The Gift

I just got done watching Biography's show on Andre the Giant. Very cool. As a kid in the 60's and 70's watching Andre was amazing. And, of course like everyone, I loved him as the gentle giant in The Princess Bride. Andre was an effusive individual with a great talent to share, a big gift to make people smile. And, his opportunity ended at age 46 due to the condition that actually made him a giant.

Likewise, though at the same time totally unlike Andre, I've been told that I have a gift - and a big one - to share with the world. No, I'm not bragging, nor am I going to be immodest. It's something that's been said to me since I was young, not something that I just decided. No worries, I'm not the next psycho that has some group thinking they're catching space ships out of town. OK? But, I did want to mention it here.

A big difference between Andre and me is that Andre found out young what his gift was, and was able to pursue it. In me, I think I've always had an inkling, however I've been working on making me a better vessel to share the gift. It seems that until I'm ready mentally, emotionally and spiritually, I'll never see the full expression of my gifting. Oh, have I seen glimpses from time to time? Sure. But it's more like a baseball player that suddenly hits a towering 500 ft home run, then somehow returns to being a punch and judy doubles hitter. Or a basketball player (sorry for the sports analogies) that scores 50 points in a game, then suddenly drops back to scoring 18 pts on average.

But, still, the gift is there. And, I'm here still working it out. I'm excited that I'm getting closer to the day that the big breakthrough will happen, but of course thinking that hey! I'm not getting any younger here!

Having said that, here's my encouragement to you. I and I take solice in this as well. Zig Ziglar hit the big time when he was around 46 years old, about a year older than me. And he's not the only person to gain noteriety in a field, or "instant" success a bit later in life than these folks that hit the big time at 22 or something by founding an internet company. So, hang in there. Don't get discouraged. In fact, God even has his say in the book of Habbakuk where he says to wait on the vision because it will happen in due time.

Keep at it. Keep pushing. Keep growing. Don't stop. You NEVER know what's around the next corner. Don't let set backs keep you back. There is no one that hasn't hit obstacles in life. Push through them. Draw strength from those you love around you. Continue to pour out love. Stay single minded and rejoyce. It will happen. It will come to pass. Believe it to be true, not because I've said so, but because God has said it of you. Then let me know how it comes out, OK?

Peace!

South Beach for LA-LA Land

Well, I mentioned several posts back that I was FAT. Good news is that I'm now only fat. :-) And I feel so much better. I can actually almost get my top button buttoned! Which was needed because I can't go out and buy lots of new clothes right now.

I've been doing South Beach diet - which I didn't find terribly restrictive even in the first phase. Basically, I had to cut out all starchy carbs and hi glycemic index fruits and veggies. The worst part of that was not being able to have my oatmeal for breakfast. I really like having oatmeal with fresh fruit for breakfast. But... now in phase 2 I can again! Ye ha! Phase 2 is really pretty much how I used to eat when I was eating healthily anyway so this isn't really a stretch.

The hardest thing is not having a lot to drink. Alas, I love cola. I don't drink the regular stuff because of the high fructose corn syrup. Nasty stuff. Unfortunately, now with recent information on Sucralose (Splenda), we find that it is also just as nasty. So, there go my cola options. And, even if I were to go to Mexico and get the REAL Coca Cola made with cane sugar (which is SOOOOOOOOO much better) I still couldn't DRINK it because it has sugar. Sigh.

Of course, I can still drink as much water as I want. I can still have green tea. I use Stivia as a sweetener - which is really good, is all natural, doesn't cause your insulin to spike. Now in phase 2 I can also have real whole grain products (not the crappy stuff that you get in the grocery store that claims to be made from wheat that is nothing but whole wheat that is highly processed, colored and infused with high fructose corn syrup) and most of the fruits and veggies that I like.

OH YAH - LA. Looks like I'm going on a business trip to LA. So, it's a good thing that I'm on a diet. To be in the plastic surgery capital of the world and not be in decent shape would be awful. And even better, since I am working out again, I won't be terribly embarrased to wear a t-shirt. At least not too much ;-). But I'll be going out there a good bit over the next 2 months, so I'll be able to get down to fighting weight by the end I imagine.

To wrap, I guess I'm making some progress. I've lost at least an inch and a quarter off my waist. My face looks thinner (which I was really surprised at because usually at this weight I think it looks pretty chubby!) Most importantly, because of phase one I'm out of that terrible chocolate chip cookie craving that I was suffering from (what do Chips Ahoy put in those cookies? I swear, the stuff is the food version of crack), and I feel WAY better. So, we soldier on!

THIS is THE Day

This is it. This is the BIG one. THE holy day of holidays, the day which without - the other holy days and/or holidays wouldn't make a difference.

This is Easter - the day that Jesus, fully man and fully God, rose from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit and defeated death and hell. There it is: game, set and match.

Without this day, Christmas is just Saturnalia - the ancient Roman winter holiday where they gave gifts. Without this day nobody would have cared enough to note the life of an obscure Jewish Rabbi, born in an obscure town who actually claimed to forgive sins and have life in himself. Actually, they would have thought he was a lunatic... but, then this day happened.


So, my question to you reader is, do you know Him? This nondescript rabbi (he was said to have no form that would make him out of the ordinary - he wasn't a rock star looks wise) who healed the lame, gave the blind sight and even raised people from the dead. Do you know him? He's still alive. His life is imprinted across almost everything in our modern world. His message - LOVE - is the most progressive and most needed solution that our digital age desires.

This is the day. Easter. This is the day that Jesus set his stamp for all humanity to see. Tell you what, take a look at what he had to say. Don't just take the word of someone that doesn't know him or thinks they're too smart or rich or poor or miserable or WHATEVER about what he is like. Find out. Don't just look at the Christian church - they (including me) are just other people as flawed as yourself that have found out who HE is and are trying to allow his power to work through them. But, they're all just people who are taking it day by day. Find out about him. Read his book. Heck, just read a couple of chapters - and make them the ones that have all the red print in them - his words. Words of life. Words of liberty. Words of salvation - and who doesn't need to be saved from something?

This is the day, rejoice and be glad in it. JESUS is RISEN!

Life is Good

I'm sitting on my love seat next to my wife, who's just fallen asleep after nursing Sophie - who is also asleep on my wife's lap. My other three girls (10, 8, 3) are playing happily with a friend using a toy that my 8 year old just got as a gift for her birthday.

The sun is shining, I'm listening to my iPod, doing a once over on something I need to deliver tomorrow and getting ready to do a mini-multimedia thing for a friend while I'm taking notes for a podcast.

I have a job through this week, I've lost some weight, we have great friends. Man, God is good and so is life!

Yo! We've got a HOT one tonight!

OK. So, yo, check it out! Dog pound, we've got a hot one tonight! This is my friend Veronica (who I met at MacWorld Boston) last year. And I can say "I knew her when..."

Well, not only is she a hottie, she's got some good stuff in the video too! Check it out :)

http://reviews.cnet.com/4660-10165_7-6484023.html?tag=cnetfd.ld2

Mandisa - The Best Idol to Ever Go Home Early

And it isn't even a contest. I don't really think anyone in the audience even believed it.

There were the no talent Bucky and pretty boy Ace, along with everyone's favorite ditzy blond Kelly Pickler with their FAR less capable butts planted in chairs in safety. Out on stage stood two of the most talented singers in this year competition, and probably in the top ten of all the 5 seasons. And, at the announcement there was nothing but boos, for a moment, then you could have heard a pin drop. Everyone was stunned. The judges, the other contestants, the audience. It was WRONG.

This girl should have been in the top 5 and maybe top 3. She brought it every week, performed brilliantly and had vocals to match.

Fracking Vote for the Worst dot com should be blown up. The moron (forgive me for my vitriol by the way) over there is doing his best to screw up the competition because he believes that it's controlled by Fox. It's so obviously not! Look at the results of the past seasons, even the first one, where Tamyra Grey was voted off before the final three when most people expected it to be her and Kelly Clarkson at the final. DOLTS!

And yes, I'm PISSED. I'm a singer. When I sing I work at it, I put my best into it. Just like these people on the show. And this dinkweed over at Vote for the Worst as his little way of playing demi-god is screwing with these peoples lives. You know what, it's not just wrong, it's immoral. How about if we go to his boss and just talk smack to him before the next review. See if we can cost him what he wanted, like a raise or promotion. Think he'd be so smug? No. He'd be barking mad - and he should be. But at the same time, he's totally screwed people out of their dreams because of his site and little band of malcontents that figure if they're miserable they should make these people that have put their all into the competition miserable too. Well done you complete GIT.

Mandisa, I love you honey. I'm SURE that you have standing in the center of your God's will for you and it will work out to the good! Jer. 29:11

Microserfs = Waist of Time

OK. So the first and only book I ever finished reading (because I'm a completest), then walked to the trash can and threw out was The Bretheren, written by John Grisham. Not that it wasn't fairly well constructed, but it was completely useless.

The second was this one, Microserfs, which I didn't even really finish reading, I just skipped to the back to see if there was any interesting thread that I could pick up that might make it worth while to go back and finish for. NOTHING. A complete waist of my time.

I guess I'm fairly unusual in this. Seems that the author sold enough of these to get a deal for another book that he's releasing now called Jpod. Gracious, if it's this bad I'll use it before my next dentist appointment and save on the drugs. Great concept for this book, but OH, the writing was SOOOOO bad! And still, it could have been sooooo good. If you've seen the IT Crowd, imagine that, except for completely not funny or interesting. There you go. And there it went - straight back to the library. For once I was actually happy I DIDN'T buy a book.

The 2nd Useless Book of a Lifetime

Yup. I just got "done" reading it. I guess you could say I read it anyway. What a waste of paper. Seriously. Some poor tree had to die for this piece of crap to live. Unreal. I'll tell you what it was later today (just in case anyone really cares) when I'm not asleep (which I should be now at 1:50 am).

Geesh. What a waste!

American Idol vs. Nashville Star

"(speaking of the Dixie Chicks and their comment about being ashamed the President was from Texas to a Country Music fan base) you have to recognize your audience is Patriotic. Saying something like that to Country Music fans is like grabbing a bull horn, going to a trailer park and saying 'Wal-mart Sucks!'" - Larry the Cable Guy

And it's almost in really understanding those comments (not about the President, that's proving out to be pretty true, you just shouldn't be stupid enough to say it when you're out of the country) that you really understand the difference in the two competitions.

American Idol (which was pretty bad tonight - with the exception of Mandisa and Katharine McPhee, even Chris and Elliot didn't have great nights and while Paris displayed her great voice, her song choice and gyrations were better left for a more mature audience - not my 10 and 8 year old!) is a singing competition that requires performance and loves folks that connect. It brings in a more diverse crowd and tonight Simon actually ripped Chris and Mandisa for being self-indulgent in their song choices by going to their music choices (Creed-heavy rock? and Mary Mary-CCM/Gospel). There's a lot more sparkle and a lot more broad fan appeal required. You need to be able to reach across a wider spectrum, a diverse audience (possibly more cosmopolitan) and make the connection.

Nashville Star (which was pretty good tonight both vocally and performance wise) is more of a performance (to me) competition that requires vocals (and a few folks have great voices) by someone who can really resonate with a Country crowd.

It's the difference between the crowds that consider a quality day out shopping being Wal-Mart and Home Depot vs Target and Ikea. Anything wrong with either? I hope not, I've spent days doing both (though I prefer the latter). But, it's just different crowds. At Idol shows half the crowd doesn't know the songs (my wife and I certainly don't know the large majority of them), at Nashville Star the whole place is singing every word. It's the masses voting for someone that is going to pass from their memory within 12-18 months probably vs a community voting for someone that holds their sacred traditions and whom they're going to welcome into their homes and lives for the next 30 years or so.

They are both great competitions and I like watching them for different reasons. I think it's easier for me to pick the Nashville Star final three than the AI final three this year (though the final five will be: Mandisa, Chris, Katharine, Paris and Elliot), and I've probably got a better guess at the NS winner too. But boy are they different shows.

Of course, NS might be pulling at my heart strings because I used to live in the South and I miss a lot of the southern culture (trust me, if you haven't lived there you just don't get it. Boston might as well be a different planet.) and I REALLY miss the (a) warmth, and (b) barbecue! (that is PORK for all you damn Texans!) Still, they're different for sure. Why don't you check them both out and let me know what you think?

I Am FAT

I was going to start this post with a picture of disgusting fat. Unfortunately, I didn't want to take a picture of MY fat, and I couldn't find one that was just something like 20-30 lbs of chicken fat on a platter. And, would you belive that just typing "fat" in Google brings up semi-porno pictures? Well, I guess breast tissue is mostly fat. Gesh. And that's with the filters on.

Anyway, I'm doing this posting one time, one time only. This morning - especially because today I'm getting fit - I wanted to weigh myself and measure so I could have the high water mark to compare against for when I loose all the weight I need to so I can be healthy again. I got on the scale and it said - "Hey lard ass, this ain't a frieght scale!" When I looked down, of course having to move my head out so I could actually see my toes, I saw that I weighed in at a whopping 190 pounds! Holy crap! That is the MOST I have EVER weighed. EVER.

I know, some of you may be thinking "wow, is that it?" But I'm only 5'7 1/2". I like to be around 160 or so, 170 at the worst. At that weight I'm not Mr. ripped abs or anything, but you can still tell I have a shape. But 190? Oh MY WORD.

It was yesterday that pushed me over the top. I was at my mom's house and I was trying to do something and my stomach kept getting in the way. I was getting pretty ticked off. So, I decided that as of today (Monday morning), I was returning back to fitness. So you have to hear the kicker.

Virtually my entire life I've been a fitness and health buff. Sure, I love my chocolate, but it's always been in moderation (and besides, dark chocolate is good for your heart!). The reason why is because after loosing a decent amount of childhood blubber (more affectionately known as baby fat), and then watching my father have 4 heart attacks, have a stroke, get put on strict diets, take a gazillion pills a day - and watching my mom go on equally strict diet for high blood pressure and cholesteral, I decided that what happened to them was not going to happen to me. I wanted to live long, and live well. And, starting around age 16 or 17, I was Mr. Fitness. Ran cross country in college, in the gym 3-4 times a week. Sure, I put on some weight right after I got married, but soon after I was back down to my fighting weight again.

Anyway, the kicker. So today I'm talking to my wife and she's telling me that my mom was talking with her yesterday and saying that her (my mom's) doctor was mentioning to my mom that her kids need to be careful because of all her (and dad's) medical history. BOOM. There you go. The PERFECT reminder of why for the majority of the past 30 years I've been a bit of a health nut.

So, as always, today began the first day of the rest of my life. Which is good. I gained the weight this time for a unique reason, I'll say that. It was the first time I was just so comfortable with myself and my wife and my family, just so content that I didn't feel that manic need to work out. THIS is actually a good thing. However, now I have to remain content as I was but get back in shape so that I can keep playing with my kids!

So. Today, in this post I started by saying "I Am Fat," but now I end the post by saying "I Am FIT." It's one letter that makes a huge difference. I'm fit. I'm back to doing 100 hindu squats a day, back to doing 25 or so hindu pushups, back to doing a bridge, back to doing hand stand pushups, back to kicking butt in a 45 minute plyometric/yoga/cardio workout that tones and sculpts those abs baby!

I am daddy, hear me roar! I'm the rolling around on the ground, jumping up and down, crawling around, throwing kid up in the air fitness dynamo that my kids have always known me to be. I'm the fit and fabulous husband for my incredible wife. I'm the energetic, clear minded, quick witted business force that I was created to be.

I Am FIT.

OK, OK! You want to see why I'm busy and not posting?

Here she is, one Sophie Mae. This isn't THE best pic, but I have more! Just let me know and I'll post the links :)

I Am Blessed (Yah, again)

Hmmmm. Well I guess I could be writing this post about the fact that my wife has had our 4th baby - but I'll do a separate post for that. After all, that is a major blessing!

But, this post is about the firewire drive pictured with the post. Yes, a firewire drive. You see, this firewire drive just arrived at my door step - 2nd day delivery - sent from someone that I've never met in person and how has forbidden me to say anything! Well, I won't mention their name or any revealing data, but I am still going to say THANK YOU.

Yah, this is a 250 gig, 7200 rpm firewire drive AND enclosure. I'm not sure that this is the exact one - but you can see the basic configuration here.

How did this happen? Well, I was just chatting with this person the other day, asking a question about my iPod, mentioning that I was running out of storage space. So, this person told me about a special over at OWC (http://macsales.com) and I said, yah! wow. That's nice. But... I've been out of work for a bit and now that I've got a short gig we have other things that we're focused on paying ;-) No worries. I can make due, I was just juggling some things around, burning stuff to some DVDs. No problem! We chatted for a few more minutes then I had to run to hang with my chicks.

So, next morning I get a IM saying - hey, I just sent you a little gift. I thought, cool! That's sweet! Then the person told me WHAT it was. I was blown away. And really, left without the appropriate means to say thanks. And I just thought I was getting the drive - especially since I have an enclosure (being used for my current 80 gig backup - I just figured I was swapping it out).

Today, the package comes (a day or so sooner than I expected), and there is the complete package - including the enclosure as well! Holy Moley Batman!

So, thus the post. Amongst the embarrassing richness of blessings that I already have, including a new short gig, a new very healthy baby, a healthy wife and three other healthy daughters, a roof over our heads and food in the fridge - I now have a wonderful amount of storage so I can do full backups of all my critical systems. Geesh, God is good ain't he?

And so, to the un-named person, again thank you so much. I appreciate your kindness and generosity more than I can say!

The iPod (with Video) Life

So, I dropped of Halle at her sewing class and really did't feel like driving 12 minutes each way from my house just so I could have 15 minutes at my desk. What did I do? Why I watched the IT Crowd on my iPod with Video sitting in my BMW Mobile studios. Should I have done a podcast? Yeah, maybe, but I didn't want to. By the way , it was a great episode :-p

Why Can't I get a Cell Phone Like This?

Yah, why can't I? Why can't Sprint get something like this? I love being able to check my e-mail (via Gmail on the browser), I like being able to send text or IM if I want to. I don't want a word processor or anything else. So, I want a phone that has a keyboard. Is that so hard? See, this is why GSM phones are so cool, pop out the chip, put in yours and you're good to go. Damn. But I had to go sign up with Sprint again! ARGH.

Sigh. Well, it's something to look forward to when I need to have a new cell phone number :-)

The CORE - Part 2

So, why do I think this is a geek movie? Well, it's not just a technical geek movie, it's a science geek (OK, so maybe it junk science), computer geek, conspiracy theory geek movie. And, it's fun.

Plot? Pretty thin. Twists? One, kinda. Eye candy? Sure, the lead male and female are both attractive. Oddly, the males get way more naked than any female (ok, one guy takes off his shirt - but it is opposite of the way it typically done and YES! I'm grateful! Not because a guy takes off his shirt, but because a female doesn't!) Cool gadgets - yup. Improbable story? Completely. But, it was fun.

So, it's on FX again this week, set your Tivo!

l8r

My Geek Life -Part 2

So, I finally got to a keyboard. I probably would have posted more from my phone, but to be honest it takes forever to even type a sentence! It makes me long for a Treo 650 of my own to have. But, not really. I actually want something that's a hybrid of my phone and the functionality it has (so a very limited OS) and a full keyboard. Maybe that's more like a Sidekick or something?

Anyway, that's a topic for a different post.

So, I was in the "can" at church Sunday morning having arrived well before the time that we needed to be there for our sound check (for those of you not really familiar with me or the blog, both my wife and I are in the band at church) and, lo and behold I had to use the potty :-) Anyway. I'm sitting there on the throne I've got my iPod in my ears listening to some worship tunes getting ready for service and I'm reading my e-mail (read: Gmail) on my cell phone. I'm thinking, how geeky is this? Sure, the church has a wifi network and I could be using my PowerBook if I was out somewhere in the rest of the building, but I was in the bathroom for goodness sake!

So, there it is. I'm a connection geek. Electronics in my ears, checking e-mail on the phone WHILE I'm in the can at the church. Lord help me!

More to come!

The CORE

this Movie Is A Bit of a geeks dream.

--

My Geek Life

I'm sending this post from my phone. It's something I've thinking
about all day. Something only a technorati geek like me would worry
about. I'll tell you about it when I get back to a real keyboard. l8r,
Z.

--

You won't believe this!

So, I got this in the e-mail the other day.

Hi,
I read your blog about being a metrosexual dad and it was hilarious. I work for a television show on ABC that I think you might be perfect for. Please call me or send me your info and I will call you. I would love talk with you more about the show!
Best,
Nicole
Nicole Ford
Associate Casting Producer
RDF Media
New York, NY 10001
(212) 404-1470

ABC Television is looking for Metrosexual Dads!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking show. ABC television is looking metrosexual dads to be featured on an upcoming show. The show will give viewers a humorous glimpse into a day in the life of a metrosexual dad.
Families (two parents and at least one child at home) must live in the U.S.
Please send photos of family along with 2 contact phone numbers and a brief description of why this family should be picked to appear on ABC primetime show and have your story told.

To apply or get more information contact:
(TEL:) 212-404-1470
(EMAIL) nicole.ford@rdfusa.com

Contact Nicole if you thing you've got the metro-stuff to do it! Shanna and I can't be on the show because she's due in 2 weeks :-)



Vote for us at: Podcast Alley
Contact info:
e-mail: phillymac [at] gmail.com
voicemail: 206-202-W00T

Peace out!

Damn Strange Brew

This is the oddest weather I can remember in my 40+ years in New England, where the local saying is (especially in RI where I grew up) "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute." This week it's literally that wierd.

Sunday: Blizzard


Wed/Thu: mid-50s. Mostly sunny.

Saturday Night: 5 degrees. No, not celcius, Farenheit!

Go figure. Of course, it just flows with the rest of the winter or lack of it. Not that I mind it being warm! I love it, but it's been really odd.

Absolutely Scary!

There is no other way I can describe it. Here I am, a respectable tax paying father of four, married for 13 years, in good standing in my local church. A Reagan Republican (converted in 1984) and suddenly I'm looking at a web site that I can't believe I'm letting my eyes see!

But before I tell you which site that was, I can tell you that I'm not ashamed. Stunned yes, ashamed no. And, I should give you a bit more background.

I started listening to a new podcast called Electric Politics (http://electricpolitics.com) a couple of weeks ago. Man! This guy has some of the most amazing guests you can imagine. Because of listening to his show, I've also checked out some of his blog postings as well. Because of that, I've followed some links and read up on some of his guests. And THAT was how I ended up on this completely scary site.

So, where was I?

Believe it or not, I was looking at a site that is the web presence of a magazine that Michel Moore used to edit. Can you say "unreal"? No. Please don't give any credit to that blathering idiot that makes "documentaries" that are 2% truth and 100% horse crap. Yes, there is truth, but he twists it all so badly it can barely be recognized. If anything give credit to the magazine that bounced his fat butt and got on with the rest of their lives.

And what magazine's web site was that?

Well, it was one that was featuring an interview with a guy by the name of Ray McGovern who had posted an article on the Electric Politics site. Great post by the way, especially considering it was written by a former spook and what it said. The interview I read was pretty good too. Yes, I even largely agreed with it! On this web site too.

The site I found myself reading the interview at was Mother Jones. The amazing thing was that they actually were featuring someone that isn't just a left-wing whacko that thought that Dean should have been president. That caused me to look at the site a bit more. Does this mean that some more liberal minded sites can actually look to the middle? Or was this something that was an aberation because they just liked the person's position because it helped the left?

Well, my jury is still out on that one. But I will say this. I didn't completely see all bashing of everything conservative. Which, I admit, was a change. Don't get me wrong. I didn't say they didn't bash this administration - which the longer it's in power the more bash worthy I think it is. And yes, I voted for Bush, twice. And, as scary as that is, being that I live in MA where John Kerry is my Senator, I still think that I made the right decision. I still think that Bush * could * have been a good President. At this point, unfortunately, I don't think he will be. In fact, he may be a horrible President and I'm thinking that he probably should be impeached. Given the choice today would I vote for Kerry? No. I probably would have written in a name on the ballot. But boy, does this really show the need for a third party (at least!) in our country.

At the end of the day, I recommend we all pray. Pray that we don't go into Iran, pray that this administration doesn't trash our Constitution (which it is in the process of doing - almost as badly as the New Deal did), pray that we make it through the next two years without seeing the US totally ruined. Oh, and pray for a great leader in 2008. We need one and I don't see anyone out there in either party that inspires me.



l8r!

OH! The Humanity of it all!

Or maybe it should have been the irony of it all. This is what happens when I try to play the MacWorld keynote address on my PowerBook. As long as I've had a Mac (since December 2002) it's always been the same. Go figure. It's the only thing that has never worked like it was supposed to on my Mac.

Go to the Hip, take a Left

For all of you who avidly follow my blog posts (both of you ;-)) sorry I haven't posted anthing. Goodness knows enough stuff is going on. The problem was that I couldn't sit at my desk to type. Once again, my lower back or more acurately, my left hip went so far left it was almost on the left coast. And I live just outside Boston.

It was seemingly innocent actions - just playing with the kids. I was goofing off and picking up Bayley by her ankles and I just heard this POP. And then... PAIN. I've put out my back before. Lots of times. But this. Holy moley. I was in agony. I couldn't do anything. And I've even been completely layed up too. But with my hip out it was just realy outrageous. I've even had my shoulder separated (I've needed two surgeries to keep it in place) so I know pain, but yikes. Oh, OK. When I had the surgery I had a morphine drip - but that's different (and lovely I might add, it's easy to see how people get hooked on the stuff when they're in pain, I know that it was the only thing that touched the pain the first 3-4 days after the surgery).

So anyway, that's why I haven't been here. Thanks for stopping by though. Don't forget to check out the Metro Moment, got some good stuff coming up!

Peace!

Black Saturday: Pat's Give it Away to Broncos 27-13

On a day when the defense was mighty and valiant, on a day when the offensive line owned the line of scrimmage, on a day when a tight end ran 100 yards from across the field a mile up in the atmosphere to cause a fumble by catching a cornerback from behind - on this day, the reigning champs became next years hopeful contenders.

On a day when the Patriots dominated the Denver offensive line like no one expected - for the first time since 1999 - the Patriots sent themselves home by repeatedly shooting themselves in the foot. In fact, they almost ran out of feet to shoot.

And so, the quest for the three-peat ends, not in glory but in missed opportunity. Not in an epic fight to the last, but a comedy of errors. But for this comedy, no one was left laughing.

Now, we - like so many fans in so many other cities - find solace "Wait until next year!" But still, we have great hope. The king is dead - long live the king!

Oy! Have I got a headache!

And no, my wife didn't ask me if I wanted to have sex. Hell, even if my head was coming off my shoulders I'd say yes to that. In fact, I can only think of once in the 13+ years that I've been married when I did say no to sex. What was I thinking of?

Anyway, I digress, which may or may not be a symptom of this headache. Man, I feel like someone is trying to separate the front of my head with hooks in my sinus. Yes, I've taken everything. Natural first, then pharmaceutical. Nothing is helping. Augghh.

Sorry, don't mean to be a kvetch, but I just had to say it!

Other than that, and my new and desperate desire to have a new 1.83 Ghz $2,499 (plus the upgrade to the hard drive and ram and the Apple Care) MacBook Pro - I'm doing great.

Just one note - and maybe someone out there that as a new 30 gig iPod with video can tell me - does the battery life on this thing suck or is it just me? An no, I'm not talking about with video. I've gotten about 2 1/2 hours (all of Star Wars III - Return of the Sith) played. It's just listening to music and or podcasts. Damn, seems I've always got the thing plugged in to recharge. Or maybe that's just me.

The Phone is Dead... Epilogue: Monkey Call

So. It's the day after I've gotten my second new phone. I'm at the mall with the girls to do a last minute Christmas shopping for the fabulous Shanna and I decide to stop by the Sprint booth to get a couple of questions answered and get a cable they forgot to give me.

While I'm standing there my phone suddenly rings. Thing is, it's a private line and I've got no idea who might be calling me. So, I pick it up and do my best "official business like answer," and in reply I get this...

------------

Voice: "Hello, may I speak with Phil?"

Me: This is Phillip, how may I help you.

Voice: Hello Phil, you've been sent a monkey call by Mark. Are you ready for your monkey call?"

Me: Ummm, sure, I guess.

Voice: Woooo, hooo, hoo, eee, eeee, (me: silly grin) ahh, ahh, ooo ooo (etc.).

Me: Stunned silence.

Voice: That was your monkey call. Did you enjoy it?

Me: (Still a bit dazed). Uh, yah, I guess so. It was a little bit hard to understand what he was saying, but yah.

Voice: Great. Have a good day.

---------

Is that the most absurd thing you've heard today?

Here's the link if you want to send one to somebody: http://www.monkeyphonecall.com/

Peace!

The Phone is Dead... Part III

So, as we rejoin our intrepid hero, he is joyfully using the new Sanyo cell phone with the camera, camcorder and decent web browser...

And so it went. I was taking pictures and movies of everything in sight. Hey, it's fun when you have a camcorder with you. That and I had pictures for all the people in my address book set up and everything. So, I decided that I finally needed to try out my car charger (being the phone was down a bar or so and I was heading into the office...

ZZZZZZttt.

Ummm. Phone? Phone! PHONE! Nothing. Not a sausage. D.E.A.D dead. What the bleep is that about! I'm using the bloody charger that the people at the Sprint store gave me. Oh man. And I'm almost as fried as the phone was - and it was my last day of work and I was killing myself to finish a project. AUUUGHHHHHHH!

So, I got out of work about 9:30 or so, drove home and on my way past the mall that is only a mile from my house (tell me that isn't scary with four girls that can currently shop and one more on the way!), I took a right into the parking lot to go check it out. And for sure, it was fried. The guy at the store (the manager even) had no idea. Hadn't even seen it like that before! Of course. Only for me. :-p

The good news is that they gave me a new phone. No problems, here you go. The bad news was that I had to start populating all the damn phone book and pictures and the like all over again! ARRGGH! What a pain that is. Sigh. But I had a phone again and at least that made me relatively content (though I really want the EV-DO phone that is the next step up - but obviously while I'm unemployed I can't get that for another hundred bucks!)

So, there's the saga. Well, most of the saga, there is an epilogue... :)

After Christmas Pics

Just a quick two for ya. These were from Christmas night after we drove back from my MILs place. Believe me, these two wore themselves out!

There are days...

Like today. So, if you're thinking bright happy post... skip this one!

No, it's not that I'm angry or disgruntled. In fact, I may just be fine but I have a headache and my sinus' are acting up which always gives me that "blech" kind of feeling. Or, it could be that I'm just a bit depressed.

NO. It's not the post holiday thing, if anything, it's the lack of revenue thing. Now, before you all go sending me encouraging recommedations and the like: DON'T. I'm really OK. People are allowed to be a little down on occasion. OK? It's normal - I think ;-)

It's just that this time, for the benefit of all you readers that actually like to see a post when someone isn't all up and chipper, I'm posting. Hey, it's a real emotion. You know? And, I'm having a icky kind of morning. You know, more money going out than coming in, snowing and sleeting outside, not a lot of job postings yet (it's only the 3rd of the month, they won't really start to pick up usually until the middle of the month). I still have to get the oil changed on my wife's van and my car. You know. Life kind of stuff.

Of course, before anyone gets the impulse yet again to send me an encouraging word, I know that I have a lot going on in my favor. I've got a great family, a loving wife, a good skill set and most of all a loving God that's promised to take care of me. That's the abbreviated version, so, it's not that I've lost perspective. It's just that right at the moment I need to breathe this crap out, then get focused on all the good stuff. Then, I need to DO IT.

I'm great at reading stuff, getting all ramped up and ready to go... somewhere around 11:30 at night. Then I go to bed, then get up, feel icky all over again and need to start the process again. Nope. Not this time. Today I'm actually taking the bull by the horns and I'm attacking the stuff now. Not waiting till later. Here, now, back to the focus and onward and upward.

But, just for a moment, this was my breathing the negative out. This was my expressing - damn! this sucks. Hate to do it to my wife, it impacts her a lot. Of course I don't want the kids to know, they're kids and I want to let them be. But for all you folks out there - here you go. Unvarnished MacPhilly. :-)

Now I have to go kick some butt and take some names. My destiny is still out there waiting for me!

Whiter Brighter Teeth - Uncomfortably in Just 7 Days!

Yikes! Check out those blue covered teeth. As I type, that's what my mouth looks like. Man, I'm enjoying the cleaner, brighter teeth - BUT I'm not thrilled with this particular process.

Now, in fairness, this is the generic Target brand whitner not the more popular (and more expensive) Crest type. So, it isn't the nice easy clear lightweight strip, rather it's more of a mouth piece with gel alreay there and you kind of stick them on your teeth. Are they working? Yah, but it's 30 minutes twice a day. And my tounge tingles for a good bit afterwards from the whitening gel.

Still... my teeth do look nicer. My only regret is that I forgot the before pictures! So, now off to the sink to take the whitener off and hit the hay. Man I'm tired!

Driving in a Winter Wonderland

Howdy all,

Happy January 1, 2006! It's the new year and this morning everything got a fresh white coat - of snow. It was pretty driving to church for sure! Now unfortunately the real snowy season starts here where I live. Three months of snow, wait till the big ones come!



For now, it was pretty and easy to deal with. I'm praying that it stays that way!

Happy New Year!

Well, at least here in the North East of the USA it is. By the time I finish the post? I'm guessing 1:20-1:25.

So. What's this year going to be like? That's my question. The answer? Exciting, amazing, a total adventure, difficult and enough to make me soil my drawers.

2006 is a year of vast opportunity for me. In fact, I see more things happening in 2006 than have happened in the past two years easily. No. It's not just that baby number 4 is on the way. It's more than that.

For me, 2006 is the year of the Tiger. No, it's not the Chinese year of the tiger, but it is my personal year of the tiger. You see, 2006 is a do or die year. It's a year that I either push the doors open (more like kick them open) or I pack it in and I live a quietly desperate and unfulfilled life for the rest of my days. Oh, sure. I would still have my wife, girls and home - but I wouldn't be doing what I KNOW I'm supposed to do.

And that, ladies and gents, is the reason why 2006 is going to be so difficult. 2006 is the year that the butterfly needs to push his way out of the cocoon or die. I've either got to do or die.

I'd love to give you more examples of why this is so, but for the moment I really can't put it all easily and clearly into words. But I will say this. I know that I've been pushed to this moment. I know that I must have the courage to push through it. I know I must have the love, the patience, the endurance, the self-control and discipline to see it through. And that is my goal. To do the things that I need to do. To be focused on what I need to do. To get it done.

No excuses. No regrets. No what could have, or should have beens. Do it or die. That's where I stand.

And, my hope for you my gentle friend, my kind reader is the same. Not exactly the same because you won't have all the things pushing you, you may not have the divine ultimatum that I have this year. But I do hope that for you, this year that you set your goals and go after them with gusto. Keep them before you. Don't stop reaching for them. And most of all, enjoy the entire journey to get where you're going!

Till next we meet - Shalom! And MAKE it a great new year.

The Phone is Dead... Part II

And so, we continue the saga...

But, before we do, I'm letting you know now that there is a Part III! Yup, I'm doing a trillogy! Not on purpose, but it is the way things happened! And now, back to our story.

So, the phone is dead and I need a new phone. It's 12/15. The next day I go out shopping with my beautiful bride Shanna. After a bit of chick shopping, she sit's up in the food court at the mall having ice cream, I start the process of finding a phone. I visit Veriozon, Sprint, T-Mobile (I didn't even bother with Cingular, I know the coverage sucks here around where I live something fierce) and start shopping the deals. And, I'm pretty motivated to get something with anyone other than Sprint which is the carrier that I've had for three or four years now.

So. Into the Verizon store. Right. What a couple of door stops. Here I am actively asking questions and this guy doesn't give me a lick more information than what I really pumped him for. Dolt. Next stop, Sprint.

I know, I didn't want to go with Sprint. BUT, I know Sprint phones are set for internet access - which is key to me. So, I start to talk. Look at the phones, etc. And, while I'm there, I find out that I'm eligible for the big discount on the phones. Hmmm. Interesting. So, upstairs I go to get Shanna. And back down we come.

Soooo, we look at phones. Shannie doesn't like any of them, none of the displays. And, unfortunately, Sarah (the girl I was talking to) is just too busy to talk to us. So, what do I do? Walk about 50 feet to T-Mobile just because I'm curious.

T-Mobile. Hmmm, all Motorola phones. That didn't thrill me. But then I start looking. There's one really nice phone. Hmm. Better deal on minutes in the family plan, text messages and internet access. Hmmm. So, with all that in mind, I go get Shanna who's still standing over at the Sprint kiosk and we scoot back to T-Mobile - because unbelievably Sarah is still busy. Well the phone looks cool. Shanna finds one that she likes. One hangup. I can't figure a way to access the web and enter a url - CRITICAL to me. I mean a real deal breaker. That and I'm concerned with T-Mobile's coverage too.

Back I go to Sprint. Sarah is finally available and she's brilliant at confirming that even though T-Mobile says there coverage is better - there will be issues which confirms my fears. True or not. She also solves the phone dilemma by coming up with a phone that Shann REALLY likes. Soooo... after all the dance, I'm back at Sprint with a phone I like (not love, that one was another $100) and Shan loves her phone. Coverage is good, I can access the web (as it turns out you can with T-Mobile too) via URL and we got a family plan that works OK for us.

So what phone did I get? A sweet one. The Sanyo MM-8300.


Camcorder, camera, special features on photos. Actually quite the nice phone - just missing some of the more geeky options that I wanted like an SD card and bluetooth. But, I've got 15 more days... who knows what will happen by then! ;-)

And then... about 4 days later... DISASTER

Watch for part III!

Christmas Morning

Well, I had intended to post this a bit earlier (like MONDAY) but, it didn't happen. Sorry! This is the scene from my front door (through a wreathe) of the cul-de-sac I live on. Pretty cool even if it wasn't a white Christmas!

Kvetch

The official Christmas post is coming, this is just a quick commentary.

Is it just me (being written at 2:30 am eastern time, USA - possibly in a state of sleep deprivation or just while being cranky) or do people that cannot use the words "their", "they're" and "there" make you nuts too?

I have the opportunity to work with someone that's a pretty dynamic and forward thinking individual that is very proactive. I can't do it. Why? Because their (possessive adjective) spelling is bad, their word usage isn't that great either, of course, neither is their grammar come to think of it. I just can't get past this.

Einstein was one of the most brilliant men of his time. Could he spell? Would I have missed that opportunity? Am I a snob? This stuff is just elementary to me. It was drilled into me by Sister Esther Marie (God rest her soul) when I was in elementary school.

By the way. I'm not a great speller either. Before the advent of the word processor and spell checker I lived with a dictionary next to me when writing. Which I guess makes this propensity of this individual even more perplexing and maddening. What, he can't compose in a word processor then cut and paste? What's the deal?

So, I tell you what. Let me know. Am I just kvetching, or is this a legit issue.

Peace!
Phillip

The Phone is Dead, Long Live the Phone

Well, the old phone finally died. The Samsung A500, the faithful old brick. Sure, it was hot in its day. Literally, about a day that it was near the top of the line. $300 bills - or more than what you'd pay for a Razor now. Geesh. Firmware that put it on par with an abacus with a graphic interface.

As you can see, it was pretty beat up. The last thing that finally killed it was the power interface. The pin just split the casing, it wouldn't take a charge.

You can't really see how badly I beat the thing up, it was really abused by the end. Kept falling out of my pocket and the like. Scratched, dinged. But, it was an OK looking phone - it just didn't have any functionality - like text messaging or anything like that. So, the phone is dead, long live the phone.

Now, the funny part is that the phone actually died on the LAST day of my contract with Sprint. So, it was time to go phone and phone service shopping!

To be continued...

Cookie.

Belch.

Oh Lord. It was the office "holiday" party today. And no, don't get me off on that tangent we won't come back for a bit... But away.

By 9:45 I had my first lacewing chocolate chip cookie, then the cinnamon/sweet nuts, then the dark chocolate, then a more typical chocolate chip cookie. That was before lunch. Then we had our lunch (a nice cheese filled tortolini and Italian sausage) and I had a brownie (the thick kind, a bit spongy with pieces of dark chocolate in it) and another piece of dark chocolate.

Think I'm getting full yet? Not a chance. You'd think I hadn't eaten for a year.

So, there were also these other little tree shaped and star shaped pastry type treats. They weren't sweet though, they were really salty, but they had walnuts in them. Those were good with either the celery, carrot sticks or cherry tomatoes they had there. Good thing for those or my diet today would have soley consisted of sugar and white flower!

Back to the sweets...

Interspersed with the salty stuff, I mixed in another couple of chocolate chip cookies and two of these kind of puffy shapped chocolate cookies with coconut filling. OH YUM.

BURP.

Wednesday I'm working from home. Good thing, I can't afford to gain another five pounds tomorrow!

This is Ridiculous!

It's only December!

This is our second cold snap like this. This is mid January to mid February kind of cold.

OK. Here's my official whine... "I want to go to Miami!"

Feel free to send cheese to go with that whine :-)

Seems Like DejaVu all over again!

I think I've been here before. Like, say, seven weeks ago? Yup, the Turk cometh (for those of you that aren't football or hockey fans - the Turk is the guy that is the axe man - the guy that cuts you loose when you're trying to make the team).

So, can you guess? Indeed! As of the end of next week, no job. The group I'm in lost funding. And yes, 10 days before Christmas it's not great to find that out. Ah, but alas, it is the life of a contractor.

So, now comes the great scramble. Tough this time of year, everyone is keyed into the holidays. No real movement happens typicially till mid-January. But... we'll see.

As it turns out, I was on a fast when I found out. Now I know part of why God had me fasting. But, I feel God has this one in control (doesn't he always?) because I felt prompted to end the fast at dinner today. I really had a strong impression that God was saying that I should celebrate the end of the fast. That, in case you've never been on a fast - or felt that particular impression from the Lord - is a good thing. It was an end to the fasting and a start of rejoycing. I'm all for rejoycing.

Now, the only thing I need to do is make sure that I continue where God is leading me so I don't miss what he has in store next!

OK, I changed my mind.

You know what, spending time with my kids and being a parent IS deep. Sure it may not fill the spiritual tank, but it's pretty important!

The Tank is Empty

In case you've become a regular reader, that is if I have any (uh, besides you CyberGal, I know you're reading!) and you've noticed that my posts have been a lot more - shall we say - shallow? There's a reason why.

You see, my tank is empty. Spiritual tank that is. On "E." The big E. Zero, zip, zilch, nothing, nada, the big goose egg. Empty.

I think it happens to most people at one time or another, but I don't like when it happens to me. Especially because I know why.

Oh, sure, there are the obvious reasons or excuses like: I'm busy, I have a lot of work. But for me, that isn't the REAL reason.

The real reason is because I've hit that wonderful place in my relationship with God that he wants to take me to a new level. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is very exciting. It also happens to be terrifying. And I know that some of you may be wondering why I think it is so terrifying. After all, isn't God out to do us good? And the answer to that question is a resounding YES. It's just how he goes about it.

Don't be confused. The Lord of heaven and earth is kind, compassionate and gentle. He isn't going to make me do anything I don't want to do. Believe me when tell you I want to get to the next place he has for me in maturity in my walk and my relationship with Him. It's going to rock. However, to get to that place there is something required of me. Death.

Death you say? Yes. Death to me. Death to my knowledge, death to my preconceptions, death to the natural, death to my flesh - this rotting stinking flesh that will do nothing more than end up in the dirt somewhere. And you see, death to my flesh is precisely what my flesh isn't interested in doing. No. I'm not talking about flagellation or anything like that. I'm speaking of the things of the flesh. The natural and carnal desires of the mind and body. Think if you will to Maslow's Hierarchy.

But God, the King of the Universe wants to take me past that place. He wants to get me out of myself and my own narrow limitations of all that he's made me, and all that he has for me. But to get there I have to get rid of my own ideas. OH! And how we do love our own ideas. The brilliant minds that we have, the sterling thoughts! The mind that sees what others do not, the voice that speaks with wisdom that others should seek! Yes, I love my flesh. In the natural I do. But not in the spiritual.

In the spiritual realm my flesh reeks as a putrid carcass. It holds me down in this base reality. It keeps me looking at my past and focusing on only what my five senses can see and and/or understand. It keeps me focused on the small and the mean rather than the great and the wonderful. It keeps my mind on me instead of dwelling in the place of the Almighty. Oh, how I hate that flesh!

So, that's where I am. That's my struggle. That's why I'm on E. It's because, as the song says... "I hear the voice, the voice of the one I love. It's calling my name... It says, Come up higher and hear the angels sing. Come up higher my beloved. Come up higher and leave this world behind, you'll find it to be beautiful." And so, until I can - as they say - "mortify the flesh" to step up to that place, I'm going to remain on E. It's because God wants me to come up, to step up to another place in him. It's a place that I've got to rest to get to. (that's why scripture says that we labor to enter his rest). It's a place of intimacy with him that I haven't had before. A new place in a relationship that requires that I leave my disfunction behind.

Of course, I can't do that without him.

If you've read The Chronicles of Narnia, you may have read the Voyage of the Dawntreader. In the book, the boy Eustance by way of a magical bracelet or curse, becomes a dragon. It's really the result and the outward manifestation of his own heart. Then, one evening, Eustance encounters Aslan, the great lion who is the metaphor of Christ in the books. Aslan invites Eustance to get out of his dragon skin (he is a large reptile essentially after all) and get into the pool to be free. But Eustance, though he uses his great dragon claws, can't do it himself. He needs Aslan to do it. And when Aslan does it, the great lion's claws rip deep into Eustance. Deep into the place at the core where he needs to get to so that he can take away the dragon skin and get to the boy inside.

That's what I need.

So, here I am. Me and the Lord. And though I'm empty right now and I've nothing to give - I know that God's going to get me to a place someday soon. Not because I'm anything great. No. But because I'm desperate. Desperate for him. Desperate to fulfill what he has for me. Desperate to be what I'm called to be. Desperate to love fully. Desperate to become a better husband and dad. Desperate. And, I know according to scripture that God is a rewarder of those that diligently (and desperately) seek him.

So, I'm on E. But. I have hope. And hopefully soon I'll post something that has some depth, some spiritual impact, some resonance for your souls. Something other than some cute pictures of my kids. Soon.

Peace!

Fun in the snow!

Well, yesterday I showed you what it was like from the teeth of the storm. Not a ton of snow, but we got about 2-3 inches in a short period of time with winds that blew the stuff horizontally. Look at the trees and you'll see how it stuck.

Anyway, here are some pictures. One of my current youngest, 2 1/2 year old Chloe who really wanted to swing (man she was having a blast out there) and one of part of the neighboorhood out my front door.

Let it Snow

Ok. The first picture is what it's like to try to look out the window here at the front of my house.

The second picture is what it looks like in the back. This all happened in the past hour...

Oh man! I can't wait to get my iPod with Video!

I'm in potential MacPhilly heaven. Check this out.

W00t! Yeha! TV on my iPod. Of course, that means that I'm going to be paying for the third or fourth time for my TV content (ads on TV, digital cable, Tivo, now the download...) but I'm jacked. I'm excited because there is just stuff that is tough for me to watch in the house with the little chicks. That, and how great will it be to watch a TV show like this while I'm working out on the exercise bike and the like. Totally cool.

Stand Up for Your Rights!

Oddly, I find myself being in agreement with the ACLU on this one. Check out this link. This woman was just riding a bus, didn't want to show her ID (constitutionally and legally she is not required without a warrant) and she got handcuffed and dragged off the bus. Yet another reason why I don't support the Patriot Act or it's extension!

Here's the link Deb Davis

Really, check it out.

Tastes Like Chicken... I Think

I just ate a chicken nugget. Well, according to claims by Wendy's it is an all white meat chicken nugget. Now I'm not questioning the voracity of Wendy's claims - not exactly. I'm not asking "Since when are chicken lips consider white meat?" I'm actually saying that I don't recall eating chicken.

I ate something. I know I ate some kind of breading. I know I saw some fat and some congealed lard. I just didn't see chicken.

So, what's the moral of the story? Well, if you're eating at Wendy's and want chicken go with a filet. Other than that, you're on your own. And never eat nuggets - I'm sure that may be my last foray.

Pregnant Women Denied US Travel - Go figure.

Heres an e-mail I just got from an associate in Australia.

"I'm having a baby in March and since the US isn't keen on having it born over there, they won't let me fly over to SF as of last week!"

So, as of Thanksgiving, this woman who owns her own business can't travel to do business in here in the States. Why, just because they don't want the baby born here and possibly become a US citizen? My word.

Geesh, State Department is pretty tough on pregnant travelers. Now if they would just do the same thing for the thousands of illegal aliens coming in over the Mexican border every month (that we pay health care for don’t you know – but I can’t get the same health care for less than $800-1000 a month...) that would be a better use of our money. Do you think?

I get way to much spam...

Yah, look at it. That's right. Welcome to my junk mail box. You and every flipping spammer in North America. Thankfully I've got a good combo of junk/spam filters and about 98% of my spam goes into my junk mail box. How about you? Is there anything we can do?

Yes. Don't click on them, just delete them. Don't show them, forward them or buy from the sites. Delete them! And then pray that they all get hit by a power spike!

Hey There Mr. Neck Hair Man - This Razor's for You!

Forgive the spoof on the "real men of genius" commercials but I couldn't resist. Well, maybe I could have but that isn't the purpose of the post!

Anyway, from the MetroMan, why is it so hard for guys to just do a little maintenance shave on the back of their neck between hair cuts? Man... one day I saw a guy with hair growing all the way down the back of his neck to, well, it must have been his back. Geesh! Hello! Anyone have a spare Gillette for this guy? Please?

Here's the deal guys: Girls DON'T think it's sexy. Chest hair - that's one thing. Nechttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifk hair? Ewwww!

So, get with the program, or at least get your hair cut more often!

PS Hey folks, this is cross posted to my brand new podcast! Yup, Metro Moment - The Metrosexual Muse for the Unwashed Masses has been launched! Check it out!

Does anyone but CyberGal Read This?

I always wonder. I love having CyberGals comments - but is anyone else out there? If so, drop a note!

I Am One Blessed Dude

I think this picture says it all. The pregnant mom sleeping by the newly put up tree with my second oldest, Bayley, totally crashed (in an awful position!) on the couch next to her. And, I've got two more (the oldest and the current youngest - until little Sophie pops out) upstairs sleeping quietly.

It's a simple case of God providing above and beyond anything I could ask or imagine. Thanks Lord. You done good.

I am sooo bloody tired of...

Well. This post is a positive or necessarily constructive one. Maybe it's just me commiserating. But, I have to say, I'm just bloody tired of always fighting to have enough money to pay the bills.

I know. Some of you might be saying - well there Mr. BMW Mobile Studios - get rid of the Bimmer and you'd have more money. And, if I had gone out an paid a lot of money or I was carrying a huge bank note on the car I might be inclined to agree. Reality is though, my note is only $221 a month, the car is good on gas because it's only a 4 cylinder, repairs aren't completely awful - especially considering I've now got 140k miles on it. So, what else?

Well, it might be the mortgage. That's always a big chunk. Maybe the van? Nah, we own that free and clear. How about the girls school activities or dance? A mere pittance. Yet still, it's always a struggle. Nope, we don't go out to eat a lot. And, when we do go out it's usually Wendy's. You know, family of 5 for $14. I will admit to a bit of a book habit, about $5.12 per week for Agatha Christie, Poriot Investigates novels (currently on my 14th book) from eReader.com. Food is a killer - at least $200 a week. Heat/gas/electric - whatever is also brutal now as well.

Thing is, I make pretty good money. In fact, I make darn good money. Still, we're barely staying afloat. Nope, no big bling bling jewelry. No big screen TV or amped up stereo/sound system. However, I do have three little ones that burn through clothes like there is no tomorrow. Nope, we're not shopping at Abercrombie, more like Target or Old Navy (on sale!), some Children's Place (awesome sales - outfits for $12-14). Me, new clothes? Uhhh, that would be my new mock turtleneck (2x$12) and a pair of jeans ($20 on sale). Nope. Not that. So what is it?

Maybe it's just me. Who knows. But some days it just seems like the more I make, the faster it goes. And I've got college coming up for a 10 year old in just 8 years. Good grief.

Sigh.

Well, thanks for letting me commiserate. Really, I'll be fine. I think we all deal with it, I just needed to vent. Feel free to join me in the comments ;-)

Hey, and with all that, all of you keep your chins up. We will all make it, we just have to stay focused, do what we're called and follow through.

Peace!

Hello Pain

You know, I was feeling really great Tuesday morning. Woke up, thought "wow! my back isn't even giving me a twinge! So, I got up, went down stairs, worked out (good work out too!). Upstairs, had breakfast. Down stairs to check my email. Sit, turn to my left with my right arm reaching across my body... PAIN. new realms of pain. What did I do? I seemed to have dislocated several ribs. Lovely. Problem was that I couldn't breathe.

Unfortunately, it didn't make any difference if I could breathe or not, I had to go into the office. Three meetings, no way to dodge them. So, I went in. I managed to struggle through the meetings. Mind you, I'm carrying two computers, I can't walk. All the muscles on the right side of my back are in spasm. Frankly, it hurt to breathe, never mind bend, twist, pick up weight, take notes - whatever. And, I also had meetings in two completely different buildings that were not on the same campus. Lovely.

So, I made it. Went to the Chiro. Snap, crackle, pop. My LORD, I'm still in pain. Unfortunately, I have a presentation in the morning that I have to go to. Beautiful. I'm up till 3:00. Get up, oh yah, still in pain. Hustle as much as I can, get to my meeting. Goes pretty well. To chiro again. Snap, crackle, pop. OK. Still in pain, but not quite as bad. Later in the day (Wednesday), I still have to go home, sit in front of a comptuer and bang out the rest of a deliverable. Ready for bed - still in pain.

Thursday morning. Thanksgiving Day. And, I'm giving thanks. I can see, I have a great family, I've got a good contract, my mind works, we have a home. Unfortunately - I'm still in pain. Like it hurts to eat pain. A nap helps, but everything still hurts. The food however, was incredible. Great job Shannie and to my brother and sister-in-law that always make the Thanksgiving Day feast our special occasion with wonderful sweet potato stuffed granny apples and home made cranberry sorbet. Shannie delivered in her usual marvelous fashion - the turkey was awesome (though I didn't do a single thing this year, except wash the kitchen floor and clean the bathroom!), the stuffing was great (stuffing type stuff, celery, onions, chicken sausage, crasins - and secret other ingredients) and her famous spinach, artichoke and cheese recipe. Oh - YUM. Oh yah, pie. :) With so much good food, I almost forgot the pain. Oh, we also broke out some special coffee that my brother had sent to me special. I saved it for the occasion. It's this incredible Blue Mountain Jamcian (I believe) coffee. Holy coffee beans. The only other coffee that I've ever had that was in the same ball park is real Kona coffee that you can only get when you're in Hawaii. Totally smooth. Lovely body. No bite. It was worth actually having coffee for the first time in a long time!

Friday - I attempt to get out of bed - SPASM! I begin to wonder... will I ever not feel this pain? Mellow day, not too much time at the computer - then out with the wife. I realize as I'm walking that my spine is so rotated that I'm walking like a car that is out of alignment. It's so bad that it's actually throwing off my balance - something I'm certainly not used to because typically my balance is great and my feet are very nimble. I feel like a plodding, tipsy old clutz. Of course, being that it is the Friday after the holiday - NO ONE is open do deal with my back - my only choice is to hang in until Monday. Lord help me, I have two full days to go. Work to do Saturday, church on Sunday morning, birthday party Sunday afternoon.

Ah. Hello pain. I'll look forward to saying good bye!

You Know You Haven't Got Time to Crap When...

Yah, I know, lovely title for the post but I was inspired. I just got out of the can. As I was washing my hands and leaving the throne behind (no pun intended) - flushed and with the seat down by the way - I realized that I just don't have time to crap anymore. And I know I haven't got time to crap because

* I haven't finished reading my Bimmer magazine (the monthly from the BMW Car Club of America) and my new one has been in the bathroom for two weeks
* I'm three months behind reading MacWorld
* I don't even know if I still have my MacHOME subscription
* My "Mobile" magazine subscription ended - and I didn't realize it for two months.

Worse yet, I'm on a program to get focused, organized and get some things accomplished - and I haven't had the 20 minutes a day to do my praxis for about 3 weeks. Isn't that sad?

Good news is that I've been making time to read my Bible and pray every day, and that I've been working out every day too. I even get to spend time with my kids.

So. I guess it's a trade off. I may not have time to crap, but I'm spiritually and physically in great shape and I'm playing with my kids too. And, being that I've been helping the wife out a bit more too - I think I'm doing OK even if the magazines don't get out of the plastic.

Hmmm. Maybe I do have time after all, I'm just using it someplace that it does more good. What about you?

Ladies, don't kid yourself! It's not supposed to be pink!

I hate to be cruel, I hate to ruin anyones day but I have to say. Ladies, don't kid yourself. Your hair really is kind of pinkish, or blue or purple. And no, not because you're doing it on purpose like Pink is.

Here's the deal. Too many people out there (cause I've seen guys too) get their hair coloured without dealing with the underlying gray first! Don't do it! This is a critical mistake. If you're graying, then be sure to get the gray coloured to a darker base first, THEN, get a lighter colour. Is it more expensive? Yes. And it's worth EVERY cent. Please. Really.

Here's the bonus kicker - you'll look at least 5 years younger!

Another tip for those of us going grayer - don't kid yourself by going with a dark hair color. Face it. There are very few of us that still have dark hair into our late 40's or 50. Go with a lighter shade of a good color for your skin. You'll love it and by going with the flow you'll actually look younger than you would by obvioulsy colouring your hair darker than it should be!

Ciao!

Today's Hair Tip

Hey there boys and girls. Here with the hair tip for the day. What is it? Turn down that HOT water! Believe it or not it isn't that great for your head. You see, hot water can irratate and dry your scalp. Yup, it's true. So, if you want to be good to your scalp and your hair - go warm. And if you can, try to wash at least every other day.

Till next time!

The Chiropracter College Plan

Welll, their kid's anyway. This week in the household as been the complete living characterization of "oh my aching back!" First mine, then Shanna. Yikes. Not hard for me to get adjusted, but for a 5 month preganant woman - not nearly so easy!

So anyway, we're on the send your chiropracter's kid to college plan now. And she doesn't even have kids! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my chiropracter. Shadi absolutely rocks, and if you're reading this and you're in MA or RI you should go see her! She's this tiny little thing - like all of 5'4" or something - and after she get's done with you, let me tell you that you know you've been adjusted!

Does this mean that Chrio doesn't work? Not on your life. I don't think I'd be standing upright without it. It works great. But, as I get older and work out harder - I need to make sure I stretch. And, I really need to make sure that my posture is good when I'm in the chair and typing - like I am now!

Well, that's all for now. That's a terribly enlightening post eh? Don't worry - more Metro to come! (Hair care anyone?)

Ciao!

Blessed Assurance

This morning I got up and starting getting ready for the day. Being Sunday, that meant that I was getting up to get ready to head to church. Regardless of my destination however, it's not unusual for me to sing something - I'm a singing kind of guy.

There are two different types of songs that I can sing - or maybe it's two different motivations. Sometimes I sing a song from a movie I might have just watched or even a jingle that I hear on TV. Those in many cases are proximity songs. Other times I may sing songs I enjoy. But this morning, well, this morning the song came from the heart.

A moment to detour for some context...

When Jesus was teaching in parables to the crowds in Jerusalem he often confused his disciples. Frankly, they weren't a very bright lot - but I guess that just goes to illustrate the power of God more that the twelve dimwits that he started with turned the world upside down. Gives me hope that I can be used to! But I digress. Anyway, after one occasion when he confused the disciples regarding diet - he then explained that it is not what goes into a man (food) that makes him unclean because it goes into his stomach and out his body. However, what comes from a man's heart is what makes him unclean - for out of the heart the mouth speaks.

Now back to our story...

So, this morning, I found a song coming from my heart. I find this happens at times. There are just times when deep in my spirit there is so much going on that doesn't even surface to my mind - but it is still going on. On those occasions there are times when I wake up and sing - or just suddenly start singing songs that don't come from a thought - but from my spirit - and I believe in some cases like this morning, God's spirit.

The song that I sang is an old classic of the faith. It's not a classic because it is old, it was a classic even in its day (which was 1873 by the way). The song was Blessed Assurance, and the first line of the song is "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine." Mind you, there is a lot more to the song than that line, but even that was enough this morning.

This may be something that some of you may not understand, but for a true Christian (regardless of your denomination), there is nothing more awesome, inspiring, humbling and joyous than knowing that "Jesus is mine." Knowing that regardless of your faith, or possible lack of it, or your sin and possible state of it - knowing that independent of your works (either too many or too few), knowing that independent of your witness, or if you've fallen off the tracks, yelled at your kids, kicked the dog or whatever - Jesus is yours. Oh! what a foretaste of glory divine!

You see, true Christianity isn't dependent on you - it is dependent on the grace of God (it is by Grace we are saved, by faith, and not by works lest anyone should boast). The fact that God has extended the offer of his unconditional love, and once you accept that in your heart nothing can take that away is amazing. No matter how well you're doing - or how bad - Jesus is yours. The same amazing God who spoke the universe into place, the same loving God that became man just so you could have the opportunity for life with him - he is yours AND you are his forever. Circumstances mean nothing - only God's grace. Only his determination to extend his love to you. That is a place of rest, a place of peace. That is something that can't be bought at any price.

Ah. Blessed assurance. To know that I am loved unconditionally. To know that my life has a hope and a future - and that God is determined to do good for me. That, my friends, is the way to start a Sunday morning from the heart! And not just in my heart - but from the heart of God.

I hope you make it a great day. Peace!

I've become one of THOSE people.

Yah. Really and officially. Though even my wife doesn't think it's true. What do I mean?

Well...

* I eat pretty much all whole foods
* I drink green tea (mostly decaf)
* I drink Soy milk (low fat when available)
* I've ordered a Soy Chai Latte (instead of coffee) at Starbucks - more than once.
* I use an all natural toothpaste
* I prefer homiopathic remedies when they can be found to most modern western medicine
* I do Yoga to stretch (though I don't buy into the rest as you know if you've been reading the blog)
* I do Chinese Long Life exercises in the morning to wake up
* I am a groopie for a computing platform that is cool, edgy and technilogically leading edge - but doesn't always play with the rest of the computing world (Apple), and
* I drive an older car (8 years old) of the type that I prefer (BMW) rather than spend the money on a new car - and I'm in the car club.

Yup. I've become one of THOSE people. What about you?

My Life is Not Funny

Really. It just seems not to be. Bizarre sometimes, yes. Funny, no. Chloe's life? That's funny. This kid is one of the most amped 2 year olds I've ever seen. And she's determined she's running the show. Even with her sister, my oldest, Halle.

They're in their room the other morning (all three share one room in our small Cape style home here in charming New England where $300k is a starter home) and the fun starts.

First, the start of the ritual. Chloe wakes up. Promptly upon seeing that she's the only one up she decides that it's wrong. I'm guessing that's because we still have her in a crib. We thought it was best for safety's sake. Not Chloe's, the rest of the family. I can only imagine what Chloe would do if she could get out in the house without anyone awake... But anyway. She starts the morning wake up ritual. Hawwweee! (It's how she says Halle). Hawweee? You 'wake? Hawweee. HAWWEEEE! (by this time not only do my wife and I hear her in our room - while both bedroom doors are closed - but several dogs in the neighboorhood have started barking). Halle however, being a very determined 10 year old isn't moving yet. Then Chloe really kicks in. Haawwweee! Get up! You want 'spankin?

LOL.

Oh my word.

LOL. This kid is too much. First of all, you have to imagine her saying it with her tiny 2 year old voice. Then you just have to laugh at the sheer audacity of it - they 2 year old trying to strong arm the 10 year old. Oh - my - word. How funny is that?!

So, my life may not be funny - but man my kids lives certainly keep me amused!

Latah.

Starbucks III - Revenge of the Latte

It has finally happened. And yes, revenge is sweet. OK, well maybe not real sweet... I only get two pumps in my latte. What am I talking about?

Well, for years I've been getting my chops busted because I'm high maintenance. More or less rightfully so. And this tendency generally extends to when I'm ordering almost anything. I figure that I'm paying for it so I might as well get what I want. And so, when I go to Starbucks I do not have a standard, cookie cutter order. In fact, my order is usually a grande, non-fat, half-caf, 2 pump (of whatever flavor) latte - no whipped cream. Unless of course I'm getting a nice chai tea or soy latte anyway.

Well ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls of all ages - today it finally happened. There was an older gentleman that walked into the Starbucks where my wife and I were killing time and ordered what has to be the most complex order I've heard to date. Ready? It was a Venti, quad, 180 degree, 90% full, 1 1/2 pump latte. As Stacy on What Not to Wear would say "SHUT UP!"

So there it is folks - revenge of the latte. Put that in your cup with it's trendy cardboard sleeve and drink it!

Parenting is NOT for Wussies!

I know. What the heck am I doing on this topic, right? How does a guy that just posts on nail care go to parenting? And even more so - specifying that parenting isn't for wussies? I mean, how can some blond tipped girlie man talk about parenting and fatherhood? Well, for me it's easy. You see, I'm kind of like Shrek - who's like an onion - I've got layers.

Yes. I can discuss nail care. I can tell you what colors to wear to accent your skin, I can tell you and probably most women how to dress for success. However, topics of interest, general hygiene and a good eye for color do not make a man less a man or more a man. What makes a man is character. And when it comes to parenting - character counts. Parenting is NOT for wussies.

I've been wanting to tackle this topic for awhile now. And, I don't think this is going to be my last post - primarily because from what I've seen there are a lot of parents that DON'T. Parent that is. And it's criminal, these people are potentially ruining their child's life and that's not fair to the kids.

So. Parenting. Rule number one: Parenting is not about you. Parenting is not about how other people perceive you. Parenting is not about what other people might think of you when they see your child (however that does not excuse allowing your child to go out in a slovenly fashion), it is not about making sure you're in the right mini-van or SUV. Parenting is all about the kids.

Specifically, parenting - real parenting - is about how much of you you're willing to lay down. How much of yourself you're willing to sacrifice for your child. Don't get me wrong. I'm not talking about working 48 hours a day so your kid can have new toys. I'm not talking about being the world's greatest super-soccer mom and being the land ferry for hundreds of kids. What I am talking about is how much of your ego you're willing to lay down. How much of your convienience you're will to forgo. How much you can control your language, your viewing habits, your attitude and/or anger - all for the benefit of your child.

Let me give you an a few examples of what I mean. When was the last time you changed the channel when a commercial came on (other than possibly some ad for a slasher flick) to protect the modesty of your daughter or the eyes of your son? When was the last time you promised your child that you would discipline them if they mis-behaived, then dragged your butt off the couch to follow through on that promise even though your favorite show was on, or you wanted to research something on the web or whatever else you were doing? When was the last time you had a disagreement with your spouse - and held your peace until a time when your children were not present? When was the last time you didn't do something you found interesting, but instead happily did something your kids wanted to do with you?

All of the above are the types of selfless acts that I'm referring to. This type of behavior is not for wussies. Wussies yell at their kids and try to intimidate them - but won't discipline them correctly. This shows your children that you're also just a stuffed shirt or a bag of hot air because obviously you're not a man or woman of your word or there would be consequence. Wussies want to see a commercial that isn't appropriate for their children to see more than they want to protect the innocence or virtue of their children. Wussies make promises to play with the kids on the swing set, but then make excuses (I need to do my nails, work, build something, clean - whatever) and don't keep their promises.

You see - parenting is NOT for wussies.

Before I leave - DON'T confuse what I'm saying. I'm not saying that your children should be the center of the home. They shouldn't. Mom and dad should. And for those of you that are single parents - you are the center of the home. You are the anchor just like a mom and dad should be. Stability and love flow down hill from you. And I'll talk about that, and how important it is in another post. But for now I just wanted to clarify.

So. There you have it friends. Parenting is NOT for wussies. If you're a wimp, if you've got no spine (read: character) then don't be a parent. If you already are a parent, see if you can find some skelegrow for that spine of yours. It's a painful process growing a spine - but your kids will thank you for the rest of your - and their - life.

Because I can - Manicure Talk right here with the MetroMan!

I'm promoting this conversation - just because I can. I figured, hey, I think everyone should see this not just CyberGal. So, here is what CyberGal commented on in my post - and my reply. Happy reading!

CyberGal said...
Now, you've gone and done it - CyberGal is upset, having a hissy fit, with my panties in a bunch! I'll admit it, when it comes to being feminine, I score low. I'd rather program, than do my nails. I do housework for a living. You think your hands get dry... ? Just re-apply lotion after each hand wash. When my hands start to crack, chapstick, or petroleum jelly works groat (wear overnight and keep your hands in thin plastic gloves.)

I've gotten used to the idea that EVERY male in my life, seems to know more about being a girl than I do, but this is the last straw!

Use an emory board in ONLY ONE DIRECTION, says who? Alright, Mr. Wizard, Why? This is beginning to undermine my very sense of female-ness. Do you perform pedicures, pluck your eyebrows or powder your nose? (I want pictures.)

Its alright, I'm going over to a friend's house tomorrow and volunteer to wash and wax his car. (You think I can do good on a bathroom, wait till I get through with your car.) It will look good enough to steal


AND now - here's what I said to Cybergal...

Hey Cybergal,

First off - listen. There's a reason why I'm metro, you get that right? I'm not doing anything to undermine your sense of femininity . Being feminine has nothing to do with nail care - though I have to admit that I love it when my wife has nice nails.

Secondly, here's why you only go one way with the emory board...

"Never saw back and forth across the free edge as it can disrupt the nail plate layers and lead to splitting and peeling. The ideal shape of the free edge should mirror the shape of the cuticle, i.e.: an oval cuticle = an oval free edge."

Third: No, I don't perform pedicures. Ewwww. No way I want to mess with someone's fungal feet. Nor do I get pedicures - I'm way to ticklish on my feet.

Fourth: No I don't pluck, I have no need to. No uni-brow here.

Fifth: No, I don't powder. I don't use any foundation on my skin. I do on occasion use cover on the dark circles under my eyes when I've been bad and went to bed way to late and need to present something or have a big meeting. In most cases I can get away with a bronzer. The rest of my skin is evenly oily, so I make sure to stay away from most exfoliating products (there are alternatives) because they just crank up the oils more.

I wish you weren't on the other side of the country - I'd love to have you work on the BMW mobile studios - I need an interior detailing something fierce!

Hope that helps :)