Randman's World

Hope to Win

2012-01-20T12:24:00.002-05:00

https://www.swingsetsonline.com/backyard-ideas/backyard-blog/playsets/January%202012/Double_the_Prize_Double_the_Fun_Sweepstakes

Hope we win, so that I can combine this with Charlie's current swingset and build the GREATEST SWINGSET IN THE TRI STATE AREA!

Thanks 2010, and Welcome 2011

2011-01-03T09:57:00.002-05:00

Although it's not Thanksgiving, the new year does bring about thoughts of things I'm thankful for this year.

I'm thankful for my beautiful wife of 18 years. She's stuck beside me, even when she had every right not to. She's supported me in my decisions, and takes care of me. I don't need e-harmony to find my perfect match. I found her in 1990 at the Jones Store.

I'm thankful for my amazing son. He shifted my priorities in life, and is the reason I get up and go to work every day. Although he doesn't share my blood, he shares every other thing with me. He truly is the child that God wanted me to have. He makes me laugh, breaks my heart, and redefines love every single day. And I know that up in heaven, my parents are laughing their heads off at every shinanigan he pulls, because he is so much like me it's incredible.

I'm thankful for my job. I get to go to work everyday at the place people dream of visiting. I'm doing the job that I was born to do, and am thankful that I am good at it. And, when I'm tired and frustrated, I simply go spend a few minutes at MK, see the children's faces, and instantly feel recharged. I have great co-workers, and we make sure that each day has some element of fun in it. Where else can you work where the goal of the company is to make people happy and create memories?

I'm thankful to God, for giving me so many chances. Every time I screw up, he's right there to pick me up and put me back on the right path. He's giving me grace when I didn't deserve it. and treasures I can never repay.

I look forward to 2011. I have prospects for self improvement, and am going to maintain a positive attitude toward everything. I won't let people drag me into negativism. It serves no purpose except to reinforce bad feelings. I will succeed as a father, a husband and an employee.

If you have actually read this, please send me your address, because I feel like I should send you a co-pay.

I almost forgot about this thing

2010-12-10T23:36:00.002-05:00

Wow, it's been a while since I've updated the blog. I truly just don't have much to say.

Life is good in Orlando. Charlie is doing great. He's a funny little guy, who cracks me up daily. Smart as a whip, also.

Kim is doing fine in her job, and has made a ton of friends down here.

Work is always interesting. I still think it's cool to be able to work in such a magical place, even though it's still a business. I love making my own small mark on the place.

Other than that, we just keep plugging along.

Sorry it's so brief. But, at least I posted a bit.

Monday's Space Shuttle Launch

2010-04-07T20:18:00.001-04:00

Amazing photo. What a great place to live where you can see these both at the same time!

Wow, it's been a while.

2010-03-01T11:46:00.004-05:00

Much like my diet, updating my blog is something I keep telling myself I need to do, but it kept getting forgotten as something better came up. But, I thought I would do a few updates in a stream of consciousness mode. In other words, don't expect much.

Florida continues to be a nice place to live. Sure, we've lost more in value on our home than we paid for our first house in KC, but absent some catastrophe, we aren't going anywhere anytime soon. This winter has been unually cold for Florida, and that has been tough on our plants outside. We've lost several plants, and our grass is not looking great. But, fortunately, the crappy grass that grows up amongst the nice St. Augustine grass died quicly, so maybe we can keep it out of there.

Charle is quite the young man. He faces challenges at school due to several factors: he has trouble with impulsivity, is easily distracted, and is . . .well, he's 5. We are working to get him some help to learn to control his distraction and impulses, and hopefully that will help straighten him out. Academically, he's right on target, and in several areas, ahead of the other kids. He just can't sit still and is too easily distracted. But, he's cute, and that makes up for a lot.

Work at Disney continues to be amazing. There are your normal mundane days of sitting in a cube, working on a computer all day, and then there are amazing days like last week, when we toured backstage at Toy Story Mania, and heard a talk from Imagineering about how it was created. Then we toured the new Post Production facility at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Wow. I was salavating the whole time. Add that in with some early morning walks down an empty Main Street USA and it makes cubicle life much more easier to bear.

Kim is the only person I know who was actually excited about needing glasses. For some reason, she has always wanted to wear them. Recently, she noticed her reading vision was getting blurry. She went to the doctor to get everything checked, and got a cute pair of reading glasses. She calls them her Tina Fey glasses. She does look cute in them.

I'm still recovering from my grand "fall down/go boom" that happened 1 1/2 weeks ago. I must have really boogered my wrist and knee, because they continue to give me pain. I'm going to see my doctor this afternoon. Probably 1 1/2 weeks too late, but you know us guys.

FYI, I still hate Sprint and Brighthouse.

Our water damage issue is almost over. There are still some issues with the repair of the china cabinet. Here's a look at the state our house was in for a couple of weeks.

That's about all I can think of right now. I'm going to try to get back into blogging a bit.

Charlie loves his Mommy

2009-12-13T12:42:00.002-05:00

Charlie was very excited that Mommy was coming to his Christmas concert, as you can tell.

A Day in the life of the Magic Kingdom

2009-10-02T08:49:00.001-04:00

Very cool, from Disney's new blog.

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2009/10/a-model-day-at-the-park/

Generations

2009-08-16T02:11:00.003-04:00

This is a composite picture I've been meaning to do for years.

Dad was a prison guard on Alcatraz in his younger days. The photo above is him in the guard house in the kitchen on Alcatraz. It's been published in several books about Alcatraz, and I'm lucky enough to have an original copy of it.

Several years ago, after Dad's passing, Kim and I went to San Francisco on vacation. We got a tour of Alcatraz, and I talked to the park rangers there. I told them I was a guard's son, and that I would love to recreate a photo of him. They had one of the books there in the library, and I showed them the photo. They were nice enough to open up the kitchen area (which is closed to visitors), and let me go in there to take the photo. They then asked if there were any other areas I would like to see. I really got the royal treatment.

It's amazing how little that area has changed. Except for the addition of an exit sign, and moving some file cabinets out of the room, 40+ years hasn't changed it much. And I'm amazed how accurately we recreated the shot.

Today would be Dad's 81st birthday. My son Charlie told me that he wanted to put on his jetpack and fly up into the clouds so he could sing his Grandpa Charlie Happy Birthday.

Me too.

I can't think of one

2009-08-13T23:45:00.004-04:00

With the debate on government health care heating up, I tried to think of one program that the government has run well. I classify "well" as providing the service required without extreme cost overruns.

Couldn't come up with one. The first couple that popped in my mind didn't do so well.

Nasa - gets the job done, but never for what they say it will. And, we are still flying with 70's technology. And they can't even get us a ship that will go back to the moon, something we did in the 60's.

Military - a model of inefficieny. Sure, they can kick butt and take names, but the disaster with equipment during the beginning of the Gulf War, plus the huge costs involved ($50,000 for a toliet?!?!) makes this a financial problem.

Government Housing - nuff said. Cabrini Green, anyone?

Medicare - Frought with fraud, it's almost a joke how much money goes out each year.

Education - Since the Department of Education was founded in 1980, can anyone truly say our education of the youth has gotten better?

I just don't see how anyone can hope that a government that couldn't run a "Cash for Clunkers" program correctly could handle every citizen's health care.

The Jungle Cruise Ride

2009-07-14T15:27:00.001-04:00

Unfortunately, they'll never let me be a skipper. The manager said he wouldn't hire an improviser. He needs people to stay with the script. Oh well.

Skipper Dan

Three Guitars and a Tractor

2009-06-22T12:54:00.002-04:00

Hilarious Video Responses:

"tractor keeps better time than our drummer. and i bet the tractor will play a gig for just the price of gas."

"All well and good, but is the tractor in the Musicians Union????"

"Unlike a human drummer, this one HAS to get gassed to play well."

Why I love our company

2009-06-19T22:04:00.002-04:00

from THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Pixar grants girl's dying wish to see 'Up'
Company sent DVD so Huntington Beach girl, 10, could watch it.
By ANNIE BURRIS

HUNTINGTON BEACH – Colby Curtin, a 10-year-old with a rare form of cancer, was staying alive for one thing – a movie.
From the minute Colby saw the previews to the Disney-Pixar movie Up, she was desperate to see it. Colby had been diagnosed with vascular cancer about three years ago, said her mother, Lisa Curtin, and at the beginning of this month it became apparent that she would die soon and was too ill to be moved to a theater to see the film.
After a family friend made frantic calls to Pixar to help grant Colby her dying wish, Pixar came to the rescue.
The company flew an employee with a DVD of Up, which is only in theaters, to the Curtins’ Huntington Beach home on June 10 for a private viewing of the movie.
The animated movie begins with scenes showing the evolution of a relationship between a husband and wife. After losing his wife in old age, the now grumpy man deals with his loss by attaching thousands of balloons to his house, flying into the sky, and going on an adventure with a little boy.
Colby died about seven hours after seeing the film.
With her daughter’s vigil planned for Friday, Lisa Curtin reflected about how grateful she is that Pixar – and "Up" – were a part of her only child’s last day.
“When I watched it, I had really no idea about the content of the theme of the movie,” said Curtin, 46. “I just know that word ‘Up’ and all of the balloons and I swear to you, for me it meant that (Colby) was going to go up. Up to heaven.”
Pixar officials declined to comment on the story or name the employees involved.
THE PREVIEWS
Colby was diagnosed with vascular cancer on Dec. 23, 2005 after doctors found a tumor in her liver. At the time of her death, her stomach was about 94 inches around, swollen with fluids the cancer wouldn’t let her body properly digest. The rest of her body probably weighed about 45 pounds, family friend Carole Lynch said.
Colby had gone to Newport Elementary School and was known for making others laugh, family friend Terrell Orum-Moore said. Colby loved to dance, sing, swim and seemed to have a more mature understanding of the world than other children her age, Orum-Moore said.
On April 28, Colby went to see the Dream Works 3-D movie "Monsters Vs. Aliens" but was impressed by the previews to "Up."
“It was from then on, she said, ‘I have to see that movie. It is so cool,’” Lynch said.
Colby was a movie fan, Lisa Curtin said, and she latched onto Pixar’s movies because she loved animals.
Two days later Colby’s health began to worsen. On June 4 her mother asked a hospice company to bring a wheelchair for Colby so she could visit a theater to see "Up." However, the weekend went by and the wheelchair was not delivered, Lisa Curtin said.
By June 9, Colby could no longer be transported to a theater and her family feared she would die without having seen the movie.
At that point, Orum-Moore, who desperately wanted Colby to get her last wish, began to cold-call Pixar and Disney to see if someone could help.
Pixar has an automated telephone answering system, Orum-Moore said, and unless she had a name of a specific person she wanted to speak to, she could not get through. Orum-Moore guessed a name and the computer system transferred her to someone who could help, she said.
Pixar officials listened to Colby’s story and agreed to send someone to Colby’s house the next day with a DVD of "Up," Orum-Moore recalled.
She immediately called Lisa Curtin, who told Colby.
“Do you think you can hang on?” Colby’s mother said.
“I’m ready (to die), but I’m going to wait for the movie,” the girl replied.
THE MOVIE
At about 12:30 p.m. the Pixar employee came to the Curtins’ home with the DVD.
He had a bag of stuffed animals of characters in the movie and a movie poster. He shared some quirky background details of the movie and the group settled in to watch Up.
Colby couldn't see the screen because the pain kept her eyes closed so her mother gave her a play-by-play of the film.
At the end of the film, the mother asked if her daughter enjoyed the movie and Colby nodded yes, Lisa Curtin said.
The employee left after the movie, taking the DVD with him, Lynch said.
“He couldn’t have been nicer,” said Lynch who watched the movie with the family. “His eyes were just welled up.”
After the movie, Colby’s dad, Michael Curtin, who is divorced from Lisa Curtin, came to visit.
Colby died with her mom and dad nearby at 9:20 p.m.
Among the Up memorabilia the employee gave Colby was an “adventure book” – a scrap book the main character’s wife used to chronicle her journeys.
“I’ll have to fill those adventures in for her,” Lisa Curtin said.

Latest Photos

2009-06-10T20:05:00.006-04:00

The latest set of photos. We have a very big boy on our hands!

Does someone have the email address for the Topps people?

Pre-Kindergarten Graduation

"I am Mr. Charlie, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island!"

Funniest Things I've Seen In A While

2009-06-03T19:07:00.003-04:00

RIP Wayne Allwine

2009-05-20T12:32:00.005-04:00

from Jim Hill Media

Wayne Allwine, the man behind the mouse, is gone. This sweet 62-year-old passed away on Monday due to complications from diabetes.

Now some folks will tell you that Wayne was one of only three men to voice Mickey Mouse (with the other two being Walt himself and veteran Disney Studios sound man Jimmy MacDonald). Which isn't entirely true. At the time that Allwine initially began recording for the Mouse, there were actually a number of folks within Walt Disney Productions who did Mickey's voice. MacDonald provided Mickey's vocals for the studio & television side of things, Jack Wagner (i.e. the official voice of Disneyland) spoke for the Mouse in the theme parks and arena shows, while Hal Smith did Mickey's voice for Disney Consumer Products.

But where Wayne lucked out was ... Well, just as he began speaking for Mickey, The Walt Disney Company (Thanks -- in large part -- to Les Perkins' efforts in establishing the Character Voice Department) decided that it was time that it selected one performer to be the official voice of each character. That way, the Goofy that appears in parades for the Parks would sound exactly the same as the Goofy that you'd see in Jello commercials on TV. That there'd then be a uniformity in performance style & sound.

And though a number of folks did audition to be Mickey's official voice, it was Allwine who eventually landed the gig. Not so much because he'd actually been mentored by MacDonald (these two worked together for years in Disney's sound department). But -- rather -- because Wayne took the job seriously. He understood what he'd been entrusted with with Mickey Mouse and always did what he could to protect this character.

"What do you mean by 'protect the character?'," you ask. Well, as the official voice of Mickey Mouse, Allwine spent over 30 years in recording sessions. Where he'd invariably be handed copy that had been prepared by some Marketing executive who had no idea how Mickey actually sounded. Which is why -- in an effort to make this 70-year-old Mouse sound hip, happening & now -- they'd have written dialogue that had Mickey using trendy slang or making off-color jokes.

And as he was rehearsing this material, Wayne would quickly identify the problem areas. And then -- as politely as possible -- he'd work with the director & sound engineer at that session to rectify these problems. Make sure that what was being recorded actually sounded like something that this timeless character might say.

Mind you, this isn't to say that Wayne wasn't up to a challenge. I remember talking with him once about his work in "The Prince and the Pauper." When I told Wayne how much I enjoyed his performance as the Prince in that featurette, how he had crafted a distinctly different character that still sounded like Mickey, the man lit up like a Christmas tree. "I'm so glad you noticed that," he said."I really tried to make Mickey and the Prince sound like two different characters."

Of course, when you talk about Wayne, you have to bring up Russi Taylor, the talented voice actress who played Minnie to Allwine's Mickey. Those two literally met in a recording booth and quickly became a couple in real life.

Now what was kind of funny about that is -- for the first couple of years after Wayne & Russi were wed -- The Walt Disney Company expressly forbid these two from mentioning to the press that they were a married couple. Reportedly out of fear over what might happen if Allwine & Taylor's marriage didn't last. Studio execs supposedly dreaded the headline: "Mickey & Minnie split up." (Which -- given this bizarre corporate edict -- led to the in-house joke that " ... theirs was a love that dare not squeak its name.")

Anyway ... Anyone who ever saw Wayne & Russi together knew that these two were never going to split up. They were so sweet, so into one another, this couple seemed to be joined at the hip. Allwine & Taylor would do radio interviews together, promotional appearances together. They were inseparable.

Which is why -- as other people talk about how sad it is that we've lost Wayne -- to be honest, my heart really goes out to Russi at this moment. I mean, this woman's career and personal life were all tied up in one incredibly sweet guy. I can't imagine what she's going through right now.
In closing ... I know that it might sound somewhat sacrilegious to say this, especially to Disneyana fans. But whenever I watch Mickey Mouse shorts from the 1930s now, I find myself thinking that Mickey doesn't sound quite right. That -- as Walt Disney performed this character back in the day -- his Mouse isn't warm enough. That Walt's performance as Mickey is too one note.

That -- in the end -- may be the greatest compliment that one can pay Wayne Allwine. That the pupil eventually surpassed the master. That his performance of Mickey Mouse -- over time -- became better than the one Walt Disney did.

Though -- knowing Wayne -- he'd have been quick to dismiss that idea. As MacDonald once told Allwine as he was getting ready to record Mickey's voice back in the 1970s; "Just remember, kid. You're only filling in for the boss."

But that said, Mickey Mouse was always in good hands as long as Wayne Allwine was here.

Ok, non soapbox stuff

2009-05-04T19:42:00.002-04:00

Sorry it's been a while. Busy, work, blah blah blah. So, what's going on around here?

Well, we're in the middle of t-ball season. Charlie does pretty well, although sometimes the dirtclods are a bit too tempting to play with. He catches well, hits good, and throws ok. And he runs like the wind. We finally got him his own t-ball bat. He was so proud. As soon as I get them scanned, I'll include his official photo.

I survived the turmoil at Disney. A lot of good people didn't. It really put a damper on us over the past few weeks. It's pretty tough when reality strikes that hard in a place where "dreams come true". But, it's going to mean a stronger, leaner company. And, with any luck, more income, and the opportunity to hire some of these people back.

My work continues to be busy. We are having a record year. Tough times = tough choices by some people. And sometimes, they make the wrong choice.

We enrolled Charlie in kindergarten. Wow. That was really surreal to think that the little baby I just met the other day halfway around the world is getting ready to start school. Thankfully, he's been in pre-k, so he already knows stuff I'm sure I didn't know until 2nd grade. He's already reading some stories. Amazing stuff.

Also, we had a big dentist visit. His baby teeth were just not that good (having the poor nutrition from the baby house didn't help), so he got some cavities. They were really hurting him, and causing him to be a bit of a grouch. We had him sedated while they worked on him, so he doesn't remember anything but the initial shot to make him drowsy. He called it a "sneaky". And now, he's like a different child. So sweet, sits down in class, and not nearly as grouchy. What a blessing that we got that taken care of.

Kim's work is going good. She's really getting good at query writing. Considering she had never done it before, I'm pretty proud of her.

Each day, I come outside, feel the warm sun, look at the beautiful sky and large, cotton ball clouds, and just love the fact that we are living in such a beautiful place. We are truly blessed!

Narrowly avoided death this weekend!

2009-05-04T10:12:00.003-04:00

I'm still shaking. I can't believe how close it came. You truly never know how wonderful your life is until you face your mortality.

Yes, I went out in public during the swine flu pandemic! Without a mask or gloves. I shook hands with people at church. I touched things that other's had touched. I breathed the same air as others in an elevator. I must have a death wish.

Really, can we calm the heck down?!?! Ted Kennedy's car has killed more Americans than Swine Flu.

I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist, but if you think about it, with all the swine flu panic on the TV, what have you not been hearing about? The economy! The fact that the government is taking over more and more private business. Layoffs. Bankruptcy. The unions being given majority ownership of Chrysler. Ted Kennedy's car.

It's just a bit too much "wag the dog" for me. CNN reports 985 confirmed cases of swine flu in the world. 26 deaths (25 in Mexico, and 1 in the US, a mexican child visiting relatives). The CDC reports that regular influenza kills 36,000 American's annually.

So, why the uproar? Why the panic? It's a non-event. Calm down, everyone.

Charlie's First T-Ball Game

2009-04-04T12:09:00.007-04:00

Charlie's team, The Falcons, eeked out a narrow victory over the visiting Dragons. The final score, ?? to ?? (we don't really keep score). Charlie played great. He hit the ball, he caught the ball (one time, he caught his own hit). And, he actually fielded a hit and threw it to first to get the runner out!

If you've never seen T-ball, go watch. It's so cute!

Safe, for now

2009-03-14T20:42:00.003-04:00

For all our friends and family who have been praying for the safety of my job, all I can say is thanks, it worked. Last Thursday was the day that the layoffs happened in my area, and my team avoided any layoffs. They've said that is it for our department, as long as the economy doesn't get any worse. Then, of course, all bets are off.

So, again, to everyone who held us in their prayers / thought good thoughts / put postive energy out there . . . Thanks.

My view of the election

2009-02-24T22:43:00.003-05:00

I try to steer away from politics on my blog, because no matter what someone says, they irritate 1/2 of their readers (so, that might actually be 3 people).

But, there has been one thing really annoying me since the election.

We were robbed.

No, I don't mean by the results of the election. I mean by the election itself.

You see, I've watched as many of my friends were so excited about their candidate. They believed in him. They were truly happy to vote for him. They have hope, and they are optimistic about the future with him in charge.

I wanted that.

I wanted a candidate that I could be excited about. One that would make me want to vote for them because of them, not the party. One who represented a change away from the old GOP, and one more in line with what I believe our priorities should be. And one that I truly thought had a chance to win.

And I got John McCain. Not saying he's not a fine man, or a good politician. But, he really never represented what I think our party needed. He wasn't someone I was excited about. To the contrary, I was very annoyed when he got the nod. Can't we nominate anyone exciting? Someone who has a revolutionary view of what our party and our country needs? Someone like, well, like Barack Obama, but more conservative. I fell back to the old habit of holding my nose while coloring in the circle on the ballot.

Sure, there were a few people in the running that I thought were closer to that than Senator McCain, but they didn't have a chance.

And then, we got Sarah Palin. Now, I know she is a smart, talented woman, who has done a great job in Alaska. But really, she was the best person to be VP? She had little experience. Sure, her speech at the convention was great, but why did they pick her? It was politics as usual. Symbolism over substance. She was young, female, and exciting. But, not the best person to be 1 hearbeat away from presidency. Sigh.

And, so we lost. And I watched my friends celebrate the inuguration. Smiling, crying, and so full of hope. And I felt robbed. I wanted that. I'm so tired of our party as it's been. I wanted "change", a new beginning, hope, but all I got was an old Senator who's been in the game too long.

I'm happy my friends are happy. And I hope that I can be excited and happy in 2012.

Where the heck have we been?

2009-02-22T14:48:00.005-05:00

Sorry about the time since the last post. A lot of things going on, a lot of stress, a lot of fun.

First, the stress. The economy is striking my employer. There are impending job cuts, and it has everyone nervous. I'm hopeful that they will pass us by, but you just never can be too sure. I know friends are praying for us, and we really appreciate it.

Now, the fun. Where do I start?

We got to visit with my college friend (and best man in our wedding) Marc, and his lovely wife Helen, as well as Marc's sister, brother in law and father. It was good to see them, as we hadn't gotten together since before our trips to Russia. We spent a couple of evenings together, caught up, and had a great time.

We spent a day at Blue Springs State Park, where we saw 118 manatees. It was amazing. They love the warmer water of the springs, and head there in the winter, out of the colder waters. They are so sweet and gentle.

I'm looking forward to Pete's visit. It's always good to visit with friends, and I think we'll have a great weekend. Plus, that same weekend, Kim and Charlie are heading back to KC to visit Grandma and Grandpa, so I know they'll have fun.

Speaking of Charlie, he is sure a big boy now. He rides his bike, can count to 60, can spell his name, and knows all his letters, blends and vowels. Ladybird Academy has sure done a good job preparing him. And he loves it. Apparently, he really loves numbers, so maybe we have a mathmatics wiz in our family.

Florida is amazing in winter. It has actually gotten cold several nights, and we had a hard freeze right before Marc and Helen's visit. It did a number on our grass, so we are going to have to work hard to have a green lawn this summer. But, then today, it's beautiful, in the 70's, sunshine, and perfect baseball weather. Yes, Charlie has the bug to play catch, hit the ball, and all that. Now, if I can only find a left handed T-ball glove for him.

I'll put some photos up soon.

Maybe just some homesickness

2009-01-15T10:06:00.003-05:00

Ever been somewhere and you see someone who looks like one of your friends. Not too long ago, I saw Jared's twin working at Chic-Fil-A. It happens occasionally. I even have a brochure from Interlochen Arts Camp from the 80's that has a picture of my identical twin working on a sculpture. It was given to me by my choir teacher, who was irritated that I didn't tell her I went to summer camp at Interlochen (I didn't).

But yesterday, it was really weird. I was working out at the Disney fitness center, and I saw a girl working out. It took me a few minutes, but then I realized she looked like Tracy. I laughed to myself. Then, a few minutes later, I saw another girl working out, and she was the twin sister of our friend Dee. It seemed strange to see two people like that at once, and then suddenly, in walks Mo's twin.

So, perhaps they were truly lookalikes, or maybe just my mind playing a trick because I miss our friends. But, it was really strange!

Several Thoughts

2009-01-11T23:15:00.003-05:00

As I sit here on Sunday Night, not yet sleepy enough for bed, but tired all the same, some thoughts went through my mind that I thought I would post. Not because they are terribly fascinating or insightful, but because I haven't posted for a while, and felt the need.

1. Today, I witnessed my pastor, Barry Rice, along with a friend of his (whose name escapes me, shame on me) performing "Feats of Strength". Our pastor is a former football player, world class power lifter, and is built like it. He does the "Feats of Strength" all over, and did them today for our service. Wow! If you haven't seen someone tear phone books, bend steel bars, break bricks, tear a license plate in half, and crush full cans of soda pop, it's something to see. They got the crowd going, and really made an impression. And none of this was fake. These guys really do this stuff. Amazing. God is good!

2. I had a rather startling revelation today. My son is no longer a baby. He rode his bicycle by himself today. Sure, he still has training wheels, and occasionally needed a push start, but to see him tooling around our cul-de-sac on his bike made me both very proud and a bit sad. He's growing up. It's true what they say, it goes by fast. It seems like just recently I watched him pull himself up, and take his first steps. Now he's on a bike. And I was very proud when he had a small crash. He fell off, and I was sure he had probably skinned himself up or something. He didn't cry, or fuss. He climbed right back on the bike, and took off. Even our neighbor was impressed. That's my boy.

3. If you have your choice between the hard way of doing something or the less moral easy way, take the hard way. Every day, I talk to people who got themselves into some type of trouble, and they make the wrong choice, and it cost them so much more.

4. Florida in winter rocks. 72 today, beautiful skies, and tonight, the biggest, brightest, most beautiful moon lit up the sky.

5. Today was the Walt Disney World marathon. We had a 5k on Friday, a 1/2 marathon (The Donald) on Saturday, and a full marathon (the Mickey) today. If you run the 1/2 and the full, it's called "The Goofy". It was funny walking through Epcot tonight, and seeing people wearing the medals they received for running, and watching them walking through the park. More than a few had a very stiff, sore gait. Epcot is no small park, and after running 26.2 miles, I'm sure it takes a lot to walk around the world showcase. Heck, I didn't run anywhere today, and I'm pooped!

6. I miss all my friends back in KC. I'm very jealous of how well you guys have the improv scene working. I'm going to have to get going on my plan to start a group down here.

Funniest Line of the Weekend

2008-12-22T14:35:00.002-05:00

At Kim's friend's Christmas party (friends from Campus Crusade for Christ), during the explanation of the rules for our White Elephant Gift Exchange (the typical "choose or steal someone else's, 2 steals freezes" thing).

"And we're implementing the OJ rule. After it's stolen from you, you can't steal it back. You can't get your stuff back!"

Breaking News

2008-12-10T08:59:00.001-05:00

Everyone said I'd own this place once I moved down here. Well, here you go!

Thank You, Paul Harvey

2008-12-04T20:33:00.003-05:00

I was listening to the Paul Harvey, Jr. morning update yesterday, when he started talking about itching, and how little medicine knows about why we itch. Then, he talked about people who have an intense itch on their back, on the left side, quarter sized, which lasts for years. He said it's called Notalgia Paresthetica.

I was so tickled to hear that, because I've had those exact symptoms for the past 5 years. It's an intense itch, like the worst mosquito bit you've ever had. It's at a spot you can't easily reach, so I end up keeping back scratchers around my desk and house. Or, I ask my loving wife to scratch my back for me. It's several times a day, and is quite annoying.

I've asked several doctors, and they've all been clueless. I've gotten everything "put some lotion on it", to a prescription for steriod cream, but nothing happens.

Turns out, there is no cure, but doing some research, I learned that long term relief has come from, of all things, Botox injections.

So, you can bet your butt I'll be in my dr.'s office next week with printouts from the web, and asking for a referral to a dermatoligist.

Amazing. 5 years of doctors, and I get my answer from Paul Harvey, Jr. Now, that's news.

Merry Christmas To All

2008-11-30T16:47:00.007-05:00

We are well underway into the Holiday Season. What's happened in our neck of the woods? Well: 1. Kim cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving meal for the three of us. And we are officially out of leftovers!

2. We drove to Downtown Disney so that Charlie could talk to Santa. This is the first year that Charlie is really understanding Christmas, and he is EXCITED!. He practiced what he wanted to say to Santa, and then got so excited, he just blurted it all out as soon as he saw him. But, we got a great photo (with an outstanding Santa). After visiting Santa, we walked and found a DJ spinning dance music in Downtown Disney. Charlie is all about dancing, as you can see below! (The sound doesn't work for some dumb reason, but you can tell, there was some great music going!)

3. Over the weekend, I put up lights on the house. Charlie has ben asking for several days, since the neighbors put up their lights. Tonight will be the grand unveiling!

4. We attempted some shopping on Black Friday, but it wasn't easy. Florida Mall (the largest mall in Orlando, but also the one that all the foreign visitors visit to load up on stuff before their return home) was packed. We managed a couple of purchases, but just wanted to get out of there.

5. Saturday was spent at home, and then friends came over to watch Charlie, and me and Kim had a date night. I won two tickets to Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba. We really enjoyed it (and highly recommend it if coming to visit Orlando). We then ate at Raglan Road. One warning if you visit the one in KC . . .the Soda Bread is a might dense, and can sit on your stomach like a tennis ball.

6. Sunday, we skipped Church (got up too late), and then did some chores and a bit of shopping. Charlie got really tired, so we headed home for a nap.

Monday, it's back to work, back to school, and another week starts!

He Said What?

2008-11-23T21:07:00.003-05:00

So, Charlie is pee-pee trained, but still has issues with poopy training. He's had two accidents at his new school, which they were none too happy about.

The other night, we went to dinner (Mr. K's, the best Chinese restaurant I've ever had. Really good!). At the end of dinner, I got a whiff of something, and it wasn't sweet and sour pork. So, we left and went home. Once inside, I took Charlie to the bathroom to clean him up. Unbeknownst to either of us, a small bit of poo (or "poo nugget" as we call them) had dropped down his pants leg. Kim stepped on it, and then tracked it into Charlie's bedroom, before noticing. I continued with Charlies "poo bath", intending to clean up when I was done.

Once the bath was over, I carried Charlie to his room, to put on his jammies. He looked down and said, "ooo, icky". Then, he told me he wanted to read a story. I said sure.

Then, he loudly proclaimed, "Clean up the $#!t, then read a story". I stopped dead in my tracks, and asked him to repeat it. "Clean up the $#!t, then read a story". Trying really hard not to laugh, as I was still unsure that I heard what I heard, I called Kim in, and asked Charlie to repeat it. Sure enough, "Clean up the $#!t, go read a story". I had heard right. We changed it to Clean up the poo, and he seemed happy with that.

So, the next day, I talk to his teacher and tell her the funny story. I didn't want to accuse, as I wasn't 100% sure they had said it (I know we hadn't), but I wanted to get my point across. She quickly blamed the other kids, but I think she understood.

My son's first curse words. I'm so proud.

UPDATE

Tonight, Charlie and I had Father/Son time, while Mommy went out with her friends. We went bowling (kiddie bowling alley rocks), and then to dinner.

Last Sunday, we were watching SNL on TIVO, when the Beyonce song came on "Single Ladies". I watched it (because I'm male with a pulse), but then at the end, I heard beside me, "Again". Only it wasn't the normal voice of my 4 year old. It was somewhat lower, and more breathy. We watched the video several times, and it's become his favorite song. We've watched it 20+ times lately.

Tonight, on the way home from bowling, I started singing, "All the single ladies". I got interrupted by Charlie saying, "no, Daddy. It's All the Chicken Ladies".
I almost wrecked the car laughing.

Happy Birthday, Boss!

2008-11-18T14:02:00.002-05:00

My boss turns 80 years old today. Not bad for a Kansas City native.

Happy Birthday, Mickey.

Ok, Trish, Some Photos

2008-11-15T14:03:00.006-05:00

We start with Charlie's favorite thing right now, the Bullet Train (otherwise known as Geotrax). This is actually a lot of fun for both Charlie and Daddy.
Next, apparently our house is haunted by a purple ghost, who only appears after baths.Then, we get to see Charlie and his best friend, Brody, on Halloween night. Charlie was an astronaut, and Brody had the cutest costume of Clark Kent.Then, lastly, a short story. Boys look up to their fathers, and Charlie is no exception. He loves to help me around the house, whether I want it or not ;-). We bought him some socks that look like the white socks I wear, and he proudly proclaims he is wearing "daddy socks". Then, Mama got him some new shoes. They look like the white tennis shoes I wear, and so he calls them "daddy shoes".

So, the other night, after putting him to bed, I went into our bedroom and saw something on the floor. I had taken off my tennis shoes and put them near the wall next to our bed. And I noticed something else had been added.

I love being a dad!

I can't believe it's been a year

2008-11-12T10:37:00.003-05:00

Actually, that's a lie. I can.

One year ago, I posted on here that I had given up sweets. No candy, no pie, no cake, no cookies, no cans of frosting, no tubes of cookie dough. Nothing.

And now, I'm happy to report that it's been a year since I've eaten any sweets. Plus, I also cut out snacking at work. I eat breakfast, lunch, and then go home for dinner.

The results? Well, over the year I've dropped 44 pounds. I also dropped 5 inches off my waist. I stalled in my weight loss about 5 months ago, but then, a delightful case of stomach flu last month started me up again (mixed blessings, huh?).

My common line I tell people when they look at me astonished when I refuse a piece of birthday cake or a cookie is that I'm 43, and I've already eaten 86 years worth of sweets, so I'm not really missing anything.

I've still got a lot of weight to go, and I'm afraid that cutting out sweets only took me so far. I need to eat better at the other times. Fortunately, I've got some good genes, because all my #'s come back perfect (blood sugar, cholestoral, etc).

The most fun I had was selling my fat jeans on Ebay. Made some money on that one! Woohoo!

Not Much New To Report

2008-10-30T10:10:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted in a while, but that's mainly because there's just not that much to say.

Charlie is still doing great with his potty training, although #2 is still a challenge. It will come, though.

Sickness keeps attacking us. Last Saturday was going to be a Daddy and Charlie day at Disney. After Kim left for her girly outing, I started feeling bad. Soon, I felt totally like crap, and knew there was no way I could walk Disney. So, we went to the bouncehouse instead. Charlie had a good time, and I suffered through it.

Kim finally got home at 4:30 p.m., and I told her I was going to take a nap. I woke up the next morning at 8:30 a.m.

We're excited for Halloween. Charlie is going to be an astronaut. He remembers it from last year, and wants to get that candy. He's even memorized the "trick or treat, smell my feet" rhyme.

Work is good. We are definitely tightening out belts, as reservations are down. But, my job really gets busy during tough times.

Other than that, not much exciting. Just waiting to see who our next president will be. Old dude or socialist. Barbie or hairplugs. I try to avoid politics on my blog, but I would just ask everyone to study the candidates, their pasts, their experience and their words. Don't vote for an image or a package. Vote for the person who will best lead the country.

A Sick Household

2008-10-12T20:11:00.003-04:00

So, we wanted to go out this weekend to celebrate Charlie's potty training. But fate was against us.

I worked from home Thursday video editing, and was so intense that I didn't notice that I was not feeling well until 5:00 p.m. I got up, and noticed I was really hot. I checked my temp, and it was 102.5. Yikes. That was it. I was down for the count.

Kim picks up Charlie, and goes to take him to the mall. At one shop, Charlie leans over onto her, grabs on, and clings to her. That's just something he doesn't do. She brings him home, and he throws up as soon as he gets in the door. His temp? 100.2.

So, Friday comes and goes. I get worse. Charlie isn't eating, and gets tired very quickly.

Saturday. I'm worse. Now, I have a raging sore throat, body aches that can't be controlled with Tylenol, sinus pain that makes my head feel like it's going to explode, and night sweats. Charlie still have a fever, gets tired really easy, and just isn't himself. It's time to go to the doctor. So, I go, figuring that if I have anything bad, we'll have Charlie looked at, as we probably both have the same thing. If it's just a flu, which they don't give you anything for, we'll both ride it out.

Well, it wasn't the flu. I have Strep. Crap. So, we bring Charlie in. And guess what. He doesn't have Strep. He has a stomach bug. I get antibiotics, 800mg Motrin, and some nasal spray. Charlie gets a precautionary script for antibiotics, to fill in case he develops strep.

Sunday, I finally start feeling a bit human again. I'm functioning at about 60%. Charlie is still getting tired, but has a bit more pep. He's still not eating that much.

Hopefully, we'll be better tomorrow, and can return to normal life. Two weekends in a row being cooped up in the house, missing the beautiful Florida fall weather sucks!

And a thousand kisses to my wife, for being the best nurse to her two sick men.

Oh, the sweetness of success

2008-10-12T19:54:00.003-04:00

Charlie is potty trained. I cannot believe we did it. Last weekend, we did the "3 Day Potty Training" method with Charlie. It's from a mom, who figured out a way, with her children, that seemed to work.

After all of our stresses and failures (we've tried everything that everyone has ever told us, from M&M's as a reward, to putting Cheerios in the toliet as a target), and nothing worked. So, we were sceptical, but the approach didn't seem like it would do any harm. We learned about it from our neighbor, who had just trained her 2 year old (Brody) with it. So we tried.

3 days of potty training boot camp! First, we threw all the diapers away. We let him do it. That cemented that there was no going back (for both of us). Then, constant attention to Charlie, always watching for him to be pottying in his underware. A quick walk to the bathroom, a non-scolding attitude, and a reminder to keep his underware dry and to tell us when he needed to go potty.

First day, about 20-25 accidents. But, that was to be expected. But the real encouragement was that he actually did peepee on the potty one time. To say we were ecstatic is an understatement. It was a first for us. So, we knew that this had a chance.

The second day, only 2 accidents, and about 6 potty trips. He still wasn't telling us verbally, but would grab at his underware, which told me he needed to go.

The third day, no accidents at all. We were so excited we went to dinner. At the restaurant, Charlie started trying to climb over me. I kept putting him back, but then he finally said, "I need to go potty". A quick run to the bathroom, and we had another first. A verbal decleration. WOOHOO!

And, each night, Charlie stayed dry. Amazing. Then came the big test, daycare. And guess what, NO ACCIDENTS! His teachers were so happy for him.

At our church small group, everyone knew we have been battling the potty training. So, when Charlie came in from his playgroup, went to the bathroom, and walked out, everyone applauded so loudly. The look of pride and delight on his face was so precious, it still makes me smile.

So, if you or anyone you know needs potty training help, try this book. It's amazing how it worked.

Wow. This is amazing . . . amazingly horrible

2008-10-02T10:38:00.003-04:00

Here is the new Bond film theme. Jack White and Alicia Keys.

What were they thinking? This is horrible. The song is bad, the production quality
sounds like it was recorded in someone's garage, the horns sound like a high school band was used, and the vocals are frequently pitchy.

I hope the film is better than this.

EDIT: Yes, it's Jack White, not Jack Black. I can only agree with Steve that if Jack Black had done the theme, it would have been more entertaining.

A few quick photos

2008-09-20T19:54:00.006-04:00

Charlie loves his new bedroom. When he saw it for the first time,

he proclaimed, "What a surprise!"

Charlie and his Poppy.

And Charlie and his best friend, Grandma.

Charlie doing yard work with his friend, Brody.

A Cool Site

2008-09-20T12:08:00.003-04:00

from the Orlando Sentinel today Two Space Shuttles on the launch pads at the same time.

This hasn't happened since 1990.

My Co-Workers

2008-09-09T10:44:00.004-04:00

Here is a photo of the A&A Fraud Detection Team, on an outing to Magic Kingdom. They're a great bunch of people. (The guy in costume was our tour guide for our "Keys to the Kingdom" tour we took that day).

Home Alone

2008-09-07T11:06:00.004-04:00

Today is Sunday, and it's my 3rd day home alone. Kim and Charlie flew back to KC to visit with Grandma, Grandpa, and friends. I stayed in Orlando, as airfare was still a bit pricey, and I have things to do. Mainly, I've been painting Charlie's room, so that he will have a big boy room. We chose Buzz Lightyear colors from Disney Paints, and it's a bit slow going. I had to prime the entire room, then put on two coats of paint of blue (seems the color isn't the best for concealing). Next will be some painting of trim (both green and a lighter blue), and finally, buying, transporting and assembling Charlie's new big boy bed.

After working, while waiting for paint to dry, I've been doing something I don't get to do when Charlie is around. I've gone and seen movies. I saw Wall-E and The Dark Knight (EDIT: That's two different films. Although, thinking about it, that might be a good sequel!?!?). Both excellent movies. I was surprized how many people were in the theaters for each showing, as these movies had been out for quite some time.

Today, it's taping and trimming, and then lawn mowing, and then off to IKEA for Charlie's bed. A full day.

Needless to say, it's also quite lonely without my wife and son. But they come home tomorrow night, and I'm sure they are having fun. I know that Grandma is spoiling Charlie to no end, and that he's loving it. They have a special bond that I want him to experience as much as possible. It was the only downside to our move to Orlando . . . seperating Charlie from Grandma. But, we make the best of it.

Enough typing. . . .back to painting.

Wee Wow Wee Woo Wahcka Doo Wahcka Doo

2008-09-02T16:18:00.003-04:00

So, Charlie has been singing something for the past few weeks. He gets the sweetest grin on his face, and with tons of joy, starts singing, "Wee Wow, Wee Woo, Wahcka Doo, Wahcka Doo!"

We figured this must be some song he learned in daycare. Whenever we sang it back to him, he told us we weren't singing it right.

So, today, when I took him to daycare, he started singing it when he got in the classroom. I asked his teacher, Ms. Maria, what song it was from. She said, "I have no idea. It's nothing we sing. But, he sings it alot, and now has all the other kids singing it too!".

After much thought, I finally figured it out. It's "We Will, We Will Rock You!" from Queen. Now, where he heard that, I don't know. But it sure fits what he is singing. And he sure loves singing it.

This weekend, I was doing yard work, clearing some overgrown shrubs in the back yard. Charlie wanted to help, so I had him out with me. He turned out to be the best helper. When I would cut a branch, or palm frond, he would immediately pick it up and put it in the wheelbarrow. When I cut the palm that had thorns on it, he told me, "It hurts", but figured out how to carry it without poking himself.

Then, it got hot, and I told him we should go inside and get some water. He said, "No, want to finish", and proceeded to pick up the for palm fronds that were still on the ground, and put them in the wheelbarrow. I was so proud of him. And, he proudly proclaimed, "I'm a good helper!"

Next Time, Please Hire An Actor

2008-09-02T16:12:00.002-04:00

The first time I saw this "CBS Cares" video during NCIS, I thought, "This must be a joke video."

Nope, apparently, this guy is for real.

Now tell me, who would let this guy anywhere near their prostrate? And is his finger
stuck permanently in that position?

"IN A WORLD WHERE PETE AND RANDY ARE SADDENED"

2008-09-02T10:15:00.004-04:00

Don LaFontaine, the voiceover king, has passed away. I blogged about him back several years ago.

Pete and I used to have a lot of fun pretending we had that kind of powerful voice. We each got to do the voice in Monkey's sketches in the past.

The best way I've heard Don's voice described is, "When you die, the voice you hear in Heaven is not Don’s. It’s God trying to sound like Don. "

Greetings from Fay Central

2008-08-19T19:28:00.002-04:00

So, after all the build-up, they hype, the dire predictions, we are in the middle of Tropical Storm Fay, and it's so far a non-issue. Sure, there is lots of rain, and some good gusts of wind, but overall, not much exciting.

We did have a couple of "refugees" the past couple of days. Our dear friend Tracy and her sister contacted us after they were mandatory evacuated out of the Florida Keys. They came up, spent a couple of nights, and one day at Disney. They left today, and hopefully everything worked out perfect with their flights.

So, right now, it's raining, a bit windy, and we're just fine.

Let's hope it stays that way all night.

Taylor, The Latte Boy's Rebuttal

2008-08-14T13:24:00.000-04:00

The Highlight of the "Encore" Cast Show

2008-08-09T22:19:00.001-04:00

This is Lindsay Bethea, a Cast Member at Walt Disney World, stealing the show during the Encore production of Anything Can Happen.

D&MN YOU AUTO FLUSHING TOLIETS

2008-08-09T21:57:00.002-04:00

We are still working on potty training with Charlie. And, by we, I mean Kim and I. Charlie isn't working that hard at all.

He knows the actions, he intelectually wants to do it, but the emotional is still a bit difficult. So, he'll go into a bathroom stall, take down his pull up, stand or sit (his choice), but nothing happens. He then stands up, tries to bluff ("I did it"), and goes to wash his hands. Nothing happens.

Until tonight. We were at Home Depot, getting some paint for his room, when he announced, "I need to go pee pee". Now, we weren't sure whether this was a true decleration of imminent urination, or merely a ruse to let him out of the racecar stoller and allow him to walk the aisles. We went with him, though, because we want to encourage him in his potty training.

So, Kim took him to the potty (as I was waiting for our Buzz Blaster Blue paint), and apparently, he dropped his pullup, and a small trickle appeared. Then, suddenly, the autoflusher on the toliet decided to flush. It scared him, he cried, and potty time was done.

Oh, well, back to the drawing board.

An Anniversary of Firsts

2008-08-01T10:27:00.002-04:00

This is an email from my wife. I thought I would share what she wrote:

Hello Friends – Just wanted everybody to know that today is an anniversary for several “firsts” in our family. Three years ago today, we were in court in Russia, and became the parents of our Charlie. So today is his “Gotcha Day” as they call it in the adoptive community. We feel like he’s been ours forever, and can’t imagine life without our little blessing.

Also, one year ago today we moved into our house in Orlando. I can’t believe it’s been a year already, and we’ve settled in nicely to life in Florida. We LOVE being Floridians. And, I was so grateful Disney provided movers for us – it’s the ONLY way to make a move cross country like we did. But it was still a big job unpacking and settling in, especially in the heat of August in Florida. But we did it, and survived to tell the tale!

Third, my parents’ 47th wedding anniversary is on August 1 – yay Mom and Dad!

Happy Friday everyone. Just wanted to share those warm fuzzies with you all.

Kim

999 Happy Haunts, but always room for 1000. Any volunteers?

2008-07-30T12:39:00.002-04:00

This morning started early, but fantastic. My team took a tour of the Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom, before it opened. We got to walk the entire attraction with the work lights on, seeing how the effects work, the technology behind the magic, and a lot of history of this fantastic ride. Our tour guide, Ginger, has been at the Haunted Mansion for many years, and had a lot of fun stories, as well as a laugh that would make one of the Grim Grinning Ghosts envious.

The highlight, for me, was actually getting to go into the Haunted Mansion ballroom. This is the best part of the ride, when you get to see the ghosts coming together for their “swinging wake”. I was always fascinated how Disney was able to make the ghosts appear and disappear, and all the behind the scenes stuff. Not only did we get to see the ghosts up close and personal, we actually got to walk into the ballroom and look around. We saw the china pattern on the table, the unofficial Hidden Mickey, and even took a moment to dance in front of the organ, just like the ghosts do. This type of access is just unimaginable.

After the walking tour, we got to ride the ride. There was so much more that I see now on the ride. Things you just would never even notice. The detail is amazing, even in areas that are not visible to guests.

I won’t print out the secrets I learned, nor will I spoil anyone’s love of this ride. Let me just say that seeing this amazing attraction like this was a highlight of my short-so-far career at Disney.

Sometimes I forget what a unique place I work!

2008-07-29T14:28:00.002-04:00

I work in an environment that strives on exceeding our customer's expectations. We don't even call them customers. They are guests.

We offer outstanding service, and empower each Cast Member (not employee) to exceed expectations. We live to hear how our simple tasks made someones visit even better. We provide Guest Service Recovery, where if there is a problem, whether caused by us or not, we take immediate steps to make it right. For example, the toddler who drops their ice cream off their cone gets a new cone as quick as possible. Any Cast Member, from the custodian to the park executive, has the power to make that happen. Perhaps it's something small, like a sticker given to a crying child, or large, like a comped room due to a problem. Disney wants to take care of their guests.

GE doesn't.

[rant]If you read about my refridgerator problems, I opted to buy the doors to replace the defective ones on our fridge. So, the shipped the doors (I had to pay shipping, which I was told would be covered. Another lie). They got here, and I called to have them installed. Two giant 7 foot tall boxes stored in my garage. The tech gets here today, and spends 15 minutes trying to find out if I have to pay for installation (I didn't). Finally, he walks in, and opens the first box. It's a black door. Not only is it a black door, it's for the wrong refridgerator.

So, I burned a day off for nothing. Not only does GE not care, and will not take any steps to make me feel better about their mistake ("We don't compensate for time, even when it's our fault"), I'm told that if I want, I can throw away the doors and they will send me $50. Seems they don't want them back. They are of no value.

REALLY? I paid you $425 for those doors, because you would not honor a class action settlement that I didn't know about until 3 months after it expired. And now, you tell me the items that you refused to give me as a warranty item have no value, and I can throw them away?

And then, when I ask who I can complain about this, I'm told that I can write to an address. When I question further, I find out that the address goes to no one, but simply gets sent right back to the customer no-service call center that I'm talking to right now.

Wow. I'm truly lucky to work for a company that treats it's customers as guests.[/rant]

A very enjoyable evening!

2008-07-25T13:41:00.005-04:00

Last night, I attended a very interesting performance at EPCOT. The Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra is made up of over 200 Cast Members from different departments throughout the Company and help to raise funds for a selected charity each year. This year, their performances benefited United Arts of Central Florida. My co-worker Tom Ziska was in the choir. This is also the 6th year for the group.

The cast and crew are all volunteers, but that really didn't mean anything quality wise. The performance had a 80 piece orchestra and 200 signer choir, along with soloists throughout the show. The performance feature full theatrical lighting, sound and video.

They did music from many different Broadway musicals, including everything from Mamma Mia, Spamalot, Cats, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Hairspray, and more (including, of course, The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins).

Of course, many of the featured soloists are performers here at Disney, but some where just normal Cast Members who have amazing talents.

One of the fun points of the evening, which made it so "Disney" was the fact that they had to perfectly time the intermission to when the evening Epcot fireworks started. As soon as the fireworks were over, the show started it's second half.

For me, the scene stealing number was a song called "Taylor, The Latte Boy". I don't now where that song came from, but it was funny, and the signer, Lindsay Bethea, sold it 110%.

I'm looking forward to next years performance. It really did reinforce just how wonderful a place I work. Sure, it's still a business like any, but there are some fantastic benefits to being a Disney Cast Member!

UPDATE: Here is a video preview of the event.

Various Goings On

2008-07-15T12:50:00.003-04:00

Just thought I would catch everyone up on the current state of affairs in Florida. Some funny, some strange, many pointless, but all part of our lives.

HATFIELDS vs. MCCOYS version 2008

First, I am in a feud, apparently, with a neighbor. Charlie and I were going to the pool, and I decided (wrongly, I know) to walk across a neighbors yard rather than all the way around the sidewalk. As you can see, the green path goes mostly through our yard (up to the fence), and thaen just a bit into her yard. It's further on the sidewalk (the red path), so I was just trying to avoid some steps for us.

Apparently, the lady whose yard we walked through is a bit of a psycho, because she came out her backdoor screaming, cussing and insulting me for being in her yard. You would have thought I stomped her price winning roses, or peed on her peonies. I remained cool (mainly because Charlie was there), and told her I was sorry, but that all she needed to do was tell me not to cut through her yard, and I would not do it. There was no need for the insults or profanity in front of my son. That set her off worse, so we just walked away.

Talking with our neighbors, she's had run-ins with many of them. Going so far as to beating on the door of a neighbor about barking dogs during the daytime, and putting her foot in the door when our neighbor tried to shut the door due to her profanity.

So, I'm letting it go, and won't cut through her yard. But yesterday, I look out in the yard, and she has placed a "No Trespassing" sign at the intersection of our yard with hers. I just had to laugh. There are so many things I would like to do and/or say, but I won't, because I was wrong in the first place.

GE SUCKS

So, looking at our refridgerator one day, I notice that it is rusting through the front of the door. The area around the ice dispenser is rusting out completely. So, I call our warranty company, who sends out a tech. $55.00 later, he tells me my door is rusting. Gee, thanks Dr. Von Braun. The warranty company declines the claim, stating they don't cover the door. Nice.

So, I call GE to ask them. They tell me that it is a known problem, and that there was a class action lawsuit against them due to the issue. They fixed hundreds/thousands of refridgerators due to the problem. Cool.

Not so fast. The lawsuit ended in March, and they will now not fix it for free. I have to pay for the new doors. They will do the labor for free. That sucks. No amount of talking could get them off their position. So, because my fridge took longer to fail, I'm out $425.00. I guess I should count myself lucky that they are eating the labor. It still sticks in my craw.

Potty Training

Charlie is at the point in his life where he knows intellectually that he needs to use the potty. He knows that if he does, he gets candy, big boy underware, McDonalds, Chic Fil A, big boy bed, big slide, dancing, celebrations, and possibly a new Lexus. But, psychologically, he just can't do it. He tries, but nothing happens. He tries to tell us, "I did it", in hopes that he will get the promised M&M's, but he knows what he truly needs to do. I think we are all a bit frustrated. I know it will happen, but it's keeping him in the 2-3 year old class, instead of the 4 year old class he should be in. We've tried every recommendation we've gotten (toliet targets, naked time outside, candy, praise, leave diaper on a while, etc) but he's very stubborn.

Other Misc:

Work for both of us is going good.

It's hot and humid right now, with thunderstorms every afternoon. Makes mowing the Florida grass tough.

We will soon be getting Charlie a big boy bed. We found one at Ikea that he loved.

We spent Saturday at Clearwater Beach. Charlie loves the ocean. He tans so beautifully, he looks like a coppertone ad.

We miss all our friends back in KC. Reading/watching their blogs is fun, though, and helps us stay in touch.

That's about it. See ya all at Disneyworld!

Family Portrait Time

2008-07-06T16:10:00.009-04:00

We went to Portrait Innovations. They do a great job, and you get decent sized files to take with you off all the photos, not just the ones you bought. So, here are some, good, and not so good.

Say Cheese. Now, with a lot less teeth, Randy!

Cute.

This one reminds me of the cover of a bad Christian family music group album.

This one was a keeper.

One of those moments that makes a photo special.

Looks like a catalog model.

My fellow Americans. Vote for me in 2040.

Silly boy.

A Proud 4 Year Old

2008-06-15T13:28:00.011-04:00

Charlie had his 4th birthday this weekend, and it was a doozy!

We started off with a party at his daycare. He loved being the center of attention.

Yup, he's 4!

Ms. Maria led everyone in singing Happy Birthday, and eating cupcakes.

Then, hugs from all his lady friends.

He loved all the attention!

Saturday was his party at home. It was a Lightning McQueen theme. He liked it, just a little.

He took some time to play with the neighbor kids, Brody and Mackenzie.

During present time, there were some definite hits. He loved his stuffed Space Shuttle.

And his Space Shuttle Shirt.

And his Estes Rocket (I think there was a theme going here, as well).

But the best present was from Grandma and Grandpa. A new bike. He's still a little small to ride, but he sure wanted to try. He ended up pushing it all over the neighborhood.

It was a great day for Charlie, and a lot of fun for the grown ups, as well.

16 Years Together

2008-06-13T11:41:00.002-04:00

Today is our 16th wedding anniversary. 16 years ago, I nervously waited in the back of Gashland Baptist Church with my Best Man, Marc Plowman, and Groomsman, Erich Muller, listening for the time to walk out and marry the love of my life.

16 years later. We're older, a bit grayer, and much more wise. But, we are also truly blessed with a beautiful son, a wonderful home, and many amazing friends.

16 years!!! Our marriage is old enough to drive.

I love you, Baby!

A Weekend Trip to Vero Beach

2008-06-02T21:02:00.006-04:00

I had to go to Vero Beach for work, so I took the family with me.

It was a great time. Here are some photos.

Charlie loved the balcony, where he could look at the ocean. A happy family together.

A quiet moment enjoying the ocean.

A boy and his mother. Is there anything sweeter?

All the swimming and running and playing can wear a little guy out!

The world just got a little less funny

2008-05-30T12:39:00.002-04:00

Comic powerhouse Harvey Korman dies at 81
By BOB THOMAS

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Harvey Korman, the tall, versatile comedian who won four Emmys for his outrageously funny contributions to "The Carol Burnett Show" and played a conniving politician to hilarious effect in "Blazing Saddles," died Thursday. He was 81.

Korman died at UCLA Medical Center after suffering complications from the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm four months ago, his family said. He had undergone several major operations.

Watching Harvey on The Carol Burnett Show was a major factor in my comedy upbringing. Sure, Tim was funny, but watching Harvey was much more fun for me.

And, the character Hedley Lamar is one of my favorite things about Blazing Saddles.

I don't think laughter was what he was going for

2008-05-22T20:00:00.001-04:00

I couldn't help but laugh at this. Outloud. Repeatedly.

Yeah, he's serious, but all I can remember is RRRRRIIIIIIPPPPP.

A good week!

2008-05-18T22:51:00.004-04:00

Daddy and Charlie have a new Friday night ritual. Charlie loves to wash the cars, because it's wet, messy, and he gets to spray the garden hose. What more could a 3 year old ask for?

Got to spend some time with Dennis Dupont. He helped me get hired for a gig at a credit union convention. I played an evil banker during a game show "Are You Smarter Than A Banker?". It took a while to write, but seemed to be well received. It made the credit union people laugh, and that's all that counts.

Dennis and I with our credit union contestants. Before the show.

A Master of Object Work

2008-05-16T22:15:00.002-04:00

When I take Charlie to daycare, he now has a habit of pretending to drive a car inside the building, and then parking it in his classroom.

Today, he not only parked, he shifted into park, turned off the engine, unbuckled his seatbelt, opened the door, shut it, and then hit the keyless remote to lock it.

Then, he wanted to give me a hug. He started to walk toward me, but suddenly stopped, and then walked around the imaginary parked car.

It made me proud.

Two thumbs up for Big Boy Underware

2008-04-20T21:35:00.001-04:00

Charlie made it almost all day in his big boy underware Friday. He likes wearing it now, but we still have to resort to a diaper most of the time.

Here's hoping this happens soon!

A True Floridian

2008-04-14T20:03:00.002-04:00

After our visit back to KC this past weekend (which was a lot of fun!), it really dawned on me . . . KC is no longer home. It didn't have the same feel to it, I didn't have any nostalgia or sadness. It was just like visiting somewhere I had been before. It's really hard to describe, but I didn't feel at home.

Sure, eating some Minsky's Pizza was great. Enjoying some Ghengis Khan Mongolian Grill was wonderful. Seeing Pete, Marion, Anissa, Pearl, Trish, Dennis, Nikki, Jr., Guy and everyone else was fun, and I greatly miss all of them, but I felt like an
outsider. It just wasn't like it was.

Even driving by our old house, and by the house we built but never moved into, didn't have any tug on me. They were just places.

(And to the couple that bought our house, TAKE DOWN THE @#$%&*# CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. IT'S $#@$*%# APRIL!

Oh, well, so be it. I'm a Floridian. Says so on my driver license, my voter registration, and my income tax.

KC Bound

2008-04-04T16:46:00.002-04:00

Yup, the entire Tennison clan will be making a return weekend visit to the KC Metro area on Friday, April 11. Hope to see some friends, and eat some real pizza and bar-b-que.

A Couple of Reviews

2008-03-30T20:28:00.005-04:00

So, this weekend, we (the wife and I) actually had an "adult" evening out. Kim's friend Diane volunteered to babysit. Not for us, mind you, but just so she could spend some time with Charlie. She really loves him, and took him out for a truck ride, and then to Chic Fil A (so he could go on the slide). He loved being with her, and asked for her the next morning. So, Charlie has a new Aunt!

REVIEW #1
Anywho, Kim and I went to SAK Comedy Lab, the main improv company in Orlando. I first learned of SAK when I first started improvising. SAK attended on of the KC Improv Festivals I attended, and did a 3 person show that rocked the house.

So, Kim and I made reservations and went off to see their show, "Duel of Fools". It was a fairly familiar improv format; a host, and two teams consisting of three improvisers "competing" for points in a family friendly atmosphere.

The theatre was very nice, with a "no bad seat" feel to it. Everyone could hear what was on stage, and there was decent stage lighting. Overall, a good place to see a show.

The improv? Decent. Nothing earth shattering (they are doing short form games), but most scenes elicited genuine laughs. They did some musical stuff, which was merely ok (with the exception of Chase Padgett, who did a great job of singing an improvised song), and seemed to be having a good time.

I am pleased to say (brag?) that my friends in KC can meet or exceed anything I saw at SAK. That's one of the things I really miss about KC. The improv scene is advancing so quickly now, and I'm not there for it.

REVIEW #2

Saturday, I decided to take the family to Sea World. Charlie has been watching a tv show on TIVO about Sea World, and loves Shamu. So, after getting 50% off season pass coupons from a co-worker (thanks Kim Q.!), we ended up with season $20 less than a one day ticket.

The first thing we did was walk to Shamu stadium. I was expecting an ordeal to get a seat, waiting in line (like "Lights Motors Action at Disney's Hollywood Studios), but we found a great seat very easily. The show, "Believe" started right on time, and was very enjoyable. Charlie loved seing Shamu jump out of the water, and cackled outloud when Shamu splashed the audience.

Next, we went to Shamu's Happy Harbour. There was a giant tunnel town/cargo net climb area, so Charlie and I decided to climb it. BIG MISTAKE!!! Even though it's 4 stories high, and bigger than most buildings, it's still not built for big guys. We climbed through the first tunnel, up the first cargo net, and I quickly realized that there was no easy way out. The tunnels are very small, and the nets are very rough, making me regret my choice of wearing shorts. After about 15 minutes, we made it out, and I was exhausted. Charlie was ready to go again, but I said no way.

After a quick meal at the Anheiser Busch area (where they serve free beer!!!!!), we went over to look at the two main rides, Journey to Atlantis and Kraken. I vetoed Journey to Atlantis (a water ride) because it was getting colder and you get soaked on it. But, I wanted to ride Kraken, the floorless roller coaster. Kim didn't want to ride in the dark for the first time, but I was game, so after a very short wait, I experienced Sea Worlds signature ride. It was probably the best roller coaster I've been on. Intense drops, fast loops, and very smooth. None of the harsh jerking that we experienced in Las Vegas on the New York New York coaster. Just fast and fun.

Overall, Sea World was fun. However, it struck me, that Sea World isn't even in the same ball park as Disney. Yes, it's nice, clean, and beautiful. But, I would have to classify it as being in the same league as Six Flags, Worlds of Fun, Magic Mountain, etc. It may very well lead the pack, but it's not immersive like Disney. There was no real theme that I could discern, and no "magic". One thing against it . . .food and beverages are pricey (except, of course, for the free beer). Charlie's kids meal (a tiny hot dog, chips, raisins and drink) was $7.95. Even Disney is cheaper than that.

But, the Shamu show was wonderful, Happy Harbor was a repeater (after a few more workouts, a few less pounds, and long pants), Kraken and Journey to Atlantis still await, and we still have yet to see the other shows. So, we'll be back!

Yet another cool moment living in Florida

2008-03-27T10:25:00.003-04:00

Last night, after putting Charlie down to bed, Kim and I went outside to see the Space Shuttle land. We had never seen it, or heard the sonic boom when it comes over Orlando.

We looked into the dark night sky, and tried to spot it. It was difficult, because there were surprizingly a lot of planes in the air. But then, I noticed a strange looking plane with a flashing light. Then, I noticed two planes with red lights, one on each side. Just then, "BOOM BOOM". The sonic booms, as the Shuttle goes subsonic, are loud. So loud that both Kim and I jumped. We watched the lights go overhead, and past our ability to view, and then ran inside to watch the actual landing on TV.

It was a very cool experience. I hope to get out to the Cape to see a shuttle launch sometime this year. Some church friends went to the launch a few weeks ago, but it was at 2:00 a.m., and there was no way I could stay up for it that night. So, hopefully, I can take Charlie to see a "wocket ship" take off!

I am now a published author.

2008-03-18T09:08:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I received my copy of "Retail Crime, Security, and Loss Prevention - An Encyclopedic Reference", by Charles Sennewald and John Christman. Why is that noteworthy? Because I contributed two sections to this book.

Last year, I was contacted by Chuck Sennewald, asking me if I would be interested in writing a couple of sections for this encyclopedia. To say I was honored is an understatement. Chuck is kind of a legend in the security/loss prevention industry. He even wrote one of the textbooks I used during college. So, of course, I immediately said yes, and then immediately said, "Oh Crap, what will I write about?"

I ended up writing entries on Refund Fraud in a retail environment, and Integrity Test Shops, two topics that I am familiar with due to my years in retail. Chuck edited the sections, I signed documents with the publisher, and that was that.

So, yesterday, when I got this huge 704 page book, I was thrilled. Seeing the list of other contributors was amazing. So, now I can add "published author" to my resume.

Apparently, I'm no longer in my 20's

2008-03-06T21:11:00.002-05:00

Last night and tonight, I'm pulling midnight shifts at work, doing some camera installation. We start work at midnight, and go until about 6 a.m. (Obviously, we can't work while guests are present).

In my younger days, pulling an all nighter didn't really do much to me. No so any more. Today, I'm sleepy, grumpy, dopey, and not that happy (apologies to my wife and son). And, I still have to go to work in 2 hours.

Man, sometimes, I hate getting older.

Photo Update - Winter in Florida

2008-03-01T20:19:00.013-05:00

Our first winter in Florida, and it's been miserable. I mean, the other day, when we went to Daytona Beach, it was a bone chilling 78 degrees outside.

Charlie loved the water, although it truly was a bit cold. And, there was a red tide, so it made our feet burn a little bit. But, we still had a great time.

Charlie enjoys playing with our next door neighbor, Brody. Brody just turned two, and really looks up to Charlie, wanting to do whatever Charlie is doing.

Charlie really loves the swingset in the backyard.

Mommy and Charlie enjoying a sunny afternoon on the lanai.

A few quick shots from the back of the house. We just love the Queen Palms in front of our house.

We spend a lot of money each month with a lawn service to keep the grass this green!

And of course, no winter day is complete without some serious bouncing!

Then, a quick nap with Mommy on the couch!

Charlie and Daddy, both sporting our new buzz cuts!

"Because their cousins, identical cousins all the way!"

What I Miss About Kansas City

2008-02-17T15:17:00.003-05:00

In no particular order:

1. Minskys Pizza
2. the Lighten Up/Funny Outfit gang
3. Not paying tolls to drive anywhere
4. El Sombrero
5. Vineyard Church
6. Being familiar with the city.
7. Comedycity friends
8. Primetime that starts at 7:00 p.m.
9. Longterm friends
10. Bar B Que!

Charlie meets Handy Manny

2008-02-17T15:07:00.006-05:00

Saturday, we took a trip to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney MGM Studios). We had promised Charlie a trip the previous weekend, but my job interferred, and so we had to delay it.

Charlie had a big day. He got to see the Lights, Motors, Action stunt show.

Who would guess that a 3 year old would love a show with lots of loud cars, motorcycles and explosions? Go figure!

Then we went to the new Playhouse Disney Live show, which was recently updated to include Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Handy Manny, and My Friends Tigger and Pooh! Charlie danced through the whole show.

And afterward, we got to meet Handy Manny live. Charlie was a bit tired, and wanted to be held, but gave Manny high fives!

After a quick nap in Daddy's arms while Mommy rode the Tower of Terror, we watched the Beauty and the Beast stageshow, and then decided it was time to come home. It was lots of fun, but a little guy does tend to get tired with that much sun and fun!

Oye, my stomach.

2008-02-07T09:38:00.001-05:00

Ok, so the word around here lately has been . . . Fever. Last week, I was sick starting Sunday night with something that caused a pretty good fever (102.6) for a day. The fever broke Monday night, and I returned to work, feeling about 50% there. I made it through the week, though. Over the weekend, I felt much better, and enjoyed some time with the family, including a trip to Epcot to ride a couple of rides and pick up some German glassware that I had promised Kim she could have. Charlie enjoyed the fireworks, and we headed home.

Fast forward to Tuesday. My stomach isn't feeling right, but I attribute it to my diet, and not eating much. Then, Wednesday, full fledge sick. A fever again, and now new stuff, like nausea. I stayed home Wednesday, and spent most of the day asleep. Today, I'm home because I still have a fever, but did manage to eat an Eggo waffle this morning. The silver lining . . . dropped a couple more pounds. But, I'm sure it's mostly water. Still nice to see it on the scale, though.

So, the land of fun and sun hasn't been so much of either this week. And with the writer's strike, TV sucks, so there's not much to watch.

It could be worse. I could be trapped at home in a snowstorm!

Something to think about this political season

2008-01-31T16:57:00.000-05:00

“The best minds are not in government; if they were, business would steal them away.”
Ronald Reagan

Superfluous Information

2008-01-29T12:40:00.000-05:00

from the KC Star Crime Blog:

The Violence Policy Center -- a nonprofit group that's opposed to gun violence -- examined the FBI's 2005 homicide statistics and found that Missouri had the highest rate for black people

I'm glad they cleared that up. I always confuse them with the nonprofit group that supports gun violence.

Update on Diet (if anyone at all cares)

2008-01-24T19:20:00.000-05:00

So, back on 11/7/07, I decided to cut out sweets. It was tough, but I eventually lost the intense sweet tooth I have, and stopped eating anything sweet.

Then, I decided to cut out snacks. Between meals, late night, etc. That was tough as well, but it's become easier now.

And recently, I joined the gym at Disney, and have begun working out again.

It's truly paying off. When I stood on my scale at home in the beginning, I was actually to heavy for it, and it read "ERR" (which I believe was scale talk for "One at a Time, please").

Since starting all of this, I am now 12 pounds below the scale's maximum. So, I've lost at least 12 pounds. Plus, I'm down two notchs in my belt, and the blue jeans I just bought are already too big.

Of, there's still plenty of me to love, but I'm trying to shrink as much away as possible.

Charlie's Favorite Bed Time Story

2008-01-24T19:14:00.000-05:00

This is a book that Charlie loved as an infant. He would do the motions, and then loudly yell "to exercise" at the correct page (or whatever a 15 month old could say that sounded like "to exercise"). He still enjoys it, and loves hamming it up for the camera.
Charlie's Favorite Bed Time Story

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Charlie at the Beach

2008-01-24T19:11:00.001-05:00

Ok, thanks to Noemi, hopefully here is video of Charlie at Cocoa Beach!
Charlie at the Beach

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Life in Florida

2008-01-21T13:29:00.000-05:00

Ok, here is the update on our lives in Florida.

Uhhh, hmmm, let me think.

Oh yeah, there was that . . .

No.

Ummm.

Actually, everything is chugging right along. Work is going good for both of us. I’ve worked some interesting cases that I’m not at liberty to post about, but suffice it to say, they were completely out of the ordinary, and quite interesting.

Kim is still learning the art of the query (running queries in Peoplesoft). She really enjoys her work, the people there, and the atmosphere.

Charlie is . . . well, Charlie. He’s a happy, funny 3 ½ year old. He enjoys his daycare, and loves spending time with mommy and daddy. He LOVES space shuttles. We watch them on TIVO. We play with the model he got for Christmas. And now we have season passes to Kennedy Space Center. On our recent trip, he got to walk up to the solid rocket boosters on display, and had the biggest grin on his face. When he walked inside a space shuttle, his eyes were big as saucers. And, he even shook hands with an astronaut. We didn’t get to do half of what we wanted to out there, so there are several more trips to come.

He’s not quite big enough to ride the “Shuttle Launch Experience”, but mommy and daddy did. I have to admit. The pre-show of that ride was as good or better than a lot of the rides at Disney. It was informative, fun, exciting, loaded with special effects and technology, and really really loud. The ride itself, while fun, would be classified as a D ticket at best, something that Disney might have done decades ago. But, it was a lot of fun.

Speaking of Kennedy Space Center, while driving to the visitor center, Kim and I had our first wild alligator sighting. There are canals that line the road to the center. I was looking and saw air bubbles coming up from the water, and mentioned that there was probably a gator in there, as we passed. Kim kept looking, and spotted a large gator in the canal about ¼ mile later. It was huge. Then, as we pulled into the visitor center, there was another one in the water. Apparently, KSC is a wildlife sanctuary, so gators thrive in there. There are also manatees, and bald eagles. It was amazing seeing a wild alligator alongside the road. We always joked that every lake or stream we pass has a gator in it. This time, we were right.

We unpacked the final box last week (the china and crystal), and feel almost entirely moved in. Stuff in on the walls, knick knacks are out, and it feels like home. It really is a wonderful house, perfect for us.

It’s been very cold for Florida lately, with temps in the 30’s and 40’s at night. Jackets have been required several mornings, and due to the poor insulation design in Charlie’s room, we’ve had to kick the heat on several nights to keep him warm.

FYI, I did try to post a couple of videos here, but for some reason, Blogger will not host them. And when I tried to put them on youtube, so I could link to them, they disappeard off youtube. So, I’m still working out away to get them posted.

Cross U

2007-12-27T21:01:00.000-05:00

A couple of times per year, the Walt Disney World resort gets extremely busy. Sure, it's busy every day, with lines for rides, churros and Dole Whips (ummmmmmmm). But, several times a year, it's crazy busy. On those anticipated days, the upper managements asks the "backstage" troupes to help out. We call them "Cross U's" (Cross Utilizations). What they often mean is taking 4-8 hours out of our day and working on a food cart, quick service restaurant, or other task that takes little to no training for us salaried people to do.

Yesterday, I went to my first Cross U (the last time we had one in July, I had flown back to KC and couldn't take part). At first, I was assigned to work in the toll plaza of the Magic Kingdom, taking money from guests for parking. I had to decline that job, as I'm not allowed to handle money in my position.

So, I was assigned as a crossing guard in the Ticket and Transportation Center. The trams that bring the guests in from the parking lots cross under a bridge, and then into the unloading area. Guests can also walk and cross the street where the trams drive, so it was my job to stop the guests whenever the trams come.

I Had A Blast! I got to interact with guests starting their day. I got to talk to kids, ask them if they were going to see Mickey Mouse, and reminded them to put a good word in for me with the "boss". I talked to the grown-ups, who were all very nice. I was even asked if my cheeks get tired smiling so much. People complained about the cool temperatures that morning, and weren't quite sure if I was kidding when I said that Disney had turned on the outdoor air conditioning so it wouldn't get too hot.

I even saw a guest wearing a t-shirt from CMSU. We talked for a moment and figured out that we went there at the same time. How about that!?!?

Working backstage, I don't get a lot of chances to "make magic". My job deals with a lot of problem people. So, a day like yesterday goes a long way toward recharging the old pixie dust.

Christmas, 2007

2007-12-27T20:33:00.001-05:00

Well, Christmas has come and gone. Grandma and Grandpa have flown back to Kansas City, Charlie went back to daycare and his friends, and I can, once again, have control of the tv.

This Christmas was very special, as it was the first one that Charlie really understood and got excited about. Anyone who met him and asked was informed that he wanted a "Monorail Green" from Santa. And, that's what he got. Christmas morning was amazing, seeing Charlie's jaw drop when he walked in the living room. He didn't know what to play with first.

And of course, he also get a choo choo, a set of Disney buses, a Space Shuttle, 18 piece airplane set, target shooting game, Chutes and Ladders and Candyland, a Contemporary hotel model for the monorail (my prize find this Christmas).

and a helicopter from the movie "Cars"

We had some good outtings with the family. A trip to Epcot for dinner at the Germany Biergarten, an evening at Disney MGM Studios to see the Osbourn Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, and a trip to Cocoa Beach. Grandpa wanted to put his feet in the Atlantic ocean, so we rounded everyone up and drove over. Needless to say, Charlie didn't stay dry, and had a blast.

Of course, there was lots of time spent just relaxing, with Charlie sitting with his best friends.

But, now, it's over. Of course, Charlie cried when we dropped Grandma and Grandpa off at the airport, and cried even bigger when I left the daycare. But, tonight, we played Space Shuttle, watched some rocket videos on the computer, and played with the "Thomas the Tank Engine bath squirters" during bath time.

Once again, all is calm, all is bright.

Toto, I have a feeling were not in Kansas City anymore

2007-12-16T21:33:00.001-05:00

This actually scrolled across the bottom of our tv tonight. I had to go to the website to get the exact verbage:

Wind chill advisory in effect from 2 am to 9 am est Monday.The NWS in melbourne has issued a wind chill advisory, which is in effect from 2 am to 9 am est Monday. Much colder air will sweep southeastward across east central Florida beginning late this afternoon and continuing through tonight. The combination of low temperatures in the mid 30s to around 40 degrees coupled with northwest winds around 10 mph will produce wind chill readings in the upper 20s and lower to middle 30s for a few hours before and just after sunrise. A wind chill advisory means that very cold air and strong winds will combine to generate low wind chills. If you must venture outdoors, make sure you wear a hat and gloves. Make sure children who will be outside are dressed appropriately for the cold.

You'd think the world was coming to an end. It's going to be in the 30's to 40's. Maybe I shouldn't go in to work tomorrow. There's a wind chill. Might be dangerous.

Merry Christmas from The Tennison Family

2007-12-11T14:06:00.000-05:00

A picture taken at the Campus Crusade Christmas party.

A Much Needed Update

2007-12-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

Having heard from several people that I need to update my blog, I thought I would take a few minutes to talk about the last couple of weeks.

First, we had a great time coming back to KC the week after Thanksgiving. We chose that week because the airfare was about 1/3 the price. Charlie got to spend time with his grandparents, whom he adores. We got to spend time with them also, and even snuck in two "Grown-Up Nights" while Grandma and Grandpa babysat.

The first evening started with dinner at Gates and Sons. Orlando has one "decent" bar-b-que place in it, and it's not KC bar-b-que. So we had to hit Gates while we were there. Yummy! Then, we took a trip to Westport Coffee House to see Tantrum, a very good improv troupe made up of many dear friends. I had two feelings watching the show. One was pride, that a group of people I performed with for so long could put on a great long-form improv show, including a Harold. They nailed it. The other feeling was a bit of jealousy, as I would have loved to been in that show, with that cast. It would have been a real blast to work with those people in a long-form improv show (for the non-improv folks reading, that's a different style of improv than the normal games you see at Comedycity or on Whose Line. It's one suggestion, and a 30 minute play is created on the spot. Hard to do, but so much fun).

Our second evening was a quick trip to Ameristar for some fun at the Casino. The only casino near Orlando is a cruise ship that takes 3 hour casino cruises. First, I don't want to be trapped on a ship for 3 hours if my money runs out in 15 minutes. Second, the ship has been shut down a couple of times due to health concerns. So, there have been no casino evenings for us.

I also got to spend some time with my best friend, John. His car broke down the morning we were suppose to meet, and I ended up helping him buy a new car. He's a good friend, and someone I talk to almost every day.

We flew back on Sunday, and worked all week to catch up from the weekend. Charlie is anxiously awaiting Grandma and Grandpa's arrival in Orlando in 2 weeks for Christmas.

He's already talked to Santa, and informed him that he wants a "Monowail Gween"

So, hopefully Santa heard him, and has one ready for him! ;-)

Speaking of Charlie, he really likes going to Home Depot, because they have racecar shopping carts.

The last thing today was an interesting observation. When I saw the Kansas City Star website headline:

Freezing rain, slick roads
lead to wrecks, cancellations

It made me very happy that I'm in Florida. You see, I put up our Christmas lights on the house today, and got a bit of a sunburn! Even worked up a sweat doing it.

7 days without sweets makes 1 weak!

2007-11-16T13:32:00.000-05:00

Since I moved down to Florida in March, there has been one very harmful side effect. Stress eating. The stress of the move, the new job, finding a home, being without family and friends, blah blah blah caused me to gain a bunch of weight.

So, last week, I decided to stop eating sweets. No candy. No dessert. Nada. And today, it's been one week. I can truly say it's been torture. Not only do I have the bowl fulls of left over Halloween candy in the office and Charlie's bag of candy at home, we had a food day yesterday at work with tons and tons of desserts. My body has also been very unhappy with me and my lack of sugar/fuel.

But, I have prevailed. I can honestly say it seems like it's been a month, but it's only been a week. I still snack on pretzels, but I'm sticking to the "No Candy/No Sweets" rule as long as I can.

Halloween 2007

2007-11-01T21:36:00.000-04:00

Charlie finally got the idea of what Halloween is all about. But not without some fussing.

We first bought him a Lightning McQueen costume, which was a stuffed car he would wear with suspenders. It was very cute. Therefore, he would have nothing to do with it, and cried any time we picked it up.

So, we ended up taking it back, and found a very cute Lightning McQueen pit crew outfit. Of course, Charlie screamed like we were doing surgery on him when we put it on,

but when we told him he could wear his flashy Lightning shoes with it, he decided it was alright. Soon, Charlie had the whole "ring the doorbell, get candy" thing down pat.

We did a good job around the neighborhood, and Daddy decided that Trick or Treating would end when the candy bag weighed more than the child. Charlie did great, and loved ringing the doorbell, yelling "twick or tweat", and dropping the candy in his bag. He got tons of candy, and many compliments on his outfit.

All in All, a great evening!

Welcome: Portraits of America

2007-10-31T09:57:00.000-04:00

If you haven't seen this, it's worth spending a couple of minutes to watch. Disney produced a video to be used to welcome visitors to the United States. The best quote about the reason why we did this is because the first thing most visitors to the US see is a cold, gray immigration room. Not exactly a warm welcome. So, Disney volunteered to produce a welcome video. The music is fantastic (it's from Epcot's Illuminations), and the video is well done. Enjoy.

And yes, I've heard the controversy about the Canadian side of Niagara Falls being in the video.

5 Things

2007-10-20T21:29:00.000-04:00

List 5 things that certain people (who are not deserving of being your friend anyway) may consider to be “totally lame,” but you are, despite the possible stigma, totally proud of. Own it. Tag 5 others.

Since Corey tagged me, here goes. Bonzai!

1. I have a weird ability to remember long strings of numbers or letters. I still remember my 16 digit Missouri drivers license from when I was 16, can repeat the entire McDonalds Menu Chant, numerous George Carlin routines and Bill Cosby routines, and other random useless knowledge items. I really need to defrag my brain.

2. I have an extensive Disney music collection. Everything from movie soundtracks to ride audio to outtakes. And this was before I ever got my job. I checked my MP3 player, and found that I have 9 different recordings of It's A Small World.

3. I was the stage guitar player for 2 years in a row for the Miss Missouri pageant. I played for the stage band which accompanied all the acts and pageantry.

4. I had a hit record in Branson, MO when I was 19. Taneycomo lake had flooded, and I wrote a song about it, recorded it in my dorm room using two cassette decks to overdub instruments and vocals, and gave a copy to a friend. The song was very much in the style of Ray Stevens. It got into the hands of a guy at KRZK, the radio station in Branson, and became the most requested song for several weeks. I was even featured on the front page of the Springfield News Leader in an article about the song. Alas, it went nowhere further than that.

5. I have the ability to do many different cartoon voices. Most of them are voices originally done by Mel Blanc. Some came quite natural (Marvin the Martian, Daffy Duck, Sylvester) and some came with quite a bit of hard work (Bugs Bunny). Many years ago, I had an outgoing answering machine message of me doing all of the Looney Toons voices talking about answering the phone. One evening I came home and found a message from Noel Blanc, Mel's son, who commented I did the voices good. My friend, Mancow, had Noel as a guest on his show, and had called my home number to let him listen.

Ok. Tag Steve, Wade, John, Nick, Tracy

New Charlie Photos

2007-10-18T21:47:00.000-04:00

Crap that has been on my mind.

2007-10-18T12:13:00.000-04:00

None worthy of a full post, but maybe a listing post will suffice:

When did Bon Jovi go country? Watching SNL last week, and listening to Bon Jovi was an eye opener. They have a fiddle player and a steel guitar player. Wow! Their music sounds like every country group out there.
LAX screeners miss 75% of fake bombs: That's ok, as long as they catch all the real bombs.
If you need a portrait done, we highly recommend Portrait Innovations. After an unfortunate incident where the $120 worth of photos we just bought were damaged, the manager at Portrait Innovations reprinted them all for free. That's customer service.
TIVO + HD = Quality TV Watching
Funniest line in a new show: While watching Pushing Daisies, the main character's dog was licking Kristin Chenoweth's face. The narrator says,

"While Olive considered how much she loved Digby for paying attention to her when the pie maker would not, and Digby considered how much he liked salt"

(see the video of Kristin singing here, and the quoted line)

Other new shows we are watching: Chuck, The Big Bang Theory, Life, Bionic Woman

A Pixie Dust Moment

2007-10-03T23:14:00.000-04:00

That's what we call them. Something that happens that recharges you, gets you feeling the magic again. Maybe you've been at your desk too long, getting a bit tired. But then, you go to lunch with your co-workers, and after lunch, stop by the Ghiradelli store in Downtown Disney for a quick sample of chocolate.

Then, you see a family come in. A Mom and A Dad who's carrying a little girl, probably just shy of 2. And the nice man at the Ghiradelli store gives the little girl a chocolate square with caramel inside. The little girl is a bit hesitant, not knowing what this foil wrapped sqaure thing is. But, with some encouragement from Mommy, the little girl, holding it with two hands, takes a little bite. She looks at Mommy, then at Daddy, and slight smile comes across her face. She takes another bite, and her eyes light up. She's just experienced her first gourmet chocolate. She smiles bigger now. Daddy and Mommy smile too.

It's not a big thing, and it might not even have meant much to the family. But seeing the pure joy on that adorable little girls face can really recharge your batteries, and re-dust you! Those moments are what this place is all about.

A Privilege

2007-09-24T10:01:00.001-04:00

Charlie’s grandma and grandpa drove down here for a visit, and got home last week. While there is much to tell about the visit, and how much Charlie loved having them around, there was something that happened on their trip home that I felt was very blog-worthy.

Keith (grandpa) is a Korean War veteran. It’s one of those things he never really talks about, but he does have a license plate frame on his car with his former military company on it. He got it a few years ago when he went to a reunion of his fellow soldiers.

While driving home from Florida last week, they stopped in a small town to get gas (I think it was in Tennessee). A young man walked up to Keith and asked if that was his car. Keith replied it was. The young man then thanked Keith for his service in the military.

Keith said that this was the first time this had happened to him. Of course, he tried to downplay it, saying it was a privilege to serve. But I could tell it meant a lot to him to have this stranger say it to him.

You know, thanking military for their service had almost gotten passé for me. Every time a military person comes on talk radio, the host seems to make a big deal of thanking them. I had forgotten that there are veterans out there from other wars who may have never heard this.

SInce when is tasering a bad thing?

2007-09-18T22:12:00.001-04:00

All the hoopla over the tasering of the student at the John Kerry rally has somewhat irritated me. I'm not going to argue whether the police should have reacted to him, or gotten involved. What I want to comment on is the spin that I keep hearing from both sides. "He got what he deserves, to be tasered" or "He didn't deserve to be tasered".

But, both of these statements, and many like them in the media any time a taser is used, profoundly mistate the purpose of a taser.

A taser is a weapon used to overcome resistance. Period. It is not a punishment. It's merely a step in what is called the "use of force continuum". Here it is in a nutshell.

When a police officer wishes to gain the compliance of a person (assuming he has the lawful right to do so), he may use whatever force is necessary to overcome their resistance, and no more. The force continuum starts with the safest, least likely to cause harm force (verbal request) and moves through to the most drastic level, deadly force. You start with the lowest level that will likely gain the objective and move up if it fails. Once compliance is obtained, you stop there.

The normal levels are:

1. Officer Presence - Often, the mere presence of a police officer will gain compliance

2. Verbal Command - "Come with me"

3. Physical contact - talking someone by the arm to walk them out.

4. Non-Lethal - Taser, Pepper Spray

5. Physical Control - joint locks, pressure points,

6. Serious Physical Contro - blows, strikes, batons.

7. Deadly Force - Firearm.

Here's the part people don't seem to get. The Taser, along with pepper spray, are used long before any type of "joint control" or pressure point manuvers are used. Why? Because you can injure someone much easier with an arm bar or choke hold than with a taser. Does a taser hurt? Yes. Does pepper spray hurt? Yes. But you are going to easily recover from both and have no lasting side effects. If an officer puts an arm lock on, and you continue to fight, you could have a broken arm, torn ligaments, etc. So, a taser is used early, because it's effective, and because it's probability of causing long term harm is very small.

Obviously, in the incident in question, the police went through #1 -#3 very quickly, and they were not working. If you watch all the videos on Youtube, you'll see that he was actively resisting and fighting their efforts to remove him from the meeting. So, a taser was used, which did the job. He was subdued and escorted out.

A taser isn't a punishment. It's a tool. And a very effective one. If the student truly didn't want to be tasered, he could have simply complied.

What the heck are they thinking?

2007-09-11T13:45:00.000-04:00

This truly disgusts me. I've spent time in Russian orphanages, and seen the kids there. The Russian people need to take care of the kids they have, rather then trying to create new ones to win a car.

ULYANOVSK, Russia (AP) -- Make a baby. Win a car.

Irina and Andrei Kartuzov drive away in a new SUV, after winning last year's baby contest.

Don't be surprised if the streets are empty and curtains drawn in this central Russian region Wednesday as residents take up an offer by the regional governor to help stem Russia's demographic crisis.
Ulyanovsk Gov. Sergei Morozov has decreed Sept. 12 a Day of Conception and is giving couples time off from work to procreate. Couples who give birth nine months later on Russia's national day -- June 12 -- will receive money, cars, refrigerators and other prizes.
It's the third year that the Volga River region, about 550 miles east of Moscow, has held the contest. Since then, the number of competitors -- and the number of babies born -- has been on the rise.
"If there's a good, healthy atmosphere at home within the family, if the husband and wife both love each other and their child, they will be in good spirits and that will extend to the workplace. So there will be a healthy atmosphere throughout the country," he told AP Television News. "The leadership (of the country) is interested in the family."
Russia's population has dropped since the 1991 Soviet collapse, fed by declining birth rates, a low life expectancy, a spike in emigration, a frayed health care system and other factors. The country -- the world's largest -- now has just 141.4 million citizens, making it one of the most sparsely settled nations. And experts estimate the population could fall below 100 million by 2050.
Just 311 women signed up to take part in the first competition, in 2005, and qualify for a half-day off from work. The next June, 46 more babies were born in Ulyanovsk's 25 hospitals compared to the previous June, including 28 born on June 12, officials said.
More than 500 women signed up for the contest in 2006 -- resulting nine months later in 78 babies, or more than triple the region's daily average. So far this year, the region's birth rate is up 4.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
"I don't think people get pregnant just to get a prize on the 12th (of June) but if the dates coincide and they give you a ... car there's nothing wrong with that," said Yuri, a 28-year-old father-to-be who declined to give his last name.
Last year, President Vladimir Putin called the demographic crisis the country's most acute problem and announced a broad effort to boost the birthrate, including cash subsidies for couples giving birth to more than one child. Women who give birth to their second or third child receive $10,000 vouchers to pay for education or home repairs.
In Ulyanovsk, everyone who has a baby in a local hospital on June 12 gets some kind of prize. The winners of the grand prize -- a locally made SUV called a UAZ-Patriot -- are couples judged by a committee on criteria such as "respectability" and "commendable parenting."
Perhaps not surprisingly, the effort has drawn snickers. According to one joke circulating on the Internet, regional university teachers -- after being ordered to draw up special activities for Wednesday -- proposed covering the floors of school gymnasiums with mattresses and dimming the lights.
Andrei Kartuzov, who won the last "make a baby" grand prize along with his wife, Irina, said they had been planning to have another child anyway.
The campaign "is a good help for people, especially for those living in villages," he said. "If they hold such actions every year, then maybe we will have (more children) growing up and Russia will be bigger."

Enough to make a Disney Geek's head explode

2007-09-05T22:02:00.001-04:00

This week at work has been a lot of fun. It's the annual Disney Leadership Conference. A 3 day conference for leaders at the theme parks worldwide, allowing almost 14,000 of us to get together, network, learn and play.

To say I've had a good time would be an understatement. Here are a few of the highlights:

1. Marty Sklar : I listened to and shook hands with Marty. I met Marty a few years ago on a Disney cruise, and was amazed to hear that this was the guy who wrote Walt's speeches and scripts, and then, he took over Imagineering and led it for 30 years, overseeing the construction of Walt Disney World and specifically Epcot. He's a truly amazing man, very gracious, and a lot of fun to hear speak. Marty wrote "Mickey's 10 Commandments" several years ago, and was back to present, "Mickey's More 10 Commandments".

2. Bob Matheison: Bob was one of the people who helped start Walt Disney World, and eventually went on to run the place. He retired in 1994. He spoke about his memories of WDW, and his feelings on leadership.

3. Tony Baxter: This was cool. A very small, intimate presentation by Tony on creativity. Tony is the Senior Vice President of Imagineering. Truthfully, Tony is an ideas guy, who has helped make Disney what it is today. If you've loved attractions such as Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Star Tours, Indiana Jones, all the way on up to the recently reopened Nemo's Submarine Adventure, you can thank Tony. He helped design these rides. He's frequently the guy that's interviewed when it comes to the parks, and he has a great love for good storytelling and rides. To listen to Tony pull no punches was quite refreshing as well ("How did we go from The Lion King to Home On The Range?")

There have been other sessions as well, from panels with the heads of Disney Vacation Club, Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney, on to keynote addresses.

As we are fond of saying at Walt Disney World, this has really recharged my pixie dust. I love working for a company with this much tradition, and one that is a leader. And, talking with and learning from these kind of people is amazing.

The Best Fight Scene I've Watched

2007-09-01T23:56:00.000-04:00

This is an amazing 4 minute, one continuous shot fight scene, shot with a steadicam. I've pasted the information about it underneath. It's really worth watching.

From the movie "The Protector", featuring Tony Jaa (of Ong Bak fame), this stedicam shot lasts over 3 min. I wonder how many times it took to get this shot right! Simply amazing! After watching the behind the scenes extras on the DVD, here is some additional info that filmmakers and martial arts film fans may appreciate: The director calls this "the most dangerous long take scene ever." A 4 minute stedicam shot featuring a variety of martial arts. The crew spent over 1 month preparing and choreographing before they were able to get a perfect shot. When it came time to shoot, they could only do 2 takes per day because of the set repairing and prop replacement that needed to be done. It took 5 takes to get it right. A foreign cameraman was needed because the stedicam mount was built for american / european operators who are typically much larger than asian operators. The foreign operator they hired could only do two flights of stairs at a time and simply gave up. They decided to use a Thai stedicam operator who physically prepared for a month for this job. The reason the shot is 4 minutes is because reels of 35mm film are only about 4 min in length. They shot the first take which had a number of problems with stuntmen cues, and even a stuntman bumping into the stedicam operator. After choreographing more dynamic action, an increase of extras and improving the set, the next take they did was 17 days after the first take. The second take was better but when the stuntman was supposed to be thrown from the 3rd story, the safety mattress was not completely in place yet so Tony Jaa stopped the shot and saved the stuntman's life. The third take was just about perfect but just before Tony Jaa was supposed to bust through the last doorway, the film ran out. The director finally decided that instead of simply cutting there, they would try again for perfection. They thought the fourth take was perfect but after review there were some parts that weren't as good as the pervious takes. They decided on one more try. On the fifth try, it was almost perfect. But there were 2 miscues. On the 2nd floor, Tony Jaa slams a door into the head of a stuntman and the small glass window on the door was supposed to break. It failed to do so, so they used CGI to fix this. The 2nd issue was the fight just before the sink gets thrown. The timing was off as planned but the end result looked natural so they decided this was the take to use in the final film. Simply amazing.

Pete's Request

2007-08-29T16:32:00.000-04:00

Pete Commented:
"Ok, enough pics of 40 year old dudes and cute kids. How about some pics of your hot single co-workers who wouldn't mind meeting your out-of-state pals when they come visit. I don't think that's asking too much is it? "

You asked, I answered:

Minnie (still technically single because Mickey has committment issues)
Evil Queen (just don't eat her apple crisp desert)

Snow White (she once shacked up with 7 guys, but she's still the fairest one of all)

Tink (has a thing for guys in tights)

Jasmin (goes for the "diamond in the rough" type)

Cinderella (get her home by Midnight).

Good enough, Pete?

What a difference a couple of years makes

2007-08-29T10:07:00.000-04:00

I started this last year, and thought I would update it. He is sure getting big, isn't he!

Making Memories, Making Memories

2007-08-26T22:03:00.000-04:00

Ok, so no one wants to see some 42 year old guy's photo. They always want to see

the 3 year old's photos. Fine, here we go!

We gotten much too old to get sat into our car seat.

We have to be allowed to climb into it by ourselves!

Hmmm! Mommy and Daddy's new desk in the spare bedroom. What's This?

Yes, I believe I know what it is!

It's a Fort! Perfect hiding space!

Charlie enjoys reading his books in his new room. Mostly, he enjoys having his toys back, after being without them all those months.

Vika, our translator during Charlie's adoption, visited us in Orlando. It was great seeing her, and she loved seeing Charlie. It was also wonderful getting to take her to Walt Disney World. She had always dreamed of seeing the castle, so it made us very happy to make her wish come true. She sure helped make ours come true!

We also got to meet her boyfriend, Rinat. Amazing that she comes to America to study at LSU on a Fullbright Scholarship, and ends up meeting a guy from her home town in Russia. He was a very nice guy!

Last, but certainly not least, we had big doings around our house tonight. For the first time, Charlie sat down on his potty. Granted, the lid was down, but it was a very big move for a very brave little boy. He's really hating his diapers, so we're hoping soon that he will want to use the potty like a big boy!

Who's the old guy in the photo?

2007-08-21T16:24:00.000-04:00

I've received the honor of being the "CFI Ambassador" for the quarter. Which means that an article is being written about me for the Certified Forensic Interviewers. I know, means nothing to anyone else out there, but I was tickled to get it.

So, I need a photo for the article, so Sarah at work, who is the most artistic person here, volunteers to take a photo of me. I put on my shirt and tie, and have the photo taken.

When I see it, I was truly amazed at how much older I've began looking. I look like a middle aged businessman. Sure, I'm in my 40's, and not my 20's anymore, and sure, I've put on way too many pounds, but I think we all picture ourselves differently. The grey hair is really starting to show up. And other hair is starting to disappear. I think the stresses of the past year have really taken a toll.

Well, I guess your only as old as you feel, and I still feel and think youthful. I've got to. I have to keep up with a 3 year old!

Happy Birthday, Dad

2007-08-17T16:47:00.000-04:00

Yesterday would have been my father's 79th birthday. Unfortunately, the good Lord took him from us back in 1993. There are very few days that go by that I don't think about him, and wish I could talk to him. He was a great guy, and I'm sure he would have made a great Grandpa to the little boy named after him.

The shirt was a joke present from me. He was the mayor of our hometown (Republic, MO), and often made this quote. And he was rarely as serious as he looks in this photo.

I miss you, Dad!

Update

2007-08-14T16:33:00.000-04:00

So, this past couple of weeks has been very busy. I hinted a bit at it in my brief post, but to kind of bring everyone up to date:

Our furniture arrived the weekend before last. It was very hot, but everything got moved in by 2:30 p.m. There was some damage to some of our items, but it’s sure nice to have our stuff back.
I’ve had my first go at cutting a Florida lawn. First, it’s hot as heck when your mowing, so you take it slow. Second, the Florida St. Augustine grass is really thick and difficult to mow. But, I got it done, and the yard looks beautiful. I’m really going to try to maintain the nice landscaping we acquired.
Charlie was so happy to see his furniture, bed, and toys. His first nap in his bed lasted 4 hours. So, we figure he was just really comfortable. He’s unpacked most of his toys, and they are scattered throughout the house.
We’ve had a couple of swims in the community pool. The water is so warm, it’s almost like bath water. Gotta love the Florida sun.
Daycare = Petrie Dish. Charlie had gotten sick with Strep a few weeks back. During the move in, and all the work, I got run down, and caught Strep. It kicked me really hard, and I was off work for 3 days. But, I’m back now, albeit still with a sore throat, but no fever or chills.
Kim is so tickled with her kitchen and closet. For the first time in years, she can have all her clothes in one location, and all her kitchen stuff fit in the cabinets. No more storing stuff in bedroom closets. However, we have discovered that the storage in the master bath is seriously lacking, so we are going to have to come up with some way of adding to it.
The furniture fits perfectly in the house. We were a bit concerned that we might be a bit cramped. Far from it. Our bedroom is so big, we are using the center of it for storage. And the living room/dining room is huge. Walking from our bedroom to Charlie’s room is quite a hike. We had to break out the baby monitors for peace of mind.
We got to see the Space Shuttle launch from our front yard. Very cool!

So, everything is going good. I sure do miss my Missouri friends. I miss doing improv, and hanging out with everyone. But, it’s a lot of fun down here! We’re getting our guest bedroom set up, so make your reservations early! I'll try to get some photos up soon!

Back on "The Grid"

2007-08-14T12:17:00.000-04:00

Finally, I feel a bit back to normal.

Sure, our house is a disaster, full of boxes, stuff everywhere, with no end in sight.

And sure, I can't find any of my tools (it looks like the movers may have lost them), so I can't assemble any of Charlie's swingset, or any of the new furniture we need to buy.

But, we finally have telephone, cable and internet. WOOHOO! We are back in the communication age.

Slowly but surely, our lives are getting back to normal.