Oregon Dad

Found:

2011-05-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

Lynn Margulis and Dorian Sagan (“What is Life?” 1995: 232)

Life is too shoddy a production… to have been designed by a flawless Master. And yet life is more impressive and less predictable than any “thing” whose nature can be accounted for solely by “forces” acting deterministically. The godlike qualities of life on Earth include neither omniscience nor omnipotence, although an argument could be made for earthly omnipresence…The cosmos, more dazzling than any sect’s god, is enough. Life is existence’s celebration.”

Hellllooooo Toast!

2010-09-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

School starts:

Mali plays defense on the girls JV soccer team. They won 2-0 and 7-2 their first two games, and there's some kind of jamboree this weekend.
Mali's courses:
- French
- Literature & Composition
- History
LUNCH - Andrew and Kyle have the same time.
- PE - Coach Terry is her teacher!
- Algebra

Andrew says "Senior IB = Junior IB on crack."
Last night's 5k did not go so well. He ran into a garbage can, a tree, and a Jesuit runner. Saturday is the Trask Mountain Assault - a fun (?) 3 mile race on steep slopes and across rivers.

Track season starts!

2010-03-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

Andrew PR'ed in his first 400m of the year! Time of 53.93s! This with tendinitis (Achilles) that's keeping him from fully practicing.

Mali's Birthday! 14 orbits!

2010-03-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

I took Mali, Andrew, and Mali's friend Tesia to Tom's Pancake House for a birthday breakfast. Then took Mali and Tesia to their first soccer game of the Spring Season, where they won 4-0! Woohoo!
I gave Mali a Flip Video camera, and I think she liked it. She started using it right away. As she set it up, she said, "What's the date?: Then laughed "oh yeah, my birthday." We all cracked up.
Andrew immediately posted it on Facebook.

Sports Update

2010-01-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

Andrew is no longer undefeated in the 100yd Backstroke! He came in third to a swimmer from Beaverton, and Southridge's freshman prodigy decided to do backstroke too. Still, Andrew was only 0.7 off his P.R., and he had been sick - as all of us had been after Christmas.
Mali has her first Futsal game today with her soccer team. Futsal is an indoor version of soccer played on hardwood floors with a smaller, hard ball that doesn't bounce much.

Christmas

2010-01-02T23:59:00.000-08:00

Andrew and Mali took the train to Tacoma from Portland and I scooped them up for a night at Grandma and Grandpa's. The morning of Christmas Eve I handed out some presents:
They asked for new Vans (shoes), which they got. Also included:
Magnetic Bucky Balls (and a little magnetic dude - not shown)

and new gloves, fingered AND fingerless.

PR Excitement

2009-10-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Andrew set a personal record in the 5k at the Southridge vs. Jesuit XC meet last night: 17:55.50, for 16th place against the obsessively good Jesuit team. It was the 5th best time for Southridge. I did not attend, as I am wrestling my new jobs in Redmond to the ground.

Saturday I retrieved the last of my stuff from the house in Beaverton. Mali studiously ignored me, while Andrew watched me like a hawk to ensure I did not leave with anything not on the official list. He is very protective of his mother, and I can appreciate that.

He is very funny. Once I walked up next to him and stood very close, hovering.
He just looked up and said, "You're in my bubble."
I love my boy.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

2009-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

Andrew has started his IB program at Southridge. I found this link to explain it:
Wikipedia - International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

Andrew runs fast!

2009-09-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

Southridge vs Beaverton XC meet:
Andrew runs 5000m in 18:08, for 10th place overall!

Weekend Sports Update

2009-09-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

I did not see any sports this weekend, but the internet tells me:

Andrew had TWO XC meets:
Friday's Bill Chapman Invitational he ran a respectable 18:34.
Saturday's Track Mt. Assault did not go so well, but I don't know what happened yet.

I did notice Felipe is back! He ran with Andrew on the Beaverton Track Club for awhile.

Mali's team lost Sunday 1-0 in the first game for their new coach. They have two games next weekend.

Mali wins!

2009-07-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

That's the swim meet news through the grapevine. I don't know what events or anything else - hopefully more news will be reaching me soon.

I am stuck at work. I even had to cancel my golf game with my dad and brothers tomorrow. Wednesday I go work in Portland for a couple of days.

Swim Meet

2009-07-18T23:59:00.000-07:00

Mali had a great swim meet! She won her freestyle - or at least her heat - and won the backstroke easily. Her freestyle relay won easily too.
Andrew stayed home sick - he has a sore throat again.

Grandpa Turns 70!

2009-07-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

Huge birthday bash for the old man - Over fifty people at the house - and still there was food leftover! LOTS of family and old friends there to help him celebrate. The brothers played a lot of lawn darts. Andrew won money, mostly at the Hillbilly (Ladder) Golf game. Denny's lawn-dart injury from the night/early-morning before (punctured foot, swollen), and David's still swollen finger (bicycle vs parked car) gave them excuses, but they narrowly avoided losing big to John and I in the lawn-dart game.

I took some photos of the grandkid group with my iPhone, but nothing worth sharing here. I'm hoping someone with a more substantial camera got a better shot, but it appears the distracted nature of the subjects is the issue. Below is a photo of Mali destroying the piñata fish on her first swing.

Mary brought the piñata, along with other activities for the kids. Mali spent most of the party carrying Cooper around. He was a maniac at the party, but it could have been lack of sleep and/or sugar intake contributing to that. Dalton and Conner spent most of their time playing with the new lawn beanbag game. Rylin was grumpy, but I finally got her to acknowledge my existence by allowing her to chase me around the yard.

Andrew gets a 5!

2009-07-02T17:34:00.001-07:00

Andrew gets a 5 on his AP US history test - the highest grade possible! Any grade 3 or higher qualifies the class to count for college credit.

Andrew called and paid $8 to get the results early. Folks not as excited about the test results have another month or so before the news is mailed out.

Gogo's: Fail. Star Trek: Fail. Transformers 2: Fail.

2009-06-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

An evening of disappointment!
Andrew and I headed out to Andrew's favorite restaurant: Gogo's Mongolian Grill, only to discover it is now: Gogo's Hamburgers and Salads.
It took as a minute of acute disorientation before we sorted it out.
- First - the giant fiberglass cow in front of the preparation bar.
- Second - the empty preparation bar, except for stacks of tomatoes and onions. The bar held no noodles, no broccoli, no sprouts, no chopped peppers; onions; pineapple, no steak; chicken; prawns; tofu; sausage, and no create-your-own-sauce.
- Third - No large, circular Mongolian grill.
The Mongolian grill-master was there, he's always there, but he was missing his grill sword, and standing behind an order screen. As I looked at him in confusion, he asked, "What can I get for you?"
I managed to stammer out "Mongolian grill?"
He pointed to the new menu board behind him. "No more Mongolian grill. Hamburgers now."

I let the folks behind us go ahead while I pondered this news. I looked at Andrew, who was wanting someone to punish for this travesty. He said, "I'm not eating here!" And so we left, driving back the other direction to go to our second-favorite spot, the Thai restaurant on Scholl's Ferry, where the waitress already knew our order of chicken salad rolls and fried chicken won-tons.

Then, I renewed my hatred of distribution monopolies. The new Star Trek movie is still only in Regal theaters, and they conspired to have no showtimes between 8:00 and 9:40. This killed my plan to take Andrew and Matias to see it. Instead we went to see Transformers II. This was not a fair trade, as there was at least an extra hour of nothing but CGI robots loudly fighting each other. As is usually the case, the first movie far outshines the sequel.
However, because that was the first day Transformers II was in theaters, the next showing was sold-out. We bought tickets for the following one, and walked to the mall and got ice-cream at Cold-Stone.

Father's Day Weekend

2009-06-23T02:40:00.000-07:00

The weekend was full of soccer and ballet. Mali had three soccer games and her big ballet performance. Andrew and I had a very nice Father's Day breakfast at Tom's Pancake house.
Here's some photos from the ballet. More on Flickr, especially another great Mali header.

Kids!

2009-06-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

I have the kids!

Paint Explosion

2009-05-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Del successfully unclogs the paint sprayer!

Murray Hill Cafe

2009-05-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

After a crazy day - a meeting with Zvi, a loooonnnnnng meeting with the lawyers, and then a late doctor's appointment where the doctor forgot about me and snuck out the back door with no one noticing,
I picked up Mali at home and Andrew at Tiana's and we headed down to the Murray Hill Cafe for dinner. On the way, we stopped at the Murray Hill substation to see what we could of Sunday's explosion that knocked out power for three hours. There was nothing to see but a bright shiny new transformer where the old one used to be.

Dinner was fine - though Andrew's lasagna had carrots in it, which just seems crazy to me. Mali ate half of her gnocci with chicken, and I had no trouble finishing off my ravioli and Andrew's leftover sauce (I left the carrots also.)
I dropped Andrew off at a friend's house on the other side of Weir, and then Mali took me on a tour of the new neighborhood, showing me where some of her friends lived.

Andrew's birthday

2009-05-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

Andrew appeared to like his second birthday present from me: The Game of Real Life. He opened it in the car on the way to breakfast at Tom's Pancake House. I watched him very much enjoy his happy birthday song phone call from his grandparents while also enjoying his chocolate-chip pancakes.

We picked up the other Andrew on our way home and I dropped them at the house.
Later: Andrew was surprised with a party at Kyle's house Saturday night. I think his birthday was a great success.

Happy Birthday, Andrew!!!!!

2009-05-16T08:41:00.001-07:00

I'm taking Andrew out for breakfast this morning - Tom's Pancake House, where I will drink lots of coffee and eat cinamon roll French toast. Woohoo!

Andrew's new 800m record: 2:02.7

2009-05-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

Oregon 6A High School Metro District Finals, Aloha, Oregon:
Andrew moved up from his 7th place seed to finish 4th in the 800m run with a new personal best time of 2 minutes and 2.7 seconds. Also a sophomore record at Southridge H.S., replacing the 2:04.23 record he set earlier in the season.
Lots of smiles. The only people to beat him were seniors. He was a tired and thirsty boy. We had sunshine and 70 degrees, a nice change from Wednesday's constant cold rain.
We waited until the very last moment of the event: the announcement of the winner of the 4x400m relay. Andrew did not run it this time, but he is the first alternate. Southridge came in third, but their was much discussion of disqualifying the first place team because of a mystery runner alongside the track. Since the first two teams go on to the State meet next weekend, it became a question of much interest to us. But there was no DQ, and so Andrew is now done with running until June, when cross country runs will start up again.

After the meet, he and I went to the Thai Orchid for our traditional chicken salad rolls and wontons. This was followed by a stop at Cold Stone for ice cream, where we bumped into another Southridge sophomore trackstar, Tiara, who was celebrating her victory in the 100m hurdles. Then I dropped my happy boy off at the elementary school by the house, where he met up with Andrew F. and Tiana.

More Track: Metro District Prelims

2009-05-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

Aloha High School, Metro District Track Prelim meet: Lots of rain, but Andrew still managed to essentially tie his 800m PR with a time of 2:04.25, good enough for 4th in his heat. He hates running in the rain. He will run in the finals on Friday, and the magic iPhone says no rain and 73 degrees. Yay!

GoGo's Mongolian Grill, Hillsboro: Post-meet birthday celebration for Andrew with Grandma and Grandpa, who drove straight from their cold Idaho vacation to see the boy run and give him his birthday presents: a second Wii controller, and a Barnes and Noble gift card. He is a happy boy!
I gave him his first (of two) presents earlier at the meet: a brilliant lime-green fleece blanket, which he and assorted other Southridge track stars enjoyed between events. He gets his second present Saturday at his birthday breakfast.

Photos!

2009-04-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

There has been an ongoing hostage situation happening inside my camera. After several weeks of tense negotiations, seeing only the release of a few small batches of hostages, I approved of alternate methods. By employing a sudden brute-force approach, all of the hostages were released (some for the second time) with no casualties.
The Andrew track photos are available for immediate media review. The Easter Family photos have requested a brief recovery period, and have promised full availability after a short rest and a light snack.

Here is the last of the Andrew photo hostages. More are available on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregondad/

More Oregon Relays

2009-04-25T21:15:00.001-07:00

Southridge takes 5th in the 4x400m relay! Andrew's split recorded at 52.3 - a personal record! He loves that once-around-Hayward field race!

Oregon Relays

2009-04-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

Andrew's running for Southridge in the Oregon Relays at Eugene's Hayward Field this weekend. His team took 7th in the Medley relay yesterday. Tonight he runs in the 4x400m. Susy and Mali are down there watching him.
Here's a link to the results:
OREGON RELAYS - 4/23/2009 to 4/25/2009

Happy, Sunny Weekend

2009-04-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

Newly Updated! With Photos!!! A few below, but more at http://www.flickr.com/photos/OregonDad.

Andrew ran in the Aloha Relays Saturday - the 400m in the Medley relay, and also in the 4x800m and the 4x400m. His team got an amazing 2nd in the 4x800m. Andrew is really running well, especially as the young kid on the relay.
He got a bit sunburned on the sunny track, but it's already fading into a tan. He's amazing.

Mali had a soccer game during the middle of the track meet, but I made it to the game for the second half and then returned to the track meet. The Xtreme lost the game 2-0 against a very good team.

Today they lost 2-0 in Eugene against an even better team - one with 7 ODP (Olympic Development Players) on it. The Xtreme are playing great, holding their own against these teams in the Gold and Silver leagues. Today was my day to get sunburned.

Andrew and I had breakfast this morning at Tom's Pancake house. I picked him up at 8:00 - waaayyy early for him, but he wanted to get an early start on his homework. We were both surprised at the lack of a wait at Tom's, though I didn't expect the huge crowd that accumulates there by about 10:00 AM on Sundays.
I discovered Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Amazing stuff - I can't believe I haven't had it before. Andrew knew his order before we sat down: Chocolate Chip Pancakes with whipped cream.

After soccer in Eugene, after the looonnnngg walk to the car - the car I had moved to park closer, resulting in being parked three times as far away (Mali threw a cracker at me for my foolishness), after driving out of Eugene, Mali and I stopped at Elmers to break up the long drive back to Beaverton. I had Berry Crepes for a second breakfast, and Mali had a giant omelet. Amazingly, she doesn't mind mushrooms. She also had a huge blended Raspberry Lemonade. We were both very full.
She told me about her stomach aches. She thinks it might be lactose-intolerance, and is pretty sure that it is NOT stress. Monday she goes to see the doctor about it.

Here's Mali, distracting the ball with her hand.

And here she is, allowing her opponent to talk to the hand.

The entire sequence of seeing ball, chasing ball, talking to ball, talking to opponent, meeting ball, kicking ball, meeting opponent(!) may be seen here.

Here's Andrew in the lead at the Aloha Relays 4x800m. They got second place!

Solar Oven

2009-04-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

News on Easter with the kids coming soon, complete with photos.

For now, just something that caught my eye - A great invention from simple items: The Kyoto Box, a cheap, easily made solar cooker.
CNN article:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/04/09/solar.oven.global.warming/index.html

Track Meets

2009-04-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Andrew is running well. At Thursday's meet versus Beaverton he ran a 2:07 800m in the rain. Friday he went to the Laker Invitational (at Lake Oswego HS) with the rest of the varsity, and ran the 1500m and the 4x400m relay. Southridge won the meet - both boys and girls. The final 4x400m was very exciting - Southridge was seeded 6th but won, and Andrew held down his leg very nicely with what I timed at about a 55 second lap.
Photos from Thursday's Southridge vs. Beaverton Meet:
Pre-Race Warm-Up:

Hand-Off #1 - Andrew is their second runner.

Comes down the stretch with a comfortable lead.

And finally: Relief at a successful hand-off!

Seattle Cask Beer Festival

2009-03-28T23:59:00.000-07:00

I am finally feeling fully recovered (near-enough) from my bout with pneumonia. This is good, as I was able to have a great time at Saturday's Washington Cask Beer Festival at Seattle Center with my golf/drinking team and Angie and Zen, our two designated drivers. I witnessed a huge field (auditorium?) of great beer, pouring freely (after admission), all cask-conditioned, which is by far my favorite, regardless of type of Stout, IPA, ESB, Pale Ale, or any other categorization the brewer wants to claim. Surprisingly, not much in the way of food or water/non-alcoholic drinks to keep the imbibers rational and the DDs entertained. John pointed out there were many truly magnificent bellies there, probably some $20,000 ones, considering the quality of beer that went into building them.

Post-fest, we went for food and still more cask-conditioned beer (a large and unneeded pint for me)at Brouwers Cafe in Fremont, where there was random punching, arm-wrestling and general silliness. This was followed with a trip across the street to the Theo Chocolate factory, where they very nicely did not throw us out as we stayed past their closing time, eating their samples and not buying anything.

Game Day.

2009-03-27T23:59:00.000-07:00

Andrew, AndrewF, and Matias came over for a bout of various games Friday. We started with Hearts, then tried some crazy card game of Matias's. (Must get the name.)
Then we switched to ApplesToApples and Scattergories, then drove AndrewF home before his 6:00 deadline. Andrew and Matias came back with me, and we played two quick games of Settlers of Catan, then watched the sad end of the Kansas basketball game. (Ahead by 15, they lose by 5!)

Between games of Settlers, AndrewF called to say he could see us from his house. In the ensuing flashing-light and laser-waving chaos, the cinnamon dessert pizza was neglected and burned - especially sad for Andrew since his sausage-pepperoni half of the pizza accidentally had onions all over it.

I drove back to Seattle after dropping Andrew and Matias off, to rest and prepare for Saturday's beerfest.

Watchmen

2009-03-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Went to Watchmen with Andrew and Matias yesterday. I liked it, but it would have been easier to see if shorter and with some implied, not actual, violence. Except that would have been compromising, and Rorschach doesn't.

Matias then got to experience the wonder that is Gogos Mongolian Grill. Yum.

Pre-Season track meet.

2009-03-18T21:38:00.000-07:00

Andrew took third in the 400m in tonight's track meet. Official time: 55.02. His 4x400m relay lost - they went from way ahead to just losing after their third runner (Caesar!) really struggled. He had already run the 1500m and just finished the 3000m, so maybe having him in the 4x400m wasn't such a good idea. I remember Caesar running it fine in last year's meets - it could just be that it's still early in the season.

After the game Andrew and I went to Gogos for dinner, where we both stuffed ourselves silly since it was nearly 8:00 and we hadn't had food for awhile.

Time Trials

2009-03-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

Time trials for track have been going on at Southridge for the last week. Andrew got 8th in the 100m, not his best event, especially in the cold rain, and certainly not bad for a sophomore. He got 4th in the 400m with a time of 55 seconds, and so tonight he runs the 400m and 4x400m relay for varsity at their pre-season home meet against Gresham. He's nervous the coach will throw him in the 800m run at some point this season - a grueling event, but one he's very good at.

In other big, huge Andrew news: he did not set the curve in AP American History, he broke it! That means his score was so high his teacher opted to NOT use it as the high end of the curve. I'm a proud poppa!

Also still a sick poppa. Lungs are better (yay for lungs not heavy with crud! A vast improvement!), but random exhaustion and now a sore throat still plague me.

Soccer! Breakfast! Upcoming Track!

2009-03-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

Saturday's soccer game was underwater, as the rain just kept coming down harder. The ball was squirting away and squelching off of feet in random directions. No one could score and so it drowned down to a 0-0 tie.
This morning's game started out wet, but the Xtreme scored twice quickly, the sun came out, and they scored again to win 3-0. Mali played great at defense both games, and ended today's having fun at forward in the sunshine.

Andrew and I had a nice breakfast this morning before the game at Banning's Pie House. He's not really looking forward to a rainy week - 400m time trials are Monday, and the first track meet is Wednesday. Hopefully today's sunshine will keep going for awhile.

Siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiicccckkkkkkk

2009-03-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

I am still sick! It comes and goes and comes again. I went to the doctor and now am armed with antibiotics, so hopefully soon my lungs won't be heavy with crud.

Mali is sick. I am sick.

2009-02-28T22:46:00.001-08:00

Illness is everywhere. Mali isn't even talking to me, but we're sharing a nasty virus. My symptoms include: Lungs full of junk, fever, sore throat, swollen glands, and a nasty, painful cough.
Mali missed school on Friday.

Another Xtreme Victory

2009-02-25T23:59:00.001-08:00

Mali's team won their third game in a row last Saturday, this time only 1-0 from an early free kick from Amanda. Mali played great again - she is really figuring this soccer stuff out.
Here are a pair of pictures showing a very poised Mali delivering a great header.

Catch up

2009-02-25T23:58:00.002-08:00

I finally got back in to my Flickr account! So I'm catching up on photos.

Andrew did well at the Metro District Swim Meet, moving from 6th to 5th in the backstroke. He was happy with his time, and also with his green ribbon (though it's hard to tell as he holds it like a dead fish.)

Mali has been playing great soccer, as has her entire team. They are now 3-0. The photo below is from their second game, which the won 2-0.

News: Eagle vs. Traffic

2009-02-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

Traffic was unreasonably slow approaching the 520 bridge this morning, unreasonably slow even for 8:30 AM on a weekday, especially without any crazy weather (sunshine. rain. wind.) to blame it on.
I discovered the issue when I finally reached the bridge - there was a bald eagle perched on a lightpole, preening, and everyone was checking him out. His perch was hanging over the East-bound lanes near the sculptures-formerly-fountains. Traffic was backed up pretty far in both directions.

My observation:
The animals will soon figure out how to bring human civilization to a standstill.

My proposed defense against this particular animal tactic:
The DOT could place decoys of unusual birds on top of all the lightpoles, so no one notices when one is real.

That might have been a better use of art project dollars than the overly fascinating, beautiful and interesting-to-an-unfortunate-degree fountains that were there. I loved those fountains: kinetic, exciting. The way they were constantly changing based on the winds and the angle of the sun made them always worth a good long slow-the-car-down look. The replacement sculptures are nice, and nicely static, but they couldn't be too nice or they'd still be slowing traffic. (The DOT says they removed the fountains because of high maintenance costs, but I don't believe it.)

Anyway, I was itching to tell someone this random bit of news, and you all are my victims. I'm sure there will be more bulletins in the future.

Done for now.

Renovation.

2009-02-12T12:59:00.000-08:00

I picked up my new (their old) loveseat from Dave and Susan last night, and also visited with Dalton and Rylin. They (kids and parents) loved showing me all the new stuff in the newly remodeled downstairs of their house: new floors, paint, furniture, kitchen (great multicolored small glass tiles, and under-cabinet lights to highlight them, amazingly huge countertop slabs of granite), reconfigured bonus room. The furniture had just arrived a few days before, and the kids were still having a contest over who had sat in the new furniture first, and who was first tickled on the new carpet.

Rylin read me a (long) story she had dictated to Susan and illustrated about picking pumpkins, complete with colorful winds and a tornado. Afterwards she said, "I don't remember what my room looked like the last time you were here." And so we happily raced upstairs to see her new bed and wallflowers, though I'd seen the bed before. She said she didn't know if the new wallflowers would *ever* get put on the wall, since she'd already had them so long.
Seeing the multiple layers of clothes and toys littering the room, I asked her if a tornado had gone through - maybe a Rylin tornado. She said no, she had a friend over.
So I said, "Ah! Two tornados!" She laughed at that (placate the crazy uncle or he'll never stop.) Then she raced to show me the new bonus room layout, explaining they redid it because it was their kitchen while the new downstairs was being built. "See, here's where the table was where we ate!"
She was really animated and fun, very energetic. She was even doing little hops with each homework question she answered when I first arrived, moving around like a hummingbird, or a quick little bunny. Very cute.
Dalton was smiling the whole time (even a timeout didn't phase him.) He had a new haircut, fairly short, a big change from the long hair from the last time I saw him.

When Dave and I came back in from squeezing the loveseat into the van, BOTH kids were sitting in separate corners in timeout, and stayed there until I left, except for goodbye hugs. Susan said she wasn't interested in who started what, if they couldn't be nice to each other they were both getting timeouts. They both seemed okay with that, there was no yelling that I heard, and they were (mostly) quiet little mice in their corners. Well, Dalton tried to explain a couple of things to me, but Susan stopped him quickly each time. I think if he knows something he just cannot help but share it with the world. "Coal is a fossil, not a rock."

The sad tale of the Duke Everyone Loves.

2009-02-08T14:55:00.001-08:00

Andrew got sick and stayed home Thursday. Friday he valiantly went to school to take part in the assembly for the Dukes and the Winter Formal, but he threw up and passed out between classes, so there was no way he could stay for the assembly. He is still sick, and missed the Winter Formal last night. His friends texted him throughout the night, so he was kinda-sorta there in slightly more than spirit. His friend Andrew F. posted photos of Allie texting him.

Grandparents

2009-01-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

Grandma Sue and Grandpa Del stopped by today on their way South for the rest of the Winter. We all ate Subway sandwiches at the apartment, and then played Hearts. Mali refused to play since she hates Hearts for some reason. She helped Grandma for awhile, then left her winning to dish up ice cream. By her return, Grandma was losing and Andrew ended up winning.
Moose also came along. He would come by every so often to put his head on my leg and give me a big stare. Andrew held him for the last half of the game, which Moose enjoyed watching until the ice cream showed up, and then he intently watched Andrew eat it, bite by bite.

Game Night

2009-01-30T23:29:00.000-08:00

The two dukes (Andrew and Matias) were over for game night tonight. We got started around 7:00. Andrew and I went out for pizza at Pizzicato first while Matias worked on his essay on Abraham Lincoln. We played three games:
Settlers of Catan
Blokus
Puerto Rico
We each got first, second, and third in a game, and the winner was a surprise every time. We played until 11:00.
Tomorrow morning Andrew has the swim-a-thon from 7:00 - 9:00, and Matias has an all-day band practice from 10AM - 9PM.

Mali is at Zoë's birthday party sleepover tonight, so no skiing for us tomorrow.

The Duke Everyone Loves

2009-01-30T15:51:00.001-08:00

Andrew is voted The Duke Everyone Loves for the Southridge H.S. Winter Formal! This is the at-large dukedom, won with most votes overall without winning a category. The categories:
Intellect (Matias wins this one!)
Athletic (Jacob - from our soccer team.)
Style (Andrew's friend/classmate Bret)
Humor
My theory is he got a close second in Intellect and Athletics, with a few votes in humor and style from his fan club, such as it is.

He was very happy, especially to tell Mali that he wants her to escort him at the assembly at school before the dance. This made her very happy too. I'll get photos. Here's a photo of them reading the invitation to the assembly, Andrew in the crown he had to wear all day, after the trumpets in his leadership class announced his position.

Swim Team

2009-01-22T23:59:00.000-08:00

Andrew has been swimming great. He's won two backstrokes in a row now. The photo below is from the Aloha meet. Southridge won easily.
100m Butterfly: 1:07.21
100m Backstroke: 1:05.07
1st leg (50m Backstroke) of 200m Medley Relay: 29:59 seconds

Nutcracker

2009-01-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

Mali and her friend Zoë finally had their Nutcracker performance, postponed previously because of snow. Their class made up the party-goers in the opening scene. Mali was actually the first person to walk onstage. More photos here.
Here they are, after their performance:

Here they watch in amazement as the toys start to move.

Braces!

2009-01-07T23:59:00.000-08:00

Mali got braces this morning! I took them out to dinner tonight. I was late from dodging the flooding in Fife and Chehalis, and we arrived at Tom's Pancake House at 8:01, discovering a large sign saying "Dinner served 5 - 8 PM" So we went to Denny's, where we were the only customers.
Here's Mali's new look:

More Christmas

2008-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

At David, Susan, Dalton, and Rylin's house, after much game-playing and other funstuff:

A late Christmas

2008-12-29T23:59:00.001-08:00

The snow kept the kids in Beaverton for Christmas. I was able to snatch them Sunday night after Andrew's Lifeguard class, and drive them to Grandma and Grandpa's house.
Monday morning we had our Christmas. Here they are opening the Wii from Grandma and Grandpa, with big happy faces:

Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T18:47:00.001-08:00

Denny and Wendy hosted Christmas Eve this year, complete with a visit from Grandpa Santa. Aunt Mary and Grandma even got a turn on Santa's lap. Dalton pointed out to Santa that "Coal is a fossil, not a rock." David said it's like that 24x7 at their house.
More photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/oregondad/

Photo Catchup - Canby Swim Meet

2008-12-26T18:43:00.000-08:00

Here's some photos of Andrew getting some advice from his swim coach. Andrew flubbed his start on the backstroke, so Coach Rod was giving him some pointers.

Snow!

2008-12-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

We have snow - lots and lots of snow, from Portland to Seattle. The plan now is the kids to take the train up to Tacoma Saturday night.

Here's an interesting article about dealing with the snow in Iowa.

Mali's New Snowboard

2008-11-16T19:26:00.000-08:00

I took Mali and her friend Lizzie to Portland's SkiFever and Snowboard Show at the Expo center. Here's the stock photo of her new snowboard. We got it and bindings and boots all for $360, which I thought was reasonable. We are both looking forward to SNOW!

Indoor Soccer 1, Dinner at the Murray Hill Cafe, and Moose visits.

2008-11-14T16:58:00.000-08:00

Mali's indoor soccer team (the shorter half of the Xtreme) played their first game Wednesday night, quickly went down 4-0 in the first half, but then remembered how to play and held their own for a final score of 7-3. Mali played defense most of the game, but played forward for about ten minutes and almost scored, bouncing a shot off the goalie's face from about four feet away.

Thursday night I took the kids to the Murray Hill Cafe for dinner. I think Andrew was a little surprised at the kid-unfriendliness of the menu, but happily settled for a grilled salmon Caesar salad. Mali had the Caprese Panini, and I had the always delicious Summer Squash and Gruyere Ravioli.

Susy brought Moose over to the apartment this morning, and he stayed with me today, exploring the apartment, neighborhood, and a bit of Hillsdale - which is a possible neighborhood for house-hunting.

Concert

2008-11-11T23:59:00.000-08:00

Concert at Seattle's Paramount theater tonight:
The Hush Sound - Great stuff, mostly female vocals from their keyboardist.
The Spill Canvas - Lead singer channeling Jack Black, Lead Guitarist trying out his Eddie Van Halen impersonation.
OneRepublic - 5 man band with a very energetic lead singer.

Blake Lewis (of American Idol beat-boxing fame stopped by and sang "Stop (Children, What's That Sound?") with OneRepublic, who also covered Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy."

Get your War On comes home.

2008-11-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

I love this guy David Rees: Using only clip art, He created the hilarious "Get Your War On" comic. See his latest online comics here.

Now he gives us this brilliant, yet very short, video. Click here to see the truth behind The New World Order under Obama.
And a dashiki is not a mustache.

For more Get Your War On video, click the image below.

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

Go, Obama, go go Obama, go, Obama, goOOOooo

2008-11-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Yay.

Vote for Obama!

2008-11-04T09:15:00.000-08:00

It's election day!

Cross country meet

2008-11-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

Oregon State Cross Country Meet at Lane Community College in Eugene - Andrew ran for Southridge in the 6A division and had his worst time of the year. He could have blamed it on his ankle, which has been swollen for three days after tripping during practice on some uneven pavement hidden under fallen leaves, but instead said he just couldn't make his legs work any faster. He slept and ate well, so theories are that his ankle healing took energy away from him, or maybe he's getting sick.
His team did poorly - Cesar rolled an ankle and didn't finish, and the team ended up 13th out of the 14 teams that made it to State.

Mali was zombie-like at the meet, after staying up until 4:00 AM at a Halloween party. After the meet the team went for pizza and calzone at Mazzi's in Eugene. Very fun - I had a nice talk with tablemates: Coach Michael, Kat's (and Johnny's) parents, and Austin's parents and little sister.
Here's Mali (right) cheering for Andrew (far left), and below is Andrew prepping at the start amidst the foliage.

High School Musical, and Gogo's Grill

2008-10-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

I picked up Mali and Andrew at 4:00 yesterday to go see High School Musical, Mali's choice, followed by Andrew's favorite restaurant: Gogo's Mongolian Grill. We were half an hour early for the movie to fight the crowds, but there weren't any, in spite of it being this weekend's top flick. The movie was better than I expected, I had the stupid songs going through my head through dinner.

The evening contained a game between the kids to count the number of Priuses seen, and was full of hilarious arguments over what constituted a legitimate sighting - especially clever was the probabilistic approach employed by Mali as we passed large parking lots.

Returned to my empty apartment and pieced together more furniture. It is approaching completion - I still need beds for the kids, lamps, and endtables. Yet to be picked up are a loveseat (from Dave and Susan), and a TV (from Dad and Mom). Tuesday I head back up to Washington - I've a class to take for work starting Wednesday.

Mali Sick, Andrew Returns from XC Camp

2008-08-16T19:36:00.000-07:00

About 1:00 AM Friday, Mali started throwing up. The initial suspect was food poisening, since she and Susy had eaten out with Rian and her mom, and the chicken seemed suspect. But at her soccer game today we learned one of the coaches had the same thing, and that it's going around, so now it looks like a virus of some kind.
Mali woke up tired and not yet fully recovered, so today just went to watch today's soccer game. Her team scored two goals to tie it up, and assure themselves of a berth somewhere other than the bottom of the premier league. We will know where tomorrow.

I picked Andrew up from his Cross Country camp with the Southridge team at Mazuma lodge on Mt. Hood Friday. He is a little tired of running after going 60 miles in 5 days, all of it on steep mountain trails. He's got a nasty blister, but is going to try a slow run tomorrow with Rian, who is getting ready for Water Polo. Practices for all Fall sports start Monday.

Andrew is at Obama headquarters, probably calling people. He's there 3:00 - 8:00 PM every day. Mali is upstairs watching the Olympics.

Obamania

2008-08-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Andrew, Mali, and Rian have been volunteering for the Obama campaign. So far they've worked at a voter registration booth at a Hillsboro street fair, and Andrew worked a phone bank one evening. He is thrilled his time there counts as service-learning hours for high school. He's hoping to get 200 hours in before he graduates.

Mali is hoping to follow Andrew and Rian's lead and start working at Garlic Jim's with them. The new one Rian's parent's bought is a lot closer - though still not the one that delivers to us here.

Andrew worked on his driving Saturday - driving me all the way to Rian's house. At just over walking speed it took all of 5 minutes. We all joined him there later for a very fun night of cards and pizza.

Swim Meet 3

2008-07-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Mali is awesome! She won every event she was in, including the IM relay where she swam both the backstroke and freestyle. Andrew had a bad meet - for him - coming in second to Eric in the 200yd IM. He had a lot of fun anyway - it was a fun meet. At the end we had a boys vs. girls dogpaddle relay race. We disqualified the boys for doing something that looked a lot more like breaststroke than dogpaddle.

Swim Meet

2008-07-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

Today's meet was at Sunset Athletic Club, where they have built nice new buildings around their pool. It was a lot of fun - talking with Eric's dad Michael and seeing the other folks we know - Eric's mom Joan and DougOfDougAndErin. The kids got to dive to start their races (they have to start in the water at our pool). There was a mixture of success for us there - Photos coming soon. Mali is turning into an amazing swimmer! She swam the first and last legs of her freestyle relay, and her team won!
Afterwards we went to Deborah's cookie store, the kids got sandwiches at Subway first, while Susy and I bought her a bicycle at Sunset Cycles, in preparation for our bicycle/winery trip August 24th. At the cookie store, Mali devaoured a huge cookie ice-cream sandwich. Andrew and Rian ordered banana splits, which I helped them with. Then we waited around for 10 minutes so I could get a macaroon. I love them, and they are amazing, fresh out of the oven.

We got home, and after Andrew changed I drove him and Rian to the MAX train station so they could go to Clackamas and meet Rian's parents at the Garlic Jim's pizza place they just bought. Andrew worked for several hours putting fliers on doors. He goes back tomorrow to learn how to make pizza, and also to get paid! He's excited about both.

Hi.

2008-07-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was full of work for me. Children played, once swim team practice was over.
Rian came over for awhile and played Scrabble and Clue with Andrew and Mali.
After dinner Susy and I played Andrew and Mali a game of Clue, then Scrabble. (Guess who won!?! Right! It was me!!! Both games!!! WooHoo.)
Mali still refuses to play Hearts, which is Andrew's first choice every night.

Tuesday Practices

2008-07-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

Andrew went to swim team practice at 9:00, then I took him directly to cross-country practice, which started at 10:30. He walked home by 12:30, but was very, very grumpy, and wouldn't say why. It could be that his first running experience of the summer was more difficult than he anticipated.
Mali's soccer friend Tesia spent the night, and went with Mali to swim practice and hung out in the upper pool.
Mali will be spending August 8 - 10th with Tesia because of the big soccer qualifying tournament, and will miss Jennifer and Dave's wedding up at the Olympic Park Institute. August 3rd Susy and Mali will be taking the train up to Tacoma and catching a ride up to Jennifer's wedding shower.

Week Away, Weekend Parties, Swim Meet #1

2008-07-14T06:38:00.001-07:00

I spent most of last week up in Canada, working with BCTC, and then had a few days in Redmond. Things have been hectic, with still much work to do!

Back here in Oregon, we had a busy weekend:
Saturday morning was the first swim meet of the year, and it was here at Murray Hill. I helped run it while Susy timed, and we got it finished before 11:30 - a new record! The kids did great - and Mali was surprising with the speed and elegance she has acquired in the water after just three weeks of practice. She looked GOOD. She also won all of her events. Andrew did great too, as always. The highlight for him was easily winning the backstroke, but he would have been disqualified in a serious meet, because he somehow managed to go UNDER the lane line at the end of the race - a difficult trick while doing backstroke.
Saturday night we had a great time at Rian's house. Jason and Terri invited us over for cards while the kids had a Murder Mystery Party - a live action game of Clue. Everyone had a great time, and we got to hang out again with Jason's parents, who are back from their trip to Italy. They brought over a huge prosciutto - but not from Italy - it came from Costco.
Sunday was similarly busy. Moose and I went for a long walk in the morning, and saw butterflies everywhere. Then Susy and I went to the Tigard Farmer's Market - open Sundays until 2:00. We went for tomatoes and basil for Bruschetta, but of course it is too early for them in Oregon, so also stopped and spent $100+ at Safeway. Bought 6 basil plants, which I hurriedly planted at home in the planters out front, and then rushed to Eric's Dad's house for a party, getting there an hour late because we left late and then I got us lost taking a shortcut. Yes, I heard about it.
The party was great, we got to go down to Lake Oswego - the actual (very private) lake. A Beautiful place, easy to see why people pay so much to have access to it.

Home again

2008-07-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

We returned Saturday from Gig Harbor and the 4th of July fun, exhausted and happy. This morning Mali slept until after 9:00, probably a new record for her. Rian came over, we played hearts, then the kids all went to the pool and Susy and I took a nice long nap. I am finally feeling rested again.
Except for swimming, Mali has had her nose buried in a book all day - Rian gave her several in a series: Pretty Little Liars. Mali has decided she hates playing hearts and is growing more emphatic about it daily.

4th of July Fun

2008-07-06T19:24:00.000-07:00

I was already in Redmond for work, so Susy and the kids took the train up and we went to Dave and Susan's for a game night. Along with us were Rian and Rachel. Their train was late, which was okay as I almost was trying to find King Station in Seattle. I found Union Station with no trouble...

Game night at Dave's turned into game morning - we didn't get to bed until 2:00 AM, and Mali and Rachel were still up, talking. The next morning everyone moved a little slowly and we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for the 4th of July. That was great fun, as it was also a graduation party for Lori and a farewell party for Lori and John, who are moving to Albuquerque in two more days. I went to bed early, but the kids were up late again, and I think all are exhausted.

Thunderstorm!

2008-06-29T22:42:00.000-07:00

The kids went to the pool at 5:30, and at 7:00 I heard thunder, so left to retrieve them. There were huge drops of cold rain falling, and it was - still is - hot and humid otherwise. Lots of lightning.

Rian stayed for dinner and I made omelettes, and then we had a 5-person game of hearts. I was losing the entire game, but Andrew managed to lose it at the end. Susy won, and Rian was just happy she beat Andrew.
Mali collapsed into her bed, very tired. I may let her sleep in tomorrow and skip swim team. She may be growing, she's been sleeping a lot lately, and very tired otherwise.

Saturday night, still hot.

2008-06-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Mali and I had BLTs for dinner, and Susy made us shortcake to go with the strawberries, and we all watched the Olympic Track&Field trials while we ate dessert.
Between dinner and dessert Andrew taught us how to play Spades. We almost finished, but everyone was getting tired - and eager for dessert.

Still Saturday, Now Hotter

2008-06-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Susy and I left the kids watching a movie and went to the Beaverton Farmer's Market. We bought strawberries! and lots of vegetables. Also some supposedly healthy baklava - which is really good, not too sweet, with tons of pistachios. Also two basil plants, in case I get excited and want to plant something. It's still too hot to do anything resembling work outside, but maybe later tonight or early tomorrow morning I may get inspired. Dad has promised me some tomato seedlings from his greenhouse on our visit for July 4th.

Crazy Andrew is bored enough to go running. He just called and is now heading over to Rian's. Mali and Rachel finished their sugar cookies with real cream cheese and strawberry frosting, and walked up to the school playground. Mari-Fay wants to know if Rachel has moved in yet. Susy and I got a nice little nap in. She's still sleeping, and I'm up and sorting work out (so of course here I am...)

Hot Saturday!

2008-06-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

I went running this morning at 8:00, and it was already sunny and hot outside. I made it slightly over 2 miles away, to Andrew's High School, stretched out at the rec center there and walked/jogged back.
I came home to discover Mali outside painting more of the inside of her playhouse. She's tearing into that project. And Moose is up, and fed.
I don't see anyone else getting up anytime soon.
Wait: Susy up before 11:00! Andrew may sleep well past noon - he's been tired and grouchy lately, and stayed up late last night watching the Olympic Trials.

Get Smart

2008-06-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

We went to see Get Smart tonight. It was much better than I thought it would be. It was funny and cute and well done.

Mali had Rachel over today and they made chocolate brownie pies from the Jiffy mix we got at the Jiffy factory in Chelsea. Then they painted the inside of the playhouse/treehouse/shed with the leftover crazy colors from inside of the house.

Rian had a Della day, so Andrew watched TV after his class, and then went to the pool this afternoon to practice. Now he is upstairs watching the Olympic trials for track, which he's been waiting for all day.

Kid Summer

2008-06-25T05:59:00.000-07:00

The weather is beautiful here, and the kids are having a great time. Susy and I continue to work.
Yesterday after his history class, Andrew went for a picnic at Cannon Beach with Eric's family. Rian went too. He probably got a little too much sun, but he had a good time doing beach things.
He got home at 7:00 just as Mali left with Lilly and Zoë for a game night at Zoë's church. I hardly saw Mali all day - she hung out with Zoë after swim team, and then Alana took her and Zoë to get manicures. Mali's fingernails are now a neon green.
Andrew, Susy and I played three-handed cribbage (back ten) after dinner, then they headed upstairs to watch Iron Chef or something, and Mali returned around 10:00.

Home again!

2008-06-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

We made it home last night about 6:00. We stopped by Paul and Nancy's to pick up Moose, and I stayed for dinner. They were having 3 other families over, so I snuck right in.
Today Andrew was back in his AP History intro, and Mali was back in swim team. Andrew went swimming this afternoon - he wants to stay ahead of the competition.

Rehearsal Dinner

2008-06-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

We made it to Michigan, and spent an hour with Susy's brother Mike, getting a tour of the house (it's been 12 years since our last visit) and just hanging out until the rest of the guests arrived for lunch. Then we toured the Jiffy Mix factory in Chelsea, returned to the hotel and showered while Mali and Susy watched Aunt Sue make a belt for Mali's dress tomorrow.
We were late to the rehearsal dinner restaurant because we missed the exit, then got turned around and confused. We were not the latest, at least, and didn't miss anything, so it worked out. But we are not highly functional on such little sleep.
I got an hour of sleep when Andrew nicely sat with Susy and Mali on the Minneapolis - Detroit leg so I could have three seats to stretch out on. I think Susy got no sleep at all. Andrew has learned to sleep with no notice at all. Every time he had a moment to himself today he was sleeping.

Update

2008-06-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

We MISSED our flight!!!! Completely crazy. Our printed itinerary was gone, and we all missed a dozen chances to figure that out. Instead we sauntered over to our gate two minutes after our plane had left.
So now we leave at midnight on the red-eye, but at least we won't miss the rehearsal dinner.

After dinner tonight we got in a game of hearts. Mali and Susy swapped places to switch the game around a bit, and Susy's chair decided to collapse about halfway through. Not her day. Now we just hang around home until 10:00 and try again to fly to Michigan.

Quickly - Summer has started!

2008-06-19T11:52:00.001-07:00

We leave NOW for the airport to fly to Michigan for Kathy's wedding.

News: Mali's blue nevus mole-thing on her forehead POPPED strangely and came out, with help and great disgust from Mali.

Summer has started: Swim team is going, and Andrew is taking a short Summer class (two hours a day for two weeks)intro to advanced placement (AP) American History, which he will take in the Fall.

Father's Day

2008-06-15T08:25:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

I ran this morning, and now the kids take me out to breakfast. It's been a slow, relaxing weekend. Yesterday Mali put screens up over the open windows of her playhouse. I learned when Rachel called her from Hawaii last night that they have named it Mooville.

Last Day of School!

2008-06-13T08:51:00.001-07:00

Mali is wearing one of three smiley-face shirts that she, Hannah, and Rachel bought so they could all match on the last day of school, and they're going to have everyone sign them. Mali cleverly attached three different color short sharpies to a necklace so she'll have them with her.
She's out early today, at 2:40. Andrew will be home by 11:30. It's sunny and warm here - ~73, so maybe they'll go to the pool. Andrew was there all afternoon yesterday with Rian, Tiana, and Eric (and Tiana's charge, Cody.)

ACT Prep

2008-06-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

Freshman take a special test to prepare for the ACT. Andrew got a perfect score (rounded up), and got a nice certificate and a nylon shoulder bag in recognition of it. He was just happy he had the highest score in his group of friends, missing only three questions total out of around 140. Matias only missed one. But it's not a competition.

Tomorrow is the last day of school!!!! The kids are very excited.

Susy's home!

2008-06-10T22:53:00.001-07:00

And very tired. Me too. I grilled teriyaki salmon for dinner, with rice and peas - as usual. Unusual: Andrew said, "Great dinner, Dad!" Such joy I'm feeling! Andrew said he could have that for dinner every night.

Home Again!

2008-06-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

I just returned yesterday afternoon from a good visit with First Energy in Ohio.
This morning I drive Mali to school early so she can pick up and finish some homework she forgot yesterday.

Our schedule:
Friday (today!): 21st anniversary date - starts at the Portland Art Museum and wanders from there.
Saturday: MaliSoccerGames at 8:30 and 2:30.
Sunday: Another MaliSoccerGame at 11:30, and Susy leaves for San Diego for a conference - returning late Tuesday.
Thursday: Mali's field trip to Jackson Bottom Wetlands.
Friday (next): Last Day of School - Kids home early.

Then I go to Redmond for our User's Group meeting, coming home early Thursday morning to get on a plane to Michigan for Kathy's wedding!

Game-filled Sunday

2008-06-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

Moose and I jogged down to the drugstore this morning to pick up pills and eggs. I didn't need the eggs: for breakfast I made us smoothies with Mango Juice, bananas, and feggs. (What we call cholesterol-free liquid eggs.) It was surprisingly yummy.
Afterwards we all played Hearts - and Susy won after Mali took all the tricks.
Then Susy, Moose and I walked down to the store to get shortening so Mali could make chocolate chip yogurt cookies. We ate most of them, and then played Scattergories, which Susy always wins so usually she won't play with us, but this time Andrew won the second game!
Now I'm taking the kids to the pool, even though it's cool and cloudy outside.
UPDATE:
We swam a bunch - the pool was warmer than the air - then we sat in the hot tub for awhile. We walked home, Susy made bulgogi (Korean Teriyaki) with rice and peas and I ate waaayyyy too much. Then we played hearts again, and Andrew won after I took 25 to lose.

Starlight Run, and Andrew drives!

2008-05-31T22:48:00.000-07:00

Last night, Mali was up at the school with her friends and played some basketball wearing flip-flops. She crashed into Hannah and hurt her toe - possibly broke it. We will check it again tomorrow. She really wanted to run the Starlight Run tonight, so we walked down the hill to the Verizon store to see how it would handle that. It did okay, but then we walked to the nearby church where Andrew was driving with Susy!!! I had Mali jog a short distance, and her toe started hurting, and she was very mad that she wouldn't get to do the run.
Andrew was driving home from the church when we got there, so we called and they turned back and picked us up. He had already been pulled over by a police car - his first time on a street! - But the Police just wanted to get around him, and sped off after he pulled over. He did fine, driving. He can't drive with more than one person - a licensed driver - until he's driven for 100 hours.

I did the Starlight Run without Mali, who stayed home with Susy and Andrew. I ran it with Paul, Zoë, and Hannah, until Hannah cramped up. Zoë and I finished together at 33:37, so about 11 minutes a mile (5k = ~3.1 miles). Hannah was able to start running again after a couple minutes of walking with her mom, who then ran the rest of the way with her, while Paul ran ahead. It was great fun! I must have high-fived a hundred little kids, sticking their hands out to the runners. The 70's theme was great - unfortunately Zoë and I were at the same pace as the girl dressed as a Rubik's cube, which was announced to the crowd loudly at every intersection with a tv camera or a radio show going on. The girls wore tie-died stuff, and Mali gave me tie-died leg-warmers she made, and I wore them on my arms. I also wore a fisherman's hat with my number pinned to it, but that was the extent of my dress-up. There were some pretty wild costumes, and at least one very pregnant lady running barefoot. Lots of little kids too, younger than Hannah, even some 4 and 5 year-olds!

The past few days:

2008-05-31T11:20:00.000-07:00

Thursday I pulled Mali out of school to have her mole - the infamous blue nevus - removed. Unfortunately it was too inflamed to remove, so she has to wait a month or so. We did discover the German Sausage Deli, where I purchased a can of almond pie filling that combined well this morning with cottage and cream cheese to push our normally wonderful French toast into some new realm of deliciousness. Meanwhile, Andrew sleeps.

Yesterday Susy and I walked up to Alana's, and while we were up there Mali, Andrew, and Rian returned from the pool and made us a yummy bacon-filled waffle breakfast for dinner. Mali disappeared up to the school with her two amigos Rachel and Hannah, and a bunch of boys, and the rest Susy, Rian, Andrew, and I played hearts until Rian had to go home. (Guess who won!?!)

Wednesday night (without Rian) we all played poker after dinner, and we laughed so hard our sides hurt.

The past two weeks:

2008-05-31T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Scleroderma auction was fun. The theme was humor, with a comedian (David Crowe) and everything. It was really great to see folks again: Mary, Amy & Stathis, Mike, Anna & Ashley, Dave & Susan, Grandma & Grandpa. This year we did not even bid on anything, though we bought raffle tickets, and Andrew and Mali sold them again. Ashley helped, but refused to wear the hat.
We spent the night at G&G's house, took a tour of the neighbor's house for sale, then Andrew RUSHED us home so he could get his birthday present from Rian. She nicely gave him the Disney version of Scene It?, because she always wins the regular version and she thought he'd have a chance at the Disney version. Not so much - she creamed him at it anyway. Afterwards we took Rian along to GoGo's for Andrew's birthday dinner.

Mali has started soccer practices, and Andrew is swimming twice a week for swim team. They will both do the Murray Hill team again, which starts soon after school is out. They are both counting the days (10 more to go!)

I went up to Redmond for work Thursday morning (May 22) to catch a lunch meeting. I was only slightly late after it took me four and a half hours to get there! It was a good trip, and work is again both productive and fun. I returned home late Friday night and avoided the Memorial Day weekend traffic.

Memorial Day weekend was non-stop:
Saturday we had a wonderful dinner followed by a fun poker game with Rian, Jason, and Terry at their house. Jason grilled steak, chicken, and shrimp satay, and made a trifle for dessert. Andrew was the big winner at poker, so he was happy.

Sunday we were up early and driving to get to the memorial for my Grandma Lil. I spent most of the first three years of my life at her house while my dad was in Vietnam, and much summertime there later - all of it embedded in memory as the most wondrous days of my childhood. Hers was the hug I most looked forward to.
I will have to write more later about that. The memorial was in Bremerton at my cousin Liana's house. Grandma Lil was the glue that held us all together, so there was a lot of planning of next meetings and events: Jennifer's Wedding, Olympic swimming (We all hope!) and Christmas. Also talk of Tara's turn on What Not To Wear, the televised date will be much advertised here as soon as it's determined. It was really great to see everyone. We will all miss Grandma.

We came straight home afterwards and went to a big BBQ at Deborah's house.
Memorial day we slept in, the kids went to the (now open!) pool, and then we went to Paul and Nancy's house for grilled steak and chicken.

I worked Tuesday but took the rest of the week off. I finally finished painting the kid's bathroom and put up the towel rack the kids accidentally tore down.
Work is busy but again productive and fun, and Monday I fly to Ohio to help some folks sort out some computer applications for upgrade.

Waking

2008-05-31T08:37:00.000-07:00

Just like high school, Dad (Grandpa) drags me out of bed to start the day. Thus I depart my hibernation, and return to the land of the living.
This time it took him two attempts.
But I think I'm awake now.

Scleroderma Auction and Dinner

2008-05-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Today we head to Tacoma for the Scleroderma Auction/Dinner. Then we'll spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's. I gave Moose a haircut yesterday, so he's all ready for a visit, and the hot weather - It hit 100 degrees here yesterday. Then Mali and I hit Great Clips, where I told them of Mali's last unfortunate experience there, and they took very good care of her. Today Susy and Andrew will be getting haircuts before we leave for Washington, then we'll all be freshly shorn!
Mali and I are going running in ten minutes after I digest some of my breakfast. We are hoping to run the Starlight Run and we've only got 2 weeks to be ready to run 5km.

Andrew's Birthday Evening

2008-05-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

Andrew did not go to the track meet, because none of his friends wanted to go (so we still have a ton of chocolate muffins...) Instead he met up with them at Tiana's house, and she made him a cake. It was ridiculously hot here, so no one was too interested in dinner. Mali cooked up some raviolis that she and I ate, and Susy made Andrew a Caesar salad at his request. Kind of lame for a birthday dinner, but we'll take him to GoGo's next week. Andrew LOVES his Mongolian Grill.

Andrew's Birthday! ~ ~ ~~ ><((((°>

2008-05-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

I woke up early so I could work this morning, but I had trouble thinking past the excitement of Andrew's birthday. So I ~~ran~~ drove (no time for exercise this morning) to Safeway to buy all the types of sugar-free gum I could find that he might like (as he and I did for Mali), this time in a Costco box of Goldfish (crackers) his mom picked up for him yesterday. (He has already received his main gift: a new cell phone! Also his auxiliary gift: a digital camera.)
He needed his present this morning because we won't all be together until he gets home late from watching the Varsity track meet. I also retrieved his traditional birthday donut and even some chocolate and blueberry muffins as they were still hot from the oven. Susy was up early when I returned, making home-made chocolate muffins for the boy, so now there are many muffins for celebrating his birthday. He may even share. Andrew stumbled downstairs in his usual morning fog to a joyful, non-singing birthday greeting, and was happy.

I'm guessing there will be kids here this afternoon who will help him eat the muffins before I drive them to the track meet. Yesterday Andrew's friends Rian and Kyle were here until 8:00, since I let them talk me into playing a game of hearts after work. (Hey Mom: Guess who won!)
Mali had her friend Hannah over, helping her sort through her clothes - a Susy-decreed project. Hannah took payment of a couple of outfits, since she is slightly smaller than Mali.

Chauffer

2008-05-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

My evening:
Drove Andrew, Rian, Tiana+Cody, and Eric to the Division Varsity Track Meet at Jesuit. Gave Andrew a $20 to pay for everyone, since no one brought money. They were lucky I had some cash.
I rushed home to pick up Mali and drive her to meet Collin and someone else (?) at the 5:30 showing of Iron Man. Susy may have to pick her up afterwards.
Update: Nope, Collin's mom gave her a ride home.

Friday's JV Division Track Meet

2008-05-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

Andrew did great! His only goal was to get a PR in the 1500m, and he did! His old time was 3:34, his new time is 3:33.75. It's a good time - he got 10th in the meet, with only one freshman and 3 sophomores beating him. The only one from Southridge to beat him was a Senior.

His only other event was the 4x400m relay, and they took 3rd out of 13 teams. Andrew's split was 55 seconds, which would be a PR for him in the 400m, but times don't always translate well from a relay.

Mali came with me to watch, and had a GREAT time running around with Rian. Susy and I sat in the stands watching her entertain Rian's crowd of high school girls in the infield. I think I've never seen Mali having so much fun.

Soccer! Track!

2008-05-07T23:59:00.000-07:00

Soccer tryouts for Mali's team - the Xtreme - were held on Saturday and Tuesday night. Coach Dean called Mali yesterday to tell her she made the team. Their team appears to be about the same, with a change of only two or three players.

Southridge lost a close meet against Jesuit for the conference championship. It was the last dual meet of the season. Andrew's last meet will be the JV District meet this Friday, where he's going to run the 1500m and try for a PR (Personal Record - best time).
Andrew's goal at the Jesuit meet was for a PR in the 800m, and he got one in the JV race, getting 6th place with a time of 2:10.97. His JV 4x400m relay team won against 5 other teams, though this great track web site Andrew just showed me only lists three of them. On the web site you can click any of the completed meets to see the results, and if you click on Andrew's name it will take you to a page summarizing all of his high school results.

Music Man: Final show

2008-05-03T23:59:00.000-07:00

This last show was fantastic. I don't know how they fixed the sound, after they complained all week about how it wasn't working, but tonight it was perfect. The show was great - even when the kids almost lost it laughing through the second and third songs.
Afterwards the cast party appeared to be huge fun for the kids, with the sound guy as a DJ and a large table of chocolate things to eat.
Rian came with us to help the kids with their makeup, and left with Susy after the show, just after the party started.
Hannah and Rachel came to watch on Friday, to Mali's great joy. Rachel did a shimmy, which had Mali cracking up and copying it. Saturday Alana came, making Mali happy again.

Music Man: Opening Night

2008-05-01T23:04:00.000-07:00

The big show opened tonight! Grandma and Grandpa drove down from Washington to see it. It was great, and Mali (second townsgirl on the left) was awesome! Very lively. The whole thing was very well done for a middle school production. I was impressed.
Tomorrow's another show. Saturday has two. We'll be there for all of them!

Track Meet at Southridge vs. Beaverton

2008-04-30T23:15:00.000-07:00

Andrew ran his 1500m in 4:38, beating his old best time by 8 seconds. He came in third best for Southridge, though there was a Beaverton runner or two ahead of him. It took a lot out of him, he looked a little tired for his 800m run an hour later. He ran a decent-for-him 57 second 400m as the first leg of the winning JV 4x400 team.
I brought Rian and Moose along with me, and saw Tiana and Isabelle and it was mostly a party-like atmosphere. Very fun for everyone, even through the intermittent rains.

Mali missed out on that, but seemed to have a great time at her rehearsal for The Music Man. She says they're ready, which is good since tomorrow is Opening Night! The grandparents will be here and it should be quite an event. Details tomorrow.

Hello.

2008-04-28T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hi.
It's been awhile.
Life is happening here.
The biggest news:
In an amazing coincidence, Andrew is exactly the same height as me, and Mali is exactly the same height as Susy. I would show you a picture, but my photo PC is having network issues. Maybe some other time.
I took Mali to an orthopedic surgeon last week to review the x-rays of her knee. Her pain is apparently caused by growth, favoritism, and a lack of flexibility in her secondary soccer leg. The crushing news, the horrible news, the dismaying, sad, unfortunate news; uttered casually and without the necessary angst, yet with simple authority as the doctor pointed to the X-ray: "The growth plates around her knee have almost closed up, so she should be about done growing."
At the despondent look Mali and I both gave him at that, he kindly clarified and said that some growth has yet to occur from the back/spine region, and so she should have another inch or two to go before completely stopping.
She should end up taller than her mom, and that is all that really matters.
I fully expect Andrew to shoot past me any moment now. His shoulders are already higher, but apparently he does not possess the pencil neck or the elongated, egg-shaped head that would give him the height advantage, the poor kid.