Category — Random Things

My "computer" bag.

CrossFit teaches us to be ready for the unknown and unknowable. I guess I’ve taken that to heart somewhat. My computer bag contains everything but the computer. Unless you count the iPad. But it does contain everything I might need in an low-grade emergency. Bandages, athletic tape, books, pens, ground coffee (yes, ground coffee), weapons (non-lethal), overnight garments, toothpaste, ibuprofen and can forget the gymnastics rings and jumprope. You never know when a wod will jump off.

What’s in your bag?

This girl has so much confidence. I wish I had half of what she has. I could learn from her. Confidence is such a big part of our success in life.

I often tell the girls, speak up! Folks tend to believe and respect those who speak with confidence. I hope they will remember that as they get older. Seems they’re off to a great start.

Check out a sneak peak of the upcoming docu/series From Fatherless To Fatherhood. The Kobie Chronicles will be featuring today’s fathers and getting their perspectives on what fatherhood means to them. I and the girls will be one of the featured families. Should be fun.

The Babies after school

I have had the same cell phone for probably 7 years or so. A Palm Treo 650. In fact, I had two. When the first starting bugging out and the keys on the keyboard kept sticking, I just went to eBay and bought the next one.  It did it’s job for me. I could text, make calls, set my calendar, search the internet and perform a few other key functions. There hasn’t been a need to update the phone until recently.

The phone finally died. Multiple drops will bring any cell phone to it’s knees. I reluctantly picked up a new phone from my local AT&T wireless dealer. Honestly, I never really see the need to pick up the latest in technology since it always seems five minutes later something newer and better and faster and cheaper comes out. At least in this case, I had no real choice. Fortunately, I was able to get a well regarded/reviewed phone for free after rebate – the Nokia E71x.

My initial reaction was, “I hate this thing!” It just isn’t as intuitive as the Palm. But I said, hey I will get used to it. I can’t beat the price. The alternative (Blackberry Bold) was $150 after rebate. Free is better. All that said, I’m in love with the phone now. Well love is kind of strong. I really like the phone. Of course this is in comparison to a relative tech dinosaur, but hey. What won me over was the photos it takes. The above caption of the babies was taken with the Nokia. Ironically, the photo capability was the one knock against the phone. They must have improved it since it’s debut. I couldn’t be more satisfied (actually maybe I could but I’m not that picky).

Given the season, I’m a little more introspective than at other times of the year. I tend to think about the little things. After taking this pic of the babies I just contemplated, “Wow, ain’t technology cool.” I can just snap a candid moment at any time and then share it with my family, or friends, or their mom or anyone interested in my latest tweet. Although it seems like a little thing, I hope to keep some of these shots in safekeeping so when the babies get older they’ll remember moments, fun moments we/they had while growing up. My new Nokia will certainly help in that regard.

So, of the many things I’m thankful for in my life (and I’ll be reciting them before dinner tomorrow) I’m thankful for cell phone cameras. If you’re reading this, have a Happy Thanksgiving.

It’s Monday.

I try to motivate myself. I try to get going and do something. But I continue to find myself only planning for and anticipating their arrival and dreading their departure. When The Babies are home, I’m on point. We all eat a good meal, everybody is in bed on time and bathed. Bedtime stories come with wicked quickness. The next morning is usually a mad dash but they’re to school on time, clean and alert. Everybody has taken their vitamins. My day is productive and orderly.

They go to their mom’s today.

Flickr @ yummyinmytummyblog

When they’re not around, I lose it. The time in between their stays at home is strung together with Futurama reruns, piled up dishes in the sink, Facebook marathons and several orders of Papa John’s Chipotle chicken wings. I don’t want to admit I’m that guy. You know the guy with no real direction unless he’s ushering kiddlings to a ballet rehearsal or a karate class or the next playdate. I need to get in the gym, do some yardwork, do some real work, call a friend, go to church, join a cause, do something for God’s sake.

I’ve really been trying to get better. And I have made some progress. I don’t cry anymore when they’re gone. [Read more →]