Happy Birthday to... Me

Did anyone ever say... "gee I'm glad I turned 49?" I didn't think so. How will I remember this birthday... the last birthday of the first half century of my life? I'm tempted to say that I don't like it... in fact I actually said that. I was a little grumpy all day long.

But now, after having dinner with my three kids at The Outback Restaurant, I'm going to change my mind. Turning 49 is just fine. The only thing I regret is that I'll always remember this birthday as the day the Tigers traded Pudge Rodriguez to the hated Yankees.

When I was born I nearly died after two days. Only through the miracles of medical technology were they able to perform life saving surgery. So you see- every day after those first two days has been a bonus and I'd like to think I have taken advantage of this blessing. When I look around, I have a great wife, three great kids, two great parents and a superb younger brother... how much luckier can a guy be?

So when someone asks me how was your 49th birthday, I'll answer... "everything I expected- it was great."

Now that's a lot of candle power on that cake!

Earthquake Felt Here...

BMO and I were at the house when it started shaking late this morning. Just after it sdtopped Erin walked in the door and wondered why everyone was excited. She was driving at the time it happened. It was pretty strong for being 100 miles away. Here's a picture from the U.S. Geological Survey website:

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/

They're saying we can expect some aftersshocks into the night. Although they have had over 30 up in Los Angeles, we haven't felt any... yet.

Everyone is home

The kids returned safely yesterday. After two weeks of nearly complete silence I picked BMO up early in the morning and Erin in the late afternoon. Both times I timed my arrival perfectly and didn't have to wait for hours on end in the airport. It must have just been a good day of flying weather across the USA.

They both looked tired from all the flying but no worse for the wear.

101 in 1001-- Item # 35-- No TV For Three Days

Why I chose This Goal: Has TV taken over a hunk of your life? I was concerned that it had for me. No our television wasn't broken... but maybe it's presence was breaking me down. I noticed I was watching several shows daily and when it came to not getting things done that needed to get done... well... it was time to look into the lost hours of watching television. I found that I was plugging into the O'Reilly factor and Cash Cab every evening. That's two hours right there. Add to that a Padres game... usually another hour- they get turned off when they fall behind by three runs or more.

What I Did: Starting on Friday morning, it was no TV for me. To avoid accidentally turning it on I put the remote in a spot I'd have to consciously go to get it. Not so surprisingly I've been able to get more stuff done around the house. Riding my bike more, doing chores and got to bed at a reasonable (9:30 pm) hour. Funny thing is that at 830 am, I've not even considered checking the news. This exercise focused my attention on how much time I have been wasting on TV. I'm going to limit my viewing to a maximum two hours total per day. Sorry Bill O'Reilly-you've been cut from my daily team. To twist his phrase, "Caution you're in a no TV viewing zone." Probably a good thing since O'Reilly usually gets my blood boiling for no good reason.

101 in 1001-- Item # 33-- Don't Speak For One Day

Why Chose This Goal: The monks of days-gone-by would take a vow of silence and would not speak for years. Could I do it for at least one day?

What I Did: Beginning last night I began my silence. Yes it was easier since I had the day off and the kids are away. But I did it. Additionally I began day one of three days without television. Guess what... I got lots of cleaning and reading done today. That shouldn't be a surprise.

P.S. Kilted Piper Winery began four new one gallon batches of wine. Two batches of white grape, one red grape and one peach. They are in primary fermentation (I added the yeast this morning).

101 in 1001-- Item #24-- list 101 things that make me happy

Why I Chose This Goal: Sometimes it's good to find out what makes you tick. I wanted to write down the things I enjoy doing and things that I like.

What I did: Over the last two days I sat down and listed off my 101 things. Most related to family and activities that I enjoy doing. It proved interesting and I had to do heavy thinking near the end of the list.

So far I have completed 21 of 101 items. That's not too bad for 2.5 months of trying. Yes, I've been cherry-picking the easy one's. So it's going to be a little harder for the next 81.

101 in 1001-- Item #30 Read 12 Books in a Year

Why I Chose This Goal: being well read is the sign of a cultured and civilized man. Hey- that's me! I enjoy reading and figured this was a slam dunk.

What I Did: It was a slam dunk... I read a dozen books, they're posted on the left side bar and marked by an asterisk. Most are non-fiction but there are a few novels listed. I've read 30 books in the seven plus months of 2008.