Apr 2008
Desert Trek
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Today, I had planned to stay home from work to
work on finishing up my graduate school classes,
but Skyler started getting sick last night. He
got the stomach flu and I spent the day with him.
We played and had lots of fun. I even got some
work done. Later in the afternoon, we took the
trash to the curb and then decided to hike for a
bit in the desert. Since he was only in his
diapers, I put him on my shoulders. We saw the
"owey-cactus" and some birds. He liked seeing our
house from back there.
Papa Stu and Grama Gwen
Monday, April 21, 2008
This weekend I drove
us to Durango, Colorado to visit Papa Stu and Grama
Gwen. Our theme song was Shambala by Three Dog Night.
Skyler would sometimes sing the chorus and got
mad if Renea or I sang it! Overall, though, he
did really well and it was a very pleasant trip.
I decided to book us at a Hampton Inn in Gallup,
New Mexico on the way up there. The weather was
perfect the entire weekend and it was good to
not have plans - just hang out and relax. Skyler
loved going for rides on Papa Stu's tractor,
scaring the dogs in his monster voice, and
playing with his grandpa's toy train. Here are photos
of our visit.
Death and That Other Thing
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Renea and I used a "tax guy" this year to help
with getting our taxes due down a lot. I learned
my lesson and will never drive to the post office
after the work day on April 15th. Tonight I went
to our local post office to read a bunch of signs
stating that it was too late to get it postmarked
today, so I had to drive a few miles to another
city. When I got close to my destination, I saw
lots of cars backed up, thinking there was some
rock concert or sporting event. No, it was about
1000 vehicles/people waiting to get into this
giant parking lot to drop off tax returns. It
took about an hour in line, but I had talk radio
to listen to, so I wasn't too upset.
NASCAR? No way!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Well, I did what I
thought I'd never do: go to a real NASCAR event. My brother
invited my dad, Joe, and myself to the Bashas' 200 race, which was
part of an entire weekend of different races.
The feeling I got when I walked up the steps to
see dozens of cars on their practice runs was
amazing. Even more amazing was walking along the
fence and feeling my whole body tremble when the
pace car jetted into the pits and every massive
engine exploded instantly to gain speed.
Talk Radio LIVE!
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
I dragged Renea to an
event at the Maricopa County Events Center
to see Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, and Hugh Hewitt, moderated by
State Treasurer Dean Martin. It was a forum
based on written questions from the audience. We
had good seats and enjoyed it, discussing issues
the entire trip home. "Talking" was one of the
pieces of advice for a successful marriage.
QT!
Monday, April 07, 2008
Bronson and I made our
weekly trip to QT after his music therapy session. When
we went back to the van, I just had to get out
the camera and take this photo.
Missing "Happy Birthday To You" Twice
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Skyler was invited to
two birthday parties around the same time and he
left one early to go to the other...and missed
singing Happy Birthday To You. Renea said they had
been practicing all week for it. He still had a lot
of fun flying a Buzz Lightyear kite and
playing on the swings. He is now taking a
much-needed nap.
Hockey and The Office
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Tonight I met up with Bronson and his family for
a Coyote's hockey game. I
left before the third period, while they
were losing 3-0, but had a great time.
When I got home, I started watching the recorded DVD of The Office episodes that were running as repeats tonight. At the end of the first show, there was a teenager playing the theme song on the piano at someone's home. Towards the end of his performance, text came across the screen which read "In Memoriam, Nathan Robinson". I immediately Googled the name and found out that he was a young teenager who passed away a couple of weeks ago. It was very sad to learn about his death, but it also was really good to see something like this being aired on national television, and as a result, all over the internet.
When I got home, I started watching the recorded DVD of The Office episodes that were running as repeats tonight. At the end of the first show, there was a teenager playing the theme song on the piano at someone's home. Towards the end of his performance, text came across the screen which read "In Memoriam, Nathan Robinson". I immediately Googled the name and found out that he was a young teenager who passed away a couple of weeks ago. It was very sad to learn about his death, but it also was really good to see something like this being aired on national television, and as a result, all over the internet.
