Paulblog

If You Watched the New Battlestar Galactica Series

2012-01-03T15:13:00.004-05:00

Then you'll have to appreciate this...

Which led to several comical headlines reading such as "How fracking might have led to an Ohio earthquake".

Facing Tough Competition on the Court

2011-12-25T13:20:00.000-05:00

My first time on a tennis court in years. I forgot how fun casual play actually is.

Dear Santa

2011-12-24T21:32:00.000-05:00

Killian's unprompted and uncoached letter to Santa before going to bed. Man do I love that kid.

[click the picture for a larger version]

Killian and I Get Festive

2011-12-19T20:23:00.003-05:00

Well, we got professional portraits done, at least. At the risk of ending up on awkwardfamilyphotos.com at some future date, here they are (along with the realization that I need to either fix my or get at new scanner). The fashion choices were his.

Gingerbread House - First Attempt

2011-12-11T02:16:00.000-05:00

This was my first shot at a gingerbread house that I can remember. Granted it was built from a kit, but I think it turned out pretty well overall. Killian and I had a lot of fun assembling/decorating it. I did assembly and icing. He took care of the decorations.

Killian Flag Football 2011

2011-12-02T21:17:00.000-05:00

Killian chose to play flag football this fall. The name of the team was the Raiders and they went an impressive 0 - HoweverManyTheyLost. :D Yeah, they got pretty creamed but he had a great time and it seemed like they all did. From a parenting perspective, it was a pretty fun sport to watch and the coaches were great. Kudos to i9 Sports on that note. Click on the picture below for a larger version.

Posting From Pizza

2011-11-29T19:48:00.001-05:00

Ok, not actually from pizza but while at a pizza joint with Killian. Sitting here while he works on his homework. This brings back memories of sitting at Dino's as a kid with my dad practicing spelling and drawing. Pretty sure I learned how to spell "Chevrolet" there and to draw three dimensional letters.

Killian Gets Kinected

2011-10-28T20:00:00.001-04:00

We got a Kinect and Killian digs it. Here is some Dance Central action:

And some Fruit Ninja action:

Killian Second Grade Picture

2011-09-21T10:32:00.001-04:00

Killian chose to wear his button up shirt and tie for his picture this year (click the pic for a larger version). As usual, it's amazing how much they change between each year.

Pescatarian? Is that really a word?

2011-09-04T19:21:00.002-04:00

Three weeks ago I decided to give a vegetarian diet a try. Mostly to trick myself into eating healthier mixed with a desire to lose about 20 pounds. I'm proud to say that I have stuck with it to this point. I say "vegetarian" but what I apparently mean is known as "pescatarian". That is to say that I'm eating no meat other than seafood.

I'd have to say that the most difficult portion of trying to eat this way has been coming up with stuff to eat at home. Eating out under this restriction is actually fairly easy outside of the typical fast food chains (McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King) unless you specifically want a salad. Even then, the meal sized ones typically include chicken. Taco Bell is a friend to this diet effort. I have also been utilizing veggie subs from the local sandwich fast food shops (Quizno's, Jimmy John's) extensively.

The result is that I have managed to dump 7 pounds thus far (see the bottom of the blog for my weight loss tracker) and not had to suffer too much to do so. I definitely feel good about the food choices that this effort is forcing me into as well. To my amazement, I'm eating a multitude of bean dishes to which I would have turned up my nose in the past. Lots of fresh and steamed vegetables and fruits (ok, not steamed fruits, but blended ones smoothie style) as well.

In addition to eating the right kinds of foods, I'm also tracking my calories, carbs fat & protein intake on myfitnesspal.com which has been a good free Weight Watchers alternative.

So, we'll see how long I can ride this thing out. In conjunction with my shoulder rehab/recovery, I intend to introduce an exercise regimen slowly along with the diet to see if I can produce even more effective results. So far I've added only the elliptical machine but that burns off about 300 calories for a 30 minute workout each day so it's definitely helping.

The Diary of a One-Armed (Temporarily) Man

2011-08-08T19:16:00.001-04:00

So, thanks to rotator cuff repair surgery, I have spent the last 3 weeks in a sling (the Slingshot 2 to be exact). The surgery was on my primary shoulder (right) so it's been quite the challenge learning how to do things with one hand, much less my *left* hand. I have 3 weeks still to go in the sling so on a positive note, I'm beyond the 1/2 way point. On a negative note, I still have as long to go as I've already endured. Fortunately, the pain has been very bearable and I began physical therapy last week. Only 6 months of that to go (yipes!) before I have full range of motion back and about a year before I'm back to full strength. In the meantime, here's a list of things I've learned are particularly tough one-handed (especially if it's your secondary) thus far:

washing your hair
washing your face (both of these are typical two-handed tasks for me and though very doable one-handed, they're pretty awkward)
washing the armpit of your secondary arm (this is among the toughest on the list)
fastening your pants
putting on a belt
fastening a belt
putting on socks
tying your shoes
putting on a shirt (this is tough because I can't lift the busted arm)
tucking in a shirt (I have deemed this a near impossibility)
brushing your teeth (again, very doable but very awkward with the off-hand)
shaving (the right side of my face is significantly less closely shaved than the left now)
putting anything into or taking anything out of the opposite side pants pocket
carrying a laundry basket (much less up/down stairs)
changing bed linens (fitted sheet in particular - pillow cases are also a bit tough)
folding laundry (shirts especially)
giving someone a proper hug
shaking hands (this one comes up a lot at work with vendors)
typing (the sacrifices I make to post)
writing
sweeping/mopping a floor
unlocking the door to the house with anything in your hand
carrying the recycling bin to the curb
retrieving anything from your pocket while driving (a near impossibility while observing any sense of safety)
scooping out ice cream
push-ups/pull-ups (just kidding)

Today at therapy they added in the Norco Shoulder Pulley so hopefully that will start me back on my way to being able to use this thing a bit in a few weeks. Guess we'll see.

Year two

2011-07-30T12:46:00.000-04:00

Today marks the end of the second year since we lost Bobbie. It amazes me how it feels like yesterday and like forever ago at the same time. Killian starts 2nd grade on Monday and he was just starting kindergarten when she passed. So much has happened in the interim that it all feels like a dream.

I miss her daily and dearly as does Killian. He has done an amazing job getting by without her though. I am so proud as she would be, no doubt. This post feels like it needs a lot more in the way of words but I think these few convey my sentiments.

One down...

2011-07-30T09:53:00.000-04:00

Killian finally lost his first tooth at age 7 + 1 month.

Mother's Day Balloon Release 2011

2011-07-03T21:10:00.001-04:00

Ok, so I'm finally getting around to processing some pictures and video. As mentioned in the previous post, we have adopted a butterfly release as an annual tradition for Bobbie's birthday. In addition to that, at the mention by a friend, we also adopted a balloon release on Mother's Day. I thought I had mentioned it last year but I can't find it in the blog. In any case, this year we wrote some messages on the balloons and I managed to get a few pictures and a short video.

I think this one is a bigger deal to Killian at the moment than the butterfly release on her birthday. In either case, both are very special and meaningful. I cut the video short a bit but we stand out there and watch them until they can no longer be seen. Killian believes that mommy is an angel and that she takes them up to Heaven with her.

Bobbie's 40th Birthday Butterfly Release

2011-07-03T12:42:00.000-04:00

For those that attended, you may recall that we did a butterfly release at Bobbie's "memorial service". It proved to be a nice bright moment on a day during which it was difficult to find an upbeat thought. In particular, Killian responded very positively to it after a stint of justified crying.

As a result, I elected to do a small, private butterfly release with just myself and Killian on her first birthday following her passing last year and then again this year. My neighbor was kind enough to take a few pictures of the event last year which I elected not to post at the time and this year I took some video of Killian performing the release. He chose to say a prayer in preface to the release this year completely of his own volition which I thought was very sweet. I chose to share the video from this year's release as time has eased the pain ever so slightly and I feel that many will find it touching to see Killian reaching out to his mom in one of the few ways he can. So, without further ado, here is the video.

Killian Baseball 2011

2011-07-03T11:04:00.002-04:00

Killian's baseball season for 2011 drew to a close last weekend. He really enjoyed playing this season so it looks like I'll be in for another round next year at least. It was an interesting year because mid-season they switched from t-ball to coach pitched. I never played coach pitched as a kid so that was an entirely new experience for me. Killian did pretty well for getting absolutely no practice at home and he had a great time each game. The coaches were great with him which has been a pretty consistent experience at the YMCA for which I am thankful. I also got a chance to meet several parents on the sidelines and had an enjoyably social season as a result. Here is his personal and team picture for the year (click the picture for larger version).

Video footage of one of his games:

That marks the end of anything sporty for the summer due to my upcoming shoulder surgery. His next scheduled foray into children's team sports is scheduled for flag football this fall. He is really excited about that as well. He has been asking me if he could play football for the past two years now. I'm actually pretty glad to be dodging anything outside this summer. Baseball was a beast for that matter this spring. Too hot.

Sing and Slideshow

2011-06-22T21:03:00.001-04:00

I went to Killian's school for his 1st grade play. Well, it wasn't so much a play as a collection of skits. It was fun and cute for the parents as you might expect. I recorded the entirety of it and am posting it here. It's pretty long (22 minutes in total). Just fair warning. Killian's individual skit is the first thing in part 2 if you want to jump specifically to that. He has singing and dancing parts elsewhere so watch it in full if you are so inclined. It is broken into 2 parts due to YouTube time restrictions. I was sitting in the front row so it was pretty tough to capture more than 1 or 2 kids in any given shot.

Part 1/2

Part 2/2

Tweets November 9, 2010 Through June 4, 2011

2011-06-06T17:13:00.001-04:00

The DQ rock and roll falcon is pretty funny.
4-Jun

Why, why, why is $x9.99 still an effective pricing technique? Who is this still influencing?
1-Jun

I remain fairly confident that Jesse Eisenberg and Michael Cera are the same person.
I am strongly considering utilizing some official training dollars or college credits to figure out how to fold a frickin' fitted sheet!
30-May

Killian has strep throat. Apparently he wanted me to remember how much that sucked for Memorial Day.
29-May

Pinkeye the clown. Rapey the clown. Stinkfist the clown. Upchuckles the clown. Shits and Giggles the clown. #badclownnames
28-May

Ok folks, let's hear 'em. Paulsey the clown #badclownnames
Mathematically speaking, The Hangover Part II = The Hangover - Vegas + Thighland + "Part II".
Killian just asked me "Is she still alive?" http://yfrog.com/h6bwfvwj
Swagger? I hardly even know 'er.
27-May

Pronouns are so much better than amateur nouns. The problem is that they know it. They have a swagger about them.
Ugh. Baseball practice + 90 degrees + 6:30pm = bleh.
25-May

Improper grammar just seems to amplify its stupidity on twitter and facebook, which is amazing without inflection to help it along.
23-May

Ok, gotta give credit where it's due. The Imagination Movers put on a GREAT show! It was a surprisingly good time.
22-May

At The Imagination Movers concert in Durham. Yeah, that right. There seems to be an overabundance of little people here.
Killian continues to crack me up by referring to things from the Star Wars universe as "a Star War". R2-D2 is a Star War to him.
21-May

Pediatrics = foot drama?
2-May

Killian just awoke from a nightmare about the tornado. Wish I could have kept it on the sly from him today. :(
16-Apr

And here comes the pollen.
4-Apr

Saw my namesake movie tonight. Not bad. Much better than I feared.
3-Apr

Chilly night for the house heat to go out. Better than tomorrow night according to the forecast. HVAC guy scheduled for tomorrow.
27-Mar

It is entirely too cold for outdoor "Spring activities".
26-Mar

Annoying terms in my world: "spin class"
23-Mar

Things I learned in high school that my kid is learning in first grade: home row.
Just had a Concrete at Goodberry's (think DQ Blizzard) - raspberry with Reese's Cups mixed in. Not certain I made the best flavor selection.
19-Mar

As always, *so* glad I not to be necroleptic.
Just got back from Killian's 2nd soccer game. 2-1 victory for his team! He did well at midfield and goalie.
Just got back from Killian's first hockey game. An overtime win for the home team! Exciting and fun. We had a great time.
18-Mar

Is it just me or is that comically confusing wording?http://plixi.com/p/84257543
15-Mar

I need my house trim painted. Anybody "got a guy" or had a good experience with a co. in the Raleigh area?
12-Mar

Who doesn't love some Goodberry's? $4 for $8 worth on Groupon today: groupon.com/raleigh-durham…
24-Feb

Played #FiveCrowns todayhttp://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1472 #bggplay
13-Feb

Played #LiarsDice today http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/45 #bggplay
12-Feb

Played #Endeavor todayhttp://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/33160 #bggplay
Played #CatchPhrase todayhttp://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/2582 #bggplay
Played #GlenMore todayhttp://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/66362 #bggplay
Played #Vineta today http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/27532 #bggplay
New blog post: http://irritablebunion.blogspot.com/2011/01/wow-thats-freaky-to-seehear-live.html
5-Jan

Yes, that last tweet was legit - not spam. - Paul
9-Nov

Not One Second More!

2011-06-06T12:37:00.000-04:00

Well that seems a tad specific, doesn't it? "Frozen heat for 48 seconds"?

Pharmaceutical Customer Service Fail

2011-06-05T19:06:00.000-04:00

Does anything about this picture strike anyone else as frustrating?

The answer lies in the fact that this is a children's prescription liquid suspension medication to be administered with the pictured syringe. Notice that the size of the syringe in no way corresponds to the amount of medication remaining in the bottle (this picture was taken at day 3 of a 10 day dosage). There is clearly no way that the syringe can reach the medication when the bottle is upright nor can it be tilted in such a fashion that the liquid and syringe can meet due to the size of the syringe vs. the size of the mouth & neck of the bottle. Sure, it's simple enough to overcome by emptying a portion of the medication into a second container before introducing the syringe but that shouldn't be necessary with a dosage bottle that would accommodate the syringe.

Just a parental frustration I wanted to air.

2 New Family Members

2011-05-29T20:39:00.001-04:00

I realized yesterday that, at age 40, I was buying my first new washer/dryer set. Pretty lucky run.

Imagination Moved

2011-05-24T15:08:00.202-04:00

Killian and I attended an Imagination Movers concert/live show at Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC) on Sunday, May 22nd. It was the best father and son experience we have had (in my opinion) since the day he arrived into my life.

[Click on any of the pictures for a larger version]

The setup:

Killian started watching the imagination movers with regularity starting when they first aired in 2008 on the Disney Channel. It's the only fad I can bring to mind that has retained his keen interest from then until now. He absolutely loves the show and can sing along with pretty much every song in every episode aired to date. We keep a steady queue of 7 of them (more than any other show) on our DVR at any given time. The three word synopsis: He's a fan.

Way back in January the Disney channel started advertising that they were touring and Killian immediately began telling me every time this commercial aired. In secret, I purchased tickets in February and managed to keep that and our attendance under wraps until the minute we arrived at the venue. I pondered for a bit over which tickets to go with as seating varied in price and they had a special "Mini Movers Package" which allowed for attendance at an "after party" photo op/meet and greet following the show. I finally decided on the best seats and tacked on the Mini Movers Package. I figured what the heck, you only live once eh? So, $250 later, we had our two tickets and I had my surprise to try to contain for the next 3 1/2 months.

The day of:

I told him that I had to run some errands, he had to come with me and it was going to take a few hours. He wasn't so happy about that since it was 2:00pm on a beautiful Sunday afternoon and he wanted to stay home and play outside. Nonetheless, I convinced him of his fate and we were on our way to the 4:00pm show (doors opened at 3:00pm). We made great time and found a good parking place quickly. I popped in his Imagination Movers CD for the ride so I was cleverly prepping him without direct awareness. What a sneaky dad.

So we go to the theater at about 2:30pm and the 1:30 show was still running so we had to sit on the steps outside and wait until they let us in once that show let out. While we were sitting there, they were playing the 1:30pm show over the loudspeakers. That was kind of a bummer because I figured it would ruin some of the show for him if he heard end of the story/plot while we waited. It didn't take long before his ears perked up and he said "Daddy, that's the Imagination Movers!". I responded with a "What? Where?" and he hopped up ran to the spot underneath the speaker playing the music and said "Right there! That's them! Are they here?!? Are we going to see them?!?" I told him that we were and that I had bought the tickets as a surprise and that we were going to see them in about an hour. Now I don't know that he somehow manually prevented himself from doing so, but I'm willing to bet by the look on his face that his pants came very close to being officially "pooped".

He then proceeded to inquire with any theater personnel that he could access as to the intimate details of the lives of the cast members. None of them knew anything about the Imagination Movers, of course, but they were exceptionally nice and friendly to Killian's endless stream of inquiry. When they finally opened up the doors to allow us entry he saw the banners and lobby decorations and was unbelievably additionally excited. This was my first time at DPAC and, in case I forget to mention it later, it was a really nice facility. I look forward to seeing other shows there in the future. We walked in and got in the special line to pick up our Mini Movers Package which included an after party pass for each of us (pictured below this paragraph) and a special wristband to indicate our seating section (Orchestra section, back row, toward the right D 111 and D 112 - section (1) on this chart).

Once we had our creds, we headed upstairs to the theater seating level. As soon as we got to the top of the stairs there *they* were. In plain site for all to see doing the photo ops at the after party with the folks from the 1:30pm show. I can't confirm that Killian was vibrating at this point but he was a bit blurry. Once he recovered from his initial awe, we made our way over to the souvenir table where he selected his official souvenir for the show: a stuffed animal of Warehouse Mouse (a puppet character from the show). His choices were a pick of 3 different Imagination Movers shirts, a replica of Smitty's cowboy hat or an official Imagination Movers jumpsuit. OK, to be fair, at $70, I took the jumpsuit out of the list of options for him.

Once we had secured his souvenir friend, we waited about 10-15 minutes for the theater doors to open to allow seating. Again, I must speak to the politeness and friendliness of the theater personnel. It was amazing considering the throngs of 3-7 year old children in the midst. We headed in, plopped down in our seats (so awesomely close to the stage) and awaited the beginning of the show. We were surrounded on both sides by friendly and talkative concert goers which helped to pass this short time. In fact, one of them even took this picture of the two of us while we waited.

Here's a pretty terrible shot of our view of the stage. My apologies for the darkness:

The show finally began with a performance by Choo-Choo Soul. For only two of them they were very entertaining and engaging. Genevieve has a great voice and D.C. is a beatboxing and breakdancing maniac. It was a great opening to the show that had all of the kids up and out of their seats jumping and dancing along with the pair. They performed for about 20 minutes and then introduced the Imagination Movers.

Once the Movers came out the kids and parents alike offered up a healthy greeting and so began the main show. I'm not going to describe the show round for round but suffice it to say that it was really fun and engaging. The sound was great and the volume was pretty much perfect. They spent a surprising amount of time meandering through the audience during their performance (it wasn't difficult with 5 of them to split up between the stage and the audience). Our seats afforded Killian the opportunity to see each of them up close and get multiple high fives and they frequently used the aisle between the orchestra pit and the first seats of the next section up as an easy path. We were at the very back of the orchestra section so he was able to easily pivot in his chair and face them as they passed and stopped throughout the show. That said, a high five to dad for picking some great seats.

They played for about 60-75 minutes and announced during the show something that came as a surprise to me. This was the last show of the tour. It was their 101st of 101 shows starting in January. I had inadvertently bought tickets to the last possible chance to see them on this tour! That was also great news because it added a little something to the show. They did a couple of extra numbers and spent some extra time at the end of the show celebrating on stage as well as some extra thanking of the audience for the support over the course of the tour and such and to the staff and cast. I'm sure they thank them all as a typical part of the show but you could tell these were the "thanks for the whole tour" ones. Pretty cool.

Following the show we made our way over to the after party which was held in an area that was basically the size of a large school classroom. There were roughly 150 attendees at the after party not counting staff/cast. On average, they consisted of families of four so it was a pretty close to even split of adults/kids. They had a couple of snacks and bottles of water (so needed) for the attendees which we munched on while we waited for the movers to arrive. After about 15-20 minutes the Movers and Choo-Choo Soul arrived to the room. It was really pretty neat because it was intimate enough to be up close to them as they just kind of mingled their way into the room to the thrill of both the kids and many of the parents. The Movers did a couple of impromptu songs with portable mics and guitars. That was fun because Mover Scott was out among the pool of kids singing as the other guys were standing up on a table playing and singing their parts. All of the kids were involved and Killian was right there front and center. It is impossible to describe his elation at this experience.

Once they wrapped up the short performance, they moved over to the photo op section of the room and the attendees lined up in groups for a chance to get a picture with the guys. We were in group A so we got to go up among the first crowd. They greeted each family with equal excitement and genuine thanks for attending, shaking hands and asking names. The emcee announced that autograph opportunities and such would follow the photo ops so if you wanted to stick around you could. When we got our turn for the photo, each member made a point of shaking hands and thanking us for coming out to the show. Like everyone before and after me, I'm sure, I told them that their performance was great and thanked them for putting on a good show. They seemed genuinely appreciative. Truly so or not, they convinced me so that's good enough to me. Here's our official photo:

Since everything was going well and Killian was in an ongoing great mood, we stuck around while the rest of the crowd had their photo ops. In the meantime, Genevieve and D.C. from Choo-Choo Soul were readily available for autographs and conversation and were very friendly and approachable. D.C. kept crowds of kids occupied for about 45 minutes drawing pictures on inflated balloons, having a balloon fight, signing autographs and teaching kids to beatbox. He was really awesome with them. Genevieve was as beautiful as she is on television and was very friendly with parents and kids alike as well. I wish them both great success and told them as much as well as congratulating them on a great performance.

The place cleared out considerably as most people left following their photo op and by the time the entire group was done getting pictures taken only about 30 of us remained. This allowed Killian virtually unfettered access to his TV heroes and they were amazing with him. They answered his relentless questions without hesitation, looked him in the eye truly engaged and shook hands, hugged and high fived him at his command. With each question answered that confirmed the magic of the show (Dave's hat *was* really full of all those things and Warehouse Mouse *did* really talk and Smitty could understand him), Killian looked up at me with amazement and a giant smile having proved that it was all "real". Humorously, he was totally shy around Nina which kind of bummed me out because I was all for spending more time with her. ;) In addition to the autographed poster they provided along with the photo op, Killian managed to get his CD booklet (which daddy cleverly thought to bring in with them) autographed by all of them as well.

As we finally were getting ready to walk out the door, Rich and Scott both came over individually to bid us farewell and thank us again for coming out to support them. Just the cherry on top of the whole experience. They seem to be very genuinely good guys.

Once we got into the car I looked at the clock and it read 7:00pm. We had been there for 4 1/2 hours and it seemed like maybe 2. To Killian it likely seemed more like 30 minutes. It was a truly wonderful time. I had tears in my eyes on at least three separate occasions but I managed to choke them back in manly fashion and keep my rep in check. It was just so touching and special to witness a dream come true for your child. To see TV step off the screen and be right there to engage and touch. In addition to that, the show has special ties for me as Killian began watching it right before Bobbie became really ill. It is something that he was able to share with her several times and I thought to myself how much she would have so very enjoyed being there with us as he got to experience this fantasy.

As I started with, it was the best father and son experience that I have had with Killian. As a result, the Imagination Movers have made a fan for life of me thanks to their approachability and sincerity and the magic they brought to a day in my life with Killian. There is no price that can be put on that. If I'd known the wonderful time that it brought us, I would have readily paid ten times the ticket price. No question about it.

Killian Soccer 2011 Wraps Up

2011-05-01T17:13:00.000-04:00

It seems like Killian really enjoyed soccer this season. He was much more interested and involved and progressed really nicely in the game. Here are his individual and team pics taken at the YMCA (click for larger):

And here is a picture taken at home after the end of season party where they gave out trophies and awards. He's holding up his trophy in this one:

And here is his certificate for the award he was presented with, "Best Rookie". There were three rookie kids on his team this year so that's a decent accomplishment.

I missed the deadline for T-ball/baseball this summer so his likely next round will be flag football in the fall unless I get his in for a round of gymnastics or something over the summer (preferably something indoors).

iPad 2: Electric Boogaloo

2011-03-19T21:58:00.001-04:00

I was able to sell my original iPad for a reasonable price and, in turn, picked up an iPad 2. So far, so good. It is about 1/2 the thickness of the original which, to me, is the most notable difference. It also has some internal upgrades but they aren't really that noticeable in my use as of yet. I'm sure that future apps will make their presence more apparent. The only upgrade I added was bumping it from a 16GB to a 32GB model. Sadly, between 2 movies and a plethora of apps, I had actually managed to fill up my 16GB model.

I'll admit, I use it more than I would have suspected. Mostly for games, web browsing, email and streaming Netflix. Typing on it is pretty sucky, so I mostly use if for read only type of interaction.

[image swiped from http://marketplayground.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/ipad2-big.jpg]

Key to the City

2011-03-19T20:53:00.004-04:00

http://www.amazingsuperpowers.com/2011/03/key-to-the-city/

Key to the City

Words to Live By

2011-03-14T14:52:00.000-04:00

I posted this to my facebook but it's worth noting here also. Well written with emotion. Very worth a read.

You just broke your child. Congratulations.

For preservation sake, I've copied the content here. Please click on the link above for the original article and to give the author the appropriate web traffic if you like the article.

-----
You just broke your child. Congratulations.

Dads. Stop breaking your children. Please.

I feel a need to write this post after what I witnessed at Costco yesterday. Forgive me for another post written in desperation and anger. Please read all the way to the end. I know it's long, but this is something that needs to be said. It's something that needs to be heard. It's something thatneeds to be shared.

As Noah and I stood in line to make a return, I watched as a little boy (he couldn't have been older than six) looked up at his dad and asked very timidly if they could buy some ice cream when they were done. The father glared him down, and through clenched teeth, growled at the boy to "leave him alone and be quiet". The boy quickly cowered to the wall where he stood motionless and hurt for some time.

The line slowly progressed and the child eventually shuffled back to his father as he quietly hummed a childish tune, seemingly having forgotten the anger his father had just shown. The father again turned and scolded the boy for making too much noise. The boy again shrunk back and cowered against the wall, wilted.

I was agitated. I was confused. How could this man not see what I see? How could this man not see what a beautiful spirit stood in his shadow? How could this man be so quick to stub out all happiness in his own boy? How could this man not cherish the only time he'll ever have to beeverything to this boy? To be the person that matters most to this boy?

We were three from the front now, and the boy started to come towards his dad yet again. His dad immediately stepped out of the line, jammed his fingers into his son's collar bones until he winced in pain, and threatened him. "If you so much as make a sound or come off of that wall again, I promise you're going to get it when we get home." The boy again cowered against the wall. This time, he didn't move. He didn't make a sound. His beautiful face pointed down, locked to the floor and expressionless. He had been broken. And that's how his father wanted it. He didn't want to deal with him, and breaking him was the easiest way.

And we wonder why so many of our kids grow up to be screwed up.

I'm going to be blunt. People see my relationship with Noah, and quite often put me up on a pedestal or sing my praises for loving him more than most dads love their own kids.

Damn it. I don't understand that, and I'll never understand that. Loving my son, building my son, touching my son, playing with my son, being with my son... these aren't tasks that only super dads can perform. These are tasks that every dad should perform. Always. Without fail. There is nothing special about me. I am a dad who loves his son and would literally do anything for his well-being, safety, and health. I would gladly take a rake in the face or a jackhammer to my feet before I cut my own son down or make him feel small.

[sigh] I am far from a perfect dad. And I always will be. But I'm a damn good dad, and my son willalways feel bigger than anything life can throw at him. Why? Because I get it. I get the power a dad has in a child's life, and in a child's level of self-belief. I get that everything I ever do and ever say to my son will be absorbed, for good or for bad. What I don't get is how some dads don't get it.

Dads. Do your faces light up when you first see your child in the morning or when you come home from work? Do you not understand that a child's entire sense of value can revolve around what they see in your face when you first see them?

Dads. Do you not realize that a child is what you tell them they are? That people almost always become what they are labeled? Was whatever your child just did really the "dumbest thing you've ever seen somebody do"? Was it really the "most ridiculous thing they ever could have done"? Do you really believe that your child is an idiot? Because she now does. Think about that. Becauseyou said it, she now believes it. Bravo.

Dads. Do you honestly expect anybody to believe that you can't find 20 minutes to step away from your computer or turn off the television to play with your child? It has to happen every single day. Do you not understand that children will hinge their entire facet of trust on whether or not their dad plays with them and how involved he is when he plays with them? Do you know the damage you do by not playing with your children every day?

Dads. Should anybody buy into this silly notion that anger is sometimes or often necessary? Do you not understand that anger is almost always an emotion for people who wish to control others while simultaneously failing to control themselves? Do you not know that there are incredible books and courses that can teach you better methods? Most importantly, do you not see the speed at which a child is crushed or becomes completely defiant when anger rules the roost? Are you that desensitized to the luminosity of your child's spirit that it doesn't crush you completely when they flinch or cower in your presence? Is that really what you want your child to do? To fear you?

Dads. Do you not realize that your child needs to feel your skin on his? Do you not realize the incredible and powerful bond that skin on skin contact with your daughter will give you? Do you not understand the permanent mental connections that are made when you stroke your son's bare back or rub your daughter's bare tummy while you tell bedtime stories? And if any idiot says anything about that being inappropriate, you're gonna get kicked in the face, first by me, and then by every other good dad out there. Touching your child is your duty as a father.

Dads. Wake up! These precious souls that have been put into your care are unique and so very sensitive. Everything you say or don't say will impact their ability, success, and happiness throughout their entire lives.

Do you not realize that your kids are going to make mistakes, and a lot of them? Do you not realize the damage you do when you push your son's nose into his mishaps or make your daughter feel worthless because she bumped or spilled something? Do you have any idea how easy it is to make your child feel abject? It's as simple as letting out the words, "why would you do that!?" or "how many times have I told you..."

Let me ask you this. Have you ever looked into the swollen eyes of a parent who's child has just died?

I have.

Have you ever cried through a child's funeral?

I have.

Have you ever touched a wooden box with a child inside? A permanent tomb from which another laugh or giggle will never sound?

I have.

If you want the motivation to be the best parent on earth, do that just one time. I pray you never have to.

Dads. It's time to tell our kids that we love them. Constantly. It's time to show our kids that we love them. Constantly. It's time to take joy in their twenty-thousand daily questions and their inability to do things as quickly as we'd like. It's time to take joy in their quirks and their ticks. It's time to takejoy in their facial expressions and their mispronounced words. It's time to take joy in everything that our kids are.

It's time to stand up and ask what we can do to be better dads. It's time to get our priorities straight. It's time to come home and actually be a dad.

Dads. It's time to show our sons how to properly treat a woman. It's time to show our daughters how a girl should expect be treated. It's time to show forgiveness and compassion. It's time to show our children empathy. It's time to break social norms and teach a healthier way of life! It's time to teach good gender roles and to ditch the unnecessary ones. Does it really matter if your son likes the color pink? Is it going to hurt anybody? Do you not see the damage it inflicts to tell a boy that there is something wrong with him because he likes a certain color? Do we not see the damage we do in labeling our girls "tom boys" or our boys "feminine" just because they have their own likes and opinions on things? Things that really don't matter?

Dads. Speak softly to your sons. Speak calmly to your daughters. Who do you want your child to be? Do you want him to be the kid at school that sits by himself with absolutely no friends or self esteem? Or do you want him to be the kid running for class office and feeling like he deserves to win it? Do we not see that we have the power to give that to our children? Do we not see that wehave the power to teach our children the tools of societal survival?

Dads. Do we not see the influence we have when we say we believe in one thing, but our children see us living something else? Do we not realize how little we encourage our children to actually decide what they believe, declare what they believe, and then live by it? Whether it's religion, politics, sports, or societal norms. It is not our place to tell our kids what to think. It is our place to teach our kids to think correctly. If we do this, we need have no fear of what they will decide for themselves and how strongly they'll stand behind it. A man will follow his own convictions to his death, but he'll only follow another man's convictions until he steps in manure.

Damn it, Dads. Every child has the innate right to ask for ice cream without being belittled and broken. Every child has the innate right to do so without being made to cower in the corner because the man who is supposed to be his hero is actually a small, small man altogether. Every child has the innate right to be happy, and giggle, and laugh, and play. Why aren't you letting them? Every child on earth has the right to a dad who thinks before he speaks; a dad who understands the great power that has been given to him to ultimately shape another human being's life; a dad who loves his child more than he loves his television shows or sports games; a dad who loves his child more than his material junk; a dad who loves his child more than his time. Every child deserves a superhero dad.

Maybe the truth is that a lot of dads don't deserve their kids.

Maybe the truth is that a lot of dads aren't really dads at all.

I apologize for the heatedness of my post. I believe a part of me feels like a coward for not saying something to the man in front of me at Costco. Consider this post to be my penance. Perhaps a part of me feels that if even one person reads this and decides to be a better dad, it was worth every second that I spent typing it. If one child has a better life because something in my words stirred their father to step up their game, then it was worth every ounce of begging and pleading with you to share this with others, of which I am inevitably going to be guilty.

Dads. Children are gifts. They are not ours for the breaking. They are ours for the making. So stand up with me and show the world that there are a lot of good dads around.

Dan Pearce, Single Dad Laughing Pleading
-----

Killian Class Picture - 1st Grade

2011-03-09T20:45:00.000-05:00

Here are Killian's 1st grade class and individual pics...

Wacky Hair Day 2011

2011-03-02T10:23:00.001-05:00

In honor of Dr. Seuss week (yesterday was Wacky Hat Day - I failed to take a photo)

It's kind of hard to tell from this photo but it's purple on one side, orange down the middle and yellow on the other side. His design. It's also doused in gel.

One of These Things Does Not Belong Here

2011-02-28T08:01:00.002-05:00

Date: February 28, 2011
Forecast: 81 degrees
Location: Raleigh, NC

There is something wrong with this information.

Killian First School Project

2011-02-23T20:57:00.000-05:00

To the best of my memory this is the first school project that Killian has had to turn in.

The topic is "Famous People: African-Americans, women, inventors and presidents". Maybe not the most artistic of creations but clearly that is my boy!

Skin Gun

2011-02-20T09:37:00.000-05:00

Wow, that is pretty amazing...

The thing that shocked me most was the apparently very short healing time for the guy they interview. Well, that and the entire concept.

On a Need to Know Basis

2011-02-16T11:23:00.000-05:00

The following is a photograph of the crappy general purpose paper shredder I have at home. Notice, in particular, the instructions for what not to shred in pictorial format (click photo for larger version).

Now, unless I am interpreting completely incorrectly, which is entirely possible, it would seem that NoviTech feels that I need to be instructed not to shred babies, human hair, water bottles, my own hand, ties or (most sensibly) paper clips.

Ok, in fairness I can understand that they're probably saying not to let children use it and perhaps not to use liquid on it for some reason but I'm really at a loss for the hair, hand and tie images. Maybe just warnings to keep those things out of it if they are attached to you? Sad that people need to be told if that's the case.

A-hole Lot of Bad Parking

2011-02-11T21:30:00.000-05:00

So I went to the orthopaedic doc for a cortisone shot in the shoulder today. Entering the parking deck, I got to experience the fury of an idiot poorly parked and taking up two parking spaces. Fortunately, there was an open spot three spots down from there so the greater portion of my rage was abated and I had no materials to leave the driver a description of my opinion of their parking and related social skills.

I go in, get my shoulder stabbed and come out to find *this* upon my return to the parking deck:

I drive the blue Honda Element on the right. It took every ounce of my being not to key this vehicle. I also miraculously managed to resist providing them with a healthy door ding on their passenger side. Seriously, WTF?!? Other than specifically to spite me, I can't even come up with an excuse for this behavior.

This one trip may be the straw that puts writing materials in my car as a standard.

Wow that's freaky to see/hear "live"

2011-01-05T09:18:00.001-05:00

Homeless man with golden radio voice <-- click to see

[Edit 1/7/2011: Wow, I did not expect it to blow up quite this much when I posted it -- Wild ride of offers for homeless guy ]

"Hey, good looking. We'll be back to pick you up later!"

2010-12-29T11:22:00.002-05:00

Someday *somebody* is going to recognize that line when I use it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF4ny7KivzA&feature=player_embedded

Tweets March 4, 2010 through December 16, 2010

2010-12-16T13:52:00.001-05:00

A collection of my twitter posts since last I summarized here. If I can figure out a way to have my tweets auto post to the blog, that would make quick posts easier.

New Xbox 360 upgrade = Windows 7 to Windows 3.1 downgrade.

1 Nov

8am is an inappropriate time for a basketball game.

30 Oct

Meh. http://plixi.com/p/53219456

27 Oct

On the train back home. Exchange 2010 training begins tomorrow. A really good trip all around. Thanks to Rob & TJ for the guided visit.

24 Oct

Spending the weekend in DC visiting friends with Killian. Great day at the zoo & double decker bus tour. Beautiful weather for it.

23 Oct

Power 90 (pre-X) Day 1 complete. Starting fitness level estimated at 0.8%. I did not vomit. Classification = success. http://bit.ly/dxXNkS

13 Oct

Where does the "Yogi" in Yogi Bear come from?

18 Sep

Got to hand it to Apple. iPad navigation seems pretty intuitive for Killian.

16 Sep

I resisted buying Dungeon Lords all the way until Sunday night.

13 Sep

TBGT 2010 is at an end for me. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Thanks to all who made that happen. #tbgt

12 Sep

And by day 3 I mean day 4. #tbgt

12 Sep

Started day 3 with The Pillars of Venice (Die Saulen ven Venedig). #tbgt

12 Sep

Rounded out the night/morning with Catch Phrase and Telestrations. #tbgt

12 Sep

Got a game of Zombie Dice in there somewhere. #tbgt

12 Sep

Initiating after midnight Dungeon Lords. #tbgt

12 Sep

Another shot at Ascension. #tbgt

11 Sep

Puzzling and prize table events were awesome as usual. Now for D&D: Castle Ravenloft. #tbgt

11 Sep

Quirkle and now Dixit. #tbgt

11 Sep

Starting day 3 with Ascension. #tbgt

11 Sep

Done for night #2. Heading home. #tbgt

11 Sep

Make that political *and* religious diatribe. #tbgt

11 Sep

Played Catch Phrase to round out the night. Now suffering through political diatribe. Ugh. #tbgt

11 Sep

Word on the Street and now Dominion: Prosperity. #tbgt

10 Sep

Poker tournament did not treat me well. On to Ascension. #tbgt

10 Sep

Battle Lore #tbgt

10 Sep

And day 2 begins with Samarkand: Routes to Riches. #tbgt

10 Sep

Rounded out day 1 with an oldie but goodie, El Grande. #tbgt

10 Sep

Goa - it had been quite awhile since the last play. #tbgt

9 Sep

Egezia - liked it quite a bit. #tbgt

9 Sep

Played San Juan to start things off. #tbgt

9 Sep

TBGT 2010 underway! #tbgt

9 Sep

Nuc*U*lar remains an unacceptable pronunciation. Ugh!

9 Sep

I picked up an iPad this weekend. Not 100% sure I'll reap the full value of the purchase, but it's fun to play with initially at least.

7 Sep

What I lack in perfection I make up for in imperfection.

21 Aug

Killian just reached the closing credits in a video game for the first time. Props in his general direction. Mario Kart DS was the game.

21 Aug

Ugh. Good morning to you too, 40.

21 Aug

Taking Killian out skateboarding at his request. Woohoo!

15 Aug

I'm a little disappointed that I have never witnessed someone slipping on a banana peel in person. Going to have to up the littering quota.

14 Aug

Just threw away another almost 1/2 box of expired Q-tips. I'm going to have to figure out more uses for those things.

13 Aug

About to let Killian watch Harry Potter while I pass out on the couch. Ugh, summer cold. Bleh.

7 Aug

2nd fiendish lightning storm is < 24 hours. Yipes!

5 Aug

It's like saying "I'd love some Ho Ho's." and someone handing you a pack of Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls.

4 Aug

Dislike = men's shoes with any form of tassel

3 Aug

The word "cloister" is a fun one to say. Hard to bust out in everyday conversation but it's fun to pronounce.

3 Aug

Supplies have been assembled. Tomorrow is day 1 of 1st grade. Wow.

1 Aug

Just went and saw Inception. Engaging throughout. Didn't even feel like 2 1/2 hours. A good theater movie as well. Worth the matinee.

31 Jul

I don't know which direction you go, but Nature's Own bread twists are apparently opposed to my natural right twist tie inclination.

30 Jul

We saw Despicable Me last night. I definitely enjoyed it and Killian was interested, engaged and laughing throughout. A good time had.

29 Jul

The answer is "Discombobulation". Now to determine the question...

27 Jul

For Wednesday giggles: http://www.collegehumor.com/article:1803435

21 Jul

is not the bronze idol to thousands after a week at the beach thanks to SPF 70.

18 Jul

Despicable Me. Anybody seen it yet? Killian is asking to go and it looks pretty good.

17 Jul

I simply do not get Adventure Time.

17 Jul

So far this week I have managed to burn only the tops of my feet and then only slightly. Go sunscreen!

15 Jul

Killian: "I'm tired of my head being on my neck.". Glad we're not in France.

11 Jul

If at first you don't suck seed, try cupping the balls.

11 Jul

12:05am and 86 degrees. There's something entirely wrong with that.

8 Jul

Wii Fit, you shall pay for what you did to the physique of my poor Mii.

5 Jul

There is water at the bottom of the ocean.

5 Jul

For that matter, a shout out to the company we got the butterflies from: Butterfly Releases By S ( www.ButterflyReleasesByS.com ).

30 Jun

100% success on the butterfly release for Bobbie's birthday. Whew!

30 Jun

Roller skating rink birthday party this weekend was a resounding success, I think. Just about everyone, kids *and* parents, seemed to enjoy.

28 Jun

Wow. Cupcake Pebbles. That sounds some kind of nasty. Bleh!

28 Jun

Ugh. *So* glad this is the last day of T-ball!

26 Jun

I like the look of the Saturn SKY.

25 Jun

Whew! Rough day for a school picnic. And tomorrow is their field day! Ugh.

24 Jun

Red Dead Redemption. It's good stuff.

23 Jun

Woohoo!

19 Jun

Bleh. *WAY* to hot for T-ball practice.

14 Jun

Today was much "the suck" with very brief shining moments.

13 Jun

And now I have just been told that "Actually, IV is the last one." So apparently Whale's fate will remain a mystery.

13 Jun

Apparently episode V will take place in a different country and Whale gets killed by Shark in episode VI and "never comes back".

13 Jun

Bath time tonight featured "Karate Shark and Whale IV", I was told. I've learned that they are enemies and got a preview for episode VI.

13 Jun

I'd say that I've had just about enough Exchange migration effort for the weekend/week/month. Good grief, it's never ending!

13 Jun

Just completed my annual physical. I'm a healthy 45 year old man at age 39 5/6.

10 Jun

Rockstar Games must be pretty damned proud of their skinning cut scenes in Red Dead Redemption. They sure do love to show them over & over.

9 Jun

A rediscovery of a passing interest in calligraphy (specifically the writing thereof) has been fun over the past couple of days.

9 Jun

People that wear driving gloves in their car around town make me laugh. Especially if they are talented comedians.

5 Jun

1) Your own driveway. 2) Hospital Emergency room.

5 Jun

Exhaustive list of places it is ok to park like a jackass:

5 Jun

When both eyes are on the same side of your face, only then can you truly flounder. Of course, fins and tastiness help as well.

5 Jun

Killian created a new TV show, theme song included, in the bath last night: "Karate Shark and Whale".

31 May

This Zach & Cody seem quite likely to have long careers... in "Where are they now?" or "Whatever happened to...?" specials.

28 May

Captain Kirk's nipples I'm glad there is no T-ball tomorrow morning. I am *so* looking forward to this 3 day weekend.

28 May

Grr... SharePoint 2003...

27 May

Recommencing Lost season 3.

25 May

Oof. Monkey Joe's + Saturday = (surprise) that's a lot o' kids!

22 May

Tball, errands & now pizza for lunch with the boy. Birthday party at Monkey Joe's up next on the agenda.

22 May

Truly, I shall never likely understand you who enjoy the yard work.

21 May

Ugh, grass mowing, truly you are my nemesis.

21 May

Being transferred to support person that does "log analysis". Pretty sure that's a fecal matter expert. Oh, poop humor, you are priceless.

18 May

No fun = a pleasant sounding 75 degrees in the sun + 62% humidity at 9:30am. I am so not ready for summer.

15 May

And Tball game 1 begins at 8:30am.

15 May

Got a fancy new BlackBerry 8530 Curve at work today. Still not sure between it and the 8830. Not digging the trackpad yet.

14 May

A recital is *totally* different without the "i". Read very carefully next time you are invited to one.

14 May

Toilet trees must be some of the least happy trees there are.

12 May

T-ball first practice complete. Hot but not unbearable. Definitely entertaining to watch. Killian chose 1st base as a starting position.

8 May

had to spend a decent part of the early evening explaining to Killian that Hell does not likely exist.

6 May

Rollerskating for the first time at length since... 1983? Killian's 1st time.

1 May

Just bought Killian his 1st T-ball glove and rollerblades. The rollerblades are an overdue Christmas gift.

1 May

Make-up snow day for Killian today. Made for quite a nice nap slot. Aahhh...

1 May

Of course, it is yet to be seen if they actually fixed the problem. Here's hoping.

30 Apr

Surprise from HP. PC returned to me with replaced motherboard yesterday. That's 4 days after I dropped it at FedEx on its way to HP.

30 Apr

I have recently learned that I am apparently a antitransubstantiationalist.

29 Apr

I've decided to start leaving the "r" out of throngs and start using the word in context but far too frequently.

29 Apr

You know that part in Forest Gump where he starts running & his leg braces break away? That totally didn't happen to me today.

28 Apr

Got a survey from my electric co. with $1 inside as incentive to complete it with an est. of 15-20 mins. Guess they value me at $3-$4/hr.

27 Apr

They issued a recall on my vehicle today. Finally! I've been complaining about "soft" brakes for 2 years now at least.

26 Apr

Goodbye, PC. I'll see you in about 2 weeks (hopefully) with a reformatted hard drive no doubt. = Warranty repair for those about to ask.

25 Apr

"Making sure it smells good so I don't have a stinky day tomorrow.". - Killian after sniffing the bar of soap in the shower.

25 Apr

just remembered something.

22 Apr

Had to wake Killian up at 9:45am. Aww yeah...

11 Apr

Bruce Buffer, you are no Michael.

10 Apr

Being home so far has meant cutting grass, errands, laundry, dishes, vacuuming and sweeping. Definitely back to reality. :(

10 Apr

Nap = great idea. Wonderful time at Downtown Disney. Now the tricky part of getting him back to sleep for the night.

9 Apr

Sea World today. Now headed to Downtown Disney after a nap for a bit of shopping. Tired Killian made for a slightly rough day at the park.

8 Apr

Killian & I had a great day 3 at Hollywood Studios & Epcot. Killian met 5 Power Rangers today as his highlight.

7 Apr

Back to Hollywood Studios today. So far, so great!

7 Apr

Magic Kingdom was officially UNfun today. *Obscenely* overcrowded. Character dinner at Chef Mickey, however, was a HUGE hit!

6 Apr

No full-on Internet access at Fort Wilderness & WiFi signal iPhone is sucking pretty hard.

6 Apr

60 minute wait time for Dumbo ride. Ugh.

6 Apr

Disney day 1 complete. Whew! Days 2-4 are gonna hurt. :)

5 Apr

Getting ready to watch Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios in Disney.

5 Apr

The eagle has landed. We are now entering Central Florida.

4 Apr

At the airport awaiting departure. http://tweetphoto.com/17112272

4 Apr

Apparently, knowledge that he departs for Disney World tomorrow will keep a 5 year old up well beyond his bedtime. Surprise.

4 Apr

Only 1 more day before Disney departure.

2 Apr

"Dicketry" retains it's status as a comical term to me.

31 Mar

Pet peeve: The use of the preposition "at" to end a sentence. So painful to hear or read.

29 Mar

Let the Disney countdown begin. 6...

29 Mar

First lawn, er... weed, mowing of the year complete. Blah do I abhor this activity.

28 Mar

Terrible parent or coolest dad ever, I watched Raiders of the Lost Ark with Killian tonight. Best quote: "He looks just like Han Solo."

27 Mar

Yeesh. *Another* Monday?!? What a week.

26 Mar

A thank you to Mr. Harrison for this little tidbit: http://tinyurl.com/yfn79wk

22 Mar

Wow. Karen Carpenter. What a voice.

18 Mar

Yeah, he's definitely off his rocker, and you know how difficult rockers are to stay on. http://tinyurl.com/yhmuurk

15 Mar

Started Sons of Anarchy today - season 1, disc 1. Good so far. Getting ready to watch the first episode of The Pacific now.

14 Mar

Finished The Wire series. Enjoyed it thoroughly and suggest it if you are so inclined to watch.

14 Mar

I don't exactly know why, but I have always found the cover art for Dead Like Me to be very clever. http://tinyurl.com/yeutscy

12 Mar

Commencing the last disc of the final season of The Wire. Kind of sad.

10 Mar

Initial diagnosis = sinus infection with drainage as likely cause of vomiting. Antibiotics to be retrieved shortly and then off to school.

9 Mar

Pediatrician appt at 11:30am. Hopefully it will be something minor.

9 Mar

Another stomach purging midnight wake up call for the little guy. First time since Friday night. Poor kid. Going to call the doc in the AM.

9 Mar

Indeed it does.

7 Mar

Well, Killian made it until just after midnight. Guess I should have stuck to the BRAT diet through dinner. Yuck. :(

6 Mar

I should definitely know better than to say it out loud, but I dropped Killian off at school at 10am and not a word from them yet. Woohoo!

5 Mar

Indeed I spoke too soon. I now share your vehicular fun, Rebekah. Guess the trip for Gatorade wasn't such a good idea.

4 Mar

I'm sure I'm speaking too soon, but so far, so good on no additional events since this morning's symptomatic display for Killian.

4 Mar

Killian is home sick with stomach virus symptoms today. Awesome.

4 Mar

It's a Me, Killian!

2010-12-15T16:48:00.000-05:00

As long as I'm on the posting pictures of Killian frenzy, here was his Halloween costume this year. Easily the most awesome thus far. He even ran into a shorter Mario in the course of the trick-or-treating. Lots of "Hey, Luigi!" calls from other passersby as well.

Killian Rounds 1st

2010-12-15T15:48:00.000-05:00

The photo is a couple of months older but here is his school photo from 1st grade this year. Unfortunately for him it's on the heels of a pretty bad haircut. Fortunately for him he's cute enough overall to make up for it. ;)

Killian's Christmas Photos

2010-12-15T14:42:00.000-05:00

Here are some shots from Killian's Christmas photo shoot.

Killian Meets Basketball

2010-12-15T12:25:00.001-05:00

Killian finishes up his first season/session of basketball on Saturday. He has enjoyed it though I have yet to see him dunk. There are a couple of ringers on that team though. Wow, it's crazy how good some of those kids can dribble and shoot for 1st grade. In particular, the girl sitting on the far left and the kid that's a head taller than all of the rest. Here are his individual and team pics (you can click for a larger view):

His coach is actually missing from the team picture. Those are a couple of dads in the picture that helped through the season. His team was the Knicks and I think they ended the season with a record of who the heck knows and who the heck knows. I'm pretty sure he'll be up for the next round of basketball when it comes.

Smoker's Pole

2010-09-13T21:33:00.000-04:00

It's a pole. It's apparently for smoking. Nothing else need be said.

Testing... Testing... Is This Thing On?

2010-07-10T12:24:00.001-04:00

Yeah, yeah, it's been awhile and no more promises to myself that I will update this more often because, apparently, I am a liar.

I'm headed out to the east coast with some friends and Killian for the week which should prove to be an enjoyable escape from a very busy work life of late. With any luck (and some help from SPF 50), I will actually manage to avoid portraying the role of human lobster after a week at the beach.

In hobby news:

Video game entertainment

Red Dead Redemption for Xbox 360. Very fun and addictive. Good mechanics and a decent storyline.
Wii Fit Plus - Let's see if I can slim down this Mii. Poor, plump little bastard.
Torchlight - A surprisingly addictive updated Diablo style game. I picked it up on Steam for $10 and have played the crap out of it.
Rock Band: Green Day - I received it as an early birthday gift and played through the full song list with Rich last night. I will be chastised for this but found it more enjoyable to play through than Rock Band: Beatles.

I have been watching a few new to me television series (between DVR & DVD):

Sons of Anarchy - Watched season 1 on DVD. Liked it but season 2 isn't out on DVD yet and season 3 is either mid-run or also not yet out unfortunately.
Breaking Bad - On disc 3 of season 2. I'm enjoying this one as well though it keeps me constantly uncomfortable.
Treme - I'm having a difficult time staying interested in this one. A little too much concentration on a music style that I don't enjoy for my taste.
The Big Bang Theory - Yes, I'm a nerd and yes, I love this show.
Lost - not new to me but I have finally recommenced watching it. I'm mid season 3 at the moment.
True Blood - I enjoyed the first two seasons and have enjoyed the 3rd thus far. I am told by those that have read the books that the show is terrible but my inexperienced mind to that end affords me the opportunity to enjoy it.

Boardgames.

Though my opportunities to enjoy this one have been impacted, I have taken any chance I can to play Dominion along with its expansions: Intrigue, Seaside and Alchemy. I continue to thoroughly enjoy this game.
I haven't really had the opportunity to play anything new otherwise in the past several months. [sad face] but the beach this week should hold many gaming opportunities [very happy face].

Books

I make no claim to be an avid reader but am currently reading the Percy Jackson series - book 2: Sea of Monsters.

Sports and Exercise

Hahaha... riiiiiiiight [embarrassed sad face]

Killian's birthday was June 24th (he's now six) and a successful birthday party was held at Jellybeans skating rink for him. 21 kids. That's a handful. Bobbie's birthday was June 30th and Killian and I did a small butterfly release celebration in her memory. It was sweet and positive and turned out very well.

So, that's a little snapshot of now. As I mentioned, work has been crazy. Life has been life. Not static nor out of control nor particularly exciting. I am enjoying it as best I can and trying to make it fun for Killian along the way.

Do NOT Put a Yeti Pot into Your Nose

2010-03-02T21:34:00.000-05:00

Made my first use of a neti pot last night. Specifically, a SinuCleanse brand one. See the fancy photo below.

Two things I can say about it:

It was one of the most bizarre, mildly uncomfortable, waterboarding feelings I can imagine.
It was surprisingly effective. I had heard as much from trusted friends but still had my doubts.

So, based on a whopping one time experience, I would say it is definitely worth a try if you are suffering from a sinus malady. Especially notable, you look absolutely ridiculous while it is in use.

Tweets June 18, 2009 through March 2, 2010

2010-03-02T21:06:00.002-05:00

For the sake of posterity and best read bottom to top, here is a collective listing of my twitter tweets since June 18 (those since my last collected post). As I still don't find a particularly useful function for twitter, I mostly just use it to update my facebook status. I need to just start posting to my blog and then twittering/facebooking a link to said post.

My 2nd iPhone and it continues to be the worst phone I've ever owned. Decent, if not good, PDA. POS phone specifically. Est 70% call drops.
6:30 PM Mar 2nd via TweetDeck

10 years ago today, I said "I do" to the woman that gave me the best years of and the best thing in my life. Best decision I ever made.
8:38 AM Mar 1st via web

One of my dogs is an idiot and she has the gaping underbite to prove it.
5:05 PM Feb 28th via TweetDeck

Another reload of Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit commencing momentarily.
6:27 PM Feb 27th via TweetDeck

Killian's 1st green star at school today. Of daily stars, Yellow=good, Green=medium, Red=bad. This is his first ever non-yellow day. Boo.
6:39 PM Feb 16th via TweetDeck

Killian's surprise 3rd choice request for dinner tonight: rice & green beans. Hmm. Suspicious.
5:34 PM Feb 16th via TweetDeck

Watched Zombieland last night. Rarely have I seen a movie filmed so blatantly ripe for video game translation. Entertaining & Bill Murray!
10:53 AM Feb 15th via web

Apparently, he's back into Power Rangers now. Great.
9:41 AM Feb 13th via TweetDeck

There are entirely too many current commercials including men in their underwear.
7:26 PM Feb 7th via mobile web

25 minutes in the carpool lane to pickup Killian from school... on a Sarurday.
12:19 PM Feb 6th via TweetDeck

Nerd alert. Trying out Star Trek Online & connected it to twitter. Not quite sure how often/many updates it will send.
8:43 PM Feb 5th via TweetDeck

School starting only on hour late today. About f'ing time!
8:17 AM Feb 4th via web

Bumpits... they're the armpit of your bum.
8:22 PM Feb 1st via TweetDeck

Bumpits are simply ridiculous.
8:22 PM Feb 1st via TweetDeck

Killian loves him some "chLocolate".
6:27 PM Feb 1st via TweetDeck

Son of a... they just closed Wake Co. schools for tomorrow.
4:23 PM Feb 1st via web

Go, sun, go! Melt like the wind! Wait... that doesn't work.
3:01 PM Feb 1st via web

If I was even thinking otherwise, that short stint of shoveling has further convinced me to stay South. Ugh.
12:20 PM Jan 31st via TweetDeck

I miss the world so much...
7:59 PM Jan 28th via TweetDeck

"Forget the box, I'll take the girl." - Fred Sanford, 1975
7:53 PM Jan 28th via TweetDeck

had a pretty decent Monday, actually.
8:30 PM Jan 25th via TweetDeck

"Some days you just can't get rid of a bomb." - Batman, 1966
7:57 PM Jan 24th via TweetDeck

Favorite Bat-item historically: Bat Shark Repellent Spray. New favorite: tie between Bat Whale Repellent & Bat Barracuda Repellent Sprays.
7:03 PM Jan 24th via TweetDeck

"Batmobile to airport. Red alert. Prepare Batcopter for immediate takeoff." - Robin, 1966
6:58 PM Jan 24th via TweetDeck

Killian's last swimming lesson for this round was today. He did great. I'm proud of him. A back2back birthday party weekend for him as well.
1:39 AM Jan 22nd via web

The Wire season 2 complete. Definitely liking it. Eager for season 3.
11:47 PM Jan 20th via web

Swimming lessons for Killian again at the YMCA today. They were diving into and swimming in the deep end! He was quite excited about it.
8:57 PM Jan 19th via web

"You will make many changes before settling satisfactorily." Wow. Thanks so much for that insightful look, fortune cookie.
8:46 PM Jan 17th via web

Oof. A 5am "midnight snack" for Killian.
4:59 AM Jan 10th via web

Christmas decor has left the house.
6:45 PM Jan 9th via web

Got home from Killian's YMCA talent show about 1/2 hour ago. It was a fun time. They really do a great job with the kids.
8:45 PM Jan 8th via web

Just rolling in the door from work. Whew. And a 10:30 bedtime for Killian as a result.
10:37 PM Jan 6th via TweetDeck

Played Dominion: Seaside 4 times on 2010-01-02 http://boardgamegeek.com/play/details/3785420 #bggplay
1:43 AM Jan 2nd via API

The moon looks *awesome* right now.
6:44 PM Jan 1st via TweetDeck

Played Dominion: Seaside 4 times on 2009-12-31 http://boardgamegeek.com/play/details/3778047 #bggplay
3:53 AM Jan 1st via API

F U, 2009!
11:59 PM Dec 31st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Not a fan of: "press some flesh".
10:08 AM Dec 30th, 2009 via web

At 74, there is absolutely no reason for Jerry Lee Lewis to be performing Great Balls of Fire live.
12:07 AM Dec 29th, 2009 via TweetDeck

wishes a merry Christmas to those who desire it.
12:39 AM Dec 25th, 2009 via web

Santa seems to have developed a palsy or something by the look of these gifts.
10:59 PM Dec 24th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Confirmed lack of self talent: gift wrapping.
10:56 PM Dec 24th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Yipes! I need to make a battery run for tomorrow. Forgot all about that.
2:10 PM Dec 24th, 2009 via web

The follow-up neuro-opthamologist appt brought a message of "all clear" for the funktified eye.
1:14 PM Dec 23rd, 2009 via web

And so begins the single patent adventures of kids getting out of school for ridiculously non-threatening weather.
1:46 PM Dec 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Good news. Official diagnosis is pre-septal cellulitis which means I just finish off the round of antibiotics started Monday.
11:48 AM Dec 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

CT scan complete. And now we wait.
9:54 PM Dec 17th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Severe conjunctivitis or orbital cellulosis? CT scan tonight and neuroopthamologist tomorrow will tell the tale. Stay tuned...
11:46 AM Dec 17th, 2009 via TweetDeck

We came in at #74 -- http://www.ewg.org/tap-water/rating-big-city-water
12:17 PM Dec 15th, 2009 via web

Whatever the hell "The Hills" is supposed to be, that just needs to stop. Right now. It is an unnecessary danger lurking for the unaware.
1:48 AM Dec 13th, 2009 via web

Good day with the boy. 3 hours of Lego Star Wars on Xbox followed by viewings of Batman: Subzero and Bolt. Both of which were not bad.
8:14 PM Dec 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Watched the first 3 episodes of the first season of The Wire on DVD last night. As a rule, I don't dig crime drama but I'm interested.
10:04 AM Dec 11th, 2009 via web

was just told that when a baby is in a mommy's tummy that's when she finds the man that wants to be his dad.
8:30 PM Dec 9th, 2009 via web

Watched "Dan in Real Life" last night. Not bad, not great. Worth a watching if it happens to be on cable but not worth seeking out.
11:36 AM Dec 9th, 2009 via web

The answer is "Yes, it would be difficult for me to be less interested in the Carrie Underwood Holiday Special."
8:02 PM Dec 7th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Snippet from Killian playing with action figs: "a:'Why?' b:'Because I'm a Star War?' a.'What's that?' b.'It's a movie that I'm in.'"
7:52 AM Dec 7th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Locals: Avoid Crabtree Mall area. Disgusting traffic jam.
5:31 PM Dec 5th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Nice. I just passed a King Cobra malt liquor billboard.
3:30 PM Dec 5th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Exterior holiday decor = mostly complete as of this evening.
10:19 PM Dec 4th, 2009 via TweetDeck

When exactly was it that Cimnamon Crispas transformed into Cinnamon Twists? "Crispas" is so much more fun to say. I'm guessing '93-ish.
8:58 PM Dec 3rd, 2009 via TweetDeck

"When it comes to havoc, nobody wreaks like me." Oh, Doofenshmirtz, you slay me.
7:26 PM Dec 2nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

Ok, seriously, enough with the crappy rainy days & nights!
6:46 PM Dec 2nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

I saw something on the back of a vehicle today that sparked a though of The Cowboy Junkies. "Caution: Horses". It was a horse trailer.
9:56 PM Dec 1st, 2009 via web

Just finished watching "Up" with Killian. We laughed, we cried and I coaxed him through the whole thing by promising a happy ending.
8:54 PM Nov 30th, 2009 via TweetDeck

These people who get laser hair removal are crazy. I mean how cool would laser hair be?!?
12:11 PM Nov 29th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Muppet Babies. Was that the one that began the nightmarish torrent?
11:17 AM Nov 29th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Today is going to prove quite the challenge to my weight loss efforts. I'm guessing that I'm in for a gaining week.
12:34 PM Nov 26th, 2009 via web

http://bit.ly/6CtLZa - present & accounted for.
8:40 PM Nov 25th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Hopped in this my new rental car today to find this. I knew this vehicle was a beast! http://pic.gd/b61845
8:02 PM Nov 23rd, 2009 via TweetDeck

On a more positive note, lost 3.5 more pounds this week for a total of 13.5 so far on Weight Watchers.
6:49 PM Nov 22nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

Let it not be said that yardwork & I are on even moderately friendly terms. That said, lawn mowed & raked after a much overdue chore.
6:47 PM Nov 22nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

Sorry ignore that last repeat post from last week. I meant to post that I am bummed that reviews say Tony Hawk's Ride game appears to suck.
10:48 AM Nov 21st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Holy crap, now *that's* pizza by the slice! The pepper shaker is there for perspective. http://pic.gd/1591db
10:46 AM Nov 21st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Sleepy old man McRae did not make it all the way through Transformers 2 last night but did see enough to agree that it's not kid friendly.
7:37 AM Nov 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

About an hour in and I'm having trouble stomaching it. Don't know... if I'll be able... to endure..
10:04 PM Nov 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Going to preview Transformers 2 for Killian watchability tonight.
8:06 PM Nov 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Woohoo! Another 3.5 pounds down this week. That makes 10 down, 10 to go. 15 if I'm feeling spunky.
3:47 PM Nov 16th, 2009 via web

Holy crap, now *that's* pizza by the slice! The pepper shaker is there for perspective. http://pic.gd/1591db
3:12 PM Nov 14th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Somebody loves him some Lego games (see shirt) and is in need of a haircut. http://pic.gd/35d897
2:55 PM Nov 14th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Walking out with an inhaler, steroids & antibiotic. Fun times. Go chest congestion & wheezing.
2:33 PM Nov 14th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Getting nebulized for the first time ever.
2:18 PM Nov 14th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Sitting in the urgent care office. Fevers are gone but my chest congestion is far more significant than I typically encounter.
1:43 PM Nov 14th, 2009 via TweetDeck

is also duly impressed that much of that time has been spent playing solo Lego Star Wars on Xbox. My little gamer is growing up so fast.
7:22 PM Nov 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

is duly impressed at how well behaved & self entertaining Killian has been locked up sick in the house with daddy working for 2 days.
7:20 PM Nov 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Joining the ranks of the status updating while feeling like a$$.
3:35 PM Nov 12th, 2009 via web

At home with a sick kiddo today. Fever was back this morning along with cough. This is doing wonders for my Exchange training class.
11:02 AM Nov 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Poor kid. Fever came back tonight, but at least it's low grade and no further vomiting so far.
8:40 PM Nov 11th, 2009 via web

Killian to doc at 930am - they say allergies. Killian vomiting with low grade fever 1 hr later. Killian perfectly fine 1 more hr later.
2:34 PM Nov 11th, 2009 via web

Wish I had thought to notice that the training class I am taking this week is running on Pacific time. Would have helped Killian planning.
10:29 AM Nov 9th, 2009 via web

I'm proud to say that Killian watched episodes I, IV & V of Star Wars this weekend & is becoming quite adept at Legos Star Wars.
8:03 PM Nov 8th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Sean Cullen is a funny man.
11:05 PM Nov 7th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I really miss daily skateboarding.
11:58 PM Nov 6th, 2009 via web

The moon is looking pretty awesome tonight.
6:26 PM Nov 3rd, 2009 via TweetDeck

These Imagination Movers have a terrible business model.
7:16 PM Nov 2nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

Epiphany by Killian: The reason you look down in the potty before you sit down is to make sure nobody got flushed and stuck down there.
7:24 PM Nov 1st, 2009 via TweetDeck

I'm just pointing.
7:18 PM Nov 1st, 2009 via txt

Four pounds this week. That's a little more like it.
7:18 PM Nov 1st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Played Dominion: Intrigue on 2009-10-31 http://boardgamegeek.com/play/details/3536741 #bggplay
12:10 AM Nov 1st, 2009 via API

Played Small World on 2009-10-31 http://boardgamegeek.com/play/details/3536740 #bggplay
12:09 AM Nov 1st, 2009 via API

Madness. Killian is still awake following a visit from friends and their kiddo for trick or treating and boardgamery.
12:08 AM Nov 1st, 2009 via web

Work until 2am-check. Up at 8am with Killian-check. Killian gymnastics lessons-check. Dishes-check. Sweep & mop kitchen floor-check...
2:02 PM Oct 31st, 2009 via TweetDeck

The stringy skin/"meat" that hangs on to a banana sometimes when you peel it... feels like a long hair in your mouth if you get one. Bleh.
10:52 AM Oct 30th, 2009 via web

Your guess is as good as mine on that last word. Some hallway hanging artwork at school by Killian. http://twitpic.com/ndlwy
8:30 AM Oct 29th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Stan is just one letter short of Satan. Further evidence of absolutely nothing.
1:02 AM Oct 29th, 2009 via TweetDeck

On a side note, he was also H1N1 vaccinated today.
8:42 PM Oct 27th, 2009 via web

Killian's first official swimming lesson today at the YMCA after school. He seemed to have a pretty good time.
8:42 PM Oct 27th, 2009 via web

Poor Santana Moss. Why must he endure playing got such a pitiful team?
9:35 PM Oct 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Oh, and a reasonable number of funny parts to keep the story entertaining as well. "Steve!" (for those that have seen it)
8:47 PM Oct 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Made it through the entire movie. Forgot it was 3-D so that was pretty cool. Had to reel Killian in a few times but he did pretty well.
8:44 PM Oct 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Getting ready for *my* first movie theater experience with Killian. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
6:02 PM Oct 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

One week of Weight Watchers result = 2 pounds lost. Decent, but I was hoping for more. :-/
7:58 PM Oct 25th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I'm also going to start injecting commas one character too early in my writing.
10:02 AM Oct 25th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Apparentl,y my clock decided daylight savings time ended today instead of next week.
10:01 AM Oct 25th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Played Dominion: Intrigue on 2009-10-25 http://boardgamegeek.com/play/details/3510324 #bggplay
1:58 AM Oct 25th, 2009 via API

There is an actual broadcast channel (maybe?) at the orthopedist's office named Healium. The content isn't bad but that is a cheesy name.
11:39 AM Oct 22nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

At the orthopedist with my mother-in-law. Come on doc, let's get her back to driving and out of the wheelchair.
11:22 AM Oct 22nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

Also foul: V8. Especially foul: the low sodium version.
10:04 AM Oct 21st, 2009 via web

You know what's not tasty? Plain oatmeal. Bleh.
9:08 AM Oct 21st, 2009 via web

commenced Weight Watchers on Sunday. Looking to drop 20-25 pounds.
10:02 PM Oct 20th, 2009 via TweetDeck

has been excused from jury duty this go round. Woohoo!
9:01 PM Oct 20th, 2009 via TweetDeck

The track out adventure is over for this round. Back to school today for Killian.
8:19 AM Oct 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Commencing aforementioned cleaning effort.
1:17 AM Oct 18th, 2009 via web

Sadly, I think there is some cleaning to be done today.
11:07 AM Oct 17th, 2009 via web

Please tell me that Boss's day has nothing to do with the phrase "that's boss" coming back into popular use.
11:23 AM Oct 16th, 2009 via web

Time doth fly.
6:01 PM Oct 15th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Just 90 degrees & a short line away from Janes Woods. http://twitpic.com/lawfg
6:05 PM Oct 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Received a jury summons for federal court. Here's a sarcastic "Woohoo." Now to see if I can get out of this 3 week event starting 10/26.
11:28 AM Oct 12th, 2009 via web

You never hear much about the modern day Aztecs, Mayans or Babylonians.
9:57 PM Oct 11th, 2009 via TweetDeck

How many unique letters in your full name? I'm rockin' 13. Looks like I stiffed Killian with just 10.
2:19 PM Oct 10th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Beans have a special way of befouling any meal they are a part of. Well, except for jellybeans.
8:06 PM Oct 8th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Overslept by a solid 80 minutes this morning. Awesome... NOT (hello 1985).
9:00 AM Oct 7th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Stargate is the CSI of SciFi.
11:58 AM Oct 5th, 2009 via web

Robot Chicken + Mr. T and The Foo Fighters team-up = much funny.
9:28 PM Oct 4th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Yard has been aerated, seeded, fertilized & is currently being watered. Here's hoping the lost grass of mid-summer makes a comeback.
6:27 PM Oct 4th, 2009 via TweetDeck

9:15am wake up call. Now *that's* more like it.
10:08 AM Oct 4th, 2009 via TweetDeck

We'll see how that pans out tomorrow.
1:07 AM Oct 4th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Enjoyed a night of hanging with friends. Killian played with their son until after midnight. His latest intentional night to date.
1:07 AM Oct 4th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I so wish a late bedtime equated to sleeping in the next morning for Killian but noooooooooooo.
8:36 AM Oct 3rd, 2009 via TweetDeck

Roommate retrieval complete. Headed home to work.
3:03 PM Oct 1st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Mother-in-law orthopedic visit complete. Now to pick up the roommate from knee surgery.
1:20 PM Oct 1st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Awesome. They just announced that my mother-in-law's orthopedist is running 1-1.5 hours behind. Just frickin' fantastic.
10:33 AM Oct 1st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Just left the doc for the voice again. Said to start antihistamines. Everything looks good otherwise. Got a flu shot while I was at it.
9:43 AM Sep 30th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Went for a bike ride around the 'hood with Killian & the neighbors.
7:58 PM Sep 29th, 2009 via TweetDeck

The weather does not get much more awesome than this.
5:16 PM Sep 29th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Day 1 of Track Out camp at the Y for Killian. Happy to report that he was very excited to go.
8:47 AM Sep 28th, 2009 via TweetDeck

SNL's Seth Meyers & The Office's B.J. Novak look freaky alike to me. Perhaps I have mentioned this before.
7:03 PM Sep 27th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Watching Star Wars at the request of Killian for his 1st time. Leave it to him to not want to play outside on the rare nice weekend day.
3:32 PM Sep 27th, 2009 via TweetDeck

So much for sleeping a rainy morning away. 7:30am Killian says no.
9:07 AM Sep 27th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Fav quote: "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" "If you're thinking 'Oh God. Oh God. A swordfish almost went through my head.' Then yes."
11:20 PM Sep 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Finally watched the movie Get Smart. Surprisingly entertaining.
11:17 PM Sep 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

My voice is still not 100% but @ least I sound a little more like me. It's very frustrating.
11:32 AM Sep 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

It's feeling a little Fridayish for the first time in months.
3:57 PM Sep 25th, 2009 via web

Apparently I need to just not talk for 2 days or something. My voice was at its worst so far today.
9:29 PM Sep 22nd, 2009 via web

Heading into the office sans voice today. This should be interesting.
7:49 AM Sep 21st, 2009 via TweetDeck

And TBGT draws to a close for me for yet another year. As always, it was a great time & I look forward to next year. #tbgt
6:26 PM Sep 20th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Time for a game of Zooloretto. #tbgt
4:03 PM Sep 20th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Ghost Stories = hard to win based on my first experience with it. #tbgt
3:42 PM Sep 20th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Played Password, Taboo, Catch Phrase & Pants on Fire to round out the night. Voice is gone. #tbgt
4:12 AM Sep 20th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Solo... Limber. #tbgt
4:10 AM Sep 20th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Prize table complete. On to a game of Galaxy Trucker. #tbgt
9:10 PM Sep 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

The event cake. #tbgt http://twitpic.com/id4go #tbgt
6:34 PM Sep 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Snow Trails was Formula De by dogsled. Playing Steam now. #tbgt
4:23 PM Sep 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Playing Snow Trails. #tbgt
2:46 PM Sep 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Negative for flu, strep & mono. Was told not to "handle food" so I guess I'll have to use utensils.
1:43 PM Sep 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Didn't enjoy Fits due to severe loss, I think. Liked Endeavor quite a bit. Still not a fan of Kingsburg. Too long for what it is. #tbgt
1:15 PM Sep 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

They just tested for strep, flu & mono (?). Waiting for the results.
1:12 PM Sep 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

At an Urgent Care facility seeing if I can get an answer to the sore throat & diminished voice. Really hoping it's nothing contageous.
1:11 PM Sep 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

7th of 23 in the poker tourney. Now playing Kingsburg. #tbgt
1:58 AM Sep 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Turns out Killian actually had H1N1. Potential that I did as well. Oh what fun.
7:45 PM Sep 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

And now the Texas Hold 'em tourney. #tbgt
7:44 PM Sep 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

And now on to Endeavor. #tbgt
5:05 PM Sep 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Game 2 = Fast Flowing Forest Fellers #tbgt
4:26 PM Sep 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

First game of the con: Fits. #tbgt
3:48 PM Sep 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

En route to #tbgt
2:16 PM Sep 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Vast improvement in health today. Does Friday hold curative powers?
1:19 PM Sep 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I think on top of whatever else I have going on that I have been dealing with a migraine since last night. Just waking up some now.
6:52 PM Sep 17th, 2009 via TweetDeck

So much for hoping that I dodged the worst of this. Paul is down for the count.
7:41 AM Sep 17th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Ok. I admit it. I am now full on sick. Alka Seltzer Plus Cold Nightime is in my very near future.
8:36 PM Sep 16th, 2009 via TweetDeck

is not happy about his sore throat. I'm blaming kids today and their rock & roll music. Either that or germ filled schools.
8:24 AM Sep 16th, 2009 via web

is procrastinating paying bills at this very moment.
9:19 PM Sep 15th, 2009 via web

Redirecting MX records like a fiend.
3:59 PM Sep 15th, 2009 via web

*Finally* got a decent night's sleep. Killian slept from about 9:30pm-6:45pm. Whew.
8:44 AM Sep 14th, 2009 via web

Poor kid is feeling pretty beat down tonight. Got a minor fever as well. Don't know if both are from what he already had or flu shot.
9:01 PM Sep 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Looks like we just have a cold but I did get a flu shot for him while we were there.
1:22 PM Sep 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

At the doc's office with Killian & apparently every other kid in the area. 12:30 now - waiting to be seen for 11:30 appt.
12:33 PM Sep 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Another early morning wake up call from the kid (5am). He apparently has a cold so I'm blaming that.
10:03 AM Sep 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Everyone, say good morning to Killian. What, 4:40am?!? Killian, go back to sleep!!!
4:43 AM Sep 11th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Just joined the Y with Killian. Family membership < free with after school program he is already in. Signed him up for swimming lessons.
6:31 PM Sep 10th, 2009 via TweetDeck

wonders if he ever enjoyed bubble gum flavored toothpaste. Bleh!
8:32 AM Sep 9th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Just got interviewed by News Channel 12 for holiday traffic story. Whoopity doo.
4:51 PM Sep 7th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Mother-in-law's surgery is set to have initiated 7 minutes ago. Should last about 90 minutes and she should be set for discharge tomorrow.
9:07 AM Sep 7th, 2009 via web

Dear misfortune, Uncle! Sincerely, Paul
2:41 AM Sep 7th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Mother-in-law managed to bust her ankle pretty badly. Orthopedic sugery in the morning.
11:01 PM Sep 6th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Mother-in-law has landed herself in the hospital on our beach trip. Twisted her ankle (possible break) at the bottom of the front stairs.
8:54 PM Sep 6th, 2009 via TweetDeck

@ NC Aquarium - http://bkite.com/0bzNC
1:40 PM Sep 6th, 2009 via Brightkite

Day 1 @ the beach = successful and fun. Day 2 = overcast.
9:58 AM Sep 6th, 2009 via web

Arrival. The rental house is ridiculous sweet.
3:12 PM Sep 5th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I'm at Oakleaf Dr & Holly Rd, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512, United States - http://bkite.com/0bxOG
3:11 PM Sep 5th, 2009 via Brightkite

I'm at Richlands Rd & W New Bern Rd, Kinston, NC 28504, United States - http://bkite.com/0bxyw
12:58 PM Sep 5th, 2009 via Brightkite

I'm at near Beechtree, NC, United States - http://bkite.com/0bxqd
11:47 AM Sep 5th, 2009 via Brightkite

is underway to the east coast.
11:45 AM Sep 5th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Packing for the beach trip with the boy, mother-in-law and a couple of friends. Here's hoping the getaway proves relaxing.
10:20 PM Sep 4th, 2009 via web

Is it noon already?!?
4:31 PM Aug 31st, 2009 via web

Also engaged in a biologically forced nap from 4-6:30ish today. Apparently, it was much needed.
9:06 PM Aug 30th, 2009 via web

Just finished a Lego project with Killian before putting him to bed. Very fun because he was into it and capable. http://tinyurl.com/kp2ggc
9:04 PM Aug 30th, 2009 via web

Recommendations for an attorney in Raleigh to help me settle Bobbie's estate? One that could help with the s-corp stuff would be necessary.
10:45 AM Aug 30th, 2009 via web

is trying to keep the balance.
10:28 AM Aug 30th, 2009 via TweetDeck

One might ask onself "Paul, are you migrating some Exchange mailboxes tonight?" to which the answer is seemingly almost always "Yes I am."
1:50 AM Aug 30th, 2009 via web

Aaaaand mailbox migrations from last night complete. Whew, that was a long one.
7:40 AM Aug 29th, 2009 via web

Yet more mailbox migration rules the night at the McRae household.
10:20 PM Aug 28th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Is pondering the choice between the "smooth" flow of today and a punch in the mouth.
1:20 PM Aug 28th, 2009 via web

is passing out. Too many late work nights strung together.
10:41 PM Aug 27th, 2009 via web

Installing a DirecTV HD DVR. Woohoo!
8:49 PM Aug 27th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Freshen Up bubble gum. Random memory tonight.
1:13 AM Aug 27th, 2009 via web

Surprise, surprise, I'm migrating the crap out of some Exchange mailboxes.
10:27 PM Aug 26th, 2009 via web

Flight of the Conchords Season 2 watching commenced last night in the McRae household.
7:14 PM Aug 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

A kind of fun quote from the radio morning show today. "It's like holding hands with the sun." Must be the Raisin Bran sun.
9:41 AM Aug 26th, 2009 via web

iPhone replacement hardware secured. Diagnosis: bad modem. Symptoms: most prevalent = ~75% dropped calls.
1:24 AM Aug 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Migrating more Exchange mailboxes.
10:43 PM Aug 25th, 2009 via web

Got a Logitech Harmony remote for by birthday. B.A.
12:48 AM Aug 25th, 2009 via web

I was also offered the alternate option that they may have just found the sauce in the grass.
7:01 PM Aug 24th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I was just informed that a buffalo must have eaten that sauce & they broke it open to get the sauce out & put it on the chicken.
7:01 PM Aug 24th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Gymnastics is imminent.
10:45 AM Aug 22nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

How often does your birthday annual mark fall on the same day of the week on which you were born?
2:23 PM Aug 21st, 2009 via web

That was a lot of fun. Apparently, I'm quite popular with 5 year olds.
1:43 PM Aug 21st, 2009 via TweetDeck

I am about to have lunch with my son at school!
12:56 PM Aug 21st, 2009 via TweetDeck

is feeling the extra year this round.
12:09 PM Aug 21st, 2009 via web

is migrating the crap out of some Exchange mailboxes.
11:13 PM Aug 19th, 2009 via web

Just wrapped up a cul de sac multi-kid playfest. Killian had quite the day o' play after school.
8:59 PM Aug 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

is combination impressed at the speed of people processing at the Soc Sec office and saddened by the refusal to allow use of electronics.
1:15 PM Aug 19th, 2009 via web

grows weary of the nightly "Eat your dinner" battle.
7:37 PM Aug 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

You know what they say. "The older the berry, the sweeter the juice."
6:01 PM Aug 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

That doesn't sound so good. Let's call it "organizing my new office".
9:56 AM Aug 18th, 2009 via web

Unpacking my giant pile of crap.
9:52 AM Aug 18th, 2009 via web

Correction: my extreme lack of fitness.
10:02 PM Aug 17th, 2009 via TweetDeck

30 minutes on the elliptical confirming my lack of fitness.
10:02 PM Aug 17th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Killian back at school. Me back at work. Universal balance shifting ever so slightly back toward normal.
8:20 AM Aug 17th, 2009 via TweetDeck

It's just that there's a lot of people over there and my arms are pretty small. I'm just not so sure this plan was very well thought out.
7:41 PM Aug 16th, 2009 via TweetDeck

The pearl is in the river.
10:31 AM Aug 16th, 2009 via web

do = so
5:18 PM Aug 15th, 2009 via txt

I'd believe it if I had actually gotten around to making it do yet.
5:17 PM Aug 15th, 2009 via txt

I don't believe the thermometer today.
3:57 PM Aug 15th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Things to which I am looking 0% forward today: cleaning the kitchen floor.
9:05 AM Aug 15th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Healthy quality dinner at Killian's request: Little Caesar's cheese pizza.
7:00 PM Aug 14th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Just awoke from an apparently necessary nap. Killian is still snoozing. Here's hoping for minimal impact to his overnight sleep.
3:49 PM Aug 14th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Pediatrician visit = sinus infection speculation. Initiating antibiotic treatment.
9:32 AM Aug 14th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Entering hour 61 of a recurring 101-ish degree fever for Killian. Looks like a return trip to the pediatrician might be in the cards today.
7:17 AM Aug 14th, 2009 via web

Entering hour 39 of feverish kiddo. :(
8:57 AM Aug 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

The little guy is viral & the pup is being treated by way of ointment.
1:12 PM Aug 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Sick kid + sick dog today. Awesomeness.
8:46 AM Aug 12th, 2009 via web

is hoping Killian's random fever tonight stays gone. Damn you, public school germ pool!
11:20 PM Aug 11th, 2009 via web

Just heard on the radio: "It was both of your all's fault." Oh you South, you.
8:19 AM Aug 10th, 2009 via TweetDeck

is contending with some withstandable anxiety issues.
12:05 AM Aug 10th, 2009 via web

The speaker does NOT recognize respresentative Heat Miser. Whew! Good grief it's ridicarous sweltering out there!
2:08 PM Aug 9th, 2009 via TweetDeck

wants to, once again, offer his gratitude to Frank & Susan for organizing yesterday's memorial event. It was very much as Bobbie described.
8:59 AM Aug 9th, 2009 via TweetDeck

is remembering.
4:15 PM Aug 8th, 2009 via TweetDeck

How Liv Tyler continues to get work is far beyond me.
9:32 PM Aug 6th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Luckily, there are still a couple of mountains left.
8:30 PM Aug 6th, 2009 via TweetDeck

has been using the distraction of mountains of paperwork to not feel much.
8:29 PM Aug 6th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Had the difficult conversation with Killian this morning to break the news. It went about as well as I could expect. I held together.
6:43 PM Aug 1st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Killian in his kindergarten cube at meet the teacher night tonight... http://twitpic.com/ccfkh
12:39 AM Aug 1st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Just dropped off my boy for his first day of kindergarten! I'm so excited for him! And he was pretty jazzed too.
8:46 AM Jul 29th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Uhh... G Force #1 this weekend?... WTF?!?
9:23 AM Jul 27th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Commencing an attempt to get at least a reasonable night's sleep. (fingers crossed)
10:15 PM Jul 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Apparently, I can bear a fairly enormous load, but one thing I can't take is inappropriate shit happening to my boy.
9:40 AM Jul 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Broke the news about Bobbie to Killian this morn. As feared, 4 days of virtual sleep deprivation drove me to completely lose my composure.
9:37 AM Jul 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Got almost 3 hours. Could use another 23.
3:35 PM Jul 25th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Zonking out for an unavoidable nap after yet another sleepless night with Bobbie. The 3rd straight. Not that she's faring any better.
11:18 AM Jul 25th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Getting ready to have breakfast for dinner. Mmmm mmmm!
7:33 PM Jul 24th, 2009 via TweetDeck

2 more viewings of the birthday party video down by Killian's request. Hoping to get it posted to facebook tonight.
7:53 PM Jul 22nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

shuffled the living room furniture last night to accommodate Bobbie's hospital bed.
8:21 AM Jul 22nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

Just finished watching Killian's 5th bday video for the 4th time at his request. Props to @fwimmer for the creation.
9:11 PM Jul 21st, 2009 via TweetDeck

had a great day with Killian. That boy can make me smile. Oh, and he is near mastering The Monkees theme song.
2:09 AM Jul 19th, 2009 via web

Bobbie's breakfast: http://twitpic.com/arcee
9:12 AM Jul 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

En route to get Bobbie from the hospital. I will try to get the promised email update out tonight.
12:04 PM Jul 17th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I watched Ice Age (original) with Killian last night for his 1st time. He spent the whole movie asking me if Diego turned to a good guy yet.
7:59 AM Jul 16th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I wonder how tough it is to come up with names for generic grocery store products. How do you "generify" Frosted Flakes?
7:25 AM Jul 15th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Update from today. Bobbie will be in the hospital until Fri. She's tired & in a little pain from time to time, but in good spirits overall.
9:03 PM Jul 14th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Bobbie will be on the hospital until Wednesday or Thursday. I'll send a more detailed update to the mailing list. Thanks to all.
9:03 PM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

A quick Google search tells me that they do.
3:31 PM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Do birds have saliva?
3:28 PM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Info from the doc was not exceptionally definitive. Meds to be adjusted. Hoping to maintain effectiveness of steroids for another 6-10 wks.
3:27 PM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Doc came by while Bobbie was in the restroom. Looks like we'll have to wait another couple hours for results.
1:26 PM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

In a room now. Doc should be by soon to give MRI & blood results. Updates to follow.
11:49 AM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

The nurse survived unslugged. Bobbie is now in a room. The doctor is supposed to be by shortly with MRI results & instructions.
11:26 AM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

This ER nurse is making me want to commence a practice of slugging women. Ok, maybe just one woman in particular. Slugging womAn.
9:35 AM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Back from the MRI & waiting for admittance. She is fast asleep at the moment.
8:39 AM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Sorry about the constant updates. Helping me stay distracted.
7:20 AM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

She remains conscious and normally responsive. More details when I can.
7:20 AM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

They gave her a steroid dose by IV & are testing blood She is currently getting an MRI of the head. She will be admitted to the hospital.
7:18 AM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Bobbie had a seizure. En route to hospital. She is awake & functioning. More details when available.
6:03 AM Jul 13th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Operation Return Trip complete. Now commencing Operation Recovery.
7:06 PM Jul 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Commencing Operation WTF I-64 W?!?
3:33 PM Jul 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Commencing Operation Return Trip.
2:50 PM Jul 12th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Waterpark, Magic Quest game, magic & juggling show, animatronic show and finally Monsters vs. Aliens to round out a huge day. And now, sleep
11:47 PM Jul 11th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Attending magic & juggling show.
7:18 PM Jul 11th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Long day/night, 4 hours of waterpark time, 1 biologically forced nap (for me) and we are about to commence Magic Quest around the hotel.
4:51 PM Jul 11th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Ok, up & moving. Now to motivate the waterpark part of me. I know it's in there somewhere. Needing glasses really cramps that interest.
9:18 AM Jul 11th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I'm at Great Wolf Lodge Resort - http://bkite.com/09tbV
1:01 AM Jul 11th, 2009 via Brightkite

I'm at near Dortches, NC, United States - http://bkite.com/09sJc
8:58 PM Jul 10th, 2009 via Brightkite

And now we prep for departure to the Great Wolf Lodge.
6:52 PM Jul 10th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Bobbie is home from the hospital.
6:51 PM Jul 10th, 2009 via TweetDeck

On a contrarily positive hospital note, 3 close friends welcomed new babies over the past 2 days. Congrats to all!
8:15 PM Jul 9th, 2009 via TweetDeck

And here I thought I was going to be able to post about our first ER trip in Raleigh that *didn't* result in Bobbie being admitted, but...
8:14 PM Jul 9th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Bobbie has actually managed to graduate to a second file at her oncologist's office : http://twitpic.com/9rw8r
7:03 AM Jul 9th, 2009 via TweetDeck

I am constantly reminded that I spent the bulk of my life making some really fantastic friends, but never more so than over the past months.
7:34 PM Jul 8th, 2009 via TweetDeck

76 Exchange databases created. And now, bed.
12:22 AM Jul 8th, 2009 via TweetDeck

The 1st day @ camp was apparently a success.
8:07 PM Jul 7th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Is that the girly version of Zooloretto?
7:04 PM Jul 7th, 2009 via txt

I can't believe my boy is sorta starting K tomorrow. Sorta because he starts year round as tracked out. So, it's 3 weeks of summer camp.
8:22 PM Jul 6th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Today's life is brought to you by the letters R and J and by the number 11.
10:47 AM Jul 5th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Saturday summary: Planned task accomplishment rate = 66%. Great day with my son rate = 100%. Satisfaction with results = Complete.
2:15 AM Jul 5th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Task plans for day: trim hedges, clean vehicle, continue Exchange migration efforts. Likelihood of accomplishing day's plans: 63%.
9:35 AM Jul 4th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Migrating 5,400 Exchange mailboxes to PST first 48 hours = not as much so.
9:58 AM Jul 3rd, 2009 via TweetDeck

Spiderman: Web of Shadows first 4 hours on Xbox 360 = pretty entertaining.
9:50 AM Jul 3rd, 2009 via TweetDeck

How can a 4 day week feel like a 2 week week?
5:00 PM Jul 2nd, 2009 via web

Few things are as simply entertaining as a child's collection of bath toys. http://twitpic.com/8xxvr
9:42 AM Jul 1st, 2009 via TweetDeck

I was just informed by my son that Megatron likes to sing Wiggles songs & was treated to a sampling. Combo of entertaining & frightening.
9:38 AM Jul 1st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Wishing my wife the happiest of birthdays.
7:57 AM Jun 30th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Had my heart torn out this morning by a teary eyed 5 yr old not wanting daddy to leave for work. Guess I had a better weekend than I thought
9:24 AM Jun 29th, 2009 via web

Played Tiger Woods '10 on the Wii last night. Pretty entertaining. With better graphics, it might convince me to buy a Wii.
7:45 AM Jun 29th, 2009 via TweetDeck

doesn't know whether that little cat nap is going to help or hinder him in the long run.
6:01 PM Jun 28th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Apologies in advance to my neighbor peeps as I'm am about to commence some pre-9am lawn mowing on a Sunday.
8:51 AM Jun 28th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Pretty jazzed. Killian is all about playing some Spidet-man on the 360.
8:18 AM Jun 28th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Gymnastics efforts complete & I'm somehow more tired than Killian.
4:16 PM Jun 27th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Killian gymnastics followed by a gymnastics birthday party. Apparently, it's going to be a gymnastic day. I'll play the role of observer.
9:29 AM Jun 27th, 2009 via TweetDeck

An ugly day at the workplace. Some bad news for some good friends.
5:37 PM Jun 26th, 2009 via web

has never eaten uncooked manticore.
7:55 AM Jun 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Why is this feeling not so much like a Friday?
7:49 AM Jun 26th, 2009 via TweetDeck

has a strong dislike for the fauxhawk.
11:13 PM Jun 24th, 2009 via TweetDeck

had a nice lunch today at Sullivan's Steakhouse in downtown Raleigh today compliments of VMware.
12:34 AM Jun 24th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Just watched Underdog with Killian. Not surprisingly not good.
8:59 PM Jun 22nd, 2009 via TweetDeck

I got so wrapped up in birthday party planning that I totally overlooked the fact that today is Father's Day. Happy day to my fellow dads!
9:34 AM Jun 21st, 2009 via TweetDeck

Well, for a *ridiculously* hot day for an outdoor birthday event, I think it went off quite well. Killian had a GREAT 5th birthday!
10:13 PM Jun 20th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Had to be a 100 degree day for Killian's birthday since it's an outside venue, of course.
10:15 AM Jun 20th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Commencing birthday weekend for the boy. Wish it wasn't going to be ludicrous hot & humid.
7:56 PM Jun 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Got through the basics of the first steps of my first Exchange environment build today.
7:54 PM Jun 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

had the rare opportunity to use both the words quadrilateral and parallelogram in context tonight.
12:15 AM Jun 19th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Crazy busy "vacation" day winding down. 1 kindergarten trip, hospital trip, birthday party, kindergarten orientation & family dinner later.
9:01 PM Jun 18th, 2009 via TweetDeck

Thankful

2009-11-26T10:58:00.001-05:00

In a year where it feels particularly hard to be in a thankful mood as it brought such a devastating blow, I am very thankful to all my my friends and family that have been there to support me throughout the difficult time. Truly I am a wealthy man in that respect and very appreciative of it.

Thank you all.

Cussing at Work

2009-08-17T09:01:00.004-04:00

Because virtually everything I have posted in the past several months has been tied to something unpleasant, I offer a break from the down slide. Thanks to my sister for the forward:

Dear Employees:

It has been brought to management's attention that some individuals throughout the company have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their co-workers.

Due to complaints received from some employees who may be easily offended, this type of language will no longer be tolerated.

We do, however, realize the critical importance of being able to accurately express your feelings when communicating with co-workers.

Therefore,a list of 18 New and Innovative 'TRY SAYING' phrases have been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue in an effective manner..

Number 1

TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training.
INSTEAD OF: You don't know what the f___ you're doing.

Number 2
TRY SAYING: She's an aggressive go-getter.
INSTEAD OF: She's a f___ing bit__.

Number 3
TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late.
INSTEAD OF: And when the f___ do you expect me to do this?

Number 4
TRY SAYING: I'm certain that isn't feasible.
INSTEAD OF: No f___ing way.

Number 5
TRY SAYING: Really?
INSTEAD OF: You've got to be sh___ing me!

Number 6
TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with....
INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a sh__.

Number 7
TRY SAYING: I wasn't involved in the project.
INSTEAD OF: It's not my f___ing problem..

Number 8
TRY SAYING: That's interesting.
INSTEAD OF: What the f___?

Number 9
TRY SAYING: I'm not sure this can be implemented.
INSTEAD OF: This sh__ won't work.

Number 10
TRY SAYING: I'll try to schedule that.
INSTEAD OF: Why the f___ didn't you tell me sooner?

Number 11
TRY SAYING: He's not familiar with the issues...
INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his a__.

Number 12
TRY SAYING: Excuse me, sir?
INSTEAD OF: Eat sh__ and die.

Number 13
TRY SAYING: So you weren't happy with it?
INSTEAD OF: Kiss my a__.

Number 14
TRY SAYING: I'm a bit overloaded at the moment.
INSTEAD OF: F__ it, I'm on salary.

Number 15
TRY SAYING: I don't think you understand.
INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your a__.

Number 16
TRY SAYING: I love a challenge.
INSTEAD OF: This f___ing job sucks.

Number 17
TRY SAYING: You want me to take care of that?
INSTEAD OF: Who the f___ died and made you boss?

Number 18
TRY SAYING: He's somewhat insensitive.
INSTEAD OF: He's a pr_ck.

Thank You,
Human Resources

Bobbie Update - August 4, 2009

2009-08-04T01:31:00.000-04:00

Many of you have been contacted directly and I apologize to those that have not, but this update bears the burden of being a final one in reference to Bobbie's battle with cancer. She passed away on Thursday of last week, July 30th, in the early afternoon.

Shortly following my previous update, she had a very difficult weekend during which she developed breathing difficulties and was placed on oxygen permanently. Four days later the nurse assessed her condition and modified the previous 6-10 week expectancy down significantly to 1-2 weeks. Bobbie and I began fervently planning the next week in an attempt to get as many of the visitors that she particularly wanted to see to her side as quickly as possible in hopes that she would have a chance to say goodbye in person to at least a significant few. Unfortunately, she had a very difficult Tuesday night, Wednesday and Wednesday night and Thursday brought the end.

Killian had the opportunity to give his mommy a hug and a kiss goodbye on Thursday morning before they took her to the hospital, and for that I am thankful. For that matter, I count many of us as exceptionally fortunate to have had the extended time with her that we did once her condition was known. She was an amazing woman in both sickness and in health. I loved her dearly and am exceedingly proud to have claimed her as my wife. Even more so to have her as the mother of my child. Killian's chief misunderstanding in this short time after her passing is that "I don't have a mommy anymore." To this, I consistently reply with "She will always be your mommy. You will never be without one."

He and I, no doubt, have a difficult road of grieving and healing ahead of us as we face life as single father and son, but I have no doubt that the memory of her strength will continue to lend us our own as we find our way along. And to the many of you that have offered your unyielding support thus far and continue to offer to do so, I thank you each dearly.

Several people have inquired as to wanting to send flowers or do something for the family. We ask that you do not send flowers for, though the gesture is most appreciated, the result is but temporary. Instead, we ask that if you wish to contribute something that you do so in one of the following manners:

send a donation in the name of Killian McRae to our home address which will be put toward Killian's future needs (college, etc.)
make a donation to one of the following foundations/charities working on the disease which took Bobbie's life

http://www.melanoma.org/ (research oriented)

http://www.melanomafoundation.org/

http://www.melanomaprevention.org/ (this foundation is dedicated to preventing melanoma in children)

http://www.melanomasupport.org/

http://www.foundationformelanomaresearch.org/ (research oriented)

I hope to be able to view this as a release from sickness and suffering for Bobbie rather than and end to life and would ask that you try to do the same. We will each endure this news and experience in our own fashion and I encourage you to embrace whatever that brings you and to recognize the value of your own life and of your loved ones as you do. It is so very easy to take them for granted.

Bobbie Update - July 24, 2009

2009-07-24T18:31:00.001-04:00

This is an update that I have been reluctant to write up and send as it contains difficult information and I wanted to give Bobbie an opportunity to inform as many as she could in person ahead of it.

Since the previous update, a few things have occurred including two hospital stays:

The first stay was a 2 day stay (July 9-10) resulting from a fall in the shower when a faulty hospital chair collapsed underneath her. It resulted in an abscess that became infected and required a minor surgery but has caused her significant discomfort due to its location. She also required a 2 pint blood transfusion for anemia, though doubtful this was related to the fall.
Following that stay, we enjoyed our first true family vacation since Killian was born to the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg. Though Bobbie couldn't swim and spent the entirety of the trip in a wheelchair, she seems to have enjoyed the trip and Killian certainly had a great time. Killian having a great time lets both Bobbie and I both enjoy ourselves.
On the first night home from the Great Wolf Lodge, Bobbie had her first seizure since the cancer reached her brain. This landed her in the hospital for a 5 day stay while they analyzed and adjusted her daily medical cocktail and monitored her status. Her daily medical diet now consists of:

Dilantin 500mg - seizure preventative
Glucophage 500mg - blood sugar control
NvoLIN N 12 units - insulin
HumuLIN R - sliding scale insulin
Decadron 16mg - steroids
Zoloft 100mg
Potassium supplement
Ambien 10mg - sleep aid
That's 16 pill per day and 1 to 3 shots per day, not including any pain reliever such as Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen or Oxycodone as needed.

While at the hospital following her seizure, they performed an MRI and determined that the Temodar treatment was not working in that there has been no significant tumor shrinkage. As a result, her doctor decided to discontinue the Temodar treatment.

So, where does that leave us? Well, it leaves us in an unpleasant place. It leaves us in a situation where Bobbie is under no active treatment for her cancer. It leaves us in a situation where the doctors tell us that the steroids are basically keeping Bobbie alive and that there is a limited duration for which they will continue to work. Her medical oncologist estimates that the remaining duration for steroid effectiveness is in the 6 to 10 week range and that assessment was made about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Of course, it is just an estimate on the doctor's part, but that doesn't make it any less difficult to try and absorb or process.

Since that hospital visit, she has been having spiking pain in her knees, shortness of breath, sleep apnea, ongoing fatigue and has started running a fever of 101-102 intermittently over the past couple of days. She is now under hospice care and we have a hospital bed in the house for her comfort. The hospice nurses are speculating that the fever is what they're calling a "tumor fever", meaning that it is not related to viral or bacterial infection, but a defensive reaction of the body to the changing tumors. Speaking of the hospice nurses, she is under the care of Heartland Hospice Care and they have been wonderful. She has met with nurses, a grief counselor, a social worker, a spiritualist and a case worker. I have met most of them and spent some time with the grief counselor as well.

I apologize to those of you for which this is a significant chunk of news, but needless to say my world has been a challenging place over the past several weeks. I also hope it doesn't come across as overly negative, but it's hard to put much of a positive spin on such news. There is no way to know how much time we have left in any definitive form, but I'm hoping that it is, in the very least, relevant to the best case estimate by her medical oncologist, placing us in the 3 to 4 month range.

We plan to tell Killian this weekend in whatever fashion seems appropriate to us. The grief counselor and/or one of her nurses will come and see him sometime next week after he has a few days to ask mommy and daddy about the situation. They told us to basically be honest with him with whatever questions he asks.

Bobbie asks that you send her an email (bmcrae@nc.rr.com) or leave her a voicemail if you wish to contact her and she will call people back as she feels well enough to do so.

Again, I apologize if this message seems disjointed or lacking the structure of my previous communications and hope that it finds you all well and with healthy families of your own. I will endeavour to send out updates more frequently as opportunity and situations allow.

Tweets Through June 17, 2009

2009-06-18T00:14:00.003-04:00

I've been asked surprisingly frequently of late exactly what twitter is. I explain that it's not much of anything really. So, for the sake of showing what meaningless babble can be communicated in this format, here is a collection of my twitter efforts (misspellings and all) sans replies that would make no sense without the original tweeters' tweets since my first tweet in April 2007. Worth noting is that on the twitter page they start with "do10hedron (my username)", so ones like "is doing a backflip" would read "do10hedron is doing a backflip":

• Welcome, iPhone 3.0 software.about 2 hours ago from Twittelator

• Cyberknife Round 2 Day 2 of 3 complete.about 5 hours ago from Twittelator

• Oh, body, how you remind me to get more sleep in narcoleptic fashion. A better choice than necroleptic fashion.about 16 hours ago from Twittelator

• Just picked Bobbie up from cyberknife Round 2 Day 1.7:01 PM Jun 16th from Twittelator

• Bought some new Hanes boxer briefs which came, somewhat disturbingly, in a "resealable bag". This is a need that I do not understand.7:20 AM Jun 16th from Twittelator

• is learning that I may need more than 1 computer to perform my job effectively.6:35 PM Jun 15th from web

• is at the post office verifying employee stereotypes.1:21 PM Jun 15th from Twittelator

• For those that have asked what "practice kindergarten" is, here's a link - it's the Kinder. Summer Enrich. Prog.: http://tinyurl.com/mnposo9:19 AM Jun 15th from web

• is way excited about Killian's first day of "practice kindergarten" tomorrow (technically today)!12:45 AM Jun 15th from Twittelator

• Played some co-op Sacred 2 today on Xbox 360. Pretty entertaining in a Champions of Norrath way.12:09 AM Jun 15th from Twittelator

• Played Arkham Horror on 2009-06-13 http://boardgamegeek.com/pl... #bggplay2:04 AM Jun 14th from web

• Played Dominion 2 times on 2009-06-13 http://boardgamegeek.com/pl... #bggplay2:02 AM Jun 14th from web

• is perfectly ok with it being Friday afternoon.6:03 PM Jun 12th from Twittelator

• Phineas & Ferb = respectably comical.12:11 AM Jun 12th from Twittelator

• is not a fan of Klimt's work.9:05 PM Jun 11th from Twittelator

• We are looking at 3 rounds (days) of cyberknife treatment this time. Starting next week. Probably 3 consecutive days.11:07 AM Jun 11th from Twittelator

• is at UNC hospital with Bobbie for pre-cyberknife radiation surgeon doctor's visit & CT scan.9:24 AM Jun 11th from Twittelator

• Just completed my somewhat annual fat boy needs new work clothes investment.9:28 PM Jun 10th from Twittelator

• Finally got approval from insurance for Bobbie's MRI tonight. Jeesh.10:11 AM Jun 10th from web

• Go Pittsburg! Way to take it to game 7!10:39 PM Jun 9th from Twittelator

• Lost season 3 episode 1 complete. Off to a good start.10:32 PM Jun 9th from Twittelator

• Sally's Spa is embarrassingly entertaining on the iPhone.8:18 PM Jun 9th from Twittelator

• is trying to simultaneously learn Exchange 2003, Altiris & how to create a hardware independent image. Brain... so... full...6:49 PM Jun 9th from web

• Thus far they are refusing to approve the MRI needed in preparation for Bobbie's cyberknife treatment. How weak is that? Toddler weak.12:45 PM Jun 9th from Twittelator

• If they hadn't done so already, Cigna would be in the process of losing my vote for "easiest health insurance co. to deal with".12:42 PM Jun 9th from Twittelator

• is all for the new iPhone 3.0 software.1:06 AM Jun 9th from Twittelator

• Got some "good" news at the appointment. They will be cyberknifing 3 of the tumors. More detailed email update underway.2:23 PM Jun 8th from web

• Off to another oncologist appointment. Hopefully this one will bring some good news.10:52 AM Jun 8th from Twittelator

• Wow, 25 years since the creation of Tetris. Thanks for the heads-up, Google.9:08 PM Jun 6th from web

• is getting ready to engage in Baby Mama with the wife & aunt.9:01 PM Jun 6th from web

• Watched Evan Almighty last night. It was actually fairly enjoyable & family friendly even with all the religious mumbo jumbo. I laughed.9:44 AM Jun 6th from Twittelator

• I can comfortably classify myself as "not a fan" of The Imagination Movers.8:47 PM Jun 5th from Twittelator

• is off to dinner at Bob Evans compliments of my aunt. That's the best kind of dinner -free!7:04 PM Jun 5th from Twittelator

• To: Killian... The 4am wake ups *have* to stop.9:27 AM Jun 5th from web

• Pittsburg seems to be mildly interested in winning this game.9:42 PM Jun 4th from Twittelator

• is fi'in to bust up out this piece (AKA head home from the office).6:38 PM Jun 4th from web

• is carting some wheels.6:18 PM Jun 4th from web

• flew over the cuckoo's nest but nobody noticed.9:52 AM Jun 4th from web

• Candy flavors that I do not approve of: any form of cheese.5:24 PM Jun 2nd from web

• Interhospital communication can be almost impressively poor. A full 2 weeks & they failed to get MRI results from 1 to the other. Awesome.7:48 AM Jun 2nd from web

• At the neurosurgeon with Bobbie. Nervous about today's visit, as is she.2:51 PM Jun 1st from web

• Finally got around to watching Superbad. I was entertained.6:47 PM May 31st from web

• Just paid the price for yesterday's slacking. Yard is mowed at the cost of most of my body water.2:13 PM May 31st from web

• is about to blow out some Saturday... wasteful style. Actively not mowing the lawn right now.11:05 AM May 30th from web

• Back from the trip. Ran into heavy rain and heavy traffic on the way home. Delayed the trip by about an hour.7:08 PM May 28th from Twittelator

• Dinner with co-workers in Newport News in 15 minutes. Recommendations?5:53 PM May 27th from web

• Business trip to Newport News (likely the last in this job role) today/tomorrow.6:25 AM May 27th from Twittelator

• Finally finished off the Prison Break series a la DVR. That was about 3 seasons too long.1:05 AM May 26th from web

• Painfully endured Epic Movie on DVD last night out of some unjustified sense of obligation. Do not subject yourself willingly.9:50 AM May 25th from Twittelator

• 2 very distinct & distant memories during a fitful sleep last night. My first time playing with a Slinky and an early childhood fever.8:50 AM May 24th from Twittelator

• It appears that large bubbles fall to the ground more quickly than small ones.6:00 PM May 23rd from Twittelator

• Getting ready to cut the grass then it's off to Newport News fir the weekend.9:57 AM May 23rd from Twittelator

• Just saw Killian graduate preschool. Pretty cute. Full on cap & gown.11:20 AM May 22nd from Twittelator

• will be remaining in Raleigh for the foreseeable future.1:32 PM May 20th from web

• is wondering if pencil fighting is still all the rage in elementary school.12:43 AM May 19th from Twittelator

• Star Trek was worth the time & price of admission. Fortunately it wasn't a let down. Proper expectations, I suppose.7:55 AM May 18th from Twittelator

• Waiting for 1pm Star Trek to begin. Violating the theater's "no texting" written law.12:39 PM May 17th from Twittelator

• 3 iPhone apps (games) worth spending some time with for $1 or less: Uniwar, Lemonade Tycoon and Stick Wars.11:43 AM May 17th from Twittelator

• Just left a neighbor's 2 year old's birthday party at a local park in Cary. It's surprisingly decent out in the shade today.5:20 PM May 16th from Twittelator

• Additional unworthy television: Rules of Engagement.9:45 AM May 16th from Twittelator

• Things that are not funny and should stop: Two and a Half Men.11:03 PM May 15th from Twittelator

• Ever accidentally hit a frog with a lawn mower? Ick.8:50 PM May 13th from Twittelator

• wants a gas powered weed eater after borrowing a friend's.8:50 PM May 13th from Twittelator

• Is not a fan of having to make life changing work related decisions on relatively short notice.12:31 PM May 13th from web

• At school with Killian for "doughnuts with daddy" this morning.9:05 AM May 13th from Twittelator

• Amazing what difference a new air filter & blade make on a lawn mower.9:50 PM May 12th from Twittelator

• Things I never thought I would hear: "Blister in the Sun" played on an organ at a sporting event. And yet, there it was.8:54 PM May 10th from Twittelator

• Here's wishing a happy Mother's Day to all of you out there who have fallen victim to parenthood through whatever path brought you there!9:07 AM May 10th from web

• Now *that's* some wind.6:31 PM May 9th from Static

• got a mattress for the "bottom bunk" of Killian's loft bed.5:28 PM May 9th from Twittelator

• I am in for a very rough summer.4:43 PM May 9th from Twittelator

• Testing a new-to-me iPhone app called Static.8:10 AM May 9th from Static

• Have you ever noticed how many people from Nantucket are memorialized by way of the limerick? It's crazy.9:30 PM May 8th from web

• http://twitpic.com/4rd8w - Just realized you couldn't actually see how busted the blade was in that pic. (Why won't he shut up about this?)10:52 PM May 7th from TwitPic

• is feeling asymmetric.9:05 AM May 7th from web

• http://twitpic.com/4os4c - Lawnmower cruelty.7:23 PM May 6th from TwitPic

• Smooth. I managed to bend my lawnmower blade a full 90 degrees on a stump. Awesome.8:21 PM May 4th from Twittelator

• is learning some stuff about Altiris SVS. Pretty cool technology: http://eihur.notlong.com6:23 PM May 4th from web

• An air filter in need of replacement saves the day. I shall now procrastinate lawn mowing until tomorrow.11:04 AM May 3rd from web

• Last dose of chemotherapy tonight for Bobbie in this first round.2:23 AM May 3rd from web

• It has *got* to be hotter than that thermometer will admit.2:49 PM May 2nd from Twittelator

• successfully got Killian to eat chicken, noodles & cooked carrots tonight. A sizeable accomplishment, I assure you.9:01 PM May 1st from Twittelator

• Kitchen swept & mopped. I am not a fan of these activities.8:37 PM Apr 30th from Twittelator

• is once again lacking readiness to start the day.7:32 AM Apr 30th from Twittelator

• Lost Season 1 complete. And now off to Season 2... Gotta love not having to wait months for it.8:32 AM Apr 29th from Twittelator

• There was a time when I would say "There was a time" and that time was just a few words ago.9:02 PM Apr 28th from Twittelator

• Hot dogs & pizza, the breakfast of champions. Glad I'm not a champion because that sounds awful.7:31 AM Apr 28th from Twittelator

• Lost: Season 1 Disc 5 complete. 4 episodes to go but forcing ourselves to bed.11:44 PM Apr 26th from Twittelator

• Played Dominion and Lost Cites the boardgame 2x each today. My first time playing that version of Lost Cities. It translated pretty well.6:50 PM Apr 26th from Twittelator

• Looking forward to a day of boardgaming (in an air-conditioned environment) with Bobbie and several friends.10:19 AM Apr 26th from Twittelator

• Thanks to McD's "Happy" Meal, I can now confirm that my fears related to Kidz Bop are all valid.2:53 PM Apr 25th from Twittelator

• 9am + 4 year olds in no way improves my disdain for soccer.2:03 PM Apr 25th from Twittelator

• It's 87 degrees outside & the woman taking my order at McD's is wearing a uniform shirt, a sweatshirt, & a scarf.1:33 PM Apr 25th from Twittelator

• I am not keen on the forecast for the 90's this weekend.6:44 PM Apr 23rd from Twittelator

• Damn you, Lost, and your keeping me up all night for just "one more episode"!12:24 AM Apr 23rd from Twittelator

• After a battle royale, VMlogix LabManager = teh suck for my purposes.6:31 PM Apr 21st from Twittelator

• Is prepared to engage in fisticuffs with the Soc Sec Admin voice recognition menu system should he ever engage it a public forum.9:23 AM Apr 21st from web

• RT @TheBloggess Holy crap! http://tinyurl.com/c56el36:01 PM Apr 20th from web

• I dreamt of living in a monarchy of fish in which there was dissent over replacing the energy beverage of choice. And no, it's not a joke.5:58 PM Apr 20th from web

• I am not a fan of the dill pickle. Never have been. I know, to some this will seem crazy talk.7:35 AM Apr 20th from Twittelator

• Finished Lost season 1 disc 1. I'm officially hooked after a mere 4 episodes.10:27 PM Apr 19th from Twittelator

• School carnival was a success. Also had a chance to check out the inside of Killian's new educational joint. Pretty nice digs.3:26 PM Apr 18th from web

• Started Lost season 1 last night. First 2 epsiodes were good.10:23 AM Apr 18th from Twittelator

• Now *this* is proper soccer temperature.9:02 AM Apr 18th from Twittelator

• Ending a hectic day just in time for another tomorrow. 9am soccer followed by a PTA carnival at Killian's next year (July) school.11:54 PM Apr 17th from Twittelator

• I'm almost convinced that Q is nothing more than O in a fake moustache. And you're not fooling anyone with that fake limp, P. R indeed.12:23 AM Apr 17th from Twittelator

• A couple of words that I type incorrectly almost always on the first go: occasion (and its variants) and their.10:33 AM Apr 16th from web

• I'm pretty sure that the whole egg in spoon race thing from childhood was a training tool for carrying a full cup of coffee in the hall.9:35 AM Apr 16th from web

• Watched Hellboy II. Not bad. Not great. Not a waste of time. I'll give it 3 stars.11:14 PM Apr 15th from Twittelator

• A nutritious breakfast has nothing on a hug from your kid as the best way to start your day.8:42 AM Apr 15th from Twittelator

• They both rank right up there with nude Ernest Borgnine.9:38 PM Apr 14th from Twittelator

• I enjoy seeing the character Angela on screen in Heroes *almost* as much as I did Rosalyn in BSG.9:35 PM Apr 14th from Twittelator

• is enduring the live action version of Charlotte's Web. There is no call for a realistic looking spider. ((shudder))8:02 PM Apr 14th from Twittelator

• is watching the little guy ride his bike around the wet cul-de-sac.6:38 PM Apr 14th from Twittelator

• is considering offering Killian another shot at Monsters vs Aliens.5:01 PM Apr 14th from Twittelator

• Among things I continue to find most frightening in the world. Carrot Top... http://tinyurl.com/c8o4323:07 PM Apr 14th from web

• Watched the first episode of Parks and Rec on the DVR. Meh. Will have to give it at least another 2 episodes before passing judgement.9:12 PM Apr 13th from Twittelator

• http://twitpic.com/38o6w - Nerd alert...8:02 PM Apr 12th from TwitPic

• 75% complete... 4.75 hours in.6:16 PM Apr 12th from Twittelator

• Endless setlist 50% complete.4:50 PM Apr 12th from Twittelator

• Endless setlist for Rock Band 2 underway... ((shudder))2:16 PM Apr 12th from Twittelator

• is about to pollute his body with the dangers of Taco Bell. Woke up with an unjustified craving today.12:14 PM Apr 12th from Twittelator

• Nestle Crunch Crisp. A decent improvement over the original.9:42 PM Apr 11th from Twittelator

• spent 4.5 hours tonight piecing together this behemoth for his boy. "Thanks," grandma. http://tinyurl.com/d85yak11:51 PM Apr 10th from web

• So much for that. Plan surprisingly shot down by the kid.4:21 PM Apr 10th from Twittelator

• Got off work early. Think I'm going to take advantage and hit a matinée of Monsters vs. Aliens with Killian.3:40 PM Apr 10th from Twittelator

• Just watched Madagascar 2 with Killian. More of the same, but that's not a bad thing.9:10 PM Apr 9th from Twittelator

• Just watched Wanted. Meh.11:07 PM Apr 8th from Twittelator

• started watching the game about 5 minutes too early - 7.5 mins left.11:13 PM Apr 6th from Twittelator

• Two beautiful days in a row? Madness!11:57 AM Apr 5th from Twittelator

• is prepping for soccer Saturday full o' 4 year olds. At least it's 20+ degrees warmer this week.7:57 AM Apr 4th from Twittelator

• Just saw Casino Royale. Not that I'm a big Bond fan, but that was disappointing.12:16 AM Apr 3rd from web

• Epic Movie or Meet the Spartans? The lesser of two evils?7:29 PM Apr 2nd from Twittelator

• The best April Fools offering I've seen yet today: http://www.thinkgeek.com/st...11:35 AM Apr 1st from web

• You know that feeling of not getting that one key thing done in a given day? I have that for yesterday.8:16 AM Apr 1st from Twittelator

• just realized that our wall click has the non-existent Roman numeral IIII on it between the III and the V.7:22 PM Mar 30th from Twittelator

• is in need of doing but not inspired to do yard work.5:28 PM Mar 30th from web

• is soon to face the challenge of a being daddy day care while attending a conference call from home while Killian wants to play outside.3:12 PM Mar 30th from web

• Monsters vs. Aliens. Good for the 4.75 year old boy asking to see?8:13 PM Mar 29th from Twittelator

• The number eight is entirely underutilized. I think that's why it does undercover work "on the side" as infinity.12:30 PM Mar 29th from web

• Tracy Morgan us terrible. There's no way it's just me.2:01 AM Mar 29th from Twittelator

• is performing the frightful task of updating the mother-in-law's computer.6:47 PM Mar 28th from Twittelator

• Another rainy afternoon in Raleigh. I've had about enough of this for now.3:53 PM Mar 28th from Twittelator

• is dreading getting up for, what he hopes, is canceled soccer practice for Killian tomorrow as it has been raining all day and night.11:31 PM Mar 27th from web

• Full on solo bike riding start to finish by Killian today. Go, kiddo!7:02 PM Mar 27th from Twittelator

• had Greek Fiesta for lunch. I do loves me some Hummus & Pita.1:49 PM Mar 27th from web

• watched Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008) with the family. Wow. That was some kind of terrible.10:59 PM Mar 26th from web

• Killian just had a very successful several attempts at no training wheel bicycling. Woohoo!6:51 PM Mar 26th from Twittelator

• Apparently today is"dogwoods drop their blooms en masse" day.6:49 PM Mar 26th from Twittelator

• Funny to me. Not hilarious, but funny. http://tinyurl.com/coap964:30 PM Mar 26th from web

• is awake. Step one complete.8:17 AM Mar 26th from Twittelator

• Invited by a vendor for free dinner & drinks at the Carolina Alehouse and I don't even feel like going. How sad is that?4:38 PM Mar 25th from web

• is convinced that he simply does not know how to process certain types of information.11:05 PM Mar 24th from web

• If I didn't know a particular Scott, I would almost be impressed by how long it takes my son to eat dinner.7:02 PM Mar 23rd from Twittelator

• is finishing up a conference call filled Monday.5:15 PM Mar 23rd from Twittelator

• This Craprica spin-off thing that they advertised though. Bleh! Looks like total crap to me.10:47 PM Mar 22nd from web

• polished off the BSG series today. Not a bad finale, fortunately. Doesn't feel like time wasted on the series.10:45 PM Mar 22nd from web

• watched the movie Doomsday with Bobbie tonight (her choice) while Killian slept at his grandmother's. Wow, that was some kind of bad.1:17 AM Mar 22nd from web

• spent the last couple of hours doing family photo shoot at Umstead Park. Hopefully we got some good shots.5:26 PM Mar 21st from Twittelator

• Are all words with synonyms synonyms themselves by nature?1:30 PM Mar 21st from Twittelator

• It's finally up to 39 degrees so it's time to leave. Note to self: wear more layers next time.10:04 AM Mar 21st from Twittelator

• My son is not a natural at team sports, apparently. Oh, and it's frickin freezing out here!9:56 AM Mar 21st from Twittelator

• Killian's first try at soccer this morning (yay) at 9am (ugh).8:04 AM Mar 21st from Twittelator

• caught up on Heroes again. At least it is keeping me interested this season.10:30 PM Mar 19th from Twittelator

• just saw some coverage of twitter on the Today show.8:30 AM Mar 19th from Twittelator

• Massive lawn mowing #1 for 2009 complete. Whew!8:04 PM Mar 18th from Twittelator

• is feeling a little more swamped at work daily... which is a good thing.12:06 PM Mar 17th from web

• I really like this one: http://www.explosm.net/comi...9:52 PM Mar 16th from web

• Props to @blinkingline for this one: http://blinkingline.org/pos...8:17 PM Mar 15th from web

• Alright, another cloudy, rainy, cruddy day. Bleh.10:52 AM Mar 15th from Twittelator

• got a chance to play the Call of Cthulu LCG this week. Not bad, but it IS the CCG in preset boxed format. I lost both games that I played.11:45 AM Mar 14th from web

• Another nice stumble: http://oo22.com/fb/alright....1:58 AM Mar 14th from web

• Thank you, Stumble! Assuming accuracy, this is pretty interesting: http://tinyurl.com/bpnvx81:39 AM Mar 14th from web

• BellSouth DSL business service has my vote for sucky.9:00 PM Mar 13th from Twittelator

• is doing a poor job of remote computer support for the store.7:24 PM Mar 13th from web

• just watched hitman on DVD. Meh.11:27 PM Mar 12th from web

• just enjoyed some freakishly delicious almond pound cake a la neighbor.8:51 PM Mar 12th from Twittelator

• is bummed. New tumors disqualify Bobbie from the clinical trial.8:47 PM Mar 12th from Twittelator

• is dragging this morning.8:10 AM Mar 12th from Twittelator

• is merely publishing to have something else as his most recent update.5:52 PM Mar 11th from web

• wishes he could say that everything went wonderfully, but not so. 3 small new spots in the brain. More to be distributed by email update. :(5:03 PM Mar 11th from Twittelator

• is nervous about today's MRI for Bobbie. Appointment is at 2:30pm.12:20 PM Mar 11th from web

• never punched a baby that didn't deserve it.11:17 PM Mar 10th from web

• Why is it that my eyes so often feel more tired than the rest of me?8:34 AM Mar 10th from Twittelator

• It is so inappropriate when someone puts their taint right on life's camera lens.8:32 AM Mar 10th from Twittelator

• continues the seemingly never ending battle to keep a positive attitude.8:42 PM Mar 9th from web

• just gave the kid his first "midnight snack" to my memory (not counting baby feedings) after a 3am wake-up call.3:07 AM Mar 9th from Twittelator

• A friend of a friend had a wallpaper knife fall off a shelf and sever his Achilles tendon today. I shall now proceed to not sleep in horror.12:04 AM Mar 9th from web

• is looking forward to what will hopefully be another awesome day.11:50 AM Mar 8th from Twittelator

• is looking forward to trying out the new rendition of the Call of Cthulu CCG: http://tinyurl.com/b68gnz3:55 AM Mar 8th from web

• played Dominion and Amyitis. It was my first play of Amyitis. Not sure that I liked it much.3:54 AM Mar 8th from web

• had a really pretty awesome Saturday with the kid followed by a night playing games with friends.3:50 AM Mar 8th from web

• is ready for a nice weekend.5:10 PM Mar 6th from web

• just watched Employee of the Month. Not bad entertainment.11:41 PM Mar 3rd from web

• likes inside better than outside on cold, snowy days.6:14 PM Mar 2nd from web

• is headed outside to help his boy build a snowman!5:12 PM Mar 2nd from web

• is bummed that Killian has his first case of croup, mostly because it will prevent him from playing with his friends on this snow day.12:50 PM Mar 2nd from web

• inadvertently updated "Dude, that sucks."12:13 PM Mar 2nd from web

• Dude, that sucks.12:10 PM Mar 2nd from txt

• is going to enjoy working the day from home compliments of the snow. It will be Killian's first memorable chance to play in some snow.8:30 AM Mar 2nd from web

• is happy to see some snow in Raleigh and completely clueless as to how, if at all, it will affect Killian's preschool tomorrow.12:26 AM Mar 2nd from web

• Boo... dead pixel on my iPhone. :(12:02 PM Mar 1st from Twittelator

• played 2 "new to me" games today: Jet Set and Zooloretto.8:23 PM Feb 28th from Twittelator

• Carol Channing. Eli Manning. Spam goes through the process of canning. Coincidence? I think not.11:02 AM Feb 28th from web

• Damn you, Civ IV. Damn you to Hades for your lengthy, addictive gameplay!9:14 AM Feb 28th from Twittelator

• had to punish Killian for the vast majority of the last 2 hours. Few things are so disheartening.8:25 PM Feb 27th from web

• Completed iMapMyRide Feb 27, 2009 6:40 PM (Regular Walk). 1.09 mi.. 00:13:546:42 PM Feb 27th from MapMyFitness

• Completed iMapMyRide Feb 27, 2009 6:40 PM. Distance 1.09 mi. Duration 00:13:546:41 PM Feb 27th from MapMyFitness

• is sad to learn that one of the local hobby stores is closing this weekend after 20 years.5:09 PM Feb 27th from web

• Completed iMapMyRide Feb 26, 2009 6:54 PM (Regular Walk). 0.73 mi.. 00:11:5411:00 PM Feb 26th from MapMyFitness

• Testing my Twitter-MapMyRide.com Connection10:57 PM Feb 26th from web

• recommended exercise tonight with a 1 mile walk.7:12 PM Feb 26th from Twittelator

• is not particularly skilled in the art of Visio.10:59 AM Feb 26th from Twittelator

• Ok, that was a long tutorial.1:07 AM Feb 26th from web

• is installing Civilization IV on his PC.9:03 PM Feb 25th from Twittelator

• is just starting to enjoy headache dissipation. Oof.2:26 PM Feb 25th from web

• woke up with a headache this morning. How much does that suck as a day starter?8:43 AM Feb 25th from Twittelator

• has commenced reading Microsoft WSH and VBScript Programming for the Absolute Beginner, Third Edition. http://tinyurl.com/b69jfw10:37 PM Feb 24th from web

• Picapoo... it's like a Pokemon, only hairier and mildly less annoying. The next potential "Killian's dog" candidate is now on-site.11:19 PM Feb 23rd from web

• enjoys movies, but could not care much less about the Oscars.8:04 AM Feb 23rd from Twittelator

• Ah, so nice to enjoy the rare opportunity to sleep in... and on a dreary day as a bonus.10:59 AM Feb 22nd from web

• Cauliflower ear is a nasty looking thing. Thank you, HDNet Fights, for granting me such a hi-def close-up. Ick.5:21 PM Feb 21st from Twittelator

• Steve Martin said that comedy is not pretty. I say that equinyms usage is out of control.12:49 PM Feb 20th from web

• Screw you, "everything" bagel, with you pollutive qualities to all those nearby. Damn you and your garlic tainting of my blueberry love!9:37 AM Feb 20th from web

• swears that somewhere out there is a contest to see which aunt can fit the most animated GIFs into a mass forwarded email.2:02 PM Feb 19th from web

• Pet peeve #27 (apparently I have tons of these): Frequent use of the phrase "To be honest...".9:06 AM Feb 19th from web

• It is entirely too rainy, cold and dreary today to be anywhere other than under a blanket.2:44 PM Feb 18th from web

• installed PostgreSQL today and is not very excited about it.6:19 PM Feb 17th from web

• I have no qualms with the LPA, but it is still entirely bizarre to me to encounter one in the wild. http://www.lpaonline.org11:59 AM Feb 17th from web

• Skate 2 is video game goodness.11:48 PM Feb 16th from web

• is heading home from the office. Lasagna awaits. Woohoo!7:27 PM Feb 16th from Twitterrific

• is all caught up on BSG and is curious where it is heading.11:03 PM Feb 15th from web

• is not a fan of the Transformers toys of today. I may have complained about this before.7:38 PM Feb 13th from Twitterrific

• is mildly less confused than when he left the house this morning.5:38 PM Feb 13th from Twitterrific

• Another pet peeve which I have had to endure often recently: "It's a mute point."3:04 PM Feb 13th from Twitterrific

• Chic-fil-a now offering gum. What will the cows say? http://twitpic.com/1gsof10:36 AM Feb 13th from Twitterrific

• At Blumenthal Cancer Center. - http://bkite.com/04AEp9:56 AM Feb 13th from Brightkite

• If you're not following @badbanana on twitter, then you are doing it wrong. Add a chuckle to your day by doing so.6:16 AM Feb 13th from Twitterrific

• is headed to Charlotte tomorrow to consult with the doc there about the interlueken 2 treatment for Bobbie.5:44 PM Feb 12th from web

• additional pet peeve: "for God sakes"11:32 PM Feb 11th from Twitterrific

• Pet peeves: "for all intensive purposes" - I have heard it misspoken as such TOO many times in TOO short of a period.2:13 PM Feb 11th from web

• is fairly impressed with VMLogix LabManager.9:57 PM Feb 10th from web

• laughs aloud genuinely and more often at and with Killian than I have with anyone in a very long time.9:26 AM Feb 9th from web

• has good neighbors. Very good neighbors. A fine folk. A grand group. A pleasant populous. Maybe even a brilliant bunch.11:34 PM Feb 8th from web

• is once again back home with family in tow.5:13 PM Feb 8th from web

• is getting ready to head back to Raleigh.11:51 AM Feb 8th from web

• offers a thank you to David Bennahum for reminding me of one of my major childhood loves... Big Trak (http://tinyurl.com/b3ubdg)9:14 AM Feb 7th from web

• The Skate 2 demo for Xbox 360 is just good stuff.4:09 PM Feb 6th from web

• is getting lubed... in a jiffy.1:38 PM Feb 6th from Twitterrific

• needs to get an oil change at lunch today. Yummy.9:48 AM Feb 6th from web

• has now registered the kiddo for kindergarten.1:51 PM Feb 5th from web

• is cleaning up his home photo collection.10:19 PM Feb 4th from Twitterrific

• is likely to partake of another PB&J dinner whilst finishing out the season (and hopefully series) of Prison Break a la DVR.7:14 PM Feb 4th from web

• considers himself an expert in the field.12:19 AM Feb 4th from web

• is fighting and losing to Windows Server Update Services 3.0 SP1. Grr...10:36 AM Feb 3rd from web

• is excited to see the wife and kid soon today.11:21 AM Feb 1st from web

• is up far later than usual after a night of gaming with friends. Off to bed now.3:54 AM Feb 1st from web

• is done with that particular cleaning effort and moving on to catching up on some television.4:31 PM Jan 31st from web

• has been cleaning all day. Sadly, all time spent has been in one room.2:53 PM Jan 31st from web

• Starting my exercise efforts by taking the stairs... when going down.2:58 PM Jan 30th from web

• RT @badbanana On the bright side, the U.S. economy can fit into those old jeans again.11:47 AM Jan 30th from web

• continues to rank Beth Littleford among my favorite Daily Show correspondents of all time.1:56 AM Jan 30th from Twitterrific

• is all kinds of ready for the upcoming weekend.1:02 AM Jan 30th from web

• is at game night for the 1st time in many weeks.8:49 PM Jan 29th from Twitterrific

• This may ruin Steve Martin's career, but I have no respect for his choice to participate in the Pink Panther films.12:42 PM Jan 29th from web

• notes that Trix are for kids whereas tricks are for whores. Oh, and magicians!6:07 PM Jan 28th from web

• watched Clerks 2 last night. Fortunately, it was not disappointing.8:08 AM Jan 27th from Twitterrific

• is installing Windows 7 beta on a virtual machine.5:53 PM Jan 26th from web

• is tempted to not do Moe's no mo' fo' lunch. So... sleepy...2:39 PM Jan 26th from web

• deems "cozy" the new "tepid".3:34 PM Jan 25th from Twitterrific

• "hairbrained" origin? Anyone know or in a position to investigate?12:16 PM Jan 25th from Twitterrific

• gives Tropic Thunder 3* out of 5. It could earn more on a rewatch.12:16 AM Jan 25th from Twitterrific

• is watching Tropic Thunder.10:50 PM Jan 24th from Twitterrific

• has landed.6:33 PM Jan 24th from Twitterrific

• is on his way to Newport News, VA.4:53 PM Jan 24th from Twitterrific

• is downloading the Windows 7 beta.11:47 AM Jan 24th from web

• is happy to report that Bobbie is currently at home.7:37 PM Jan 23rd from Twitterrific

• Bobbie is currently under the cyberknife.3:12 PM Jan 23rd from Twitterrific

• Holy crap, Abe Vagoda (sp?) is alive!8:37 AM Jan 23rd from Twitterrific

• is simply willing not to pay more than $1.00 for any form of $1.00, no matter how commemorative it is.8:04 AM Jan 23rd from Twitterrific

• killed a man with a trident. Or maybe that was just something I saw in a movie. Too tired to tell the difference these days.8:02 AM Jan 23rd from Twitterrific

• is looking forward to a potential hospital release tomorrow for Bobbie.4:13 PM Jan 22nd from web

• is at work. A pleasantly small number of opponents on the road on the way in today.10:54 AM Jan 21st from web

• is trying to get to sleep in a house that feels way too empty.1:12 AM Jan 21st from web

• working from the hospital today. They're closing my office building at noon due to snow.9:08 AM Jan 20th from web

• is hoping for a cot tonight.10:05 PM Jan 19th from web

• is at work, but is having a hard time concentrating on anything other than wondering how Bobbie is doing.9:31 AM Jan 19th from web

• Just left my lady at the hospital. Not an easy task.10:37 PM Jan 18th from Twitterrific

• may have become one with this hospital chair.6:50 PM Jan 18th from web

• "case" of King of the Hill? Let's try "cast".7:48 PM Jan 17th from web

• swears to you that the case of "King of the Hill" is visiting the woman in the hospital bed next to Bobbie, but they are all Boomhauer (sp?)7:47 PM Jan 17th from web

• updated his blog with Bobbie's status if you are interested in checking.1:07 PM Jan 17th from web

• is heading home shortly to get a shower and maybe a nap since Bobbie's mom is here to tag in.9:11 AM Jan 17th from web

• Bobbie is resting in her room now. Pretty major pain, but at least safely out of the O.R. for now. Hopefully to sleep through the night.9:51 PM Jan 16th from web

• Bobbie is out of surgery, partial intestinal removal, more details by email.5:11 PM Jan 16th from web

• is soliciting good vibes for Bobbie's noon-ish surgery today.9:55 AM Jan 16th from web

• Crazy stuff. RT from @TheBloggess http://tinyurl.com/7t2tzr11:54 PM Jan 15th from web

• loves that kid more than life itself.9:16 PM Jan 15th from Twitterrific

• has shifted to planned surgery and standard anxiety mode.10:33 PM Jan 14th from web

• continues to sit in wait for a surgeon's visit.4:37 PM Jan 14th from web

• wants to punch cancer in the f'ing mouth *and* kick it in the f'ing nuts and/or vagina - whatever it may be toting down there!9:10 PM Jan 13th from web

• had good reason to worry. :(8:25 PM Jan 13th from web

• is worried.3:53 PM Jan 13th from web

• continues his quest to have Bobbie spend more time hospitalized than homespitalized.10:04 PM Jan 12th from Twitterrific

• has decided that a decision needed to be made.1:51 PM Jan 12th from web

• does not smell like teen spirit.1:20 PM Jan 11th from web

• just took a short walk with the boy. He appears to be much better today.3:53 PM Jan 10th from Twitterrific

• Bobbie is home from the hospital.1:12 PM Jan 10th from Twitterrific

• That made two of us.12:40 AM Jan 10th from Twitterrific

• Saw everything that *was* inside Killian's digestive system (all stages) earlier tonight and then got to clean it all up. He was not happy.12:40 AM Jan 10th from Twitterrific

• is playing solo daddy with a sick kiddo while Bobbie is in the hospital.8:06 PM Jan 9th from Twitterrific

• admits that he actually played PaNdemic, not PaMdemic, which is no doubt centered around Pam Dauber of Mork & Mindy fame.8:25 AM Jan 9th from Twitterrific

• played Dominion and Pamdemic at game night last night.8:23 AM Jan 9th from Twitterrific

• Angus Barn missed... check.12:17 AM Jan 9th from web

• is very likely going to miss out on a free dinner at the Angus Barn (http://www.angusbarn.com/) tonight. Grr...5:02 PM Jan 8th from web

• found the word "penury" on page 235 of my vest pocket dictionary. I do not, however, currently own a vest. No doubt a result of penury.11:39 PM Jan 7th from web

• Randomly interesting article from howstuffworks that caught my attention today: http://tinyurl.com/6ukmoa11:37 AM Jan 7th from web

• was correct. Oh, Google & Wikipedia, what a combo: (http://tinyurl.com/6w4tzn)11:02 AM Jan 7th from web

• For the school kids: The number 4 can be used as a sword in chalkboard battle if I remember my childhood cartoons correctly.12:23 AM Jan 7th from Twitterrific

• Also, I am completely full of stool.11:58 PM Jan 6th from web

• The inspiration for the name of the television show "House" was drawn from Doogie Howser, M.D.11:55 PM Jan 6th from web

• A Nap D fan... frickin' sweet! http://tinyurl.com/7uo52c10:28 PM Jan 6th from web

• So very, very sad that it needs to exist... http://twitpic.com/10agl5:59 PM Jan 6th from Twitterrific

• has encountered 3 completely separate and legitimate punching frenzy initiators. Fortunately for those in close proximity, I did not act.2:05 PM Jan 6th from web

• Apple and Onion working together for the better of man: RT@maxleisten http://is.gd/eDRW9:39 AM Jan 6th from web

• endured Art School Confidential http://tinyurl.com/755rw4 last night. Not good. Still can't figure out why it was on my Netflix list.9:26 AM Jan 6th from web

• As long as you enjoy yourself, that's all that counts. Well, unless you getvpaid for it, then you'd better be good as well.9:55 PM Jan 5th from Twitterrific

• believes that those with temporary insanity should look for something more permanent.6:46 PM Jan 5th from Twitterrific

• is suffering through a painfully audio deficient conference call.4:34 PM Jan 5th from Twitterrific

• is having a very productive day back at work with most of the population.1:49 PM Jan 5th from web

• admits that "almost killed" may be a slight exaggeration of the actual circumstances.7:47 PM Jan 4th from Twitterrific

• was almost killed by a gas grill today... and it wasn't even lit!7:46 PM Jan 4th from Twitterrific

• notes that the sun appears to be hiding in the cloudy parts on this so-called Sunday.11:42 AM Jan 4th from web

• My first shot at a crock pot meal was a reasonable success. We even had 2 guests for dinner. And it only took *8 hours* to make.3:11 AM Jan 4th from Twitterrific

• enjoyed a fun filled night of Dominion and Rock Band. I needed that.3:09 AM Jan 4th from Twitterrific

• is proud to report that the exterior holiday decorations are down and away.5:48 PM Jan 3rd from web

• spent the day in short sleeves, but that last hour got pretty frickin' chilly.5:48 PM Jan 3rd from web

• is taking his first ever shot at crock pot cooking. A very simple chicken dish.1:02 PM Jan 3rd from Twitterrific

• is once again intending to dismantle some holiday decor today.11:44 AM Jan 3rd from web

• doesn't quite understand how things work.12:37 AM Jan 3rd from web

• is partaking of the duty. The Call of Duty.11:11 PM Jan 2nd from Twitterrific

• A more distant, focused shot of the beastial chicken teets: http://twitpic.com/z5p99:54 PM Jan 2nd from Twitterrific

• Salmonella laden fo' sho'... http://twitpic.com/z54s I have a friend that absolutely would not buy this. You know who you are.9:03 PM Jan 2nd from Twitterrific

• Craziness at the video machine at the grocery store. I'm baffled by the line. http://twitpic.com/z4at7:50 PM Jan 2nd from Twitterrific

• is noticing that I am one of the few actually in the building today. So this is what a good parking place feels like.11:22 AM Jan 2nd from web

• is at work for the first time in 1.5 weeks.9:49 AM Jan 2nd from web

• Retweeting @fwimmer retweeting @mleis: Checkin out http://twitter-friends.com pretty neat9:04 PM Jan 1st from web

• is sad to report that operation Take Down Christmas Decorations has failed miserably.8:59 PM Jan 1st from web

• is preparing to undecorate. Dedecorate? Deconegate?3:07 PM Jan 1st from Twitterrific

• wonders how many calories a solid 8 hours of completely interrupted sleep actually burns.12:23 PM Jan 1st from Twitterrific

• Bobbie is now back at our home (woohoo!). Won't get the results of the camera test for a couple of days though.10:06 AM Dec 31st, 2008 from web

• is having a hard time getting to sleep tonight.2:33 AM Dec 31st, 2008 from web

• "Stool" is a comical word for poo. You only get to use it in medical speak. Perhaps I will convert to using it everyday speak.11:32 AM Dec 30th, 2008 from web

• 8 hours before we have any more info on Bobbie, but she does get to eat something in 4 hours for the first time since 8pm.10:10 AM Dec 30th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Bobbie is swallowing the camera know.9:19 AM Dec 30th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• So she's still on a liquid diet and that test should happen tomorrow morning.2:03 PM Dec 29th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Another night in the hospital for Bobbie. They got approval from insurance to send a cam through her whole system to see what it can see.2:01 PM Dec 29th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is home alone with the boy waiting to hear from the hospital about Bobbie.10:52 AM Dec 29th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is hoping tomorrow brings good news.12:49 AM Dec 29th, 2008 from web

• is at the hospital. Good news is that blood counts look better today, so no immediate transfusion needed. No major findings in 2nd scope.11:39 AM Dec 28th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is going to try to get a little sleep before heading back to the hospital in the morning.12:00 AM Dec 28th, 2008 from web

• recognizes that we may need an additional garbage bin for all of the trash produced by the holidays. (on a lighter note)11:34 AM Dec 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Looks like Bobbie will be hospitalized until at least Monday. Another scope tomorrow. Still losing blood. :(11:31 AM Dec 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• has no additional info at the moment.8:23 PM Dec 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• No immediate evidence of bleeding in endoscopy. They found a few irritations in stomach & esophagus. Maybe home tomorrow if all goes well.4:11 PM Dec 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is weary of seemingly neverending medical drama in 2008. Here's to a happy & healthy 2009!2:33 PM Dec 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• At the emergency room for Bobbie. She's in endoscopy. Digestive tract bleeding. Maybe an ulcer - total speculation. Will keep you posted.2:31 PM Dec 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is checkin' out the internets after a long Christmas Day of watching Killian enjoy the crap out of his presents.11:45 PM Dec 25th, 2008 from web

• wishes everyone a Merry Christmas. Here's hoping it's a fantastic one!12:06 AM Dec 25th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is having fun with the first year of "Santa's coming tonight."7:38 PM Dec 24th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Looks like we will be returning the new dog. She's just not working out.2:23 PM Dec 24th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• has been notified that he does not have the spelling skillz when using the iPhone.12:36 PM Dec 24th, 2008 from web

• Ah, the joy of taking leaves. Wait, not joy, extreme suck.11:20 AM Dec 24th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• will be spending the day with the family doing familial things.10:11 AM Dec 24th, 2008 from web

• is dealing with a mild degree of shock. Fear thee not, for it is not of the bad nature.9:29 PM Dec 23rd, 2008 from web

• will soon be touring his wife and 4 year old around the local 'hoods for Christmas light viewing.4:57 PM Dec 23rd, 2008 from web

• Surprisingly, Family Circus won out as the lesser of 2 evils in yesterday's voting.8:39 AM Dec 23rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is once again, at least for now, caught up on Heroes episodes.11:14 PM Dec 22nd, 2008 from web

• can verify that it is, indeed, cold in Raleigh tonight.8:11 PM Dec 22nd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• just had a conversation about which is more painful, For Better or Worse (since the kids aged) or Family Circus. Opinions?10:01 AM Dec 22nd, 2008 from web

• is going to see if he can make 2 days at work this week really productive.9:23 AM Dec 22nd, 2008 from web

• is going gray, Reed Richards style,10:58 PM Dec 21st, 2008 from web

• apparently missed the hurricane warnings for today.7:30 PM Dec 21st, 2008 from Twitterrific

• has been a holiday decorating fool today.4:21 PM Dec 21st, 2008 from Twitterrific

• can once again hear out of his right ear thanks to a few drops of medical genius and a torrent of concentrated water.1:33 AM Dec 21st, 2008 from web

• cannot hear out of my right ear for the past 2 days and it's driving me insane.10:45 PM Dec 20th, 2008 from web

• is somewhere in the middle.12:56 PM Dec 20th, 2008 from web

• played three games of 2-player Dominion tonight. Meh. Works better with 3-4.1:21 AM Dec 20th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Interesting how much more antsy people are to get out of the workplace on Fridays near holidays.5:05 PM Dec 19th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• WTF?!? http://tinyurl.com/4h22kz4:01 PM Dec 19th, 2008 from web

• Could whomever is doing it please stop standing on my voodoo doll's neck?11:04 AM Dec 19th, 2008 from web

• is occasionally mistaken for Charles Bronson. And by occasionally, I mean never. And by never I mean that there was that one time.1:13 AM Dec 19th, 2008 from web

• played Dominion twice at game night tonight.10:51 PM Dec 18th, 2008 from web

• will be working/playing at All Fun & Games tonight.5:43 PM Dec 18th, 2008 from web

• is partaking of potluck action in the workplace.12:38 PM Dec 18th, 2008 from web

• is mildly concerned.8:07 AM Dec 18th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• does not dig on the reggae music.12:23 AM Dec 18th, 2008 from web

• wants to redesign the traffic pattern in which he is engaged RIGHT NOW!!6:38 PM Dec 17th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is happy to have shuffled things around at work to make it to Killian's performance.10:59 AM Dec 17th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is dissapointed that I won't be able to attend Killian's first school performance today singing songs in a Christmas pageant.8:26 AM Dec 17th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is happy to see that Pearl Jam's "Ten" is slated for Rock Band release: http://tinyurl.com/6bs2793:50 PM Dec 16th, 2008 from web

• Loves holiday time around the HQ building. Mmm... lots o' free food & goodies.1:42 PM Dec 16th, 2008 from web

• is Visio-ing like a madman. No so much "mad" as in "angry". More like "mad" as in "finger lickin' good".12:07 PM Dec 16th, 2008 from web

• is not confident that "My Name is Earl" retained its goodness after season 1, and yet I still watch.11:49 PM Dec 15th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is diggin' on The Black Ghosts.8:14 PM Dec 15th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is making it, despite the challenges.7:28 PM Dec 15th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is playing Mr. Mom this morning due to Bobbie's headaches and fever.7:53 AM Dec 15th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• has just finished updating Picasa and is about to upload some photos to the web. Ah, the exciting life of an old guy.12:13 AM Dec 15th, 2008 from web

• just returned from a neighbor's birthday party full of tasty Chinese food.7:47 PM Dec 14th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is getting his answer to the previous question. That answer: sometime before that last tweet was sent.12:28 PM Dec 14th, 2008 from web

• is wondering when twitter & facebook will hook up again.12:27 PM Dec 14th, 2008 from web

• is once again, at least temporarily, with phone.7:05 PM Dec 13th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is having his phone siezed by the Apple store "for observation" for the day. I'll be unreachable.12:43 PM Dec 13th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is rockin' the Paradise.10:31 AM Dec 13th, 2008 from web

• had no idea that RHCP's "Higher Ground" was a remake.5:00 PM Dec 12th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• has an iPhone with an apparent "safety risk" according to Apple.4:54 PM Dec 12th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is fighting both his iPhone and Windows Vista at the moment.3:24 PM Dec 12th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is about to engage in a phone call with a Peter Griffin lookalike.10:57 AM Dec 12th, 2008 from web

• is feeling momentarilly Ronnie Millsappy.8:24 AM Dec 12th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• played Middle Kingdom and Cloud 9 at game night.11:59 PM Dec 11th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is safely landed in Raleigh and getting ready to head out to boardgame night at All Fun & Games.7:34 PM Dec 11th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is once again on his way back to Raleigh. Had a chance to play Dominion online last night. Pretty well done.5:31 PM Dec 11th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is filled with delicious scallops, crab meat, shrimp and potatoes au gratin. Thank you, Schlessinger's as treated by a vendor. Yuuuuuummy!8:38 PM Dec 10th, 2008 from web

• is *almost* done with meetings for the day.5:11 PM Dec 10th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is glad he was able to stay awake for the whole drive down. That could have been messy.10:26 AM Dec 10th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is in transit.5:31 AM Dec 10th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is headed to Newport News for another business trip tomorrow.5:42 PM Dec 9th, 2008 from vlingo

• is proud of his Spring cleaning efforts of last eve.9:37 AM Dec 9th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is looking forward to a change in local elevator décor following the last elections. http://twitpic.com/r9sy5:57 PM Dec 8th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is hoping never to substitute the word "refuse" for "refuge" during inquiry should he ever need to seek the latter.3:02 PM Dec 8th, 2008 from web

• I just joined the Twitter Group http://twittgroups.com/grou...3:01 PM Dec 8th, 2008 from web

• is wondering if Mr. T got into acting by choice or by recruitment.12:57 PM Dec 8th, 2008 from vlingo

• is losing some blood for the sake of cholesterol level investigation.10:27 AM Dec 8th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Re-tween from @protopia: Pant jizzing: http://is.gd/ayUO - oh, that Andy Sandberg.1:08 AM Dec 8th, 2008 from web

• Wow. In other Grinch news, Boris Karloff did the Grich's voice. I did not know that.12:34 PM Dec 7th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• just learned that the guy singing the songs in the Grinch (ie "Your a mean one, Mr. Grinch...") is the voice of the old Tony the Tiger.12:23 PM Dec 7th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is pretty keen on this vlingo application. Typing on the iphone is not so much fun.12:07 PM Dec 7th, 2008 from vlingo

• is testing the vlingo application for iphone.11:58 AM Dec 7th, 2008 from vlingo

• is dope fresh money, yo.10:00 AM Dec 7th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is trying to convince the new animal to snooze with a 4 year old. She doesn't seem to be completely cooperative. :(9:51 PM Dec 6th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is reluctantly welcoming a new member of the 4 legged variety to the family.1:16 PM Dec 6th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• us finally caught up on Heroes yet again.1:08 AM Dec 6th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is frequently angered by other drivers.6:17 PM Dec 5th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• has a fire drill at work today. It feels so elementary school when they do this.11:16 AM Dec 5th, 2008 from web

• wonders why there are no spoons here.3:44 PM Dec 4th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Thank you, auto-correct. "downy believe" makes complete sense.7:51 AM Dec 4th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• downy believe that you can't get blood from a stone. I can throw a stone pretty hard.7:49 AM Dec 4th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• just finished arguing with a Verizon customer service rep. Oh, how fun.10:11 PM Dec 3rd, 2008 from web

• is vaguely aware of the sound of inflammation.7:52 PM Dec 3rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is hoping to make it to boardgame night tomorriw for the first time in weeks... or is it months?7:50 PM Dec 3rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• does not at all like the aroma of cooking yellow squash. Yucko.9:14 PM Dec 2nd, 2008 from web

• has been falsely reported to contain 38% RDA of Magnesium.5:36 PM Dec 2nd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is at the dentist for a standard cleaning. Never excited about the dentist.12:06 PM Dec 2nd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Is not so much itching to get back to work after a nice 5 day weekend with the family, but it will be good to see the folks at the office.10:33 PM Dec 1st, 2008 from web

• is needing to buy a PS2 (port, not Playstation) barcode scanner for All Fun & Games. Anybody have any source suggestions?5:27 PM Dec 1st, 2008 from web

• is back from the hospital. Update to follow by email. Pretty much all good news.4:10 PM Dec 1st, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is at the hospital with Bobbie. Interesting how a place of healing can be so dreadful. Guess it just depends on the reasons your visits.10:00 AM Dec 1st, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Fill in the blank: I'd rather have a punctured lung than [blank].10:23 AM Nov 30th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Killian really enjoyed decorating the tree today. It was a joy to watch. We even have Rudolph's Abominable Snowman holding up our star.2:22 AM Nov 30th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Though not mechanically inclined, managed to bring the vacuum cleaner back from the dead. Woohoo!5:19 PM Nov 29th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is shopping for a new vacuum cleaner as ours has now officially bitten the dust (so punny). Any love/hate relationships out there?11:41 AM Nov 29th, 2008 from web

• is decorating the house and tree with Bobbie and Killian. His first year officially helping.10:36 AM Nov 29th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• It feels almost surreal being back in my own house after the events of the last couple of months and being away for almost 3 weeks.12:32 PM Nov 28th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• has safely landed back at home in Raleigh.10:28 PM Nov 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is now the proud owner of his very own copy of Rock Band thanks to a gift from his cousin who was frustrated with it. Bonus!7:01 PM Nov 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is on his way back to Raleigh.6:26 PM Nov 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• has a lot to be thankful for this year despite the negatives. Among those for which to be thankful, friends like you rank very high. Thank u9:50 AM Nov 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is heading back to Raleigh after Thanksgiving dinner today. Wish I had been able to visit more people while I was in NN.9:44 AM Nov 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Viva Pinata is a little too entertaining to play for my comfort.3:32 PM Nov 26th, 2008 from web

• I have never held the nickname "Iceman" to my knowledge and I am perfectly ok with that.2:12 PM Nov 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• made it to the office today, but still full of coughs and sniffles.12:23 PM Nov 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• *still* feels pretty crappy. Here's hoping the course of the day will bring some relief.7:39 AM Nov 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• maintains that Flight of the Conchords (http://tinyurl.com/2g7efg) is some kind of funny.4:43 PM Nov 25th, 2008 from web

• ok, I guess it's more of a phrase than a term. In either case, let's purge that one.4:38 PM Nov 25th, 2008 from web

• is perfectly ok with the term "rooty tooty fresh and fruity" being wiped from the language.4:37 PM Nov 25th, 2008 from web

• had another fairly rough night of sleep thanks to congestion. At least the cough was a little quieter.7:53 AM Nov 25th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Trying to keep my sleep schedule somewhat normal. Cold meds and congestion are messing with me.11:55 PM Nov 24th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Doc used Hippocrates app on her iPhone to check drug interactions with prescripts today. Don't know whether to go with "cool!" or "zoinks!".9:52 AM Nov 24th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Loss of confidence verified. I am definitely full on with "the sickness". Not so much loving life at the moment.6:35 AM Nov 24th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is no longer confident that he has successfully dodged the local ailment as of today.12:41 AM Nov 24th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• finds watching TV without DVR to br a fairly painful activity.9:30 PM Nov 23rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is not entertained by Nintendogs.6:08 PM Nov 23rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Rumor has it that 5 is the new H.11:31 AM Nov 23rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Dug WALL•E pretty well. Pretty clever film.10:10 AM Nov 23rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Picked up Wall•E to watch with Killian tonight. I've heard good things.6:29 PM Nov 22nd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• I think generic Airborne from Walgreen's may have actually helped me dodge whatever was infecting this house.10:23 AM Nov 22nd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• thinks that the makers of automatic paper towel restroom dispensers must be of the "one square is enough" toilet paper school of thought.3:57 PM Nov 21st, 2008 from web

• has never beaten a pony to death with a chair with the intent of making a handbag.5:22 PM Nov 20th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is prepared to "do this" if necessary.11:37 AM Nov 20th, 2008 from web

• feels that his orange peeling technique is particularly inefficient.7:39 PM Nov 19th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• has just been reminded of the amazing sympathy and charity of which some are capable. I am a blessed man. (literally tears in my eyes)4:42 PM Nov 19th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is appalled by the commercial he just saw for Frosted Mini-Wheats with *warm* milk.10:53 PM Nov 18th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is crossing his fingers that whatever everybody in the house has doesn't defeat make it past my immune system.7:28 PM Nov 18th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is a hater of the "turn and look" photo for business folk. It's just silly. (example: http://tinyurl.com/6m4vue)3:22 PM Nov 18th, 2008 from web

• I can't quite tell in the picture, but if my memory serves me correctly, I think it was "TOPZILLA".7:15 AM Nov 18th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• I saw this ridiculous thing in a parking lot today. http://twitpic.com/mg9p10:56 PM Nov 17th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• hopes that the letter "Q" isn't quite as threatening as it's made out to be.10:45 PM Nov 17th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Hmm, handicap toilet. Now that's a whole different set of muscles.12:41 PM Nov 17th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• I have now discovered my new job title: http://www.explosm.net/comi...10:09 AM Nov 17th, 2008 from web

• smiled in the face of apprehension while looking a gift horse right in the mouth. Craziness I tell. Craziness. Zany, I am.9:16 PM Nov 16th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• apparently doesn't have the skillz to easily adapt to the Guitar Hero Workd Tour drum set. Definitely tougher to do, but interesting.11:28 AM Nov 16th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• got to sleep in for the first time in a long time. It was very nice.11:20 AM Nov 16th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• thinks somebody needs to advertise a mobile device as "you texty mother fucker" to the tune of Prince's "SMF".9:51 AM Nov 15th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is playing Call of Duty:World at War with his step-father.11:04 PM Nov 14th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• declares this officially crappy driving weather.5:59 PM Nov 14th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• will learn to spell check his iPhone typing someday.11:22 PM Nov 13th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• got to try out Guitar Hero Workd Tour tonight. Pretty cool, but still dig on Rock Band more.9:02 PM Nov 13th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Gas $1.86. Welcome to Newport News.8:16 AM Nov 13th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is going to subject himself to "The Happening" in kindness to his wife.8:27 PM Nov 12th, 2008 from web

• is working out of the Newport News office of his employer. Feeling like a bit of a stranger in a strange land in my own hometown.10:13 AM Nov 12th, 2008 from web

• is enduring back pain induced by days of hospital visitors furniture and hoping that a good night's sleep in a bed will offer some repair.11:30 PM Nov 11th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• just landed in Newport News.4:16 PM Nov 11th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is also happy to say goodbye to the hospital cafeteria though, to be honest, it was actually pretty decent.2:21 PM Nov 10th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is pretty excited that Bobbie will very likely be on her way out of the hospital within the hour!1:33 PM Nov 10th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is at the hospital in Bobbie's regular (non-ICU) room.11:04 AM Nov 9th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is heading home. No standard room for Bobbie tonight. One more in ICU.7:06 PM Nov 8th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is grabbing some lunch at the hospital. Bobbie is still in ICU, they are waiting for a standard room to open up to move her to.3:19 PM Nov 8th, 2008 from web

• is off to the hospital.8:45 AM Nov 8th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is now home after being booted from the hospital following the end of ICU visiting hours. Bobbie was doing well upon departure.8:29 PM Nov 7th, 2008 from web

• Bobbie out of surgery & in recovery. Deemed "successful" by the surgeon thus far. Haven't been able to see her yet, but hopefully soon.1:56 PM Nov 7th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Bobbie is off to the OR and I will likely be out of signal range most of the day. Speculation for knowledge is around 3pm.7:50 AM Nov 7th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• once engaged a fidgety "little person" in conversation.5:50 PM Nov 6th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is oft troubled by monotonous pastels hiding in periphery.7:04 PM Nov 5th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is going to bed politically satisfied.12:23 AM Nov 5th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Colbert claiming that we are still awaiting the maverick vote. They are so maverick that they haven't even voted yet.11:00 PM Nov 4th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• can't wait to see Alaska's numbers. Terribly curious.10:04 PM Nov 4th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• I'm digging DirecTV's Election Mix channel showing 8 channel coverage on 1.9:27 PM Nov 4th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• once foot wrestled a bear using only his hands, or so the legend has it.5:47 PM Nov 4th, 2008 from web

• agrees with @fwimmer. Going to be tough to concentrate on work today watching election coverage.8:04 AM Nov 4th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• just got injectified with flu juice.3:58 PM Nov 3rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• played board games last night with friends. A nice break from recent stress. Played Scattergories, The Hanging Gardens, Dominion & WoW Adv.9:21 AM Nov 2nd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Just completed early voting. 30 minutes from arrival to completion. Nice.3:24 PM Nov 1st, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is feeling much more confident after today's meeting with Bobbie's surgeon.12:12 AM Oct 31st, 2008 from twhirl

• is weary and hoping for a decent night's sleep.12:05 AM Oct 28th, 2008 from twhirl

• has never felt less prepared for a tomorrow than he does right now.9:24 PM Oct 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• is not prepared for the day's activities.9:37 AM Oct 26th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• is more thankful for his family than ever before.8:45 AM Oct 25th, 2008 from Twittelator

• thinks the word "absorbent" is way overrated.6:27 PM Oct 24th, 2008 from Twittelator

• just finished pulling the crust off of 2 slices of bread for a little guy who woke up in the middle of the night with a fever and a hunger.2:15 AM Oct 24th, 2008 from Twittelator

• is getting by one day at a time, Romano style.10:26 PM Oct 23rd, 2008 from Twittelator

• Rarely a good reason to be here, and this is no exception - http://bkite.com/01WCI3:11 PM Oct 22nd, 2008 from Brightkite

• I'm at Rex Healthcare: Radiology Diagnostic Registration (2800 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA) - http://bkite.com/01WCH3:11 PM Oct 22nd, 2008 from Brightkite

• Watched the first episode of Tru Blood tonight thanks to torrents. I like Ep 1, but I haven't read the books to base any disfavor on.9:54 PM Oct 20th, 2008 from Twittelator

• is working from home today in hopes of not infecting his co-workers with this weekend's loveliness. Hoping that today marks the end of it.1:43 PM Oct 20th, 2008 from web

• is noting that even though the thermometer says no fever, you could have fooled me. Bleh.8:57 PM Oct 18th, 2008 from Twittelator

• is happy to report that the fever seems to have dissipated. Here's hoping it doesn't come back.3:44 PM Oct 18th, 2008 from Twittelator

• is not loving life right now with a 102 degrees fever from unknown sources. Kicked in randomly last night.8:47 AM Oct 18th, 2008 from Twittelator

• is checking out Secure Computing's offerings in the web filtering market for our enterprise. Some pretty cool stuff to frustrate employees.12:36 PM Oct 17th, 2008 from web

• is back from game night. Games played tonight: Tikal and McMulti. Two of my all time favorites.1:39 AM Oct 17th, 2008 from web

• doesn't want it to be 85 degrees anymore this year.2:03 PM Oct 16th, 2008 from Twittelator

• taught Killian *not* to touch the urinal cake even if you were "just fixing it".8:47 PM Oct 15th, 2008 from Twittelator

• has been pounded with spam Twitter followers all of the sudden today.12:54 PM Oct 15th, 2008 from Twittelator

• is miserably failing to quit Prevacid cold turkey. Subbing in the Prilosec OTC.7:38 PM Oct 14th, 2008 from Twittelator

• is feeling recovered after a much better night's sleep.12:36 PM Oct 14th, 2008 from web

• Rough night as Killian decided he had completed a good night's sleep at 1:30am.9:47 AM Oct 13th, 2008 from web

• Played games at the house tonight: Dominion and El Capitan.1:29 AM Oct 12th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• just finished cleaning the kitchen floor and pantry. Many NutriSystem leftovers headed for the garbage.1:46 PM Oct 11th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• is playing some free online poker at PokerStars.8:50 PM Oct 10th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• is just getting home from game night. Played Acquire and Cash & Guns.1:05 AM Oct 10th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• is unsure about his feelings toward SAP.3:23 PM Oct 9th, 2008 from web

• trying to keep my head above water. Making a wave when I can.11:15 AM Oct 7th, 2008 from web

• Is recocgnizing, thanks to Nick at Nite, that Barbara Eden was quite the hottie.8:46 PM Oct 6th, 2008 from Twittelator

• And another week begins. No baby grass in the yard yet.9:19 AM Oct 6th, 2008 from web

• Ok, the entire yard has been limestones, seeded & fertilized. Now to water it over the next several hours.6:28 PM Oct 4th, 2008 from Twittelator

• The newly plowed portion of the yard has been seeded. Now to blow another $60 on seed for the rest of the lawn.3:52 PM Oct 4th, 2008 from Twittelator

• Got a play date lined up for Killian today with a friend's kid.8:41 AM Oct 4th, 2008 from Twittelator

• What an awesome day weather-wise. Here's hoping the weekend sticks with the plan.6:18 PM Oct 3rd, 2008 from Twittelator

• Final list of games played last night: Festival, Dominion, Big Points, Finito!, Guillotine. New to me were Festival, Big Points & Finito.12:20 PM Oct 3rd, 2008 from web

• Also played Guillotine last night.10:54 AM Oct 3rd, 2008 from web

• Back at my desk and feeling pretty tired.9:13 AM Oct 3rd, 2008 from Twittelator

• is home from the game store played Festival, Dominion, and 2 others that I can't recalk the name of. http://piurl.com/Zi81:12 AM Oct 3rd, 2008 from Twittelator

• At the store playing Festival. http://piurl.com/Zd5 : current location9:11 PM Oct 2nd, 2008 from Twittelator

• Home from Newport News. Off to All Fun and Games. http://piurl.com/ZaP : current location6:46 PM Oct 2nd, 2008 from Twittelator

• Olive Garden complete. Feeling way fat with Italian. Going to channel surf a bit and crash early. http://piurl.com/ZKD : current location7:56 PM Oct 1st, 2008 from Twittelator

• Ah, the benefit of business trips At the Olive Garden on the company's dime. http://piurl.com/ZJF : current location6:35 PM Oct 1st, 2008 from Twittelator

• 5am departure for a 3.5 hour drive to be followed by an 8ish hour workday makes for a tired Paul. http://piurl.com/ZC2 : current location9:32 AM Oct 1st, 2008 from Twittelator

• http://piurl.com/Z1u : current location. Fighting a rotor tiller is some hard work.9:09 PM Sep 30th, 2008 from Twittelator

• Started Rosetta Stone German level 1 yesterday. Kind of a fun way to learn so far. I will withhold effectiveness rating for later.9:02 AM Sep 30th, 2008 from Twittelator

• Tired already. Calling it a very early night. Have to till the yard tomrrow after work & plant grass.8:50 PM Sep 29th, 2008 from Twittelator

• Just finished way too many hours of Civilization Revolution on Xbox 360. Entertaining game.11:50 PM Sep 28th, 2008 from Twittelator

• Dropped Killian with his grandmother. Time for some chores and then maybe some play.10:05 AM Sep 28th, 2008 from Twittelator

• http://piurl.com/YIB : current location10:02 AM Sep 28th, 2008 from Twittelator

• Hitting the bedstead.2:30 AM Sep 28th, 2008 from Twittelator

• Checking out a new iPhone client - Twittelator.2:29 AM Sep 28th, 2008 from Twittelator

• I'm $100 poorer after purchasing grass seed & fertilizer. Ouch.5:56 PM Sep 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Party survived. What the heck happened to Fall weather?!?1:08 PM Sep 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Party survived. Back home now. What the heck happened to Fall weather?!?1:01 PM Sep 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Surviving a 5 year old's birthday partay.12:01 PM Sep 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Get. Ignore those last two inadvertent messages.8:52 AM Sep 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• How are you buying/warehousing your mdse?8:51 AM Sep 27th, 2008 from txt

• Thinking about dropping Vonage as well. Any couples/families out there flying without a home phone (cells only)? How tough was transition?8:06 AM Sep 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• WoW account cancelled again. I think that will do it for me. I just don't take enough time to play.8:04 AM Sep 27th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Just played Dungeon Twister. No, it's not what it sounds like. Interesting mechanics, though not really a stategy type that I enjoy.11:07 PM Sep 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Watching Chicken Little with the kiddo.7:38 PM Sep 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Got a nice free dinner from one of our vendors. Bonus!5:49 PM Sep 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Home from game night. Played Agricola & Eco Fluxx.1:32 AM Sep 26th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• I'm at All Fun & Games (Apex, NC, USA) - http://bkite.com/01GdL8:02 PM Sep 25th, 2008 from Brightkite

• Rebuilding my laptop yet again. Going with 32-bit Vista this time. Too many things weren't supported in 64-bit.4:33 PM Sep 25th, 2008 from web

• Had lunch at Trali near Brier Creek today. New Irish Pub. Nice looking joint. Food was decent.1:28 PM Sep 25th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Heroes season 3 premiere didn't do a whole lot for me. Not sure I can take another season of Peter.8:53 AM Sep 25th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Just finished Rocking the Band... 2. Watching Heroes premiere.10:41 PM Sep 24th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Spent the last hour running around outside with Killian. Whew!7:20 PM Sep 23rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Working from home so far today for Bobbie's/Killian's sake. F U, cancer!!12:25 PM Sep 23rd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• That felt pretty good. Neck official 'cracked'. Not 100% yet, but ice, pain reliever and time should help.1:14 PM Sep 22nd, 2008 from web

• Neck is still killing me. Having a chiropractic visit for lunch. Oh, yummy.9:33 AM Sep 22nd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• My neck is killing me. Going to try to hit the chiropractor today (Monday). It made the whole of Sunday suck.1:19 AM Sep 22nd, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Cleaning the house. Apparently, having pets and a 4 year old can be messy.4:30 PM Sep 21st, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Watching the Carolina game.2:26 PM Sep 21st, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Packing it up. Packing it in. Being permitted to begin.9:40 AM Sep 21st, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Our DVD collection is unreasonably large and poorly populated.11:48 PM Sep 20th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Cup de sac is apparently a new term I have coined thanks to auto-correct in iPhone. I will leave it to you all for interpretation.5:24 PM Sep 20th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Arrived home to a cup de sac full of about 12 kids. Apparently a giant play date for one of the neighbors. Killian couldn't be happier.5:02 PM Sep 20th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Pondering attending the Greek festival at the fairgrounds today.12:06 PM Sep 20th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Family Guy. Quality, quality. It just doesn't get old.7:35 PM Sep 19th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Need to find a case for this iPhone before I scratch it.6:33 PM Sep 19th, 2008 from web

• Back from boardgame night. Fun, but feeling pretty crappy. I think a cold is upon me. Played Carcassone, Basari & Wizard's Gambit tonight.1:40 AM Sep 19th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• I'm at All Fun & Games (Apex, NC, USA) - http://bkite.com/01C5y9:58 PM Sep 18th, 2008 from Brightkite

• Off to a night of boardgaming.6:34 PM Sep 18th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• McD's does not a proper lunch make. Bleh.2:02 PM Sep 18th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Playing bunches with the new iPhone. Pretty cool.10:31 PM Sep 17th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Test tweet from the new iPhone.8:30 PM Sep 17th, 2008 from Twitterrific

• Overall, I am surprisingly productive working from home. I would have thought the distractions to be too much, but it hasn't been the case.1:25 PM Sep 17th, 2008 from twhirl

• Working from home this morning.9:58 AM Sep 17th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Craving some more Castle Crashers & Rock Band 2.8:53 PM Sep 16th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Wow, the rain really made the work day feel long today. And I don't even have to work outdoors. Guessing those that do's day felt longer.6:05 PM Sep 16th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• The rain could have easily let me sleep another 4 hours.8:00 AM Sep 16th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Great game tonight. Too bad I'm too tired to make it past halftime. Early snooze for me. - http://bkite.com/01AiN10:21 PM Sep 15th, 2008 from Brightkite

• Weed eat complete. Time for dinner. - http://bkite.com/01AeJ8:20 PM Sep 15th, 2008 from Brightkite

• Eatin' some weeds in the yard. - http://bkite.com/01Ac66:51 PM Sep 15th, 2008 from Brightkite

• Homeward bound.5:57 PM Sep 15th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Possibly useful info for twitterers: http://tinyurl.com/5fgmda10:53 AM Sep 15th, 2008 from web

• ready for a week of cooler weather. Except for, apparently, today.8:13 AM Sep 15th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• retiring after a long day.11:41 PM Sep 14th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• So far, "Hungry Like the Wolf" has been the most fun to play and I'm not even a Duran Duran fan.5:44 PM Sep 14th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Rockin' the band... 25:42 PM Sep 14th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Getting ready to partake in some Rock Band 2.2:39 PM Sep 14th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• just finished cutting the grass. Screw weed eating! Too hot.11:54 AM Sep 14th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• perplexed by Art Mann being allowed to host a television show.10:00 AM Sep 14th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• plagued by abnormal sleep patterns (note the 415am posting time).4:13 AM Sep 14th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• took 2 separate naps today after a bad night's sleep. Still a little groggy.8:34 PM Sep 13th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Picked up a BlackBerry Curve 8330 yesterday. Not bad. Lots o' built in features as well as 3rd party apps available.5:34 PM Sep 13th, 2008 from web

• Chilling at the homestead fighting the heat by not going outside. Scheduled for a D&D game tonight after Killian crashes.5:29 PM Sep 13th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Fetching some pizza with Rich & the boy.3:19 PM Sep 13th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Doing some Saturday shopping.2:37 PM Sep 13th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Spelling correction from prior tweet: aquired = acquired [head hung in shame]9:10 PM Sep 12th, 2008 from twhirl

• Poison aquired. Let the flow of ant death commence!7:47 PM Sep 12th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Headed to Target to get some deANTification tools. We've been invaded!6:56 PM Sep 12th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Generic "Raleigh". It auto-updates Twitter.4:11 PM Sep 12th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Very ready for this workday to be over.2:40 PM Sep 12th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• Test tweet from newer new phone.1:41 PM Sep 12th, 2008 from TwitterBerry

• My new mobile phone apparently shat itself. I can't say that 10 days is an impressive lifespan.1:11 AM Sep 12th, 2008 from twhirl

• Mmmmm.... 8am meetings. My favorite. Bleh!8:09 AM Sep 10th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Favorite new-to-me games from weekend festivities: Kingsburg, Dominion, Shadow Hunters1:05 PM Sep 9th, 2008 from mobile web

• back to work for the first time in 5 days and I'm actually feeling pretty refreshed.12:56 PM Sep 9th, 2008 from mobile web

• Just completed a failed animeeple search for Agricola.3:01 PM Sep 8th, 2008 from twhirl

• Just awakening on my "recovery day" off from work after the event. Feeling much less depleted.9:55 AM Sep 8th, 2008 from twhirl

• Just rolled in from That Boardgaming Thing 2008. Whew! Thoroughly enjoyed myself, in spite of some of the challenges.11:47 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from twhirl

• Jamaica7:49 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• El Capitan7:48 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• Kingsburg7:48 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• Dungeons & Dragons: The Fantasy Adventure Boardgame7:48 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• Day 3K Dominion playtest7:47 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• Say Anything6:46 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• Time's Up: Title Recall6:46 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• Time's Up6:45 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• Catch Phrase6:45 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• Shadow Hunters6:44 PM Sep 7th, 2008 from mobile web

• Fearsome Floors5:49 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• first game of day 3: Cutthroat Caverns2:50 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• also played yesterday: Hop Hop Hooray.2:49 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• end of day 2 play list.1:21 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• Taboo electronic version1:20 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• Time's Up: Title Recall1:20 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• Hanging Gardens1:19 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• Texas Hold 'em tourney (placed 16 of 28)1:19 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• Bottle Imp1:19 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• Catch Phrase & music edition1:18 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• played yesterday: Shadow Hunters twice1:18 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• getting ready to head out to TBGT. Left there at 4:30am.1:14 PM Sep 6th, 2008 from mobile web

• TBGT year 5 is underway. Day 1 met with some air conditiioning complications. Bleh! Only got to play 3 games as a result.11:55 AM Sep 5th, 2008 from twhirl

• And now I have to rebuild my work computer. Awesome.10:47 AM Sep 3rd, 2008 from twhirl

• Going to the hotel to setup for festivities starting tomorrow. Woohoo!8:57 AM Sep 3rd, 2008 from twhirl

• test SMS tweet3:23 PM Sep 2nd, 2008 from web

• Back from the beach and back to work. :(8:55 AM Sep 2nd, 2008 from twhirl

• test tweet from the new mobile phone1:23 AM Sep 2nd, 2008 from mobile web

• Beach bound. Off for coastal adventures weekend.10:23 AM Aug 30th, 2008 from twhirl

• Checked out the hotel for TBGT. I'm amazed that we held the entire 1st one in that one tiny room.9:24 AM Aug 28th, 2008 from twhirl

• Coordinating the setup for TBGT. Getting excited - just over a week away!3:54 PM Aug 27th, 2008 from twhirl

• Just had a power flicker at the house. Always fun when working from home.9:01 AM Aug 27th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Participating in my first math trade for this year's TBGT. Interested to see how this turns out.9:03 PM Aug 25th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Played Agricola at game night again tonight. Lost miserably for the second of 2 times played. Liked it so much that I bought it.1:37 AM Aug 22nd, 2008 from twhirl

• Just got back from Batman: The Dark Knight at IMAX. I'm really glad that it lived up to the hype. Really good.8:21 PM Aug 17th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Interesting. http://flipmytext.com/2:36 AM Aug 17th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• ˙uʍop ǝpısdn ɯ,ı 'dןǝɥ2:32 AM Aug 17th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Tried Agricola for the first time at boardgame night last night. Very nice. Glad it lived up to the hype for me.10:00 AM Aug 8th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Reluctantly joining a fantasy football league. I'm a popular recipient of devastation in these leagues.11:40 AM Jul 27th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Just finished a first round of D&D 4th Edition. It's been a few years, but lots of fun.3:10 AM Jul 27th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Just got back from game night at the store. Had a chance to try World of Warcraft Adventure game. Really enjoyed it.1:31 AM Jul 25th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Working from home again today. Bobbie had a rough one yesterday.8:08 AM Jul 23rd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• I am becoming entirely too familiar with Rex's Cancer Center.6:03 PM Jul 22nd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Become irritated working with Bobbie's prescription treatment and insurance company. Rrrrr...11:48 AM Jul 22nd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Working from home today.8:48 AM Jul 22nd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Had to fix that street address.12:21 PM Jul 20th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• I'm at All Fun & Games (Apex, NC, USA) - http://bkite.com/00ZKg12:20 PM Jul 20th, 2008 from web

• I'm at All Fun & Games (Old Us Highway 1 S, Apex, NC 27502, USA) - http://bkite.com/00ZKb12:18 PM Jul 20th, 2008 from web

• Working at the store 12-6 again today.10:54 AM Jul 20th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• M-F hospital IV treatments complete for Bobbie as of yesterday. Woohoo! Now for 11 months of 3x/week shots. Either way, a big part done!10:18 PM Jul 19th, 2008 from twhirl

• Lawn officially cut and fertilized. Note: It's frickin' HOT out there!12:36 PM Jul 19th, 2008 from twhirl

• Sooooo hungry. Skipping lunch is inappropriate behavior.4:14 PM Jul 18th, 2008 from twhirl

• Testing mobile posting to BrightKite. - http://bkite.com/00Ygt12:38 PM Jul 18th, 2008 from web

• What the?... http://anotherrandomday.com...9:51 AM Jul 18th, 2008 from twhirl

• And by "a couple", I apparently mean three.1:09 AM Jul 18th, 2008 from twhirl

• Played a couple of games at boardgame night tonight: Lascaux, Acquire and Giza. Reminded me of how much I like Acquire.1:06 AM Jul 18th, 2008 from twhirl

• Google Lively has been hereby uninstalled. I remain unimpressed.11:30 PM Jul 16th, 2008 from twhirl

• Putting WoW away and heading to bed.11:27 PM Jul 16th, 2008 from twhirl

• Enduring a conference call that might as well be spoken in a language foreign to me.1:36 PM Jul 16th, 2008 from twhirl

• Writing a design for our global data center systems management - oh joy.11:46 AM Jul 16th, 2008 from twhirl

• Hopefully the more detailed check-in information will be more stalker-friendly than the general "Hey, I'm in Raleigh" messages.9:18 AM Jul 16th, 2008 from twhirl

• Pondering fertilizing my lawn for the first time ever.5:54 PM Jul 15th, 2008 from twhirl

• Just installed twhirl - testing.5:02 PM Jul 15th, 2008 from twhirl

• Sorry about the location flood.10:59 AM Jul 15th, 2008 from web

• Played 2 new games last night and enjoyed both: Horus and Wizard's Gambit.10:02 AM Jul 11th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Got this for Killian. I figure it's the best shot I have at getting some exercise. Took him on a ride yesterday. http://tinyurl.com/6dcoya1:01 PM Jul 6th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Working at the store again today. Rough weekend for Bobbie.12:59 PM Jul 6th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• I did it. My WoW account has been re-activated.10:29 PM Jul 5th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Attack ninjas with typing! http://tinyurl.com/6y286d12:15 AM Jul 5th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Pondering renewing my WoW account.11:07 PM Jul 4th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• I am totally going to cut the grass.10:35 AM Jul 4th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Back from boardgame night. Played Arkham Horror. I really enjoy that game, though we lost to Yuggoth this time.3:45 AM Jul 4th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Getting ready to drop for a much needed nap before work 2 tonight.3:07 PM Jul 3rd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Probably going to make a long game night of it at the store with the holiday tomorrow. Come on out if you're so inspired.1:33 PM Jul 3rd, 2008 from web

• Got the go ahead to cut out at 2pm today. Woohoo!12:43 PM Jul 3rd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Revising a Standards document - yet again.10:05 AM Jul 3rd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• No interstate 4th driving for me. Woohoo!6:06 PM Jul 2nd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Pondering interstate driving on the 4th... bleah!10:37 AM Jul 2nd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Excited to hear that Rock Band 2 is official: http://tinyurl.com/5v5h8x1:53 PM Jul 1st, 2008 from TwitterFox

• iPhone officially posted on eBay... we'll see what happens.10:48 AM Jul 1st, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Working at All Fun & Games today. @fwimmer - I have little hope that Wall-E will be good. Here's hoping you find out otherwise.3:08 PM Jun 29th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Played Relationship Tightrope (meh), The Hanging Gardens (good), Powerpuff Girls (decent card game from Hasbro) and hours of Rock Band.10:58 AM Jun 29th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• At Thursday night boardgame night, played Ticket To Ride Card Game (surprisingly decent) and Galaxy the Dark Ages (I enjoyed it).10:56 AM Jun 29th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Voting for a ban of two words: "hypermiling" and "tainted/tainting".10:01 AM Jun 27th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Super glad the weekend is upon us.10:00 AM Jun 27th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Suffering through a RADvision presentation.1:10 PM Jun 25th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Worked on a rare Tuesday night for me while Bobbie's mom stayed with her.10:57 PM Jun 24th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Working from home again today to be with Bobbie. Probably the last day I'll be able to during her treatment.9:27 AM Jun 24th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• I watched 3 movies today: You, Me & Dupree (not good), Little Miss Sunshine (good), Planet Terror (fun).10:29 PM Jun 23rd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• First day of Interferon treatment for Bobbie. I'm working from home later this afternoon.12:49 PM Jun 23rd, 2008 from web

• At surgeon with Bobbie waiting to be seen for injured nerve.12:48 PM Jun 23rd, 2008 from web

• finishing up hosting family from Killian's birthday. Whew! that's tiring bidness.2:42 PM Jun 22nd, 2008 from web

• Recovering from a long Killian birthday celebration. All went well, despite the crazy rain & hail.12:57 AM Jun 22nd, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Heading home for the weekend.6:01 PM Jun 20th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Looking to switch wireless carrier from Sprint. Verizon or AT&T?4:47 PM Jun 20th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Ate at Ben's Place for lunch. Wouldn't suggest it. *Very* slow and mediocre food.http://bensplacepub.com/2:38 PM Jun 20th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Grrr.... Netflix *grumble, grumble* http://tinyurl.com/63xhoq11:37 AM Jun 20th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Killian's 4th birthday party tomorrow - actual day o' world welcome is Tue, 24th. Crazy to think that it has been 4 years.10:47 AM Jun 20th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Just got home from game night. Played The Hanging Gardens (winner!) once and Race for the Galaxy twice (2x loser!).1:10 AM Jun 20th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Heading home to change before heading up to All Fun & Games for boardgame night.6:09 PM Jun 19th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Completing my annual self-evaluation for the workplace. Never a fun task.10:21 AM Jun 19th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Watched "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" last nigh. Painful - as in not good - as in waaay to long.9:52 AM Jun 19th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• "Professor Layton and the Curious Village" on Nintendo DS - not bad.12:35 AM Jun 19th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Packing up, heading out of the office.5:52 PM Jun 18th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Confirming that it is always inappropriate to initiate conversation in the men's room.2:12 PM Jun 18th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Using misfortune to realize just how many good and close friends that I have. ("Gaaay!")1:42 PM Jun 18th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Making the grave error of putting Taco Bell into my system.12:56 PM Jun 18th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• He has hereby been follow requested.11:58 AM Jun 18th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Arranging rides for Bobbie's treatment. Just emailed Susan.11:39 AM Jun 18th, 2008 from TwitterFox

• Playing with a new plug-in for twitter on Firefox 3.0.11:07 AM Jun 18th, 2008 from web

• Realizing though I can see where Twitter could have value in a group, realizing that it doesn't hold much for me personally at the moment.9:50 AM Apr 22nd, 2007 from web

• Home from an upper endoscopy. Never any fun.2:54 PM Apr 18th, 2007 from web

• Being sad about the shooting at VA Tech.5:18 PM Apr 16th, 2007 from web

• Being all jazzed up because my emails at allfunngames.com started working. Woohoo!12:12 AM Apr 16th, 2007 from web

• Hitting the shower before heading out for the day.12:40 PM Apr 15th, 2007 from web

• Getting out of bed to do some work before goofing around for the day.10:22 AM Apr 15th, 2007 from web

• Going to bed after a late night of WoW.1:39 AM Apr 15th, 2007 from web

• Testing out new Windows Twitter client = TwitBox4:07 PM Apr 14th, 2007 from web

• Thanks for the Upromise join. And no doubt Killian will thank you in about 16 years.5:30 PM Apr 11th, 2007 from web

• Agreeing on the Xbox Live Marketplace concept, but I've resisted buying extra DDR songs thus far.5:29 PM Apr 11th, 2007 from web

• Bonus nerd points to Rich for his PSP Twitter efforts.8:25 AM Apr 11th, 2007 from web

• Fighting the fight against a new line of spam including inline images of text screenshots. Blah!1:13 PM Apr 10th, 2007 from web

• Fortunately, it turned out that just a quick filling took care of the tooth issue.11:28 PM Apr 9th, 2007 from web

• Managed to crack one of my teeth. Hitting the dentist at 3pm today to have him take a look. Not looking forward to that.1:20 PM Apr 9th, 2007 from web

• Well we *almost* have a working dryer. Looks like it's going to take a little more duct work.1:27 AM Apr 9th, 2007 from web

• Saw the movie "Happy Feet" yesterday. Not a fan.4:05 PM Apr 8th, 2007 from web

• As long as we are able to dry clothes, I suppose that's alright.3:33 PM Apr 8th, 2007 from web

• HVAC guy just left. We now have a ghetto rigged dryer vent running through our 1/2 bath for the time being.3:33 PM Apr 8th, 2007 from web

• Watching the boy for the day. Waitin for the dryer duct repair guy.11:19 AM Apr 8th, 2007 from web

• Bonus fun of a dryer exhaust leak in the ceiling of the bathroom. This house is so fun.1:35 AM Apr 8th, 2007 from web

• Just added a Gadget to Windows Vista for Twitter - pretty sweet - http://tinyurl.com/2dprxh1:33 AM Apr 8th, 2007 from web

• Twitter?... I hardly even know her.1:27 AM Apr 6th, 2007 from web

Bobbie Update - June 17, 2009

2009-06-17T23:37:00.001-04:00

A quick note to let everyone know that Bobbie completed day 2 of the 3 days of cyberknife treatment mentioned in the previous updates. The treatments are going well. The primary side effect has been that she is extremely sleepy after the treatments due to the sedatives they are giving her to be able to lay perfectly still on a table for 2 hours at a time. The issue that has continues to trouble her most is the thigh muscle weakness associated with the steroids.

Bobbie Update - June 8, 2009

2009-06-08T23:08:00.001-04:00

Hello all, just a quick update since we heard back from Bobbie's neurosurgeon and met with her medical oncologist today.

They are planning to use the cyberknife on three of her brain tumors in hopes of reducing the symptoms she is experiencing. In turn, the hope is that she will also be able to reduce her steroid dosage at some point following the cyberknife treatment. We are still waiting to hear back from the technician to schedule the actual treatment, but theoretically it will be sometime within the next two weeks. She will continue with her Temodar treatment on the current schedule with the next round set to begin on June 23. There will be another brain MRI at some point (not sure of the exact timing) following this round to determine the effectiveness of the Temodar treatments.

The medical oncologist gave her permission today to discontinue the iron supplements and that was met with welcome by Bobbie as they were giving her some discomfort over the past few months. He also prescribed a shower seat and cane for her today. The cane is strictly to help with the difficulty she is having in standing from a seated position and climbing stairs. The steroids are really doing a number on her hip and leg muscles. On the insulin note, she has had to take a few doses since the last update, but not with any regularity. Her blood sugar continues to bounce around quite a bit.

Not much else to report at the moment other than that she is looking very forward to Killian's birthday party in a couple of weeks and a recent gift of a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg for the three of us in July from a good family friend (you know who you are and thank you again).

The next update will likely follow the cyberknife treatment whenever that gets scheduled.

Bobbie Update - June 2, 2009

2009-06-02T18:07:00.001-04:00

Hello to all. I hope this message finds you doing well.

Bobbie has just completed her second round of Temodar chemotherapy this past Saturday. This round of treatment went very much like the last - lots of fatigue and better controlled nausea. However, this round brought with it some significant joint pain which came as a surprise. The continued use of steroids is, no doubt, contributing to that as well as bringing with it a host of other no fun symptoms. However, the steroids themselves are, at this time, more important than the discomfort of the side effects. She stayed with my parents in VA for this round, which took care of making sure Killian was looked after while she was able to kick back and rest as best she could during it.

Between the first and second treatment rounds, Bobbie was having some pretty significant headaches along with some dizziness, so they started her on the steroids to offset the headache and she had an MRI of the brain two weeks ago. It showed new growths and a total of somewhere between 6-9 tumors (sadly, I cannot remember the exact count), of which 4 were "of concern". At that time, her medical oncologist put a call in and setup an appointment with the neurosurgeon that was in charge of her Gliadel wafer trials in association with the surgery on her initial brain tumor back in November and has been engaged with her brain treatments thereafter, including the cyberknife treatment. We met with him yesterday but he had not received the MRI from Rex at that point and could not give authoritative advice on where we go from here, but we did have extensive discussion as far as what some of the options would be given certain scenarios. The MRI in question was dropped off at his clinic today at UNC and we expect to hear from him on Wednesday or Thursday at the latest when he has had an opportunity to review the images to discuss the options at hand. In addition, he is going to have another MRI done on Bobbie in 2 weeks to assess the effects of the Temodar treatments for better or worse. As a bonus, Bobbie's blood sugar was reading high on her check-up appointment after the first treatment, so her oncologist prescribed a glucose checking device (finger pricker) for her to use 2x/day (before breakfast & before dinner) as well as a sliding scale of insulin if her reading comes in to high. The good news is that she has not required a dose of insulin yet as her readings have been in check.

I won't bother going into all that was discussed with the neurosurgeon because only the path that is decided to go forward will really matter and that decision will not come into play until we have heard back from the neurosurgeon. Suffice it to say that the options continue to dwindle, but that hope remains strong. I will be certain to get another update out once we have information as to the direction we will take going forward.

In the meantime, Bobbie keeps reminding me to make sure to thank everyone when I send these updates. Of course, I have no need to be reminded as I continue to be indescribably thankful to the many offering help and encouragement. She and are carrying forth in making our way through episodes of Lost by way of DVD on nights when she is feeling up to it. We just completed season 2 and are ready to kick into season 3 when the opportunity arises.

Killian maintains his inadvertent focus on being a great kid through the ordeal but I fear that he gets wiser to the situation as time goes on. His birthday is coming up on the 24th of this month. I can't believe he is already turning 5. I got him signed up for after school care and track out care this coming school year, so that should help us not have to constantly ask for assistance in watching him as Bobbie's energy levels are far from what they need to be to keep up with an active 5 year old boy. Hopefully this will help keep her mind at ease and let her get the rest that she needs. I know it will help mine relax some and hope that it will give Killian a chance to enjoy the company of many other kids and burn off some of that energy during the day.

More to come soon.

Recognition

2009-05-19T00:49:00.001-04:00

Every passing second is a future memory.

Bobbie Update - May 5, 2009

2009-05-05T11:59:00.000-04:00

Once again, I find myself feeling well overdue in getting an update out to everyone.

Following the completion of the whole brain radiation treatment, the decision was made for Bobbie to start systemic chemotherapy in the form of Temodar. This is taken in the form of oral capsules for 5 straight days in 4 week cycles. She just completed her first cycle on Saturday, so her next will begin near the end of May. The experience from the first week was a mixture of extreme fatigue (she spent the bulk of the time in bed sleeping) and some pretty significant nausea and vomiting. With any luck, these symptoms will subside some between doses, but it is difficult to say how she will recover. According to the doctor's office, patients react differently so it could be anywhere from feeling equally crappy throughout to feeling pretty much back to normal, so it's unknown until we get there. So, we are going with the flow for now.

As a result of the whole brain radiation treatment, she lost all of her hair. It is also unknown at this time if that will grow back. Certainly small potatoes compared to the larger picture, but it weighs on her some, I can tell. I'm sure it is just another back breaking straw. However, her attitude remains positive and she continues to fight the good fight. We had the fortune of friends chipping in to help us through that first week in making sure that Killian was looked after while I was at work and Bobbie was down for the count. She is flying solo with him this week and did alright on Monday. We'll see what the rest of the week brings. I think she is planning to spend the next round of treatment in VA at my parents' house where Killian can be taken care of while she sleeps since he will be out of school then.

She has spent the last few weeks spending as much time as she is able hanging out with Killian and being a mom. As a couple, we've been spending the evening getting addicted to the TV show Lost by way of DVDs for season 1. We are now on disc 3 of season 2. It has been nice to spend those hours just cuddled up together on the couch enjoying a common interest after Killian goes to bed. He remains forever getting cuter and continues to be a wonderful human being (so says his father). He definitely knows that mommy has been sick for a long time now and shows concern, but is otherwise able to maintain his carefree 4-year old (almost 5 - June 24th) lifestyle thanks to friends and family.

So that's pretty much it as far as where we stand at this moment. A continued mention of appreciation to all those offering prayers and positive thoughts and a continued special thanks to those who have had the opportunity and, consequently, taken the time out of your lives to help us directly by way of babysitting, meals, chauffeuring, etc. And thank you to the many of you that have made offers to do the same that we haven't been able to take you up on as of yet. None of this goes ignored, unappreciated or unconsidered.

Bobbie often mentions that she really needs to call so and so back or write so and so, but she just lacks the energy or will to talk about the situation which is, of course, understandable. So, if you have attempted to contact her and received no timely response, please take comfort in the fact that she thinks to act even if she does not do so and does try to communicate with some here and there when she is able. She checks her email and facebook regularly as well as has her mobile phone on her most of the time, though, as mentioned, much of that time is spent sleeping. I'm not trying to make excuses for her here, I just think it important that you guys know that she is interested in keeping in touch, just having a hard time doing it.

As I am seemingly always promising, I will make an effort to provide more regular updates.

Naughty Drawings?

2009-04-20T08:58:00.002-04:00

Another quick break from what seems to be only cancer updates on my blog of late...

Naughty drawings gone not so naughty

I was duly impressed.

Bobbie Update - Apr 2, 2009

2009-04-02T16:35:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow marks two weeks of whole brain radiation for Bobbie to treat the five small tumors. We were told three originally, but the doctor told her yesterday that there were five small ones when they started. It hasn't been fun, but I don't think that it has been quite as bad as the Interferon was for her. The primary side effects thus far have been fairly constant nausea along with headaches, fatigue and dry, itchy scalp. They started her on steroids (dexamethasone) yesterday, which they say should alleviate the majority of the side effects. There's also a good probability that she will lose her hair, but it hasn't started falling out yet.

While undergoing radiation for her brain, she discovered a lump in her neck which the medical oncologist determined to be another melanoma tumor. They started radiation treatment to her neck last Thursday and it is slated to run 2x/week for 3 weeks. Her brain treatment should be complete as of tomorrow, but they say it continues to work for about a month following the treatment.

I can't honestly say where we go from here on the treatment front, but that will be decided at the completion of the radiation treatments. At the moment, they are leaning toward starting her on Temodar which will, as previously described unfortunately, exclude her from the studies that are currently available to her. It's a bit of a catch-22 because the brain metastases are excluding her otherwise as it stands. In any case, I will be sure to send out an update once the next path is confirmed. Just wanted to get something out there to let everyone know what's going on.

As always through this fight, we thank you for continued positive thoughts, prayers and good vibes. Also, a special thanks to those who have helped in many other aspects such as babysitting, meal contributions and the like. They are very much appreciated.

Bobbie Update - Mar 22, 2009

2009-03-22T02:38:00.001-04:00

I delay yet again in getting an update out to everyone within a reasonable time frame, but I was trying to wait until we had some sort of plan as to the next steps. At the time of the last update that I sent out, Bobbie had an upcoming MRI. The results of that MRI introduced the appearance of three new spots in her brain. After much discussion between her neurosurgeon at UNC, her medical oncologist at Rex and the medical oncologist in Charlotte running the trials previously mentioned, it has been decided that she will begin whole brain radiation treatments (WBRT) at Rex starting this coming Monday, March 23rd.

As it is described, this radiation treatment will run a course of about two weeks and each treatment will be about 15 minutes in length. The expected side effects that have been discussed are fatigue, hair loss, dry/irritated scalp, possible issues with short term memory in about a year's time and possible issues with cognitive processes (learning new things) over a longer time span. I would include a link to more information here, but everything I can find online is either not exactly Bobbie's situation or too intense for me to read in detail at 2:30am.

There is still a concern to treat other known tumors in her body (intestines at this time, specifically), but there is a question as to whether we wait to see if she can get into a clinical trial or proceed with the Temodar treatment, which will exclude her from eligibility for the current optional clinical trials which require at least 30 days brain health. A decision to this end will be made during or after the WBRT.

I apologize for the brevity of this update and hope that it doesn't present itself as hopeless or without a positive outlook for we maintain both hope and a look toward a long future with Bobbie front and center in it. If it seems less, it is probably because I am writing it at such a late hour, but I just wanted to get the word out so you all know that she is underway on Monday.

I will be sure to keep you posted throughout and we have continued to enjoy a couple more weeks of faux normality since the last update. She has spent a lot of time with Killian and having lots of adventures with him. For that, I am most thankful.

As always, we welcome all forms of positive vibes and thank you for the relentless efforts in sending them thus far.

Paul

Bobbie Update - Mar 3, 2009

2009-03-04T01:36:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know that I am long overdue in getting an update out to you guys. Sorry about the delay.

The good news is that we have been enjoying a false sense of normality for the past few weeks as Bobbie has evidently been feeling the best that she has since probably May of 2008. So, that has been nice.

So, the nitty gritty on the medical front is this. Bobbie's medical and surgical oncologists agreed that she should attempt a fairly aggressive effort toward attacking the cancer at this stage. As a result, we were referred to a doctor at the Blumenthal Cancer Center in Charlotte, NC. He was very kind, patient, straight forward and informative. We met with him a few weeks ago and had a lengthy appointment (3+ hours) discussing potential treatments and the logic and realism behind entertaining each of them. The result is that she had 4 treatments to entertain:

2 FDA approved:

2 clinical trials

Temodar + trial drug
Ipilumab (CTLA 4)

Of the two FDA approved options, the Temodar was mentioned in my last update along with the IL-2. The new oncologist described that he would not utilize IL-2 until Bobbie has been brain healthy for 6-9 months and has intestines not showing any sign of large tumors working as wall structure. The reasons are that there is an estimated 20 pound fluid weight gain and loss during the 5 day treatment and there is a risk that significant amounts of fluid could leak into the brain and basically squeeze it against the skull and risk death by stroke. Temodar remains an immediate option with about a 10-12% response rate.

Of the two clinical trials, Bobbie has been excluded from the Temodar plus trial due to her previous clinical trial with the brain tumor and the Giladel wafers, so that is not an option. She was explicitly not excluded from the Ipilumab trial (which is the one that all 3 doctors seem to be the most hopeful about), but all that really means is that she qualifies to apply for inclusion in the study.

And now for the tricky math - the Temodar treatment would automatically exclude her from any clinical trials, whereas the clinical trials do not preclude her from utilizing the FDA treatments. So, the current plan is to shoot for the Ipilumab study and hope that it does the deed. If that falls through, or even if it doesn't work, the Temodar option remains open as a fallback plan.

So, not a lot to report really other than we are moving forward. Her next steps are:

a follow-up MRI and appointment next Wednesday, March 11, with her neurologist at UNC
assuming nothing other than good news there, an MRI, PET scan and some blood work with the doctor in Charlotte in hopes of qualifying for the Ipilumab study - applications for that open within the next couple of weeks

It has been nice enjoying the last couple of weeks and hope that there is much more of that to come, regardless of what path lies ahead of us. Just wanted to at least get something out to let you all know what we're up to. If not before, I'll fire off another update once we know what's in store.

Thank you all for your inquiries in the absence of my updates.

Bobbie Update - Feb 6, 2009

2009-02-06T17:07:00.001-05:00

Many have asked me how Bobbie is doing over the past couple of weeks and I have answered most individually. I have been meaning to type up an update, but it just seems like such a task each time I bring up the blank page to do so that I postpone. So, I've decided to keep it fairly simple with what information we have and leave the remainder for later as information continues to become available.

Bobbie is doing pretty well in terms of recovering from the abdominal surgery and brain procedure. As expected, plenty of pain in her abdomen from the surgery, but she is fairly mobile and most medium strenuous activities give her cause to offer a groan. She has spent all but 2 days of the 2 weeks following surgery at my parents' house recovering with Killian in company as planned. Hopefully this has afforded her some of the rest that she needs to heal well and without having to keep to close of an eye on Killian. I will be heading up to VA tomorrow to pick her and Killian up to come back to NC. As always, a HUGE thank you to my parents for their efforts and accommodations to this end.

And the difficult question... what's next? She had two appointments this past Monday, one with her medical oncologist that she has been seeing since the original discovery in 2006 and another with the surgical oncologist that performed the intestinal operation. I attended the medical oncologist appointment and her mom went with her to the surgical oncologist. I will spare you the play-by-play, but the outcome is that there are seemingly two treatment options on the table. One is Temodar (Temozolomide) , an oral chemotherapy by way of capsule. The gist is that you take it 5 days in a row, wait 23 days and do it again. The hope being that it stops the tumor growth and, in low percentage best case scenarios, causes regression in the tumors. The other is interleukin-2 . We don't have a lot of detail about that one yet, but apparently it has the potential to be a curative treatment. It was explained by the doctor suggesting it that the interleukin-2 treatment is particularly rough with a 5-day intensive care unit hospital stay due to a chance of cardiac failure. In my reading of the link that I included above, it appears that there are a number of scary potential side effects, but that they are all relatively easily managed medically during the course (thus the ICU, I assume). The explained side effects of the Temodar are your basic chemo ones; nausea, hair loss, constipation/diarrhea, etc..

As it stands, the two doctors are in discussion as to what they suggest we do from here and she waits for a phone call with their answer. If the interleukin-2 is an option, we will likely be traveling to Charlotte, NC to meet with a doctor there since that is the closest hospital to us that offers the treatment. She has an appointment sometime in the next two weeks with one of the doctors that performed the cyberknife treatment. That may bring further input/insight. So, at this very moment we are not quite sure what comes next. As always, however, I keep my mind looking forward to whatever the next step will be. Bobbie remains in good spirits, which helps us all.

So, there you have it and you can probably see why I have resisted sending an update as there is not really any news to be had at the moment. Well, nothing solid at least. Sorry to keep you all waiting for so long, but I know that many of you have been in touch with Bobbie directly and possibly received some of this info by way of her. I will send out another update once we know in which direction we are headed or if there are any additional developments.

A continuing thank you to all.

Bobbie Update - Jan 24, 2009

2009-01-24T09:43:00.001-05:00

Ok, I sucked at getting updates out those last couple days in the hospital, but I was tired. That's pretty much my only excuse.

The good news is that she is now at home and spent the night in her bed for the first time in about two weeks last night getting a good night's rest. The cyberknife treatment yesterday took almost exactly 3 hours and they discharged her pretty much right afterward. They switched her to solid foods (regular diet) during the day Wednesday and she voluntarily gave up her morphine trigger on Thursday. She went the entirety of yesterday with no pain meds at all. This was mostly for the cyberknife procedure, but still pretty impressive. She took some before bed last night, but that was after a car ride home, a stair climb at the house to the 2nd floor and a shower without the handy stool that they have in the hospital shower.

She celebrated her return home with a Rosemary Chicken meal from Johnny Carino's and is currently contemplating when to head to VA to see Killian. I'm going to try to convince her to stay and recover in a peaceful, empty house for about a week before making the trek, but it will ultimately be up to her. I will take her up whenever she needs to go to appease her emotional health.

So that's pretty much it. She has a follow-up appointment with her surgical oncologist next Thursday and a follow-up MRI and appointment with the neurosurgeon in 4-6 weeks. After that comes discussions about where to go next with treatment. The war is certainly not over, but at least we are in reprieve for a short time.

Yet again, thank you all for your supportive words and actions throughout the course of this so far. I cannot adequately tell you how much it means to us both.

Bobbie Update - Jan 21, 2009

2009-01-21T10:23:00.002-05:00

Hello all. Sorry that I failed to get an update out yesterday, but not a significant amount to report.

I spent the night at the hospital with Bobbie on Monday night in preparation for the inbound snow and then all day on Tuesday, working from the hospital (a thank you to my employer for the allowance). Her condition remains fairly unchanged with a few exceptions. She is still in a significant amount of pain and continues to have a constant morphine drip in conjunction with a button that she can voluntarily push for additional doses. They did, however, reduce her constant drip dosage yesterday in, I assume, an attempt to wean her or at least get her down to just the triggered dose. She also managed to get bumped up to an introductory liquid diet yesterday as of about noon. She is now allowed to have up to 12 oz/day of water and/or fruit juice. Hopefully she will soon step up to a full clear liquids diet (to include broth, Jell-o and the like). She hasn't had anything to eat or drink since Thursday, so I'm sure that even the pitiful 12 oz allowance is a welcome event.

She got up and went for 4 walks on both Monday and Tuesday which, as mentioned in prior updates, is good for her lungs as well as getting her digestive system in motion. She also took her first shower since surgery on Monday which was a welcome relief and I think a good "pep up" for her. I know I feel pretty cruddy on the rare occasion that I don't get a shower during a day. Her blood oxygen level remains in flux, but it is trending more toward the lower acceptable end now, so that is a good thing.

- Just got a call from Bobbie while writing this update. New news below. -

She had a pretty decent night last night, but feels really tired this morning (not just sleepy, but fatigued). As expected, she will have her good and bad days during recovery. They apparently had her up at 4:30am to get blood, check vitals, etc. and she has been up since then.

She spoke with both her attending surgeon as well as one of the neurosurgeons (the one running the study from her original brain tumor) and it appears that she will be discharged on Friday. They plan to do the cyberknife surgery on Friday and then she is headed out. She is going to follow up with them today or tomorrow to determine what is involved in recovery once she is discharged. That is, whether or not she will be able to travel to do her recovery in Virginia and when and what follow-up appointments will be necessary following her discharge. Good news that she will be out so "soon", but I am curious as to the apparent practice that they do the brain procedure and then send her right home. As a layman, I would think that they would at least keep her for overnight observation, but maybe this is typically an outpatient procedure. I wish I was there when the neurosurgeon rolled through to ask him questions around that, but I am hoping that I will have an opportunity to do so before the procedure and discharge. I asked Bobbie to have him or his office call me if he is willing to do so. She's so in and out of pain that those thoughts don't come to her right away to ask, not to mention the fact that she has to deal with thinking about the procedure itself along with her current recovery 24/7. You can't blame her for not coming up with those questions on the spot. Her thoughts and concentration are, as they should be, on recovering and getting better, not planning on when to be where.

They are changing her pain medication today to get her off of the morphine. She did not know what they were changing her to when I spoke with her this morning. I will be headed up to the hospital after work and can hopefully get some of these questions answered by the nursing staff if not the doctor on call if Bobbie doesn't have them by the time I get there.

Bobbie Update - Jan 19, 2009

2009-01-19T15:04:00.001-05:00

Just a few things to report since yesterday's update.

They removed her NG tube (nose) yesterday, which was probably her single biggest irritant. Her blood oxygen level has remained low since yesterday morning. It's been varying regularly between 83-93% (93% is the lowest they want to see it), so they have had her utilizing an oxygen mask throughout. They continue to tell her that walking and utilizing the breathing exerciser will help remedy this. Her fever subsided yesterday afternoon. They got an abdominal support for her (can't remember what the official name for it is) which is pretty much like an Ace bandage girdle. That helped significantly with the pain that she was suffering following the removal of the bandage from her incision. She ended up taking 2 walks yesterday and has walked once today.

She is down to 2 tubes attached - IV and oxygen mask. Otherwise, it's just a matter of pain (which there is still a considerable amount of) management and getting the plumbing back in functioning order.

I will be heading up to the hospital tonight to stay the night and work from there tomorrow due to the inbound snow. Sadly, 2-4" can bring this town to its knees. I just want to make sure that she doesn't have to spend the day alone.

I think she will be in reasonable shape for visitors today and beyond. As before, just make sure that you call ahead before planning to head out. The morphine keeps her zonked out from time to time and her sleep is intermittent.

That's about it, for now. More to follow as any developments occur.

Bobbie Update - Jan 18, 2009

2009-01-18T11:08:00.001-05:00

Bobbie had a pretty good day yesterday:

she got up and made three walks down the hallway throughout the day
started coughing as they requested helping to get her lungs back in action
got moved to a private room - no roommate, woohoo!

However, her night was a little rough. They had to adjust her NG tube (nasal drainage for stomach) a bit and that was exceptionally painful for her even though they said it shouldn't be at all. The doctors were notified so that they medicate her appropriately before removing it when the time comes. Her blood oxygen level has also been running a little low, so they have her on oxygen to help with that. Her sleep was restless, intermittent and frequently interrupted so I'm pretty sure that she is just generally tired. She is actually sleeping as I type this. She has been running a fever this morning and isn't feeling particularly well. Both pain and nausea along with discomfort in her nose from the NG tube adjustment along with the oxygen tubes. The bandage was removed from her incision (though surgical tape still remains) and that has been causing her some discomfort as well.

On more positive notes, they took her urinary catheter out this morning so she is able to use the restroom normally. They also told her that she should be able to take a shower today if she wants. Additionally she continues to use the "Incentive Deep Breathing Exerciser " to help cause her to cough and clear her lungs.

Unfortunately, it looks pretty doubtful that she will be up for visitation today. I know a few of you were interested in doing so, but it is probably best to postpone. She still has her cell phone, so just be sure to call ahead and check before planning a visit. If she doesn't answer, she will call you back as soon as she is up to it.

Wish I had all good news in this update, but if nothing else, let this serve as a demonstration that it is a struggle that she endures and not just an issue of time in the hospital.

Thank you all for your vigilant words, thoughts and prayers.

Bobbie Update - Jan 17, 2009

2009-01-17T12:57:00.000-05:00

Bobbie had a pretty rough night. Lots of pain, but whenever the morphine kicked in, she seemed to be able to drift off to sleep for a good 20-30 minutes at a clip. She laid fairly motionless, which is to say in the same position, from pretty much the time that she got to her room until they inclined her bed to a 30 degree angle at about 4am. Even after that, she remained on her back in pretty much the same position until this morning. Not that the position changed much this morning, but she was moving her arms and head a little and she even bent her knees up for a bit to try to help ease some of the pain. She was pretty much out of it until about 6am when she woke up and was fairly coherent until around 8am and then again from 10-11am.

The surgeon who assisted in the procedure came by this morning at about 10:30am to check up on her and recapped the surgery for us again. As it turns out, we either heard wrong, misunderstood or were explained to incorrectly what actually took place. They actually removed two sections of small intestine totaling about 2-2.5 feet in length together and containing a total of 6 tumors. They left 2 tumors behind that were close to her stomach that they felt could be likely be addressed through an endoscopic procedure. 2 of the six which were removed, the two that were likely causing her abdominal pain, were larger ones that were causing her intestine to telescope upon itself (think folding a pair of socks when you tuck them together). She said that her hospital stay specifically related to this surgery would probably be in the 7-10 day mark, but it all depends on how her personal recovery goes. The brain portion will be addressed once this surgical team has classified her in hospital recovery period complete. It's amazing what they can do with the human plumbing. They are going to have her get up out of bed and walk and sit in a chair today at the very least. Bobbie is, of course, terrified due to the pain she is experiencing just lying still. I inquired as to the importance of this activity and it is three fold: 1) to enhance circulation in the legs to avoid clotting risk, 2) to reactivate the portion of the lungs that collapses while under anesthesia and 3) to help stimulate the colon back into action following its shutdown during the surgery. Lastly, the switched her over to a constant morphine drip to help get the pain to manageable.

Bobbie is sharing a room with a woman who is hard of hearing and spends a pretty significant amount of time on the phone with someone else whom appears to share her auditory condition. Not so much fun when you are trying to sleep, rest & recover. On the common area side though, she had a similar surgery. As explained by her, she had her large intestine removed such that her small intestine now connects directly to her rectum. I'm pretty sure there should be a colon somewhere in there, but I didn't want to press the issue. Also on a lighter side, Bobbie is not allowed to have any diet (IV only) until she "passes gas from her bottom", so every medical person through that room over the next couple of days is basically going to ask Bobbie if she has farted yet. Killian would love it. I have no choice but to instruct him to ask mommy that every time he speaks with her on the phone. Once she does the deed, she will be able to have the stomach suction tube removed from her throat/nose and, I believe, initiate project clear liquids diet.

So, that's pretty much the status as of now. I left the hospital at 11:30am with her mom keeping company to come home and get a shower, some lunch and maybe a nap before heading back out. She's definitely not going to be up for visitors today. Tomorrow is still up in the air. It just depends on how she does through the day & night. She has her cell phone in the room, but I left the ringer off. So, feel free to call her and leave a voicemail if you like. She will return and make calls when she feels up to it. Also, she has her laptop at the hospital and they have wireless networking, but I don't at what point she is going to feel up to getting online. Point being, also feel free to drop her an email or a facebook message and she will get it somewhere down the line.

Thank you to all for the thoughts, words, prayers and in some cases actions thus far.

Bobbie Update - Jan 16, 2009

2009-01-16T22:10:00.001-05:00

Bobbie is now in her room where she will likely be for the next 7-10 days. She is in room [edited for internet publication]. She is currently in some pretty significant pain, but they did some pretty significant stuff to her in terms of incision and surgery, so it is to be expected. She has a morphine trigger that she can hit every 10 minutes and they are dosing her with some additional morphine, but I don't know how long that will be available to her. Have to wait and see. She's rating her current pain at a 10+ when asked by the nurses, so I really hope that comes down. It sucks to watch a loved one suffer.

As mentioned before, the surgery that they performed today removed a portion of intestine including two large tumors that are thought to be the cause of both her abdominal pain and bleeding over the past 6 weeks. Multiple smaller tumors remain, but they will be addressed by a medical treatment (chemotherapy or something of the like) sometime after her brain tumor procedure which will likely be performed sometime near the end of next week (more details on that to follow as we get them).

I will be by her side through the night and will probably send out the next update sometime tomorrow. They say they will be getting her up and moving tomorrow, I think mostly as an effort to get her body moving on the healing front.

She is sleeping at the moment and I'm hoping she is able to sleep off at least most of the first night worth of pain.

Until next time...

Bobbie Update - Jan 16, 2009

2009-01-16T16:58:00.001-05:00

Not a tremendous amount of information, but she is out of surgery, they removed a section of intestine including two large tumors. Several small ones remain that will be treated with some sort of medicine therapy or possibly additional surgery down the line if needed. More detail to follow. We have not seen her yet, but she is in recovery being brought out of anesthesia.

Bobbie Update - Jan 16, 2009

2009-01-16T16:54:00.001-05:00

For those that were curious, the intestinal surgery is scheduled to be around noon today. Bobbie is in pretty good spirits, but scared, as is to be expected. They did her first follow-up brain MRI yesterday, which had been delayed due to the abdominal issues, and found 2 more spots in her brain (news that she did not, unsurprisingly, take well). Those are going to be treated with the cyberknife (video ) here at UNC and they are going to do that once her in-hospital recovery is drawing to an end for the intestinal surgery. I haven't spoken with the neurologist or radiation doc as far as that goes - she was told about this yesterday while I was at work - so I don't have much in the way of details as of yet. As a result of those findings, the surgical oncologist is only going to remove the larger, bleeding tumors from her intestine so that the brain procedure can be performed during her stay. The removal of all intestinal tumors, he said, would likely result in an 8-10 week recovery time as opposed to the current expected 6 week recovery. I don't follow exactly the reasoning behind everything because he came by to visit her prior to my arrival this morning, but he will be giving us a status following the surgery and I will forward an update at that point.

For now, we focus our energies on getting her through this afternoon's surgery.

Bobbie Update - Jan 14, 2009

2009-01-14T23:12:00.002-05:00

I spent the entire day at the hospital with Bobbie today. I'm pretty crushed tired right now, so this may be pretty short.

The important stuff:

Bobbie's surgery is set for Friday. Don't know the exact scheduled time yet, but we should learn that tomorrow afternoon. Her expected hospital stay following the surgery is 5 - 7 days. Her expected recovery following discharge is 6 weeks of "don't lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk", though she may be back to somewhat normal function in 2 - 3 weeks.

Some info about the surgery:

There are 4 visible tumors in the tests performed thus far. The surgery will entail an incision pretty much from her naval up for as tall as it needs to be for a "safe surgery". They will feel out the entire length of her small intestine by hand and remove any additional tumors or unknown masses that they find. As far as the rerouting of her intestinal track, it sounds like it will be tricky and pretty much a once they are in there decision. The current scans show the known tumors to exist potentially behind her pancreas, so they will possibly cut a hole in her stomach and attach an intestine back at that point in an effort to not have to remove a portion of her pancreas. All pretty strange sounding and a little frightening, but I had a great deal of comfort with the surgeon we spoke with who seemed very confident and competent.

Ok, that's it. I have to hit the hay now. I'll be working tomorrow and then likely spending the bulk of Friday through Sunday at the hospital. Updates will follow as any additional info comes along. I doubt that I will be sending anything additional out until after her surgery is complete on Friday or possibly tomorrow once we know when the surgery is scheduled.

Set your good vibes and prayers on high for Friday.

Bobbie Update - Jan 13, 2009

2009-01-13T21:03:00.000-05:00

I'm afraid that I am the bearer of bad tidings, but I wanted you all to be aware.

Bobbie has been in and out of the hospital over the past month or so with abdominal pain and a general feeling of being sick (weakness, fatigue, low grade fever, etc.) and was found to be anemic and losing blood via her digestive system. The exact cause has remained elusive and they had given her 6 units of blood via transfusion over the past 2+ weeks to remedy while they tested her trying to find the cause. Among the tests given at Rex hospital were:

X-ray - negative
Endoscopy - erosion in stomach (pre-ulcer)
Colonoscopy - 2 small polyps, negative
Barium swallow - negative
Endoscopic camera pill - bleeding and mass in upper small intestine
CAT scan - 4x masses in small intestine

Upon receipt of the results of these tests, she was referred to a specialist at UNC Hospital to perform a "push endoscopy " which was performed today, 1/13/09. He verified that the masses which he could see appeared to be melanoma cancer and biopsied them, though we will not receive those biopsy results for 2-3 days for full confirmation. While she was still sleeping off the anesthesia, I spoke with the endoscoping doctor as well as a surgical consultant. It appears that there is really no other treatment option outside of surgery, so we will be meeting with a surgeon here at the hospital tomorrow to discuss the plan. The consultation today indicated that the most likely effort will consist of removing (redacting) a portion of the intestine/bowel that contains the tumors, though there will also probably be an exploratory element to the surgery in terms of discovering what additional tumors may be present that are undetectable via the tests discussed above. Apparently, 20+ feet of intestines is impossible to non-invasively map.

So, we wait until the surgical team rolls through tomorrow before we know anything more. I don't know how long Bobbie will be incommunicado, but will pass along anything I get by email and the like. She has her cell phone by her bedside, but I don't know what they will be giving her in terms of medication that might keep her knocked out. I won't bother passing out a room number until she is seen by the team tomorrow, because it is possible that they will move her from the general medicine floor to the oncology floor.

Bobbie asked me to send out this update, though I had already planned to do so. I will send out another update asap after we meet with said surgical team.

Please forgive any misspellings or the like. It has been a long couple of days.

Relgious Issues - Scholastically Speaking

2008-12-18T14:10:00.002-05:00

We send Killian to a Christian preschool voluntarily. I understand that. I have no issues with doing so. For the most part, I have no issues with many of the Christian moral teachings and will likely utilize several of them throughout his upbringing. We send him there because it is the more affordable option for us and it comes with the bonus of educational components.

As a result of his attendance there, I make certain concessions and have certain expectations. For example, I expect that religious practices will occur throughout the day - probably start of day prayer, grace before snack time, etc. I make no bones about them presenting a mini sermon to us before the events such as his Christmas pageant and the like. These are things that I deal with because it is their practice and turf. In his time there, I do, however, have beef with two particular things that I am aware of that have occurred/been taught:

The first one that I noticed was when was at home one day with me and we saw an American flag and he proceeded to say the Pledge of Allegiance. I thought that was pretty cool and cute because I didn't know that he had learned it. However, he then followed it up with the pledge of allegiance to the Christian flag. Apparently this is something that happens outside of just his school, I have since learned. I don't so much have issue with the fact that there is a pledge of allegiance to the Christian flag that exists or even to the fact that they teach it at the school for the children to say. I do, however, have extreme opposition to it following the exact pattern of the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. I believe that this takes away from the purity of the latter as well as the former. Don't get me wrong, I'm not Captain Super Patriotic that is going to go into a tirade here about the American flag and the pledge and all that. I just think it is wrong to muddy the waters and confuse the 4 year old children by copying the exact pacing and rhythm of the American flag Pledge of Allegiance.
The more recent event was the one that I posted about on the Killian and Me blog. In his Christmas pageant yesterday, the class sang Jesus Jingle (Bells), which is outright Jingle Bells plagiarized to death with Jesus related lyrics plugged in throughout. Again, I have no issue with them teaching him a religious song (pick your favorite hymn, for example). What I do have issue with is teaching the kids a bastardized version of a holiday classic such as Jingle Bells. So now when I kick into a verse of Jingle Bells along with the radio, he can't sing along with me until I go through the effort to teach him the "correct" way that the song goes. Fortunately, he wants to sing it "daddy's way", but it sucks that I have to make an effort to change what he has learned about such a simple and common thing.

These are probably completely acceptable things to those of more religious ilk than I, and as I voluntarily choose to send him into the midst of this education environment, I have not a lot of room to talk. So, I don't. That is to say that I don't in the form of parent to teacher feedback, but that is primarily because I know that it is public school for him come next year and kindergarten so I don't really have to worry about it long term. However, even with him not exposed to it come that time, my opposition to the concept will still stand. If you want to teach songs and pledges that communicate your chosen ideals, feel free to do so. I have no problem with that. However, make them your own. Make them original. Don't tread on favorites and classics to weasel your ideals in.

On a side note, I'm all for parody. Keep 'em coming, Weird Al!

Bobbie Update - December 1, 2008

2008-12-01T17:11:00.001-05:00

I've been meaning to get an update out since before Thanksgiving, but just haven't taken the time to do it. We had a minor milestone today, though, so it seems like as good a time as any. Today was her first follow-up visit with neurosurgery at UNC Hospital.

Last time on "The Bold and the Tumorless", Bobbie had just had her sutures removed, was weaning off of her steroids (her sleeping patterns were improving as a result) and she had managed to free herself from Percocet. Since then, she has remained Percocet and suture free and had managed to stop needing Ambien, but when she was finally completely off the steroids, she started having some headaches and began to get really sleepy throughout the day. A call to the docs ended with her being bumped back up to her full regimen of steroids which helped with both the headaches as well as the exceptional fatigue. Sleep patterns, however, were back to minimal and Ambien was back in the mix. Otherwise, her recovery has continued to carry along very well.

As of today's visit to the neurosurgeon, it was pretty much all good news. He introduced another step-down plan for the steroids, so she should be back off of them in 12 days. He reminded us that she had brain surgery less than a month ago and that even though her recovery is moving along nicely, some sleepiness/napping is to be expected, but that by the time these steroids are weaned, she'll be another 3 weeks down recovery road from where she was last time and he doesn't expect that she will experience quite as much fatigue at that time. In addition, she was given the green light to drive again as long as she & I felt comfortable that she was good to do so. No legal restrictions were in place since she had not experienced a seizure that had resulted in loss of consciousness (or any seizure for that matter). Much celebration was had by Bobbie that she is good to go again with driving. Funny how you miss the little things, but I guess it would be frustrating to have to rely on others to get you where you need to go and she has been doing so for well over a month now as she couldn't drive for almost 3 weeks before surgery as well. Other than that, he said that the incision looked great. Her vision and motor skills checked out as well.

From here, the next step is that she will have an MRI on January 5 followed by an MRI every 2 months for awhile, then every 4 months, then every 6 months and I think eventually annually. She will be on her anti-seizure medication until that Jan 5 appointment, but will probably discontinue it at that time.

As mentioned before, Bobbie is open for contact by phone, visit or email, so this is likely the last update I will send out until her next MRI barring any significant news. I thank you all again for your interest and words of comfort and inspiration along the way. It has been therapeutic for me to be able to communicate to you all in this fashion and has saved me from having to tell the same stories over many times - both good news and bad.

Paulblog

If You Watched the New Battlestar Galactica Series

Facing Tough Competition on the Court

Dear Santa

Killian and I Get Festive

Gingerbread House - First Attempt

Killian Flag Football 2011

Posting From Pizza

Killian Gets Kinected

Killian Second Grade Picture

Pescatarian? Is that really a word?

The Diary of a One-Armed (Temporarily) Man

Year two

One down...

Mother's Day Balloon Release 2011

Bobbie's 40th Birthday Butterfly Release

Killian Baseball 2011

Sing and Slideshow

Tweets November 9, 2010 Through June 4, 2011

Not One Second More!

Pharmaceutical Customer Service Fail

2 New Family Members

Imagination Moved

Killian Soccer 2011 Wraps Up

iPad 2: Electric Boogaloo

Key to the City

Key to the City

Words to Live By

Killian Class Picture - 1st Grade

Wacky Hair Day 2011

One of These Things Does Not Belong Here

Killian First School Project

Skin Gun

On a Need to Know Basis

A-hole Lot of Bad Parking

Wow that's freaky to see/hear "live"

"Hey, good looking. We'll be back to pick you up later!"

Tweets March 4, 2010 through December 16, 2010

It's a Me, Killian!

Killian Rounds 1st

Killian's Christmas Photos

Killian Meets Basketball

Smoker's Pole

Testing... Testing... Is This Thing On?

Do *NOT* Put a Yeti Pot into Your Nose

Tweets June 18, 2009 through March 2, 2010

Thankful

Cussing at Work

Bobbie Update - August 4, 2009

Bobbie Update - July 24, 2009

Tweets Through June 17, 2009

Bobbie Update - June 17, 2009

Bobbie Update - June 8, 2009

Bobbie Update - June 2, 2009

Recognition

Bobbie Update - May 5, 2009

Naughty Drawings?

Bobbie Update - Apr 2, 2009

Bobbie Update - Mar 22, 2009

Bobbie Update - Mar 3, 2009

Bobbie Update - Feb 6, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 24, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 21, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 19, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 18, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 17, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 16, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 16, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 16, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 14, 2009

Bobbie Update - Jan 13, 2009

Relgious Issues - Scholastically Speaking

Bobbie Update - December 1, 2008

Do NOT Put a Yeti Pot into Your Nose