Getting A-Mused!

I have this vision of one of those big poster board, or better yet, poster-sized paper flip charts, on an easel with a whole bunch of characters; names, ages, hair color, etc. all circled with little squiggly lines going to and fro. I have had this dream/vision for the past couple of days/nights.

I know what this means.

It means that my "story mind" has something that it wants to share with me, and possibly you. Pretty exciting, isn't it? The problem is, I can't really read the fine print - not that the fine print is in the circles or on the squiggly lines, although I am sure that it is. Why am I sure of this? We'll call it a gut feeling.

I'm supposed to follow my gut.

I have tried many times to follow that gut, and all it seems to say is for me to feed it. So maybe following my gut isn't always the best thing to do. No matter how substantial and influential it is. Now what? That is the question I have for myself, because I honestly don't know. It's there, I can feel it gnawing at my little brain, calling in my ear saying "release me" in the high-pitched squeaky annoying little voice it has. Why do Muse's have to be so annoying, if you have seen "UP" it's Alpha's voice, when the communicator/interpreter is broken. Or if you have seen "The Emperor's New Groove" it is the voice of (is it Izma?) the villain, when she is turned into a cat.

Okay, so I watch a lot of Disney movies, sue me.

Anyway, where was I going with all this? Nowhere really. Just trying to keep my mind off the fact that I don't have my seventh child yet, because some doctors don't want to listen to my wife.

Other than that, anyone know where I can get one of those pads?

God Bless and good night!

Tardy!

So my new son thinks that he is a fine wine, I mean why else would he want to stay in his cramped space, other than he thinks that he'll get better with age/cooking in the womb.

Good news for those of you that have yet to enter my contest... It appears that he will make his appearance on July 6, unless he decides to come on his own. Knowing our history, that's not gonna happen.

So, this will now be the OFFICIAL ENTRY PAGE (I have no idea why I did that, other than to vent maybe), for the contest of guessing the baby's weight, length and time of birth. I'm taking the date out, because well, we kind of already know that, July 6. However, if he comes before the sixth, we can accept your weight, length and time guesses.

My simple contest is becoming more complex as I type, YIKES!

Same prize though, either a Borders or Barnes and Noble $10 gift card, to the closest best guess.

Bu-bye!

"Hi Mitch"

Welcome to the fun of Sunday.

Let's get this bad boy started, shall we? First off, Benjy did NOT break his ankle yesterday. He did bruise it pretty bad, and probably had a mild sprain, but no break.

I think he was disappointed.

On the way home from church, we got our title for today. Sure, you are all thinking, they named there new son Mitch? Nope, that has nothing to do with it, especially since he still hasn't decided to leave the friendly confines of his mommy. Can't seem to be able to bribe him with my cooking, either.

So, back to my little tale. We were driving down the main street in Batavia, no it's not actually called Main Street, when we came upon a cross walk. Normal people, I think, tend to actually wait for traffic to either lighten, or not be present, before crossing. True, there is a cross walk, but you are putting a lot of faith in the brakes of a vehicle that you are not familiar with, and that is coming down a fairly steep hill.

Not these two youngsters.

Nope, they just started walking across the street. Being the defensive driver that I am, and have become, I just knew that they would just keep on walking, so I stopped with plenty of space before the cross walk. The car behind me didn't like it, neither did I, but I really didn't feel like filling out a bunch of paperwork, putting my wife into the hospital, or having to wash my car, so I stopped.

You usually get a wave of thanks, or embarrassment, when this happens. Not with these two. For some reason, the male punk turned towards us, and was either yelling at me (I don't think so) or his punk girlfriend (in which case she needs a new boyfriend).

"Where's your pride, Bitch!"

Or something like that. The only word that Jenni and I know was said/yelled, was the last one. To which we (being Jenni) responded with something like, "Nice."

Danny also heard what was yelled. We liked his version better.

"He said, Hi Mitch!"

God Bless!!

P.S. - Keep Jenni and the baby in your prayers, as tomorrow is the amniocentesis that will confirm the baby's lung development. Then on Tuesday, maybe she'll let me "live blog" the birth!!

As long as I don't pass out, of course.

Sunburn Saturdays

Two in a row,

First softball,

Now soccer.

Lessons learned,

Doubt it.

I might buy a hat though.

Last Saturday without baby.

My First Contest!!

I want to thank Jeff over at View From The Cloud, and a proud member of The Receders (go buy their stuff, it's available at Amazon and iTunes(no link, I assume you know how to get there) it's good!) for this great idea.

A Contest.

A Contest with a REAL PRIZE!!

Yes!!!

You all have been waiting for me to finally breakdown and give something away, admit it now, you know that it's true. Best part, it's easy to enter, just write your entry in the comment box, or I'll even accept a Face book entry, but since you are reading about it here, why not just comment. :)

As you may, or may not, know, we are having a baby! Our seventh! So, in honor of our new son's birth, we thought that we would have a pool for you to enter, guessing our newborn son's birth date, birth time, birth weight and birth length.

Piece of cake right?

Here's a hint: The date will, more than likely be June 30. That doesn't mean that you have to guess the 30th, but it will improve your odds greatly.

Next hint: We have to be at the hospital by 6AM, to start the induction process. Unless he decides to show up on his own, sooner, which means guessing a date earlier than June 30, might be beneficial.

What do you win? A $10 gift card to your choice of Borders, or Barnes and Noble. If you get everything exactly correct; you will get one of each. Pretty cool, right?

How do you enter? Easy. Leave a comment stating the Birthday, time, weight and length of our latest addition, in the comment box. We will then compare your answers to the actual event, and if you are the closest, as deemed by the judge (Jenni), then you win!

Extra bonus best part!!! You can make more than one guess, but be aware that we are doing a "first come first served" contest here, which basically means if there are duplicate answers, we will go with the first comment in the box. (I hope that makes sense).

Finally, the decision of the judge (Jenni) is final. Sounds harsh, but it has to be.

What are you waiting for? Get guessing!!

God Bless!!

Roger and Jenni

At A Loss

Today started very early for me and Andy.

3:30AM early.

College orientation day in Dubuque, Iowa. Home of Loras College - The Duhawks!

While we were there, Andy registered for his classes, got his laptop (pretty cool, eh?) and met some of his fellow freshmen. Myself, I sat through bad jokes told by professors that feel way more comfortable in front of 18 - 22 year olds, than the 40-50 year olds that they were talking to.

Goes to show, that just because you have all your fancy degrees, doesn't mean that you can necessarily relate to real people that are not students. I know this sounds like I'm being cynical again (surprise!), but seriously, I have a lot of life behind me and I can see right through you all.

Andy bought the pitch though, so I guess he's gonna be a Duhawk now, which means that we are a family of Duhawks!! I wonder if this baby ends up going to Loras, as well as his older brothers and sisters, will we get a group discount?

No, the baby hasn't decided to vacate his current locale.

Yes, I am tired and a bit cranky.

Happy 700th post to me!

I am also bummed out by the fact that two icons from my youth passed today. So, Rest In Peace Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson.

Good night and see you at 701!

Better Title Needed

I'm thinking that a future career for me should be as a consultant.

Seriously.

We are in the midst of a visit from a couple of consultants that are in town to tell us how to do our jobs better. These are a couple of gentlemen that happened to work for Toyota, and because of the "Toyota Standard" for streamlining and making work more LEAN, they are now experts in everything, as far as concerning time-cutting, cost-cutting, ribbon-cutting measures. Okay that last one isn't included, but I bet they could convince our CEO that it is necessary.

Again, I am serious.

Funny thing about Toyota. They make cars. Funny thing about my company. We don't.

Pardon my cynicism here, but how the heck are you going to tell me how to improve my job, when you don't even know what my job is. At least I'll be in Dubuque tomorrow, with Andy, going through the college orientation thing.

I'm hoping that Jenni doesn't go into labor, but she just might.

Finally, way to go USA soccer! Beating the number one team in the world, Spain, 2-0. Simply awesome!

14-13

That was the final score, in extra innings, for Katie's last softball game of the season. By far, it was one of their best games all season.

After one inning it was 3-2 Heat (that would be us)

After two innings it was 3-3. Practically unheard of that there has only been six runs scored total, by this point. I mean we're usually looking at a 10-5, or worse, score.

After three innings it was 8-4 Heat. Looking good.

After four innings it was 8-10 White Sox. Oops!

After five innings it was 10-10. One inning left.

After six innings it was 13-13. There is a conference (for what I have no idea, after all it's a playoff game, there has to be a winner), and they decide to play a seventh inning, as darkness settles and the mosquitoes come out, in force.

Katie is up first, and swings at two very bad pitches. She then settles down and gets walked. Next girl is up and she hits a grounder towards the second baseman, who literally, along with the shortstop, blocks all access to the base. We yell for interference, the ump is hearing nothing of it, so Katie is called out. The next two batters walk, so we have bases loaded and only one out. Our best player is up to bat, Kaylee sounds like Casey right?

Only she doesn't strike out. Nope, she hits a crushing pop fly into a no-man's land between first base and the pitchers mound, anything can happen at this point. Apparently, there is no infield fly rule in girl's minor league fast pitch softball. Doesn't matter, as the first baseman catches the ball. Two outs, and the bases are still loaded.

The girls did learn to stay on the bases for a pop fly, so that part was successful. Too bad they weren't taught about tagging up. Next batter comes up, and hits a grounder to the first baseman who stumbles with the ball. You would think that the girl on third would have scored, right? Nope. She was staying close to the base, forgetting what her coach told her about running on contact. She leaves late, very late, and the first baseman has a good arm, plus the catcher can actually catch the ball. End of the Heat's half of the inning.

Bottom of the inning and we walk the first batter, who steals second, then third. We strike out one girl, and walk another. We get the third girl down 0-2, when she swings, makes contact, and gets an infield hit which brings in the winning run.

Bummer.

However the girls should be very proud of their season, as they improved greatly over the season, and most importantly, had a lot of fun.

Whew! Spring sports season is over. Now on to summer camps, and a BABY!!

Can hardly wait, God has indeed blessed us, and we anxiously await our new son.

Soon!

God Bless!

Roger

Ooh Yeah!

Now that I have set myself up, it is time to knock myself back down again.

I really have no idea what that means but I thought that I would just throw out a bunch of words and see if I could make a sentence, or two.

Success!

So, Jon and Kate, are going their separate ways... Don't care. I mean I feel bad for them and their marriage, but I really could care less about them. I have seen the show once or twice, and to be honest, I get more drama in my neighborhood every day than I see on that show. Now, I wonder what will happen. Not really.

Besides, I'm still way too addicted to the Food Network! For sure.

Or the Science Channel, or ESPN, or Disney, or... I have too many other options.

On the work front, we are in the process of learning how to be LEAN. In other words, they think that squeezing just a little bit more out of that stone, called the work force, will produce something.

Back to television. Have you ever seen a show called 'Bridezilla's?' What the heck is wrong with those women? I mean I know that people act differently around the camera, but get real. If I found out that Jenni had done something like that, I would probably not want to have married her. And that's the kicker, the husbands-to-be have no idea until after the show airs, weeks or months later.

Remember that comment/promise I made about reading everyone else's blogs... Well, this weekend I was really busy, and... Maybe when the baby comes I'll have more time. Or at least in the hospital? Maybe I should just wipe the whole slate clean? I'll feel guilty though. Decisions, decisions.

Enough for tonight, no more torture for you! Stay tuned for the big 700th post extravaganza!! (yeah, I didn't just set myself up there now did I?)

God Bless!

Africa the Cool Way!

Jenni showed me this video, and I immediately said that I had to post it and share, because it is so awesome.

At least it's different, and I liked it. Let me know what you think?

Roger

It Hurts

Today was Jessica's last softball game of the season. Going in we didn't know it was going to be her last, but the way things happen in this day and age, it had to end sometime.

After months of playing and weeks of pitching, it all came to a crashing halt today, in the hot, HOT sun (sunscreen would have been a good thing to remember, as I am cooked. At least someone let me use theirs to get Danny and Maggie. Didn't think about spraying a little on myself, as I laugh at skin cancer apparently. {not really, but I just wasn't thinking [honest]}).

We played the whole six innings, under said sun. The girls were hot, they were tired, they kept on singing though.

Where was I?

Oh yeah, the end. The end of Jessica's season. A season in which she has grown up, grown more confident, and made new friends. A great season. It all came crashing down, with a called third strike. With that strike, the girls lost their second game, in the double-elimination playoff.

There is always next year.

Now pass me the aloe!

The Show Must Go On

This story epitomizes the Disney "work ethic" or whatever you want to call it.

 

As many of you know, Walt Disney World has a thing for parades, with an afternoon parade and an evening parade (usually). Occasionally they get 'rained out' and the fancy floats get replaced by the cool automobiles from Main Street (for Magic Kingdom parades, not sure about the parades at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios), with the characters riding along the vehicles, instead of the floats.

 

This is what happens when the storm hits, mid-parade:

 

I got to the park just before 3 p.m. and my drive down had been sunny and pleasant. The parade stepped off on Main Street under fairly blue skies, but in an instant everything changed. A huge storm cloud blew over top of us so quickly that Mickey and Minnie got by me in Town Square without a drop, but by Pinocchio's float -- the next one -- a heavy rain had started.

Disney equips characters with clear plastic umbrellas and Snow White's poor Prince struggled mightily to get one open for his princess. To her credit -- as did all the performers -- Snow White carried on smiling, singing and dancing.

But things were getting worse quickly. The female dancers' hair was already sticking to the sides of their faces. Thunder was starting to crackle. I assumed floats would stop coming out of the gate, but they all came out. Aladdin, umbrella-less, was sporting a very soggy turban. Mary Poppins, of course, has her own umbrella, and Bert was cheerful as ever. Alice and the Mad Hatter even had a little horseplay as she was too short to effectively hold an umbrella over his gigantic hat.

It was a deluge by the time the Fairy Godmother and three royal couples arrived. Fairy Godmother seemed flustered -- and who could blame her? Her hood was being blown off by the gusty wind, and she was forced to literally hold on to her hair. Thankfully, her platform was lowered to bring her closer to earth.

Suzy and Perla, Cinderella's mice, didn't make it out of Town Square, but cut back across the square to scurry toward the parade entrance gate. Lady Tremaine and her ditsy daughters also chose to return that way, but the not-so-good Lady elegantly maintained her composure, lifting her gown as she stepped across puddles that were quickly merging into a giant lake.

There is more, and some pictures, at the link.

I wonder if my in-laws witnessed this, since they are there now.

I Wonder?

Looking at my Google Reader this morning and it's 352 entries, was more but I have been whittling it down. I noticed something.

 

Something that has bothered me, slightly, but bothered me just the same.

 

You see, I tend to read all my, I will call them "extra stuff" first and save my "good stuff" for last. Unfortunately, I never get around to the "good stuff" and the "extra stuff" keeps piling on.

 

To help you along my mental charade, I will explain myself further. Or maybe I'm explaining it to myself, or maybe I'm explaining it to those little voices.

 

You know the ones, right?

 

Please tell me I'm not alone.

 

"Extra Stuff" is the stuff I read that I either cannot comment on (because I can't find a comment button), or just don't comment on. These are my sites I enjoy reading, but rarely feel compelled to comment on, like stuff about the Denver Broncos, politics, weird stuff, etc. I figure that I can get away with reading that stuff, and not worry about commenting because they are more like news stories, if you will. Of course, now I wonder if maybe I am neglecting them by not commenting, hmm.

 

Probably not.

 

Now my "Good Stuff" is generally from people like you, that have read and commented on my stuff - God Bless You all! I figure that I can get to read AND comment when I am at home and have more time.

 

Did I just seriously say that?

 

Anyway, I feel that I have neglected you all, and I feel really terrible about it. So, in order to rectify that situation I will probably be filling your com boxes with lots of my "stuff" which may, or may not, be completely sane ramblings. Or something like that.

 

You have been warned.

 

Bu-bye!

Long Day

For Jenni.

Dr. Appointment. Hospital visit.

No baby though, stubborn boy.

Still wants to be away from this crazy place.

Smart boy. :)

Hmmm.

When walking through the park, a tree with a squirrel in it asks you for a favor. Do you grant it?

Now, imagine walking through a park on a brightly moonlit evening and the same tree, sans squirrel, asks you a question. Do you answer it?

Same tree, different scenario; now it is a foggy night and the tree seems to be catching a cold, thus making it's voice seem to be a little more menacing. It asks you to take one of it's branches and make a walking stick from it. Will you?

Okay, now you are on the other side of the park, and you see the squirrel. The squirrel asks you where you got your walking stick. Do you answer honestly?

To be continued...

Goodnight.

Helping, It's What I'm About

So I posted yesterday that I had an interesting evening, and let me take care of that business first.

Doctor says that I am healthier today, than I was a year ago; my cholesterol is down, and my blood work came back with everything being better than it was a year ago. Yay me! Now the Doctor wants me to lose twenty more pounds by next year. Little did he realize that I have a secret weapon in my desire to get myself a Kindle2, and in order to do that I need to lose fifty. So, hopefully at my appointment next year I will be reading my book on the Kindle2 and at least fifty pounds lighter. I think I can do it. We'll see.

The kids were great at camp and with the exception of my fellow chaperone's snoring like there was no tomorrow (I have no idea what that means, really), and the vomit incident - thankfully in the other dorm (sorry Benjy), it was a really calm night. I think I even got a good four hours of sleep on a very uncomfortable couch!

Now for the help. Someone left me a comment asking if I would mention her fundraiser/giveaway in the blog. I looked it over and appreciate what she is doing so here, in her words, is what she is asking.

I was wondering if you might be willing to mention my raffle/fundraiser (or just let me comment about it here so others can read about it).

I would NOT ask if it wasn't for a great cause. Plus, there are over 90 donated prizes to win totaling over $3000.00! And who doesn't like to win??

It's really a win-win for everyone. People get to help me meet my fundraising goal AND potentionally win big.

Saturday was the 6th anniversary of my Dad's heart transplant. I am more determined than ever to give back in a big way.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE clickover and enter my raffle!! You can truly win TONS OF PRIZES (totaling over $3000.00 - gift cards, Starbucks coffee maker, $600 in camping equipment, gorgeous jewelry and more).

It's for a great cause….

http://www.firstgiving.com/hallietwomey

6 years ago my Dad received a new heart.

This is my way of giving back.
Hallie
http://wonderfulworldofweiners.blogspot.com/

So if you get a chance, go and visit her blog and the fundraiser/giveaway, it really is for a great cause.

Thanks and God Bless!

Roger

Hey There!

Now that I have your attention, I have some very very important news to share with both of you.

 

 

Just not today!

 

I have to put on my chaperone's hat tonight and head out west to Camp WOW! I believe the WOW is Wild Over Word, Wind On Whiskers, uh... Never mind. I can't remember, but I'll try to find out tonight, just for you all.

 

Seriously, I can do that for you. Promise.

 

Had a meeting about my "performance issues" today. Apparently, I don't really have any, except that I shouldn't embarrass my boss in front of "his peeps." Okay. I'll try, but if you  turn on me and start yelling like that again, it's open season*.

 

In other news, I am going to the Doctor this evening. He will tell me that I need to watch what I eat better, and lose some more weight, because the fifteen I have lost isn't enough, by far. Has anyone tried that AcaiBerry extract? I read something that mixing it with Broma- something, can help you lose weight, maybe I'll ask if that's true or not. Anything would help at this point.

 

Being a lover of the Disney World I am kind of glad that we are not going this year, it seems that with the economy down, the Mouse is doing a lot of refurbishing and cleaning up. Which is cool, because I think we're going to try and go next September. Anyone up for a party? Probably would only be homeschooling, or parents with, kids not yet in school, but that's okay, because it is one of the absolute best times to go, in my opinion. The weather is great, the crowds are low, and for the past six or seven years (I think) you can get the Dining Plan paid for. That's a lot of cabbage, let me tell you!

 

Okay, I must depart for my evening appointments, see you all tomorrow, right? Have a great day!

 

God Bless!

Roger

Crazy About Food

Network that is.

I cannot believe how addicted I am to this channel. I mean there is actual drama in some of these shows.

Take "Chopped" for instance. You have four chefs that are pitted against one another in preparing an appetizer. Sounds easy, right? I mean throw together some stuffed mushrooms and you're done, right? Nope. You have no idea what they are going to give you to use as ingredients for your appetizer.

Like sea urchin and fennel. Oh, and you also have a time limit of, I think it was twenty minutes. It's interesting to find out what these chefs come up with. For instance, some of these chefs had no idea what to do with sea urchin, or even how to prepare it. After the time is up they have their appetizers go before three judges that are also chefs and owners of restaurants, and are critical of everything. Even if you have an extra spot on your plate.

After getting critiqued, the chefs are brought out and one dish is "chopped." After that three chefs work on an entree, then it's down to two for a desert. With the winner getting, I think, $10,000. Not bad.

My other favorite show is just called the Food Channel Challenge. This is all about cakes, not just any kind of cake either, we're talking three foot tall cakes with very cool designs, well some are train wrecks, but most are AWESOME! In this show they have four bakers(?) that compete against one another to impress a "client" and win $10,000 as well. There are also three judges, but I don't think the client gets a vote, just the cake.

First there is the introduction of the clients. Next the cake makers are given five minutes to interview the client and get some ideas (yeah right). Then they have thirty minutes to come up with a design, and finally eight hours to put it all together. Like I said, some of these cakes are simply amazing, whereas the one we saw tonight was a train wreck. It was so bad that she tried a gimmick of lighting candles, made up of rum and sugar cubes. Didn't go quite the way she intended, as a stage hand hand to extinguish the fire, which included the cake. Funny thing though, the cake looked better after being extinguished. I'm serious.

The final step of the contest is to carry your creating from your counter where you prepared the cake, to another table, I 'd say about five or six feet away. Yes, some of the cakes have fallen. It's actually quite tragic, especially when you realize how much time and effort were put into making this cake. The cakes are then scrutinized by some very important people in the cake making world, again they see things that I would be like, dude it's a three foot cake, I cannot complain about some minor little thing like the incorrect piping being used. Whatever the heck that even is.

So, here I am, trying to lose some weight, watching the Food Channel.

Isn't America great!

God Bless!

Roger

Silly Saturday

While browsing today...





Continued browsing...




Finally...




Have a great night!

Pitcher Perfect

As a parent, I always worry about my children. It's in my nature. Go figure. Watching my children perform on the stage or in organized sports can be a bit nerve wracking, especially when they are trying something for the first time.

I can remember watching Andy on the baseball diamond, willing him to get that hit, or make that catch and cheering wildly when he did. Same goes for Benjy and soccer, although I do have to

admit that I don't get too worried about him any

more, soccer to him is like a duck to water.

Katie, I mentioned below, about three post ago, you should go and check it out - I can wait.

Back? Pretty cool, right?

Today, it's all about Jessie, my oldest daughter, who is eleven and tries her best, but doesn't always get the glamour. Except when it comes to helping around the house, there she is numero uno! She just started playing softball, last year. Not for a lack of trying, mind you, because she would ask to play, usually about a week after sign ups. She tries hard and has improved greatly over the past two seasons - if I'm sounding like a proud poppa, I am, and I will not apologize.

Jessie can be the sweetest person, but that doesn't always equate to being great when it comes to athletics.

Imagine now, how I felt when I heard that she finally got her coach to allow her to pitch.

Nervous? Heck yeah.

Excited? Sure, you bet.

Proud? Always.

Then Danny went and cut his chin open.

That would not derail the "J-Train" - I just made that up, hope it's okay.

I got her to the game, ten minutes later than intended, and I had to leave to get some butterfly bandages and a treat for Danny (trying to avoid the emergency room, if we can). I asked her coach when she would be pitching. First inning. I then asked if we were home or visitors. Visitors - whew, that gave me an extra ten minutes. I really didn't want to miss this, it was bad enough that her mom was home with Danny, but that couldn't be avoided. I rush to Walgreen's get the goodies, take them home (while being behind every.single.slow. driver) and rush to the game, getting there in time to see Jessica take the mound.

Camera time! Didn't want to miss her first try at pitching.

I didn't.

First pitch. Strike. (great start!)

Two more pitches; one a ball, the other a hit. Pop fly right back to Jessie. She steadies herself, gets her right hand ready, and makes the catch with her right hand closing in on the ball.

Perfect.

Next batter, she hits a grounder, to Jessie, who makes a great play and throws the girl out at first base. Second out.

Six pitches, two outs. Can I say how awesome this was? AWESOME!!

Five more pitches and we have a girl on first base. Sure it takes a little of the luster off, but I swear two of those pitches were strikes. I might be saying that as her parent, but a couple of the other parents thought they were strikes as well.

Two more pitches and we have a grounder to the second baseman, who then throws out the runner at first, and we have a perfect inning. Yes, I know that technically it wasn't perfect, because of the walk, but come on it was perfect. PERFECT.

Jessie hits the ball a ton. When her brothers pitch to her. Unfortunately, she wasn't playing against her brothers tonight. She was on fire tonight. On fire.

First at-bat - walk. She then steals second. Then third. Then Home!!! --- oops! gonna have to work on that slide. Seriously though, that was her only blemish on a great evening.

Second at-bat - a solid grounder that drives in a run, she gets thrown out at first but every run will count tonight.

Third at-bat - a line drive over the first baseman. Drives in another run, gets stranded on third base because her team has scored it's limit in runs.

Fourth at-bat - another solid grounder that drives in a run. She gets thrown out at first base.

A recap. (Mostly) perfect inning of pitching. One for three at the plate with one walk and three RBIs.

In short, her best game. Ever.

I am so proud.

Last game tomorrow, before the playoffs, let's see if she can build on today's success.

Pax,

Roger

Oh, the game? The girls lost in the bottom of the fifth on a wild pitch

Give A Dad A Uverse

And you get posts like this.

Gotta go and play with my new found television experience.

C Ya!

Lots of Ideas

I just wish I had the time to share them with you, because I just know that it would serve all the world's problems, without even trying. I've got dozens of friends,...

Okay, I'll stop. Mostly because I don't want to get Styx to sue me for using their lyrics without recognizing them for their lyrical talent. Plus it was only paraphrasing, honest.

Can you tell that I looked at the clock and realized that I forgot to post something for my Blog365 challenge? I mean I am coming to the halfway point, so there is no stopping me, right? I do have to make a mental/written note that it might be wise to have a few of these bad boys in the tank for future use, especially in about a month.

Anyway, I'm going to bed now. See ya!

It Wasn't Her First

Yet it was just as satisfying.

The Batavia Heat went to Winfield to take on the mighty Winfield Cubs. We're talking David versus Goliath; we are talking first place versus last place; the tortoise and the hare.

You get the point.

No one expected it to be a great battle, and it surely didn't start out as one, as the Heat came up to bat first, and promptly went to the field. There were no runs scored by the Heat in that first inning, by the way why they are named the 'Heat' is beyond me, especially since that is a professional BASKETBALL team, but I digress.

The Cubs came up to bat, and they promptly struck out the side - way to go Kaylee!

Heat came to bat in the second with an air of enthusiasm, and walked the first four batters, which means that last batter doesn't get her walk, but rather has the pressure of being pitch to by the coach. Okay, who am I kidding, the coach is more worried about "striking out" the girls, so much so, that they tend to under-pitch. A lot. That doesn't stop our girls though, as they score three runs.

The Cubs come up, and it's not the best of innings for the Heat, as the Cubs score seven, thanks to their coaches pitching better pitches to their girls, and maybe a few errors in the field by ours. Maybe.

The next two innings are relatively scoreless, as the Heat score three more and the Cubs score three, as well. So now we are sitting at a score of 10-6 Cubs. There are only two innings left and the pressure is mounting. Coaches are sweating out defensive assignments and the fact that they may have to pitch again, while the girls are, surprisingly, quiet. I say surprisingly, because normally they are all singing songs about "beating the ball" and "S-T-R... I-K-E, strike her out, 1, 2, 3."

So you just knew that the pressure was getting to them. Or maybe the cold, or maybe it was the fact that there was no cheerleader to get them going.

The Heat come up in the top of the fifth, and score five runs to take the lead 11-10. The Cubs have their second best pitcher, Cheyenne, on the mound. The Cubs hit a grounder back to the pitcher, and she throws it to first base, where the first baseman drops the ball. No fear, she reaches down and picks it up, and even tags the girl before she gets to the base. One out. Two walks later and they have girls on second and third. Cheyenne then strikes out the next two batters to end the fifth inning.

Top of the sixth and final inning proves to be exciting, yet non-productive, as we load the bases but can't get anyone home.

Final at-bats for the mighty, first place, Cubs. We have our best pitcher on the mound, and you can just feel the energy charging through the park. I think even the birds stopped singing and O'Hare airport changed flight plans, just so the girls could have this moment. What a moment it was too. Two outs, game-tying run on third, and a full count. After fouling off five balls, yes five, Kaylee wound up an extra special pitch. This pitch had more zip on the ball than any pitch I have ever seen of hers. Swish went the bat, and the game was over.

Batavia Heat - 11, Winfield Cubs - 10.

The best part though, was listening to those girls talking in the back of my car on the ride home, they were so happy and giddy. It was great.

Funny thing though, they would have been the same way if they lost as well. I'm sure of it.

God Bless!

Roger

You Know...

Nothing say "satisfaction" quite like a late night Sonic run.

I heard through the Facebook line that Chick-fil-A serves a peach shake. How awesome does that sound? Add a little Amaretto (like one Kalynne Pudner, professor extraordinaire) and you have a nice cool refreshing treat. Now I just need to find a Chick-fil-A up here?

Anyone?

Monday's are great, aren't they?

I get to be poked with a needle and have some of my life source pulled right out of my body. Who the heck invented that torture anyway? Okay, you're right, it's not torture. Unless, of course, you are afraid of needles, then well, it's torture. Me personally, I just don't like it, especially with some of these phlebotomists out there.

Andy is experiencing some rejection, from credit card companies. I can't say that I mind him being away from all of that craziness. You would think he would have learned from his parent's past mistakes. Plus, now he wants the new iPhone. I had to give him another one of those rejection notices. He didn't believe me, so he went to the company across the room, company M, and amazingly heard the same spiel. Andy still wants the new iPhone, and knowing him, he'll get it anyway, say in September when we're a couple hundreds away and he conveniently "forgets" to ask our opinion. Next will be piercings and tattoo's.

Oh and that Goth girlfriend, yeah, that will be fun to watch.

Soccer season ended on a sour note. The boys forgot how to a) kick the ball, b) kick the ball, and c) kick the ball. They were relying too much on Benjy, but when you are triple-teamed, there isn't a whole lot you can do. So he crossed pass after pass, only to see them bounce right in front of his teammate's feat. Oh well, at least they appeared to be having fun out there. Next year I start all over, with Maggie. That should be fun.

No Goth girlfriends though.

Only a weird fascination with late night Wal-Mart and Sonic runs.

There's Nothing To See Here

In-laws are in Florida, and one dog sounds like a truck down shifting while trying to slow down. I kid you not.

Bu-bye!

Today - In A Flash

To music.

Now it's time for bed.

Cold-Filtered Four Times

That's what they do to Miller Genuine Draft Beer. 

My questions, are as follows:

1. Why?
2. How?
3. Does it actual make the beer taste better, than say a cold-filtered three times beer?
4. What's the deal with calling it genuine draft anyway? I mean do the fill the bottles from a keg or what?
5. Does my talking about beer make me lose my "G" rating?
6. Why should I stress out over a soccer tournament, I mean if we win, does it make me an awesome coach, or just put more pressure on me to repeat my feat with Maggie's team next year? Even though Maggie's team will not have a season ending tournament for at least five more years, or is it four?
7. Why does eating a bunch of pretzels, like say a whole bag, may my eyesight go wacky and my head start a pounding? I think the eyesight was going wacky because of the pounding, but still, what's up with that?
8. Do you know how hard it is to break 75,000 points in Bejeweled Blitz(one minute rounds)? Now imagine my surprise when I got over 114,000! I think I shall take this moment to announce my retirement from Bejeweled Blitz, at least until Tuesday, or one of my fierce competitors usurp my standing as numero uno.
9. Yes, I did just slip into a little Spanish. That makes it two, count them TWO, days in a row that I have a Spanish language usage in my blog.
10. What does number 9 even mean?
11. Can this stop, now?
12. Nope.

Now it can.

Pax, 

Roger

Eso Si Que Es

I love coming to this blank canvas all full of the excitement of a new story that is bubbling in my mind, only waiting for it to spew forth and make people happy or sad or glad or even mad.

Unfortunately, I had to fold socks.

I HATE folding socks.

I so dislike the folding of socks that I will make special trips to Target, in search of more socks. I have gone through aisles and aisles of socks only to settle on that one special package of six ankle high socks that I love so much. Oh, some of you may call them booties, but I call them, uh, well, ankle high socks?

Whatever.

I love socks, I do not like to fold them. I think what I have left to fold are all mismatches, so I must go to Target, again. Pretty sure Jenni won't let me though, so I guess I better get back to folding, or something like that.

“A man is about thirty-eight before he stockpiles enough socks to be able to get one matching pair”

~Merrily Harpur

Pax, 

Roger

Rodrigo y Gabriela -- WOW!

I just heard about these two today, and I am amazed at their talent. Enjoy for yourself.






Now I'm gonna have to visit the local library to see if they have a copy of this album. Awesome!

Pax,
Roger

A Test, A Test, My Kingdom For A Test!

I have no idea why I titled it thusly, or why I even just used the word thusly right there. However, if you are game and think you know your news, go and take this test and see how you do.

 

It's only twelve questions. No pressure. I did get 100% on it though.

 

h/t - The Anchoress

 

Pax, Roger

Lucky was Very 'Lucky'

Check out this story - well pictures - from a cat named Lucky and his little adventure.

Time In A Bottle

Many years ago, I had a story idea revolving around a man that had, at once, everything and nothing. I drew up his image in my mind and used a former co-worker as 'inspiration' but the story never really went anywhere because, well, it just didn't.

These things happen ALL THE TIME!

Very frustrating, to say the least. I mean I like to pride myself on writing what I want written and getting it correct the first time. So, when a story didn't pan out  properly, I let it settle in the deep dark recesses of my mind and 'poof' it would be gone.

This story won't leave me alone.

What is scary about the whole thing is that I am now back with said former employer and, you guessed it, working along side my 'inspiration,' who knows all about my one time story from long ago. We laugh about it, and realize that he has changed a lot since then. Whereas he used to be an angrier man, he has now been "born again" and really doesn't get angry like he used to.

Kind of spoils the imagery, if you ask me.

Alas.

(That looks so funny up there by itself, I just thought I would say)

He came back from a short one week vacation with a story from his week. Too funny, but it now needs to be in the book/story. Oh yeah, I still have that one in my mind's eye, especially since it won't settle down with the dust of all the previous dead stories.

Funny how that happens.


Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived. ~ Capt Jean-Luc Picard