Friday – 11 November 2011
Today is Veteran’s Day:
It is also my 9/80 day off… which means that it’s “DVD Day”: Diana-Vanessa-Daddy Day. I’m not sure what adventures we’ll have, but they just might include a trip to the NMRA Train Show at the Utah State Fairpark.
Guess we should get moving and see what the day holds in store…
Namaste.
Tuesday – 08 November 2011
Vanessa turns two-months-old today.
The girls were a little irritable last night, following their immunization shots, which was totally understandable. I would be, too, in their places. But, they still wound up going to bed a little early. And, they’re sleeping pretty well at night. (SaraRules! and I are quite grateful for this.) They slept well enough for us to be able to watch the second half of last night’s football game AND for me to spend a little time playing Gears of War 3.
Stray Toasters
Namaste.
Wednesday – 02 November 2011
Midweek. New comics. Fire drill. (Not necessarily in that order.)
Last night, the girls were… agitated… for some reason. They were fussy and restless through bedtime, including during bath time, which they had – until last night – been getting better about dealing with. They were so cranky that we skipped post-bath story time and went straight to “Here’s your bottle. Go to town!” Wait. That’s not entirely true. Nose drops came before feeding… and they’re not fans of nose drops under the best of conditions, so last night’s dose was far from welcome. But, the bottles seemed to make everything better.
After the girls were abed, SaraRules! and I sat down to watch a little TopGear (UK). It was a good way to wind down the evening.
Stray Toasters
Namaste.
Monday – 31 October 2011
It’s Hallowe’en.
Many people have been posting “Happy Hallowe’en” on their various social media outlets. Thanks to them, I have had the “Silver Shamrock” jingle (from Halloween III: Season of the Witch) running through my head for the past 3+ hours. It’s been about as annoying as the time I had Escape stuck in my head for three days…
The weekend was good, but a bit long and tiring. SaraRules! messed up her back sometime Thursday night/Friday morning. As such, I was the point man for taking care of the girls for most of the weekend. Fortunately, they took a modicum of mercy on me — they weren’t extremely fussy or irritable. (Thank you bouncy chair and swing!)
Diana (left) and Vanessa (right)
But, by the time we were putting them to bed last night, I realized just how tired I was and how ready I was for them to be down for the count.
On the flip side, I was still home when they woke up this morning, so I got kid cuddles before heading to work.
Last night, we also headed up to SaraRules’ parents’ house for dinner, Disney’s Ichabod Crane and Hallowe’en cookie decorating. It’s tradition! (And, it’s pretty fun, too.)
Stray Toasters
And that’s that… for now.
Namaste.
Tuesday – 25 October 2011
Work week: Day 2.
Of course, it is my first Technical Friday of the week – I’m taking tomorrow off and then back on Thursday – so, I’m okay with being anxious about being out of here.
Today is also my last day as a 40-year-old. It’s been a pretty fantastic year. I have a great family – which just got a couple of fantastic new additions. I have some pretty amazing friends. I’ve been able to see and do a lot of fun things. I’m looking forward to seeing what forty-one brings…
Last night,
I’m glad that the Ravens lost.
There. I said it. And I meant it.
Wait, wait, wait… I know that sounds completely “wrong” of me to say, but I am. Why? It’s simple, really: We play Pittsburgh in two weeks. Baltimore needed a good ass-kicking/wake-up call before that game in order to… do whatever it is they need to figure out… before that game. And I’d much rather have them work out the kinks in a game against the Cardinals than go heads-up against the Steelers after such a poor showing against the Jags.
Stray Toasters
Namaste.
Friday – 21 October 2011
It’s almost the weekend. Amen. “Almost” because it’s my 9/80 “on” Friday. No worries. It’s quiet around here and I can get a couple of things taken care of. In fact, I’ve already put out one minor and one potentially major fire. And, I’ve even eaten lunch already.
Last night, SaraRules! came home with a new technique for swaddling the girls. She showed me the method: It involves the use of two sheets, as compared to the usual one, and it’s quite effective. It took the twins a little while to get used to the fact that their hands aren’t free to flail about… but they seem to be adapting to it. And, it seems to have helped them sleep better. We will see how it fares in prolonged use.
SaraRules! also sent me a terminally cute picture of Vanessa this morning:
Yeah, she’s a little cutie.
Stray Toasters
Namaste.
Thursday – 20 October 2011
Today is not only another NBN Thursday, it is also Spirit Day.
What’s ‘Spirit Day?’ you ask. (I had to ask the same thing a couple of days ago…) From the GLAAD.org site:
Millions of Americans wear purple on Spirit Day as a sign of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth and to speak out against bullying. Spirit Day was started in 2010 by teenager Brittany McMillan as a response to the young people who had taken their own lives. Observed annually on October 20, individuals, schools, organizations, corporations, media professionals and celebrities wear purple, which symbolizes spirit on the rainbow flag. Getting involved is easy — participants are asked to simply “go purple” on October 20 as we work to create a world in which LGBT teens are celebrated and accepted for who they are.
So, I’m in a purple shirt and tie today, supporting friends and family. (And, as a fringe benefit – not to be confused with a “Fringe benefit” – I get to wear Ravens team colors. Win. Win.)
::: insert work and meetings here :::
I was going to have something here, but it’s been a few hours (Yay for work and meetings!) and I don’t have the foggiest idea “what” it was anymore.
Stray Toasters
That’s good for a late-afternoon post.
Namaste.
Monday – 17 October 2011
For a day that started with rain and clouds, it’s mighty sunny and bright out there now. And I’m good with that.
This past weekend was a good one. I got to spend it with my three favorite ladies. The younger two even let me sleep in a bit on Friday, which was quite nice. We ran a few errands on Friday, as well, including a trip to RubySnap – for cookies and to make a donation for their “Save the Suzies” breast cancer campaign:
That’s right: We’re all in pink. Just. Like. That.
Friday evening, I actually got a chance to play ‘Clix with the guys! (Thank you, SaraRules!) Chris, Andy and Harley came over and helped me test out a scenario that I’m planning for the next tournament… which I actually get to go and judge (Thank you again, SaraRules!): I’m “recreating” the DC Comics “War of the Supermen” event from last year’s comics. We play-tested it and it seems as though everything works out pretty well.
Saturday, I kicked off the day with a hot soak and reading magazines. And it was good. In the afternoon, we took the girls to Downtown Philly Cheesesteaks. Oddly, they didn’t eat anything. But, they did get to meet Paul (former boss) and his wife, Mary. We had a nice visit and the girls were incredibly well-behaved the entire time. On the ride home, they got a little angsty, but by that time, they’d been in their car seats for a couple of hours. Saturday evening, Kenneth, Akiba and their kids came over to visit and meet the girls. We hadn’t seen them since… the Horror Movie Baby Shower, so it was nice to get a chance to spend some time hanging out with them.
Yesterday was a lazy, stay-at-home kind of day. And it was good… because the girls couldn’t decide whose turn it was to nap or be awake. So, we were attending to one and/or both all afternoon. (Good thing they’re adorable…) In the evening, Logan came over and had dinner with us and hung out for a bit.
So, all-in-all… it was a good and somewhat relaxed weekend.
Instant Replay: Football
Yesterday had a lot of good – and surprising – games:
| Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens | |
| 14 – 29 | |
 |
 |
| The Ravens hosted the Texans……and came away with a win, keeping sole possession of the lead in the AFC North. | |
Ray Lewis… Hey… Hey, Ray! Yeah! You just became the first player in NFL history to notch 40 sacks and 30 interceptions! How does that make you feel?
Yeah, I can dig it!
| Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders | |
| 17 – 24 | |
 |
 |
The Raiders took on the Browns and did some work.Congratulations, SaraRules! and ![[info]](http://stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} 1silver_seraph. |
|
Stray Toasters
Back to it.
Namaste.
Wednesday – 05 October 2011
Midweek… which means that not only is the week half-over, but it’s new comics day, too. Win. Win.
Yesterday was a pretty busy day around the office. That was followed by a busy evening with the girls:
Eat. Sleep. Change diapers.
Lather. Rinse. Repeat.
Both girls are doing well. They’re still a bit congested – we’re thinking inflamed sinuses, as there’s been no nasal drip – but otherwise fine. And, they’re still damned adorable.
Stray Toasters
Everybody (everybody), loosen up
Shake it like U just don’t care (Shake it like U just don’t care)
Never mind your friends
Girl, it ain’t no sin
2 strip right down 2 your underwear
I say everybody (everybody), mm, screw the masses
We only want 2 have some fun (I only wanna have some fun)
I say do whatever we want
Wear lingerie 2 a restaurant
Policeman got no gun, U don’t have 2 run
And that’s that… for now.
Namaste.
Sunday – 11 September 2011
It has been ten years since the attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
For my thoughts on the matter, I again refer to these posts.
Remeber the past.
Cherish the present
Look with hope to the Future.
Namaste.
Thursday – 25 August 2011
It’s another fine NBN Thursday in the valley.
It’s been busy… in a good way. Hectic, but good. Meetings. Stuff. Things. And whatnot.
For those who may have missed it elsewhere: We have a date for the arrival of the twins: Assuming that she doesn’t deliver before, SaraRules! will be induced on the 06 September. Which means that in twelve (possibly thirteen) days, we’ll be parents. Holy cow.
Stray Toasters
And tonight: The Ravens take on the Redskins on Thursday Night Football.
Namaste.
Tuesday – 23 August 2011
Day Two. I apparently have far too much blood in my caffeinestream. This may require a supplemental infusion of bean squeezin’s.
Yesterday was a pretty good day, even for a Monday. The zoo office wasn’t chock full of monkeydom, which makes for a good day. I made dinner last night. Despite the appeal of this…
…I cooked Spaghetti (with my sauce recipe), salad and garlic bread. We ate while we watched Monday Night Football. At halftime, we got to talk with Grace and Sophia (as well as Rana, John and my father) on Skype. And after the game, there was the season premiere of Top Gear. Win-Win-Win.
We’re roughly two weeks (plus or minus) from the advent of The Next Generation. Is it a bad sign that I can envision something like this conversation taking place:
Stray Toasters
Quote of the Day
Near the end of our video chat with Grace and Sophia, Leila (the newborn) started crying, to which John said:
“Sound of angels, Rob… Sound of angels. Just remember: Lucifer was an angel, too.”
The best part was the total deadpan delivery. It made SaraRules! and me laugh.
Namaste.
Tuesday – 09 August 2011
If you’re old enough to remember that tagline, then… I don’t know. Fill in your own witticism here. For those of you for whom it does not ring a bell, it was from when NBC had a show on the air called Hill Street Blues. It was… dun dun DUNNNNN… a police procedural. As did many shows of the day, its theme song composed by Mike Post.
So far, it’s been a decent work day. Earlier, as I was working with one of our QA testers, there was some busy/”Why isn’t this working!?” time while trying to get a couple of his systems switched between a couple of networks. Part of the problem laid in the gap between “This is what we need to do for compliance” and “This is how he wanted it to work for convenience.” We came to terms. (And I didn’t even have to break out the orange hammer…)
Stray Toasters
That’s good for now.
Namaste.
Monday – 08 August 2011
Another work week begins… and I might just be in need of another weekend to recover from this past weekend. Suffice if to say that the weekend was good, but very full.
Friday afternoon, I did some running around. While this included a trip to The Train Shoppe, I left empty-handed. I went to the U of U surplus, as well. I didn’t manage to leave without picking something up, though — I got a new-to-us receiver to replace the one that I’ve had since my sophomore year at Purdue. (It’s been a good unit, but has some issues…)
Friday evening, SaraRules! and I headed to
It was quite possibly the most entertaining shower I have ever attended. Thanks to
Saturday, while SaraRules! headed to Quilt Club, I mowed the lawn. After that, it was time to get ready for Shower #2, at the in-laws’ place. This one was a more traditional shower… but, thankfully, without the horribly embarrassing games. And, it was also a lot of fun. Saturday evening found us at the home of our friends, Joe and Rebecca, for RibFest ’11. Death. By. Meat. I’d say “Holy cow,” but I’m worried that it would come off as me trying to be punny. (Besides, they were pork ribs.) Regardless, they were unbelievably good.
Yesterday, we – along with my mother-in-law – went to Park City for the Park City Kimball Arts Festival. We got there around 9:30, at SaraRules!’ request, which turned out to be just perfect — it wasn’t crowded, nor was it very hot. We saw many nice pieces of art. I also went to Larry Stevenson‘s booth, as I would like something for the twins’ room… but decided that it would probably be better to see whether we have boys and/or girls before making a decision.
Stray Toasters
Namaste.
Thursday – 04 August 2011
It’s an early No Bad News Technical Friday for me. And, considering how I slept and that I have a project coming to a head today, I could really use that whole “No Bad News” factor.
I don’t often have dreams that continue after I’ve awakened and gone back to sleep, but I had one last night. And it was bizarre. It was (mostly) bizarre in its content – a zombie dream – but because of some of people in it, as well: Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa and Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed.
* blink blink*
I’m sure that there were others, but they were the two I immediately recognized and still remember.
The zombies moved faster than the shambling creatures from George A. Romero movies, but weren’t running at a flat-out sprint like the “rage-infested humans” from 28 Days Later/28 Weeks Later. They were somewhere in the middle — fast enough to be a concern, slow enough to be outrun. Of course, there’s always the prevailing thought that “You don’t have to be faster than the zombies, you just have to be faster than the slowest person in your group.”
The dream wasn’t your standard “Here come the dead” fare, either. It started off that way, and then turned into “behind the scenes in government response:” Lawyers and armed guards. Political leaders being ousted due to their lack of response. Black helicopters flying to “undisclosed destinations.”
Yeah. It was that weird.
There was a point where it cut over to Rocky – working in some kind of storefront office – and Apollo Creed, training for an event. One of the other characters (Paulie, I believe) from the movies was there, as well. He was suffering from a form of amnesia or Alzheimer’s; Rocky and his guys were preparing to send him away – to Italy, I think – for some R&R. At that point, I was asked to go upstairs (to a living area) and keep watch on someone else. I could see people cautiously wandering the streets, trying to avoid encounters with the undead. I remember feeling a sense of dread, almost expecting this person to turn into a zombie, as he appeared near-death to begin with. I think that he was starting to die/turn as I woke up.
Let’s just say that it wasn’t exactly the most restful night’s sleep.
Stray Toasters
(click for larger image)
Not bad. I’m looking forward to seeing how well he pulls off the Clark Kent look.
From The New York Times: “Industry executives as well as regulators have said that fracking has never contaminated underground drinking water. But there is at least one documented case.”
The project I mentioned at the beginning of the post wrapped up this morning… and it went more smoothly than I had hoped. Selah.
Namaste.