Pool Party At Chuck's

Chuck and Deb had an impromptu pool party today. We had a great time with everybody. Of course, the girls spent the entire time in the water.

My B-Day

No pictures. But, I figured I should blog since it was my birthday yesterday. Turned 46 (yucch). I remember turning 40 and panicking that my life was over. Now, 40 seems young. Someday I guess 46 will seem young (is that possible?).

The girls don't understand why I don't "celebrate" birthdays. I guess the reason is I've always been morbidly aware of my mortality (much more so than most people). Birthdays are just another marker that I'm one step closer to the end of the journey than the beginning.

The girls insisted on getting presents for me. But, they both forgot yesterday was my birthday. Shayna had a party to attend and was completely caught up in that. Normally, they'd each make cards for me. No cards from either yesterday. Today, Shayna sheepishly presented me with a card (hand made, of course) and handed me a pencil saying I would need it. The gist of the card was that she had been self-centered (yes, she used that phrase at 7) and was so focused on Annika's birthday that she had forgotten my birthday. She then told me that I'm the best Daddy in the world (again). And she had a multiple choice question for me. Did I forgive her for forgetting my birthday? Well, there was nothing to forgive; which I assured her of.

We had Jon and Julie over for a spur-of-the-moment dinner (just hamburgers, potato casserole and a salad). It was a lot of fun. We ended up hanging out on the deck (until the mosquitoes chased us in). Jon and I ended up in our obligatory debate about the existence of G-d and spent a good deal of time talking about our escapades on the golf course.

All-in-all, it was a great birthday. This morning I got up and went for a bike-ride before church. The girls and Ty are headed off to the pool (first official time since we joined). I'm going to do the shipping labels. Then, continue the pig-out weekend by having a steak on the grill. Hopefully, I won't put the entire 10 pounds I've lost over the last month back on this weekend. But, sometimes you gotta splurge. I can always go back on the diet Tuesday.

Shayna...

I forgot we took this picture of Shayna on my birthday. It's one of the best of her ever, I think. Her hair is completely natural after being washed. Totally unstyled.

It's Tuesday, This Must Be Costco

Actually, any day of the week is Costco day. The place is mesmerizing. We're there all the time. We go to get toilet paper and end up spending $200. It's nuts. I know the pictures of standing in line at Costco are getting boring. Maybe next time I'll take one of the gas pump. ;-)

Welcome...

Today, the girls were unofficial greeters at Nexus. Ty and I joined the church officially today by being "sworn in".

Kayla's New Bike

After much searching all over Cincinnati (at least 3 stores, I think 4), we finally found a suitable bike for Kayla. One wasn't the right color. She didn't want the other because it was "wobbly" (in the store). Finally, we found one in a nice girly color. It even says fashion something-or-other on it. She's getting used to the handbrakes and the gears.

Golfing with Jon

Jon and I are getting out once a week. It's great. We go out during the day when no one else is on the course and play about three rounds in one. We still get done in less than 4 hours and it's great practice. If only the balls weren't so expensive.

IHN

We had training today for the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Ty and I plan to help host temporarily homeless families in churches while they get job training and other assistance to get them back on their feet.

Not completely over...

I realize there are some readers of my blog (really-why would you read this?) who might have mistook what I meant when I said Project 365 is over. I should probably just rename it to Project 120 or something. I do intend to keep the blog going. But, I've given up the idea (and the pressure) of trying to do a post and a picture every day. It's just not possible for me.

I did go back and fill in a few posts from late April and early May. So, if you're interested, scroll down to see those.

Thanks for the encouragement, guys.

Peace,
Brian

Project 365 Is Over...

I'm one that hates to admit defeat. But, it's time to face reality. Project365 has kicked my butt. It's over. I did pretty well for a couple of months. And, it seems like such a simple thing. But, I just cannot find the time to get a post/day done. There is never a moment when it seems like there isn't something else I should be doing. I'm trying to prioritize the important over the urgent. But, when there's so much urgent, it's easier said than done.

Someone asked me a couple of days ago how many hours/week I work. I really don't think about it that way (in terms of hours/week). But, if I had to give an estimate, I'd guess about 60 right now. Usually I'm in the office around 7-8 am and I leave around 6pm (or after). That's Monday-Friday. Then, Saturday I'm either making product or putting product away. I try to take Sunday's off. But, yesterday, I spent a couple of hours making product (and a couple on Saturday, too).

I'll continue to try to get a picture up when I can and keep blogging memorable occasions. But, a picture a day ain't happening right now. Might as well face that.

Here's a shot of my desk/office. You can't even get a true sense of the clutter from this picture. The entire office is a wreck! I keep saying I'm going to clean it up.... tomorrow...

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day we took Ty to P.F. Chang's. Shayna made a plate for her in Brownies and did a tear-jerker card by hand (literally, Ty ended up sobbing). Kayla made a beautiful apron in her sewing class. The weather was perfect and it was a great Mother's Day for Ty.

Slow Hand Gregg

Today, Gregg sang with the Nexus Youth Band. Still trying to figure out how to take a shot in low light without getting blur. As you can see, Gregg's sharp. But, his hand...

Derby Party II

We had our 2nd Annual Derby Party. We had a great time. We had neighbors, the Bogarts and Gregg and Jill. Interestingly, Horacio and Carolina came. Since it was Cinco De Mayo and they're from Mexico, we just knew they wouldn't be able to make it because there'd be some big Cinco De Mayo celebration with their Mexican friends. Wrong! Horacio told us they don't even celebrate Cinco De Mayo and wonder what all the fuss is about in the US.

Amy won the pot for the race. You could never tell she was excited though with all the jumping up and down and screaming.

Oh yeah, several of the women did not wear hats. This is not acceptable behavior for a Derby. Just a warning for next year. We will have "booby hats" for anyone who doesn't wear their own. We heard some pretty lame excuses. You will not want to be caught without a hat for Derby Day 2008. So, start shopping now.

Nexus Officially Welcomed to the UCC

Today, Ty, the girls and I went to Nexus' official welcoming to the UCC. It was a really cool ceremony. I love the inclusiveness of the UCC. There was black gospel choir, we sang "hymns" that were written in the 20th century- traditional hymn format but with modern lyrics. We sang a song in some African language (can't remember which one). And, the sermon was given by an African American man.

Here's a picture of Gregg accepting our acceptance.