This was one of M's favorite past-times around our house.
S discovered the joy of the doorstop when we went to Keller for Christmas.
Always brings a smile to my face.
Hopefully you'll like it too.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Root, Root, Root For The Road Team
All season long as I've glanced at the NCAA Men's Basketball standings, one team has stood out.
Unfortunately, it's for futility.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is oh-fer this year, standing at 0-28.
Their last game of the year is Thursday 2/23 at the Utah Valley State Wolverines.
Go Highlanders!!
Unfortunately, it's for futility.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is oh-fer this year, standing at 0-28.
Their last game of the year is Thursday 2/23 at the Utah Valley State Wolverines.
Go Highlanders!!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Can You Be More Specific?
We had a good laugh the other night.
We were playing Tribond. The basic idea is that you are given three clues and you have to find what they have in common.
It was my opponents turn and the clues were Hit the Road Jack!, America the Beautiful, Georgia on my Mind.
The answer given was "Songs by the famous blind, black singer [sic]."
My retort was "Which one?"
Apologies to Mr. Wonder and the late Mr. Charles.
We were playing Tribond. The basic idea is that you are given three clues and you have to find what they have in common.
It was my opponents turn and the clues were Hit the Road Jack!, America the Beautiful, Georgia on my Mind.
The answer given was "Songs by the famous blind, black singer [sic]."
My retort was "Which one?"
Apologies to Mr. Wonder and the late Mr. Charles.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
CSI: Round Rock
She wasn't happy with the first outline because she couldn't see her ponytail.
This one was more satisfactory.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Winning The War
The fruits of the battle are beginning to emerge.
A couple of months ago, we had a tête-à-tête with M over food. We were challenging her attitude, not just eating itself. She would say that it was not good or she didn't like it before she ever tasted it. We wanted her to have a thankful heart and to understand that mommy and daddy won't give her bad things, just like her heavenly Father will not give her bad things.
Generally, all it takes now is to get the timer out and she'll eat her bites. Tonight I actually had to start the timer (1 minute for each year of her age), but she ate her bites before it elapsed, so we didn't need to go to discipline.
Thanks Lord for the victories you give us.
A couple of months ago, we had a tête-à-tête with M over food. We were challenging her attitude, not just eating itself. She would say that it was not good or she didn't like it before she ever tasted it. We wanted her to have a thankful heart and to understand that mommy and daddy won't give her bad things, just like her heavenly Father will not give her bad things.
Generally, all it takes now is to get the timer out and she'll eat her bites. Tonight I actually had to start the timer (1 minute for each year of her age), but she ate her bites before it elapsed, so we didn't need to go to discipline.
Thanks Lord for the victories you give us.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
So, if this is going to be the new normal...
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.
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.
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.
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