Man. Another week in paradise.
Thankfully, C was able to schedule both of S's appointments for Monday morning. Yes, I said both. Not only did she need to get recasted, but she was NOT feeling good. Turns out she had an ear infection, a really bad one, that was giving her fits when she was lying on it at nap and bedtime. So, she's doing good in her new cast--and staying in it thanks to a bit more bend at the knee--and the drugs are getting rid of her infection.
Every night has been a struggle to get M to stay in bed. We've even been trying to go to bed later than usual. But she gets out of bed at least thrice each night. Right now, she's still awake, even though we put her to bed 'round about 90 minutes ago. I'm very frustrated. Maybe because she's encroaching on the "us time" C and I get an ever smaller amount of each week.
I have been seeing spots in my left eye recently, so I went to get my vision checked yesterday. The tech was having me look through that thing where they can flip all these lenses and ask you which one is better while you try to make out the letters. The bad news is that I'm a little near-sighted in my left eye. The good news is that the spots are probably because it's a little dry and not something bad like macular degeneration. I've always had exceptional eye-sight, but my parents and sister have worn glasses or contacts all their adult lives, with my sister beginning in her preteen years. It's almost as if 30 is taunting me, saying "Neener, neener, neener. This is what it's going to be like!"
Work has been at a good pace this week all things considered. I was able to pump out two backordered standards last night; this after months of investigation as to why such very similar compounds could be so far apart upon assay. We have a huge packaging job that has taken over our formulations lab and is now spilling over into QC as we check their work. It's fairly easy to do, but it's monotonous and there are almost 200 boxes to check. Thankfully, I have a couple of helping hands that are knocking it out slowly over the last three days.
As some of you may know, today was Valentine's Day--or as some call it, Singles Awareness Day (SAD, how cute). I actually didn't bungle it this year. I remembered both the card and the flowers. It's pretty poor that I've set the bar so low, but I'm not a gifts person. I'm working on it though. Thanks for hangin' in there hon. I'll get it one of these days.
Time to get some shut-eye.
G'night.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Looking Back
There are so many things that you forget as a parent. I'm so glad that we've been able to catch so many memories on our camera. Back when M was smaller in June '06, about S's age, she was really into babbling. Here is a small clip:
She was able to do a lot that S isn't able to do right now, but that's okay with us. This little castage has set S back on her walking, she's even further "behind." But it's all relative.
She was able to do a lot that S isn't able to do right now, but that's okay with us. This little castage has set S back on her walking, she's even further "behind." But it's all relative.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Mixed Bag
Another busy week at work and there are definitely no signs of letting up. We've got all our positions filled and I like how the group is working together as a team helping each other out. I had instrument issues, which wouldn't be a problem if we had more than one ECD. The Agilent rep came out and replaced everything but the actual cell before he got it to work. I told him that I don't do anything half way. It's either really good or really bad.
Just when S was starting to get a hang of this walking thing, she up and breaks her little leg. That's right. Check out C's post about it. She's getting a better feel for crawling around with her cast, but walking won't really be an option for the next six weeks. Hopefully she's got her daddy's quick-healing genes and can get 'er done in four. She has been learning a lot more signs and shouts "A-Da" when she sees a dog. She's getting better at putting her cup on the table instead of pushing it on the floor. One of the signs she's mastering is "No", which she does whenever she passes the things she knows she shouldn't get into. And while she has been learning signs, she still has a hard time communicating, except for the not-so-occasional yells that mean more or all done. It doesn't change volume or intonation, so it's guesswork at best.
M is enjoying her 'nastics. Each Tuesday night (thanks Gramma) she goes to a gym owned by C's former boss for 45 minutes of a toddler class to get some running and jumping energy out of her. She has a lot of fun and finds a lot of time to practice her forward rolls. S will stick her head in the ground and hiney up in the air to signal us that she's ready to roll too. M's favorite video right now is Cinderella. Nary a day goes by that she isn't asking for it. She's had a lot of fun lately making cards for friends and their new siblings. She even made a card for S that said "Get well better." Tonight we were visiting some neighbors to show off S's cast and M was skipping and hopping down the sidewalk. She informed C that she was "hippin and hoppin." After she was all done with her dinner tonight she told me that she wanted some of our garlic bread. I reminded her that she said her tummy was full. Her reply: "But my tummy is hungry for bread." Gotta love those moments.
Did you catch the name of that truck that hit me? Something blew in Sunday night and just wrecked my allergies. I've been alternately stuffy and runny with a little sinus headache thrown in for good measure.
National Signing Day was yesterday and, although Texas didn't make out like bandits like they usually do, they filled all their needs except running back. However, I'm definitely excited to see what Vondrell McGee can do. Now if Colt can just halve his INT total from last year, I think we're headed for a 9-10 win season. It won't be easy, but we've got a shot.
NCAA Tourney time is just around the corner. Texas is rounding into form with a clutch win over Baylor and a demolition of OU in Norman. I worry about our team .683% from the charity stripe as well as the fact that our starting center averages as many rebounds as our guards. That and Rick Barnes is coaching. Has anyone ever seen coach Brown & coach Barnes in the same room together? Does coach Barnes put on a voice-modifier and a weight-suit during football season? Sorry. I'll stop.
Our new auditorium had some more foundation poured this past week and it's exciting to see the changes going on. It's cool to be a part of something that will change lives even after I'm dead and gone.
I think that 'bout covers it.
Until next time, God bless.
Just when S was starting to get a hang of this walking thing, she up and breaks her little leg. That's right. Check out C's post about it. She's getting a better feel for crawling around with her cast, but walking won't really be an option for the next six weeks. Hopefully she's got her daddy's quick-healing genes and can get 'er done in four. She has been learning a lot more signs and shouts "A-Da" when she sees a dog. She's getting better at putting her cup on the table instead of pushing it on the floor. One of the signs she's mastering is "No", which she does whenever she passes the things she knows she shouldn't get into. And while she has been learning signs, she still has a hard time communicating, except for the not-so-occasional yells that mean more or all done. It doesn't change volume or intonation, so it's guesswork at best.
M is enjoying her 'nastics. Each Tuesday night (thanks Gramma) she goes to a gym owned by C's former boss for 45 minutes of a toddler class to get some running and jumping energy out of her. She has a lot of fun and finds a lot of time to practice her forward rolls. S will stick her head in the ground and hiney up in the air to signal us that she's ready to roll too. M's favorite video right now is Cinderella. Nary a day goes by that she isn't asking for it. She's had a lot of fun lately making cards for friends and their new siblings. She even made a card for S that said "Get well better." Tonight we were visiting some neighbors to show off S's cast and M was skipping and hopping down the sidewalk. She informed C that she was "hippin and hoppin." After she was all done with her dinner tonight she told me that she wanted some of our garlic bread. I reminded her that she said her tummy was full. Her reply: "But my tummy is hungry for bread." Gotta love those moments.
Did you catch the name of that truck that hit me? Something blew in Sunday night and just wrecked my allergies. I've been alternately stuffy and runny with a little sinus headache thrown in for good measure.
National Signing Day was yesterday and, although Texas didn't make out like bandits like they usually do, they filled all their needs except running back. However, I'm definitely excited to see what Vondrell McGee can do. Now if Colt can just halve his INT total from last year, I think we're headed for a 9-10 win season. It won't be easy, but we've got a shot.
NCAA Tourney time is just around the corner. Texas is rounding into form with a clutch win over Baylor and a demolition of OU in Norman. I worry about our team .683% from the charity stripe as well as the fact that our starting center averages as many rebounds as our guards. That and Rick Barnes is coaching. Has anyone ever seen coach Brown & coach Barnes in the same room together? Does coach Barnes put on a voice-modifier and a weight-suit during football season? Sorry. I'll stop.
Our new auditorium had some more foundation poured this past week and it's exciting to see the changes going on. It's cool to be a part of something that will change lives even after I'm dead and gone.
I think that 'bout covers it.
Until next time, God bless.
Monday, January 28, 2008
First Steps
S has really been starting to walk lately. Sunday morning she walked to me for the first time. It's an exciting time to be a dad. She's still peg-leggy and wobbles quite a bit, but it's so fun to watch her test her legs out and try to walk. She's been walking around the house holding onto thing a lot the past two weeks, but she's beginning to learn to go without holding on. Our little miss independent!
I'm sure if you're a man, some time or another, you've struggled with the nebulous idea of what a spiritual leader means and looks like lived out in a daily walk with the Lord. This past weekend, Grace held its annual men's gathering. I'm hoping the bonds formed will continue to grow and the process begun there would work its way to completion. I'm most fearful of the mountain-top experience most often personified at Baptist youth retreats, where you get this emotional high that you can't/won't sustain because the cares of this world choke you out. It's like the man who looked in the mirror, but, when he went away, forgot what he looked like. Pray for me that I would be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. That I would lead my family with integrity and wisdom. Most of all, pray that God would give me the energy to get my carcass out of bed in the morning to spend time with Him and my wife, both in the Holy Writ and in prayer.
Thanks,
R
I'm sure if you're a man, some time or another, you've struggled with the nebulous idea of what a spiritual leader means and looks like lived out in a daily walk with the Lord. This past weekend, Grace held its annual men's gathering. I'm hoping the bonds formed will continue to grow and the process begun there would work its way to completion. I'm most fearful of the mountain-top experience most often personified at Baptist youth retreats, where you get this emotional high that you can't/won't sustain because the cares of this world choke you out. It's like the man who looked in the mirror, but, when he went away, forgot what he looked like. Pray for me that I would be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer. That I would lead my family with integrity and wisdom. Most of all, pray that God would give me the energy to get my carcass out of bed in the morning to spend time with Him and my wife, both in the Holy Writ and in prayer.
Thanks,
R
Thursday, January 24, 2008
2008 Pharisees
By now you've already heard that Australian actor Heath Ledger died, possibly by overdosing on a mix of antihistamines, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs.
You also may remember that he played one of the gay cowboys in "Brokeback Mountain."
It seems that the people of Westboro Baptist Church believe that being an actor and portraying a gay character is reprehensible. In an MSN.com article, a spokesperson is quoted as saying "“You cannot live in defiance of God. He got on that big screen with a big, fat message: God is a liar and it's OK to be gay.” They are so distraught that they plan to protest his funeral.
Let's lay out the facts:
1. God tells us in the Bible that homosexuality is a sin.
2. God tells us in the Bible that self-righteousness is a sin.
As far as I can tell, besides the sin of unbelief, all other sins are equal in God's eyes. Therefore, being self-righteous is equivalent to homosexuality. Both are equivalent to murder. However, there are different social consequences to each sin. So most people would agree that murder is worse than assault, which is worse than stealing/cheating/adultery, which is worse than addictions to substances/pornography, et cetera. That may seem the case because you can be put to death for murder, put in jail for stealing/cheating, made a pariah for adultery and who even knows if you suffer from addictions?
As Dave Dameshek might say "People of Westboro Baptist Church, you are the Jerks of the Week!" In the Darth Vader theme song: Jerk Jerk Jerk, of the Week, of the Week...He or she is the Jerk of the Week.
Use your passion for something that's useful, not to sound like a bunch of homophobic, bigotous, pompous windbags. Go feed the hungry or clothe the naked.
Otherwise, you are a brood of vipers. White-washed tombs.
You also may remember that he played one of the gay cowboys in "Brokeback Mountain."
It seems that the people of Westboro Baptist Church believe that being an actor and portraying a gay character is reprehensible. In an MSN.com article, a spokesperson is quoted as saying "“You cannot live in defiance of God. He got on that big screen with a big, fat message: God is a liar and it's OK to be gay.” They are so distraught that they plan to protest his funeral.
Let's lay out the facts:
1. God tells us in the Bible that homosexuality is a sin.
2. God tells us in the Bible that self-righteousness is a sin.
As far as I can tell, besides the sin of unbelief, all other sins are equal in God's eyes. Therefore, being self-righteous is equivalent to homosexuality. Both are equivalent to murder. However, there are different social consequences to each sin. So most people would agree that murder is worse than assault, which is worse than stealing/cheating/adultery, which is worse than addictions to substances/pornography, et cetera. That may seem the case because you can be put to death for murder, put in jail for stealing/cheating, made a pariah for adultery and who even knows if you suffer from addictions?
As Dave Dameshek might say "People of Westboro Baptist Church, you are the Jerks of the Week!" In the Darth Vader theme song: Jerk Jerk Jerk, of the Week, of the Week...He or she is the Jerk of the Week.
Use your passion for something that's useful, not to sound like a bunch of homophobic, bigotous, pompous windbags. Go feed the hungry or clothe the naked.
Otherwise, you are a brood of vipers. White-washed tombs.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Focus On The Family
One thing about our two little ladies is that they keep us both on our toes and knees. S is crawling around very quickly these days and you can lose her if you're not paying good enough attention. She can go from the play room to her room in about 5 seconds.
With all the whining and screaming going on, it's been increasingly important for us to go to God in prayer the moment that starts happening, or in my anger I will sin.
Please keep this in mind as the days get busier and more stressful.
Thanks,
R
With all the whining and screaming going on, it's been increasingly important for us to go to God in prayer the moment that starts happening, or in my anger I will sin.
Please keep this in mind as the days get busier and more stressful.
Thanks,
R
Boy Was I Wrong!
At the end of my last post I said that I thought our performance last week set us up for an easier time this week. Ha!
It's been more of the same and tomorrow shows no signs of letting up. I've barely had enough time to breathe these past two days. But hey, as many of you know, it's a whole lot better to be too busy than too slow. We're still cranking things out at a phenomenal rate and I'm looking forward to continued progress.
The good news is that some of my old responsibilities are being taken off my plate so I can focus on the new points of emphasis.
It's been more of the same and tomorrow shows no signs of letting up. I've barely had enough time to breathe these past two days. But hey, as many of you know, it's a whole lot better to be too busy than too slow. We're still cranking things out at a phenomenal rate and I'm looking forward to continued progress.
The good news is that some of my old responsibilities are being taken off my plate so I can focus on the new points of emphasis.
Friday, January 18, 2008
ROCKED IT OUT!
That's what I/we did at work this week. It was a doozy.
When I wrote last week I told of the winds of change that were sweeping through work and how Doc wants to do a reorg. My new job description as Supervisor is to manage the flow or our standards production as it comes into QC. I'm going to be overseeing the scheduling, data review and stability program for our reference standards. Maybe even more importantly, though, is that if there is an out-of-spec (OOS) result, it will be immediately sent my way so that I can make a quick assessment of the root cause and plan the next course of action. The reason being that, whenever we have our quarterly meetings, our CEO tends to point out QC's on-time percent as well as how long it takes to resolve an OOS. As you can imagine, they've been very poor the past two quarters. It's my job to change that. I don't know the exact numbers, but we churned out close to 15 standards this week, many of which were past due and a lot of which were (or close to) backorder. As our day wound down, Doc turned to me and said how good our log looks and that I did a good job.
I think our performance this week sets us up for an easier time next week. We only have a few standards in the lab now and there's only two max on an instrument, so we can focus on getting some extra tasks complete. I'm excited! I want to hear how much QC has improved in those two areas when we have our Q1 meeting.
Thanks for your prayers. Keep 'em coming. We have an audit Monday morning and a huge customer project that looms as a daily task for the next several weeks. Pray for staff cohesiveness, that everyone will settle into their new roles quickly, and that we will be able to find an experienced analyst to run NMR.
Thanks and have a great weekend.
I'm 'bout ready for some football.
R
When I wrote last week I told of the winds of change that were sweeping through work and how Doc wants to do a reorg. My new job description as Supervisor is to manage the flow or our standards production as it comes into QC. I'm going to be overseeing the scheduling, data review and stability program for our reference standards. Maybe even more importantly, though, is that if there is an out-of-spec (OOS) result, it will be immediately sent my way so that I can make a quick assessment of the root cause and plan the next course of action. The reason being that, whenever we have our quarterly meetings, our CEO tends to point out QC's on-time percent as well as how long it takes to resolve an OOS. As you can imagine, they've been very poor the past two quarters. It's my job to change that. I don't know the exact numbers, but we churned out close to 15 standards this week, many of which were past due and a lot of which were (or close to) backorder. As our day wound down, Doc turned to me and said how good our log looks and that I did a good job.
I think our performance this week sets us up for an easier time next week. We only have a few standards in the lab now and there's only two max on an instrument, so we can focus on getting some extra tasks complete. I'm excited! I want to hear how much QC has improved in those two areas when we have our Q1 meeting.
Thanks for your prayers. Keep 'em coming. We have an audit Monday morning and a huge customer project that looms as a daily task for the next several weeks. Pray for staff cohesiveness, that everyone will settle into their new roles quickly, and that we will be able to find an experienced analyst to run NMR.
Thanks and have a great weekend.
I'm 'bout ready for some football.
R
Friday, January 11, 2008
College Football Recap
College football fans were left unsatisfied this season. The two teams that finished the hottest, USC and Georgia, dominated their bowl opponents, but neither played in the BCS Championship Game. Either might've made for a better game against the Bayou Bengals. This season is the one that all the playoff proponents will point to as the final nail in the bowl system coffin. One has even gone too far.
Dr. Michael F. Adams, the president of the University of Georgia, said that "this year's experience with the BCS forces me to the conclusion that the current system has lost public confidence and simply does not work." What? The BCS came to your house and put a gun against your head and literally forced you to come to that conclusion? Nice rhetoric prez. Nobody forced you to do anything. I think Ivan Maisel did a great job calling you out for your press grab.
But what we saw is what makes college football the best sport in all the world. The regular season really is a playoff of sorts. Generally, lose one and you're done. Two and you're toast. High school & NFL football, Fútbol (a.k.a. Soccer), NCAA & NBA Basketball, MLB and NHL are all more kind upon losses. Not to mention the rivalries, the Best Conference debates and Heisman jockeying that happens every week. I think I like the idea of using the BCS Standings to put the top eight in a playoff, but I don't think a playoff will ever happen. There is just too much money involved in bowl games and the Big & Pac Ten are too engrossed in their "pageantry" to let it happen. I personally would like fewer bowl games, with only teams that are at least a game above .500 allowed to participate, preferably two games over. I don't like the idea of a team ending up with a losing record after they play in a bowl. It would also give greater meaning to the bowl season.
Anyway, I gotta go. I hope to revisit my 2008 predictions after National Signing Day and the NFL Draft.
Have a great weekend.
R
Dr. Michael F. Adams, the president of the University of Georgia, said that "this year's experience with the BCS forces me to the conclusion that the current system has lost public confidence and simply does not work." What? The BCS came to your house and put a gun against your head and literally forced you to come to that conclusion? Nice rhetoric prez. Nobody forced you to do anything. I think Ivan Maisel did a great job calling you out for your press grab.
But what we saw is what makes college football the best sport in all the world. The regular season really is a playoff of sorts. Generally, lose one and you're done. Two and you're toast. High school & NFL football, Fútbol (a.k.a. Soccer), NCAA & NBA Basketball, MLB and NHL are all more kind upon losses. Not to mention the rivalries, the Best Conference debates and Heisman jockeying that happens every week. I think I like the idea of using the BCS Standings to put the top eight in a playoff, but I don't think a playoff will ever happen. There is just too much money involved in bowl games and the Big & Pac Ten are too engrossed in their "pageantry" to let it happen. I personally would like fewer bowl games, with only teams that are at least a game above .500 allowed to participate, preferably two games over. I don't like the idea of a team ending up with a losing record after they play in a bowl. It would also give greater meaning to the bowl season.
Anyway, I gotta go. I hope to revisit my 2008 predictions after National Signing Day and the NFL Draft.
Have a great weekend.
R
The Winds of Change
(in my best Mike Wizowski voice): "You hear that? You hear that? That's the winds of change. Some day I am really gonna let you teach that guy a lesson!"
Changes at work, changes at home, changes in the weather.
Just to keep you on your toes, I'll go in reverse order.
The old axiom about our weather is true: If you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait five minutes. Well, maybe not that quick, but a day or two. It seems like every other day it goes from hot to cool, then cool to warm, then warm to frigid. We had to run the AC on Saturday and then the heater on Sunday.
S has been standing a lot lately. And walking along furniture. And just a couple of days ago, she took her first steps. Granted, she hasn't taken any toward me yet, but it's fun watching those little peg legs propel her forward to her loving mommy. I'm trying to make it as fresh and exciting as when M did these same things. She is also very happy to see me when the gals pick me up from work or when I pull up to the house. She gives me the biggest smiles and flails her legs. Lately S has been pushing anything and everything all around the house, whether it's her doll's crib, the hippo walker, the school bus or M's stool.
M continues to express her individuality and independence. The other day while watching football, the cameras panned to the band and she said "Look! Trumpets!" C asked her how she knew those were trumpets. Her answer, of course, "I just knewed it." It seems that our toddler is a bit of a tree-hugger, not that there's anything wrong with that. I was trying to hack out a willow tree next to the deck a few weeks back and she tells me "Don't hurt my tree Da-Da." She expressed similar scorn for C a couple of days ago when she was trimming bushes. I will not let her be a pantheist, so don't worry. These days she enjoys playing with friends, annoying her little sister and not taking naps.
C continues to enjoy being a SAHM, although the latter two of M's current faves keep her on her toes and out of energy a lot of the time. Trying to understand how to best parent M and channel her energy is keeping us both on our knees. Spring is coming and we've made a list of outdoor things to try to stay ahead of the weeds. She has spent many morning this week outside making piles of sticks for me to bundle. Thanks Hon! She also continues to be patient with me as I try to follow through on getting all our paperwork organized. I have a tendency to be so overwhelmed by the immensity of a project that I just put it off.
So, how many changes can occur in less than a month at such a small company? My old boss left just before Christmas, leaving a rather gaping hole in our team. We somehow managed to meet our revenue goals despite being short-staffed the week before and of Christmas. That's huge because we haven't met revenue goals in several years. It's a very exciting time at work. Well, since Jefe left, they needed to replace him. They did that within our group, promoting a PhD who runs LCMS and is the NMR & FTIR backup. That wouldn't be so bad if we also didn't lose another integral member of the team that does data review and is the primary NMR & FTIR analyst. Thankfully he's only moving 30 feet away into a product development marketing role, but still, we've suffered heavy personnel losses in a very short time. I told him "You know that leaves me as the only male in QC." He tells me the thought crossed his mind when he was considering the offer. So let's recap: I'm the only man at home...and the only man in my lab. And our new boss, I'll call her Doc, wants to do a little reorg of our lab to put people where they'd like to be, but where we'll be the most efficient team. It's gonna be rough for a while until we find someone to fill the needs left by Doc & D$ and everyone settles into their new roles. Pray for a good attitude, good team chemistry and that God will continue to prosper our business.
Changes at work, changes at home, changes in the weather.
Just to keep you on your toes, I'll go in reverse order.
The old axiom about our weather is true: If you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait five minutes. Well, maybe not that quick, but a day or two. It seems like every other day it goes from hot to cool, then cool to warm, then warm to frigid. We had to run the AC on Saturday and then the heater on Sunday.
S has been standing a lot lately. And walking along furniture. And just a couple of days ago, she took her first steps. Granted, she hasn't taken any toward me yet, but it's fun watching those little peg legs propel her forward to her loving mommy. I'm trying to make it as fresh and exciting as when M did these same things. She is also very happy to see me when the gals pick me up from work or when I pull up to the house. She gives me the biggest smiles and flails her legs. Lately S has been pushing anything and everything all around the house, whether it's her doll's crib, the hippo walker, the school bus or M's stool.
M continues to express her individuality and independence. The other day while watching football, the cameras panned to the band and she said "Look! Trumpets!" C asked her how she knew those were trumpets. Her answer, of course, "I just knewed it." It seems that our toddler is a bit of a tree-hugger, not that there's anything wrong with that. I was trying to hack out a willow tree next to the deck a few weeks back and she tells me "Don't hurt my tree Da-Da." She expressed similar scorn for C a couple of days ago when she was trimming bushes. I will not let her be a pantheist, so don't worry. These days she enjoys playing with friends, annoying her little sister and not taking naps.
C continues to enjoy being a SAHM, although the latter two of M's current faves keep her on her toes and out of energy a lot of the time. Trying to understand how to best parent M and channel her energy is keeping us both on our knees. Spring is coming and we've made a list of outdoor things to try to stay ahead of the weeds. She has spent many morning this week outside making piles of sticks for me to bundle. Thanks Hon! She also continues to be patient with me as I try to follow through on getting all our paperwork organized. I have a tendency to be so overwhelmed by the immensity of a project that I just put it off.
So, how many changes can occur in less than a month at such a small company? My old boss left just before Christmas, leaving a rather gaping hole in our team. We somehow managed to meet our revenue goals despite being short-staffed the week before and of Christmas. That's huge because we haven't met revenue goals in several years. It's a very exciting time at work. Well, since Jefe left, they needed to replace him. They did that within our group, promoting a PhD who runs LCMS and is the NMR & FTIR backup. That wouldn't be so bad if we also didn't lose another integral member of the team that does data review and is the primary NMR & FTIR analyst. Thankfully he's only moving 30 feet away into a product development marketing role, but still, we've suffered heavy personnel losses in a very short time. I told him "You know that leaves me as the only male in QC." He tells me the thought crossed his mind when he was considering the offer. So let's recap: I'm the only man at home...and the only man in my lab. And our new boss, I'll call her Doc, wants to do a little reorg of our lab to put people where they'd like to be, but where we'll be the most efficient team. It's gonna be rough for a while until we find someone to fill the needs left by Doc & D$ and everyone settles into their new roles. Pray for a good attitude, good team chemistry and that God will continue to prosper our business.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Looking Forward to 2008
From watching all these bowl games, all I can say is WOW! Next year's gonna be one for the record books.
Let's look at some of my preseason favorites for next year:
USC Trojans
They have arguably one of the tougher schedules, opening at Virginia and home to Ohio State.
Key personnel losses: OT Sam Baker, QB John David Booty, TE Fred Davis, DT Sedrick Ellis, DE Lawrence Jackson, LB Keith Rivers and I suspect LB Rey Maualuga will leave for the NFL.
Georgia Bulldogs
They get Bama and the other UT at home, but most of their tough games are one the road.
Key personnel losses: WR Sean Bailey, K Brandon Coutu, WR Mikey Henderson, DE Marcus Howard and could lose LB Dannell Ellerbe to NFL.
Oklahoma Sooners
While not too shabby, there aren't really any games that stick out. They start the season at home against a tough Bearcats D before heading to Washington to face Jake Locker. And depending on which Josh Freeman shows up, they might have a tough test against KSU in the Little Apple.
Key personnel losses: DE Alonzo Dotson, K Garrett Hartley, RB Allen Patrick, DB D.J. Wolfe, FB Dane Zaslaw, LB Demarrio Pleasant and maybe WR Malcom Kelly to NFL.
None of these three teams play each other. One wildcard team could be the Buckeyes. If they get past USC in week three, they might not lose a game.
Now let's look at some interesting teams, some with changes and other with something to prove:
Michigan Wolverines
They lose the Henne-Hart-Long trio and welcome Rich Rodriguez and the spread to Ann Arbor. And they play OSU in the Horseshoe.
Missouri Tigers
They lose RB Tony Temple and TE Martin Rucker, but don't face OU until the Big XII Championship game. Can they repeat the success they had this year?
Kansas Jayhawks
They lose a lot at the skill positions, including their punter and place-kicker, top WR, top TE, top RB, not to mention CB Aqib Talib most likely bolting to the NFL. Their offense won't be as potent. They have a very friendly sked, with only 4 road games, two of with are USF and OU.
Va Tech Hokies
While they lose their top 3 receivers & LB Xavier Adibi, they have a creampuff schedule to break in some new wideouts before things get tough.
BYU Cougars
Can they repeat the success they had this year? Fourteen of their 18 seniors are on defense, which gave up only 18.8 points per game. They won't play too many high-octane offenses, but I don't think they can have as good a year next year.
Let's look at some of my preseason favorites for next year:
USC Trojans
They have arguably one of the tougher schedules, opening at Virginia and home to Ohio State.
Key personnel losses: OT Sam Baker, QB John David Booty, TE Fred Davis, DT Sedrick Ellis, DE Lawrence Jackson, LB Keith Rivers and I suspect LB Rey Maualuga will leave for the NFL.
Georgia Bulldogs
They get Bama and the other UT at home, but most of their tough games are one the road.
Key personnel losses: WR Sean Bailey, K Brandon Coutu, WR Mikey Henderson, DE Marcus Howard and could lose LB Dannell Ellerbe to NFL.
Oklahoma Sooners
While not too shabby, there aren't really any games that stick out. They start the season at home against a tough Bearcats D before heading to Washington to face Jake Locker. And depending on which Josh Freeman shows up, they might have a tough test against KSU in the Little Apple.
Key personnel losses: DE Alonzo Dotson, K Garrett Hartley, RB Allen Patrick, DB D.J. Wolfe, FB Dane Zaslaw, LB Demarrio Pleasant and maybe WR Malcom Kelly to NFL.
None of these three teams play each other. One wildcard team could be the Buckeyes. If they get past USC in week three, they might not lose a game.
Now let's look at some interesting teams, some with changes and other with something to prove:
Michigan Wolverines
They lose the Henne-Hart-Long trio and welcome Rich Rodriguez and the spread to Ann Arbor. And they play OSU in the Horseshoe.
Missouri Tigers
They lose RB Tony Temple and TE Martin Rucker, but don't face OU until the Big XII Championship game. Can they repeat the success they had this year?
Kansas Jayhawks
They lose a lot at the skill positions, including their punter and place-kicker, top WR, top TE, top RB, not to mention CB Aqib Talib most likely bolting to the NFL. Their offense won't be as potent. They have a very friendly sked, with only 4 road games, two of with are USF and OU.
Va Tech Hokies
While they lose their top 3 receivers & LB Xavier Adibi, they have a creampuff schedule to break in some new wideouts before things get tough.
BYU Cougars
Can they repeat the success they had this year? Fourteen of their 18 seniors are on defense, which gave up only 18.8 points per game. They won't play too many high-octane offenses, but I don't think they can have as good a year next year.
Holiday Bowl
Wow. What a thorough dismantling of a pretty solid ASU team. Thanks to ESPN360.com I was able to watch the game even without cable.
It should've been a higher score, but the officials said that a Texas coach touched the ball, even though he didn't. I think Chris Jesse, Mack Brown's stepson, will be in a Southwest TV ad in the next few weeks. Not the way to get your name in the papers and splashed across the internet.
I must say that I am still very worried about Colt McCoy next year. He had two total TDs, but had 4 fumbles. Thankfully only one of them was lost.
The D-line was very impressive against the run. But the men responsible for that are graduating: Lokey & Okam. The much-maligned secondary did a fairly respectable job against ASU, intercepting three passes and forcing a fumble. That one was sweet. Little Brandon Foster in there with the big fellas just ripping the ball away.
Here is a list of important seniors we'll lose to graduation this year:
And today Jamaal Charles announced he's declaring for the draft. Three more from the secondary gone, two starting O-linemen, and three top receivers. Yikes!
Next year will be a difficult one to keep the streak of 10+ wins alive past seven. Losing Charles might not hurt as much with the emergence of Vondrell McGee to keep defenses honest and allow Colt to hurt 'em with his wheels. We'll still have Jermichael Finley as Colt's security blanket.
If I were Mack Brown, with what I have returning, I would go to a 3-4 defense and use the LBs to shoot the gaps on rushes. On offense, I'd play ball control with only 2-3 receivers, Finley and McGee. I'd also find a better punter that can hit the coffin corner. From looking at our roster, those are the strengths I could find. We only lose 18 seniors, but as you can see 12 of them were key components this year.
September can't get here fast enough!
It should've been a higher score, but the officials said that a Texas coach touched the ball, even though he didn't. I think Chris Jesse, Mack Brown's stepson, will be in a Southwest TV ad in the next few weeks. Not the way to get your name in the papers and splashed across the internet.
I must say that I am still very worried about Colt McCoy next year. He had two total TDs, but had 4 fumbles. Thankfully only one of them was lost.
The D-line was very impressive against the run. But the men responsible for that are graduating: Lokey & Okam. The much-maligned secondary did a fairly respectable job against ASU, intercepting three passes and forcing a fumble. That one was sweet. Little Brandon Foster in there with the big fellas just ripping the ball away.
Here is a list of important seniors we'll lose to graduation this year:
| 33 | Scott Derry | LB |
| 28 | Brandon Foster | CB |
| 67 | Dallas Griffin | C |
| 26 | Marcus Griffin | S |
| 79 | Tony Hills | T |
| 9 | Nate Jones | WR |
| 4 | Drew Kelson | S |
| 40 | Robert Killebrew | LB |
| 96 | Derek Lokey | DT |
| 97 | Frank Okam | DT |
| 5 | Billy Pittman | WR |
| 4 | Limas Sweed | WR |
And today Jamaal Charles announced he's declaring for the draft. Three more from the secondary gone, two starting O-linemen, and three top receivers. Yikes!
Next year will be a difficult one to keep the streak of 10+ wins alive past seven. Losing Charles might not hurt as much with the emergence of Vondrell McGee to keep defenses honest and allow Colt to hurt 'em with his wheels. We'll still have Jermichael Finley as Colt's security blanket.
If I were Mack Brown, with what I have returning, I would go to a 3-4 defense and use the LBs to shoot the gaps on rushes. On offense, I'd play ball control with only 2-3 receivers, Finley and McGee. I'd also find a better punter that can hit the coffin corner. From looking at our roster, those are the strengths I could find. We only lose 18 seniors, but as you can see 12 of them were key components this year.
September can't get here fast enough!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Merry Christmas?
It's been a strange 24 hours.
Last night about this time, Papa came to deliver some presents. The thing is, we haven't seen Papa in a really long time. We were watching a movie and heard the leaves rustling in our doorway. I looked out the peep-hole to investigate and saw a man. I flicked on the lights and saw him run. I opened the door and saw him jump into his car and speed away. He's a guerilla grampa. So, after the adrenaline rush of fear, there came the sadness of longing for Papa to repent and be restored to the family. We love you Papa and are praying for you.
Then, at about 11:15, M woke up crying and said that she was hot and she was hurting. I'd be hot and hurting too if I was running a 101.5° fever. She was up until a quarter-till and S woke up at 6:15 with a low-grade fever as well. Ho Ho Ho.
C made some yummy cinnamon rolls and sticks for breakfast. I wouldn't mind that being a family Christmas tradition.
Since the girls were feverish, we didn't want to risk getting Mamá and Pop-Pop sick, so Nana came over for a little bit. We exchanged gifts with her and she went on her merry way.
We spent half the day making phone calls to family and friends wishing them well.
Then, this afternoon, we heard some bad news. A Christmas morning gone awry. Two girls went to wake up their parents for Christmas, but their daddy never woke up. Tragedy can't even begin to describe what they're going through. He is no longer in his broken body, but home with his Creator. Pray for the T family.
That helped put our Christmas in perspective. It also reminds me what a precious gift this breath of life I receive each second of every day is. I'm thankful that Christ died for my sins. For C's sins. And for M & S. I'm thankful that when He calls me home, I'll get to see BC. Be, therefore, watchmen. You never know when the Master will return home. Be a good steward of the talents He's given you.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
R
Last night about this time, Papa came to deliver some presents. The thing is, we haven't seen Papa in a really long time. We were watching a movie and heard the leaves rustling in our doorway. I looked out the peep-hole to investigate and saw a man. I flicked on the lights and saw him run. I opened the door and saw him jump into his car and speed away. He's a guerilla grampa. So, after the adrenaline rush of fear, there came the sadness of longing for Papa to repent and be restored to the family. We love you Papa and are praying for you.
Then, at about 11:15, M woke up crying and said that she was hot and she was hurting. I'd be hot and hurting too if I was running a 101.5° fever. She was up until a quarter-till and S woke up at 6:15 with a low-grade fever as well. Ho Ho Ho.
C made some yummy cinnamon rolls and sticks for breakfast. I wouldn't mind that being a family Christmas tradition.
Since the girls were feverish, we didn't want to risk getting Mamá and Pop-Pop sick, so Nana came over for a little bit. We exchanged gifts with her and she went on her merry way.
We spent half the day making phone calls to family and friends wishing them well.
Then, this afternoon, we heard some bad news. A Christmas morning gone awry. Two girls went to wake up their parents for Christmas, but their daddy never woke up. Tragedy can't even begin to describe what they're going through. He is no longer in his broken body, but home with his Creator. Pray for the T family.
That helped put our Christmas in perspective. It also reminds me what a precious gift this breath of life I receive each second of every day is. I'm thankful that Christ died for my sins. For C's sins. And for M & S. I'm thankful that when He calls me home, I'll get to see BC. Be, therefore, watchmen. You never know when the Master will return home. Be a good steward of the talents He's given you.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
R
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Mack Brown
So, I've never been a huge fan of Mack Brown and Greg Davis.
Here is a great quote from Pat Forde, taken from his bowl predictions:
"With Vince Young, Mack Brown is a BCS-level coach. Without Vince Young, Mack Brown is a Holiday Bowl-level coach."
You can't really say it any better than that.
Here is a great quote from Pat Forde, taken from his bowl predictions:
"With Vince Young, Mack Brown is a BCS-level coach. Without Vince Young, Mack Brown is a Holiday Bowl-level coach."
You can't really say it any better than that.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Keep It In Your Pants
There have been a couple of people in our household's sphere of friends that have gotten pregnant out of wedlock recently.
And apparently Jamie Lynn Spears (age 16) is taking one for the team to get big sis Britney out of the headlines. She says, and I quote: "It was a shock for both of us, so unexpected," she says. "I was in complete and total shock and so was he." YOU SHOULDN'T BE SHOCKED WHEN YOU'RE HAVING SEX!!
This is what happens when our government decides that schools should teach safe sex and not abstinence. You have parents who shirk their responsibilities because the school is teaching this mularkey. And the schools are caught because they have a curriculum to follow that can only be changed through legislation and elections.
But hey, when you have an older sibling like Britney to emulate, what can you expect? The saddest part is that these young girls (I will not use the term lady or woman) are somehow role models to millions of little girls.
I have enough to worry about when thinking ahead to what my kids will have to face as they grow up, I don't need this kind of stuff to add onto that already long list.
So kids, whether you're in middle school or out of school, make the right choice for abstinence. The Bible talks in Genesis 2 about how Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed. If you're naked, partially or fully, and you feel ashamed, stop what you're doing, because that is not God's design.
And parents, help your kids out by talking to them about the consequences they face, both emotionally and physically. Don't go out and buy them condoms because "They're just gonna do it anyway; they might as well be safe." That's a lie and you know it. What it is is neglect.
And apparently Jamie Lynn Spears (age 16) is taking one for the team to get big sis Britney out of the headlines. She says, and I quote: "It was a shock for both of us, so unexpected," she says. "I was in complete and total shock and so was he." YOU SHOULDN'T BE SHOCKED WHEN YOU'RE HAVING SEX!!
This is what happens when our government decides that schools should teach safe sex and not abstinence. You have parents who shirk their responsibilities because the school is teaching this mularkey. And the schools are caught because they have a curriculum to follow that can only be changed through legislation and elections.
But hey, when you have an older sibling like Britney to emulate, what can you expect? The saddest part is that these young girls (I will not use the term lady or woman) are somehow role models to millions of little girls.
I have enough to worry about when thinking ahead to what my kids will have to face as they grow up, I don't need this kind of stuff to add onto that already long list.
So kids, whether you're in middle school or out of school, make the right choice for abstinence. The Bible talks in Genesis 2 about how Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed. If you're naked, partially or fully, and you feel ashamed, stop what you're doing, because that is not God's design.
And parents, help your kids out by talking to them about the consequences they face, both emotionally and physically. Don't go out and buy them condoms because "They're just gonna do it anyway; they might as well be safe." That's a lie and you know it. What it is is neglect.
Biggest Loser Finale
The twins took home all the cash, but the eliminated brother gets bragging rights since he lost more percentage of weight, with over 51.5%. He lost 186 pounds, or me plus a few. Can you imagine someone carrying me around on their back and knees and heart for 20 years?
Congrats again to all those contestants who made being a loser a good thing.
One thing that is pretty icky is the fact they're calling the next one 'Couples'. This connotes a romantic relationship, whereas it should be 'Pairs' since the competing teams are couples, parent-child and lifelong friends.
Congrats again to all those contestants who made being a loser a good thing.
One thing that is pretty icky is the fact they're calling the next one 'Couples'. This connotes a romantic relationship, whereas it should be 'Pairs' since the competing teams are couples, parent-child and lifelong friends.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Unexpected Consequence
You know life will change in a lot of ways when you have kids.
Tonight C and I were making a grocery list and I mentioned I needed some cereal. I mentioned that I'm really craving some Count Chocula. But then I remembered the ordeal when I had the generic Fruity Pebbles and sighed at the loss of another fine treat that I will no longer be able to enjoy because M would most assuredly be covetous of them.
Not that I need to be eating them anyways. But it's the principle.
Tonight C and I were making a grocery list and I mentioned I needed some cereal. I mentioned that I'm really craving some Count Chocula. But then I remembered the ordeal when I had the generic Fruity Pebbles and sighed at the loss of another fine treat that I will no longer be able to enjoy because M would most assuredly be covetous of them.
Not that I need to be eating them anyways. But it's the principle.
Tiny Tots Update
The previous post notwithstanding, M has given us some real gems lately.
Tonight I was reading a card sent to us from the H family in New York. M asked me who it was from and I said mommy and daddy's friends. She said "My friend is Uncle N!" Even though she spent so much time with Tío & Tía lately, they still get trumped by Uncle N and his doggies.
Earlier tonight when we were on our walk in the older neighborhood nearby, she saw some reindeer and inflatable Santas. But they weren't moving. Apparently this is a bad thing. I guess she has higher standards than we do.
Tonight, after the walk and before the card, M and S were playing with the food toys from M's kitchen. Well, S had her eye on this lemon and was quite persistent about it. After she dropped it, M would scoop it up quickly and try to hide it between her legs. S would tire of whatever she had in her hand and would look for the lemon. Then she would seize it from M. I asked her if she was just holding it so S couldn't play with it and she agreed. After a few back and forths telling her she had one minute to play with it before it was S's turn, she, by herself, counted to 10 and gave it to her little sis. Praise the Lord! It's sinking in.
Eating has always been a battle with her. Typically, C would prepare a nice meal and M would take one look at it and say in her whiny voice "I don't liiike iiit." So, the last couple of weeks we've been telling her that she needs to eat 2 bites of several things on her plate since she's 2 years old. If she initially balks at the idea, we set a timer for 2 minutes to give her an audible signal that it's time to take a bite or else there will be consequences. After following through if she doesn't eat it at first, she will usually get back in the saddle again and obey. So that's been a great sense of victory for us. It's been hard, though, not to compare her to S, who eats pretty much everything we set before her.
S has been using her hippo walker lately to get around. She still crawls a majority of the time since she's faster. I thought for sure she'd be walking by Christmas, but, given her history of doing things later than M, it'll probably be well after the New Year. Don't you just love how, when they crawl, their little hineys shoomp back and forth. (As an aside, I wasn't sure how to spell hiney, so I checked on dictionary.com. It didn't have an entry, but suggested this link. Start with the Connotations section. I couldn't stop laughing for a good while. Beware of some vulgar uses.)
Her favorite thing to do lately is to bonk heads, especially with mommy. She slowly leans her head down and says khuh. After repeated bonks, she starts giggling and laughing. It's a lot of fun to watch. The only unfortunate thing is that she turns 1 next week. I can't believe she's already that old.
Tonight I was reading a card sent to us from the H family in New York. M asked me who it was from and I said mommy and daddy's friends. She said "My friend is Uncle N!" Even though she spent so much time with Tío & Tía lately, they still get trumped by Uncle N and his doggies.
Earlier tonight when we were on our walk in the older neighborhood nearby, she saw some reindeer and inflatable Santas. But they weren't moving. Apparently this is a bad thing. I guess she has higher standards than we do.
Tonight, after the walk and before the card, M and S were playing with the food toys from M's kitchen. Well, S had her eye on this lemon and was quite persistent about it. After she dropped it, M would scoop it up quickly and try to hide it between her legs. S would tire of whatever she had in her hand and would look for the lemon. Then she would seize it from M. I asked her if she was just holding it so S couldn't play with it and she agreed. After a few back and forths telling her she had one minute to play with it before it was S's turn, she, by herself, counted to 10 and gave it to her little sis. Praise the Lord! It's sinking in.
Eating has always been a battle with her. Typically, C would prepare a nice meal and M would take one look at it and say in her whiny voice "I don't liiike iiit." So, the last couple of weeks we've been telling her that she needs to eat 2 bites of several things on her plate since she's 2 years old. If she initially balks at the idea, we set a timer for 2 minutes to give her an audible signal that it's time to take a bite or else there will be consequences. After following through if she doesn't eat it at first, she will usually get back in the saddle again and obey. So that's been a great sense of victory for us. It's been hard, though, not to compare her to S, who eats pretty much everything we set before her.
S has been using her hippo walker lately to get around. She still crawls a majority of the time since she's faster. I thought for sure she'd be walking by Christmas, but, given her history of doing things later than M, it'll probably be well after the New Year. Don't you just love how, when they crawl, their little hineys shoomp back and forth. (As an aside, I wasn't sure how to spell hiney, so I checked on dictionary.com. It didn't have an entry, but suggested this link. Start with the Connotations section. I couldn't stop laughing for a good while. Beware of some vulgar uses.)
Her favorite thing to do lately is to bonk heads, especially with mommy. She slowly leans her head down and says khuh. After repeated bonks, she starts giggling and laughing. It's a lot of fun to watch. The only unfortunate thing is that she turns 1 next week. I can't believe she's already that old.
Chipmunks
Okay, so they're coming out with this new animated Alvin & The Chipmunks movie. I'm interested in it because I was a big fan back in the day. Notice how so many of the movies and toys coming out are themed around things when we were kids 20 years ago: Transformers, Care Bears, etc.
If you ever read or watched the stories about Alvin, Simon & Theodore, you know that half of the story is only one word long: AAAAAAAAAllllllllviiiiiinnnnn!!!! That's how I've been feeling with M the past week or so. Part of it is lack of good sleep. S has been waking up multiple times each night; we think she's teething. Part of it is our fault for not getting to bed early enough. And part of it is that she's 2.75 years old right now. She uses her whiny voice about 80% of the time and this drives me up the wall.
Have you ever had an extended period of time where, afterwards, you're just glad everyone survived. That's what we're going through right now. I had to go in to work last night and it was a good thing. C had a wedding shower to go to and I stayed home with the girls. S took a good long nap, which was great since she didn't take one at church. However, even after several yawns and I'm tireds, M would not take a nap. More importantly, she wouldn't be quiet in her room. And I told God when I was making my sammiches that I needed a nap and that I wouldn't be a good dad if I didn't get one. Now, was it a self-fulfilling prophecy or was it just knowing my weakness? M did good for an hour or so while I watched football to relax, but she turned to her whiny voice for the next two hours. I called C and told her I needed a break. When she got home she asked why M was in her room. It was so I didn't explode.
So, if you think of us, pray for patience and that M will stop using her whiny voice and use her sweet voice instead. Also pray for S to sleep through the night. That would be a big help. It just sets a bad tone for the next day.
If you ever read or watched the stories about Alvin, Simon & Theodore, you know that half of the story is only one word long: AAAAAAAAAllllllllviiiiiinnnnn!!!! That's how I've been feeling with M the past week or so. Part of it is lack of good sleep. S has been waking up multiple times each night; we think she's teething. Part of it is our fault for not getting to bed early enough. And part of it is that she's 2.75 years old right now. She uses her whiny voice about 80% of the time and this drives me up the wall.
Have you ever had an extended period of time where, afterwards, you're just glad everyone survived. That's what we're going through right now. I had to go in to work last night and it was a good thing. C had a wedding shower to go to and I stayed home with the girls. S took a good long nap, which was great since she didn't take one at church. However, even after several yawns and I'm tireds, M would not take a nap. More importantly, she wouldn't be quiet in her room. And I told God when I was making my sammiches that I needed a nap and that I wouldn't be a good dad if I didn't get one. Now, was it a self-fulfilling prophecy or was it just knowing my weakness? M did good for an hour or so while I watched football to relax, but she turned to her whiny voice for the next two hours. I called C and told her I needed a break. When she got home she asked why M was in her room. It was so I didn't explode.
So, if you think of us, pray for patience and that M will stop using her whiny voice and use her sweet voice instead. Also pray for S to sleep through the night. That would be a big help. It just sets a bad tone for the next day.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Biggest Loser
Tonight was the final weigh-in before the Final Four went home to see if they can keep it off and lose more.
Neil is 25, and 14 TV weeks ago weighed 421 pounds. On this week's show, he lost an additional 10 pounds to put his weight lost at around 156 pounds. To put that in perspective, he lost an entire adult human in three-and-a-half months. It's almost as if you took him at his current weight and he ate Michael J Fox. Can you imagine?!
Good luck to all the contestants.
Neil is 25, and 14 TV weeks ago weighed 421 pounds. On this week's show, he lost an additional 10 pounds to put his weight lost at around 156 pounds. To put that in perspective, he lost an entire adult human in three-and-a-half months. It's almost as if you took him at his current weight and he ate Michael J Fox. Can you imagine?!
Good luck to all the contestants.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Thanks For Coming. Now Git!
We went to Macaroni Grill tonight for dinner so that the gals could get out of the house. All that estrogen pent up in the house all day is not a good thing.
By the way, I have to brag on our girls. With very few exceptions, whenever we go out to a restaurant, they are very well behaved. M didn't take a nap again today, but was extremely well-behaved. She even ate a good portion of her chicken strips. I greased the wheels a bit by telling her they were BIIIIIGGGGG chicken nuggets. S just munched down on whatever C put in front of her and only toward the very end did she start to get a little fussy, but not much considering there was another tot making quite a bit of noise.
So, we've paid the tab and we head out to the car. I notice I forgot to grab the leftovers. Literally not even 30 seconds had passed during this time and they had already cleared our table and put a fresh slab of paper down. Our waiter had already tossed our bag of extras. C came out and gave me the bad news. Having been in the food service industry before, I knew I could be recompensed. I had half a Penne Rustica left for crying out loud! I spoke to a manager and he asked me if I wanted them to prep a new one. I said no, that a $5-$10 giftcard would do fine and he obliged.
As an efficiency nut, I applaud their expediency with which they operated, but just not on this occasion. It looks like we'll be making a return trip soon. Maybe I'll get to eat my whole dish next time.
By the way, I have to brag on our girls. With very few exceptions, whenever we go out to a restaurant, they are very well behaved. M didn't take a nap again today, but was extremely well-behaved. She even ate a good portion of her chicken strips. I greased the wheels a bit by telling her they were BIIIIIGGGGG chicken nuggets. S just munched down on whatever C put in front of her and only toward the very end did she start to get a little fussy, but not much considering there was another tot making quite a bit of noise.
So, we've paid the tab and we head out to the car. I notice I forgot to grab the leftovers. Literally not even 30 seconds had passed during this time and they had already cleared our table and put a fresh slab of paper down. Our waiter had already tossed our bag of extras. C came out and gave me the bad news. Having been in the food service industry before, I knew I could be recompensed. I had half a Penne Rustica left for crying out loud! I spoke to a manager and he asked me if I wanted them to prep a new one. I said no, that a $5-$10 giftcard would do fine and he obliged.
As an efficiency nut, I applaud their expediency with which they operated, but just not on this occasion. It looks like we'll be making a return trip soon. Maybe I'll get to eat my whole dish next time.
Just Curious
So, there are things in the Bible which are debatable, but, ultimately, will not determine our place in Heaven or Hell.
I just came across this one tonight.
Matt 19:28--Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Fast forward to Acts 1:26--Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Don't forget the Apostle Paul.
So the question, then, is even though Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus to fulfill the prophecy, does he still get to sit on one of twelve thrones judging one of the tribes? Or does that fall to Matthias? Or Paul?
Because Jesus said it, it must be true. So at first glance, you'd think it must be Judas. But in the context of His entire ministry, His disciples numbered in the hundreds. This passage calls out the disciples and not the Twelve, so it vary well could be Matthias. I think Paul is out of the question since he was not with Christ throughout His ministry.
The answer of Judas would be a very uncomfortable one, but God has never been One to call us to a life of comfort. And Luke's account of the betrayal says that Satan entered into him, and if a man is possessed by a demon, isn't it the demon acting and not the person? When Judas actually comes with the lynch mob, Jesus calls him 'Friend', but in the Greek, it's a lot more of fellow than actual friend. The American colloquial equivalent would probably be 'dude'.
I know you were probably coming to my blog to see what witty thing I'd say next. But this is my ramblings, and they are here and there, all around the square, saying catch me if you can.
Have a great rest of the week.
R
I just came across this one tonight.
Matt 19:28--Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
Fast forward to Acts 1:26--Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
Don't forget the Apostle Paul.
So the question, then, is even though Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus to fulfill the prophecy, does he still get to sit on one of twelve thrones judging one of the tribes? Or does that fall to Matthias? Or Paul?
Because Jesus said it, it must be true. So at first glance, you'd think it must be Judas. But in the context of His entire ministry, His disciples numbered in the hundreds. This passage calls out the disciples and not the Twelve, so it vary well could be Matthias. I think Paul is out of the question since he was not with Christ throughout His ministry.
The answer of Judas would be a very uncomfortable one, but God has never been One to call us to a life of comfort. And Luke's account of the betrayal says that Satan entered into him, and if a man is possessed by a demon, isn't it the demon acting and not the person? When Judas actually comes with the lynch mob, Jesus calls him 'Friend', but in the Greek, it's a lot more of fellow than actual friend. The American colloquial equivalent would probably be 'dude'.
I know you were probably coming to my blog to see what witty thing I'd say next. But this is my ramblings, and they are here and there, all around the square, saying catch me if you can.
Have a great rest of the week.
R
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Random Thoughts
A lot of people in our neighborhood must've read my last post, because lots of Christmas lights were put up this weekend. Thanks folks. M is happy with your work.
C and I were watching The Amazing Race tonight. It's one of our favs, but we haven't caught it as consistently this season. There's this team of fairy goths (they wear pink) and the dude looks like Julia Roberts in the face. Sorry Julia. No offense.
The UT men's basketball team is 9-0 so far this year with two marquee victories over UCLA and the other UT (Tennessee). I'm excited to see how deep of a tourney run they'll make. Seth Davis has them in his final four. I think it's good for the kids to not have The Kevin Durant Show every few days. That must've been a circus last year. It looks like we have a serviceable big man and a bench deep enough to absorb fouls. I'm a little concerned that they're only attempting 15 free throws a game, which will hurt them in March if they're not as aggressive.
I got to play again for church today, the first time in over a year I think. Man I enjoyed the heck out of it. It was great seeing the little things that some of the musicians were doing that put the icing on the cake. A little four-note diddy by the pianist gave one song that extra something. I'm of the less-is-more ilk, so I enjoyed it immensely. Thanks Mike for giving me the call. Let's do it again sometime soon.
Tim Tebow won the Heisman, becoming the first underclassman to win the Downtown Athletic Club's trophy, which goes all the way back to Jay Berwanger in '35. Congrats kid. So let's recap. He shows up to Florida as a folk hero and, in backup change-of-pace duty, helps UF to a national title as a freshman. This year, under ginormous expectations, he leads the Gators to a respectable 9-3 record and actually exceeded the expectations. Incredible. If you haven't seen his acceptance speech, it's worth youtubing. That unexpected, exuberant rant that makes you appreciate that he's still just a kid. Good luck in your bowl game and with the rest of your career.
Winter's back. The cold front blasted through this afternoon, a little earlier than expected. Hopefully there will be pockets of no rain this week so the girls can get outside. I'm not sure I can cope with the pent-up energy they'll have everyday if they're couped up in the house.
Y'all have a great week.
C and I were watching The Amazing Race tonight. It's one of our favs, but we haven't caught it as consistently this season. There's this team of fairy goths (they wear pink) and the dude looks like Julia Roberts in the face. Sorry Julia. No offense.
The UT men's basketball team is 9-0 so far this year with two marquee victories over UCLA and the other UT (Tennessee). I'm excited to see how deep of a tourney run they'll make. Seth Davis has them in his final four. I think it's good for the kids to not have The Kevin Durant Show every few days. That must've been a circus last year. It looks like we have a serviceable big man and a bench deep enough to absorb fouls. I'm a little concerned that they're only attempting 15 free throws a game, which will hurt them in March if they're not as aggressive.
I got to play again for church today, the first time in over a year I think. Man I enjoyed the heck out of it. It was great seeing the little things that some of the musicians were doing that put the icing on the cake. A little four-note diddy by the pianist gave one song that extra something. I'm of the less-is-more ilk, so I enjoyed it immensely. Thanks Mike for giving me the call. Let's do it again sometime soon.
Tim Tebow won the Heisman, becoming the first underclassman to win the Downtown Athletic Club's trophy, which goes all the way back to Jay Berwanger in '35. Congrats kid. So let's recap. He shows up to Florida as a folk hero and, in backup change-of-pace duty, helps UF to a national title as a freshman. This year, under ginormous expectations, he leads the Gators to a respectable 9-3 record and actually exceeded the expectations. Incredible. If you haven't seen his acceptance speech, it's worth youtubing. That unexpected, exuberant rant that makes you appreciate that he's still just a kid. Good luck in your bowl game and with the rest of your career.
Winter's back. The cold front blasted through this afternoon, a little earlier than expected. Hopefully there will be pockets of no rain this week so the girls can get outside. I'm not sure I can cope with the pent-up energy they'll have everyday if they're couped up in the house.
Y'all have a great week.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Merry Slacker Christmas
I know the weather was cold and rainy in the days following Thanksgiving, but it seems like most people haven't gotten things in gear when it comes to Christmas decorations. Now, C and I are rather minimalist in our approach to outside decorations. A simple outline of our house with white lights will do. No blow-up things or gawdy scenes. No candy canes or longhorns.
We were the only house on our block with lights for an entire week. Even the houses that usually do lights and junk for every, and I mean every, holiday hadn't made an attempt until this week. Today the "Motorcycle Santa Claus" finally showed up. We were on our way home from work and from her back seat M spotted the jolly biker and shouted "LOOK!!" with her face in amazed familiarity. Like her face was saying "SWEET!"
The dog-walker was even getting into the act tonight. But there are still so many houses that had opulent displays last year that haven't even started. To those folks I say "Get into gear." Our daughter expects more from you. She's waited a whole year for Christmas and you better not let her down.
Oh, and thanks for spending all your money on the inflatables and tons of lights. My wallet thanks you for not having your electric bill.
We were the only house on our block with lights for an entire week. Even the houses that usually do lights and junk for every, and I mean every, holiday hadn't made an attempt until this week. Today the "Motorcycle Santa Claus" finally showed up. We were on our way home from work and from her back seat M spotted the jolly biker and shouted "LOOK!!" with her face in amazed familiarity. Like her face was saying "SWEET!"
The dog-walker was even getting into the act tonight. But there are still so many houses that had opulent displays last year that haven't even started. To those folks I say "Get into gear." Our daughter expects more from you. She's waited a whole year for Christmas and you better not let her down.
Oh, and thanks for spending all your money on the inflatables and tons of lights. My wallet thanks you for not having your electric bill.
Experiment No Longer in Progress
Just for the heck of it, I let my facial hair grow and trimmed it into a mustache & goatee combo. This was made possible by not being able to go to church since I was sick. Since I didn't go to church, I felt no need to shave. Those of you who know me are probably thinking to yourself "R. Your facial hair grows at a snails pace." And you're right. While the connectors were filled in enough, the hair is too light in most places to actually show. That and during high school I used to pick at my hair, pulling it out by the root so that there are patches with no hair.
C gave me the go ahead to give it a shot for a couple of weeks, but I didn't really like it that much. After 1.5 weeks it had gotten nice and soft, but was still prickly enough that the ladies in my house didn't like my kisses as much as they normally do. The folks at work gave me mixed reviews. A couple of people gave me pretty snarky comments, but that wasn't completely unexpected. One in particular is usually quite hateful and demeaning in her comments, unlike mine which are normally in jest. I told her it must be because she has an inferiority complex. She responded with her typical "Don't mess with me" routine, which grows quite thin as time passes. Intimidation only works if people are afraid of you. I'm at the point where I feel sorry for her because she feels she needs to hide behind that attitude.
Anyhow, I'm back to my normal baby-faced shaven self.
C gave me the go ahead to give it a shot for a couple of weeks, but I didn't really like it that much. After 1.5 weeks it had gotten nice and soft, but was still prickly enough that the ladies in my house didn't like my kisses as much as they normally do. The folks at work gave me mixed reviews. A couple of people gave me pretty snarky comments, but that wasn't completely unexpected. One in particular is usually quite hateful and demeaning in her comments, unlike mine which are normally in jest. I told her it must be because she has an inferiority complex. She responded with her typical "Don't mess with me" routine, which grows quite thin as time passes. Intimidation only works if people are afraid of you. I'm at the point where I feel sorry for her because she feels she needs to hide behind that attitude.
Anyhow, I'm back to my normal baby-faced shaven self.
Monday, December 03, 2007
RC Index Week 14
And the results are in...
So, what to make of this beautiful disaster?
Both indeces left out Boise, but they weren't that far behind.
In RC2, the difference between Missouri at #3 and Oklahoma at #8 was only 0.0072. So basically, it was a pick 'em. Also, only 0.0080 separate numbers 11-16 and only 0.0087 between #17 to #21.
I'm surprised that #6 Mizzou got left out of the BCS entirely, especially since it beat #8 Kansas and it's only losses were to #4 Oklahoma. They got gypped.
Texas is in the Holiday bowl against Arizona State on December 27th. I definitely like our chances in the game since most of our injured players will have had time to heal.
Time for me to go play Daddy.
Have a great day.
| RC1 | RC2 | BCS | ||||||||||||
| 1 | Ohio State | 11 | 1 | 0.8947 | 1 | LSU | 11 | 2 | 0.9040 | 1 | Ohio State | 0.9588 | ||
| 2 | LSU | 11 | 2 | 0.8864 | 2 | Ohio State | 11 | 1 | 0.8941 | 2 | LSU | 0.9394 | ||
| 3 | Missouri | 11 | 2 | 0.8824 | 3 | Missouri | 11 | 2 | 0.8817 | 3 | Va Tech | 0.8703 | ||
| 4 | Georgia | 10 | 2 | 0.8805 | 4 | Georgia | 10 | 2 | 0.8789 | 4 | Oklahoma | 0.8572 | ||
| 5 | Va Tech | 11 | 2 | 0.8779 | 5 | WVU | 10 | 2 | 0.8772 | 5 | Georgia | 0.8392 | ||
| 6 | Kansas | 11 | 1 | 0.8667 | 6 | Va Tech | 11 | 2 | 0.8766 | 6 | Missouri | 0.7763 | ||
| 7 | WVU | 10 | 2 | 0.8604 | 7 | Florida | 9 | 3 | 0.8750 | 7 | USC | 0.7637 | ||
| 8 | Oklahoma | 11 | 2 | 0.8581 | 8 | Oklahoma | 11 | 2 | 0.8745 | 8 | Kansas | 0.7589 | ||
| 9 | Florida | 9 | 3 | 0.8567 | 9 | Kansas | 11 | 1 | 0.8669 | 9 | WVU | 0.6628 | ||
| 10 | Hawaii | 12 | 0 | 0.8475 | 10 | Arizona St. | 10 | 2 | 0.8484 | 10 | Hawaii | 0.6468 | ||
| 11 | USF | 9 | 3 | 0.8413 | 11 | USF | 9 | 3 | 0.8391 | 11 | Arizona St. | 0.6204 | ||
| 12 | Illinois | 9 | 3 | 0.8400 | 12 | Illinois | 9 | 3 | 0.8380 | 12 | Florida | 0.6133 | ||
| 13 | BC | 10 | 3 | 0.8330 | 13 | Tennessee | 9 | 4 | 0.8356 | 13 | Illinois | 0.4597 | ||
| 14 | Arizona St. | 10 | 2 | 0.8326 | 14 | Hawaii | 12 | 0 | 0.8340 | 14 | BC | 0.4586 | ||
| 15 | BYU | 10 | 2 | 0.8201 | 15 | BC | 10 | 3 | 0.8321 | 15 | Clemson | 0.3844 | ||
| 16 | Cincinnati | 9 | 3 | 0.8181 | 16 | USC | 10 | 2 | 0.8311 | 16 | Tennessee | 0.3251 | ||
| 17 | Clemson | 9 | 3 | 0.8181 | 17 | Texas | 9 | 3 | 0.8204 | 17 | BYU | 0.3027 | ||
| 18 | Tennessee | 9 | 4 | 0.8178 | 18 | BYU | 10 | 2 | 0.8183 | 18 | Wisconsin | 0.2915 | ||
| 19 | UCONN | 9 | 3 | 0.8171 | 19 | Cincinnati | 9 | 3 | 0.8170 | 19 | Texas | 0.2523 | ||
| 20 | USC | 10 | 2 | 0.8160 | 20 | Clemson | 9 | 3 | 0.8159 | 20 | Virginia | 0.2349 | ||
| 21 | Wisconsin | 9 | 3 | 0.8123 | 21 | Wisconsin | 9 | 3 | 0.8117 | 21 | USF | 0.2112 | ||
| 22 | Auburn | 8 | 4 | 0.8048 | 22 | Virginia | 9 | 3 | 0.8084 | 22 | Cincinnati | 0.1789 | ||
| 23 | Texas | 9 | 3 | 0.8042 | 23 | Auburn | 8 | 4 | 0.8029 | 23 | Auburn | 0.1566 | ||
| 24 | Virginia | 9 | 3 | 0.7926 | 24 | Penn State | 8 | 4 | 0.8016 | 24 | Boise | 0.1179 | ||
| 25 | Michigan | 8 | 4 | 0.7918 | 25 | UCONN | 9 | 3 | 0.7983 | 25 | UCONN | 0.0745 | ||
| 26 | Boise State | 10 | 2 | 0.7864 | 28 | Boise State | 10 | 2 | 0.7851 |
So, what to make of this beautiful disaster?
Both indeces left out Boise, but they weren't that far behind.
In RC2, the difference between Missouri at #3 and Oklahoma at #8 was only 0.0072. So basically, it was a pick 'em. Also, only 0.0080 separate numbers 11-16 and only 0.0087 between #17 to #21.
I'm surprised that #6 Mizzou got left out of the BCS entirely, especially since it beat #8 Kansas and it's only losses were to #4 Oklahoma. They got gypped.
Texas is in the Holiday bowl against Arizona State on December 27th. I definitely like our chances in the game since most of our injured players will have had time to heal.
Time for me to go play Daddy.
Have a great day.
The Sick House
Okay people. Let's review. What are the three acceptable places for you to go when you know you or your child is sick?
1. Your house
2. Your doctor
3. Your pharmacy
Notice that WORK and CHURCH are not on the list!!! Or any other place with healthy people.
Some cretin gave me strep throat this past week. I had a little sore throat on Thursday night but thought it was just allergies. Well, Friday night I had a splitting headache I couldn't get rid of. It came back on Saturday along with a little chill. That afternoon it was followed by a 100.3° fever. So I stayed home. That night I ate a pretty healthy dinner, so I rejoiced and told C that is wasn't the flu since I didn't lose my appetite.
Sunday afternoon C started having some aches and a sore throat, so she took a look at her throat and asked to see mine. I believe "Wow!" was her reaction. She's had strep enough times that she knew I had it and that I'd given it to her. So she called the ARC After-Hours Clinic, but they said they were booked solid for adults. However, the nurse mentioned that the CVS on Gattis School has a MinuteClinic and they could do the swabs and cultures for strep. She went in first and I stayed in the car with M who had fallen asleep in the car on the way over--she didn't bother to take her nap after she got home from church. Her swab wasn't positive. So it was my turn. The took a look and said that's the worst she's seen. She took a double swab--I didn't gag--and within a minute or two it was positive. So she ordered us up some prescriptions and we went on our way.
Thankfully we were able to get in and get the antibiotics, because C has a really bad time of it. Her achyness got worse by the hour. I went into work for an hour-and-a-half because there was some R&D work that needed to be done for our API group and I'm the only one trained to run it that is currently in the country.
Today we're feeling much better and looking forward to going to the Lamb of God concert at church tonight...after we've been on meds for 24+ hours.
1. Your house
2. Your doctor
3. Your pharmacy
Notice that WORK and CHURCH are not on the list!!! Or any other place with healthy people.
Some cretin gave me strep throat this past week. I had a little sore throat on Thursday night but thought it was just allergies. Well, Friday night I had a splitting headache I couldn't get rid of. It came back on Saturday along with a little chill. That afternoon it was followed by a 100.3° fever. So I stayed home. That night I ate a pretty healthy dinner, so I rejoiced and told C that is wasn't the flu since I didn't lose my appetite.
Sunday afternoon C started having some aches and a sore throat, so she took a look at her throat and asked to see mine. I believe "Wow!" was her reaction. She's had strep enough times that she knew I had it and that I'd given it to her. So she called the ARC After-Hours Clinic, but they said they were booked solid for adults. However, the nurse mentioned that the CVS on Gattis School has a MinuteClinic and they could do the swabs and cultures for strep. She went in first and I stayed in the car with M who had fallen asleep in the car on the way over--she didn't bother to take her nap after she got home from church. Her swab wasn't positive. So it was my turn. The took a look and said that's the worst she's seen. She took a double swab--I didn't gag--and within a minute or two it was positive. So she ordered us up some prescriptions and we went on our way.
Thankfully we were able to get in and get the antibiotics, because C has a really bad time of it. Her achyness got worse by the hour. I went into work for an hour-and-a-half because there was some R&D work that needed to be done for our API group and I'm the only one trained to run it that is currently in the country.
Today we're feeling much better and looking forward to going to the Lamb of God concert at church tonight...after we've been on meds for 24+ hours.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Happenings
You'll have to pardon the Zapruder-esque quality of the video, but I had to catch little S at her sweetest. She's really been into making the machine gun sound lately, and it's especially funny when she changes octaves.
Can you believe today is December 1st? It's crazy isn't it? The Christmas season is upon us and M could not be more excited. Let's just say that last Christmas, I went around and took pictures of all the decorations in our subdivision so that when they got taken down she wouldn't go into depression.
Work has been fairly good lately. I had some down time this week so I was able to start updating a lot of our GC & GCMS methods to the current format. It's one of those things that needs to be done, but doesn't because it's busy work at best. Our Doc Control ladies love me!!
TINSTAAFW. There is no such things as a free weekend. I think we've been booked solid since September and there is no relief in sight. I don't mind all the things going on, but I don't have as much time to get things done around the house...not that I'm keen on housework. I need to put some weather stripping around our doors, but it's either been too cold or too moist to take care of that the past two weeks. I don't mind the cold. I wish it were winter more here in Central Texas.
Alas, the last weekend of college football on regular TV for three weeks. On Monday, as usual, I'll post my BCS Rankings as well as my thoughts on the Texas bowl matchup. Some time between now and the first bowl game I'll give my picks.
Have a great weekend.
R
Can you believe today is December 1st? It's crazy isn't it? The Christmas season is upon us and M could not be more excited. Let's just say that last Christmas, I went around and took pictures of all the decorations in our subdivision so that when they got taken down she wouldn't go into depression.
Work has been fairly good lately. I had some down time this week so I was able to start updating a lot of our GC & GCMS methods to the current format. It's one of those things that needs to be done, but doesn't because it's busy work at best. Our Doc Control ladies love me!!
TINSTAAFW. There is no such things as a free weekend. I think we've been booked solid since September and there is no relief in sight. I don't mind all the things going on, but I don't have as much time to get things done around the house...not that I'm keen on housework. I need to put some weather stripping around our doors, but it's either been too cold or too moist to take care of that the past two weeks. I don't mind the cold. I wish it were winter more here in Central Texas.
Alas, the last weekend of college football on regular TV for three weeks. On Monday, as usual, I'll post my BCS Rankings as well as my thoughts on the Texas bowl matchup. Some time between now and the first bowl game I'll give my picks.
Have a great weekend.
R
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Head On Straight
In a football landscape that sometimes seems like life-and-death, one man has kept his perspective on getting canned.
"Nobody likes to get fired," said Gailey, a former head coach with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. "But all they can take is your job. They can't take your faith. They can't take your family. They can't take your integrity."
Thank you, Chan, for remembering that there are far more important things than winning and losing. If your players became men while under your tutelage, then you excelled in your job, no matter what your record was.
"Nobody likes to get fired," said Gailey, a former head coach with the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. "But all they can take is your job. They can't take your faith. They can't take your family. They can't take your integrity."
Thank you, Chan, for remembering that there are far more important things than winning and losing. If your players became men while under your tutelage, then you excelled in your job, no matter what your record was.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Texas-A&M
What a debacle that was. I sent an email to my old college boys entitled "Fire Mack Brown". I did this partly because I was serious, partly to see what everybody else would say. An excerpt:
"Seriously, after being outcoached by a man who just finished four seasons of mediocrity at A&M, Mack oughta hang up his headseat and enjoy his retirement.
There is no excuse for losing to that school when we have significantly more talent. I know we've been ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball, but they just wanted it more. Plain and simple.
That's another sad thing too, because we had a shot, if OU lost, to go to the Big XII Championship game and a BCS game if we won that. Now? San Antonio here we come.
Say Colt McCoy doesn't go all Rex Grossman on us, we don't have those special teams breakdowns against K-State and those momentum-killing turnovers against OU and played kinda like we had some cojones against A&M, then we'd be in the BCS title game picture! "
My buddy Tap chimed in with the following:
"What have you done for me lately....
Let's see, last 2 years, 19-6 (my guess is 19-7) with 11-5 in the Big XII
Start season in top 5, finish outside the top 12
1-3 vs OU/A&M in last 2 years
2-6 vs OU since 2000
Putting aside the National Title year....we have not beaten a top 10 team since 1999.
Lots of discipline issues
Doesn't look that great to me.... "
Knight Rider included this thought:
Of course there were some dissenting opinions, but the season could've been so much more.
But hey, if that's the worst thing I had to deal with during the Thanksgiving holiday, it wasn't that bad.
I am very passionate about football and I'd like to try coaching at some point if I was financially set. I think I'd be fairly good at it. Anyhoo...
The Big XII Championship Game oughta be an awesome game.
"Seriously, after being outcoached by a man who just finished four seasons of mediocrity at A&M, Mack oughta hang up his headseat and enjoy his retirement.
There is no excuse for losing to that school when we have significantly more talent. I know we've been ravaged by injuries on both sides of the ball, but they just wanted it more. Plain and simple.
That's another sad thing too, because we had a shot, if OU lost, to go to the Big XII Championship game and a BCS game if we won that. Now? San Antonio here we come.
Say Colt McCoy doesn't go all Rex Grossman on us, we don't have those special teams breakdowns against K-State and those momentum-killing turnovers against OU and played kinda like we had some cojones against A&M, then we'd be in the BCS title game picture! "
My buddy Tap chimed in with the following:
"What have you done for me lately....
Let's see, last 2 years, 19-6 (my guess is 19-7) with 11-5 in the Big XII
Start season in top 5, finish outside the top 12
1-3 vs OU/A&M in last 2 years
2-6 vs OU since 2000
Putting aside the National Title year....we have not beaten a top 10 team since 1999.
Lots of discipline issues
Doesn't look that great to me.... "
Knight Rider included this thought:
"I agree with both R and what Sgt. G told me on the phone after the game....Duane Akina is pretty bad. He is not a genius when it comes to defensive strategy. Mack Brown is way too loyal sometimes, and it appears that he will make no changes to his coaching staff. The only time change comes, is when they are offered head coaching jobs somewhere else and they leave."
Of course there were some dissenting opinions, but the season could've been so much more.
But hey, if that's the worst thing I had to deal with during the Thanksgiving holiday, it wasn't that bad.
I am very passionate about football and I'd like to try coaching at some point if I was financially set. I think I'd be fairly good at it. Anyhoo...
The Big XII Championship Game oughta be an awesome game.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
RC Index Week 13
Another week, another round of upsets. Lightning does strike twice! Just ask LSU, which lost for the second time this year in a 3OT thriller. Kansas actually proved it belonged up at the top with a game effort against Mizzou in the 116th edition of the Border War.
So, let's see how things stack up. I included the teams in the BCS that weren't in the Top 25 of an index. I did actually do the monkeying I said I would, but it screwed things up a lot. But it did give me a hint at why teams were where they are.
Without further ado...
Kansas, Texas and Boise all took BIG tumbles from the previous week. USF and BYU both rocketed up the rankings. And Hawaii is in the promised land...so far. However, if Arizona State wins this week then the Warriors could get leap-frogged.
My Aggie coworkers will be insufferable this week. Not only did they beat us on the field, they got rid of Coach Fran to boot.
Y'all have a great week.
R
So, let's see how things stack up. I included the teams in the BCS that weren't in the Top 25 of an index. I did actually do the monkeying I said I would, but it screwed things up a lot. But it did give me a hint at why teams were where they are.
Without further ado...
| RC1 | RC2 | BCS | ||||||||||||
| 1 | Missouri | 11 | 1 | 0.9041 | 1 | WVU | 10 | 1 | 0.9125 | 1 | Missouri | 0.9781 | ||
| 2 | WVU | 10 | 1 | 0.8948 | 2 | Missouri | 11 | 1 | 0.9034 | 2 | WVU | 0.9713 | ||
| 3 | Ohio State | 11 | 1 | 0.8922 | 3 | Ohio State | 11 | 1 | 0.8925 | 3 | Ohio State | 0.9192 | ||
| 4 | Georgia | 10 | 2 | 0.8816 | 4 | LSU | 10 | 2 | 0.8915 | 4 | Georgia | 0.8274 | ||
| 5 | LSU | 10 | 2 | 0.8732 | 5 | Georgia | 10 | 2 | 0.8809 | 5 | Kansas | 0.7918 | ||
| 6 | Va Tech | 10 | 2 | 0.8632 | 6 | Florida | 9 | 3 | 0.8750 | 6 | Va Tech | 0.7811 | ||
| 7 | Kansas | 11 | 1 | 0.8622 | 7 | Kansas | 11 | 1 | 0.8634 | 7 | LSU | 0.7744 | ||
| 8 | Florida | 9 | 3 | 0.8557 | 8 | Va Tech | 10 | 2 | 0.8617 | 8 | USC | 0.6926 | ||
| 9 | BC | 10 | 2 | 0.8520 | 9 | Oklahoma | 10 | 2 | 0.8594 | 9 | Oklahoma | 0.6829 | ||
| 10 | Hawaii | 11 | 0 | 0.8430 | 10 | Tennessee | 9 | 3 | 0.8530 | 10 | Florida | 0.6184 | ||
| 11 | Oklahoma | 10 | 2 | 0.8423 | 11 | BC | 10 | 2 | 0.8511 | 11 | BC | 0.6169 | ||
| 12 | Illinois | 9 | 3 | 0.8387 | 12 | Arizona St. | 9 | 2 | 0.8429 | 12 | Hawaii | 0.5835 | ||
| 13 | USF | 9 | 3 | 0.8382 | 13 | Illinois | 9 | 3 | 0.8377 | 13 | Arizona St. | 0.5571 | ||
| 14 | Tennessee | 9 | 3 | 0.8345 | 14 | USF | 9 | 3 | 0.8371 | 14 | Tennessee | 0.4614 | ||
| 15 | Arizona St. | 9 | 2 | 0.8262 | 15 | Hawaii | 11 | 0 | 0.8303 | 15 | Illinois | 0.4198 | ||
| 16 | Cincinnati | 9 | 3 | 0.8186 | 16 | USC | 9 | 2 | 0.8248 | 16 | Clemson | 0.3358 | ||
| 17 | UConn | 9 | 3 | 0.8163 | 17 | Oregon | 8 | 3 | 0.8242 | 17 | Oregon | 0.2706 | ||
| 18 | Clemson | 9 | 3 | 0.8155 | 18 | Cincinnati | 9 | 3 | 0.8185 | 18 | Wisconsin | 0.2628 | ||
| 19 | BYU | 9 | 2 | 0.8088 | 19 | Texas | 9 | 3 | 0.8172 | 19 | BYU | 0.2252 | ||
| 20 | Wisconsin | 9 | 3 | 0.8088 | 20 | Clemson | 9 | 3 | 0.8143 | 20 | Texas | 0.2216 | ||
| 21 | USC | 9 | 2 | 0.8087 | 21 | Wisconsin | 9 | 3 | 0.8091 | 21 | USF | 0.1880 | ||
| 22 | Oregon | 8 | 3 | 0.8064 | 22 | BYU | 9 | 2 | 0.8077 | 22 | Virginia | 0.1795 | ||
| 23 | Auburn | 8 | 4 | 0.8021 | 23 | Virginia | 9 | 3 | 0.8039 | 23 | Cincinnati | 0.1490 | ||
| 24 | Texas | 9 | 3 | 0.8001 | 24 | Auburn | 8 | 4 | 0.8012 | 24 | Auburn | 0.1472 | ||
| 25 | Michigan | 8 | 4 | 0.7903 | 25 | UConn | 9 | 3 | 0.7985 | 25 | Boise | 0.1125 | ||
| 26 | Virginia | 9 | 3 | 0.7874 | 28 | Boise | 10 | 2 | 0.7812 | |||||
| 27 | Boise | 10 | 2 | 0.7817 |
Kansas, Texas and Boise all took BIG tumbles from the previous week. USF and BYU both rocketed up the rankings. And Hawaii is in the promised land...so far. However, if Arizona State wins this week then the Warriors could get leap-frogged.
My Aggie coworkers will be insufferable this week. Not only did they beat us on the field, they got rid of Coach Fran to boot.
Y'all have a great week.
R
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
When Will You Learn??
Obviously, we as sinners saved by grace have to, at times, repeat lessons before we learn them. While this is frustrating to us, imagine how frustrating it must be to God?
Let's look at an example from around 2000 years ago.
In approximately April of AD 28, the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 occurs. Jesus tells his disciples to feed the people. In the John 6 account, it says that Philip tells Jesus "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"
Fast forward to circa July AD 28 when the feeding of the 4000 happens. In Matthew 15, His disciples reply "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?"
It only took three months to forget how amazing the God was that they were serving. And they were with God face-to-face!!
So, don't fret when you have to learn your lessons over and over again.
Let's look at an example from around 2000 years ago.
In approximately April of AD 28, the miracle of the feeding of the 5000 occurs. Jesus tells his disciples to feed the people. In the John 6 account, it says that Philip tells Jesus "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"
Fast forward to circa July AD 28 when the feeding of the 4000 happens. In Matthew 15, His disciples reply "Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?"
It only took three months to forget how amazing the God was that they were serving. And they were with God face-to-face!!
So, don't fret when you have to learn your lessons over and over again.
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