Feast

So, where's everyone thinking of going for the Feast? I was firmly of the belief that I was going to be in Myrtle Beach this year, but the M.R.S. threw me a curve last Saturday night with a Quebec suggestion. I'm looking into passport requirements now - it doesn't appear that we would need one to drive across the border. So - where's everyone going? And does anyone know anything about Quebec?

Doh!

I just got off the phone with my mom. She told me a funny story about this guy who was behind on his child support when he hit the state lottery. Knowing that his winnings would be garnished by the state when he went to pick up his money, he commissioned a friend to pick up the winnings for him. Unfortunately for the winner, the friend he picked was also behind in his child support payments. So when the friend produced the winning ticket, the state garnished the winnings anyway! The two friends then proceeded to get into a fight once they were outside. I don't know how true the story is, but it did make me laugh this morning.

A tale of two floors

I go home after lunch and am greeted by the smell of spring mint upon opening the door. Not an unpleasant smell, mind you, but the only thing that smelled like spring mint when Nick & I left this morning was our collective breath. Underneath the spring mint smell is a hint of bleach. I head downstairs to the kitchen to find the mop sitting in a bucket of bleach & water. OK, that explains the bleach. Turns out little angel Noah sneaked down to the kitchen to fix himself a glass of milk. I don't think I need to spell out what happened, do I? Let's just say I'll be stopping by the store tonight to replace the gallon of Mayfield that used to be in our fridge. At some point the darling little cherub went upstairs and (I assume) tried to make sure his breath was minty-fresh. When I get to the bathroom, the entire (LARGE) bottle of mouthwash has congregated on the floor around and behind the toilet. The M.R.S. is no longer flexible enough to maneuver around the toilet area so the green spill is waiting for daddy. I guess things could have been worse. At least he's been leaving all of his poop in his diaper.

Have you ever filled out a job application, spent $13 on transcripts, spent $14 to express mail it in order to beat the closing deadline, and then realize several days later that you didn't fill out the 16-page application packet that was supposed to accompany the application? No? Um... me... either...

Baby shower aftermath

Little sister - Your words meant a lot to us. The M.R.S. almost shed a tear while reading your card. I was touched as well. And I'll make sure Nyla loves the book.

Country Girl & Rebel - Everything was lovely, and the food and drink were exquisite as well. I've been pilfering those chocolate pacifiers from the M.R.S.'s stash, so I might have a couple of black eyes when yall see us this week. Thanks for taking the time to put the event together.

TMan - Thanks for keeping me company, and for helping out the ladies.

Thanks to all who couldn't attend, but sent gifts. I must say I've never been around so much PINK in all my days. This experience is certainly going to be different. Thanks to all who've offered advice, encouragement, and love throughout this pregnancy. Most importantly, thanks to all future baby-sitters of the clan.

Now if we could just work on that punctuality thing...

Thy Kingdom Come, for real!

While in the middle of dinner last night, Nick casually mentions that a fellow first-grader got suspended for having a knife at school yesterday. Naturally, that got our attention, but I thought that there might be a little exaggeration in Nick's story. Maybe the kid had a toy knife, or at worst, a butter knife. We've heard other stories about this kid's behavior on the bus, but nothing of this magnitude. When we questioned Nick a little further, he admitted that the kid had threatened to kill Nick. A little more concerned (the M.R.S. was instantaneously furious), we asked exactly what happened while they were on the playground. After a few more questions, we knew that this was no tall tale- the other kid really had a knife!

I went to talk with a school official, who couldn't go into extreme detail because of confidentiality and legal concerns. I did find out that things happened exactly the way Nick said they did, and that I was not the only parent to have discussed this with this official. Apparently the kid told quite a few others that he had a knife, and threatened others as well. He is not at school today, and shouldn't be back for a while. While I'm glad I don't have to worry about this particular kid for a little while, the situation is certainly a cause for concern. Homeschooling just rose another several notches in my eyes. And yes, Desiree, I did steal your title.

In other Nick news, I found a love letter he wrote to 2(!) girls in his class. This must be nipped in the bud - but it is comforting to know that he has a healthy interest in the fairer sex.

He lives!

I am not dead. More to come later.

Monday morning

Things that have made me smile so far this morning:

• Spotting a black lizard with a gold stripe basking in the sunlight as I walk across campus
  
• Finding 3 issues of ESPN magazine of my desk, put there by a coworker who knows my passion for sports
  
• The steak, egg, & cheese bagel I had this morning at McDonald's - all 2,000 calories of it
  

I wonder what this afternoon will bring.

PSA

I get these emails from time to time, but they've usually expired by the time I look at them. Spirit Air is offering some $0.01 (where's the 'cents' key?) one-way fares today. Click the following like if you're interested.

http://www.hotwire.com/

Red Stripe! Hooorraaay Beer!

Yesterday was great, despite an auspicious start that I'll leave to your imagination, dear reader. I'm sure you don't want to hear another bowel and spilled-breakfast-all-over-his-head story. Dr. Winnail gave a fascinating sermon, we had a new member who's recently moved from another area attending, and we had an enchanting evening at the House of Burdette. I think he found some Caribbean caterers or something, because we were treated to jerk chicken w/ mango salsa, grilled plantains (or, the brother to the banana), an exquisite bean-and-rice dish (I'm still trying to figure out what the underlying sweet flavor was), that wine we like that I'm not going to try to spell, and some pie for dessert. Oh, let me not leave out the rum punch. Just when the M.R.S. had almost come to terms with the fact that we're not going back to Jamaica for the Feast this year... Oh yeah, I'm a disappointment to the South because I don't eat cole slaw. Or potato salad.

The conversation was thought-provoking, as is usually the case when MHB is involved - unless he's ranting and raving, in which case it's best to just step away from the soapbox and let him purge. (Dem's just jokes, Sir!) I got to play the role of Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton as SPEAKER FOR BLACK AMERICA, as we discussed the Civil War/War Between the States/War of Northern Agression, confederate flags, the Duke Boys, George Wallace, race riots in the north, police procedures (we're actually NOT entitled to those extra 10 mph above the speed limit), and the most boring stretch of Highway in the world - Hwy. 441 from Commerce, Ga to Lumber City, Ga. Four hours of mind-numbing boredom (except for the beautiful homes in Madison, I'm told). And yes, if you weren't there, you WERE talked about. Lovingly of course...

Oh well, the athletes have been pretty good tonite. I guess the fact that it's exam week is helping them focus. Wait - do I spy someone in the back reading CALVIN AND HOBBES?????

Thanks for the invite, Burdette clan. Thanks also for the opportunity to get to know the other guests better. All in all, a great night.

PS: Do they eat cornbread in the Caribbean? Inquiring minds want to know.

Alec Baldwin's infamous call

I'm not much of an Alec Baldwin fan. Oh, he's a good actor, but something about him just rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's the air of smugness that emanates from him - or maybe I'm just transferring my distaste at some of the characters he's portrayed onto the actor. Anyway, I'm no Baldwin apologist. By now I'm sure many of you out there have heard the infamous message he left on his 11-year old daughter's voicemail. I think he was totally out of line to speak to his daughter in such a manner. I think he probably needs counseling of some sort to help him deal with his rage. His bitter divorce from Kim Basinger and the resultant custody case show why God said that divorce "covers one's garments with violence" (Mal. 2:16). Alec Baldwin was way out of line.

I do, however, understand the frustration underlying the voice message. To quote a passage from Martha Brockenbrough's article in defense of Alec Baldwin ,

"I lost my cool when my child didn't use a napkin, but at least I get to see her every day. Baldwin doesn't, and this apparently wasn't the first scheduled call she missed. How devastating for a parent who does not have custody to not be able to count even on phone calls.

I know if I were in his situation, I would be crushed and frustrated, and very likely to lash out. I suspect I'd be furious with my ex, and I'd be mortally wounded by the apparent indifference of my child. I'd also want to go to wherever she was to explain how much she was hurting me."


Yes, you handled the situation poorly Alec, but... I understand. I don't think I'd do what you did, but... I understand. I don't condone it, but... I understand.

Unfortunately, I understand all too well.

Monday, Monday...

I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to pay for a class or two offered by Living University this fall. I'm not planning on entering a degree program right now, but I might opt for the Diploma in Biblical Studies. We'll see how that goes. I'm really excited about the two Old Testament survey courses.

It doesn't look like we're gonna make it to Kansas City this weekend for Tiffany's wedding. I've been looking forward to it for a while now, but there are serious difficulties involved with getting the days off from work/school (for me and Nick), $$$$, and the ability of the M.R.S. to deal with the 13-hour drive. Maybe we'll try again this summer, when work and school might be lesser issues. Hopefully by then cheap gas will be less than the $2.63/gallon it is currently. I guess this means I'll be missing out on the Mike Kissy housewarming party.

In other news, it's less than 2 months now for the baby's arrival. Let me get all my sleeping in now... I have a feeling the little bundle of XX chromosomes is gonna have her way with me...

DNA

I'm reading DNA: The Secret of Life right now. It was written as part of a multifaceted venture to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the discovery of the double-helix structure of the DNA molecule by Messrs. Watson and Francis Crick. The book is written in such a way as to be understandable by those with very little science background. It's a history of genetics, but moreso, it's a look at advances in the field and their impact - practical, social, and ethical. He examines issues such as DNA forensics, "playing God", the "mitochondrial Eve" hypothesis (mitochondrial DNA, passed on only by mothers, supports an African origin for Homo sapiens and a severe population bottleneck at some point in man's past - 150,000 years ago by their calculations), gene therapy for heritable genetic disorders, genetically modified organisms and foods (GMOs), and pharmaceutical biotechnology, among other things.

At one point Dr. Watson recounts a the outcome of a 1975 meeting held at the beginning of the recombinant DNA era, which led to guidelines regulating this area of research. At one point in the story, it really struck me how many of the people he mentioned were really trying to improve things for others on this planet. This is conveyed in the chapter on GMOs as well. I don't see that sentiment on a day-to-day basis in my dealings with scientists though. It does come across that they love science, and really love the project or organism they're working on, but the avid desire to benefit humanity comes across typically as a secondary motive (or as a way to secure funding). Then again, maybe the desire to help others is the major motivation for many of my peers and they just don't wear it on their sleeve. Perhaps if I interacted with more people doing medical research I would be exposed to that feeling more often, but maybe not; after all, I do interact with people working on agriculture. I think the desire to help humanity is a noble one. I don't think science alone can do it, of course, but that desire is admirable.

So far it's been a good read. I recommend it to anyone interested in any of those topics.

Bass is what we want

I'm just now realizing how good the Go-Gos' bassist is/was. She absolutely KILLS "Head Over Heels." Oh 80s, where have you gone?

It's amazing how quickly long-since-overcome vices and bad habits can blindside you and tempt you. I was probably unwise to hook up with my old buddies so long last night. I thought I was catching them early enough for it to be safe. Lesson learned. I did find that I can still hold my own on the Spades table. (That's the card game I'm talking about - I'm not trying to have an Imus moment.)

Quick rundown

Bible Bread is great with soft butter and salt. Thanks, Desiree!

I've been lost in thought a lot lately (as opposed to just being lost), and I haven't felt like putting those thoughts on cyber-paper, if you know what I mean. With the pre-Passover self-examination, expanding family concerns, lack of academic progress, and now, potential lack-of-funding issues to deal with, I've been in sort of a funk. Oh, I don't need any anti-depressants or anything like that, but I've definitely had better stretches. It's amazing how much of a boost I get from Noah & Nick meeting me at the door with excitement, hugs, and the occasional kiss. Kids are great - except when they're not. I'll have to tell yall about the Jimmy Snuka-like flying tackle that Noah gave to Summer this past Sabbath. Textbook rear takedown. Imagine what he'll be able to do when he's 200 lbs.!

The M.R.S. has still not driven our van. She won't even call it a van - it's THE BOX. The capital letters there when she speaks those words. Now, whenever I see the word 'van', I read 'BOX', the way we in the COGs typically render 'LORD' as 'THE ETERNAL'. Anyway, THE BOX is holding up well, and I actually like driving her. I need to upgrade the sound system in that bad boy, but the I can't complain.

A bunch of my old running mates will be in town this weekend. I might stop by to see them briefly, but I'll have to time it just right; I need to catch them before they reach the point of inebriation, or it'll be a SHORT visit. I don't think I'll be making the scheduled toga party though. Look out Clemson - there will be ripped purple shirts, fatigues, branded flesh, and gold boots galore this weekend.

I can't believe we're already past Passover and the Days of UB. It seems like it's still January - it sure feels like it's still January! I'm glad I don't live in some windswept, desolate habitation like Ohio, for instance.

I had a bunch of sciencey stuff I wanted to write about, but then I remembered I don't talk shop after 5. Oh well, maybe some other time. Good night.

PS: Pray for Imus. And Al Sharpton. And Anna Nicole's baby. Is there anything else going on in the world? I hear there might be some trouble over in that there Middle East.

Still hangin' in there

I'm still alive. Been doing some soul-searching lately; mostly trying to determine whether I'm facing a truth that's been staring me in the face or whether I'm just a quitter. My opinion on that changes from minute to minute. This is not a good place to be.

Had to go to Family court to clear up another discrepancy regarding my paying child support. While I was there I noticed quite a collection of mullets amongst the crowd of people waiting their turn in court. There was even one memorable mohawk-mullet. Wal-Mart ain't got nothin' on Family Court in that regard.

I hope everyone is having a blessed Holy Day season. I think the boys are going to eat up all our matzos by tomorrow. They've developed quite a passion for matzos & honey.

Buckblog, you have my condolensces.

A crust of bread and a corner to sleep in...

...and that is life. That's enough Paul Lawrence Dunbar for one day. I'm in a bit of a weird mood. I am definitely stuck in a rut. I think a move and a career change would be good for me, but perhaps not as good for my family. I'd also miss our little church group terribly. So I'm probably going to be here for a while longer. I like the area; there are plenty of lakes, small mountains, smiling faces, decent food, and I love being in a college town. However, I feel stagnant, like I've been stuck in the mud for the past 18 years. Everyone around me is progressing - graduating, finding meaning in what they do, finding jobs that match their passions, building homes, preparing for retirement... I don't feel like I'm growing at all - especially professionally. Of course, graduation would probably change that feeling, but graduation's not on the horizon. As a matter of fact, the grant that funds me is up in April/May, so a career decision might already have been made for me. We'll see. Just in case, I've dusted off the resume and I've begun checking to see what's out there in the job market. I'm particularly interested in forensic lab/DNA testing labwork. We have a Genetics Center about an hour from here that does prenatal testing, but I'm not interested in dealing with the ethical issues associated with that line of work. Let's just see how things go.

At least I've begun to exercise a little lately. I've discovered that middle-aged professional men are the best basketball players in the world, and there's an inverse relationship between the amount of grey hair they possess and their desire to run non-stop the entire game. Now I always try to defend the youngest-looking person on the other team. My knees ache afterward anyway though. This getting older is not all it's cracked up to be.

Hoyas us, Heels down

The NCAA men's basketball tournament is dead to me.

Off to see the NIT

I'm taking the fam to see Clemson vs Syracuse tonight in the NIT. The boys are pretty excited; I just hope they're not holding out hope for more of the $3 drinks and pretzels that we had Monday at the Clemson/Ole Miss game.

Go T-I-G-E-R----S!

edit: That was waaaay too close. That's what 17-34 from the free throw line will get ya, I suppose. At least we won. That was the worst-oficiated game I've ever seen.

Re: Duke

Why the animosity against the evil empire known as Duke basketball? Hmmm... Lemme think

• Growing up as a Tar Heel fan, it's sort of a requirement
  
• Attending Clemson, it's sort of a requirement. They've beaten us 21 straight times, including one buzzer beater this season when time was wrongly added to the game clock.
  
• The unceasing worship of the Dookies by one Dook Dick Vitale of ESPN, and
  
• The foul-mouthed and vulgar tirades of that leader of men, Michael Sha-chef-ski. (You couldn't have possibly expected me to spell that last name, did you?)
  
• The Cameron Crazies
  

Been AWOL

I'm back from an unexpected trip home and to Fayetteville, NC due to a death in the family. It was good seeing cousins I hadn't seen since we all were kids. I just wish the circumstances weren't so dour. Nevertheless, I appreciated the opportunity to re-establish contact with family.

For most of last night, the TV was on but not being watched by anyone. My cousin (the son of the deceased) suddenly remembered that the NCAA tourney was in progress and we caught the last 1:42 of the Duke/VCU game. The house was suddenly tense as we rooted for VCU, all the while afraid that Duke would find a way to pull out the victory. A huge collective roar went up when Paulus missed the potential game-winner and Duke was officially eliminated. For a couple of minutes there were smiles on every face in the house. UNC, Clemson, MD, and other miscellaneous fans rejoiced as one for a few minutes; all sorrow was temporarily set aside. I love this game.