Killian's Christmas Photos

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

Killian Meets Basketball

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

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

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

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

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:

1. It was one of the most bizarre, mildly uncomfortable, waterboarding feelings I can imagine.
2. 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.