Inklings

Blog

  • Major Fan

    Fan loyalties are a fickle thing. While catching a bit of the Twinkies game today we got to the heart of a minor fan issue. My eldest son, for whatever reason, wants nothing to do with any Minnesota team but instead claims every Chicago team. White Sox, Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs. It doesn’t matter, he’s with them all the way (I don’t think he even knows about the Blackhawks but I’m sure that would cement his sentiments). After his mother explained to him that his chances of going to Target Field to see the Twins play were much greater than hitting Chi-Town to watch his beloved Sox he slowly began to shift his alliance. After catching him cheering for Span tonight he quickly retorted, ‘Twins are my second favorite team.” Oh well, at least he’ll claim ’em now.

  • Growing Pains

    You’re likely never to witness your grass grow, but mowing it every week proves that it does. So it is with kids and growing pains. The yardstick may physically record their incremental spurts but the groans in the night are the indicators of such growth.

    Last night our oldest awoke at least four times because he ‘ached’ so bad. I can vaguely remember those days and know how uncomfortable it can be. It’s bittersweet, but he just seems so young to be growing so quickly. The last time I measured him, he was stretching past five feet well on his way toward six. When that day comes it’ll be a new perspective for all of us. Somehow I doubt that when he matches my height he’ll begin to see things the way I do.

  • Scheduling

    I wouldn’t trade our summer schedules for anything in the world, but I have to admit there are times where it gets kind of hectic. At least twice a summer our sons’ baseball schedules overlap making it impossible for both of us to be at each game. How do you choose without one of them feeling neglected? Flip a coin? Take turns?

    It’s times like these where I’m extremely grateful to have only two kids. I truly feel for those with three or more. I don’t know how they do it.

  • Head Games

    My oldest son’s team, the Bismarck Marlins, took a bit of beating tonight. Unfortunately most of it was self-inflicted. He pitched two innings and did a pretty decent job. In his first inning he delivered three strikeouts in a row and then the next time he took the mound… something happened. He got inside his own head.

    I know from experience that as soon as this happens he starts to ‘lose it’ and becomes more agitated. Instead of resetting and focusing he starts to think too much about what he’s doing instead of relying on what he’s been conditioned to do. If he can master the head games of baseball he’ll be one unstoppable player. I’m really proud of the job he does regardless of his performance because in the long run he’s learning how to overcome some pretty big mental hurdles in order to succeed with the physical ones.

  • Birthday Cake

    barbiecake

    Today my beautiful wife celebrates her sometieth birthday! At her request (and her health) she asked me not to bake her a cake, so I thought I would render her one that she would remember from her golden birthday! With three girls in her family the ingenious girl cake made frequent appearances. The mechanics are really simple. It involved baking a cake in a bowl-shaped pan and then shoving the torso of a doll into the middle. Boom! Instant princess. Now you had a dress that could be frosted and decked out with whatever confectionery concoctions you desired.

    I don’t know if an actual Barbie doll was used or not. If so, it would have to be one in poor condition. Their value would certainly prevent a daughter’s willingness to amputate the legs. My guess is that the Barbie chosen would likely be the one with the gnarly haircut mishap. Having grown up with sisters I’ve seen how little girls cut hair and it ain’t pretty.

    Happy Birthday, Suzie!

  • Dog Racing

    turbodog

    It was brought to my attention recently that our town has an annual Wiener Dog Race. The Dauxie Races will be held today from 1-4pm as part of the “Jaunt with Jilli” Pet Walk event at Sertoma Park. I actually know of one particular contestant who has trained hard for this day and would like to give a shout out to Max Taylor! I can’t say that I’ll be able to make it to cheer him on, but the rest of you who relish a good canine contest, better leave now to see if you can ketchup (sorry).

  • Garage Sales

    garagesale

    One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Such is the premise behind the garage or rummage sale. It’s not a mystery that most sales occur in the spring or fall which happens to coincide with the thorough cleansing of households everywhere. In some cases, you could slip a ‘b’ into the middle of the word ‘garage’ on every sign you make and still never be accused of false advertising. That being said we’ve found some really valuable stuff at these sales. Take, for instance, the bike carrier that would usually retail for around $100 that we picked up for a crispy Lincoln. Or the vintage, teal-colored ice crusher thingy that we never use but just happens to match the decor of our 50s era kitchen. Sometimes it’s the adventure of finding something you weren’t looking for that makes rummaging so much fun.

  • So Long, Sailors!

    sailor

    I was fortunate enough to be there for the final night of Legacy Kids’ Vacation Bible School. Earlier this week, my wife cast off with her crew of over 50 volunteers for a ‘High Seas Adventure’ while I was away. Watching her close tonight made me realize how lucky I am and how gifted she is. From the decorating and organization to the energy of her presentation, she is passionate about bringing kids to learn about Jesus. She has a great staff of volunteers to help her pull off the impossible every year and though it’s a lot of work, they still manage to have some fun. I am very proud of the work she does and look forward to seeing more of her in the coming weeks! It’s really good to be home!

  • Shoe Shine

    It’s funny how archaic some services have become. I couldn’t help but notice one such service in the lobby opposite the elevators in our Denver motel: the shoe shine. Most of the time the elevated leather chairs served as a nice comfy locale for someone to chat on their cell phones but I did manage to witness an executive get his wingtips buffed out. I was immediately struck by how subservient this job is – just by matter of stance. The guy giving the shine can only be described as lowly. Even if the two were to trade spots, the giver is a servant to the receiver. It’s not like this is an unnecessary task, but it’s not often that you witness someone paying to publicly enslave another in this manner. Weird.

  • Tree Hugging

    Domtar Paper had an interesting presentation to make about paper myths and facts during the HOW Design Conference in Denver. When the room was full they began to show a PowerPoint presentation when their computer (not so unexpectedly) crashed. They just so happened to have their entire presentation mounted on large pieces of poster paper (how clever).

    I have to admit that when it comes to enviro-consciousness paper users tend to be bombarded with negative propaganda. I have to say that Domtar took a gutsy stance considering the audience and are conducting a very creative campaign called ‘Put It On Paper’ to help spread the truth about paper and sustainability.

    According to Domtar, trees don’t really like being hugged. In that case please feel free to print this post.