Life in the Middle

3 Week Olds Should Talk

2011-07-05T20:48:00.000-05:00

Dear Carter,

Can you please start using your words. I don't want to rush this whole growing up thing. I don't want you to go through too many stages too quickly. I just want you to tell me why you are a little fussy.

You have been a really good baby. Only crying when you need a change of diapers or are hungry. You are sleeping 4-6 hours at night. So this discomfort that you seem to be in is not fun...for any of us.

In our family, we use our words. You can even use Spanish words or German. Just throw your mom and dad a bone.

We love you!

-Mom and Dad...but mostly dad because mom is so very patient and amazing...okay, not mostly dad, all dad...mom has no idea I wrote this.

Come Here Often?

2011-06-28T18:30:00.000-05:00

So we had an incident.

It has been a bit traumatizing.

I am not sure what to think about it.

Some of the fall out has been me revisiting my life in college, dissecting my relationship with Carter and evaluating the way people see me.

What happened you ask?

My daughter gently nibbled my nipple.

Not like she was trying to feed. Not like she was thinking about feeding. It was as if she was looking to comfort herself.

We were in public and I was clothed, but it was uncomfortable.

Okay, maybe I am being dramatic...Okay, there is a lot of drama in the above.

But I feel violated...and it wasn't even a Friday night in Vegas.

From James Dean to Jerry Lewis...my transformation

2011-06-24T06:01:00.000-05:00

Poop...Leakage...Wipes...Drool...Booger...Peed ON

No, this is not a return to college, it is the reality of fatherhood.

It is what we discuss, think about and try to figure out.

Does this mean we have lost our cool?

Did we ever really have any cool?

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Carter is getting noticeably bigger. It is crazy. She is out of newborn clothes/diapers.

Claire is working in a good rhythm. It is pretty cool to see.

Her parents have been here for a couple of weeks now and it is really nice to have them here. Sure, the help is nice, but really, we are just enjoying their company.

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If you told me that I would celebrate getting 5 straight hours of sleep as if it is something that is unusual, I might have punched you in the ear. But this morning I got 6 hours of sleep. STRAIGHT. I feel like dancing a jig. It makes me want to throw a parade.

Instead, I am going to take my wife, daughter and C's Parents to the Cracker-Barrel.

Jealous?

Name Fail

2011-06-19T12:28:00.001-05:00

So Carter went on her first official outing...To Church. It was a very nice way to say Happy Father's Day!

While there, she got a lot of attention. Pastor said hello...friends checked her out...random people pinched her face...then there was the "Older Lady".

She made eye contact with me as I was holding Carter in the car seat. She made a bee-line for us. Checking out Carter, Older Lady smiled and ogled. She looked at me and Claire and made small talk about how cute Carter was, how happy we all look, etc...then she got to the question:

"So, what is her name?"

"Carter Nicole"

pause...pause...eyes darting around...Older Lady says "Oh...hmmmm...Is that a family name?"

"Nope. Just something we liked."

pause...pause...eyes darting around...Older Lady says "Huh...well, I guess you will just call her Nicky won't you."

pause...pause...eyes darting around...Claire said "Probably not. We will probably stick with Carter."

Older Lady walked away.

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Apparently Carter is a Name Fail for the "Greatest Generation".

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Happy Father's day to all the Father's that had a big influence in my life and how I hope to be a daddy...

You know who you are.

Moving from the book

2011-06-17T10:35:00.000-05:00

Dear Lactation Specialists and Peds Nurses,

I know that the new guidelines are to wake your child every 3 hours or less to feed. I know that the baby is very important. I know that there are some children that HAVE to eat every 3 hours because there is not enough milk or they are not good feeders or whatever...

But part of your job is to evaluate parents and how they are getting along with the nutrition of the baby. I am not dumb. My child is not yet a full 7 days old and is already back to birth weight. She is clearly feeding well and mom is making enough milk to feed Carter and 2 other children. Given that, I am respectfully going to tell you to take your "wake up your baby to feed" advice and share it with someone else. If she goes 4 1/2 hours between feedings, I am not worried. As a matter of fact, I long for that.

So thank you for your education. Thank you for being caring. But please, if you want to be really good at what you do, know that there is a lot more than just book knowledge and you need to learn to adjust recommendations according to situation.

Thank you.

-Bogart.

Choir of Jr. High Wind Instruments

2011-06-15T21:36:00.000-05:00

Being a dad is different than I thought. I expected angles with horns as soon as she popped out. Instant, deep, penetrating love for this little "bundle of joy". I thought I would feel different.

Instead, I feel like I have picked up a task. A good one...one I don't mind doing...but a task nonetheless. Sorta like that job that was a bit of a stretch, but you you did not mind the hard work and long hours.

I am up all night long, trying to decide if I should rock her, dance with her, sing to her or just let her be. I change diapers and prep for feeding. I jump at every whimper and smile at every coo. I put her in the backseat very carefully and drive much more slowly. I have already eaten a few cold dinners, passed on a beloved cigar and cooked with a good bottle of wine instead of drinking it. I wipe the "front butt" even though I am uncomfortable doing so. I hold her until my arm feels like it will fall off then I move to the next one for just as long. I manage to do all this with a smile and looking forward to what comes next.

Wait...that is Love...that is a deep, penetrating love. It may not have involved a choir of angels, but that crying and whaling is pretty melodic, sora like a bunch of 7th graders playing in their first concert...and Claire has never been so beautiful.

Yea, I could get used to this whole Dad thing.

How will Google handle this post?

2011-06-14T21:36:00.000-05:00

Many men lose their dignity after getting married when they have to make a run to the grocery store and shop for tampons. There are so many choices...different sizes...different applicators...different absorbency's. You can guess and get sent back. You can just buy them all and hope she finds a use for the ones she does not like. You can ask and lose your dignity. I am guessing that most guys, at some point, do all three.

Later, if they were smart and looked at what their wife uses prior to going to the store, then they go later into the marriage with their dignity intact. But then the wife becomes pregnant and that is the next major dignity stealing time...the Hemorrhoid cream. Apparently, it is a real thing that many women get Hemorrhoids while "with child" (thankfully this was not Claire!). Try explaining that to the guy behind the counter..."No really, it is for my wife." I guess you could always go the route that Conan O'Brien uses...that the cream is for the dark circles under his eyes.

If the husband makes it through those two events, the Coup de Gras comes...Nipple Cream. See, breast feeding leads to sore, painful and sometimes bloody nipples (bring that up as a topic of conversation at your next dinner party). They sell different things to help and there are many different home remedies...but if it is bad enough or your doctor is smart enough, they will just prescribe some prescription strength nipple cream. And you can't just take that to any pharmacy...it takes a special Apothecary's type of pharmacy. So here is what happens...you walk into your normal pharmacy...they tell you no, we cannot make up this Nipple Cream, try somewhere else. You try the CVS across the street...Nope, not there either. So, now you call around...nothing like lots of conversations with people over the phone asking about nipple cream. Finally you find a place that will whip some up for you. You go to pick it up, only to realize it is Fifty Bucks...yes FIFTY DOLLARS. You swallow hard, whip out the credit card and buy Nipple cream.

Well, I guess it could be worse...you could have to walk the Bichon Frise down the street.

Carter Nicole

2011-06-12T13:12:00.000-05:00

That is sorta what I did in the recovery room on Friday night...

The nurses thought it was funny to see a 6'5" man holding a baby in the air yelling:

"LOOK AT WHAT I HAVE CREATED!!!"

Little Carter Nicole joined our lives at 5:12pm. Yes, I will post some pictures. Yes, I think it will spur on more frequent posts. I started this thing to keep the family abreast of what was going on when I left CA. Now, we probably should do the same for Frank (still working on a good nickname for her...I love Baby Blue, because of her eyes, but my buddy Derek's daughter already claimed that one...so, Frank Sinatra...ol' Blue Eyes...she can be Frank).

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Momma is doing well. Looking Hubba Hubba as always.

Actually, prettier than ever...something about popping out my Progeny that makes her look amazing!

Two Years Ago

2011-02-28T05:58:00.002-06:00

Two Years Ago Today...I married my beautiful wife.

I hope she know that when she crinkles her nose I melt.

I hope she knows that not many things can make me happier than when she touches me

I hope she knows how much it means to me that she is supportive

I hope she knows how amazing it is that she is carrying our child

I hope she knows my love for her

I hope she knows my admiration for her

I hope she understands that I want to continue to be a good husband for her

I hope she understands that there is nothing that makes me happier than being able to call her my wife

Happy Anniversary Love...

Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-31T06:21:00.001-06:00

We hope your 2010 was as memorable as ours.

From us to you...We wish you a very Happy New Year!

Bogart...Claire...and Hezekiah? or maybe Shadrach? Or Cornicopia? Or maybe it should be Princess Leah. Just say'n.

Pretty? Yes. Sucky? Yes.

2010-12-29T05:18:00.001-06:00

I don't know if I will ever get used to this pretty sight.

Yes, I like looking at it. It is pretty. It is cool. It is my back-yard covered with the first snow.

Yes, I wish it was just a scene I was visiting for a ski trip or a weekend away...not living in it every single day!!

I Won, I Won...I am a Winner!

2010-12-27T05:14:00.001-06:00

I have been a Nebraska fan since I was a kid...I ~~blame~~ owe it to Gramps. Having spent summers in Nebraska growing up and wanting to be just like him, I just went all in for Big Red.

So when they played Mizzou this year I had to make a little wager...or two.

Remember, I live in Missouri. I have two Mizzou fans that work for me. We had to have a bet.

So the bet...well, why don't you have a look what I won.

Yup...they both have this sticker on their car until the end of the National Championship game. How sweet is that!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:08:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas to you.

Claire and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

We are celebrating with our family in Atlanta with some soon to be new family...see, my little sister Jessica is getting married tomorrow. How cool is it that I get to do the wedding?!!

So, for today, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!

Shopping

2010-12-20T20:08:00.001-06:00

So Claire and I went shopping the other day. Found some GREAT parking!

Growling and Missing

2010-12-15T20:37:00.000-06:00

I know, I know...I am late. I know, I know...I owe you some pictures and stuff...but that means I have to clean the house and snap a picture or two...so they are coming, but just not yet.

I think I was growled at today.

No really...growled at.

I walked into the lunch room to fill my water bottle. As I came around the corner, a lady was on the phone, looked at me and growled.

I am not sure what it was. But I heard it again as I left. No seriously, she growled.

Really? Really? Did you just growl at me? Yes, I think she did!

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I miss blogging. I do. It is doubly worse b/c I told Claire that I would do it more often for her birthday...but then I go a month without it.

I like getting on here and writing. I like popping over and checking out my online/real life friend Poop. I like catching up on the Maiden and getting my cooking tips from Bouillie. I also miss arguing with my old friend BSing.

So why am I not doing it? Well, working 10-15 hour days has something to do with it, but that really only started in November.

I think the biggest thing is I just don't feel like writing when I get home and I have a tough time remembering the things I want to write about during the day.

I really need to work on this.

The House Before

2010-11-27T08:04:00.000-06:00

Claire and I finally have the house settled and ready for prime time...well mostly. We still have some landscaping to do, would like to redo the kitchen and spruce up the floors, but we figure it is probably time to share some before and after shots...

Today, before...and no, none of the furniture is ours...also, every wall, ceiling and exposed wood in the house (Except for kitchen and basement) has been painted...

Back Deck, just off the kitchen...

When that day comes, this is probably what this room will look like.

Dining room

Front Entry, stairs and C's Office

I guess you would call this the Hearth Room and Breakfast Nook

Kitchen

Living Room

Front 1/2 of basement

Back Half of Basement

Storage room in basement

Master Bath..notice the rough wallpaper

Master Bedroom

C's Office

2010-11-25T16:43:00.000-06:00

So I was watching "Dancing with the Stars" and...

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Yea, I can't believe I said that either...Claire's parents and granddaddy are in KC with us for Thanksgiving and it was on my TV. I enjoyed being with the fam!

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Loving the full all day feeling today. Turkey and corn grits rock!!

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Claire made a really good pumpkin cream cheese pie. Wowza!

Had a nice cigar with granddaddy.

Life is good.

Happy Thanksgiving Y'all!!!

Last Call for Hungry Men

2010-11-09T23:19:00.002-06:00

I was reminded last week why I ~~hate~~ strongly dislike US Air.

I have flown on eight different flights with them this year (two round trips) and all eight have been at least 15 minutes late.

That of course means I have to do an OJ Simpson through the airport. It also meant that twice last week I had to hear "Final Boarding Call for Mr. Bogart. Mr. Bogart, please board your plane at gate *** or your seat will be forfeit."

Did I mention my employer had spent $1300 on a round trip ticket to Toronto and I had to pay another $10 when I checked in so I could avoid the last row window?

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My favorite part of the trip to Toronto? Well, probably getting to my hotel at 10:45pm and finding the kitchen closed. You see, since my connecting flight was late, I did not have a chance to eat at the airport. Since my flight into Toronto was late, I was unable to get to the hotel in time to get dinner from the kitchen. So, what did that mean for my dietary choices??? Well, I got to experience something that I had not had since college...

HUNGRY MAN FROZEN DINNER

Ah yea baby...Barbecue Surprise for Bogart. Booya. Take that GI Track.

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Despite the non-glorious parts of business travel, I do miss getting on the road once in a while though.

Peeing into the Wind

2010-11-06T16:49:00.001-05:00

Guys, what is the very first rule of life that your dad's taught you?

Okay...you are right, suck it in when a pretty girl walks by...but what is the second rule that you were taught?

That's right, don't pee into the wind...followed closely by rule number ~~two~~ three...don't spit into the wind.

I realized today a rule I should have been taught, but due to being San Diego, I never was shown properly.

Rule number....uh, four...don't attempt to rake leaves in the wind.

Yes, a job that should have taken me 20 mins, lasted a little over an hour and it still looks crappy.

And getting worse because the leaves keep falling in the wind.

Yea, some Rhodes Scholar I am.

Do you? Do you? Then you are!

2010-11-04T18:02:00.000-05:00

Spent 5 days in Vegas last week for a conference and some College Football.

Spent the last 24-hours in Toronto, Canada for a 45-minute work meeting.

And that brings my travel for 2010 mostly to a close. I have one more trip to Atlanta coming up at Christmas, but that is all about family and fun...A wedding specifically.

And then in May I have another Wedding...

That follows on the heals of the two weddings (1 in New Orleans and 1 in VA) that I performed in October.

You can just call me the Minister for Hire...not quite as cool as Gun for Hire, but it is the best I can do.

No really, I can do weddings in other States...oh wait, you are the Commonwealth.

2010-10-18T20:54:00.000-05:00

So I went before the judge and he grilled me...full and total third degree. (Part 1 Here)

Bogart, please step forward.

So it says here you want to perform marriages in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Why?
Why would your friends want you to marry them?
Why would you fly from Missouri all the way to Virginia just to perform a wedding?
How did you meet the couple? What was your connection to Virginia Beach that made you move here and meet them? Why can't they find someone local to perform the ceremony?
What makes you think you should be allowed to marry people in the Commonwealth?
Have you performed weddings before?

And my personal favorite question that the judge asked me in the 20 minutes of grilling...

Are you in the military? Why not?

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Yes, those were all very real questions that were asked by a very real judge. No, it was not a joke, but I did look around, wondering if I was on some sort of hidden camera show.

Even the bailiff was shrugging his shoulders and mouthing "I DON'T KNOW" when I looked to him for moral support.

But wait...there's more...

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After 20 minutes of grilling 2 different law books and very awkward pauses the judge set forth his ruling...

"Mr. Bogart, it is clear that you are not qualified to perform marriage ceremonies in the Commonwealth of Virginia...however, I will allow you to perform one marriage for one day only. Now go downstairs and they will swear you in."

So, I got sworn in...to "Defend the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia" and to perform the wedding duties to the best of my ability, so help me God...

Crazy.

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See if I ever go back to perform a wedding ceremony in that non-state.

Hope the Judge Likes My Suit

2010-10-15T11:51:00.000-05:00

"Hi, I am here in Virginia to perform a marriage ceremony. I am licensed in the state of California as a Baptist Minister and I need to know what form I need to fill out so my license is recognized here."

That is how my morning started at the Clerk of the Court office in Virginia Beach. 3 1/2 hours and 5 people later, including the Chief Deputy Clerk and I am scheduled to stand before a judge today. What this judge is looking for, I am not really sure, but I have had to call the church in San Diego and have them fax any and all paperwork that exists regarding my Pastoral License.

In Louisiana, all I had to do was walk in, show them my letter, sign a book and I was good to go. Yup, I can marry and bury people in Louisiana.

Virginia, however, takes this stuff extremely seriously. I have to go to a courtroom and have a judge review my documents, talk to me a bit (I have no clue what he/she will ask) and decide if I am worthy to sign a marriage license in the great Commonwealth of Virginia.

Lucky day!!!

Hey Claire...SURPRISE

2010-10-10T15:34:00.001-05:00

Well Baby...What do you think?

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Now you can see why my back is a little sore...600lbs of dirt and 37 bags of mulch (74 Cubic Feet).

Okay, it is a lot sore.

Love you!

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And to let everyone else in on the action...Claire half-way through her 24-day away jaunt...so, I have taken some of that time to do some projects. The front yard is just the first.

Industrial Length Slip-n-Slide

2010-10-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

So, as I have lamented before, I have a rather large yard.

One of the big benni's of that is that I have a lot of room to be creative.

For example, one weekend in August, we decided to put up a Slip-n-slide...a 150-foot slip-n-slide.

It was so very cool.

We pulled out 3 hoses and a power washer. We even had a gallon of dish soap to help with the slipping.

It was a blast!

Even if my brother lost his wedding ring, never to be found again!!!

Depressed because it is so good

2010-10-05T07:22:00.000-05:00

Belt holes are funny things.

They can bring you a sense of pride. Especially when you are two or three belt holes smaller than you used to be. Sorta like what Poop is experiencing.

They can also be a source of uncomfortable-ness. As in when you put on a belt that you have had a while and the grooves that hold the clasp are now visible because you can't, quite, comfortably stretch to where it "should" go. Sorta like what I am experiencing.

After a summer full of BBQ and other assorted mid-west eating, my belt loops are not quite where they should be. Sure, it does not help that instead of working out, I have been sitting in the office, hanging on the porch with neighbors and lifting ribs to my mouth.

Might need to work on that...not much more room to go before I have to buy a new belt...and if I get past that point, I will need new pants.

Sobering...but man it was a great summer!!!

RIP O'l Jimmy

2010-08-31T07:32:00.000-05:00

We had a death in the family. It has been hard.

While it was not a complete shock, somethings were just meant to live a short time, it was still jarring.

31 is such a young age...but if done right, the 31 can be very, very rewarding.

Everyday that we were together was wonderful.

Strength and flavor...those would be the words that I would use to describe him.

31 months for a coffee pot is just too short a life.

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I bought o'l Jimmy the Coffee Pot when I moved to VA. The day after Thanksgiving 2007.

He was on a center cap at Walmart. A Black Friday Special. Four bucks.

Yes, I bought Jimmy for $4.

And he brought me 31 months of flavor...robust, full bodied flavor. He brought me strength...the kind you can only find with a good Kenyan or Cuban cup. Not the steroid induced, Turkish style.

He was Mr. Reliable...for only $4.

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We went through our Dunkin Doughnuts faze...it only lasted one bag and I am ashamed. Sorta like the Flock of Seagulls faze so many of my friends went through.

We went through our "Last Resort" mornings...you know, where you wake up and are out of coffee, but you really want something so you use the hotel coffee from last December.

We went through the expensive, Craft Kenyan time. Wow that was a lot of fun and we both loved it, but like driving a BMW, it is fun while you do it, but then you realize that it costs way more than things should.

And when he died, we were in the midst of a Cuban Love Affair. Ahhhh, the supple flavor, the smokey finish, the tan body...Yes, I am talking about coffee.

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I will miss O'l Jimmy...yes, he has already been replaced with a fancier model. This one even has a timer so I wake up to the best smell when waking up.

So, maybe I won't miss him, but I am sure there will be times, the quiet times, where O'l Jimmy sneaks back into my thoughts. When I see a plain white coffee maker or when I drink coffee at a diner.

Until then, Rest In Peace dear Jimmy. Rest in Peace.

Einstein Could Not Spell Either

2010-08-24T08:24:00.000-05:00

A door opens and an 8 year old Nicholas yells out "Dad, how do you spell fighting?"

"F-I-G-H-T-I-N-G" came the quick reply.

A door slams and off Nicholas runs to write whatever it was that he was creating.

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It was never that easy for me.

"How do you spell..." questions were answered with a quick "You know where the dictionary is."

I stopped asking and started guessing. I am not sure that was the parenting technique that I will emulate because to this day, I can't spell very well...but I am a frigg'n wiz with the dictionary!

The Land Barron

2010-08-21T10:09:00.000-05:00

Owning a yard is work...

When we moved to KC, I wanted to be a Land Barron. No small back-yard was going to do it for me.

No sir. I needed land. Big tracks of land for frolicking and rolling. A huge expanse where I can stand at my door and say in my loud, booming, radio announcer voice:

"ALL THAT I SEE IS MINE!"

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Now, I own my little plot of land...3/4ths of an acre actually.

It is big, but not quite as big as I imagined.

But, I got to say...when I stand at my door, usually it is a whimper coming out of my mouth...

"All that I see needs, mowing and weeding and trimming and watering and fertilizing and picking and cutting and piling and, well, work."

Gone is the booming voice. Gone is the desire to own large swaths of land. Gone is the proud thought of being a Land Barron.

And all that took its place is work.

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Is it bad that in some way I miss the apartment living?

Bogart is the Prophet

2010-08-10T07:31:00.000-05:00

We were playing cards the other night with some neighbors. Their twelve year old son was hanging out with us.

We were all discussing music, girls and Costco.

Since we have moved in, we have converted our neighbors into Costco people. They bought into our incessent talk about the "Happiest Place on Earth" and how wonderful it is there.

The son has decided that he also loves it there and during our conversation he said:

"I feel like Costco is becoming my religion and Bogart is my prophet."

Tax on the Stupid

2010-08-06T07:19:00.000-05:00

I don't like the lotto. I think it is a tax on the Mathematically Stupid. I think it disproportionally punishes the uneducated and poor. It is nothing more than state sanctioned gambling hiding behind the idea that it is "for the kids".

Yet, every week I put $1 into a pool with 3 other Directors at work and play the Powerball.

Why? That is a good question. I am sure we are not going to win. I know that we are lucky to match one number, let alone all 6.

And yet I can't be left out. Like those stupid commercials say, "You Never Know".

What happens if...well, I would be left at my company, the only senior guy, left to run the 3 businesses that the others left behind. I have enough work to do without having to be the guy picking up the pieces behind those that would do doughnuts in the parking lot after striking it rich.

Why do I play? Well, because it is fun to spend 5 minutes each week talking about what would be different if we won. How Rich would pull his car into the driveway outside of Jim's office, throw his office keys and badge through the window attached to a brick, yell something like "Its been a great ride!!" and then burnout all the way from the building to the street. Or how TB would just call in and say "Good Luck everyone!" Or even the Goldman...he says he would just quietly not show up. It is fun to talk about those things.

Why do I play? Because it is pretty funny to watch the people that work for us spend 10-mins each week trying to figure out why their bosses keep handing $1 bills to each other. One of them figured it out and then asked what would happen if the four of us won. "There would be some career opportunities for many of you." we responded...her face went ghostly white. It was so cool!

The lotto is a stupid waste of money. I am just handing money to the gas station and getting nothing in return. It is a tax on the stupid.

And yet, all four of us high-fived when we won $4 this week. FOUR BUCKS!!!

Yes, I am a lotto winner.

And I already tossed my buck in for next week.

Don't Call Me Lady

2010-08-04T08:07:00.000-05:00

Disturbed and rough...

Gifted and brilliant...

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Sometimes, the concert is good, but the encore better. That was the case last night.

Every one of the hits, plus a couple more from the upcoming album...including a ballad about a strapping young lad from Nebraska.

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Beautiful and stunning...

Bloody and rough...

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Totally stoked that an artist would mention Jesus in a positive way, but was feeling like there were parts that were offensive. Yes, Jesus loves everyone, even "uglies and gays"...but somehow it was framed in a way that was not quite comfortable.

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Troubling and confusing...

Enjoyable and entertaining...

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Lady Gaga puts on a great show...yes, it is disturbing and we sat dumbfounded a few times, but that girl is gifted. She is someone who has a clear sense of who her "Character" is and makes no apologies about it. I guess I can respect it...well, I can at least enjoy rocking out to the music!

Would I pay to go see her again? Maybe...no, probably...well, depends on how much.

Will I buy her new album? No doubt.

Am I going to listen to Fame Monster for the 4th time in 2 days? You can count on it.

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And I would be remiss if I did not mention how hot my wife looked last night...are you kidding me?

Freak'n smok'n!

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Oh, you want to know about the costumes? There were some, not as many as we had hoped, but there were some memorable ones!!!

Misunderestimated

2010-07-30T04:02:00.001-05:00

Life in the Middle has really been eye opening. I did not expect a “Fly-Over” to have much to offer, but I was oh-so wrong.

Yes, I miss the beaches…I still hate bugs…I still really hate humidity.

But KC is pretty sweet.

The food has been surprisingly good. I have found that I have a love of all things KC BBQ. There is a cool, little Thai place a couple miles from home. I have even found an authentic Mexican food place that I would put up against almost any in San Diego.

The arts scene is really good.

All the top acts come here (I am going to see Lady Gaga next Tuesday and even saw Conan O’Brien on his recent “Legally not allowed to be funny on TV” tour). The art museums are really quality and the nightlife is solid.

The people are amazing.

I had always heard about “Minnesota Nice” and “Southern Hospitality”, but I will put the people who live in the middle against anyone in terms of niceness and hospitality. When the cashier at the store asks “how are you doing?” it is clear that they really want to know.

I underestimated the middle.

I like it here.

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But I still miss San Diego.

My New Car

2010-07-28T04:01:00.004-05:00

I bought a new car.

Well, new to me at least.

A sparkling (that is subject to interpretation) new (I use that term loosely) 1994 Toyota Pick-up.

The bumper is rusted…I don’t think it could tow me if I were tied to it…and the hood and roof look as if it has vitiligo.

But the tires are in good shape, the truck bed has a nice liner and the engine runs like a champ.

It is perfect for runs to Home Depot…critical when you buy a house that was built 18 years ago and has been neglected the last two…it is perfect for camping…it is perfect for driving in hail storms.

Sure, it is small…like really, really small. No extra cab, no reclining seats.

I pull up next to a Ford Ranger and I have size envy.

But it represents everything my pops taught me about cars.

Consumer Reports loves them
It has been well maintained (I even have receipts for oil changes dating back to my freshman year of college!)
It did not cost much

I even called pops the day I bought it and told him that he would be so proud of me.

Sure, I have to sneak in and out of my neighborhood because I don’t think the HOA lets people who live there drive such a car. Yes, I get very weird glances when I pull into the parking lot at work.

I have even been asked if I am having money problems since this was my “New Car”.

But I love it. It is perfect for what I need.

And if I am lucky, my first born will drive it when he/she turns 16. How cool will that be?

I Don't Want Tiffany's...I Want A Blog

2010-07-26T03:08:00.001-05:00

"Well, do you prefer the ring or the necklace...or do you really 'need' them both?"

"I don't know."

"How am I supposed to decide what to get you for your birthday if you don't tell me? You have never asked for anything and this year you did. So, I want to make sure you get what you want. What my baby wants, my baby gets."

"I don't know."

"Babe, I love you, but help me out a bit here. What do you want?"

"You know what I want? I want you to start blogging again. I miss it. I miss reading what you have to say. I miss reading about us and you and the things that we do."

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So yes, after an absence a little longer than I originally anticipated, I am back...it just took C's birthday to spur me on.

I have so much to write about. Adjusting to "Life in the Middle", buying the new house, being a Land Barron, gourmet bacon and owning a farm.

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So, do you like the new title? We ran the little contest and while we got a number of suggestions, it was Claire that ultimately came up with the winning name.

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Yes, I missed you guys. It is good to be back.

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Oh and babe...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I am so blessed to have you in my life.

Remembering Mandy

2010-07-04T04:57:00.000-05:00

It has been 10 years...and I still think about her. I wrote about it back in 2008. Thought a repost was due...Click on over and share it with me.

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Bogart out of P-Towne

2010-05-05T19:46:00.003-05:00

Okay...so we are starting to get settled in.

We close on the house Monday. We have a little work to do on the house before we move in (painting walls and stripping wall paper), but we are so stoked to do it.

By that I mean, we are writing a check to someone to take care of it for us.

We also have some moving to do and unpacking...

Again, that will mostly mean sitting back and watching the movers open boxes and put stuff where we tell them.

But we will be buying furniture, tv's and tools for the manly things I need to do now that I am a homeowner again.

During the next couple of weeks, I will be stepping away from the blog. Getting it ready for the new roll-out and new name.

We will be back, better than ever after we get back from our Dive Trip May 19-23 to the Florida Keys.

In the meantime, I highly recommend you check out these wonderful blogs:

Poop and Boogies <-- My bloggin' man crush
Eating in South Louisiana <--Hungry...you will be after checking them out
The Maiden Metallurgist <-- So Chic yet so work with your hands
BSing with Friends <-- My far left HS buddy that will argue politics with me
FDKG <-- Can be lol funny

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See you in a couple weeks!

Red House

2010-04-28T04:37:00.000-05:00

I love this commercial...I have watched it 4 or 5 times and I crack up every time...how can I not share this?

Wasps, Dinner Discussion and the Blog Name

2010-04-22T18:13:00.002-05:00

Claire and I staying in a 1 bedroom, postage stamp apartment has been nice. It is a good change from the 1500 miles that have separated us over the better part of the last 6 months. Sure, it is different to be sitting on the bed, putting on our shoes and being able to practically slap my wife's butt while she is standing in the kitchen, but it is nice to be together.

The wasp infestation on the balcony caused some consternation for me...clearly not an issue for Claire. I wanted the slider shut, the blinds closed and would constantly be checking the seals of the door to make sure that no wasp could find its way in. Claire would open the slider the moment I left home and spent the entire day with it open, trusting the screen to hold off the enemy invasion.

Yet another stark contrast between my upbringing in 75 degrees and sunny, no bugs, no humidity San Diego and her's with 90% humidity, bugs the size of Texas and heat that melts your face off.

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We were eating dinner last night with some people from work. One of the gals with us told the following story:

"The last time my father whooped me was when I was 17 years old. I told a teacher to 'KISS MY @$$'. He got me good with the belt. My mom, just sat and cried. All she said through her tears was 'I don't understand why you would invite that man to your butt.'"

It may have taken a few seconds for it to sink in, but it really was one of the funniest lines I have heard in a while.

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We will hold a little vote later this week to rename the blog and the winning name will be chosen. Any last minute entries are welcome.

Blogg'n Cause of Julia Child

2010-04-15T20:44:00.002-05:00

Claire and I were watching Julie and Julia this evening...It was a very cute movie. Especially the back story about blogging. Made me want to jump on here and check-in...so I did.

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The movie also made me excited to cook again. Claire and I are currently under contract to purchase a home and it has a wonderful kitchen, including a GAS STOVE!!!!

Oh the things I will cook.

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Did I mention the house has a deck...a deck for a GRILL!!! Have not had one of those for the past 3 years...man do I miss grilling peaches, pineapples, rib-eye's, burgers, tortillas, avocados, clams and pretty much anything else I can get my hands on.

Oh the things I will cook.

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We discovered Whole Fruit sorbet this week. Wow-wee good.

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Happy Tax Day Y'all

Loving Her Man

2010-04-12T20:35:00.002-05:00

Was walking through the atrium at work this morning.

I passed two of our employees talking.

As I walked past I hear:

What did you do this weekend?

Well, Friday was Brandon's birthday and I had not gotten him anything, so on the way home, I ordered him a stripper. It was a lot of fun.

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Stay classy Kansas City.

World of Cool -- Detroit Edition

2010-04-10T10:18:00.004-05:00

I flew to Detroit for the weekend.

It really is a beautiful place outside of the city.

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What does a 33 year old man eat when he is on the road, in a city he does not know, hanging out? Burgers of course.

Last night had a rock'n one at Wolfgang Puck...It was with grilled onions and was served on Brioche. Fantastic.

For breakfast, I got a cup of coffee and a McDouble at the Golden Arches. Is that a bad thing?

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Heading to the Tigers game today by myself. It is really indicative of my entire trip.

This weekend was planned 2 months ago. Arranged to spend the weekend with friends and I bought the airline ticket. They went out, purchased Tigers tickets for the weekend, planned some golf and started preparations for a guys weekend.

Then, about a month ago, I get a call. "Hey Bogart, it's Jeff. Bad news buddy. My wife and I got our wires crossed. I am in Florida with the family that week, including the weekend. I am really sorry."

No problem. My other buddy Robert is up here. Will hang with him...Yea, no. Robert and family is going with.

That is okay. I had a back-up-back-up...I called Deb. We scheduled to meet up at a tailgate party, go to the game and then dinner. Sounds like a good Saturday.

Got a text this morning at 10am...as I was walking out the door.

"Bogart. Personal emergency. Won't be able to make it today."

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So, I am hanging at a M'cky D's, eating a McDouble and writing a blog.

Yup. I live in a world of coolness!

Personal Thoughts Out Loud

2010-04-08T04:35:00.000-05:00

File this under...Keep your thoughts to yourself...

As I walked into the restroom at the office the other day, an older gentlemen held the door for me and then proceeded to the urinal next to mine.

As I finished, I walked over to the sink and heard him grunting a bit.

He was clearly struggling to squeeze it out.

I made for the door and he was still at the urinal, having a tough time.

I mumbled "Yup, peeing is a young man's game."

The New Place

2010-04-06T19:29:00.002-05:00

All moved in...into the Execustay. It is a 1-bedroom place, that is the same size as the living room in my old place. No, I am not exaggerating.

But there are some nice things about it...first, it is free to me. Nice relo-package, eh? Second, while the kitchen is smaller than my old one, it is open to the living room. I can cook red beans and rice (Thanks J + M in L-Towne) and watch the baseball games. That makes me happy. Finally, I have a deck. I can sit outside, enjoy a glass of wine or partake in a beautiful cigar.

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Can't wait to have Claire join me. The last 5 months of commuting has been a little difficult.

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Congrats to our good friends Derek and Katie. They welcomed their second daughter Zella Kathryn into the world last night. Mom and baby are healthy and everyone is so very happy!

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Still have not found the new name for the blog. Some of the suggestions have been great, but not sure it captures where I want to go with this. More pondering...and more offerings are welcome. Claire and I will be sending out a KC prize pack to whoever suggests the winning name.

Bogart No Longer in P-Towne

2010-03-31T04:12:00.001-05:00

The Blog needs a new name and I would like your creativity to help come up with the new name.

Why, you ask?

Well, Claire and I are moving to Kansas City, Missouri. I will be out there starting April 5 and Claire will be joining me a few weeks later.

Yes...I left San Diego to go track down Claire and take her back to San Diego...I just did not know that we would have a stop over in Missouri.

So, I would like to hold a contest to rename the blog. I have already ruled out Bogart in KC.

Claire and I will evaluate any and all entries and pick our favorite. Out favorite will be named the winner and we will use your suggestion to rename the blog. We will also send you out a little gift.

So, let me hear your thoughts...what should we rename the blog?

WHAT SAY YOU?

Pig Heaven

2010-03-29T12:08:00.003-05:00

Wow...it has been a couple of weeks. That is not right. Sorry for the delay.

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I have been traveling back and forth from P-Towne to KC every Monday through Friday...I don't bring my personal computer. I work long hours. I cry a lot.

Grandma always said excuses were like armpits...guess mine are stinky.

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We do have a big announcement coming soon...as in Wednesday AM and a little contest to go with it. Check back then and give it your best shot(s).

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Claire and I went to Pork and Pinot at Vintage Tavern yesterday...holy cow. It was like food heaven...every piece of the pigs was ingested...we ate something called Bacon Explosion, are you kidding me?

We also had 7 or 8 different Pinot's to drink.

Claire and I had a big, fat food baby when we got home. I oinked as I fell asleep. it was glorious!

Liv'n on the Road

2010-03-16T20:52:00.002-05:00

So the trip was awesome! It really was...but that was no surprise. After all these years, it has not lost an ounce of its luster...if anything, Spring Training has become even better.

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The new job has been great. No, I am not enjoying ironing every day, but the human interaction in the office is a nice change. After 4+ years of working from home, I am in the land of normal people almost every day.

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The thing that has been tough...no, not just the shaving every morning...but that the office is in KC and I am living in Virginia. The commute (fly out on Monday and home on Friday) is one thing, but eating out every meal is getting tiresome.

I miss cooking.

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Have you seen Modern Family yet? If not, you should. Thanks William for turning me on...and for introducing me to that show.

Only 24-Hours Left!!!

2010-03-10T07:40:00.000-06:00

24-hours until I head over to the airport...

24-hours until I climb on a plane to go to Arizona...

24-hours to the annual Spring Training trip...

WOOOOOHOOOO!!!

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We have a newbie joining us this year.

It started with just three of us...Teddy, Esteban and me...we did that for a few years...and it was glorious. Probably the weekend the three of us look forward to more than just about any other.

The other guys that we hang with started to get jealous...they wanted a piece of the action. Demand built for others to join us, but we kept it pure. We kept it Old School.

But we finally broke and allowed a crasher...J joined us a few years back...bringing the trip to 4 guys. It was pretty sweet.

So this year, we are bringing along my Bro as our fourth. Should be good times!

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Did I mention that I am going to be leaving in just 24-hours?

Mohawk Theory

2010-03-08T04:29:00.002-06:00

When you are a young kid...we will call it under 7 years old...a Mohawk is kinda cool. You usually bring a smile to someone's face, as they contemplate how cute you look.

When you are young...we will call it age 12-40...a Mohawk makes you look like a punk. Unless you are on-stage with a guitar in your hands, it should be illegal. Most people look at you and want to punch you in the face...or at least call the cops because you just stole that pair of pants.

When you are middle age...we will call it 40-60...a Mohawk makes you look like you are trying too hard. You usually bring a smile to someone's face, as they contemplate how silly you look.

When you are old...we will call it north of 75 years old...a Mohawk is kinda cool all over again. You usually bring a smile to someone's face, as they contemplate how cute you look.

Does that sound about right?

Work Getting in the Way

2010-03-06T07:34:00.003-06:00

Boy, this whole working in an office thing makes it hard to do much outside of work.

Picking up the dry cleaning is a newly difficult thing. What do you mean you close at 6pm, M-F? I often don't even leave the office until after 630. Now what am I going to wear tomorrow?

Going to Costco is losing some of its luster...no, not because Costco went downhill (it hasn't), but because I can only go on Saturday or Sunday. It is so frigg'n crowded. Who are these people and why are they in MY COSTCO. Don't they understand their presence is making the Happiest Place on Earth a little less happy?

Don't get me started on going to the Post Office.

At least Netflix remains a constant.

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I was noticing that I think about blogging less often now...not that my desire to write is any lower, it is just that I don't notice as many things as I used to. I also don't have as much reflection time. I think that makes it much more difficult to maintain a good blog.

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Baseball is back!!! All is right with the world!

She Did Not Run Away!!

2010-02-27T23:35:00.000-06:00

Happy Anniversary Love...

One year ago today we said "I Do".

I am a blessed man.

Is there anything else to say?

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Sure, I could talk about how amazing you are.

How you are a great baker...yes, that is the first thing I mention, because it is unlikely to go away and I love me some cookies.

How you have great taste in men...what, you like self-confidence.

How you...I better stop there. Most of the rest is self serving or, well, frankly not suitable for families or you mom to read about. (Love to J in L-Towne)

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Thank you for a wonderful year. I look forward to a bunch more...no, I am not going to put a number on it, but let's just say a lot!

Cigs and Donuts

2010-02-22T04:28:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I am baffled by the people I see...

Yesterday I saw a very elderly lady wearing Addidas and walking around with an iPhone...it was pretty slick.

Last week, I met a guy at work that wears a fantastic mullet and eats 4 doughnuts for breakfast every day.

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Had a great time this weekend with Claire this weekend. We ate good meals, laughed together, made other people smile and generally were wonderfully happy.

Sorta like every other weekend.

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I kinda make myself sick sometimes.

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Did you see that Curling match this weekend?

"Which one?" you ask.

You know, that really super, exciting one. The one that had us all on the edge of our seat, jumping up and down at the end!

Yeah, me either.

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But I do love Curling...I really think it is my last hope for actually making the Olympics.

I think I will start my training today...Belushi is my trainer.

High Class Hotel Liv'n

2010-02-19T21:21:00.002-06:00

In KC this week...again. Spending most of my time here.

It is nice. I like it here. The food has been good. The company...well, nonexistent.

Until this weekend.

My beautiful wife joined me for the weekend and it has made it oh so much better.

We had a great meal at Jack Stack...fantastic.

We had a good time walking around the Plaza...beautiful.

It makes such a difference to have her here beside me.

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Living in the Marriott, which is essentially what I am doing, is a unique experience. I need to be careful because I am really getting used to clean sheets most days, my trash emptied for me and whenever I want a new towel I just throw the old one on the floor.

I don't think Claire is liking that last one very much. I might be trying it at home without the same results.

Because I Love...

2010-02-14T04:03:00.003-06:00

I love to write...but I am not a writer.

I love to cook...but I am not a chef.

I love to drive...but I am not a racer.

I love to tell stories...but I am not an orator.

I love to love...but I am not a poet.

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There are so many things that I love. There are so many more things that I am not.

But one thing is for sure...I love my wife very much...and I AM a better person because she loves me!

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What do you love?

C'mon Man...

2010-02-10T04:46:00.000-06:00

In Vegas this week for a work conference...pretty much running ragged from our first meetings in the morning (8am) to the last schmoozing opportunity at night (1 or 2 am)...

Luckily, this year Claire and I get to share a room. It certainly helps to be able to sleep next to my wife each night!

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There are few things I hate more than selfishness...yes, we all are selfish at one point or another, but then there are the chronic selfish people...People like this:

I really hate when people park like that, especially in a packed parking lot. I know you have a nice car and all, but c'mon man, think of other people and how your actions effect them.

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Looks like I might be heading to Lisbon, Portugal with Claire in April/May...her two week commitment for the Navy this year is sending her there. The last two years she went to Norway (I even got to join her last year), but this year was a new place...and I even get to join her!

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Claire and I have some friends that have asked me to perform their wedding ceremony. It has been a couple of years since I have performed one and, while a little nervous thinking about it, I am so very honored! Especially because it is so obvious how amazing they are together...sorta like this other pretty cool couple I know!

DAT Who!!!

2010-02-08T02:34:00.001-06:00

For the family in NO...

Hell...check
Highwater...check
Superbowl...check

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Are you kidding me? New Orleans wins the SuperBowl!!!!

Everyone has been asking, WHO DAT?!

I think they answered...DAT WHO!!! Geaux Saints!!!

THAT WAS FRIGG'N AMAZING!!!!

2010-02-07T10:18:00.000-06:00

GEAUX SAINTS!!!

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Front Runner? Me? Nah...

Drew Brees was drafted, developed and led the San Diego Chargers for most of the Aughts...
Reggie Bush is a San Diego boy...Helix High

And my wife is from New Orleans...I got put on the bus the day I said I Do!

Snow Play and Comic Book Guy

2010-02-04T04:48:00.000-06:00

This week, Claire experimented with making Coconut Bread...I don't remember what she called it, but it was clear that she made it with Awesome Sauce mixed in...unfortunately, unless I want to start looking like this, I need to get out and start running again. Coconut Bread is not the best thing on the waistline.

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As mentioned earlier this week, we got 10-12 inches of snow this weekend. It was the most snow in this area over the past 20 years.

The best part of the snow was getting to experience it with my wonderful wife. She had never been in falling snow before and the joy she was experiencing was so great! It is truly one of my favorite moments I have ever had with her!

We went out on Saturday night (despite warnings on the news to cancel all driving) with our good friends John and Lisa...We had such a blast. We went out for sushi and then back to their house for Chocolate cake iced with Chocolate Fudge and Peanut Butter.

Yes, more running is needed.

With the weather so bad and it being very late, we ended up crashing at their place that night. We woke up to a few more inches of fresh snow, so it was time for some Snow Play!

The snow time was pretty incredible, including a swing-set at the playground that, well, got put to good use!

Snowmobile 2010

2010-02-02T06:00:00.002-06:00

Two weeks ago, Claire and I met up in Detroit to go snowmobiling with some good friends of ours. We went two years ago with them and were anxious to renew the tradition.

We flew up Friday night, drove 3 hours north and stayed in a 3 bedroom condo. We spent most of Saturday out in the woods, zipping around.

On Sunday, the girls decided to take a break and hit the spa for massages and Mani/Pedi...the guys went out and jumped the snowmobiles. It is amazing to be going 75mph on the snow and then hitting a bump.

Such a great trip. We are so thankful for Robert and Jeff setting it up. Claire and I are so blessed.

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We got a foot of snow in Norfolk this past weekend. It made for a great couple of days of snow play...pics up later this week.

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I know Y'all are rooting for the Saints this weekend, right? I love Peyton as much as anyone, but it is the Saints! Drew Breeeezzzzzzz....

Grunts and BBQ

2010-01-28T07:29:00.002-06:00

I was working out this morning and a guy walked in about 1/2 way through the work out. He jumped on the treadmill and started running. While he was running I kept hearing these weird noises and grunts. I thought he had touretts.

No, he had just turned on America's Funniest Home Videos and was laughing.

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Have you ever put on a shirt backwards and not noticed? I know I have. Does not happen often, but with a big enough collar, it is possible...then it is embarrassing because someone has to point it out to you.

But when you do it with a hoodie at 5am, it is a bit confusing. See, when the hood covers your face, I am guessing you stand there, just for a moment and try to figure out why your sight has disappeared.

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Is it bad that I have eaten at the same restaurant the last 3 nights?

Odds and Ends from KC

2010-01-25T03:03:00.001-06:00

It was hard to watch my Chargers lose last week...It was nice to see my wife's Saints win this week!

Who Dat? Geaux Saints!

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I am in KC this week...working in the real office. It is a big change of pace for me since I have worked from home since 2005. Deciding what to wear, making sure it matches and that my shirts/pants are not all wrinkly are all things I don't remember how to do on a daily basis.

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At least I finally get to wear some of my nice shirts on a regular basis...I think the shirts are confused though. Every time I put one on I get the feeling that I should either be going to church or out on a date with my wife...then the shirt seems to be disappointed when I show up at the office.

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Shaving every day sucks too!

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Is it just me or is a Caramel Sundae from McDonald's a tasty treat from Heaven?

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Claire and I talk about kids and our desire to have them on a regular basis...One of the interesting things is our view on how long it should take to get pregnant.

My experience, as viewed when watching my friends/family, is that it takes no time at all. Virtually everyone I know got pregnant almost immediately after trying...including one buddy that hit the bulls-eye on the first try. Claire's experience, as viewed when watching her friends, is that it takes a long time and often includes fertility treatments.

I know every couple is different, but it is interesting how our experience guides the desires and decisions we make. It gets complicated when you are trying to make decisions and the view is so different from either side!

Vegas NYE Trip...#3

2010-01-22T05:11:00.000-06:00

Man alive...it is amazing how a new job gets in the way of blogging...

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On December 30, my family went back home and our new travel companions joined us in Vegas.

It was a trip for New Years and included Claire's sister Sarah and her husband Kyle...it was their first trip to Vegas, so we set out to show them a good time. Steve and Stacey were the other Vegas Veterans and we had worked hard to make sure it was a trip worth remembering...Starting with an upgraded hotel room at the Paris!

We caught up in the hotel and then got dressed to head out. First stop was Five Below, the ice bar. We spent about 45 minutes hanging out in there and enjoying the experience. It was pretty cool.

Then off to Red Square to meet a friend for vodka tasting. Most of the vodkas were not so good, but the company and experience was great!

Then dinner at Mesa Grill...Bobby Flay's place at the Ceasers Hotel.

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New Years eve was great...Breakfast at Bouchon and a day at Qua, the spa in Ceasers. Love the relaxing days at the spa. I know, most guys laugh, but it is because they don't know how to relax and enjoy a good pampering!

We ate dinner at the Noodle House at Ceasers (you have to eat there...the food was amazing) and then over to Tao for the NYE Party.

It was packed...too packed. We got separated from our group and did not hook back up until we left the club.

We did head over to Lavo (at Pallazzo) and did get some dancing in at a less crowded spot. At about 3am we decided to call it a night and headed back...but not before stopping for pizza. OH MY how good it was!

Friday, New Year's day had us puttering around town and doing some sight seeing...then dinner at N9NE steakhouse at the Palms. Our favorite meal of the trip! Can't recommend that place enough!

Right after dinner, the restaurant manager walked us up to the Ghost Bar to take in the view...

That night, we headed to Pure Nightclub at the Palms. A private table, bottle service and no waiting in line...no, not even the VIP line...we had the rock star treatment. It was like being Super VIP's. We waived at VIP's as we walked by them and were escorted by our private bouncer to our private table with our private hostess, 15 feet from the DJ booth and overlooking the dance floor. Did I mention the DJ was Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas? Will-Freak'n-I.Am. Amazing!

We were dancing on the white leather couches. We were dancing in our private area. We were frigg'n rock-stars all night long. Amazing!

Saturday we spent some time shopping, eating hot dog's at Pink's and having amazing Sushi at Roku Sushi in Ceasers. Then we saw Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. What a great show. We had tickets 10 rows back in the center. Oh My Goodness....

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Both Vegas trips were great...different, but great. We can't wait to schedule them both again real soon!!!

Christmas/New Year's Trip #2

2010-01-08T04:50:00.000-06:00

You can see Part 1 here...
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We woke up on December 26 and started our 1 day SoCal tour. We went to San Diego for brunch with Steve, Stacey, Emma (my Goddaughter) and Molly. It was a great time featuring manhole cover pancakes and crunchy potatoes. Claire and I then did some shopping (BAD IDEA!!!) and off to San Clemente to meet my father and his wife Patty for dinner. The food was good, the company was wonderful and we really enjoyed the afternoon/evening. Around 8pm, we began our trek to LA to see our friends Craig and Jenny. Craig and I have been friends since we were 11 and have been close since I beat him up on the playground. You know, the way most guy friendships start.

On Sunday morning, we had a nice breakfast and a very enjoyable, lazy morning...then off to Vegas for the annual family trip. We think this is year #7 where the whole family gets together, we eat buffet's, go to a show and enjoy being around one another...this year was no different.

We spent a day at the Spa, saw the Lion King and had a great time being together...there was one little thing that was different, however.

My brother and his wife got us the hook-up at The Bank at Bellagio. So, on Sunday night we cut the line, walked through VIP and rolled up to the best table in the house. We were situated right on the corner of the dance floor with a personal bouncer and a private hostess. We danced and laughed and generally had a party until 4am. We really knew what it felt like to be a rock star that night!

A big round of Thank You's...first to Pops for making this trip happen. We so love being together and you providing this opportunity for the family to be together is one of the highlights of the year for all of us. Next, thanks to James and Sabra for the set-up at The Bank. Certainly the best party Claire and I have ever been to.

Finally, thanks to the whole family for being so great and so loving!!!

Here are some shots from the trip...

The TaTaTa and Pops...
Esther and Brock...

Me and my brother James...

Erin and Kalar, warming up from Minn...

Me and the Little One...

James and Sabra...

The 6 Cumquat's just before the Lion King...

Christmas\New Year's Trip, Part 1

2010-01-05T08:03:00.003-06:00

Whew...I am almost recovered from a 9-day trip, 7 of which were in Las Vegas...3 nights at 3 different clubs (The Bank, Tao and Pure), 2 different shows (Lion King and Phantom) and no night earlier than 1am. Have I mentioned that Claire and I are both morning people?

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The trip started with a flight into Vegas on Christmas Eve. Claire and I flew separately and arrived in Vegas about an hour apart. By the time we got our car and luggage, it was 915pm and we started the 3 1/2 drive to Orange County.

We secretly pulled in at 12:45am Christmas morning, just after everyone in the house went to bed...my sister Katherine snuck out of bed and let us in. Claire and I went to bed on the couch under the tree and proceeded to fitfully sleep.

The surprises started around 730am when Sister #3, Jessica, said she thought she was dreaming when she heard my voice. "I could not figure out what man was in the house. I sat up, but figured I was just having a dream." No TaTaTa, it was not a dream...Surprise.

The next shock for the fam was around 830 when my sister Erin (sister #2) popped her head out from the top of the stairs...When she saw us her eyes got real big, she yelled "SHUT UP!!" and ran away...

Mom's surprise was the best. I had a dream that night that mom saw us and fell down the stairs. It was very troubling, so I made sure Claire and I were hiding under a blanket until she made it all the way down. Once she was safely down the stairs, we threw the blankets off and said "Merry Christmas!!" A blank stare. For a long time. She did not blink. Did not move. She just stared. It seemed like forever. We actually had to walk over to her before she moved. It was great.

Finally, Esther (Sister #1) was so taken aback, she "almost vomited" when she saw us. How glorious is that?!!

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The rest of the day was full of food and merriment. We had ham and gumbo, pancakes and pies. Claire and I even had time to get some sun, laying out by the pool and enjoying the 74 degree weather. Oh how I miss SoCal, especially in the winter.

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Pt 2 starts with brunch in San Diego, dinner in San Clemente and a nightcap in Los Angeles.

2 Vegas Trips...7 Vegas Days

2009-12-30T05:40:00.001-06:00

Claire and I have been in Vegas since Sunday. We love this place.

Every year we do our annual trip with my family. Every year we look forward to it. Every year it does not disappoint.

Thanks again Pops for the wonderful family tradition.

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Starting today, my family is heading back home to SoCal and Claire's sister/husband will be joining us...so will Steve/Stacey. We are ringing in the New Year's in Vegas. None of us have ever done it, but thought it would be fun to try once.

What are we doing? Well, a lot of things...

We are staying at The Paris. Dinner's will be at Mesa Grill, N9NE Steakhouse and Sushi Roku...We are seeing a comedy show and Phantom. We are ringing in the New Year's at Tao with Christina Aguilera. We are spending a day at Qua. We will be chill'n at the Shadow Bar.

Good times, good people.

Avatar and Tacky Cards

2009-12-28T04:14:00.001-06:00

Claire and I saw Avatar last weekend. Silly story, but visually stunning. It is long (nearly 3 hours), but it did not drag that much. Think Independence Day or Armageddon.

Claire said that she has seen Avatar before, but it was called Fern Gully.

I think she has a very legit point.

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Can I rant for a minute? Great...*Stepping on my soapbox*

I love Christmas cards. I love seeing what my friends are doing and the picture(s) that define their year.

I HATE when families send out cards with pictures of just their kids. You know which ones I am talking about...the ones that have just the kids sitting on Santa's lap or the kids frolicking in the sand during the family trip to Florida. The parents are missing from the picture. That is just wrong.

Listen, I love your kids. They are cute (well, most of them). I love to see how big they are getting. I think it is so cool that they are laughing and sitting up on their own.

But I am YOUR friend. I want to see what YOU are doing.

Please include a picture of the parents on the card. It is the right thing to do. If you don't, it is tacky. For those of you who do, thank you.

*Stepping off my soapbox*

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I give Poop a pass, because his was funny and and had a legit reason to not include the parents.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T04:08:00.000-06:00

And no, we are not making an announcement of anything other than Merry Christmas and to remind everyone why we celebrate!

Let Me Be Your Hero

2009-12-23T04:21:00.000-06:00

Everyone has one, whether they have it listed out or not.

Skydive. Bungee-jump. Eat a Rocky Mountain Oyster.

You know the list. Some call it a Bucket List.

Drive a race-car. Hit a home run. Dunk a basketball.

Things you want to do before you die.

Become a dad. Travel to Istanbul. Live in a house on the beach.

Some are silly. Some are very serious. Some are in between.

Kiss a girl taller than you. Run into a burning building. Get paid to play a sport.

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I have crossed some off my list. My list does not stop growing, but I like it that way.

Last Thursday, I got to cross one off...it was actually two, but they sorta went together.

Run into a burning building...be someones hero.

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As Claire and I got to the parking lot and saw the flames on the fifth floor, we realized it was not a drill. Our place was not in danger and even if it was, it is just stuff. Claire and I were safe.

Our neighbor, however, did not think he was that lucky. His apartment is directly below the one on fire. There were no firemen, yet. Our neighbor realized his cat was in danger.

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I hate cats. You can put "Eat a cat" on my bucket list. Mostly out of spite. I prefer dogs. They are much more my speed. Cats are too aloof, moody and mean. I hear they taste like chicken.

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Our neighbor's cat had run under the bed when the alarm went off and could not be coaxed out. As our neighbor sat there worrying about his cat, I asked him why don't you just run up there and get it. "I am scared" he said.

"Give me your keys" I replied curtly. And Claire did say I was very curt with him. I prefer to call it hero mode.

He looked at me and thought for a second. "Give me your keys, I will go get your cat!" I was not asking anymore. I was in hero mode.

"No, we will go together. Just don't leave me."

Really, he said that.

So we ran...up four flights of stairs...down the hallway...through his door. I lifted his bed and he climbed under and grabbed the cat. We ran out.

Yes, we saw smoke. It was so cool.

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The next day I was walking down the hallway and bumped into him and his family. He was getting what was left of his stuff out of the apartment. The flames did not get down to his place, but the water from the fire hoses and sprinklers did. Most everything was ruined.

I asked him what his plans were. We chatted for a second...then he stopped mid-sentence and introduced me to his family.

"This is the guy I was telling you about. This is my hero. He saved my cat."

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What is on your bucket list?

Bogart and the Burning Building

2009-12-21T09:03:00.003-06:00

Thursday night Claire and I had just settled in...wrapped up on the couch, sipping a nice bottle of wine and a DVD. We were 90% done with the movie when a piercing sound hit our ears. It was followed with a strobe light.

Our fire alarm was going off.

You would think this would be cause for us to jump out of our seat, rushing to exit the building, but this is not the case. Our building has some issues and we live in P-Towne. False alarms are normal. So, Claire and I got up, changed clothes, made sure we had the right jackets, got our wallets and slowly made our way out of the apartment.

About 2/3rds of the way down the hall we realized this was not a drill or a false alarm. It was a real fire.

By the time we got outside, we could see flames in the corner apartment on the floor above us. Everyone is standing outside, freezing our tuchus off...I love that word!

6 Fire Trucks, 8 Cops and 2 Ambulances were surrounding our building. The local news was aiming their cameras at the big, white monstrosity we live in. Luckily, we have a friend that invited us over to get out of the cold.

4 hours later, we were escorted past 2 condemned apartments, through puddles of water and over debris that fell from the ceiling. We got to our place, snuggled back in and finished the movie.

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One good thing that happened...I got to cross off something on my Bucket List. On Wednesday you can read all about that...and the heater in our Apartment making snow on Friday.

99 Cent Store Wonders

2009-12-16T04:26:00.002-06:00

***Edit December 16, 835am***

So the post I had intended...the "Sexy Daddy" and the "Placenta Soap" cut from Jay Leno is no longer available...I will just let you use your imagination as to what it was like...and yes, "Sexy Daddy" is a children's book.

Thanks for pointing that out Poop...the video not working, not the "Sexy Daddy" being a kids book...although it would not surprise me that you would know that.

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Claire is traveling the next couple of days...so I am back to bachelor life. Luckily, I get to do it at home where I can cook my own meals.

The downside of that is I have to figure out what I want to cook.

Last night I ate hamburger meat...with some ketchup and bacon.

This morning I had a hamburger omelet.

I need to find something more appealing for dinner...maybe Pickles and Ritz Crackers?

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I have watched the first two episodes of Men of a Certain Age...I like it.

It is funny, but not slapstick. It is serious, but not tears in your eyes.

I find myself strangely drawn to the characters, the fights they fight and the conflicted feelings they are dealing with...no, I am not the age that these characters are, but I can see some of the things they deal with and relate to them. If you are a guy of a certain age, it is worth checking out.

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I am reminded of something my mom said to me many years ago when that show "thirtysomething" was on TV...she was watching it and I complained that it was a stupid show. She responded, "it is not stupid, you are just not thirty-something".

I think of that comment when I watch Men of a Certain Age...

Maybe it is the gray hairs that are making like rabbits on my head.

Heart Warming

2009-12-14T03:23:00.001-06:00

This weekend was a great one...After having been gone for the better part of 2 weeks, it was so nice to be back with my Claire!

We stayed up late Friday night watching 30-Rock, the Office and Top Chef (we have 1 more episode left to watch...don't spoil it for us!) on the DVR. On Saturday, Claire baked Almond Cranberry Spice Muffins and we watched UP...then to the movie theaters to see Blindside...then home to watch Chicago.

We loved all three movies and suggest them for anyone!

Somewhere in there, Claire also found time to make a homemade macaroni and cheese from scratch, we hit up the Happiest Place on Earth and stopped by the dry cleaners.

Saturday was a good day.

Sunday was fantastic as well, starting with CBS Sunday Morning in our PJ's, church and to a friend's house to watch the Charger's manhandle the Cowgirls.

Good times...Good times!

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Have you had a chance to see this picture?

You can read the story here.

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-12-12T03:41:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Mom...

39 years old...wow, where does the time go?

I am so very thankful for you.

Heading home

2009-12-11T04:23:00.000-06:00

Heading home today...whew. That was a long 9 days. Cold. Like -5 wind chill Thursday.

Can't wait to get to the balmy 45 in VA!

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I love eating out, but 9 days in a row of every meal being eaten out sucks. Not gonna lie.

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Why is it that every bathroom has a guy who insists on using the john while either texting or talking on the cellular? How hard is it to tap out for 5-10 mins? Dude, enjoy your private time.

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Loving the new job. I enjoy being involved in "The Game" again. I missed being productive.

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Have you seen the HBO Special featuring the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame performance yet? Amazing. Simply amazing. Watching Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel play...Metallica and Ozzy...U2 and Mick Jagger...and a whole host of others. If you like music, you have to watch it. Such a must see!!!

Brrrrr. Cold.

2009-12-07T22:30:00.002-06:00

Sitting in a hotel room in Kansas City.

It is cold here. Been as cold as 10.

Ten.

That is cold.

We are to wake up with 2-3 inches of snow today.

I think I need to rethink this new job...or at least the travel to KC during the winter.

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Real quick request for those of you in the service industry. If you are working with a client, please try your best not to pass stinky gas when your client is around. It does not help your case.

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Did you see Nebraska almost take down Texas on Saturday night? Oh that would have been so glorious!!

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There is this homeless guy in P-Towne that has been on my mind recently. It is an unusual thing. He has sorta stuck with me for a while. I can't explain it. Wondering if there is something I should be doing for him besides praying for him and his circumstances.

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9 days away from my wife is too long. Only 4 days left, but I have had enough of this.

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I need to figure out how to balance this blogging with the new job. Any tips?

Camping At Home

2009-12-01T10:00:00.003-06:00

Claire and I had friends arriving on Saturday morning for brunch.

We were going to make fresh baked cranberry muffins and Shrimp & Corn Grits.

Claire woke up, put together the muffins and baked them perfectly. They were beautiful and really good.

My job was to create the Shrimp and Corn Grits.

I started cooking. It was not working. The stove had little to no power.

I could not even melt butter.

Turns out the power company said that we have a "Phase Out".

I have guests arriving in 15 mins and now I have a "Phase Out". No appliances can run. The heater is out. The stove top is not working. The fridge is dead in the water.

I have Shrimp and Corn Grits to make. Crap.

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Earlier this year, Claire and I won a drawing over at Wonderful World of Weiners.

We won a bunch of camping equipment including a machete, wind-proof lighter, knife, flashlights, multi-gas coffee pot and a camp stove.

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We are watching the stove...nothing is happening.

We are watching the clock...it is ticking.

Claire says, "Hey, wait. Don't we have that really awesome camp stove and a small propane tank?"

Sure enough, we have that wonderful camp stove. I pull out the box...it is still packed in the original shipping box...and assemble it.

First words that appear on the stove when you open the box?

DO NOT USE INDOORS

We did anyway. And the camp fire Shrimp and Corn Grits were awesome!!!

Thanksgiving Scores

2009-11-27T09:40:00.002-06:00

The following ratings are based on a 1-to-10 scale with 10 being the best and 1 being the worst.

Category: 2009 Thanksgiving Day

Rest: 8...Claire and I had a lazy morning, we slept well and there was little to no stress.

Company: 6.5...it is not that the people we were with were not fun, cause they were. We enjoyed the conversation and like the people we were with. I also love every minute I am with my wife. But the score reflects the missing family and other close friends that we were not with.

Food: Solid 6. My pancakes fell a bit flat (Why can't I ever remember to put enough sugar? I have been making these since I was a kid!) and my Famous Egg Nog was a little on the salty side. But the turkey that Suzie made was amazingly succulent (despite the lack of dark meat) and the rum cake was straight from Heaven. I was also missing the one thing I have had at EVERY Thanksgiving (and Christmas!) since I was born...Yiftees. It is not Thanksgiving without Yiftees. That certainly hurt the score.

Football: 2-minus. The only reason this is not a negative score, was that the 30-mins of the first half I got to see of the GB/Detroit game was actually pretty good. The rest...well, there was no rest. There was no football on at our friends house. We had Sly and the Family Stone albums playing and that was pretty cool, but the football was not there...Oh yea, I also gave consideration to the fact that I really did not miss anything and it was not Baseball.

Turkey: 8.75. I know I already mentioned the food, but this bird was rock'n. It was moist and good. I even had a turkey sandwich last night with nothing but a roll and the bird...no other thing was needed. Why was it not a 10? I love me some dark meat and it was not there. Apparently they sell white meat turkey only. For shame.

Weather: 9. It was Sixty Five and Sunny. What more could I want? Maybe 75 and sunny, but a 9 is a GREAT score.

What categories am I missing? How do you rate your Turkey day?

Honking the Horn and Getting Chubby..wink, wink, nudge, nudge

2009-11-25T09:21:00.003-06:00

Most of the time I really like the fact that I live right next to the water. The ferry stop is 100 feet from our building, we have a great waterside view of downtown Norfolk and we just love being near water.

Then there are nights like last night that make us question the sanity of living on a busy waterway...1:30am...ONE THIRTY AM...on a Tuesday...a Navy ship decided it was time to test their horn. The ship is buoyed less than 150 yards from our place.

Navy ships have loud horns.

Especially at 1:30am.

Over and over and over and over...

I respect our Navy. I love our servicemen. I am married to one.

I HATE the horn honker at 1:30am.

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I really don't like the fact that the horn honking has continued on a regular basis ever since...about 5 or 6 honks per hour.

That last line...scratch it from your memory...sounds like a bad line from a B-Movie.

Or remember it if you are a movie script writer...I just want the credit.

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We decided to try this recipe from Tyler Florence on Monday night.

To prepare, we picked up a Sugar Pumpkin at the farmer's market this weekend. Well, at least we were told it was a sugar pumpkin. Sure, it was larger than the one's Tyler used, but the farmer's daughter told us this $6 pumpkin was the same...we believed her. (Little Lying Farmer's Daughter)

We then proceeded to make the pies...exactly how the recipe directs. We cook/bake often. We know how to follow a recipe.

The pies turned out way under sweet. They tasted vaguely like banana flavored pumpkin sauce that really needed sugar.

Boooooooo Farmer's Daughter....Boooooooooo,..

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We did manage to fix the pies last night with a little ingenuity and elbow grease...First, we took 1/2 a loaf of cinnamon bread and one of the pies...cubed them and turned them into this wonderful Cinnamon Banana Pumpkin bread pudding. Oh my. (We used this Paula Dean bread pudding as a basic guide)

Then I took the other pie, mixed in more sugar and made a new pie. It is okay...edible...but nothing like the greatness that is Cinnamon Banana Pumpkin Bread Pudding.

My love handles just got a lot more lovely.

Hoooray for the Holiday's!!! Hoooray for San Diego!!!

2009-11-23T09:14:00.004-06:00

Its the most
Wonderful Time
Of the year...

I love the time from now until the end of the year. Christmas music is playing in the stores and I get to eat Turkey.

This weekend, Claire and I will be picking out a Christmas tree and decorating the house.

I love it!!!

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On Saturday...
1. Went to the Happiest Place on Earth
2. Made Chili with Claire...the 5 alarm type
3. Watched Cal beat Stanford...Watched Nebraska roll K-State
4. Walked around town to look at the Christmas lights

What else could you want from a Saturday?

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Chalk this up to my love of all things San Diego...

1. The Chargers won! Convincingly. First Place...woohoo!
2. Jimmie Johnson won. 4 NASCAR Sprint Titles in a row. I am not a watcher of NASCAR, but Jimmie is from San Diego. Ergo, hooray!
3. San Diego is named #1 Beer town in America. I don't drink beer, but San Diego was named #1...Rock-On San Diego!!!

Bring Me My Lychee

2009-11-19T07:30:00.005-06:00

Our trip to the Second Happiest Place on Earth a couple of weeks ago was a wonderful time with Claire's family.

Having never spent time at Disney...except for that unusual situation in January, I was very excited to check out what people east of the Mississippi think is the Happiest Place on Earth.

And yes, we really did have a great time.

I am so blessed to have a family-in-law that I love to be with.

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The Food and Wine portion of the Disney trip was a bit disappointing. The food and wine booths they had lining Epcot were interesting, but the few things we tried were: 1. Expensive 2. Average.

I know, I know...what should I expect. We are at a theme park where food should be expected to be: 1. Expensive 2. Average

I just thought that since it was "Food and Wine Expo" that it might be a bit different.

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I will say, the amount of Lychee things I ate (mostly thanks to my wife finding them and bringing them home with her!!!) was fantast-i-licious! Gummies, hard candy, Sake, etc....yum, yum.

And if you have not tried a Lychee, you NEED to. A Lychee martini might be a good place to start.

SuperMegaNews...or just an update.

2009-11-17T07:10:00.003-06:00

News...so much news...okay, just some news, but I figure if I make it sound important y'all would forgive the two weeks without an update.

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So I started a new job last week. I was surprised when I was recommended for a job with the SuperMegaCorporation. I was surprised when they flew me out and I liked it. I was surprised when they made a solid offer.

I am most surprised that I accepted and will be working from home some of the time...while traveling to the middle of the country some of the time.

I wanted to say "strange things are afoot at the Circle K", but that seemed so 1990's.

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So, I was gone last week...the week when the "Kill Bogart" storm hit P-Towne. If you click on the link, you will see the beginning of the flooding, including the ferry that stops at the base of our building...the same ferry that they say they don't shut down...the same ferry that was shut down for Thursday and Friday because the area that they dock (1.25min into the video) was completely underwater.

Oh, if you look for it, 59 seconds into the video, you will see a shot of the Big White Monstrosity that Team Bogart currently resides in...wooohooo.

Nothing like making the local news to make you feel famous...or something.

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Poor Claire had to deal with the crazy flooding all by herself. Even being rudely awakened on Thursday morning with water dripping on her head.

Drip....Drip....Drip...4:30am...Good thing she found the buckets and pans to catch all the water!

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My experience with the storm? We had wind shear warnings when we were landing on Friday night...made a couple of attempts to land and then were diverted to Raleigh-Durham, NC. We deplaned, sat around and then reboarded. We made one final attempt, landing safely around midnight.

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It is nice to be back home. It is nice to be back to the blog.

Alive and Well...Thanks for Checking In

2009-11-15T13:02:00.002-06:00

Being alive is good.

While we did have a couple of close calls upon landing on Friday night in Norfolk, including a redirect to North Carolina, Bogart is alive and well.

As far as the blogging goes, well, clearly I have lacked in that department for the past two weeks.

I know it is really no excuse, but I was in Chicago then Kansas City, covering the better part of the last two weeks...

I do have so much news and still owe you an update of pictures from Disney.

I will be getting to it soon.

No, really, I will.

My Drifting Mind

2009-10-29T14:37:00.004-05:00

I find my thoughts often think of him.

Sometimes they are memories of hoping in the car or working on some chores. Other times I am reminded of how he treated her and how much he loved life.

Mostly they are of random things that really don't make much sense.

How I was amazed that he never would wear shorts...How his hair had a cowlick in the exact same spot mine does...How he always took his coffee black...How he took a nap every day...His little, practical jokes.

I don't know why those things still strike me. I don't understand why he is the one that pops into my head so often.

Well, I guess that is a lie. I know.

He was the most influential person in my life.

The pain of his loss has faded, but the disappointment of him not being around is still very real.

Thanks and Stuff

2009-10-27T09:50:00.002-05:00

Our camping equipment arrived recently.

It is so sweet!

High quality and fantastic.

Thanks again Hallie!

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The only thing that did not arrive was the Windproof Lighter...I hope that cool thing shows up!

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We had a great time in Orlando with Claire's family. I will post some pics later this week, but I can sum up the trip this way...

5 Disney parks, 2 Disney water parks, 5 fast food drive thru's, 7 family members, wonderful weather, Sake and sausage.

Second Happiest Place on Earth

2009-10-19T10:21:00.004-05:00

Claire left last night for Orlando...It is the Food and Wine Expo at Disney, so her family is going to be doing the whole Disney thing for a week.

Lucky me, I get to join them on Tuesday!

I have never been to Disney in Florida except to run through it...I grew up with Disneyland in SoCal and always figured the original was the best. I guess I am about to find out.

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What did I do with my bachelor night?

I watched Playoff Baseball and Sunday Night Football...I ate spicy sausage...I drank Scotch.

Good Times....Good Times.

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I baked some cookies I got from Ramblings, Rants and Recipes. They are Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies....cause that is what bachelors do on the first morning their significant other is out of town.

I actually had to make them for my Volleyball team because they swept both matches last week...

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And if any of you are wondering...Costco, according to my sister, is the Happiest Place on Earth!

Colorful Past

2009-10-16T07:45:00.003-05:00

The girls volleyball team I coach had a team dinner last night. We had finished eating our carbo load (stuffed pasta shells and garlic bread...yes mom, we had a salad too) and we were tearing into the caramel layered brownies...one of the girls said that they like my red sweatshirt. It was "a good color".

I told her that I seem to wear a lot of red. Claire likes me in that color and I have always sorta liked it. As a matter of fact, I confided in them, I have always thought it would be cool to have a nickname that is a color like "Red" or "Blue". They laughed and thought that was silly.

It was then I remembered that from about age 8 to around high school, I did have a nickname that was a color...or at least a color was in it. White-Boy.

At that age, my father was living very close to the Mexican Boarder. I was the ONLY white kid in the neighborhood.

Everyone called me "White-Boy". My friends, their parents and even the ice cream man.

"White-Boy".

I think I would prefer to be called "Red" or "Blue".

Nah, I will stick with Bogart.

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So we went and saw the 12:01am showing of Where the Wild Things Are last night...this morning?...I'll stick with last night.

The reviews have been generally good and the previews are really freak'n fantastic.

The movie...well, it was good, but not quite as good as we had hoped.

A little darker than the previews would lead you to believe, but both Claire and I enjoyed it.

I am not a parent, but I am guessing kids under 8 or 9 would probably be a little scared...older than that and they will enjoy the heck out of it.

That is all.

Kings of Leon are Stalking Me

2009-10-13T07:41:00.003-05:00

Ever have a song follow you? It can be a little strange.

That happened to me yesterday.

I put on some music in the morning and the Kings of Leon song Use Somebody was playing.

I said to myself, "Self, I like that song. Let's go to iTunes and download it." So I went to iTunes and listened to it there. Then I downloaded it. It played as I downloaded it.

That makes it 3 times I had heard it in about 10 minutes.

A couple of hours later, I hopped into the car to head to the gym and what song that was playing? Yup, Use Somebody by Kings of Leon.

I arrived at the gym. It was playing there.

I got home, flipped on an Internet radio station and it was the second song I heard.

At 230, I left for Volleyball practice. The song played on two different radio stations during my 25 minute drive.

Sorta sick of it by this point.

I am regretting the iTunes purchase.

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On Friday, I baked a pumpkin cake...had some extra pumpkin, so I baked pumpkin cookies.

They both were fantastalicious!

Except that I ate so much of each that I am now orange and becoming very round.

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My wife has invited me to a date on Thursday.

She would like us to go see the 12:01am showing of Where the Wild Things Are.

I have not gone to a 12:01 showing since early college.

I am not a night person.

Neither is she.

It should be interesting.

Somebody's Momma is Lying

2009-10-09T08:42:00.004-05:00

Coaching girls high school varsity volleyball has me spending a lot of time with teenage girls.

Occasionally you forget that you are around teenage girls when they are there constantly.

For example...last night I was sitting in the stands watching the JV team play. My players were sitting near me and I struck up a conversation with our setter.

Me: "Which sister is older? The outside hitter or the middle blocker?"
Her: "They are not sisters."
Me: "Of course they are. Look at them. There is no way they are not sisters...I actually am surprised they are not twins."
Her: "They are not related. They are not sisters. They get told all the time that they look alike, but they are not from the same family."
Me: "They are from the same family. They have to be. I bet they have the same dad and nobody knows. I bet the milk man is their real dad."
Her: **Blank Stare**
Me: "Or the mail man. Has anyone seen the mailman in their neighborhood?
Her: "Coach...the one dad is sitting right behind us!"
Me: **Blank Stare**

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Need to refrain from those conversations in the future.

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I am baking a cake today. Pumpkin Spice cake for Claire's book club. I have not baked a cake since the Angel Food Cake incident earlier this year.

I hope I don't die.

Party in My Mouth

2009-10-07T09:31:00.005-05:00

I think I have found nirvana.

I think my Heaven has been decided.

The Maple Bacon Doughnut.

Yes, that is a big'ol fatty, maple doughnut...my favorite...with a couple of slabs of baconny goodness on top.

I think that has to the best "party in your mouth" ever...EVER!!!

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For those of you living in the Pacific Northwest (Portland to be exact) or within driving distance (Wes, I expect a road trip out of you!), I need to hear about this. I need to know if it is as amazing as my dreams about it are. I need to know if I can finally say that my culinary life is complete. I need to know.

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They are sold at Voodoo Doughnut...you can see their other sinful breakfast items here.
***Edit***
So, I went and looked a little more closely at the offerings...please be aware that there may be some sexually explicit doughnuts sold there...venture on at your own peril.
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Forget Europe next year, we are headed to Portland!

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Do you think they have to post the calorie count and the fat content in Portland?

Taste Buds A-Flutter

2009-10-05T03:11:00.001-05:00

So I went out and bought this Breyers Yogurt.

It is Mint Chocolate Chip flavored.

Yogurt.

I can't decide if I like it. I have decided to keep eating it.

You know, for interesting sake.

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Yea, I know, Mint Chocolate Chip yogurt sounds disgusting...In my defense:

1. I love mint and chocolate together. It is second only to peanut butter and chocolate.
2. I had a coupon and it was double coupon day at the grocery store.
3. I like to try new things.

Would I recommend it?

I don't know. It is very weird.

2 Years Running

2009-10-01T15:56:00.001-05:00

Two years ago today, I moved to Virginia.

I started blogging a couple weeks later.

It was not an easy move. I left behind my beloved Southern California. I left behind my closest friends. I left behind my family. I left behind carne asada and avocados.

I struggled to adapt to my new life. Living away from SoCal did not immediately agree with me.

Two years later, I would so do it again...and again...and again.

She made it worth it. She made it a lot easier than it could have been. She became my companion.

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To celebrate, I am going to the U2 concert tonight with 7 other guys...a limo ride from Norfolk to/from Charlottesville included.

I probably could have thought that ticket purchase through a little more.

Although, having never seen U2 in concert, I am rather excited about it.

Wash that Mouth Out with Soap

2009-09-30T04:15:00.000-05:00

There are times that I am truly amazed by what people will name things.

I saw this place in Salem, Mass.

I did learn that a "Bunghole" is actually the name for the hole in wooden barrels and the cork that is plugged in is called the bung, but c'mon.

Even Beavis and Butthead knew what a Bunghole really was.

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While we are at it, do we really need to call the game "Cornhole"? It should be called Bag Toss or Baggo...not Cornhole.

I can't even say it without snickering.

Are We Pretty?

2009-09-28T03:32:00.000-05:00

Claire and I went to a charity event for the United Way a couple of weeks ago. They had an artist doing caricatures there.

I am not sure they truly captured my essence.

At Ease Sergeant

2009-09-26T14:37:00.002-05:00

Having done student ministry in some shape or form since the mid-90's, I have had a chance to get to know a number of "kids" and watched many of them grow up...and boy do some of them grow up!

I recently was sent this link of a "Morning Salute" one of the news channels in San Diego did about a marine...one of my old students, Sgt. Brian Atkinson. He was one of the kids that you get to know well...loud, goofy and always fun. Now he is "organizing water polo" in Saddam Hussein's old pools and serving our country around the world...I love that!

They grow up oh so fast, don't they?!

Some Boston Pics

2009-09-24T03:51:00.000-05:00

The day after the ceremony, we headed down to Boston for the weekend. Of course we had to hit up Fenway!

Once Claire joined us Thursday night, we had a wonderful time touring Boston, one of my favorite cities!

It was a beautiful weekend...fall weather most of the trip, but beautiful nonetheless.

We toured the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). To say that the quarters for those sailors were a little cramped is an understatement.

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We visited the Old Library on the Southside of town. It was stunningly beautiful. If you are ever in Boston, you need to check it out!

Here is a shot of the courtyard...

In the library it was a scene right out of a movie...all the seats were taken and there were students actually studying, reading and working on their computers...oh yea, it was the first month of school...

Derek and Emily by the fountain in the middle of the courtyard.

Congrats Derek

2009-09-23T03:15:00.002-05:00

I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire to witness the "Pinning Ceremony" of my good friend Derek. He was recently promoted to Chief Petty Officer...a BIG DEAL in the United States Navy. It was a really neat thing to see and be a part of.

Derek and me at the after party...

Standing with the 6 new Chiefs from the Helena...

This is right before he was admitted to Chief's Mess...

His wife and father were honored by pinning his Chief's pins on his lapels...

You can see he is proud of his accomplishment...and he should be!

Congrats to Derek and all of the new Chiefs!

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A quick excerpt explaining how big a deal making chief is:

Unlike Petty Officer First Class and lower ranks, advancement to Chief Petty Officer can only advance after review by a selection board of serving Senior and Master Chief Petty Officers, in effect "choosing their own" and conversely not choosing others.

Advancement into the Chief Petty Officer grades is the most significant promotion within the enlisted naval ranks. At the rank of Chief, the Sailor takes on more administrative duties. In the Navy, their uniform changes to reflect this change of duty, becoming identical to that of an officer's uniform except with different insignia. Sailors in the three Chief Petty Officer ranks also have conspicuous privileges such as seperate dining and living areas. Any naval vessel of sufficient size has a room or rooms that are off-limits to anyone not a Chief (including officers) except by specific inviation. In addition, a Chief Petty Officer, no matter how much he was on a "first name" basis with other petty officers before promotion, is always addressed as "Chief" by subordinates and superiors.

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We went to Boston after the ceremony...those pics will be up tomorrow.

Girls are Wierd

2009-09-21T05:06:00.000-05:00

Now that I am back coaching High School Girls Volleyball, I am putting together a list of things you never see/hear at a guys practice, but you see at a girls practice:

1. Skipping...guys don't skip. I don't think guys past the age of 9 skip. It really does not happen. Girls seem to skip until they are 80. My volleyball girls do it all the time...during practice. I say "Hustle-up, there is to much walking going on!" and they respond by skipping. What is that about?

2. Fixing hair...You are working out. I am pushing you pretty hard. Why are you fixing your hair while we jump on boxes? Why are you putting your ponytail in when we are running lines?

3. A player saying "I missed that hit because my hair got covered my eyes"...really? Weren't you just fixing your hair a minute ago when we were running lines? What the junk?

4. Crying during practice...I know, I have seen guys cry at practice, but that was because he got a note that said his dog had died, not because it was hard. Guys puke when practice gets really hard, girls cry.

5. Coordinated Cheerleading on the court. When a guy hits a good shot, the other guys high-five them or slap them on the butt...girls circle up and cheer. "Oh snap, beat that ace!" or "Roof, Roof, you just got Roofed"...hand motions to boot.

Some NoLa Pics

2009-09-14T08:20:00.006-05:00

Thought we would share some shots from our tubing adventure in LA last weekend...

We had a great time with the family.

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I also mentioned that while we were down in Louisiana we met Leigh-Ann from Starting Somewhere, one of our favorite bloggers...
Sorta looks like an AT&T commercial...more bars in more places.

The New Laundry Day

2009-09-09T07:24:00.004-05:00

Back home from a two week jaunt through the country. We had a great time this past weekend in New Orleans, getting some quality time with the fam.

This weekend, I am off to Roanoke, VA with the volleyball team and then New Hampshire and Massachusetts next week. One of these days I will need to settle down.

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While we were in SE Louisiana, I got to fly my RC Plane again. I will tell you, we have gotten more use out of that thing...might be the best $30 I have ever spent.

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We walked around the French Quarter last week. One of the highlights was meeting fellow blogger Leigh-Ann at her work.

I thought it was funny that she recognized Claire before she recognized me.

I mean, c'mon....it is MY blog and all.

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If you have not had a chance to read Leigh-Ann over at Starting Somewhere, I would highly recommend that you do. She is always an enjoyable read!

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It was Southern Decadence Festival this weekend in NoLa. I have never heard more people say to me "Hey Big Boy, what is in your pocket?"

Sadly, I did not see any buttless chaps. You know it is a bad party if no one is wearing buttless chaps.

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I just held up a roll of quarters and told them it was laundry day.

I think it was laundry day for a lot of people.

I Am A Daddy

2009-09-07T03:54:00.000-05:00

When I am asked if I have any kids, my standard answer is "none that I know of!"

Then I saw this video and figured that I actually have a kid...I was a redhead until I was 4 or 5 and dude has the exact same moves as me...except my worm is better.

The Weigh In

2009-09-04T08:04:00.003-05:00

We had our weigh in last night...

I dropped some poundage and now weigh 1lb less than I did when Claire and I got married.

Claire dropped the same poundage and EASILY won the weight loss challenge.

She is my rock-star!

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Everyone in the family lost weight and it showed. I think among us we dropped a small village worth of weight in the past 6 weeks.

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Last week I was at my mother's home when the "Shaving incident" happened.

No, it was not my mom's shaving cream I used...it was my sister's.

Ouch!

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This week we are in New Orleans with Claire's family. A day for tubing down the river is on the docket fo'sho.

This Blog Post is Rated PG-13

2009-08-28T12:46:00.004-05:00

No, really, it is.

If you would not watch a PG-13 movie, you should not read on...if you choose to, do so at your own peril. If you prefer not to go on, here is a link you can enjoy.

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Okay, those of you still with me...

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So I took a shower today. A normal event.

I am traveling and did not bring soap, shampoo or shaving cream. Also, a normal event.

I used the "body wash" that was in the shower...I prefer my Lever 2000 bar, but I got clean.

I used the shampoo that was in the shower...it was fine. I like to smell pretty.

I then needed to shave. Usually, if I don't have shave cream, I just use conditioner. It works well and keeps my pretty face, soft and supple.

Today, in the shower, there was shave cream. It was not manly and not because of the aroma.

No, the shave cream had a very...uh hem...interesting name...

Coochy.

Digest that for a moment.

Coochy.

I don't think I had said that word since I was 16.

Coochy.

And I put that on my face to shave with.

Coochy.

Really? Is that the best name? I mean, it does say rash free body wash for "All Over", but really, what is is for?

No, don't answer that.

I am just troubled that I put Coochy on my face to shave with.

I think my life is complete...or my political career is over...one or the other.

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If you don't know what Coochy is slang for, just think of a girls "who-ha"...now you got it.