102

Madeline painted Easter eggs today. She had a great time doing it, and did a good job. She is one creative child. She lost another tooth last night, number four for her I think. She has two missing currently, and looks like she belongs in southern Missouri.

Alex, and her youth group at church, did a living Stations of The Cross last night. It was pretty cool. I don't think I've been to Stations since I was in grade school. It was neat all over. Makes me wonder if I'd have been strong enough to stand up for Christ. I doubt it.

I ran my 102nd mile today. 398 to go. It's getting addicting. I just wish my knee would quit hurting. Stupid aging body.

I got to print in the darkroom tonight. I miss it so much. I was without a film camera for a few weeks. I couldn't take it, so I sold some gear and purchased one. I love film. I just wish it were less time consuming and easier. The whole process is so much more rewarding than digital is to me. Digital is easier though, and cheaper.

From grade school through high school, I had a great friend named Andy. Andy's mother passed away a week ago. I went to her funeral on Tuesday. I haven't seen Andy for at least twelve or thirteen years, and don't really know why. I was surprised at how touched I was at the funeral, at how much I felt for Andy and his family. It's funny how some feelings never leave us. I got to talk to Andy on Tuesday night; something I've looked forward to for a long time. I can't believe we're so old now, and have let so much of life get past us without sharing it. I hope we will stay in touch now.

Three weeks from now, I'll be at Taneycomo with the Troutslayers. Angie keeps asking me if I've already left in my mind. Not yet, but very soon dear.

Peace-
Matt

More of the Same

Last Sunday we had a pretty good meltdown. What you see above is our drive way. It was a swamp. Well, the cold air quickly returned and the swamp turned to solid ice again. I've been working all week chipping away at it. We have an eight inch curb of ice to cross each time we pull in and out of the driveway. Come on spring!!!!!

Today, Alex asked me if she could get her cartilage pierced (the upper part of her ear). I made a deal with her. I told her I'd let her get it pierced if she would agree to wear a dress that goes below her knees to the next dance. She agreed. Is that one for me or for her?

The day Robby died, Angie and I were out looking at used cars on a repo lot. In fact, we believe that at the moment he breathed his last, we were looking at a 94 Escort. We ended up buying that car. It's been a great car for us. We're sort of emotionally attached to it. Today, we passed the car on to my brother. It was time to get rid of it. We've put probably 100 miles on it max in the last two years. Tom needed a car, and it now belongs to him. It's weird not having it sitting out there. Like moving on I guess. I'm glad it's staying in the family though. I hope it serves Tom well. He needs that, we need that.

Peace-
Matt

Leap

Five and a half.

Believe it or not, I'm trying to bitch less during lent. Ask those I live with and they'll probably laugh. I am trying though. It's so easy to get going down the negative thoughts path, and it's very difficult to switch paths; at least for me.

It's still winter here. It's been nice this week though. By nice, I mean it's been above single digits, with quite a bit of sunshine. It even rained the other day for quite a while. I swear I could smell spring. I could feel it in my lungs. I could hear it. It's not far off now, and THAT makes me happy.

The sun was breaking the horizon on my way to work this morning. I so wanted to park and watch as it changed the landscape in front of me. It's been a while since I've seen the sun rise, and really watched it carve the land. The snow was blowing and drifting, and with the light, it was really beautiful. If I lived somewhere without winter, I think I'd miss it a little. Wouldn't I?

Madeline's 1/2 birthday is tomorrow. She'll be 5 1/2. It's a big deal to her (remember when it used to be big for you?), so I'm making it a big deal for me. She wants me to get her up early and take her to breakfast. I wish I could. I told her I'd take her to breakfast for supper tomorrow night. I take her out to pick out a small gift after that. She's taken to laying her clothes out the night before. That's what you see above. She's fun. It's weird how I seem to appreciate all the little things she does more than I remember appreciating her sisters when they were her age. Is it because she's my last, or my youngest? Maybe it's because I'm older now.

Happy Tuesday night-
Matt

(PS - The ice age is coming)

Back to Reality

Florida was awesome. What a great gift. It was in the 80's, low humidity, lots of sun, slight breeze - perfect. I didn't want to leave. I stayed outside as much as possible. I should have slept out there. The warm fresh air does wonders. It sure was nice to escape winter for a couple of days, roam around with my camera, smoke cigars without wearing gloves, and to visit with my in-laws. I wish Angie could go now. Winter is making her nuts too. Isn't it everyone?

The trip back was sure a pain in the butt though. Engine problems, emergency landing, waiting for a new plane, refueling problems, seating problems, scary pilot, 12 hour trip back. I hate flying, but always seem to forget why.

We woke up this morning to Madeline puking and pooping. Angie had to be on the phones today, so I stayed home with Madeline until Alex got out of school at noon. When I left for work she was back to herself, dancing around in her new dress.

The run last Saturday was fun. The weather was really not an issue. It was sunny, which helped. I overdressed for it and was pretty hot towards the end. We finished in 31 minutes, which is normal for me. I'm looking forward to a few more runs this year.

Peace-
Matt

Salute

Well the "big" run is in a few hours. It's 7 degrees here, windchill is 3 below. It's clear, so it will warm up quick. Might be a balmy 14 or so before run time. I'm ready. I have a small headache and I feel bloated this morning. Hopefully, some ibuprofen and a nice crap will take care of it.

The flight to Florida leaves at 6:25pm tonight. Not a minute too soon either. We are due to get another round of never ending winter tonight. Freezing rain, ice, and then a good drop of snow on top. Glad I'll miss it.

(PS - not my photo. I received it in an email yesterday. I'd give credit to the photographer, but don't know who it was)

40 days

It's another cold day. It was 4 below zero when we woke up this morning. The wind was blowing hard too. I wish I had a nickel for every time I've heard someone say "I'm so sick of winter". I'd have enough to fly to Florida this weekend. Oh, wait a minute, I am ;-)

It was pretty nice for a while yesterday though. I had a chance to get out for a bit. I went down to a favorite spot on the river near Madrid and shot the stuff above. Not my best, but fun nonetheless.

It's Lent now. We were snowed in on Wednesday, so had to postpone the annual ash marking to today. I like Lent. I wait for it. I like to have the opportunity for renewal. I take it serious every year, for the most part. This year is no exception. I feel good about it so far.

This Saturday is the Red Flannel Run. Please pray that it will be fairly warm for us. If it's like it was this morning, I might puss out.

Have a great week-
Matt

About Time

The Patriots finally lost. What a great game.

It's pretty cool watching my daughters get excited about football. I'm glad they like it and understand it, more or less.

Have a great week

Matt

Día de la Marmota

While Alex, Abby, and Angie were out doing their things tonight, Madeline and I went to the McDonald's Playplace for a while. We ended up being there for an hour at least. Best two bucks I've spent in a long time. She had a lot of fun.

I hope that little rodent sees no shadow tomorrow.

Peace

Matt

Growing Up

Got the Maxima back today. $1,082 for a tune up, one new injector, and 6 new injector seals. I feel violated.

Alex had a good time at her dance on Saturday night. Is it just me, or do you think her dress is too short too? Her birthday was yesterday. All she asked for from us is "more leniency". She wants us to be less strict. She wants to be able to go on a date now and then, and maybe to a "guy friend's" house. I told her today that all of her guy friends aren't just. They all want it to go further. But, of course, she knows way more than I do about everthing. I'm just lucky to be walking upright I guess, and not slobbering all over myself.

It was in the 50's today. Madeline built her first snowman solo. I pulled in the driveway when she was finishing up. She was so proud of herself. She did a heck of a job too. I think she would have preferred help, but her sisters were too busy sitting in the dark watching tv or on the computer.

Peace-
Matt

Kidney for Sale

I received a heck of a birthday gift from my father in law. He took pity on me and my winter woes, and bought me a round trip ticket to Florida for 3 days of warm air and photography. Wow, what a nice surprise. I fly down on 2/16 and back on 2/19. Thank you Vince & Marie!

Angie and I met, this morning, with Abby's principal and school counselor. It was a good meeting. Her counselor was prepared and has a good plan set in motion to help us, Abby, and her teacher all get along. I have faith that things will improve from here.

When I drove to work Thursday, the temp in the van read -24 deg F. It's supposed to be in the 30's (above zero) tomorrow, and maybe hit the 40's on Sunday. Sweet.

Alex has her first formal dance at school tomorrow night. I don't remember going to dances when I was a freshman. Things sure have changed. She had over 3500 text messages last month. I remember actually talking to my friends when I was her age. She texts instead of calling. They all do.

We got the Maxima into the shop. As I suspected, it was the injectors. They replaced all of the injectors seals, but it now is missing. They think it may be a bad injector. It's still in the shop, so we're down to one car for the weekend. I'm guessing it will cost just under a grand. I guess I don't need both kidneys.

I still haven't taken the van in for an estimate on the front bumper. Right now I've got some gorilla tape holding it together. Classy, I know.

My brother in law, George, and I are going to run in the Red Flannel Run in downtown Des Moines in a couple of weeks. We're doing the 3 mile run. It will be my first official run. Should be a good time, especially if it's above zero.

Peace-
Matt

Blue Monday

It's Monday, and I'm still bitching. I cut a fat chunk of skin off of my finger while doing dishes yesterday. It's been 24hours and it still hasn't quit bleeding. I guess I should call the doctor? I hate to do it, because I really can't afford a $50 bandaid. Why was I doing dishes you ask, when I just spend almost a grand installing a dishwasher and I have two perfectly healthy daughters who could do it? Good question!!!!

Today is Blue Monday. Wikipedia says :"Blue Monday is a name given to a date calculated to be the most depressing day of the year." "The date was calculated by using many factors, including: weather conditions, debt level (the difference between debt accumulated and our ability to pay), time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and feeling of a need to take action. "

Makes sense to me.

Snake Eyes

**Attention - Bad Attitude rant with lots of cussing and sarcasm. Read at your own risk**

It's been a damn cold winter this year. Probably all the global warming.

I'm having a hard time having a good attitude lately. Life is getting to me.

The Maxima smells like gas. I think one of the injectors is plugged/bad. The van is making some kind of popping sound. Sounds like it's something in the suspension. Yesterday I clipped a snow drift pulling out of a driveway and ripped the van's front bumper open. I'm pretty sure the obscene fucking ridiculous bullshit cold had something to do with it. The plastic bumper was brittle and the snow was hard as stone. That will probably cost me what $800?

Abby is having a rough time with her life. She's a tough kid to get along with. She's extremely emotional, is very self centered, and thinks everyone is out to get her. She can't see that she brings most of her trouble onto herself. We put up with it well at home, and try our best to work with her. Her classmates don't give a shit though, and don't put up with her like we do. Her teacher doesn't either. Her teacher is a bitch.

Patriots won again dammit.

I turn 39 on Thursday.

Tomorrow's Monday too. Yipee, I can't fucking wait to go to work.

See, I told you my attitude is bad.

Playoffs

Will somebody please beat the Patriots already!!!

I've added a link to my running log. No, you shouldn't care.

Have a good week,

Matt

Dragging

January always seems like the longest month of the year to me. I'm so ready for spring.

My goal for 2008 is to run 500 miles before my 40th birthday (1/24/09). I've got 490 miles left. I hate running indoors, and especially on a treadmill. It seems to take so much longer than it does when running outside.

Abby and Alex got their semester report cards this week. They both got all A's and B's. We couldn't be more proud of them.

Peace-
Matt

Heat Wave

We've been due and it's been nice

Ice Jam

Angie and I spent, what seems like, all weekend chopping ice from our driveway. You don't shovel snow one time and look what happens. There is now a 5 inch high "curb" of ice to climb when leaving our driveway. The driveway's clean now though.

I'm not supposed to say anything, but there are now three "women" in the house. Abby's had her first monthly visitor this weekend. Eleven seems awful young to us.

Peace-
Matt