We average a move about every 2 years, so it seems we are constantly packing and unpacking. Over the last couple of years we accumulated a number of boxes that we simply never unpacked. In other words, bunch of stuff we did not really need any more. We don’t have a storage unit, big basement, or storage shed like in the past so it was time to have a garage sale. All those things that you kept telling yourself you were going to use… take it from me, you’re never actually going to use 95% of it. That tape deck, those roller blades, or that picture without the glass in it… junk. Junk that was taking up half our garage space. Not really sure why but I feel this uneasiness when the garage is in disarray. I don’t feel that way when I throw my clothes on the floor at the end of the day or leave the commode seat up but the garage is sacred for some reason. Its a man thing I guess, perhaps its the man-nest!…. Any way!, My point is that it felt great to actually get money for that old stuff. The first pic is of our little sale after the initial rush What I did not consider was the type of people that would show up, the questions they would ask and what they would and would not buy. You have the old ladies that arrive really early and try to get you to open early so they can get first dibs. Beware, these ladies will tackle you for quilts. Next come the old men. They usually don’t really look at what you have, they just ask you if you have X or Y. When you tell them no they ask, “Why not?” I’m not really sure how to answer that one. Then come the middle aged couples. These usually seem to be the best buyers (should be your target market in my opinion). Get ready because they are going to Uzi you with questions about prices and deals. But it is the middle aged singles that are most concerning.
Here is an example question I got from this group:
How much for that thing up there in your garage? (clearly not part of the the sale)
Do you have any cell phones, what plan are you with, can I see your cell phone?
Guess how many wives I’ve had.
Did you know that Asian nail salons use Dremels to buff nails?
These represent the first questions, it goes down hill from there. I appreciate them for helping us purge our extra stuff. If you’re in the South, I can assure you that you will attract a colorful crowd. The second pic is of the kids reliving good times on an old toy.
Yesterday I was trying to help Char straighten things up and placing Binh and Ava’s shoes on our little shoe rack by the door. Being a little strange, I tried to arrange the shoes in an efficient pattern to preserve area for the rest of the shoes. I ended up with the arrangement shown in the picture to the right (except that I moved the shoes to the middle to make a better picture). I thought to myself, they will wear those little shoes about a month longer. One can brush aside these little revelations or use them to give a little more of yourself.
This video has two parts. The first was taken in the confines of Ava’s dance studio. I learned that when you have kids, it opens up a whole other society. One part of that society is kid activity society. There are so many kids and parents in this place and you are only seeing the third that are in view and not already in classrooms. Ava is so excited. She can’t wait to get in there even though she doesn’t really know what is waiting for her. The second part is a clip of Binh doing his first zip line. We went to an indoor play area that was awesome. Binh is great at holding on to things and climbing so we were curious to see if he could do it and would like it. There were older kids there that were afraid of the zip line. For him, doing it was easy but liking it required some encouragement. However, before the hours was over, he would zip across the room as many times as we put him up there.
There are plenty of things to talk about and be thankful for this past week. First, Fay has come and gone and luckily done little more than help “water-in” our fire ant granules. I spent a lot of time moving big things around this weekend only to find that they either did not fit or didn’t look good. We still tried to have fun doing it though.
One benefit to having a small child (below the 50th percentile) like Binh is that the Pediatrician reminds you at every visit to keep the calories up. One way we do that is to put real butter on nearly everything we give him. Basically that means I also get to put that same rich delicious spread on just about anything that will hold it.
I am also thankful for beat up knees. Ava is a little clumsy at times however these cuts and scrapes are the kind you never feel because you are having too much fun at the time. She was not even aware of these until I asked her about them.
I am also thankful for all the laughs the kids provided this weekend. We have some great videos to post in the coming days (Getting a little late tonight). However, I just had to post this video tonight. Char and I put a desk on Craigslist and had the computer open to check the sale. Next thing we know Ava is up at the table and pushing buttons. Char asked her what she was doing and her response was so funny I grabbed the camera and asked her again and she returned the same response. The sobering fact of the matter is that in 5 more years I’ll be asking her to program my TiVo…
Yesterday Ava went to her first Ballet class. What a hoot! She was so excited and we got some great pics. Char will post them over on metaphase this weekend. I think the coming week’s Youtube Tuesday will be a little video Char shot in the studio. There were so many kids in there! We are not pageants freak parents or trying to jump into the Yuppie role, we are worried about Ava’s balance. It’s not very good, she trips over air currents and such. Somehow she has avoided really hurting herself but that is purely luck. I talked with a couple of dads there, supporting their children on the first day of dance. They seemed like good guys so I did not feel so strange. This was my first experience with organized child activities and surely not my last.
Char has the camera to print off some hard copy pics at the request of those less technically savvy in the family so I don’t have any updated pics today. However, I did scan an interesting ad from the back of the Smithsonian. The name of the travel agency is Serious Traveler, I guess you would have to be if you chose Iran or Georgia as one of your top “exotic” destinations. Initially, one might see this as a misleading attempt at improving their image. The Iranian government does not have a good track record in terms women’s rights or capital punishment. However, if you have ever had the pleasure of meeting someone from Iran you might be surprised. One of my TAs was from Iran and probably one of the most intelligent and respectful people I met in grad school. Even though the government has such an anti-American slant the people still continue to warm to American ideas and people.
Yesterday Binh started a not-so-subtle way of saying he was ready for the main course. The first time seeing this I thought it was just luck and stood close by to ensure he did not crack his head. However, he has now started doing it around every meal time. Note that the height of his highchair seat is about equal to his.
He communicates very effectively through action. If Binh wants a drink he goes and jerks on the refridgerator door, if he wants a snack he stands and yells at the top of his lungs directly at the pantry door (like it will just give way at some point).
Another thing to notice is the fact Ava is placing “mommy bear” in Char’s actual seat. She has four bears that each represent a member of the family. She brings me two or more bears and says, “Daddy bear and Ava bear talking.” Another more daddy distrubing comment she says is “Ava bear has earrings?” Where in the world did she get that? Perhaps mommy bear or Tutu bear? We have started to use her bears as a way of re-enforcing things like sleeping in the big girl bed and learning to potty.
We have been looking for a church and tried our second today. We have not been taking Binh and Ava to the nursery because we felt it might be too traumatic. Bouncing them around from one set of strangers and strange environment to another each Sunday might take some undoing once we actually find the right place. You can imagine the challenge that managing a 1 year old and a very talkative 2 year old in a congregation might be. Well, Binh started squirming and kicking so Char took him out at about the halfway point. About 10 minutes later, Ava is starting to become more difficult. She just wants to talk and can’t really understand why the big guy with a microphone can talk and she can’t. I told her to be quiet about once every 2 minutes. We were sitting in the back of the sanctuary so that when we did have to escort the kids out, it didn’t annoy as many. We were sitting in a sea of white heads and hats. I guess there were hearing assistance terminals back there or something. Needless to say, I did not get the feeling that Ava’s periodic chatter was well received by those already straining to hear without interference. So now for the straw that forced us to leave; Ava farted. Not just a little one but one that resonated the pew cushion, which was followed by a gleeful and proud, “I farted!” No one laughed but me (understandably, it went over like a fart in church). How do you not laugh at that?
I often wonder what genetic and environmental influences I have or will have on Ava and the proportion of the two.Sometimes I see some not so good things like my stubbornness or temper as well as better things like active imagination or pattern recognition skills.I herd a wise person recently say that one the most important parts of being a good parent is knowing yourself.I guess that is partially because if you are aware of your baggage you can make a concerted effort not to pass it on.Easier said than done but I am trying.
Then I think about Binh, he arrived with a small bag that I can’t open.Even if I could, I don’t think I would really know how to make the best use of it.That is the amazing thing about love, it truly helps you get to the root of the problem.I think about the fact that, up until months ago, I had absolutely no influence on who he was.He is experiencing so many changes and taking everything in stride.
Events over the last 24 hours had me thinking about these things.Yesterday we went to the beach and this morning the kids and I played in the yard.Watching Ava and Binh at the beach, exploring, discovering and learning, I saw my self equally in both of them.Ava was cautious but curious to see where the fish went.Binh loved to use a shovel in the sand.Both found the waves intimidating but fascinated by how they broke into whitecaps.This morning we went out back to play and give mom a break.Ava chose to swing and Binh was distracted on his way to the slide by some brightly colored bugs.When he looked up and realized that Ava and I were at the swing he quickly made his way over to the ladder / rock wall and began to climb.Once at the top he chose to go down feet first on his belly.
Everything Binh and Ava did by impulse in the last 24 hours remind me of stories told to me about how I was growing up.Thinking back about this gave me a great feeling.In the end, it doesn’t really matter whether your child is biological, adopted, or fostered, simply add love and you will find what you are looking for in your family.
Lastly, one great thing about marrying the perfect person is that they are also the perfect person for the good and bad of your children.
OK, that’s what I hope to write at some point. I love motorcycles! One of my early memories was my dad putting me on the back of his lime green Honda 250 and riding me around the block when I was about 6 or so. I had a bike in high school (Kawasaki 305 LTD). That was back in the day of the Honda Rebel 250 and that 305 would eat a Rebels lunch. I sold the LTD just before coming into the military. Once at my first duty station, a guy with a Yamaha Radian (600 or 650) modified for racing got into a jam and needed to sell. I bought it with the idea I could buy low and turn it around for at least $500 profit. Honestly, I was scared of it. The cylinders were bored out, cams advanced 5 degrees, and a 4:1 pipe configuration. It was geared low to get off the line fast so getting from 0 – 100 was like being shot out of a rocket. Needless to say I fell in love with it and did not sell it until transferring to Japan. That metallic green Yamaha contributed to Char and I meeting and falling in love (Will save that for some other time). After Japan and more schooling we ended up in Hawaii where I bought a brand new Suzuki Katana 600R. I had just gotten a check for half of my reenlistment bonus which was over $6000 and enough to buy the Katana. It was beautiful and perfect for the island of Oahu. When we got back state side I sold it to a young guy who approached me and asked if I wanted to sell it. He offered more than a fair price so I said OK. When I sold it in 2000, I told Char that I purchased that with my bonus money and I expect to be able to purchase a reasonable bike in the future. Well, now I feel is that time. With gas prices what they are and me having to commute 80 miles a day it was time to do a little math, excel is my best friend. I did a little 5 minute cost comparison worksheet to determine how much I would realistically save per year if I rode a motor cycle 100 workdays each year (a little over one third of the time). I took into account the current price of gas, insurance, etc. The one assumption I had to make was which bike to use. I am getting older so a foreign cruiser seems to be the way to go. I chose a 2004 Honda 750 V-Twin Siverado and estimated a conservative 55 miles to the gallon. My current ride, Jeep Cherokee with a 4.0 L straight six, gets about 20 – 25 highway. Long story short, riding the motorcycle just 100 days out of the year saves us roughly $2,350 / year.
That’s my argument, but as you can imagine, some are not particularly excited by this, namely Char. She points out that only one person can drive it, its dangerous, we can’t put car seats on it, all of which I understand. To her credit, she has not been stomping around slamming doors or anything but been giving me her semi-biased point of view. Only those who ride motorcycles can understand the experience and freedom you feel. Its the fastest way to wind down from a hectic day. No news radio, no cell phone or texting, just a clutch, shifter, throttle and break with the wind in your face.
Char and I have been watching the Olympics after the we put the kids to sleep. How awesome is it to watch Phelps win yet another gold and break another record or the tough luck gymnastics team that had been written off by the NBC commentators win a medal against all odds. Why are the Olympics great? Because it is one of the few times it is acceptable to the majority to have some national pride. I am nearly as proud to serve (in the military) as I am of our children! Just look at these two!
These are our two little Olympians and they are awesome. Mom and TUTU went in together to buy Ava a swing set for her birthday. I think Char did a little online research and came up with the Trail Blazer sold at Walmart for a very reasonable $300. I’m guessing it came with well over 1000 parts but the instructions were fairly clear and most of the stuff was in the one of the two boxes. The first You-tube Tuesday from our new home in Alabama is of he kids enjoying their swing set. They could play on this thing for hours. It rained today so the ground was a little soggy as you can see by Binh’s wet behind. We have a lot of fun with it. I would recommend one of these to anyone who has a child 2 – 6.
Sorry it’s been so long! A good chronological list of events contributing to the hiatus can be found at metaphase. In addition to finishing school, buying a home, moving out of Boston, moving into a home, getting things livable in 5 days then taking off for another school for 5 weeks, my computer died. The school was not terribly difficult but simply took every waking moment.
As soon as I got home there was a honey-do list waiting and actually full of fun stuff. First was to put a tricycle together and another was to assemble a ”backyard play center.” The things with the slide, little rock wall, club house, pick-nick table, etc. Did that ever take a while but in the end, it was worth every minute and penny. The look on Ava and Binh’s faces when they walked out and saw that thing for the first time was absolutely priceless. It acted like a catalyst, stirring this dormant energy that took them to a whole new level of excitement never seen before. It was actually a little scary, I just needed to know that it would end at some point. It did and they slept nearly an hour later this morning, worth every penny. Video in the next day or so of them playing on it to do the post justice.
I know there are a number of family operating philosophies out there. Ours is more traditional, meaning if a bad major decision is made or something major goes wrong, 51% of the blame lies on the man of the household (not necessarily always the man mind you - depending on state). However, in our case this would land in my lap. This move was our most complicated and risky. In the end we worked together as a team and gotter done. We even got the guppy MC, Mini-Caleb, here alive, mission success! Our new homegot a stamp of approval from my mother-in-law, which is significant. I truly value her opinion because she has bought a couple of nice homes and has taste. No, no butt kissing here. I am allowed to love and respect my mother-in-law. Char still had to juggle life with two toddlers for 5 weeks. That may have been more difficult than anything I did. We are back together ready to move forward with this new family phase.
blades, or that picture without the glass in it… junk. Junk that was taking up half our garage space. Not really sure why but I feel this uneasiness when the garage is in disarray. I don’t feel that way when I throw my clothes on the floor at the end of the day or leave the commode seat up but the garage is sacred for some reason. Its a man thing I guess, perhaps its the man-nest!…. Any way!, My point is that it felt great to actually get money for that old stuff. The first pic is of our little sale after the initial rush What I did not consider was the type of people that would show up, the questions they would ask and what they would and would not buy. You have the old ladies that arrive really early and try to get you to open early so they can get first dibs. Beware, these ladies will tackle you for quilts. Next come the old men. They usually don’t really look at what you have, they just ask you if you have X or Y. When you tell them no they ask, “Why not?” I’m not really sure how to answer that one. Then come the middle aged couples. These usually seem to be the best buyers (should be your target market in my opinion). Get ready because they are going to Uzi you with questions about prices and deals. But it is the middle aged singles that are most concerning. 
rack by the door. Being a little strange, I tried to arrange the shoes in an efficient pattern to preserve area for the rest of the shoes. I ended up with the arrangement shown in the picture to the right (except that I moved the shoes to the middle to make a better picture). I thought to myself, they will wear those little shoes about a month longer. One can brush aside these little revelations or use them to give a little more of yourself. 
at every visit to keep the calories up. One way we do that is to put real butter on nearly everything we give him. Basically that means I also get to put that same rich delicious spread on just about anything that will hold it.
I am also thankful for beat up knees. Ava is a little clumsy at times however these cuts and scrapes are the kind you never feel because you are having too much fun at the time. She was not even aware of these until I asked her about them. 
family so I don’t have any updated pics today. However, I did scan an interesting ad from the back of the Smithsonian. The name of the travel agency is Serious Traveler, I guess you would have to be if you chose Iran or Georgia as one of your top “exotic” destinations. Initially, one might see this as a misleading attempt at improving their image. The Iranian government does not have a good track record in terms women’s rights or capital punishment. However, if you have ever had the pleasure of meeting someone from Iran you might be surprised. One of my TAs was from Iran and probably one of the most intelligent and respectful people I met in grad school. Even though the government has such an anti-American slant the people still continue to warm to American ideas and people.
