3 Wonderful Things

I dragged my four year old to the National Museum of Natural History this morning. We metro'ed in (which he loved because he likes trains) and then walked in the rain (which he also enjoyed because he loves puddles.

Why the Natural History museum? Dinosaurs, of course. He is a typical boy that way, too.

So, over the course of the day he said three wonderful things (wonderful in that I enjoyed them):

1. When the Dark is tired, the Sun comes up.

2. We saw BIG dinosaur teeth, BIG SHARP TEETH that will bite your fingernail off and then you'll bleed so when we see those dinosaurs, that's why we RUN. We run fast. We run into the parking lot and then into the grass and the trees and we hide. We hide from the BIG SHARP TEETH.

3. I love you, daddy.

Vacation

I have been away from work for just about two weeks now. Away from work in a physical way because I have had to remotely access the server once to fix an issue, coordinate for some meetings via email, and lend guidance to a few coworkers via phone and email. Still, all of that only wasted about an hour of my life.

Without work, what does a Parabolist do?

God only knows. There has been a LOT of driving. We (24Crayons, Mr. T, and myself) drove to Dallas, where we spent a few days 'relaxing' with Crayons' family.

My 27th birthday happened to fall within that stretch of a few days. They, along with the aid of Crayons' grandmother and a friend of theirs, set up a wonderful birthday for me. The day began with a powerful massage (that masseuse's hands could apply enough pressure to bend steel, I'm sure).

After the massage, we snacked and rushed about to make it to the Dallas Museum of Art. The museum's major exhibit right now is the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs. It was an impressive exhibit which, sadly, denied photography.

Once we had wandered through the exhibit and perused the gift shop, we dove head first into Dallas commuter traffic to get all gussied up for dinner. They had reserved a table for us at Nana's, a swanky restaurant on the top of the Anatole. The food was delicious and the apple martini's were loaded.

We collapsed shortly after dinner, knowing that the next part of our journey (another drive!) would begin the next morning.

We raced from Dallas to Searcy, Arkansas for the wedding of one very wonderful cosmopolitan, small town girl. Crayons was a bridesmaid and so was very busy with all those things bridesmaids do that men can never know about. Mr. T and I, in the meantime, hung out with the groom and his men.

It was a great ceremony--all the groomsmen were dressed in kilts. The bagpiper was absolutely amazing and everything went off without a hitch (which is as it should be). I wish the best to both of them.

We left the morning after the ceremony to return home. That's where I am now, stretched out on a couch, trying to enjoy the rest of my time off and just relax. Work begins again soon and it'll be the busiest its been all year due to a very large project resting solely on my shoulders.

The Early Bird...

Been up since 4:30 am. I twisted, turned, somersaulted, and did all I could but no comfort was to be had in my bed.

So, I decided to give myself a morning. I drove out for breakfast, nowhere special, just some place with coffee, peace, and enough space to write a bit.

I hand jotted about two pages which is a lot for me to handwrite.

Leaving the diner, I was struck by the empty parking lot of the mall. The sun was just beginning to come up and it was as if the world had been scoured clean. A profound sense of emptiness hit me and I was reminded of all those zombie movies I've ever seen.

Anyway, I've a couple other things to do before I subject myself to "working".

Good morning, world!

Clarity of Night

Hi all. I hope all is well.

I submitted my entry for the Clarity of Night short fiction contest a moment ago. Hopefully, it'll be up by tomorrow (it is titled: Pure Evel).

Everything else is still ... going. Finished up another big project at work and I'm looking forward to the next week or two of refocusing on my "real" job. Still P90X-ing.

P90X - The Workout of Workouts

Wow.  Just, wow. 

 

Started the P90x workout routine tonight and it was very difficult and very fun.  I had a blast despite feeling as if I could only accomplish 75% of the workout. 

 

It triggered a bunch of great memories from the Army. 

 

Of course, I may be weird for enjoying all the manual labor and training they force a person through.  Maybe I'm just an endorphine addict? 

 

Tomorrow's Day 2 of the routine.  Can't wait to see what's in store.

 

Oh, and on a completely unrelated note:  Venture Brothers:  Season Three just kicked off.  Amazing and funny stuff. 

 

Its an awesome week.

Nerd

First, my random thought for today:

If LIFE is what happens when you're making plans, does that mean that refusing to make plans is a refusal to LIVE?

Now for the only tangentially connected topic of today's blog: I'm a nerd.

When I say nerd, I don't mean the classic thick glasses wearing, smarter-than-thou pencil-necked, gawky kid that is the archetypal nerd. Of course, I do wear glasses. Also, I may be smarter than a few people out there. Still, I don't have pencil neck and I'm not gawky (anymore).

What I mean is I am absolutely in love with school. I love going. I love learning things.

Tonight was the first night of my summer course. Its just an accounting course, nothing major. Still, I had fun.

This is a course that I attempted to take last fall. Then, however, I was stricken with an impacted wisdom tooth and missed nearly a month of work and school. I dropped my classes that semester.

Now, I'm attempting to finish the same accounting course with the same instructor. I showed up a little early to class, fully prepared to get the semester underway.

There must be something in those fickle universal cards, though. The instructor never made it because of a medical emergency. The substitute (another accounting instructor) informed us that the university may choose to cancel the course.

Now is the part of my post were I shake my fist idly at the heavens. Someone up there is trying to deny the full enjoyment of my nerdiness.

Le sigh.

Hope all is well out there in reader-land.

Busy Month

I feel that this entire month is just speeding past. It has been packed with illnesses, chaos at work, Aidan's third birthday, exhaustion, and finally goodbyes to one vehicle and hello to another.

Life is rocking along at an incredible pace. (Speaking of rocking, I have mastered Guitar Hero I & II on medium and am about halfway through conquering Part III)

---

Illnesses - Somehow, I've managed to avoid it all. Its cycling around and around and around here. Each pass, I miss it, somehow. I'll credit the glass of whiskey that I have on occasion but seriously, I haven't had that supposed immune-boosting glass in over a week. Maybe I should just accept my immune system is on overdrive.

Chaos at Work - Not the typical chaos either. Additional Chaos stacked on top of the Standard Chaos. I had to fill in as an IT Guy for the last half of this past week. We upgraded our computers to handle our software. Unfortunately, I am more trusted with the desktop machines than the IT Guy, which means all of the work fell on my shoulders.

Still, I managed to have everything switched over and fixed quickly enough (although not quickly enough to avoid some overtime).


Aidan's Third Birthday - Was fun (to the left is a photo from his Birthday Eve with Ely poking her head in to make sure she was included). We chose not to take on anything too trying this year--a good choice for my sanity. It was a simple night at home with dinner, cake, ice cream, gift opening and fun! He loved his presents, ice cream, cake, and not so much the dinner but I believe that is to be expected of a three year old.

Recently, he's also taken to potty-training like a champ. He's only had one accident in the last couple months. AND, he's conquered the very first trial of growing into a young man--that event that is sure to annoy bathroom-cleaners, mothers or maids everywhere--the ability that all women* long for in the wintry season: The act of peeing while standing.

Yes, my son is now a "real" boy. If only I could make sure he never lies...

Exhaustion - A staple of my chaotic and filled existence. Still, I'm feeling it more right now than usual (or at least it seems that way). I think that may just be because my body is fighting off the illness referenced above.

Goodbyes and Hellos - I have had a couple of these in the last month. The most recent would be the trading of my current vehicle for a brand-spanking-new Scion. The clutch had gone in the old car, the timing belt was not keeping the best of time, so, sadly, I had to say goodbye to her. I spent most of yesterday at the dealer (with Aidan in tow) working out the paperwork for a Scion which will hopefully perform very well over the next few years.

As for more personal Goodbyes and Hellos, I caught up recently with my first "real" girlfriend from high school. She and I met up for some coffee a couple weekends back to reminisce and see how each other were doing. It was nice knowing that she's doing well.

It was also interesting to observe the changes between us. We're definitely not the people we were all those years ago; I consider that a very, very good thing.

---

I believe that brings us fairly current with my crazy life. Hope all is well out there in the really, real world . . .

* - I do not really believe that all women desire the ability to pee standing up.

Missed it!

Well, I missed the HNT this week so you'll just have to forgive it. I'm not much in the mood to recycle a picture in an attempt to post this week. I'd rather give you something...original.

So, here we are with a few rambling words from yours truly, instead.

Too much time working this week. Large project has to go out (how often do I find myself saying that anymore. Note to self: Need new catch phrase).

So much time working, in fact, that Mr. T nearly brought dinner to me because he and Crayons thought I wouldn't be home until late-late again. Instead, I gave up work (trying to kick that habit) and set it aside finally at six pm and headed home for dinner.

I also haven't been very thorough with the workout this week. That's something that should improve. It always seems as if Life is getting in the way of "the routine" but perhaps its just an example of my being a gentleman, opening the door for Life, which then distracts from "the routine".

*Sigh* The pains of being human.

At least there's that wonderful excuse of everyone being sick this week (almost deathly ill in a few instances) to toss into that mix. Still, I've managed to slide by the illness this time, it seems. Yes, yes, that sound you just heard was yours truly knocking on wood. ;)

Alright, I fear this is where the rambling ends for the night. There's not a lot interesting going on in my world at the moment (unless you count that looming Shopping Center I'm working on--and I try not to). Hope everything is well out there in ReaderLand.

Until we next meet...

A Long Weekend...

In some manner, utilizing some abnormal definition, this past weekend was a four day weekend for yours truly. I did not technically go to work on Friday. I did not technically go to work today. Instead, I utilized my personal back door to work from home.

Friday, I had to meet with "the competition" and provide my taxi services to Crayons, who needed to drop the kid-mobile off at the dealer for standard scheduled work. So, I provided a vehicle by which Ely could attend school and Crayons could drop off and pick up her vehicle. In that busiest of days, I also spent an hour, maybe two, answering a rash of emails that erupted in my mailbox when something went wrong at work and later making a phone call to assure myself that all had been righted.

The meeting with "the competition" was not anything treacherous, believe it or not. While I am not the most satisfied individual with my career (I do work too much for what I'm paid), I was not looking to backstab my employer. No, instead, I was searched out by these two individuals for another company. Two individuals that, combined, do two-thirds of my current job. They were looking for advice on transferring to a program with which I am unnaturally fluent.

I provided my advice for the low-low cost of lunch at a pleasant, upscale restaurant and we parted ways--with ideas of organizing a get-together for ALL the companies in our area to discuss these same topics. It really would be easier to have everyone on the same page, after all, even though, technically, we're in competition.

Saturday belonged to our bi-weekly [b]Game Day.[/b] My gaming group (who have temporarily, at least, decided to call themselves the "Order of the Burning Stag") rocked the city of Seaquen, hard. Right now, we are playing through the War of the Burning Sky campaign, ran by yours truly, and I'm having a blast. They're an awesome bunch of fun (and perverted) individuals.

Sunday was a day of rest which boiled down to a pursuit of knowledge in the financial realms (particularly regarding my son's financial future and the balancing of current account ledgers), the finishing of Greg Keyes' The Charnel Prince, and a healthy dose of Baldur's Gate II, which Crayons and I play together. Altogether, a good, relaxing day.

Monday was blessed with the appearance by my son, who is just amazing as far as I'm concerned. His daycare provider had taken the day off, so, he spent the day with myself and the T. Clan, running his cars across the floor, practicing his sign language and talking back a little (which ended with both time-outs and spankings, go figure). The child is stubborn--which definitely has been inherited from this Parabolist.

Fast-forward to this afternoon, another Gameday! We picked up right where we left off on Saturday with the group chasing after a hurricane summoning druid/monk. Twice, I worried about a TPK (Total Party Kill), but they managed to pull the rug out from underneath their foes. We finished up book three of the campaign: Shelter from the Storm and they delved headlong into adventure four. Fun!

I've also worked fourteen hours and have managed to read half of Beowulf. It's been a very busy, but awesome, weekend. I hope you've all had the same!

Goodnight...and until next time!

Random: My eyes are bleeding!

Okay, not really bleeding; they're figuratively bleeding. I've been pounding away at some work for about the last four hours--which doesn't include the ten straight hours I worked earlier today.

It sucks but I feel as if I've actually accomplished something. I've managed to navigate the most painful part of setting up a bunch of design standards and its really the last hill I had to climb. Everything else with these files will be downhill from here which means that I may be able to crank out this road design within the next three weeks as requested.

I have a slight headache--but a few sips of whiskey should take that edge off.

I spent part of tonight with my boy. Not enough time; there never seems to be enough time. Sigh. I'm looking forward to Halloween and the first weekend in November--both of which will be spent in his mischievous company.

Also, my birthday is swiftly approaching (this coming weekend). I'll be just a bit older than that cliche spring chicken we all hear so much about. Sadly, because of work, I'm having to rearrange my plans slightly. I'll probably have to pass on what's become a yearly tradition for me: Taking off the surrounding three or four days of work to write. There is just too much work and not enough me to go around (right ladies?). I still may pop out of the office early (or in late), if possible, but my odds aren't that great at this point. But such is life. And I do have a great weekend planned with a bunch of folks in DC...so, I'll get over it.

Not much else is up here on the eastern front. My brother's enlisted and will be marrying his girlfriend this weekend (all very, very suddenly, mind you). I shouldn't comment too much about it--but I wish him more luck than I had in each situation.

HNT tomorrow...I'll see you all then (or you'll see me, rather) ;) Until then...

*Sigh*

I saw my son tonight, briefly, when I was shuttled over to the ex's apartment by Crayons. Because of the vicodin, I've not been driving (which leaves me at the mercy of Crayons and Mr. T). She was kind enough to drive me hither and fro for a bit.

Anyway...

My son (who is rapidly approaching three) threw his arms around me and gave a gigantic hug. I tried to explain to him that I couldn't stay long. He looked at me--with those perfect blue eyes--and asked, "Are you going back to work?" There was no malice there, no sadness, just curiosity in those eyes.

It reminded me of my own childhood. I remember thinking, if not expressly asking, that with regard to my own parents.

I'm saddened tonight and for good reason.

What a week!

What a week.

Classes officially finished up Monday and grades were turned in yesterday. The result: Straight A's. :D (pushes nerdy, taped glasses up onto bridge of nose and gives a smug grin)

Today, my first published bit of writing went on sale!

Its been an amazing week so far (despite my 12-hour work days--even work is seeing a lot of productivity this week). I can't wait for a chance to breathe so that I can just sit back and bask in the accomplishment.

Oh, fall classes start next week. So I should probably bask quickly...

The End is Near...

...I feel it coming closer, ever closer.

The curtains are falling for the summer class schedule of 2007. I just sent my business professor my final test and when I turn in that group project later this week, I'll be done with the class. My exam for statistics is Wednesday, after which I'll be completely without classes until August 21st or so.

I was looking forward to a break...to rest and relax but sadly there is a looming deadline (doesn't it always work out that way?). The deadline is set for August the 20th which means I may end up with a one day break before I begin those fall classes.

At least I manage to keep busy. I'll shoot for having that subdivision done before the 20th...hopefully allowing a little more space to breathe. If I fail at that, though, then at least there's a vacation popping up in September.

I can't wait. I sorely need it.

Hope all of you are well out there (and not too busy)!

Edu-ma-cation

I figured I should check back in before HNT this week. For those of you that don't know me (yeah, there are a few of you out there), I'll give a quick run down of my general life situation: I am a twenty-five year old guy with a two-point-five year old son, a full-time (and then some) job, and recently I returned to school to finish out a business degree.

There are a lot of nit-picky details intertwined in that general statement (e.g. I share custody of Aidan on a weekly basis with my ex-) but I'll not dive too far into those right now. If ever I seem absent from this blog, I warn you now it is probably because of part or all of the above. I will drop in at least once a week for HNT though ;) so you can look forward to a bunch of pics if nothing else.

So, I'm back in school and loving it. Maybe I should have become a scholar... Its a lot of fun being back and meeting a variety of people. Because I'm picking up a few classes at a community college before transferring into a "real" school to finish the degree, I meet people from all walks of life.

There are the Naive-Children (18-20 year olds) that have no idea what life has in store for them. I used to be one of those.

There are the Get-Back-On-Trackers (21-30 year olds mostly) that hit a few detours (children, traveling, etc.) who are finally pulling their lives together and blossoming into "adulthood". That's me now.

There are also a few of the I-Love-to-Learn scholars (any age but most that I've met are in the 30+ range). They're there for the sheer joy they find in learning. Maybe I'll be one of those someday.

For now, I have to buckle down and find a calm center in the madness of my life. If only I can make it through statistics and my Wednesday morning of meetings...

Off to bed with me. I have to be up early for a little DDR. G'night.