June 12, 2010

Summertime

Last week of school coming up, hard to believe that Meredith is finishing up her Kindergarten year already. She's made huge strides all year with reading and writing especially. Most afternoons lately she's been coming home to write a 'book', usually a 5 or 6 pager complete with pictures and binding (OK, it's folded and stapled, but still...). Love to see that her school is fostering that writing mentality. She also took off on her bike without training wheels for the first time a few nights ago. Talk about anti-climactic. She had jumped on a friend's two-wheeler last weekend and managed to get going pretty good, so we took off her wheels on Wednesday and she just took off. No crashes (yet), just smooth sailing. Still not a fluid turner yet, but she's getting there.

Andrew has a balance bike (which has no pedals) but still prefers his trike. He also prefers to find and examine bugs, and by examine I usually mean maiming or killing while trying to pick them up. He's gotten better on that front, though, and we've had full insect occupancy in various jars around the house for the last month or so. Meredith has developed a squeamish I-don't-touch-bugs attitude of late, but she has taken nicely to a more managerial role, directing a very willing Andrew to pick up whatever bugs she deems worthy. It's teamwork at its finest.

No huge summer plans. M has a half-day camp through the park district. Nothing structured for Andrew planned, but there's nothing wrong with that.

In happy news, I ended a full year (actually 54 weeks -- yikes) of unemployment earlier this week. It's a contract job, so that's not ideal from a benefits point of view, but a paycheck is a paycheck. I'm working as a consultant, providing guidance to a company to steer their reporting/BI/data warehouse towards a more efficient and rational process. It's a definite challenge, which is good. I certainly need the income again and have missed the intellectual challenges of this kind of job, but the actual not working/hanging with family/getting stuff done around the house aspect wasn't so bad. Need to figure out a way to get a regular sabbatical like that on a regular basis going forward, but without the pall of impending financial doom hanging overhead. Send any and all suggestions and/or large sums of money my way at your convenience.

February 23, 2010

end of an era

Today *sniff* we got rid of Andrew's crib and moved in his fancy twin bed. We're officially toddler free, I guess. We also have no idea what we've gotten ourselves into. Ever since he was two, we had a crib tent on his tent, which is like a jail cell cute little net that sits on top of his crib. Don't judge. He wasn't staying in the crib and apparently 40 lb leg weights are considered cruel and unusual (I checked). Plus, as an added benefit, he's been malaria free for the last year. So, I like to think of it as a malaria net more than a toddler jail. That's my story.

Anyway, he's damn excited about having a big bed to sleep in. And we're wondering if he'll ever stay in it. God, I hope he stops waking up before 6am.

February 4, 2010

Happy 3rd birthday, Andrew...

...is what I would be saying now if I went back in time two days to Feb 2 which was Andrew's actual big day. But you know how it is, what with the hoopla of the Groundhog Day festivities and the excitement of Illinois primary voting that day, things got out of hand.

Yes, he's three, meaning unless we have any surprise kids on the way, we're officially done with the terrible twos in this household. Truth be told, though, based on the last two days I don't think Andrew read that memo.

We had a low-key pizza-and-cake party here at the house on Tue night with a few friends from the neighborhood. Andrew is in to Super Why, a PBS word maven/superhero. So the official Super Why cape, mask and WhyWriter that he got were big hits. Before he got those official duds, he had settled on wearing one of M's old fairy costumes as his cape, so this was a step up.

His early present to us, more impressively, is that he seems to have finally clicked on the whole potty training thing. He actually is moving on to his third or fourth week now of diaper free days.

Lest you think it's all sunshine and birthday cake here at the Phelps manse, we had yet another major appliance go boots up today. Technically, our washing machine is still working, but according to the guy who came out today to look at it, it's terminal and has about 6-8 weeks to go. So we're in the market for a washing machine. Anyone buy one recently and have a favorite?

And returning to the Illinois voting, how the hell did this guy get elected to anything, much less win the Dem nomination for Lt. Gov. I'm usually wary of stereotyping your typical steroid-taking, massage parlor patronizing, abusive pawnbrokers, but even in Illinois, that's not your usual stepping stone to the Lt. Governorship.

January 27, 2010

the iPad cometh

My thoughts on the iPad that Apple announced today:

• Surprise -- it was over hyped. I listened to a lot of the event and was mostly underwhelmed. Product looks really cool and I can't wait to test drive one. Hell, I'll probably want one. But literally the only 'WOW' moment I had was the announcement of the price. That price range, for what you're getting, was attractive.
• I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that 3G service was relatively cheap and contract-free.
• What was up with all of the iWork focus? Nothing killed the buzz faster than talking about how fun it is...to process words. And create *yawn* spreadshee...zzzzzz. Those apps actually looked OK (and really cheap at $10) but no ones chomping at the bit for an iPad for that reason.
• Blame the hype, again, but there wasn't a real gee whiz technology introduced. Some of the leaked rumors were proposing new multi-touch input methods or tactile feedback, for instance. I suppose I was hoping for something that 'revolutionary' to come out.
• Was surprised and a bit put off by how much of the time Jobs and his cohorts kept reminding us of how revolutionary and magical it was. Seemed hyperbolic. I know they want to fire up the masses, but it didn't mesh with the otherwise pedestrian "it's basically a bigger iTouch" message.

Having been in the market for a cheap laptop or netbook recently (and choosing a laptop), I can say that this has infinitely more appeal than a netbook. I've got to think that even at a higher price point than most netbooks, that's the market segment that will get steamrolled. Netbooks already seemed dinky and underpowered to me. They certainly seemed unfun to use, with their cramped screens and keyboards. Compared to this, they're going to suffer even more on that score.

So overall, I actually liked the device and the price and want to try one out, but it didn't really come close to the hype. No one expects the hype and the rumors to be true, of course, but this ended up being far more modest and incremental than I expected/hoped. Oh well, there's always version 2.

November 18, 2009

Sad news

Those of you who know my sister, Jill, may have known that she and her husband James were expecting a baby earlier this month. Sadly, on 10/29, less than a week before her due date and just two days after a successful checkup, she noticed a lack of movement and went in to see her doctor. They couldn't find a heartbeat. It's hard to describe or imagine much worse news; I know our family is still reeling.

I was there outside Dallas along with other close family and friends when little Camden was delivered stillborn on Oct 31st, just after midnight. He was a beautiful, beautiful boy and we all got to spend some time with him that night. I've never personally been a part of anything that was so heartbreaking and senseless and so awfully unfair. I grieve for my little nephew and for my wonderful Jill and her husband.

The cause isn't clear, but the umbilical cord was around his neck several times, which led the doctor to suspect a cord accident as the probable cause. That's not definitive, though, and not knowing the cause is one extra emotional kick in the teeth.

We know that none of us will get over such a loss, but Jill and James have a strong faith and so far seem to be doing very well, all things considered. During my time visiting with them in Dallas, I and other family members remarked often about how strong they were and we meant it. They were thrust into this awful situation that no one wants to be in and were keeping their wits about them better than could be imagined. Keep them in your thoughts.

On a related and personal note, we became acquainted with a organization called Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep during this time and I can't speak highly enough about their services. They are an organization of professional photographers who donate their time and expertise to provide families going through this heartbreaking experience with professional portraits of the child. They do this at no cost to the family and they did so for us in a very caring and discreet manner. They came to the hospital within an hour of the birth in the middle of the night. They have jumped to the tiptop of my list of organizations when it comes to being donation-worthy. In a difficult time, they truly helped us out in a way that will endure.

I confess, it feels a little weird to put this news out on my little blog which, when I bother to update it at all, is usually full of far less serious matter. But, practically, I've heard from a friend or two who knew she had been pregnant and I wanted to get the word out to those who knew. And more personally, I'm still a proud albeit sad uncle and an even more proud brother and brother-in-law. I simply want to share the news of Camden with those I know.

October 12, 2009

King of Kong...whoa

Watched "King of Kong" on NetFlix tonight, documentary about Donkey Kong champions. Fascinating stuff, but holy crap, I have trouble believing the incumbent champ, Billy Mitchell, wasn't a plant. He was right out of central casting for what you'd expect to see in a man who's reaped the "rewards" of being a video game champ for 25 years. Mullet? Check. Never seen without wearing a wacky theme tie? Check. Over inflated sense of greatness while working in parent's restaurant? Check.

I have a feeling that people who get decked out for Star Trek conventions or Lord of the Ring meetups might feel that these guys (and they are nearly without exception guys) are a little off center.

It was attention-grabbing, though, so check it out if you haven't seen it.

September 30, 2009

M learns puppy love lessons

So, Meredith told Josie a secret sometime on Saturday. Then, within a few hours of that, she let on to me that she had told Mommy a secret but that she couldn't tell me. Top secret stuff, apparently. Then within about, oh, 15 seconds of that, she caved and told me the secret too.

She said she was 'in love with' a boy at school. After suppressing initial thoughts of having a word with the young man to lay down the law, I pretty much just smiled and let her bask in her puppy love "secret".

This never happened in preschool, btw. That was just 3 months ago. What the hell happened? What's in the Kindergarten water?

Anyway, after missing school on Monday because of a 200-or-so degree fever, she came home on Tuesday saying she didn't want to go to school any more. Apparently, she told her puppy love secret to a "friend", who promptly let go of the secret like a hot potato, which led to some nice little schoolyard taunting. M was thoroughly embarrassed and has, I think, learned a lesson about being a bit more careful about whom she shares secrets with.

For starters, I can't be trusted since I'm telling the Internets. When she learns to read better, I'm toast.

September 6, 2009

Milestone week for M

Meredith hits two milestones this week, and thus we do to. First, today is birthday #6 for the wee lass and second, she starts kindergarten on Tuesday. Wow. It's cliche to say time flies and they grow up fast and all of that, and it's all pretty true. But I'm just happy/proud to have such a wonderful little girl, no matter how quickly or slowly it all goes down. It's a treat to watch her turn into whatever she wants to turn in to. And for the record, she currently answers the 'what do you want to be when you grow up' question by saying she wants to be an artist during the day, and a ballerina at night. She's figured out she can do both by splitting up her day cleverly like that.

She's had a good day. Her big party with friends is going to be later in the week, so the chaos is looming. It was kind of low-key today. Around lunch, we had a cake and opened some presents. Her friend from next door got her a fish, which was a big hit. His name is Fiona -- yes, his name is Fiona. Not much concern on M's part for gender-specific names.

Andrew is 2 and a half and into just about everything. He's been into trucks/construction equipment for some time now, but he's been in truck nirvana for the last several weeks. There's a sewer replacement project going down a block from us and it involves 5-7 large pieces of equipment: backhoes, excavators, bulldozers, rollers, you name it, it's there. He's in heaven. We make at least 2 pilgrimages a day down the street to check out the action. He's going to be spoiled when the project is done. Not sure if the Tonka toys are going to cut it for him anymore.

August 30, 2009

No real reason

For no real reason at all I've decided to start writing on this here blog again. And for even less reason, I've decided to start it back up with a relatively boring list of MLB baseball stadiums where I've seen games. Why? Pay attention, I said there was no real reason. Just came up when talking to someone the other day and I wanted to get it down.

Still Open
Astros -- Minute Maid Field
Brewers -- Miller Park
Cubs -- Wrigley
Dodgers -- Chavez Ravine
Giants -- Pac Bell or whatever the hell they call it now
Orioles -- Camden Yards
Pirates -- PNC Field
Red Sox -- Fenway
Rockies -- Coors Field
Rangers -- Ballpark at Arlington
White Sox -- US Cellular

Now Defunct
Astros -- Astrodome
Braves -- Fulton County Stadium
Mets -- Shea Stadium
Rangers -- Arlington Stadium
Yankees -- Yankee Stadium

After putting it on paper, I'm a little surprised at how paltry the list is. I would have thought it would have been higher. I've been to 16 stadiums total representing 14 teams (since I've been to both old and new parks for the Astros and Rangers). With 30 teams, that's right around the 50% mark, but I can do better. I think I need to make an effort to get to some more, pronto. I may have to suck it up and go to Detroit. Ooooh, I just threw up a little in my mouth when I said that.

March 30, 2009

Something to do the next time you're in Tunis

My first cousin, Sam, is starting a program in Tunisia and he's blogging about it. Sounds like it should be a great and unique experience.

March 24, 2009

My thoughts on Twitter, in cartoon format

I can understand the appeal of Twitter, I really can. I've got an account and have 'twatted', as Colbert says. But since I haven't bought into it yet, it's still easiest just to poke fun at it. And this sums it up nicely.

March 17, 2009

Name recognition

Want to know what to get me for Christmas Mothers' Day? Look no further than this.

It's better, all in all, to get name recognition from Olympian/lapsed role model Michael Phelps than from off-the-charts crazy pastor Fred Phelps, aka 'you bring the placards, I'll bring the crazy'.

January 14, 2009

Andrew update

Young Andrew will be 2 in about 2 weeks and I haven't written of his exploits in a while. Shortly before Xmas, he treated us to our first trip to the emergency room here in Chicago. Here's how it went down.

• Add one cast iron dutch oven lid, like this one


• Throw in one toe


• Add gravity and mix together

He managed to pull this lid out of our cabinet and drop it on his toe one morning shortly after I took off for work. Josie heard the loud crash and subsequent crying. It was only after a few minutes when the blood started seeping through his footed pajamas that it became apparent this wasn't a garden variety problem. She tried to stop the bleeding to no avail. Meredith helped; she's never shy about sharing her innate expertise on every subject matter ever invented ever.

When it was clear the bleeding wasn't going to stop, Josie pulled the kids together for a cold and icy stroller walk to the hospital. (We're only 3 blocks away from Children's Memorial here in Chicago.) For good measure, M slipped on the ice about a block from the hospital, so when Josie entered the doors, she came armed with dual crying kids. She called me in the middle of this and so I turned right around from work and met them there about 30 minutes later.

By the time I arrived Andrew was calmed down. The staff at the ER got the foot bandaged up pretty well and then we all waited together for a doc to take a look. At one point, they gave him some Motrin for the pain and I swear they gave about 5 times the max dose the side of the box tells us mere civilians to give. I'll never again angst over whether I went over the recommended dosage by a milliliter or two. And sure enough, something kicked in because shortly after an X-ray (which Andrew took in stride with curious detachment), he fell asleep at 10 in the morning in Josie's arms for the first time in...ever.

To sum up, the end results were no fracture, a bloody mess of a toe and a missing toenail. They had us keep him in a soft bandage for about a week. After realizing there was no serious damage, I half-hoped it might slow him down a bit for the holidays to give us a fighting chance. No luck. Aside from an occasional limp because of the big soft 'cast', he was at full speed. And the word 'bobo' jumped into the number three slot of most common words behind 'momma' and 'daddy'.

And I know what you're all thinking; yes, we now keep the dutch oven safely guarded behind our knife and broken glass basket. We don't want this happening again.

January 10, 2009

Will work for food

I'm suddenly finding myself keenly interested in any Obama job stimulus package. Or maybe my own personal government bailout.

My company's home office in Chicago is being relocated to New York in the summer, meaning me and anyone else not making the move are being laid off as of May 1. Despair and woe are not the overriding emotions, frankly. (that might have been the case with shorter notice and less severance.)

I'm actually handling it well. Given my longevity with the company, I'm in line for a decent severance package if I stay through May 1. Still, after the steady drumbeat of atrocious economic news since last summer, I don't relish looking for a job in this climate. Plus, even after 2+ years in Chicago, my network of colleagues is stronger in NY than here. So one thing we'll be evaluating is whether we want to stay here or make a move. Will obviously depend on how the job hunt goes.

Good times. Send job leads and cash donations.

November 21, 2008

Pray, don't ask me that

One of Meredith's books is a version of Beauty and the Beast. One of the passages in it has one of the characters saying 'Pray, don't ask me that question'. And so, of course, that's now part of her lexicon. We're at the grocery store and I ask her what kind of apples she wants. I get pray-don't-ask-me-that-question as the response, which usually turns the heads of anyone else who overhears. At times like that, I have an Elizabethan damsel for a daughter. She only says it once every 2-3 weeks, but it cracks me up.