Thank goodness for a new week...

Last week, I struggled. For whatever reason, I could not get going on my paper. I was putting in the time and had all the material (and caffeine) I needed, but couldn't get going. I was frustrated.

I ended up taking most of the weekend off because of this and spent some extra time with friends...and...I think it worked.

This week has been a different story. I just finished a draft on my discussion chapter that I think is very close to going to committee. In fact, depending on how a couple of meetings go--one with my advisor (tomorrow) and a second one with a committee member (early next week)--I may have my three major chapters nearing that point.

That's a good feeling.

You know you should have stayed in bed when...

Last week, the Baltimore Orioles were beat down 30-3. Pathetic. But according to one ESPN writer, last week's 'smackdown' only ranked #8 on the list of 100 Greatest Beatdowns of All Time (not being a playoff game, I tend to agree).

Of special note: 5, 6 (see Ryan! 49ers are only #21), 13 (should have been 12), 15 (could have easily been in the top 10), 25, 51, 68, 74, 91, 94 (are you reading this Ryan?!).

Three others that should have made the list:

NHL Playoffs 1995-1996: Avs over the school-girl Red Wings (Red Wings had set an NHL record for team points in a season).

Captain Mal Reynolds vs. the Alliance.

NFL 1995-Present: Coach Shanahan vs. the Oakland Raiders.

What's on your list?

Note to Browncoats...

The new Serenity Special Edition DVD is nice, very nice (some may even describe it as "shiny").

10 Things About Me...

A friend of mine (a friend, it should be noted, who is a bit 'psychotic') challenged me to post:

10 Things You May Not Know About Me

This should be fun! Ryan may know many of these items, but many of you would not.

As tradition dictates, I am to count in a foreign language. Although there are a handful of languages I could choose from (Francais, Nynorsk, Quechua, Uzbekcha, Tajik, etc), my best memories come from East Africa. So here they are! 1-10 in Kiswahili!

MOJA...My first job was with the USFS. How fitting for someone doing his graduate work on Paul Bunyan?
MBILI...My pupils are larger than normal, hence, my night vision is above average (Note: my sister has even larger pupils).
TATU...I prefer to sit on the left side of a theatre (as you face the screen). Not sure why, but always have. In fact, it drives me a bit nuts to sit on the right-hand side.
NNE...Avocados, pomegranates, and red-peppers (cold, which are like candy!) are three of my favorite foods!
TANO...Smoothies are awesome!
SITA...McMurdo Sound is the most beautiful place I've ever been.
SABA...I can twist my right arm around 360 degrees.
NANE...Every-so-often I will find myself staring at a person not knowing what it is about the person that so intrigues me. Nine times out of ten, it's because the person is left-handed. In the past, I've wondered if I would end up with a 'southpaw'.
TISA...I still miss "Little Smokey". Several years ago, I had a Nissan 4x4, extended cab that my friends christened "Little Smokey". I sold it when I went into Peace Corps and miss it to this day.
KUMI...AVS RULE!

And as tradition would have it, I am to 'tag' three people to complete a similar list.

I tag the following:
Ryan...slayer of forest creatures
Brent...the (honorary) Rush roadie
THE GEEK!...who needs to start a site of her own!

Grandpa Roy...

I admire my grandfather...always have, always will. Memories of chopping firewood, watching bears in the forest, and building toys in his woodshop will live with me for years. He has been a steady pillar of the family since the beginning and source of much of the inspiration for my Northwoods' research topic (Grandma being the other).

Earlier today, at the age of 95, my grandfather passed away. Although he will be dearly missed, his memory will live on for generations to come.

Grandpa Roy: 1912-2007

Party for the Ages...

Grandpa is now 95...
Grandma is now 90...
...and they have now celebrated 70 years together!

This past week, I traveled to the Northwoods with my sister and nephews for a party celebrating good times and family. Like most of my family, I had been looking forward to this gathering for some time.

Introductions and reestablishing ties that bind us together are an important part of such events. My mom, uncle, and aunt all took turns on the mic introducing their kids and grandkids (and even one great-grandkid!). During my introduction, my mom was quick to remind the single women, "He's 35 and still single!"

NOTE TO MOM: Although I appreciate such efforts to find me a date, family reunions are not the best places to meet women.

The party was a large gathering. Not only were family and close friends invited, but all the residents from the local nursing home as well. I had the honor of dancing with several of the residents while members of my extended family escorted them in their wheelchairs around the dance floor. One of these ladies initially declined my invitation for a dance informing me that she was married. I explained, "That's ok...It'll be our little secret!"

There was plenty of food, music, and dancing. A grand time was had by all who attended as it truly was a party for the ages.

Thanks, Grandma. Thanks for hosting a party for the ages!

(Thanks also for the blueberry pancakes!)