come on, get up,” I implore.

My roommate with raven-black hair, instead just continues to stare,
So I leave her room, reminding her to clean (oh no, a chore!).
Suddenly there comes a knocking, so, quick I begin unlocking
(As I am, my roommate, mocking), opening wide our front door.
Some cute little trick-or-treaters standing just outside the door.
I give them Mars (and nothing more!)

But when the door is finally shut, right through my nerves a knife does cut,
For from my friend’s room is the moan I just can’t stand anymore.
This time it is about a bird, a talking crow? (the sound is blurred)
A story that is quite absurd, about a bird on a door.
It is about some guy and a dead girl whose name was Lenore.
At least I now know Lenore.

I have to say this chick’s creepy, she’s either mad or just weepy,
A psychiatric visit might help to begin to explore
And brighten whatever occurred, to make this girl such a nerd.
Because now after what I’ve heard, I “need to run to the store”
But really find a place to live with roommates I don’t abhor
With this one? No, Nevermore.

Is this why I can't get a roommate? :)

Amazing Sound!

2010-10-26T16:51:00.001-05:00

Check this out! This really is pretty amazing. You need earphones (will not work with other speakers). Just plug in your earphones, close your eyes, and enjoy. Don't worry, there are no loud sounds or anything like that... but I dare you not to move your head at all! :)

What did you think?

Funniest Commercial

2010-10-21T20:59:00.003-05:00

In another life, I would have loved to have worked in advertising. A great commercial can often be better than the program I tuned in for. Here is one of my favorites:

Her reaction is absolutely hilarious. What are your favorite commercials?

Smile!

2010-10-20T07:20:00.003-05:00

I saw this ad and it caught my attention. (I think the graphics are awesome.) But the message is good, too. Everybody gets down at times, but if something can help, why not take advantage? Click on the picture for more information!

(I'm not a doctor and I don't even play one on TV.)

Vacation

2010-10-11T19:32:00.012-05:00

I finally got away for a full week's vacation! Decided to go to my guilty pleasure. Hit all four parks plus Universal. (You should go! Harry Potter-land is pretty cool!)

Back to work tomorrow. Counting down to the next vacation. :)

U.S. District Court Judge Bolton's Decision

2010-07-28T14:40:00.002-05:00

Performance Review

2010-07-16T15:19:00.004-05:00

When you have a performance review, your boss probably goes over your accomplishments as part of that meeting. In some instances, you may be compared to others in your office to see how your skills and successes match up against those who are doing similar work. We are often proud of certain goals we have achieved in our chosen profession, and we can feel even more proud when we receive acknowledgement and praise from others, especially from our boss. I recently have experienced this phenomenon and would like to share it:

In my office, many of us have rubber band balls that are continuously growing. It is becoming a competition. I guess you can call it that. In reality, it is not a competition. Not when I’m involved. My boss and another SAO and I are clearly the front runners and I have successfully had them admit that I have the largest rubber band ball, hands down. Anyway, thought I would share. It’s been a successful year.

P.S. Thank you tax payers for your patronage.

Old Man Bruise

2010-07-14T17:35:00.003-05:00

I have an old man bruise.

I have no idea where it came from, it doesn't hurt, and it is already fading, but it is the quintessential old man bruise.

Now, this could be a freak occurrence, something that the cosmos threw my way just to play with me. Or it could be a warning. It could be a message saying, "Bry, you're time of elastic skin is over and you better settle into that rocking chair." Problem is, I don't have a rocking chair. I honestly don't think I need one. But could I be wrong?

John Lennon was younger than me when the Beatles broke up. When they broke up! It's time to get crackin' on something. I've done several things I'm proud of in life, but resting on laurels isn't something I'm keen on. Time to learn the next language, get the next degree, write the next story, learn the next instrument. Gotta keep moving forward. Much better to be a Paul in life than a Ringo.

Maybe if I revitalize, the bruises won't come as quick. "Out, damned spot! out, I say!"

Format

2010-07-14T05:55:00.003-05:00

I read an interesting article this morning regarding modern poets' hesitation to release their work to the e-reading world. They, of course, like all writers are drawn to the medium due to its mass appeal and far reaching capabilities. Their problem, however, is how easy and often their work can be altered. When three stanzas suddenly come out looking like four due to font size and screen width, there can be an immediate misinterpretation of the underlying themes or even a mischaracterization of the very context of the poem itself. Much like a missed or misplaced comma, this new medium can innocently disfigure a work of art almost instantaneously. Hence, the reluctance. The author of the article put it perfectly when he wrote that prose is like water that can fit comfortably into any vessel you pour it into while poetry is like a sculpture that can easily crack and break if an attempt is made to "force" it in any way.

This got me thinking about earlier writers and the modes in which they used to deploy their creations. Many of our "classics" were originally written and released in serial format with new chapters being released through papers to the waiting audience. This isn't a foreign concept to us... I mean, how many of us waited each week for the next installment of "Lost" or even "The Office" with bated breath?

I am a little jealous of those that waited for Dickens' latest. Sure, today we can anticipate the next Dick Wolf production or J. J. Abrams story, but they begin to feel like dime-magazine fodder. One read and you can throw them away (or in this case, just not watch them again). Where is the work that will be studied 200 years from now? Is it still being created? Oh, to have been in the best of times... but then again, we have to remember the old "grass is always greener" adage. After all, it was the best of times, but it was also the worst of times.

Goooooaaallllll!!!

2010-06-29T18:30:00.002-05:00

We've got World Cup fever! Avi and I have been watching a few of the matches and the other day Avi comes out of his room carrying a soccer ball and says, "Dad, play soccer?"

Every day since, our living room has been magically transformed into a soccer pitch, with the piano making the perfect goal box. I've got to say, my boy has got some mad skills! He does like to use his hands quite a bit, so we're probably looking at a future goal keeper! "Nice!"

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T13:15:00.001-05:00

Happy Father's Day to my Dad! He is a teacher and inspiration to me. I hope to make him proud as I work on the role.

Business Trip

2010-06-10T18:35:00.003-05:00

Long day but productive. I've been in Cheltenham, MD (outside of DC) since Sunday and will be going home Saturday. The work is actually enjoyable. I'm with 15 other RAIO people from around the country qualifying for our teaching credentials so we can teach at the Asylum Officer Basic Training Course. Tomorrow is the final presentation that I've been working on.

I went up to Baltimore yesterday and Trace drove down from Philadelphia to meet me for dinner. We had a good time. These business trips allow me to see siblings all over the country on your tax dollar, so thanks! To be honest though, I do get a bit of work done on the side.

Missing my boy and home, so it will be nice to get back!

The Bed!

2010-06-02T10:39:00.004-05:00

Do you remember the excitement of climbing into your parent's bed? I'm not sure what it was, but there existed a wonderment in that simple exercise of cuddling or playing on top of mom and dad’s bed. I can’t think of a greater sense of safety I ever experienced as a child. Even more, I think parents’ sheets are dusted with pixie dust, because the magic and ease of imagination seems to unfold easier there on those old mattresses than anywhere. It may have been compounded for me, though, as my parents had a waterbed! Pirates on the high seas!

From my experience, Grandparents’ beds work just as well. My own grandparents had a motor home they would bring when they visited and sometimes cart the five of us kids up the coast to give my parents some relaxation. Lying on the bed in the back of the moving motor home (while watching movies!) was something beyond description. Some of my most earliest and vivid memories spring from that experience (I can still watch the old Disney Halloween movie in my head).

Here is my boy on my bed watching (what else?) old Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck cartoons.

We’ve also done our own fair share of jumping up and down on it, but sadly I don’t have any pictures! Traditions will never die!

Gravity

2010-05-24T13:58:00.004-05:00

Gravity. What a concept. Moons spinning around planets, planets spinning around stars, stars spinning around bigger stars… it just keeps going, doesn’t it?

Kind of seems to apply to people, too. Larger-than-life figures in (recent) history seem to have a certain pull toward each other; Lenin and his newspaper friends in London, Hemingway and his “Lost Generation” in Paris, Tolkien and his literary buddies at Oxford…

Even in cases where history fails to provide us with any evidence two great minds ever met at all, we somehow draw connections and play with the fantastical “what ifs.”

There is a book entitled “The Question of God” that explores a hypothetical night of debate in which a number of questions are posed to Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis. A question is asked and then the works of these two giants are examined as they “debate” different areas in the intoxicating world of philosophy.

The book is a rather ingenious creation in itself, as the two figures it paraphrases were in agreement at an early age before one strayed from the atheistic path while the other dug in his agnostic heels in what I can only characterize as stubborn-fear. Anyway, it’s a good read!

Back to the point: in considering this orbital tendency of great figures, C.S. Lewis was in actuality a very close friend to J.R.R. Tolkien. Bonding over their scholarly work at Oxford, the atheist Lewis and his Christian friend Tolkien spent hours together, discussing who knows what. In fact, the story goes that one beautiful summer evening in 1931, the two professors went on a long walk through the gardens of the university. They talked all night on the topic of Christianity and when the sun came up, the infamous agnostic had emerged as the future Chronicles of Narnia author. That was certainly a fly-on-the-wall opportunity I would have jumped at!

It is interesting to me the landmark works that flow out of these twin-(or-more-)supernova groupings…

I need to find me a solar system with several gigantic Saturns and Jupiters that wouldn’t mind an extra Pluto tagging along!

Football!!!!

2010-05-22T08:17:00.003-05:00

If you are unaware that the world cup is a mere few weeks away, shame on you. If you don't care that the world cup is a few weeks away, what is wrong with you? If you think "soccer" is a boring sport that can't compete with the excitement of the NBA/NFL/Fill in the blank, I'm concerned for you. Just check this out:

NIKE WRITE THE FUTURE - FULL LENGTH VERSION @ Yahoo! Video

Get Ready!!

2 New Splashes of Paint

2010-05-20T07:38:00.004-05:00

Here are my latest two... both are oil on canvas (48" x 36"). The first is in my bedroom and the second (once dry) will go in the living room.

I thought I would give my greens and blues a rest and take the reds out for some air. They appreciated it as I am putting the easel away for a bit as I focus on the pen (or rather clickity-clack of the keyboard) a bit more. My favorite patron glanced at these two for a split second and said, "nice paintings, Daddy!" before running back for more Thomas the Train and Bob the Builder. So now that I've pleased my fan, I will move on to some other interests.

At least a year ago I received a beautiful collection of "the classics" that look (in my opinion) rather handsome on my bookcase. Then, a few weeks ago, my overly-honest brother was checking out the new bachelor pad and making observations. One of his kind remarks was that I have an awesome collection of literature (in essence this is what he said - he mocks anyone that uses the word "awesome") that I've probably never read. And for the most part, he was right. As I perused my collection, I realized that though I knew each story, it was usually because I had seen a movie or read a condensed version of the book.

No longer!

I’ve dived back into the pages of the masterpieces I, unfortunately, somehow avoided in school. And, surprise surprise, I am enjoying them immensely! I’m not sure if it was an underdeveloped sense of appreciation for excellent literature or simply rebellion against the institution forcing me to do something (anything), but I never valued the books or the opportunity to read them like I do now.

My first choice last week was The Count of Monte Cristo. I made a good choice. I devoured it in two days, relishing the new subplots that I had never experienced (the movie’s a bit different… ;-)). My French is not exactly polished and so I’m not sure if it was Dumas or the translator that was rather fond of the expression “blow his brains out.” What was it was about the Victorian era that made suicide so vogue? Evidently killing yourself was the thing to do if you couldn’t pay back a debt (or just felt embarrased about something). Anyway, amazing story (which he -Dumas- evidently took from a real life story about a man accused of being an English spy) – and a great book.

Up next: I’m thinking I might blow through some Hawthorne. He’s rather concise in comparison with others (like Hugo!).

Oh… and to answer the looming question: Bryan, you are rather up-to-date in this electronic world, why not get a Kindle/Nook/iPad and be done with those old dusty dead trees?

Why?! Because it’s all part of the experience of reading a book! You feel the weight of the volume, hear the slight creak of the binding, smell the fresh pages, touch the texture as you turn through the chapters…. The book becomes your companion as you journey through the story; its little tears and ink blots add an ambiance that unknowingly binds you to the experience. Things that cannot be replicated on a screen. Besides, what happens when you drop your food/drink on your Kindle? Or when was the last time you took your Nook to the beach/pool?

I can always look at the Mona Lisa on my computer but for the choke-in-your-throat, emotion-swelling experience of experiencing her, it’s off to Paris!

Stuck...

2010-05-19T08:44:00.007-05:00

Have you ever had that experience where you are asleep, yet you know you are asleep and are trying to wake yourself up? You are experiencing some dream sequence and are cognizant of that fact but when you try to move it is as if your feet are caked with cement and any effort made in an attempt to walk/run only drains your energy...

Emotionally speaking it seems that this is where I am. I’ve got to figure out how to fall into REM or regain consciousness. The middle-ground is simply too tiring.

Avi (Olivier’s self-given nickname) and I are firmly settled in our new place. That awkward new-home feeling is on its lingering last-legs and we are beginning to feel at home. For some reason I have begun dreading my birthday the last few years and now that I’ve passed that hurdle this year, we can focus on something new.

I’ve been painting quite a bit lately and will have to update the “art blog” soon with several of my new creations. The writing has been slow-coming but I’ve recommitted myself.

It looks like the “unfortunate” legal matter will be finalized by the end of summer. The joint custody has been working relatively well and the hope is that it all goes just as smoothly to the end.

That strange phenomenon of life balancing out has been wreaking havoc on me… while the personal side of things has crashed and burned (the wreckage is still on fire), my work life has been rather successful. I received a bonus, promotion, and raise last fall and word is that I should expect the call any time now for a repeat.

In high school we took this test in psyche class giving various point values to stressors in life (stressors in the psychological sense of both good and bad). Stressors such as moving, divorce, job changes, births, deaths, etc. gave rather high points. I think I’m nearing the danger zone. :)

Anyway, thank you to all the support out there! It is much appreciated and now that I’m getting my feet on more solid ground, hopefully I’ll be able to act as a bulwark for others instead of the tempest itself!

A Linguistic Step Forward

2010-03-11T18:11:00.004-06:00

Olivier and I went to Hidden Hollows Elementary (go Roadrunners!) this morning and had his vision and hearing tested, one of the many steps in getting him enrolled for speech therapy with the school district. The process was rather smooth and we were in and out within a half hour.

I was curious how they were going to test his vision, but it worked out great. The nurse stood over by the letter chart while Olivier held a card with four different letters on it. When the nurse pointed to a letter on her chart, Ollie pointed to the matching one on his card. He got them all correct!

The problem came when she pulled out the otoscope, which sent Ollie scurrying for the corner with tears streaming down his little cheeks. Instant recollection of the doctor. Not good.

The nurse was great though and just had me whisper various commands to him which he got no problem and... presto! Olivier had passed.

"They" anticipate at this point that he is merely speech delayed, due to a combination of factors, but I want to make sure he is exposed to all the options available to help in any way they can. He has no problem talking to me, but a stranger would get a little lost...

My boy continues to make great strides every day! Just imagine what I could do if I learned as fast as he does!

Les Fab Cinq de Burbank

2010-02-09T06:48:00.006-06:00

A Burbankian take on "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon"

Pencil on Paper, 11 x 14

(here is the inspiration by Picasso)

Donald Picasso

2010-02-08T06:56:00.003-06:00

Pencil on Paper, 11 x 14

I did this after seeing it on a true master's blog. If you like this one, check out Tim Rogerson's site! He's inspired me to take a journey down this road for a bit...

Decide to Draw

2010-02-05T15:24:00.003-06:00

I needed to stop waffling on decisions at work and decided to make myself a visual reminder for my wall. I haven't been drawing as much lately and think I might put away the oil paints and pull out the old pencils for a while.

Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau

2010-01-27T15:43:00.004-06:00

A Rainy Night

2010-01-25T07:52:00.002-06:00

I liked the original so I thought I'd try my hand at it:

Oil on Canvas, 16 X 20

Happy Birthday!

2010-01-24T09:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to my brother, Tim aka "Mr. Hemming"!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-01-12T11:16:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday to my Mom! We both turn 29 this year!

We love you!

Middleman

2010-01-08T17:10:00.001-06:00

Work: Sometimes its fun to be the middleman and get to see into the worlds of both sides. That is, until both sides are upset with each other and pushing against the middleman. Then it hurts.

Moments Echoing in Time

2010-01-06T15:19:00.001-06:00

Have you ever wondered how Einstein must have felt when he finished his equation, or what Columbus was thinking when he first saw the New World, or how Armstrong’s legs must have been tingling when he stepped on the moon?

There are so many marvelous instances of grandeur in history, what was it like for those that were there? In the majority of cases, they likely failed to even realize the significance of what they were doing when they did it.

For me, the creation of literature is enthralling. What was Shakespeare doing when he wrote down the line, “To be or not to be….” Did he get up from his desk with an amazed look on his face and say, “honey, get in here! I think I just wrote something historic here!” Probably not. But what if he had? Did the next door neighbor hear the shouting, roll his eyes and say, “if that Bill Shakespeare doesn’t quiet down soon, so help me….” Did Anna Hathaway glance up from her needlework and say, “that’s good honey,” before forgetting what her husband had just said?

What about Victor Hugo, when the idea of a hunchback hanging out in Notre Dame came into his head? “Hmm, that’d be a good story.” Whatever his reaction, it was probably an understatement.

My Favorite Football Buddy

2010-01-05T15:41:00.003-06:00

Avi and I love to watch sports together (ready for the cup this summer!!!). And my boy really gets into it. When something exciting happens, he'll either get really shrill shouting at the TV or will look up at me and excitedly say, "Nice!"

We went down to Kemah and Galveston the other day and got some shots on the beach. He held the same pose in every picture.

Outlook

2010-01-04T12:23:00.003-06:00

Always Watching

2010-01-03T20:50:00.002-06:00

He's always watching. My little boy started doing this juvenile sucking sound today that my brothers and I have done since we were teenagers... Gotta be honest though, I'm pretty proud of him... he's nailed it dead on.

Nothing gets by him. Something I need to remember.

Easy Saturday

2010-01-02T18:54:00.002-06:00

Woke up this morning with my head filled with an outline of a story I'd never thought about. Kind of a nice phenomenon! We'll have to see if this one "works." Haven't talked myself out of it yet... a good sign.

The holiday season is fading into memory. Time to get serious about reality.

Carded

2010-01-01T19:32:00.003-06:00

I went to WalMart yesterday to buy some fireworks and picked up four little boxes of those little popper things that Olivier could throw down and make a little pop. As I entered my PIN and waited for the cashier to finish scanning my items, my mind started drifting until I noticed she had asked me something and was waiting for an answer.

"I'm sorry?"
"You need to be over 17 to buy these sir."
"Okay."
"Can I see your ID sir?"
- brief uncertain hesitation -
(is she joking?) "Uh, sure..."
"You sure don't look 28!"

So there you have it. At the oldest, I look 16! Not bad!

Headline: Researcher says she found text on the Shroud of Turin

2009-11-20T09:44:00.003-06:00

My immediate guess: "Wash with like colors."

First Halloween Party

2009-10-25T12:43:00.003-05:00

Ola and I went to our first Halloween party of the year thrown by a coworker and unleashed this years costume: "Anne Boleyn... Before and After"

Happy Halloween!

Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-09T10:02:00.002-05:00

London!

2009-07-29T06:02:00.005-05:00

Back from London! We had an amazing time, the best vacation in a long time! On my last day (Ola stayed on for a few more days with her sister while I had to return to work), we took a picnic to Hyde Park.

The Robot

2009-07-09T18:32:00.002-05:00

Ola sent a few pictures of their time in France. I love this one where Olivier is doing the robot.

The Week

2009-06-28T09:29:00.005-05:00

Time clicks along at its unforgiving pace and my blog has nothing to show for it! Apologies.

Got back from Salt Lake on Friday. It was a mixed week. The work was work but I got to spend some time with Tim and a bit with Jeff (two of my brothers). They are both doing great and I am proud of the things they are accomplishing! It is therapeutic and inspiring to see men plugging away on the road to their dreams and they're making great distance!

I also got to see the grandparents, which is always nice.

On my flight home, there were a dozen LDS missionaries on the flight, wearing the complete uniform (business suits with high school backpacks...) and all headed for Houston. They all seemed in high spirits except for the one that sat directly behind me. As the rest jabbered to each other and everyone else, this little guy just sat still. Then, as we were making our descent into IAH, Elder X throws up. Motion sickness? I don't know... it was one of the smoothest flights I've ever been on...

Anyway, we deplane and line up to pick up our gatechecks and I watch as this poor boy stumbles off the plane and leans against a wall. Then collapses. Literally. Splat... brand new Mr. Mac just sprawled out on the floor. His eleven compatriots do their best to offer support which is as effective as an eight year old performing CPR: it's cute to watch in theory but pointless and just in the way during a real emergency.

Finally, he is picked up by a couple privates in God's Army and carried into the mission field... not a great entry but one for his journal and a good laugh later down the road!

After picking up my car, I found myself already swimming in the onslought that is Houston summertime and then came home to a dying yard. Someone has evidently traded in my backyard grass for straw.

Saturday, I went over in the morning to visit my Dad and we went garage sale perusing. After finding nil, we went to lunch at Panera Bread where I layed out for him the hysteria that is my office (he still doesn't believe the stories... but seriously... who would?!)

Then in the evening, I went to a house-warming party for my friend/coworker Brooke. Had a good time and that takes us to the present.

Various projects continue... I've been working on several writing projects (collaborating on one which is going good!). Also, I completed a little painting project to add to my bedroom...

New Template!

2009-06-19T10:43:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the new template! It's a bit brighter than the former and matches my "lighter" personality! I'm not sure about the mouse (if that is what it is) floating next to the dolphin. Evidenlty, the dolphin isn't too sure about the mouse either.

Ola and Ollie continue their vacation... I hear that they're having a great time! Ola posted on her blog, so check out their latest pictures at http://olasfamily.blogspot.com.

I continue doing whatever it is that I do...

I've got a little business trip up to Salt Lake next week, just a Monday through Friday thing, but it should be fun.

The Latest...

2009-06-09T10:41:00.002-05:00

What's better than eating while sitting on Mom's lap while playing a game with grandma?

Nothing.

Week 1 Without O & O

2009-06-07T18:41:00.004-05:00

My first week without my two favorite people is done and I'm ready for them to come back! Unfortunately, that won't happen for quite some time yet, so I'm trying to keep myself occupied.

Here are a couple of doodles I've done. Also cleaned the house and watched a LOT of TV and Netflix... done just a tad of writing... more to come!

You Gotta Know People!

2009-06-02T20:54:00.003-05:00

On my own again...

Ola and Olivier are off on their whirlwind vacation, enjoying the European lifestyle with two very happy parents/grandparents.

The trip evidently wasn't too bad. Check this out.

So, Ola works with a friend whose husband is an air traffic controller. Ola was told that he was going to have the pilot say hi over the loudspeaker or something like that. It turned out to be a bit more.

After coming by their seats and saying hello, the pilot had a flight attendant come back and bring Ola and Olivier up to BUSINESS CLASS! Talk about an upgrade!

Ollie has a working class father and didn't feel comfortable in business class, screaming until he woke up the upper crust. So a few rows were literally cleared of other passengers back in coach and Ola was able to ride in a bit more comfort though, thanks to our boy, not in business the entire time.

I tell you, what my wife wants, my wife gets!
"When Ola travels to Europe, she flies in business class!"

28

2009-05-17T21:10:00.004-05:00

I ran past road marker "28" yesterday. Great company, great dinner, great gifts, great day. Thank you all for the best wishes!! Ola and I went and saw Star Trek... it was really good even for us non-trekkies...

Also finished a painting this weekend. Ollie has named it "The Race." This one was painted for its recipient specially in mind.

More of the Mundane

2009-05-12T07:15:00.002-05:00

Not too much going on... the weather is heating up and the mosquitoes are acting out in their carnivorous ways...

I found out that I am headed back up to SLC at the end of June (probably the 22nd) for a week, so Tim: get ready for the Brazilian Restaurant!!
I’m hoping Spencer will have Mara there already so I’ll get a chance to meet her.

Ola and Olivier are gearing up for their summer vacation and are very excited.

Other than that, just playing at the government job thing while I doodle away the rest of my time.

Boy is it an exciting life. Jealous, aren’t you?

Soccer!

2009-05-06T05:52:00.005-05:00

Evidently, the love for the game of soccer is genetic. When we got to the park, Olivier made a beeline for the far goal. It took him almost a full minute to cross the field, but he kept at it. We had a great time just kicking the ball around!

The Straw to Break Their Back?

2009-05-05T10:38:00.001-05:00

Painting

2009-05-03T12:53:00.000-05:00

A couple I've recently finished...

Santa's Full Time Job

2009-05-01T07:38:00.006-05:00

Upon the announcement of Justice Souter's looming retirement from the United States Supreme Court, I went looking for a picture of the Big 9 sitting on their bench. While sitting on my chesterfield drinking a pop I got for a Loonie I found several pictures, one of which answered a very important question I've always had:

Where did Santa Claus get the idea for his costume?

I give you, the Supreme Court of Canada:

This explains so much. What kind of background would allow St. Nick to make the naughty v. nice determination he is so famous for? His long tenure on the supreme court!

And of course, his Canadian citizenship explains his whole rationale in thinking one day of work is good enough for the year! Eh?

Just kidding!!

One thing you never want to do is anger a Canadian, don' cha know!

That'll learn ya!

Kosher?

2009-04-30T15:42:00.002-05:00

Swine Flu

2009-04-30T09:54:00.001-05:00

Rain Drops

2009-04-28T07:10:00.002-05:00

Houston is under a rain cloud. It started coming down heavy yeterday afternoon and flooding streets before tapering off in the evening. Then it began pounding us again at night. Ola was at work late, not getting home until 3:00 this morning. I was a little concerned about her driving through the craziness and didn't get to sleep so it made it an early morning this morning!

The rain is continuing today. One of the freeways on the west side of town has been shut down but we're fairing pretty well on the North East side.

I'll only be working until lunch today. The plan is to take half a day and take Ola out to lunch.

Go Dodgers!

2009-04-23T07:09:00.005-05:00

Last night Ola and I went down for a Dodger game with some friends from my office. I guess technically it was an Astros game, but who are we kidding? Wherever the Dodgers go, it's their game! It was Ola's first MLB game and I think she enjoyed it. She'd been to a see a minor league game, but not the real thing.

We lost by a run but it was a pretty good game, so we weren't too disappointed. We didn't catch a ball this time, so I guess we'll have to keep going back until we do! (I think this is on Ola's "bucket list.")

We also wanted to thank JeMe (is that your guys' couple name?) for watching Ollie.

We didn't think he was quite ready to sit through a game yet. (Though he does throw pretty good and would probably pitch better than the Astro's guy that gave up back to back home runs!)

It was a fun day!

The Code Book

2009-04-22T10:26:00.004-05:00

My Fellow Men: I have stumbled across a code-breaking dictionary. Certain words have been passed down from mother to daughter since the inception of the English language, which, until now, have not been translated into any language understandable to men. I reveal this to you at great risk to myself but know that with my assassination will come great strides in the unraveling of the enigma that is “Female.”

Please. Use it wisely.

FINE: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

FIVE MINUTES: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only "five minutes" if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

NOTHING: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine".

GO AHEAD: This is a dare, not permission. Don't do it!

LOUD SIGH: This is not actually a word, but a nonverbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. Refer back to #3 for the meaning of "nothing".

THAT'S OKAY: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. "That's okay" means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

THANKS: A women is thanking you; do not question it or faint. Just say, "You are welcome."

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT; I'VE GOT IT: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing herself. This will later result in a man asking "What's wrong?" For the woman's response, refer to #3.

--This was sent to me a while ago in an email from my wife... I don't know... in hopes that I may benefit?... for some reason it hasn't worked yet...

The Tickets Are In Hand!

2009-04-21T07:18:00.004-05:00

Well, they're not actually in hand since they are all electronic tickets but they've been purchased!
Ola is pretty excited for the summer. She and Olivier are soaring off for their European tour on May 31st. They'll be headlining in Poland, London, France, and Spain before coming back stateside in early August.

We are hoping that I'll get to join the tour at some point... we're still hammering out the details and weighing the options...

This will be a really great trip for them. Olivier's grandparents have not seen him in a year and are just waiting for the opportunity to spoil him beyond comprehension. It's tough being so far away from that side of our family so we try to make up for it with what little we can.

Anyway, this creates a situation where I will have no excuse to not get done what has not yet been gotten done!

When Mom is gone...

2009-04-20T08:13:00.003-05:00

What's better than curling up with a sippy and a blankey watching Pooh on the computer and Mickey on TV?

Nothing.

Too bad it only happens when Dad is in charge... (that doesn't happen a lot).

US and Cuba Getting Along?

2009-04-18T03:58:00.001-05:00

John Madden Retires

2009-04-17T03:58:00.000-05:00

Tea Party?

2009-04-16T10:57:00.000-05:00

Tax Man

2009-04-15T10:28:00.000-05:00

Ice Cream

2009-04-15T06:59:00.007-05:00

After Ola got home from work last night, the three of us decided to run out for some ice-cream at Cold Stone. We had a great time, though not a single one of us could finish it all.

Ollie has developed this adorable habit of blowing into the napkin when he wipes his face. He sees others blowing their noses and isn't quite sure what is going on, but feels that he ought to be doing the same thing and so replicates the sound and action the best he can figure out. My boy really brightens my day when I get home!

Easter

2009-04-13T11:33:00.003-05:00

We had a fun little Easter. Olivier got a new lawn mower (that blows bubbles!) so we had fun with that this weekend as well as hosting the J. Hemming family for Easter dinner. We had a great time and enjoyed the evening together laughing and decorating eggs.

Also, Olivier and I got new suits for Easter. One of us looks a bit more dashing than the other in his new 3-piece outfit, so he is featured in these pictures. Quite debonair, no?

Earth with a Fever

2009-04-11T03:58:00.000-05:00

Overweight But Not Big Enough

2009-04-10T03:58:00.000-05:00

Obama: I Inherited

2009-04-09T03:58:00.001-05:00

Easter Baskets

2009-04-08T09:59:00.001-05:00

Last night Ola dragged her two boys out of the house to have a little family fun activity. While the two guys wrestled around on the ground, Ola made Easter baskets and then the three of us went to deliver them to family. Here is Ollie trekking up Jeff and Melissa’s stairs to deliver chocolaty goodness to Nadia and Finn.

He wasn’t quite so sure about actually leaving the basket with them, but was a good sport in the end.

I must say, I am perpetually amazed with my wife. She works all day, takes care of the boy, feeds us both, takes care of the house, and still has the drive to get us active and serve others. Ollie and I are very lucky.

Italian Earthquakes

2009-04-08T03:58:00.000-05:00

Jordan Hall of Fame

2009-04-07T03:58:00.000-05:00

US Spying on Russia?!

2009-04-06T08:20:00.001-05:00

Recharge Weekend

2009-04-06T07:17:00.005-05:00

As is the norm, it was a fantastic weekend. I absolutely thrive on spending time with Ola and Olivier and I got a lot of recharging done over the past couple of days.

Friday night, Ola and I cashed in on a Christmas present and went to see Les Miserables down at the Hobby Center.

It was a great production and we both enjoyed it. We’ve actually seen it in several venues but got a different angle viewing it as parents. Anyway, dinner and the theater… it was a great night. Phantom is coming this summer and we're debating that...

Saturday, we spent over at Ollie’s grandma and grandpa’s house, enjoying the relaxing day of conference sessions and having a fun Easter egg hunt with cousins.

The grandparents wanted to celebrate Easter a little since they will be out of town next week and will miss out on all the fun. Both Ollie and Nadia grasp the hording concept really well right now and cleared the field in minutes!

Saturday night, my brothers, Dad and I (sans Tim) went out while Ola and Mom stayed in with Chinese food and a movie. Kevin was hitting on the waitress all night long though, so it got to be a little much...

Sunday was great with a turkey dinner and then Ola had to take off for work. She was home early though (before I fell asleep!).

Now it’s back to the work week. I’m still working on the adage “find what you love doing and then find someone willing to pay you for it.” I’m almost half-way there I think!

Forecast: Rain

2009-04-05T03:58:00.000-05:00

Rocket Fuel in Baby Formula

2009-04-04T03:58:00.001-05:00

Rule #1: Don't Touch the Queen

2009-04-03T03:58:00.001-05:00

U.S., Russia Disarming?

2009-04-02T03:58:00.000-05:00

GOP Meeting

2009-04-01T03:58:00.001-05:00

GM On The Way Out?

2009-03-31T03:58:00.000-05:00

Southern Border

2009-03-30T10:56:00.000-05:00

Season's First Egg Hunt

2009-03-28T17:38:00.011-05:00

Our neighborhood community held their annual Easter Egg Hunt this morning and Olivier dragged us over to the park. Check out the jacket-weather! (and Ola's pink boots!)

It was pretty amazing to see the field covered in eggs.

After the Easter Bunny counted to three, the 0-3 age group was set loose.

Ollie cleaned up with about twenty or so eggs. They were filled with little things like stickers, rings, bracelets, spin tops, etc.

The field was cleared in five minutes!

After the hunt, we went over to the camel/horse ride and petting zoo that was set up while the older kids took their turns on other fields.

We had a fun time!

Earth Hour... Lights Out!

2009-03-28T17:05:00.001-05:00

Where's The Mailman?

2009-03-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pot Calling the Kettle Black

2009-03-27T03:58:00.002-05:00

Pandora's Box

2009-03-26T03:58:00.000-05:00

Mount Redoubt Erupts!

2009-03-25T03:58:00.000-05:00

Obama Speaks

2009-03-24T03:58:00.000-05:00

Gaffe

2009-03-23T03:58:00.000-05:00

Spring Break

2009-03-22T03:58:00.000-05:00

Face of Evil

2009-03-21T03:58:00.000-05:00

Austrian "worst father of the year" pleads guilty to everything.

US Submarines Collide

2009-03-20T11:58:00.000-05:00

It Works!

2009-03-20T03:58:00.000-05:00

Off the Leash

2009-03-19T03:58:00.000-05:00

It's About to Collapse

2009-03-18T03:58:00.000-05:00

U.S. Drought

2009-03-17T03:58:00.000-05:00

Pop Quiz

2009-03-16T05:00:00.002-05:00

None. They're all mythical creatures.

The Latest Splash of Color

2009-03-15T20:42:00.001-05:00