Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


It's an oldie, but a goodie! Evan (at 9 months) in Dave's old baby clothes. Vintage baby...


Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Run Forrest, Run!


On Friday evening, I ran into my boss as I was leaving the office. We made the usual small talk on the way out, “Do you have any plans for the weekend?” etc. He mentioned that he was playing in two adult soccer leagues over the weekend and attending a DC United game. I commented that I used to play soccer competitively and I still enjoyed watching soccer games. He suggested that I play in their coed game on Friday night. I smiled, mentioned other obligations and politely declined his offer.

Now, here’s what really happened…

When he suggested that I play soccer THAT NIGHT, I thought there is no way that I could play soccer with no notice. Best case scenario, I WOULD KEEL OVER AND DIE. Worst case scenario I would embarrass myself, my company and perhaps women in general. I haven’t played soccer in at least 10 years. I HAVEN’T RUN IN AT LEAST 10 YEARS. Those of you who know me well know that I had back surgery about 10 years ago. Today, I rarely have back pain and I have a relatively normal life. The trade off is that there are some things that went on my list of “Things I Just Can’t Do” a little early. Running is one of them. Playing soccer is another.

That evening I started thinking. Maybe there is an age at which my initial response will be merited. I don’t think that 29 is that age. So, on Friday night I was inspired. I decided to get on our treadmill and start running. I figured that I would warm up for a few minutes and then try to run. I figured two minutes was a good starting point. I ran for two minutes. My breathing was labored and I was sweating, but no heart attack. So I kept going. I ran for 5 minutes and still felt pretty good, so I ran for 10 minutes and then 15 minutes. It wasn’t pretty, but when I finished I felt like I could conquer the world!

I ran again on Saturday and then on Monday. You know what? I really like it. More than that, it challenged me to think about what else has been placed prematurely on that “list”. So, I want to encourage you to look at your own list. Think about the possibility that you may be stronger and more capable than you think.

Monday, September 15, 2008

After church yesterday, Evan was running around the lobby in a sea of people. The best way for me to keep an eye on him was to crouch down to knee level. From this vantage point, I saw Evan spot something and stop dead in his tracks. It was a little plastic wrapper. He stooped down, carefully picked it up and examined it. After some consideration, he marched over to a man (he didn't know) and tugged on his pant leg. The man looked down at Evan, and Evan handed him the little plastic wrapper. The man looked perplexed, but took the wrapper anyway. As soon as he did, Evan pointed emphatically at the trash can next to the man. Evan wanted him to throw it away.



At 19 months old, Evan is already orchestrating his world!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Cinderella, Cinderella...


Evan has started "helping" around the house. He sweeps the floor and helps unload the dishwasher. Needless to say, I love it! Not because he's all that helpful, but because it marks a new stage in his life where he can be more self-sufficient. I love to see his excitement and pride as he learns he can do new things.

19 months is probably a bit too young for a Chore Chart, right? :)

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Monday, September 08, 2008

Drive Thru Confusion

McDonalds Drive Thru Operator: Welcome to McDonalds! Can I take your order?

Dave: Yeah, can I get that Southern Style Chicken Biscuit with a different kind of chicken?

McDonalds Drive Thru Operator: No sir. It only comes with one kind of chicken.

Dave: Is it spicy?

McDonalds Drive Thru Operator: No sir.

Dave: Well, what makes it "southern style" then?

McDonalds Drive Thru Operator: silence

McDonalds Drive Thru Operator: So, you'd like the Southern Style Chicken Biscuit then?

Dave: Uh...okay.

Wednesday, September 03, 2008