Happy New Year

It's been a busy last few weeks. Christmas, and all the gatherings that go with it, were great. It's been fun spending time with everyone.

We've been watching a neighbors dog while they're in San Diego. Dog sitting for this little yappy brat has further fortified my dislike for the creatures. As cute as they sometimes might be, they're not for me. Especially when they piss on my carpet.

Miller's Thriller's are the 2008 Baker Group Fantasy Football champions.

I'm sure there's a lot more to say, but it's late and I'm braindead.

Happy New Year to you all. I hope it's the best one yet.

Peace-
Matt

Don't We All

It was 50 degrees F when I woke up yesterday. It was -3 degrees F when I woke up today.

Yesterday, I laid some carpet for a family that used to go to our church. My office job body is sore today. The best part about laying carpet is walking out of there when your done. The rest of it sucks. If anyone asks you if you know someone who lays carpet, please lie. I don't like to do it. I will do it for you, but no one else.

Alex is now working at Hy-Vee. She doesn't like it though. She told me "I have better things to do with my life".

Peace-
Matt

Song

Madeline had her school Christmas singing program on Monday, Abby has hers tomorrow. No, they don't call it a Christmas program. It's a "Winter Program". They did sing a song that mentioned God though, which is cool. We're not totally Obamanated yet.

It was 3 degrees, yes fahrenheit, this morning when I went to work. The winters are either getting colder (fuck you Al Gore) or I'm getting older.

The moon is near full tonight. With the snow on the ground, it is really bright out. I went out in the backyard and took a couple of photos. Doesn't feel too bad out if I dress right.

It's late and I'm tired. Talk to you soon.

Peace-
Matt

Discombobulated

It's a big word, I know, but it's how I feel. I thought I had a good handle on this parenting thing, until lately. All of a sudden I'm a dumbass and everything is my fault. I want to go camping for a while.

Sunbeam

Here's a photo, from tonight, of the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter.

If I'm going to be a sunbeam for Jesus (I've been called), I need to lighten up. Remind me of that, please.

Peace-
Matt

Piercing

Forgot to tell you...

Madeline got her ears pierced on Friday. She was so nervous sitting in the chair as they prepped her. They did both of her ears at the same time. As they counted to three tears welled in her eyes. They pulled the triggers on three. Madeline smiled and said "That's it?!".

Peace-
Matt

Gobble

Angie's brother Kevin and his family came over from Indiana for Thanksgiving. It was very nice to see them, as always. The kids are growing and are a lot of fun. We went to Smitty's for tenderloins. I haven't been there for 20 years or so. It was damn good. Living in Cambridge, I forget the good stuff Des Moines has to offer.

It was near 50 here yesterday. Tonight we've got about an inch of snow on the ground so far. Iowa!

We went to the tree farm yesterday and picked out a Christmas tree. It was pretty cool. Sure smells good.

Parenting a teenage girl has been a very stressful ordeal for me lately. I need to talk to her but don't know how. I'm really stressed about it. Sounds stupid, I know, but it's real. Fatherhood hurts.

Peace-
Matt

Sevens

I can feel the holiday mood creeping up in me. Yesterday, I heard Christmas songs on the radio for the first time this year. The kids have started their Christmas lists. Advent begins in about 10 days. We've begun shopping. This year we'll be getting our first real tree. Angie and I haven't had real Christmas trees since we were children. We're looking forward to it.

I have spoiled my children. Last night I was told "You never buy me anything". I'm a mean prick. I won't buy her a car for Christmas. I want her to get a job. How can I live with myself.

Fried my first turkey on Saturday. With Scot's help, it went very well. We didn't catch anything on fire and it turned out delicious. The garage still smells like a fast food kitchen though.

My brother George and I are headed to a KC Chiefs game this Sunday. They're 1-9 this year. They've lost 6 in a row I think. They're due for a good game and a big win. I'm glad we'll be there to see it. Should be a fun time.

I've been having knee pain every time I run lately. I'm not going to make my 500 mile goal. Oh well. I think I'll take up bike riding for next year?

Peace-
Matt

PS - Read your kid's text messages. It can be very enlightening to say the least.

Speechless

Peace-
Matt