The week is nearly over

August 31, 2006 by Adam in Family

The week is nearly over. It's been strangely quiet at work, with much of the team on vacation or on leave.

Nothing too exciting to report. Jamie and I had a lovely hike on ridgeline trail, just like the good ol' days. The kids have been hanging about for their last week of Summer.

This weekend Sam's going up to Portland to stay with the grandparents while we have just Emma to ourselves. I plan on giving her a lot of individual attention, something she doesn't get much of these days.

Sam started soccer practice again, a long tra...

August 30, 2006 by Adam in Sam

Sam started soccer practice again, a long tradition of young boys running about and kicking balls. It was a fairly light turnout last night, so they may end up combining us with another school. Regardless, Sam had a good time and is especially excited about the prospect of finally keeping score.

Sam's reading has also improved incredibly, especially his motivation to read. I've been getting him "level 2" books from the library, which he quickly reads through. Now he's on Tintin, and just finished his first one last night. When I got home, he wanted to read more than playing with me or the computer, which is probably a good sign.

Well, I was going to let everyone know that m...

August 29, 2006 by Seraph in Cortez

Well, I was going to let everyone know that my graduation is on September 15. The student portfolio show is at 1pm (for family & friends) and the ceramony is at 4pm at the Tiffany Building (walking distance from the school).
Why I say "I was..." is that now I'm not sure I want any one to go! I just accepted the schools offer to speak at the ceramony, and I'm already shaking at the thought. So, if any of you decide to come up let me know, and promise to sit in the back row!

Ah, work calls yet again

August 28, 2006 by Adam in Family

Ah, work calls yet again. It's also the last full week of Summer vacation for the kids, with soccer practice starting up tomorrow night.

I was in a grumpy mood Sunday, for no good reason I could think of. We took a trip out to the apple orchard and then to Thistledown farm, loading up on all sorts of good produce. Afterwards we headed home and Jamie took Sam shopping for school supplies.

Emma was really tired and grumpy, but refused to nap, and eventually we found our way to the front yard, playing on the slip-and-slide. Sam returned home and joined her, fully clothed, and soon both were quite soggy.

I made dinner, stir fry noodles, and we all played Clue. It was pretty fun, especially as Sam is now able to read and play fairly complicated games. I think family game night is going to be a recurring theme.

It was an exciting day yesterday

August 27, 2006 by Adam in Family

It was an exciting day yesterday. The kids and I went to the library, as usual, and rushed home so that Jamie could take the car to get her hair and nails done for Victoria's wedding. We came back with all sorts of loot, including a bunch of Level 2 books for Sam. After that, we went on a long walk to Humble Bagel where the kids scarfed down on bagels and goodies.

Returning home, we stopped by my mom's house, where she was busy getting ready for her new college basement renter. The kids and I finished our trek back, where we took it easy until Jamie's return. After that, we played in the basement for an hour or so, snacked the kids up, and headed out.

Jamie went to the wedding and the kids and I went to Amazon pool for Jake's birthday. It was great only having to share the pool with a couple dozen other kids. Emma and I went down the slide repeatedly. She was a bit cold until we discovered the hot tub made a fine way to replenish our body heat.

We soon picked up Jamie from the wedding, headed home, and got the kids to sleep.

Happy Friday evening

August 26, 2006 by Sue in Wielesek

Happy Friday evening. The start of a busy, cleaning house weekend. Dinner with Adam was definitely a treat. And Emma,
Sam and I had a fun playtime this morning, taking the car
through the Tunnel of Doom and then going to Alton Baker Park. I talked to Jenny while they were waiting for their
last plane into Eugene, but I think I should stop and see her this weekend. She said their Mexico trip was fun!

Whew! I managed my internship presentation (...

August 25, 2006 by Seraph in Cortez

Whew! I managed my internship presentation (for roughly 250 people) this morning without any major mishaps! We've spent the last three days practicing, and It will be nice to spend next week just doing my work.
Robbie and Isa headed down to Eugene this morning, so it's just me for the next two nights. Long gone are the days where that might sound like an excuse to play - now I like the idea of sleeping in and cleaning house!

I had a lovely dinner with my mom last night

August 25, 2006 by Adam in Family

I had a lovely dinner with my mom last night. We ended up getting Greek food and my mom amused our waitress by her ability to translate beverage names into phrases clearly understood by sailors. It felt good to catch up with her in the relative quiet of a restaurant. There's usually endless people running about.

After dinner, the family and I went to Angie's to drop off some cake. It was fun seeing the new baby, in addition to the home where I lived when I was eight. Both Angie and Matthew are in good spirits and the baby was sleeping and cute. Sam really enjoyed holding Winnie and kept talking about it the whole ride back.

Today is my Mocha Friday, though I've an hour before I head into work. Tonight is also swimming, and Jamie goes to Victoria's rehearsal dinner. Next week soccer starts up and the week after that the kids start school. Boy life feels busy.

Thursday already

August 24, 2006 by Adam in Family

Thursday already. Jamie and my usual date night got postponed last night, as Jamie went out to Emma's new school for orientation. It sounds like both Emma and I will be packing lunches each day. Jamie was going to go to Victoria's bachelorette party, but both Emma and I were sick, so she ended up making warm vanilla milk by candlelight and tucking everyone into bed.

Angie had her baby yesterday. I guess it went pretty well, though Angie is understandably tired. Jamie dropped off some food last night and told Angie to get some sleep.

As for the kids and I, we're doing our usual after work routines. There's computer time, playing in the back yard, and generally fiddling around in the basement. Yesterday Sam had me photograph this elaborate scene he'd created from a game Ray got him last Christmas. Emma kept trying to secretly destroy it with her toe. What an imp.

My first day in the Boston Office has been fi...

August 23, 2006 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg

My first day in the Boston Office has been filled with meetings and big city bustle. Leaving the Williams office is difficult, but this is the best way for me to really show my support for my VISTA co-leader, Carly. We swore in three new VISTAs at the downtown office of the National Corporation for Community Service this morning, which was quite official. Nothing makes me love my job more than swearing my allegiance to the constitution and vowing to defend it from foreign and domestic enemies. It makes the newbies a little nervous, though- CIA agents make the same vow.

Okay, this one's for dad

August 23, 2006 by Adam in Adam

So, who's going to go see Snakes on a Plane w...

August 23, 2006 by Sue in Wielesek

So, who's going to go see Snakes on a Plane with me? (The title sounds a little like something you'd learn to cook at
camp, like Bugs on a Log.) Adam, I understand we have a dinner date on Thursday? Should we just sneak off to the movies and eat pop-corn and Red Vines? Or Lohring, you're usually willing to watch darn near anything on a big screen? My hairdresser says it's great. And I could take extra heart meds first. I'm not sure about imposing on Aric or Anna!

It's been a good week so far, though I can te...

August 22, 2006 by Adam in Adam

It's been a good week so far, though I can tell it'll be busy. I keep trying to find a time to have dinner with my mom and it looks like the Thursday plan might be delayed due to Angie having a baby. I swear, can't people be more considerate of my needs?

Jamie and I tried to cuddle up and watch a t.v. show on the laptop. Sadly, my nerd skills were week, though I've fixed the problem and I'm hoping we can try again tonight. It's MI-5 a.k.a. Spooks. Jamie says the lead character looks like John Cusack, which I guess is all she needs.

I don't usually like the way my voice sounds, but I've been playing around with recording myself for my little NWN2 hobby. You can listen to The Troupe of the Damned here. It's a pretty big sound file, so it might be slow.

And a belated Happy Birthday to Patrick! ...

August 22, 2006 by Sue in Wielesek

And a belated Happy Birthday to Patrick!

And, that darn cat makes my allergies worse...I thought I had the window closed enough last night, but Mischa got in anyhow. He gets hungry about 5 a.m. and sits on my chest, poking my face with his claws until I wake up and feed him. After having a terrible dream about being back in Normalville, trying to take care of Dad, and having asthma, I woke up to find I really was having an asthma attack! Thank modern medicine for inhalers!
My office clean-up is coming along well.

Monday is over! I've been feeling a bit tire...

August 22, 2006 by Seraph in Cortez

Monday is over! I've been feeling a bit tired today after a packed weekend. Friday night was filled with back-to-back family frun from 5 - 11:00 p.m., and on Saturday I bought a car! It's a little 2004 Kia Rio with low miles and amazing milage - the perfect commuter car.
Mom and Bob were up in the afternoon for a wedding, and dropped of some shelves from her office. We've now started to reorganize!
On Sunday we packed a picnic after church and headed for a back roads drive west of Portland. We ended up eating uder a canopy of oak trees at a small hidden winery. On our way home we found our dream home for sale. It's only about $700,000 out of our price range, but actually quite a steel for a huge historical house on 16 acres. Sigh...

We're back from the beach

August 21, 2006 by Adam in Family

We're back from the beach. It was a successful trip, all around. The kids got sandy and enjoyed hanging out with Dave and Kirsten. They were fairly well behaved, though Emma had her typically exhausted melt-down on the trip over before falling asleep. Jamie and I had a nice beach visit while Emma played in the sand.

As seems required by beach law, we didn't do anything particular productive. We played board games, I read a lot, and the kids and I figured out assorted things to do in the basement.

Sadly, it's somehow turned to Monday and I've got to head in to work in less than an hour. This week has busy evenings, but the days are pretty quiet.

We had a lovely weekend at the beach, and I a...

August 21, 2006 by Jamie in Jamie

We had a lovely weekend at the beach, and I am ready for school to start in two weeks! Adam thinks I should have some sort of plan for all my "free time", but I prefer to play it fast and loose...plus make him wonder what I am up to every morning ;-) I am now on delivery stand-by, for Angie could pop any day, and I'll be at the swanky Victoria and Adam wedding this Saturday night, during which hopefully the only pop will be the champagne bottles!

Dez and I went to the Fair on Thursday afternoon

August 19, 2006 by Sue in Wielesek

Dez and I went to the Fair on Thursday afternoon. I got him a ride bracelet so he couldride all the scary rides. Unfortunately, his first trip was through the haunted house, which left him totally disinerested in additional terror. He admitted ruefully later that he went to it first because it looked "cheesy" but that it was really spooky. So he and I went on a couple of scary rides. I kept my hands up in the air and screamed a lot!

Here's my annual update to the beach page

August 19, 2006 by Judy in Hanes

Here's my annual update to the beach page. We're going to Starks to get a decent vacuum for the beach. The one we got originally was a refurbished one from Sears and it hasn't been right from the get-go. So here's to finding a quieter, easier, lighter vacuum that miraculously cleans itself.

Stewart, the new coordinator of Community Eng...

August 18, 2006 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg

Stewart, the new coordinator of Community Engagement in my office, and I, just moved into an office upstairs together. It's twice as large as my old office, and I'll have it to my lonesome for mornings. In the afternoon, Stewart and I will be sharing, which I'm actually quite excited about.

I'll be in Boston for three days next week, and then flying to the Dulles International Airport Hotel for fun and games at VISTA Leader training next Monday. I'm trying to think of fun stuff to keep my co-leader and I occupied- MadLibs? Workshop Bingo? I'd love your suggestions.

I was incredibly productive yesterday at work...

August 18, 2006 by Adam in Adam

I was incredibly productive yesterday at work, though I'm not sure I'll match my vigor today. The mocha is kicking in, though, so we'll see how it goes.

These days I'm working on a new version of an old application. It's got so many bells and whistles, though, that the folks that use it will hopefully give me tearful hugs in the hallway, accompanied by "I love you man!" Well, perhaps not, but I'm automating a ton of work that they once did manually.

My old friend Devon e-mailed me. He's looking to move to Japan with his girlfriend, where he's been teaching English to little kids on and off over the years. He has an old experimental site and a more current livejournal site.

We have an exciting day today! I'm leaving w...

August 18, 2006 by Seraph in Cortez

We have an exciting day today! I'm leaving work early to go to a class, and then Robbie and Isa are meeting me so we can go to a Portland Timber's soccar game at PGE Park. I scored tickets in the company box for us. Ahh the joys of corporate life - next step, a trip on the company jet!
After the game we're heading over to the church to watch The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on the lawn. We'll probably be pretty tuckered out when we get home, but it's nice to have evenings with the family again.

Mocha Friday

August 18, 2006 by Adam in Family

Mocha Friday. I still have an hour or so before I head into work, though.

It looks like we're heading to the beach as soon as I return from work. I should probably stop fiddling with my computer and pack as much as I'm able. Jamie's itching to hit the road quickly so as to maximize beach time.

Jamie and Emma went to the farm yesterday, returning with all sorts of produce. Dinner was rather interesting, with fried green tomatoes as a side dish. They were interesting, though fairly bitter.

I made a library run after Jamie's visit to the gym, returning with all sorts of movies and books. I actually started tearing up while reading one to Sam last night. It was about a father going off to war while his children were left behind and it got to me. He also read a couple "level 2" books by himself, which he was very proud of.

I had a delightful time with Margie and her d...

August 17, 2006 by Sue in Wielesek

I had a delightful time with Margie and her daughter Erin -went to the very swanky King Estate for lunch, then to see Erin's house, and then to Maggie Rhodes shopping - hope you all are prepared for April Cornell gifts for your next birthdays.

The weekend was fun, too. Bob has a friend he plays tennis with, but since Bob strained his right arm last summer, he's not so competitive. There's a local fellow, also Bob, who runs informal tennis lessons, and Bob started to take them. The instructor runs a tennis tournament as part of the Scandanavian Festival. We decided to go, with me as the athletic trainer (I tried to find satin boxers and a big cape for him, and rubbed down his bad arm in preparation for the tournament.) Fortunately, or unfortunately,they paired him with this hot-shot 13 year old girl, and they kept winning, by tie breakers, until they were in the final competition. Everyone was shouting encouragement to Bob, (including me - "Keep standing, Bob"!) Most folks were older and really nice, but Bob and Brittany drew this yuppie couple who must have been to some communication workshop = "Good shot, Baby" "Nice drive, sweetie." The yuppies cruelly and strategically chose to play to eight rather than six, since it appeared Bob would be dead by six, and alas, the yuppies finally won in a tie-breaker. Then they did this little NFL/AFL style victory dance, to the disgust of the spectators, and to my personal delight. Ah, what a work of art is man, and woman too. Next day, Bob staggered out to the chaise lounge in the back yard and barely moved all day.

We're going to Portland for a wedding on Saturday, and have Darren's pickup to take shelves to Seraph and Robbie. I need to stop at Powell's Books.

I got this great book on color from Sadie, and a t-shirt in a great color which says, "gay? Fine by me."

It was a beautiful ride to work this morning,...

August 17, 2006 by Adam in Family

It was a beautiful ride to work this morning, though a bit chilly. I can tell that Fall is right around the corner.

Sam's pirate camp continues to do well. He's been having a great time with his friends. Yesterday he got second place in a three-legged race with John, which he was quite proud of considering the age range and number of kids.

Emma and Jamie have been getting some alone mother-daughter time. They went to the county fair, where Emma was quite taken with the horse that was all dressed up with flowers, braids, and the like. Emma decided that the horse was going to be married.

Last night I took the kids to my mom's house where they played and puttered. Jamie and I got some time together to cook dinner, chat, and go for a walk. It's been seeming like I haven't seen her much as she was gone last weekend and busy every night but last. Fortunately we're doing another beach trip with Dave and Kirsten, so hopefully there's a walk together on the beach in our future.

Well for all those who do not yet know, Darre...

August 16, 2006 by Jenny in Jenny

Well for all those who do not yet know, Darren and I are off for a weeks vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We are leaving on thursday at the bright and earily hour of 6:00am. I'm letting every one know, because Darrens brother Jim had a stroke a few days after the birthday party. Joan, bless her heart i watching the kids for the week. So if any family members would like to help, with a few hours of releaf it would be greatly appriciated. Jim just got out of the hospital yeasterday and is doing well. We will try to find a internet place and keep touch while we are gone. Well also wanted to chat about maybe camping over labor day, before school starts at honeyman,, any one interested let me know!!

I was feeling out of sorts yesterday, having ...

August 15, 2006 by Adam in Adam

I was feeling out of sorts yesterday, having a hard time getting things done. The good news is that today seems a bit better. I've whipped up a bunch of changes to one application and I'm sinking my teeth into one of the bigger projects I'm working on.

I did treat myself to a mocha this morning, for medicinal purposes only. Who needs prozac?

Sam had his first day of Pirate/Rainforest ca...

August 15, 2006 by Adam in Sam

Sam had his first day of Pirate/Rainforest camp yesterday. It's a quirky combination, but evidently they had to merge a couple of the camps. So far it seems like a pretty traditional camp with assorted activities. He played Sharks and Minnows, made a couple pirate-themed crafts (I was sworn to secrecy about them), and did a bit of drawing. His friends Jake and John were there, which made it extra fun for him.

I was secretly hoping for a peg-leg or a jug of grog, but I suppose lawsuits have made such things less common with modern camps.

Monday already! We had a great time on Frida...

August 14, 2006 by Seraph in Cortez

Monday already! We had a great time on Friday/Saturday walking in the Relay for Life. I think I tallied up about 10 hours of walking, and Robbie and Isa joined me for quite a few of them! If any one would still like to send a donation, you can write a check to the American Cancer Society and mail it to me before August 31.
We went to the farms on Sunday afternoon to pick up fresh veggies and explore a bit. In the evening Isa played with a gaggle of kids while Robbie and I chatted with neighbors.
The summer is starting to wind down, and I'm starting to finish up school and work projects. I think we're all looking forward to the fall.

Well, I'm not quite as cheery as I was yester...

August 13, 2006 by Adam in Family

Well, I'm not quite as cheery as I was yesterday morning, but I've got a hot cup of coffee next to me and the weather is amazing once again. Emma was up in the middle of night with growing pains. After some Tylenol and a warm bath, she settled down, but it was an hour or two before I got back to sleep. It's like raising kids is hard work or something.

Yesterday was lots of fun, fortunately. The library trip went well, as did our bagel run afterwards. We hung out at the house for awhile, and then around two I took the kids swimming at Amazon pool. It was crowded, but not too crazy, and we stayed for a couple hours. Emma has turned into an amazing little swimmer. She'll go under water and kick and move her arms about until she runs out of air and has to stand again.

The evening was filled with dinner, watering the garden, and movies, though Emma got scared by Hoodwinked and we stopped after fifteen minutes. I read all our library books and regailed them with tales of Jamie and my honeymoon's adventures in England. Eventually I tossed them in bed and ignored them until they went to sleep.

As for today, I have challa bread for French toast and a likely trip to a park this morning. I'm a bit tuckered out, so I'll try to take it easy. Hopefully Jamie will arrive around lunchtime, which will make the kids quite happy (and me too).

It's the quiet time in the morning, with the ...

August 12, 2006 by Adam in Family

It's the quiet time in the morning, with the sleepy sunlight peeking over the fence.

I had a pleasant evening with the kids, after Emma gave a fairly unhappy send-off to Jamie. Sam's been great, trying hard to make Emma feel better. At the pool he made up a game where she caught rings before they sank. Later at bedtime he offered to tell her "Princess Emma" stories. She still cried a fair amount at bedtime, and they didn't get to sleep until ten o'clock. Somewhere in the middle of the night Emma came into my room, cheerfully told me hello, and crawled into bed. It wasn't even that bad, unlike her endlessly kicking days when she was one and two.

I plan on enjoying my next hour or so of leisure, doing laundry and cleaning up, and then get ready for breakfast and the library. I also armed myself with a trip to Flicks and Picks, stocking up on four movies for $5. I think they've had to cut their prices due to competition. Good for me, I suppose.

Ah, sweet Mocha Friday

August 11, 2006 by Adam in Family

Ah, sweet Mocha Friday. I'm drinking coffee and planning on coding like a maniac, ignoring all other things that try to distract me today. We'll see how I manage.

I watched the kids when I got home last night while Jamie went to the gym. Sam played the demo of a game called Dark Messiah, several times, and has decided to do chores in order to get it. Emma wanted to play Zelda on the Gamecube and so I helped her do it. Her 3-year-old reflexes aren't quite there, though she tries really hard. When her hour was up, she cried and told Jamie, "Dad won't let me play Zelda. I have to save my sister!" It's pretty normal that she get cranky around that time, now that she's given up naps, so I didn't take it personally.

After Jamie returned, I went off to my dad and Yayoe's for dinner. It was great hanging out with just him, and we jabbered on for well over an hour on all manner of topics. I'm really enjoying the one-on-one visits with family members, especially after chatting with Seraph about her new job. I really want to visit my mom next, though between her surgery and my kid watching, it might have to be next week.

Tonight's the start of the dad and kid weekend. I think I've mentally prepared as best I can and I'm hoping it'll be fun for all. If I start getting too tired, well, that's what espresso is for.

Jamie and I hit the town last night, going to...

August 10, 2006 by Adam in Family

Jamie and I hit the town last night, going to a Thai food place near the Zenon. Jamie got particularly gussied up, wearing a slinky black outfit that left me feeling under dressed. We chatted away without interruption, which was a nice change. The only event of note was that she conveniently forgot to order a vegetarian version of our shared dinner. I wonder what a psychologist would make of that.

It looks like Jamie will be gone for much of the weekend, so it'll be the kids and I puttering around. I'll probably do my normal routine Friday through Saturday noon, lazing about during the afternoon, and maybe walk to the Glenwood for dinner Saturday night. I'm thinking Sunday morning we'll go to the park by the river. This time I'll be sure to carry along a full change of clothes for everyone.

Hi, everyone

August 10, 2006 by Sue in Wielesek

Hi, everyone. This may be just a tad fuzzy since I just had my first cataract operation thi morning. It was an intense visual experience, although completely painless, and not at all freaky. I was in at eight, and out at 9:30, with about an hour of that spent geting my eye dilated. I have the slightest headache, but that's about it. I could see the little wire on the lens as he was inserting it. It was literally like being inside an eyeball and seeing everything translated to abstract shaes and lights. Bob has taken care of me today, but I'm going to my house to sleep.
Looking forward to spending that day tomorrow with Margie. Love to all, mom

It was a big day for Emma yesterday

August 09, 2006 by Adam in Emma

It was a big day for Emma yesterday. We've signed her up for school in the Fall. After looking around, we picked a French immersion school that Jamie and the kids really liked. They visited earlier in the day and Emma didn't want to leave. Emma's at the point where she really wants to go to school like Sam, she likes playing with other kids her age, and she's loves to learn. I think it'll work out really well. The current schedule is Monday to Thursday mornings, though Friday may be added as well.

The bigger change is with Jamie, as she'll be somewhat free to do what she wants most mornings of the week. After over seven years of constant child care, this is a pretty big change. She's still processing it all internally, as is her style, so I'm patiently waiting to hear what she comes up with.

Sam triumphed over dentistry last night

August 09, 2006 by Adam in Sam

Sam triumphed over dentistry last night. He's been nursing a loose tooth this last week, avoiding crunchy food and making funny drooling faces. He finally yanked it out himself, watching the carnage in a mirror. We waited until after he fell asleep to do the Tooth Fairy switcharoo.

Work is exhausting at the moment, but I'm loo...

August 08, 2006 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg

Work is exhausting at the moment, but I'm looking forward to having dinner in my old haunt (Noho) with the Western Mass VISTAs tomorrow. I'll stay overnight in Holyoke and spend all of Thursday workshopping at Mount Holyoke with the new VISTAs, whom I have not seen since pre-service orientation in July.

The weather is absolutely pristine here. I planned to drive to work this morning, so I could drive home for a quick dinner and then drive back for an evening meeting, but it was too beautiful out. Instead of going home, I gathered victuals from Ephporium and reminded the grocer that he looked like Harold from Harold and Maude. I feel like one of the old ladies who was in Rick's Boston congregation- every Sunday, she'd say the same thing to him: "God is good and god is fair, to some he gave brains, to others, hair." I just go around telling people they look like movie characters who fancy women sixty years their senior and like to fake their own death.

The week keeps forging ahead

August 08, 2006 by Adam in Family

The week keeps forging ahead. Tuesday already.

Sunday was fairly uneventful. After a morning filled with consumerism (buying food, clothes, and a pirate board game), we hung out at the house and did nothing. The kids were a bit cranky towards the end of the day and my usual weekend fatigue set in.

We had a nice and relaxing dinner with the Musgroves last night. The kids played together quite nicely, leaving the adults some time to chat.

This morning I got a call from Emma, explaining how she wouldn't let Sam hug her because he was stinky. The cycle of life continues.

Grandma Eddies birthday flowers are beginning...

August 07, 2006 by Betsy in Betsy

Grandma Eddies birthday flowers are beginning to bloom at Normalville. They are also at their peak on her birthday. Also a picture of some snake skins I found in the side yard. Probably what I hear in the attic at night!

It was a fairly exciting day yesterday

August 06, 2006 by Adam in Family

It was a fairly exciting day yesterday. We went to Amazon park, I went to the library solo, and returned to join everyone for Humble Bagel and sharing my bounty of books, DVDs, and video games. The kids and I browsed the game store for a gift for Darrin, while Jamie walked home. We puttered around all afternoon until it was time to go to the Darrin/Jordan birthday combination.

My favorite part was chatting with Seraph non-stop for nearly an hour. I kept asking what it is she did, and learned far more than I ever knew about how clothes are designed, manufactured, shipped, and so on. It also sounds like she'll be making a professional salary relatively soon, and hopefully will become a formal employee next year. Currently she's freelance, which only sounds impressive at parties.

Jamie left for Angie's when I returned home, not returning until after nine. Emma had a bit of a grump, evidently because she was overly tired. Sam and I played cards until late and I sent him to bed.

As for today, I think we're going to try to just do family stuff. It seems like we've been rushing about more often than not these last few weeks. Plus house projects. Those never end.

I ran across this odd site that lets you uplo...

August 06, 2006 by Adam in Adam

I ran across this odd site that lets you upload a portrait of yourself and transform it into different races, ages, and so on. I'd seen something similar at OMSI years ago, but this was the first online one and it was surprisingly snappy. I couldn't resist and made a bunch of pictures of myself. You can see the big version here.

I keep waiting for the day when webcams are built in with "correction" software that let you take your normal face and change the appearance in real-time. Combine that with voice changing software and you could be pretty much anyone you want. Ah, the joy of anonymity on the Internet.

We had a surreal and funny moment last night

August 05, 2006 by Adam in Sam

We had a surreal and funny moment last night. I took the kids swimming and Sam explained how he couldn't say words that started with the letter F due to it wiggling his loose tooth. "Don't say the F-word," I joked. It quickly devolved into a game where I tried to make him say words that begin with the letter F. "How old will Emma be next year?"

Well, later that evening, the topic was brought up again. Soon enough, the real F-word was flying around. Jamie was saying the F-word, Sam was saying the F-word, and Emma was eating her lasagna and trying hard not to fall asleep.

We talked about bad words and what exactly makes a word bad. Sam tentatively threw out the fact that he'd made up an F-word song while at school, though he couldn't remember the lyrics when pressed.

We tried to leave him with the sense that bad words aren't inherently bad, though other people can certainly get very upset with them. In general, it's best to avoid their use. I expressed a preference for funny swear words such as "yucko bunny eyeballs" and the like.

Ah, these Kodak moments.

It's Mocha Friday and I'm already halfway thr...

August 04, 2006 by Adam in Family

It's Mocha Friday and I'm already halfway through the work day. Last night Jamie kept me up talking, and I think our entire schedule for the next month is planned out. Or maybe I dreamed the whole thing, I'm not quite sure.

Work is strangely quiet, with most of my coworkers out of the office. I could get used to it. I've only had a single interruption all day.

I'm hoping to do my normal routine with the kids tonight, something I haven't done for awhile. I look forward to the swimming, library, and bagel trifecta each weekend, though it seems that Summer activities have disrupted it a bit. Tomorrow is also Darrin and Jordan's combo-birthday. Sunday we have assorted house projects to do.

Sorry for not posting in a month! I promise, ...

August 04, 2006 by Sadie in Sadie & Greg

Sorry for not posting in a month! I promise, all is well and good, and we've now moved into 15 Hall St. Having a potluck with friends last night confirmed my growing sense of the new place- that it's beautiful, and we're lucky to have it. I still haven't feng shui-ed yet, which is my weekend plan. Just me, Janet, and a bunch of decorating magazines and catalogues.

It was like Christmas when I got home today

August 03, 2006 by Adam in Adam

It was like Christmas when I got home today. There were two big boxes waiting for me as I stepped in the door, one from Amazon and the other a generic FedEx package. I knew exactly what both of them were.

The FedEx package was my frivilous gift to myself, a decent quality microphone. I got it for my game stuff, hoping to record some voices of people I know. There's a bunch in the game, and plenty of work for my friends and family.

The other package was the smaller part of a partially cancelled order from Amazon. They're starting to sell food online, and I ordered a crazy amount of cereal. Instead, I got 16 boxes for the low price of $30. Since I go through huge volumes of cereal, it seems like a reasonable deal. I can only imagine what my family would say if the original 48 box order had made it through.

They might have really made fun of my cereal habit.

The weeks more than halfway over and we're in...

August 03, 2006 by Adam in Family

The weeks more than halfway over and we're in August already. It's crazy how quickly time flies.

The kids have been taking and enjoying swimming lessons this week. They've another week of that and then it's pirate camp for Sam. Jamie had a couple days this week when she was sick, but as usual she was a trooper about it and sucked it up.

Josh heads home to Tennessee today, and the kids spent some time with him last night while Jamie and I had some time in a quiet household. We'll sure miss him.

I've been insanely productive at work lately. Yesterday I fell into a coding trance and didn't surface until I'd implemented a clever and useful piece of code. I also cranked out a new application and enhancement to an existing tool. Busy, busy.

Oooo, time with Sadie, heck, time with everyo...

August 02, 2006 by Sue in Wielesek

Oooo, time with Sadie, heck, time with everyone, goes to fast. But for right now, I want to see if everyone who will be around will come to my office for office supplies, furniture, etc, which I'm glad to store or use the family pick-up to deliver. I'm buying a one-half interest in Bob's
1980 Nissan pickup (fair market value for my half $150.)

Emma and Sam have been taking swimming lesson...

August 02, 2006 by Adam in Emma

Emma and Sam have been taking swimming lessons for a couple days now. It's two weeks of daily swimming, which I think they both really enjoy. It's also Emma's first time doing swimming lessons without Jamie, who watches from the sidelines.

Emma loves it, and often demonstrates her bobbing skills to me in the bath. This morning she announced that she was going to do the biggest bog ever.

Of course, her fearlessness of water only extends so far. Last night I was trying to get her to lay back and have me hold her head so that I could wash the soap out. She started making unhappy noises and I told her "Use your words, Emma. I can't understand you."

In a sad little voice she told me, "I'm afraid your going to drop me and I'll sink to my doom."

I had to laugh and reassure her that I wasn't going to let her sink to her doom.

Good Morning all! I am quite happy now that ...

August 01, 2006 by Seraph in Cortez

Good Morning all! I am quite happy now that my family has returned to me safe and sound.
I sent several of you e-mails regarding the Relay for Life event that I am participating in. For those of you I didn't have e-mails for the link is: www.acsevents.org/fredmeyer. Our team is a bit late to event, and we are doing our best to raise funds for the ACS before the relay on August 11. Anything you can contribute would help this amazing organization in so many ways!