Knocking Them Out in Spectacular Fashion

I sometimes marvel at how completely different Hoolie and I are. We are opposites in many ways.

But then there are nights where we sit up in bed, enjoying mustard covered soft pretzels and cheap lime-flavored light beers while we watch episodes of Dexter or random documentaries about plant evolution or Mike Tyson and those are some of the times when... well... I just know we were meant to be.

Broke My Wii

Our Wii has been out of commission for the last few months. There appears to be something wrong with the DVD drive. Everything else seems to be in working order. We can play any of our downloaded content, but the game discs won't load.

I announced tonight that I would be disassembling the Wii and returning this console to it's former glory. I have no experience in this sort of endeavor, but that's never stopped me before. I mean, how hard can it be?

Upon hearing my announcement, Julie quickly offered her dutiful spousal support.

"You have no idea what you're doing. You can't fix that thing."

Oh yeah, Julie? Well now I'm going to fix this thing even harder.





(And by harder, it's safe to assume that means running out and buying a new Wii when I've thoroughly busted this one.)

My Wife Is Hot

Have I ever mentioned how hot my wife is? Super hot. Beautiful. She caught my interest many, many years ago and at the time I thought the attraction was the fact that she was an amazingly gifted soccer player who always wore her hair in a ponytail. (As a teenager that was pretty much my definition of smokin'.)

As it turns out, what I was really falling in love with was her incredible focus, devotion and passion -- it just so happened that at that time in her life soccer was at the heart of that passion. She talks a little bit about it here. (See, I told you she was hot.)

To this day I'm not exactly sure how I snagged such a determined woman. I've seen her accomplish so many amazing things and with each new endeavor I'm blown away all over again. (Next on the list: Delivering our fourth child. Which will be immediately followed by black belt earning and half-marathon training.) She may not be a ponytailed soccer player anymore, but she just keeps getting more beautiful to me.

Oh, and one other thing... she'll always be hot in my book simply because she can kick my brother's ass.

Dad's Night Out

Dad gets to enjoy a night out while Mom stays home with sick kids. Thanks, Mom! Right now we're listening to Sarah Borges waiting for Scott Miller to start. Great stuff so far. Kinda southern rockish with a girl punk feel. Pretty good.

Shout-Out/Plea

Quick shout-out to the Missus. Congratulations on passing your test to become a brown belt! Your hard work and commitment are admirable and I know you'll get that black belt soon.

And please don't kick my ass.

It's embarrassing enough that you own me in ping pong and foosball.

The Karate Mom

Julie is off to her karate tournament right now.

I promise three things:

1. I will be a supportive spouse (and try to not freak out that someone is trying to kick my wife's ass).

2. I will take and post lots of pictures and/or video.

2. I will look for an opportune moment to yell out, "PUT HER IN A BODY BAG, JULIE!!!"


Speaking of karate tournaments... you did know that Wil Smith is remaking The Karate Kid with his son playing the lead, right?

Meanwhile...

...My wife continues her quest to be able to kick my ass.

Click here for the details.

Beer Goggles Are Real

They needed a scientific study to prove that people look more attractive when you've been drinking?

Thank goodness Julie was a heavy drinker.

I Have a Confession...

...I'm going to enjoy this trip.

Sometimes I get to do fun stuff for work. Under normal circumstances, working for the man isn't all that great. But, every so often, the man I work for likes to take all of his direct reports on a business trip that's also heavy on the pleasure side of the equation. I happen to be leaving for one of those trips at 6:00 AM this morning.

It's hard enough as it is when I leave Julie home with three kids under three years old while I'm traveling for work. Take a look at my itinerary for this one and you can imagine just how solidly I'm in the dog house right now. If you'd like to show your sympathy for Julie, you can leave a message on her blog here.


The trip:

Sunday, July 27, 2008
06:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Travel to NYC

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Brunch at Blue Fin

12:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Times Square
Central Park South
Midtown East
Union Square/Flatiron District
West Village
East Village
Little Italy

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Dinner at Da Nico
Dessert at Caffe Roma

Monday, July 28, 2008
10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Meetings

07:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Giants Stadium, Rutherford, NJ
(I'm not a big fan of the Boss, but we've got 10th row seats.)


Tuesday, July 29, 2008
09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Meetings

12:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Offsite Staff Meeting
Central Park

05:30 PM - 07:30 PM
Dinner at Scarlatto

07:30 PM - 10:40 PM
Broadway: August: Osage County
Music Box Theatre


Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Return to Dayton

06:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Make peace offering to Julie

I'll try to post some pictures while I'm out there.

My Wife is a Lethal Weapon

Julie just tested for her Senior Green Belt last night at Master Chung's Tae Kwon Do Academy. I must say, she was quite impressive. Julie took up Tae Kwon Do shortly before becoming pregnant with the twins. Unfortunately, that put her training on hold for awhile, but I'm proud of how quickly she got back into it and how well she's stuck with it despite our very hectic lives. Since starting with Master Chung, she's planned on becoming a black belt and I'm certain she will eventually reach her goal. Hopefully she doesn't kick my butt too much along the way.

So Busy Lately

It's been awhile since my last post, but that's because things have been a little busier than usual. Since my last post, we've had relatives in from Hawaii and we made our first road trip since the twins were born. So much to talk about, but for now, I'll leave you with a picture of Julie's first ever foray into the world of water sports.

I Told You My Wife Is Crazy

And dangerous. See here.

Perspective

You know life is hectic when you fight over who gets to cut the grass. I let Julie win tonight. Though I'm jealous, she deserves it after the day she's had.

Only the best for my girl.

(Don't forget to edge, dear.)

My Wife is Crazy

Julie is up baking cupcakes right now. (Note the time of this post.) Why is she doing this? Because we need them for some important event tomorrow? No. Just because.

Why am I up, you ask? I was asleep. Truman woke up. Apparently because the house smells like fresh baked cupcakes. Man that kid loves to eat.

Peace out. I'm going to bed. Julie's got some icing to do.

(Editor's note: If you had three kids aged two and under, this wouldn't seem strange at all. You learn to value the night. Even the late, late night.)

Man Saves Wife from Crocodile

Julie - I would absolutely do the same thing for you. Totally. I swear. How could I not when you're taking one for the team and throwing your body in front of projectile vomit?

Our Marriage Is Still Fresh

Or at least I'm still finding out things about Julie. Like I just found out, that if she so chooses, Julie can stick the end of her tongue in her nostril. Quite easily, actually. Fascinating.

Actual Conversation

Julie: "Did you eat one of the cookies laying on the counter?"

James: "Yes."

Julie: "You shouldn't have. They fell on the floor this morning."

Valentine's Day in the House of Many Babies

Bed head for the J man. It's nice that he's old enough to entertain himself while I work on breakfast.




Catching some vintage Loony Tunes.




I know there are a million reasons why old cartoons are "bad" by today's standards, but Jameson vastly prefers vintage fare like black and white Popeye, Loony Tunes and Merrie Melodies, and classic Droopy and Tom and Jerry over today's offerings like Dora, Sponge Bob and the Backyardigans. I do too, so it works out nicely. I'll just have to explain later that it's not polite to drop anvils on people's heads.



The end result: breakfast in bed for Mom. (Sorry, Hools. I hope you don't mind the morning photography.)