T3: Tate's 3rd Birthday Video

It's probably bad form to follow a post about how I've recommitted myself to my blog (so that my second child wouldn't feel neglected) with another post of a video solely dedicated to my first child.

But therein lies Real World Lesson #1 for Child #2 . . . Life ain't fair. Accept it and move on!

Having said that, let's move on to T3 - Tate's 3rd Birthday Video.

Happy Birthday, Buddy Boy! You'll never know how proud I am of you!

Christmas Second Stringers!

My yuletide soap boxes are a'plenty on this blog (click here and here) -- and though there is no shortage of retail stores to boycott because of their pre-emptive and obsessant broadcasts of Christmas music before the widely recognized and official start of the Christmas season (day after Thanksgiving) -- I do actually have one contribution to this year's Christmas cheer . . .

It's a Christmas card I got from my sister over 10 years ago and it still ranks #1 on my highly exclusive . . .

Top 10 Christmas Cards List

in the History of Ever!

. . . eat your heart out, Hallmark!




The reason I like it is because it's original! GASP! You mean we don't have to give the same ol' cards and listen to the same ol' music EVERY Christmas of our lives?!?!?!

No, actually, try mixing it up a little bit! And what doesn't say "Merry Christmas" like Vomet and Spitzen for reindeer names? Sound like my kinda guys!

Oh well, here's my half-hearted attempt to say "Merry Christmas, everybody!"

The Elephant In The Room

Considering recent events, I've discovered that I have at least one thing in common with Tiger . . . I have lots of explaining to do.

Our similarities abruptly end there.

I've gone from 3-4 posts a week to only 3 posts in as many months. There are two reasons for that.

When I started this blog, my job had me spending at least 2-4 hours a day in my car in addition to another 2 hours of sitting by myself in physician waiting rooms. Needless to say, I had plenty time to think of pointless, rambling blog material.

Then a little over a year ago I left that job (ultimately because I was bored out of my mind!) and took over my dad's clinical research company . . . Protenium Clinical Research - Moving Research Forward!

(Shameless Plug Alert!)

There are a lot of things I love about my new gig, but one of the draw backs is that keeping a company on track drains me of time and mental capacity for online ranting, much to the Evil Empire's delight.

Then there's Facebook. Sweet, clean, easy one-sentence status updates Facebook. Let's face it - Facebook is trying to kill my blog.

Bad, Facebook, bad!

At the same time, I've reconnected with so many more friends and family in the last year via Facebook than I ever did via my blog over the last three years.

Bad, blog, bad!

And I can honestly say that in the past few months I've contemplated actually signing off and hanging a "Moved to Facebook" sign on Wade's Rantings. Though I can't say that would NEVER happen, I can say that I now have a reason to keep blogging.

Kelly and I shared a couple months ago that we're having another baby in the spring. She and I already feel the guilt of not giving our second child near as much time, thought and attention as Tate by this point in his pregnancy. I think by the time Kelly was 20 weeks along with Tate, I already had a small novel written about him on my blog.

So far, Baby Strz has all of ONE.

(Uh-oh! I think CPS just pulled up in front of my house!)

All that being said, the last thing I want is Baby Strz to spend years in therapy as an adult because I didn't blog as much about him/her than I did about Tate. I think the guilt from that alone would have me spending year in therapy in itself.

So there you have it - it may not be 3-4 posts a week but dust off that boring looking Rounders 3 template and fire up the dashboard. This kid may have to play with hand-me-down Lightning McQueen toys but at least he/she will have his/her very own blog posts!

. . . OK, now it's Tiger's turn!

Fun With Our Office Message Board

It makes more sense if you're a huge Cowboy fan!

Go Cowboys!

Things Are Gonna Get Crazy(er) Around Here!

I was sitting at my desk at home one night recently when our wireless printer suddenly began cranking out a print job - this means that Kelly is printing something from her laptop in the other room.

After a few moments Kelly yelled from the other room if the printer was working. Without even glancing up from my own computer I yelled back that it was.

A few moments after that Kelly appeared in my doorway slightly annoyed and asking me to hand her the print out. I, being slightly annoyed at the interruption and at the fact that even though she had walked all the way from the other room she could not walk the final 5 feet to the printer, quickly turned to grab her print out. And this is what I found . . .



















After shedding the guilt I had about being annoyed at my wife while she was in such a delicate condition, I found myself elated with the realization that we're going to have a baby!

(Oh, man! We're going to have another baby!)

So already here come all the same thoughts all over again! What is the baby going to look like? Which name are we going to pick? How are going to handle two kids at once? How are we going to afford two kids at once? What are the chances he will grow up to win the Super Bowl MVP while playing for the Dallas Cowboys? You know, the typical stuff!

The answers to all those questions will come soon enough. As for now, we're praising God for his miracle of life and his many blessings! I pray that he keep both Kelly and the baby comfortably in his hands - that's the best place they could be!

Meanwhile, feel free to drop by with any donations, er, suggestions on how to survive with two!

Tate-ism #18

Tate began his bedtime prayer the other night by saying:

"Dear God, thank you for washing your hands."

It's pretty obvious he's trying to pass on the positive reinforcement he has been getting lately.

I Owe Kelly BIG TIME!

I get together with Eric and Jeremy once a month for dinner and a prayer - though this month it was just me and Eric since Jeremy is literally on the other side of the world at the moment.

During said outting this past Monday I got a call from Kelly informing me that a friend from church had gotten a hold of sweet Texas Ranger tickets and had invited me to the game the very next night.

At first, I thought she was calling to taunt me because that would mean that she would have 2 evenings in a row of "guys' night out" while she stayed at home enjoying extra bonding time with Tate.

(Not that extra bonding time with our son is a bad thing - but some things are best in moderation, right?)

I wasn't quite sure what to say when she asked me what to tell Jake. These marital scenarios are best avoided at all cost! You can't seem overly eager to go because that would make you seem like you're not being considerate of her two nights at home with the squid.

But at the same time, you don't want to come across too nonchalant and miss out on the game should the door of possibility be slightly cracked open.

Kelly: "So . . . . what do you want me to tell Jake?"

(Careful! Don't blow it!)

Me: "Uh . . . . . . . . . I want you to tell Jake whatever it is you want me to tell Jake . . . . "

(Oooo, that sounded pretty good!)

Kelly: "Alright, I'll tell him you're looking forward to it!"

(YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!)



Did I say sweet tickets, or what?!?!?!?! This is the first pitch!

But as awesome as these sweet tickets were - my sweet wife is even awesomer!

Thanks for the double guys' night out, Babe! I owe you big time!

Oh, and a big thanks to Jake for inviting me, too!

_____________________________________

PS: Please feel free to leave helpful suggestions of how I should pay Kelly back!

My New Personal Anthem!

Finally a song that sings what I feel in my heart!

Forgive Me Father, For I Have Sinned . . . More Butter Please!

I can't say that I've never lied, but lying is just not part of my makeup. In fact, in the few times in the past when I've tried to lie, I wasn't very good at it - so why bother, right?

The truth is, I didn't take any dishonest intentions with me to the concessions counter before last night's movie - all I wanted was another popcorn bag. I would have even paid a buck for it if they had asked.

When Brad (my brother-in-law) and I sat down in the theatre last night to see GI Joe, he was nice enough to offer to share his huge tub-o-popcorn with me. To avoid appearing as the ambiguously (ahem!) duo by eating from the same bag of popcorn as well as avoiding that akward moment when our hands accidentally touch as we reach for more popcorn at the same time, I decided it would be better to go back to the concessions counter to get an extra popcorn bag of my own.

Me: "Excuse me, can I get another popcorn bag?"

Teen-aged purveyor of popcorn: "What happened to your first bag?"

(He surprised me with having a tone and giving me a look of suspect - I didn't know what to say)

Me: "Uh . . . it kinda ripped."

(It just popped out. I don't know why I said it - it wasn't true. But it felt easier to say than that I just wanted another bag so I could have some of my brother-in-law's popcorn.)

Teenager: "Oh no! Did you lose all your popcorn?"

(His skepticism quickly turned to concern.)

Me: "No, not really . . . I just don't wanna . . . you know?"

(Actually I don't know - that made absolutely no sense what so ever. This is my lying curse - I'm terrible at it!)

Teenager: "Well let me get you some more!"

(He grabbed a bag and began filling it with popcorn.)

Me: "Oh, uh . . . you don't have to . . . "

Teenager: "You want butter on this?"

Me: "Uh, . . . sure!"

(At this point, the guardian angel that stands on my shoulder is smacking up side my head with his halo.)

Teenager: [With a big smile] "Here you go - don't tear this one!"

Me: [With a failed smile] "Right . . . thanks!"

Never before have I felt like such a jerk for lying - but not so much that I couldn't enjoy the popcorn!

To The Neanderthalian Jerk at CiCi's Pizza in Coppell . . .

(I'm writing this post on behalf Jody and Janell because Jody is too nice to say this and Janell has far more important things to do than to give neanderthalian jerks a cybertronic tongue lashing! I, on the other hand . . . [cracking knuckles] . . . )

1. Excuuuuuse us if a certain cool-little-curly-blonde-haired boy should have the nerve to step in your way -- it's obvious that you have far more important things to do than having to side step a 2-year old.

2. Thanks so much for waving your arms in disgust so that we would all know that Alex broke your stride on the way to the door - we realize the momentum you had built up in the previous 10 feet was now a total loss of energy!

Such waste!

3. I'm impressed with your one-word parenting class you gave Jody when he tried to apologize for Alex cutting you off. Responding by simply saying "Yeah!" helped Jody become reflective and determine if there could have been a better way he could have handled the situation.

One nanosecond later Jody came to the one-word conclusion of "No."

4. And congratulations on being the first guy I've even known to verbally blow off one of the absolute nicest guys I've ever known! I'm sure you're also a great hit at company parties!

5. And speaking of a great hit, nice move on taking your date to Cici's Pizza! I bet she was even more impressed when you hit High Score on Mrs. Pac Man!

6. Just in case you didn't notice, that burning sensation in the back of your head was me staring you down with my laser vision!

Go Texas Rangers!

Here's my professional sports disclaimer: There's only one sport that I'm a true hardcore fan of (GO COWBOYS!), so all the others have a performance-based existence for me. The better you play, the more I'll tune in.

It's not that I'm a "fair weather fan" and that I only care if a team is doing well but rather that I feel that it's idiocracy to watch mediocrity. Most professional athletes are paid millions to perform so why would should I tune in to watch a sub .500 performance.

Having said that . . .

Let me congratulate the Texas Rangers for actually holding my attention throughout the summer from the end of the Dallas Maverick's season (don't get me started on that one!) to the beginning of Cowboy Training Camp!

And for those of you who may accuse me of "jumping on the band wagon", let me dust off fan club membership card (Member since 1982) and review my credentials of why I've always been a Ranger fan at heart.

1. One of my favorite gifts growing up was my Oddibe McDowell Rookie Card.

2. My sister worked for the Texas Rangers when I was in 5th Grade. She always took me to the games with her. I had a front row seat every night - that is, until the ticket holder or usher ran me off.

(My sister was hired for program sales but was quickly relegated to "dugout duties" which including running water out to the officials during the 7th Inning Stretch. Mitch Williams once asked her out not realizing that she was only 17)

3. I booed Steve Buechele every time he was up to bat.

4. For some strange reason, I can still name the 1989 Opening Day Starters: Buddy Bell, Steve Buechele, Cecil Epsy, Charlie Hough, Ruben Sierra, Scott Flectcher, Geno Petralli, Julio Franco and Pete Incaviglia.

(This is the only year I know!)

5. In the summer of 1993 I saw Juan Gonzales hit two grand slams.

6. The only part of Nolan Ryan's career that I feel is of any consequence is during his time as a Texas Ranger.

So congrats to the Ranger for actually keeping me entertained throughout the summer. At the rate they're playing, I won't notice the Cowboys for at least another 6-8 weeks!

By the way, Derek Holland is a stud!

"I Watch Monster Trucks!"

I had the opportunity to take Tate to his first monster truck rally last Friday.

(OK, it was a first for me, too!)

There are plenty of things I could say (ie: jokes) about my fellow audience members but I'll just leave that alone and instead simply ask . . . is it really necessary to sing both the National Anthem as well as Lee Greenwood's I'm Proud To Be An American?

The funny thing was how most of the crowd sang Lee Greenwood's song with more passion than they did the National Anthem. Don't get me wrong - I bleed red, white and blue with the rest of them - but do we really need to fight through a cassette recording-fed-through-the-PA-system-version of that song just so that we can prove to the terrorists that nothing is going to stop us from using gawdy monster trucks to crush poor, helpless junk cars from the 70's & 80's?

But I digress! Now on to the good stuff . . .

Here's video of Tate not quite for sure what to think of the ear-splitting monster trucks popping wheelies over junk cars. He eventually relaxed and enjoyed himself - so much that ever since last Friday night, all Kelly and I have heard him say is, "I watch monster trucks!"

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Tate vs. The Church of Later-Day Saints

You know those moments when you're trying to help your wife out the door for her Girls' Night Out while at the same time trying to keep your impatiently hungry two-year old from knawing on the floorboards?

Well, add to that your friendly neighborhood Missionary-Mormon-On-A-Bicycle standing at your front door!


Umph! I've got nothing against these guys - honestly, I actually admire the way they proactively speak about their faith and practice evangelism. I just wish they wouldn't proactively speak and evangelize when I'm having one of those moments.

Then again, I'm the knucklehead who answered the door!

Ding-dong!

Me: [failed smile] . . . Hi . . .

(The first thing I noticed was that he looked like he was about to have a heat stroke - but what else should you expect when you wear a tie and black pants when it's four thousand degrees outside!)

Mr. Mormon: Hi, my name is [can't remember] and I'm spending time in your neighborhood asking folks like you what you think about your salvation.

Me: . . . . uh . . . . .

(Why am I always at a loss of words when I'm put on the spot like this?!?!?!)

[Enter Tate from Stage Right. He obviously assumed he was allowed to use his outside voice simply because the front door was open. It was all I could do to keep Tate from bolting out the open door and taking off down the street.]

Tate: I KICK THE SOCCER BALL!!!

Mr. Mormon: . . . . uh . . . . .

(I love watching 20-year olds struggle to hold a conversation with my 2-year old!)

Mr. Mormon: . . . . um, as I was saying, have you considered a relationship with Jesus Christ?

(Dang! This guy is good!)

Me: [I go into a 2-minute rambling explanation about he need not worry because we were Christians. I somehow ended with the hardly-convincing phrase, "So, we're all good!" Yeah, that'll convince him!]

Tate: I WAKE UP!!!

(Apparently Tate wanted to address any confusion as to his status following his afternoon nap.)

Mr. Mormon: [failed smile] . . . I can see that!

(Apparently the Church of Latter Day Saints failed to prepare him on what to do when a 2-year old keeps interrupting his Come-to-Jesus Moment!)

Mr. Mormon: So, how has your relationship with Christ played a role in your family?

Me: C'mon, man! (Yeah, I actually said "C'mon, man!") My wife and I are following God's plan in our marriage and in our family. I apprecaite that you've stopped by - have a nice day!

Tate: I GO TO THE NEW HOUSE!!!

[And with that, Mr. Mormon was thoroughly confused!]

From now on, I think I'm just going to let Tate handle all the conversations about my salvation.

Bring on the Hira Krishnas!!

My "Little" Distraction

My previous post outlined the insanity that has been our lives - which explains my abscence from the blog world for the past few weeks.

But what it doesn't explain is why I've been on the blog DL over the course of this whole year. I would need this to explain that!

Back in January, I shared my decision to leave the "security" of Corporate America to join my Dad's clinical research company and assume his role as President. Needless to say, this new job has been a little distracting for the past 6 months . . . it has taken all of my time, energy and creativity - as one would expect!

I really love my new gig. But at first it had me feeling like my head was spinning three ways AND that I was drinking water from a fire hydrant. 6 months later, I now tell people I feel that I am only drinking water from a fire hyrdant!

But in the course of the first 6 months I have restructured the company into an LLC, rebranded the company with a new name and a new logo, and helped create a new company website.

I say "helped" because I couldn't have built our new website without the Jedi Knight skills of The Marketing Twins (website design), Reliable Studios (website construction) and Paige Pearson Photography (website photos).

(Paige has "Princess Leia" skills!)

I was excited that I could use friends who were experts in these fields - I knew I was in good hands with them! If you're considering a website of your own, I'd highly recommend these folks to help!

As I continue to get a handle on things I will be able to renew my focus and energy for my blog. Until then, it may just be 3 or 4 posts a month - unless something ticks me off something fierce and sturs up the "grumpy old man" in me!

In which case, you may all be wishing I would just hush up and go back to work!

A Father's Day Tate-ism

"Happy Mother's Day, Daddy!"

(Uh . . . thanks Buddy Boy!)

Which Way Is Up????

I know it is VERY uncharacteristic of me to go so long without updating my blog. But I do have just a few excuses . . .

1. Me, Kelly, Tate and the rest of Clan Enright took a much needed vacation to Gulf Shores a month ago.



2. During said-getaway, we received 2 offers on our house!

3. After promptly accepting one of the offers, we promptly began house hunting so that we could promptly move into a house (and not an apartment) when we closed on our house 3 weeks later.

4. Somehow we found a house and made an offer.

5. We spent the following week haggling back and forth with the sellers.

6. As soon as we came to an agreement with the sellers of our new house, the buyers of our house had to back out.

7. We then experienced 30 minutes of panic!

8. Panic was short-lived because Debbie, our Wonder Woman Realtor, lined up another buyer!

9. We were then able to return to only a heightened level of stress as we hurried to pack up our house before June 14th.

10. On Wednesday of last week, I received a call from the mortgage company with "concerns about my employment." It appeared to them as though I didn't have a "real job" because I was running the family business.

(So my two most recent pay stubs don't mean anything???)

11. Panic ensued as I tried to convince the mortgage company that I was gainfully employed in time for our Friday closing.

(I eventually appeased them with a letter from both my CEO ~ Dad ~ and my CPA.)

12. Wednesday night arrived with one of those typical North Texas thunderstorms that promptly took out 5 panels of our backyard fence and plucked my favorite backyard Live Oak right out of the ground.

13. The storm also took out the electricity at the office . . . NOT GOOD seeing how we have drug and specimens that must remain below certain temperatures!

14. Thursday morning I: (1) purchased one of the last power generators at Home Depot, (2) scrambled to find a contractor who could repair our fence and plant a new tree and (3) continued boxing up the house for Friday's closing.

15. Thursday night: With the power generator sitting on our office back porch and 8 extension cords running through the backdoor, we hired a high school grad to watch the building overnight. He showed up with a 9mm holstered on his hip . . . . I'm not kidding!

(Isn't there a law against 19-year olds packing heat?????)

16. Early Friday morning: I returned to the office at 6:45 AM grateful to find the power generator still running and that nobody had been shot!

17. Later Friday morning I had to convince our buyers that even though I promised to make repairs, they would have to close on a house with storm damage!

(Scout's honor!)

18. Late Friday afternoon: We closed . . . . whew!!!


19. On Saturday we packed and packed and packed and packed.

20. Then we packed some more!!

21. The movers showed up at 9:00 AM on Sunday.

22. By 10:30 AM, one of the movers collapsed in my front lawn and promptly went into diabetic shock!!!

(No joking here folks!)

23. At 10:31 AM, I called 911!

24. Paramedics and Fire Station showed up and took Mr. "I must have forgotten to take my insulin this morning" to the hospital! His levels were 550 - he hadn't taken his insulin in nearly a week!

(Uh, I hate to seem insensitive, but . . . um, I'm only going to be charged for 4 movers now instead of 5, right?)

25. We kicked it into high gear because our contract said that we had to vacate the house by 5:00 PM.

26. At 4:00 PM, the movers told me that even though the truck was completely packed and ready to go, they couldn't leave be they had accidentally locked their keys in the cargo bay of their truck!!

(When the mover asked me if I had any bolt cutters I actually had to explain to him that ALL OF MY POSSESSIONS were in the same cargo bay his keys were locked in . . . genius!!)

28. 40 minutes later, thanks to a neighbor's sledgehammer, the keys were retrieved.

29. At 4:58 PM, I got in my car and pulled away from my old house for the last time.

(Sniff, sniff! Keep it together, Wade!)

30. And ever since Sunday evening, Kelly and I have been unpacking, unpacking and unpacking.

So, needless to say, things have been so busy around here that I don't even know which why is up! It's been a little crazy!

(See also stressful, exasperating, tense, trying, upsetting, aggravating, anxious, nerve-racking, distraught, frantic, weary, exhausted, wiped out, uptight and just a little on edge.)

PS: The mover was admitted to the hospital and should make a full recovery provided he takes his medicine like he's supposed to!

"So What Do You Do?"

It's official . . . I can't stand that question any more.

Let me take a moment to tell you why . . .

(Oh, boy! Here he goes again!)

The majority of time, people use that question not so they can learn something new and interesting about another person . . . but instead, people use it so they can know how they should compare themselves to another person.

Case in point: I recently found myself in one of those awkwardly cordial conversations you have with another parent while your two kids clammer over each other at the neighborhood park.

Within the first 30 seconds of said conversation, this other guy throws out, "So what do you do?" And he said it with such a tone that I didn't want to answer him. Because regardless of my job, I knew he would slap some label on my forehead as soon as I told him what I did for a living.

"I make more than him." "He makes more than me." "I'm more important than him." "He's more important than me."

Of all the questions you can ask another guy at the park - How old is your son? What's your son's name? Is he your only child? - the first thing this guy wants to know about me is what I do for a living.

And it's almost insulting to ask someone that question after just meeting them because you're making the assumption that they use their job to define what kind of person they are.

The fact is, maybe only 2% of people have that perfect job that perfectly describes the kind of person they are. While the rest of us may very well have good jobs, we don't define ourselves primarily by what we do for a living - at least, we're not supposed to!

And there are such better questions to ask when you meet someone for the first time - What do you do when you're not working? Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school? Even just the socially awkward phrase, "So . . . uh . . . crazy weather lately, huh?" is a better conversation starter than "What do you do?"

All that being said, I hereby delete that question from my vernacular - I promise never to ask someone what they do for a living.

If it comes up in causal conversation, great! If they want to tell me what they do from 9-5 Monday through Friday, great! But I will never ask the question, "What do you do?" Instead, I'll just have to get creative and find another (and better!) question to ask.

Becasue of all the first impressions I could give someone, the last one I want to give is one of me trying to figure out how I should compare myself to them.

And if anyone should ever ask me what I do for a living, I think I'll answer by saying in all seriousness, "I'm the President of the United States."

. . . . . . . . . . . (awkward silence) . . . . . . . . . .

So . . . . . uh . . . . . crazy weather lately, huh?

__________________________________________________

PS: Other questions that have met my disapproving glare are:

"Ya' know?"

"Huh?" - Also pronouced as "Whaaaaaa?"

"How ya' been?" - Because no one ever really wants to know how you have been.

"Would you like french fries or apple pie with that?" - If I wanted french fries or apple pie, I would have ordered it!

I Actually Learned Something New While Waiting On Hold!

Waiting on hold is very difficult for me not because I'm impatient (hurry up and get to your point!), but rather because the Yanni rip-off, brain wash music being streamed into my ear usually has me poking myself in the eyes within 30 seconds.

(Yeah, well . . . you have issues, too!)

But I was pleasantly surprised this week while waiting on hold with Hawk Electronics when the "message on hold" was feeding me completely useless but entirely interesting tidbits of information.

I love this kind of info because it's the stuff that you use to amaze your friends with your "wiki-brain" when playing some random trivia game.


For instance, Bluetooth technology (the universal digital language for wireless devices) is named after King Harald "Bluetooth" of Denmark (born 935). King Blue-y is known for uniting Denmark, Norway and Sweden and imposing an universal language in his kingdom.

No kidding? Huh, I did not know that! And who was the clever chap who thought of lending his name to the universal digital language?

I dunno - maybe I'll call Hawk Electronics next week and asked to be placed on hold to learn that little nugget.

But how refreshing it is to come across a company that is brining innovation to its customers even when they're sitting on hold!

Hey American Airlines! Wake up and pay attention!

Cool Thumb Luke

Not many people can pull off "cool" while sucking their thumb!

Happy Mother's Day!

I tried to make a cute video with Tate for Kelly for Mother's Day. And it is cute so long as you don't gag from the extreme close-up of Tate chewing his Krispy Kreme doughnut and "eating" his chocolate milk.

(???? . . . it was early and I obviously wasn't completely awake yet!)

But I'll say what Tate can't . . .

Happy Mother's Day, Kelly! You really are the perfect mom for Tate. God knew exactly what he was doing when He placed Tate in your care! Thank you for all that you do for Tate (and me!).

We both love you so much!

10 Years

Our 10th wedding anniversary was last week. I figured this was the best way to package all those memories into one post.

Love you Babe!

2009 Sam's Club MS85

Day One of the 2009 Sam's Club is finally in the books.

Here I am at the Start Line with a college friend, Rob.


There were about 4,000 cyclists in this year's event - here are about half of them!


As I mentioned before, I rode this year in honor of my college roommate's wife, Amy, who was diagnosed with MS just last year.


As for the results - not too shabby!

85 miles in 4 hours, 24 minutes with an average speed of 19 mph! That blows away my previous times of only 16.5 mph - so I'm pretty stoked!

Here's the real reason I rode so well today. I pulled into the lunch parking lot and saw this truck handing out ice cream! It gave me the sustenance to carry on!


But more beating my previous time, I also blew away my previous fund raising record as well. During the two previous years, I was only able to raise around $500. But this year, thanks to some very generous friends and family of Amy's, I was able to raise over $2,100 to help fight MS!

And I have to admit that I feel that God blessed this whole endeavor because, for the first time, it wasn't about me and my own personal acheivement but all about Amy and those who suffer from this disease. And because of that, this year's ride really is special to me.

Unfortunately, Day Two is already in the books as canceled due to severe weather! . . . hence the title of this post!

I'm really disappointed! First, the City of Fort Worth made us re-route Day Two because they didn't want the Finish Line downtown because of fears that we'd all get Swine Flu. And now, the National MS Society cancels tomorrow because Pete stinkin' Delkus is predicting rain all morning! You better be right, Delkus!

(Update:  It didn't rain a drop!  Overcast skies.  Temperature in the mid-60's.  5-10 mph wind out of the north that would have made for a perfect tailwind for the last 30 miles.   Otherwise known as, A PERFECT DAY FOR CYCLING!!!!!  Umph - that's what you get for watching the News! I'm trying not to be bitter!)

Oh well, it was fun and I really enjoyed getting out and stretching my legs! Thank you all for your donations and encouragement! By the way, you can still donate you want - click here!

The FINAL Bird's Nest Update

Things Kelly Says That Sound Really Funny When Taken Out of Context #2

"Every body wang chung this week!"

(Is she a child of the 80's or what?)

Wade's Easter Egg Hunt

Things Kelly Says That Sound Really Funny When Taken Out of Context #1

"I'm really into Jewish guys named Mordacai!"

(Oy, vay!)

2009 Sam's Club MS150

It’s the time of year again when I jump on my bike, head out with 4,000 other loonies on two wheels and conquer 150 miles in two days as a part of the Sam’s Club MS150 on May 2-3, 2009 – benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society!

Although this will be my third time to participate in this event, it will be the first time that I do so with a purpose greater than just my own personal achievement. This year, I will be riding with someone very special in mind!

Just last October, Amy Steele Davis (who married one of my closest friends and college roommates) was diagnosed with MS. Amy recently told me in a letter . . . 

“By the time I got the diagnosis, the words ‘it is MS’ from my neurologist were not shocking or devastating to me. In fact, they were sort of anticlimactic. MS had been suspected for several weeks, so I was just thankful to finally know for sure. 

Reality did set in a couple of days later; however, and I went through a period of severe anxiety as I began to contemplate what the disease would mean for me, my husband, and my two young children.

Several months later, I can say I am doing very well. I get tired a little easier than I'd like, and occasionally my symptoms do flare up. But as I regularly tell people who ask how I'm doing, I just take my injections, try to get a lot of rest, and, as much as possible, try to live life as though I don't have the disease. I find that approach works well for me.

 
The advancements made by MS researchers over the past several years are absolutely remarkable, and I am very optimistic about the possibilities for the future. My understanding is that a pill form of the medication I'm currently taking is just around the corner. That is very exciting news to me! 

I am confident that one day there will be a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. As MS is thought to be a hereditary disease, my primary interest in helping to find a cure is on behalf of my beautiful babies!”

When I think of the hard work involved with training for and completing 150 miles in two days, there’s really no comparison to what millions like Amy have to deal with on a daily basis. I’m more than happy to ride my bicycle for Amy if it can increase awareness and help fund the research that could help find a cure for her and so many others.

I’m writing today to encourage you to support Amy and myself as we face MS head on. Please contribute to our efforts at my personal MS150 webpage. Friends and family on Facebook will be able to track my progress during the event.

Amy and I both thank you for your encouragement and support!

I'm Starting His Training Early!

He may not know how to draft a peloton or how to keep an aerodynamic tuck . . . but at least I've got Tate looking good on three wheels!

ABC's about Me!

A
- Available?: Sorry ladies!
- Age: 33 – sometimes I actually have to stop and think about it for a second.
- Annoyance: People driving while talking on the cell phone, people on TV who think they have a clue about the economy, hang nails, and Dallas Cowboy Head Coach Wade Phillips' press conferences.
- Animal: is my favorite Muppet


B
- Birthday: August 25 – FYI, I like iTunes gift cards!
- Body Parts on opposite sex: Kelly’s eyes – especially when she’s smiling.


- Best feeling in the world: contentment and the warm, fuzzy feeling I get when Kelly gives me a hug first thing in the morning
- Blind or Deaf: Actually, both!
- Best weather: Fall, because that means it’s time for some football!
- Been in Love: Going on well over 12 years now!
- Bed size: Anything bigger than a double!

C
- Candy: Hot Tamales, M&M’s, Reese’s PB Cups
- Color: Black if it’s on a car. Red if it’s on a bike. (My bike is both black and red!)
- Chocolate/Vanilla: The best compromise is Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Magic Shell


- Chinese/Mexican Food: Depends on the restaurant . . .
- Cake or pie: Depends on which kind. Red Velvet Cake and Apple Pie is a tie with me – both serves with Blue Bell, of course!
- Continent to visit: South America
- Chore you hate: Dirty diapers and picking up dog poop - which is pretty much the same thing!

D
- Day or Night: Day
- Dancing in the rain: So long no one is watching ‘cuz I can’t dance!
- Dad’s name: Robert

E
- Eyes: Blue
- Everyone's got: Issues
- Ever failed a class?: Yeah, back in Elementary
- Essential start your day item: Hot shower & Minute Maid Orange Juice

F
- First thoughts waking up: I gotta start going to bed earlier!
- Food: Chips & queso from El Rancho Grande, Cookies & Cream shake from CFA

G
- Greatest Fear: Being mauled by a wild animal
- Goals: Not being mauled by a wild animal
- Gum: Orbitz Bubblegum
- Get along with your parents?: Let’s hope so – I work with my dad!
- Gold or Silver: Silver – unless you’re talkin’ grilz!

H
- Hair Color: Brown – but I was really blonde when I was a kid
- Height: 5’11’’ – I’m the only Strzinek male who didn’t break 6’0”
- Happy: Yes, it’s a daily decision.
- Holiday: Christmas (So long as it doesn’t prematurely start in October!)
- How do you want to die: In a blaze of glory!

I
- Ice Cream: Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Magic Shell – don’t make me repeat myself again!
- Instruments: So far: Violin, Piano, Drums – Currently: Guitar

J
- Jewelry: Wedding band and my class ring on occasion
- Job: President of clinical research company

K
- Kids: Little Man Tate!


- Kickboxing or karate: Karate – I wanted to be Ralph Macchio when I was a kid
- Keep a journal?: You're reading it!

L
- Love: Why God let his son die for us . . .
- Letter: I used to leave them on Kelly’s car windshield at ACU
- Laughed so hard you cried: For The Birds by Pixar, Little Miss Sunshine, the early seasons of The Office
- Living Arrangement: 2 roommates – one of which never picks up after himself!

M
- Movies: I only recognize Episodes IV-VI – George Lucas should have quit when he was ahead!
- Motion sickness?: Only once – but that was because I had sustained a major brain contusion from a head injury.
- McD's or BK?: CFA!


- Mom’s Name: Judy

N
- Number: 25
- Nicknames: “Strz”, “Spaz”, “Hey Man!” (used mostly by people who can’t remember my name)

O
- One wish: 6 winning numbers

P
- Pepsi/Coke: Dr. Pepper - too bad I don’t drink cokes anymore!
- Perfect Pizza: Supreme from i Fratelli’s
- Piercings: No, I fear needles.
- Pet Peeves: Really long "fill in the blank" posts about people's personalities . . . oh, wait!

Q
- Quail: Favorite type of hunting
- Quotes you like: “There’s no limit to what you can learn or how much better you can become, as long as you keep reading, listening, and searching for wisdom.” (Matt Pollitt, President, PTE Golf)

R
- Reason to cry: People giving their life to Christ.
- Reality T.V.: Burnt out – but I will watch my first complete American Idol season this year.
- Radio Station: "Mama says you listen 1310 The Ticket - hee, hee!"


- Roll your tongue in a circle: Yes, but I don’t get why that’s such a big deal . . .
- Right or left handed: I’m a southpaw, baby!

S
- Song: Anything by these guys . . .


- Shoe size: 10
- Salad Dressing: Ranch, unless I’m at Silver Fox. The vinaigrette on their III Forks salad is just sick!
- Sushi: Sick! But in a totally different way from Silver Fox’s vinaigrette!
- Skinny dipped: Wouldn’t you like to know!
- In the shower?: OK, fine! I go skinny dipping in the shower ALL THE TIME!!!
- Strawberries/Blueberries: Oh how I miss Harrigan’s blueberry muffins!
-Siblings: 1 brother, 1 sister

T
- Tattoos?: I still fear needles - though I had a temporary once. My dad still freaked out.
- Time for bed: Every night I tell myself 10 PM but I usually never go down until close to Midnight
- Time you wake up: 6 AM
- Thunderstorms: I do my best sleeping during thunderstorms!

U
- Unpredictable: Yes, on a pretty consistant basis, too!

V
- Vacation spot(s): Kelly and I are driving the PCH next month for our 10-year anniversary!
-Vegetables you dislike: Too many to list!

W
- Weakness: How many times do I have to tell you?? Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Magic Shell . . . shesh!
- Which one of your friends acts the most like you: Brian D., but he probably wouldn’t take that as a compliment!
- Worst feeling: Miscarriages sucks!
- Wanted to be a model: No, I because I eat too much Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Magic Shell!
- Weather?: The best cycling weather is in the mid-60’s with wind out of the south at 5-7 mph! Kinda like it was last year in Little Rock!

X
- X-Rays: Sure, CT Scans and MRI’s, too!

Y
-Year it is now: What is this, a sobriety test?
-Yellow: Submarine
-Yummy food you make: Anything on my grill!

Z-
-Zoo animals: smell like Tate’s dirty diapers!
-Zodiac: Virgo

Kinky Kermit!

Kelly had an interesting question for me when she returned from the grocery store the other night.

Kelly: “Is it mating season for frogs right now?”

(She was totally serious!)

Me: “. . . . . . . . [crickets chirping] . . . . . .”

Kelly: “I couldn’t believe how many frogs were on the road tonight!”

Me: “And they were doing it in the road?”

(And yes, as a true Beatles fan, I was already singing ‘Why Don’t We Do It in the Road?’ in my mind!)



Kelly: “No! They weren’t ‘doing it in the road’!”

(She said that with a tone as if it were really immature of me to even ask such a childish question!)

Me: “Then what makes you think it may be frog mating season?”

Kelly: “Because . . . . they were everywhere!”

I love my wife’s observations on nature!

Flying the (Ahem!) Friendly Skies!

It's interesting to notice the different personalities you find on a commercial airplane.

Take the idiosyncrasies, personality quirks, and social anxieties of a couple hundred people and cram them all into the personal-space-defying, flying sardine can also known as a MD-80 and you'll have a case study that could well define our society today!

I always seem to first notice the infrequent “What do you mean I have to put all my liquids in a zip lock bag” flyer at the security check-point. It’s hard not to notice someone who has no clue what’s going on. I once watched a woman try to argue that the TSA agent couldn’t confiscate her 20 oz bottle of shampoo because she “paid $50 bucks for it!” Hey lady, this has only been a rule for nearly 7 years – get with the program!

Next I always notice the “My frequent flyer status is higher than your status” guy just moments before boarding begins – which is when he stands in front of everyone else waiting to board because he knows the Double-Super-Gold-Plated-Platinum-With-Sapphire-Diamonds AAdvantage flyers get to board before the rest of us peons!

Shortly thereafter, the “I don’t fly much but I’m still important because I’m ‘flying on business’” guy appears. This is the guy who holds up the entire boarding process because he’s going to argue with the boarding agent that his garmet bag (which is over-packed to the point that it can’t even fold in half) can somehow fit easily in the overhead compartment.

Hey pal, if you have traveled near as much as you think you have then you would already know that the overhead compartment is barely big enough to hold your over-sized noise-cancelling headphones much less than the 5 days worth of crap you packed for a 2-day trip! Pay the extra $25 to check your bag and stop wasting everyone’s time!

Once we’re airborne, I always notice the “Rules don’t apply to me so I’m going to keep listening my iPod even though FAA regulations say that I must turn off all electronics during take-off and landing” guy. 

This guy is the most selfish of them all. If he were to google this issue on his iPhone then he’d learn that electronics create static that often interfere with communications between pilots and Air Traffic Control. But since he can’t do without his precious Coldplay for a whole 10 minutes during take-off and landing, he just ignores federal regulations and puts the whole flight in jeopardy!

And which personality-type do I fill? I’m the guy across the aisle who is doing all that he can not to press the flight attendant call button and bust the other guy for having for not following the rules like the rest of us! He drives me NUTS, this guy!

Hey iPal, should the plane go into a spiraling nose dive because of your stupid iTouch then just know that the over-stuffed garmet bag that just knocked you half unconscious didn’t just accidentally fall out of the overhead compartment - I deliberately threw it at you!

Other personalities to keep an eye out for are:

The “I’m going to make everyone on my aisle get up 4 times during the flight to let me go to the lavatory because I just drank a 36 oz bottle of water” guy.

The “I’M GOING TO TALK EXTREMELY LOUD BECAUSE I’M WEARING NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES” guy.

The “Did you look at my computer screen!?! Why are you looking at my computer screen!?!” guy.

The “I have every right to recline my seat so I’m going to lean back forcefully and unexpectedly and split your knee caps in half” guy.

Ah, what fun it is to fly the friendly skies!

Kelly-ism #18

In an effort to avoid any confusion, let me clearly restate that I am a guy. And because of this fact, it should be well understood that I have no working knowledge of women’s fashion. You would think that after nearly 10 years of marriage my sweet, loving wife would know this already. However she recently walked into the room wearing a new pair of black shoes for her black dress and asked:

“Do these shoes go with this dress?”

(Side note: Kelly already has some 20 pairs of black shoes in her closet – all of which would perfectly match a black dress.)

Here’s what the typical guy thinks in his head before answering this question:

“WHAT???? She bought another pair of black shoes???? Uh-oh! She’s looking – quick, come up with something to say. Black shoes. Black dress. Black equals black. So . . . . . yes, those shoes go with that dress.”

When I told Kelly that her black shoes did indeed match her black dress (just like all the other black shoes in her closet), she began explaining something about “open toe” versus “closed toe” and my brain immediately began to hurt.

But before I had a chance to go lie down, Kelly returned to proudly present a new purse she had bought by saying:

“Also, I had to get this new purse so I wouldn’t have to get a new dress.”

Let me make sure I understand this right . . . she bought a new purse so she wouldn’t have to buy a new dress . . . . ???

I just stood there completely speechless and defeated by the realization that I don’t understand women’s fashion (or women’s logic) one iota! 

But having said that – if I were to apply Kelly’s fashion logic to myself, I should then be able to buy myself a new pair of Sidi Genius 6.6 Carbon cycling shoes so that I don’t have to buy myself a new bike!


Hey, I think I like women’s fashion after all!

I Did It!

I want to begin tonight by thanking everyone who made this day possible for me.

(Cue the music!)

My wonderful wife. My adoring son. My golden retriever who daily struggles with co-dependency and submissive-wetting issues. All my friends, family and people who just now stumbled across this blog only because of completely random Google searches.

I didn’t think today would ever happen for me. And now that it’s here, none of you will know just how often I found myself willing to jump off the wagon once again. But you believed in me and now I can say . . .

I have gone 365 straight days without ever once partaking so much as a single sip of a carbonated beverage – including Dr. Pepper, the sweet nectar of the gods!

My personal struggle has been difficult to bear. In the beginning, the headaches and the temptation nearly overpowered me. But now I can bask in the glow of personal achievement!

I’ve been thinking lately of how I might celebrate such a momentous occasion. Pop open a can of fizzy sugar water for ol’ time’s sake? Pick another item to move from my daily menu to my “banned and forbidden” list?

Probably neither. Instead I’ll just remind myself that there’s no habit or behavior that I couldn’t quit cold turkey so long as it was something that I really wanted to do. At some point, I just have to get sick of doing whatever it is I’m doing and tell myself, “Never again.”

If I let them, those can be very powerful words.

(And no!  I will never ever give up Blue Bell and Magic Shell!  To even suggest such a thing is to blaspheme!)

The Real Reason Why the Switch to the Digital TV Signal was Postponed

Oh yeah! I have a blog!

I’m sorry to admit that my blog has fallen down my list of priorities as of late.

The new job is great but I come home with my head spinning so much that I haven’t had the mental capacity to create a coherent thought for the blogosphere.

I’ll try to do better . . .

I flew out to San Francisco with my dad a couple weeks ago to talk with a pharmaceutical company about doing clinical trials for them.

Knowing my family the way I do, I kept my guard up while expecting a “Griswald moment” to strike at anytime. It seems like every time my dad flies he gets interrogated by TSA agents as if he’s suspected of being some traveling Afghan chieftain with secret ties to the Taliban.

But actually the moment of note came mid-flight around 28,000 feet. I had my iPod rocking and I was hyperfocused on my book when I was tapped on the arm by the lady sitting next to me.

Lady: “Excuse me, are you familiar with this flight pattern?”

Me: “Uh . . . what do you mean by familiar with this flight pattern?”

She pointed out the window, “Well, we’re flying over snow – are we supposed to be flying over snow?”

Me: “ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .”

Lady: “Do you think we should be flying over snow?”

Me: “Uh . . . . well, I’m fairly confident the pilot knows where he’s going.”

I spent the rest of the flight watching her out of the corner of my eye and thinking what an odd question that was to ask someone.

I couldn’t believe my eyes the next day when I saw the same woman sitting behind me in my meeting. I was tempted to walk up to her during one of the breaks, point to the floor and ask, “Excuse me, are you familiar with this carpet pattern?”

Next month is Orlando. Is anyone out there familiar with the commercial flight patterns between D/FW and Orlando, Florida?

You know, just in case I see Crazy Question Lady again.

Wade & Tate's Weekend O' Fun! (Part I)

Kelly took a spur-of-the-moment trip down to San Antonio for some much-deserved "Kelly Time" with her friend Garyn, who's about to move far, far away to Atlanta.

(We'll miss you Garyn & Zach! Sniff, sniff!)

So that means it's just the boys this weekend! Hmmmm, I wonder what we can do.

The car show is in town. There's indoor swimming at Keller Pointe. Krispy Kremes for Sunday breakfast. And don't forget the big game on Sunday whose name I can't mention due to rediculous trademark restrictions!

(Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl! There, I said it! So sue me NFL!!!!)

So first things first! Tate and I reved up the testosterone to 7500 rpm at the Fort Worth Auto Show!

It seems that Tate has great taste - his favorite is this Audi R8! The MSRP is only a mere $118,000! Get a job, kid!



Or we can scale it back a bit and just go with this Smart Car for only $16,500*!


(*Energetic High School Musical-quoting niece not included)

But did I buy myself a new car? Well, let's just say that the night definitely ended with me spending a lot of money . . . though all of it Monopoly money that I spent in my "happy place"!

Sigh . . . one day!

25 Random Things

For those of you on Facebook, you've seen this going around and know what's about.

For those of you not on Facebook, I got tagged to list 25 random things about myself.

1. Even though Dr. Pepper is the preferred “drink of the gods”, I haven’t had a sip of the sweet nectar of life (or any other carbonated drink) in over 10 months!

2. And because of that I now weigh less than 180 lbs – which is a first for me in I don’t know how long!

3. 177 lbs is the lightest I’ve ever weighed at the beginning of cycling season – time to break my personal record for top speed! (Which is over 40 mph! Downhill, wind at my back, peloton of 25 cyclists, and adrenaline rush off the scale! Shhhh, don’t tell Kelly!)

4. I can’t wait for cycling season to start!

5. I rank restaurants solely by how good their bread is . . . and if they have good desserts.

6. My favorite restaurant bread used to be Harrigan’s cheese rolls. Now, it’s Babe’s Chicken hot biscuits with honey!

7. My favorite restaurant dessert is Truluck’s Chocolate Malt Cake & Ice Cream! Kelly and I always share one between the two of us. But no matter how much we eat, we can rarely ever finish it!

8. My favorite activity to do with Tate is to take him to Krispy Kremes on Sunday mornings – we don’t talk much because we’re too busy stuffing our faces!

9. My favorite activity to do with Kelly is to have a nice long conversation over dinner in a great restaurant . . . sans child!

10. 6 of my first 10 random things have all mentioned food – I guess I’m hungry!

11. I don’t want to talk about the Cowboys so it’s probably best you don’t bring them up.

12. . . . those bunch of no-good, gutless loafers!

13. I seriously hope President Obama will be as successful as everyone thinks he will be.

14. I seriously hope I am as successful at my new job as everyone thinks I will be.

15. Speaking of my new job, I’ve been praying for wisdom a lot lately . . . a whole lotta prayin’ for a whole lotta wisdom!

16. I wish I could set aside an hour every morning to do nothing but read. I’m able to read for about 30 minutes at work before the day gets started but it’s not as much as I want. And I can’t read at night because it puts me to sleep.

17. I always get bit by the snow skiing bug this time of year – Man, I wanna hit the slopes!

18. I need to finish defensive driving before sometime in March or else a judge in the City of Fort Worth will be none too happy with me!

19. Kelly and I have already decided that we will go see U2 if they come to town on tour after releasing their new album this spring – Man, I hope they come to town!

20. I always have a pen in my hand when Rick Atchley speaks because he always says something I want to remember.

21. Even though I consider myself quite the “techie junkie” (Did I mention that I just switched out Kelly’s laptop memory card all by myself?), I still can’t figure out how to work the thermostats in our house . . . and we have lived here for over 5 years!

22. Now that I have a desk job where I work alongside other people, the biggest challenge I have encountered thus far has been “thermostat wars”. It’s me, 14 women and one thermostat. Needless to say, it always feels a skosh warmer than I’d prefer.

23. I’ve always thought that Marble Slab Ice Cream was decidedly better than Cold Stone Creamery but neither are as good as Milwaukee Joe’s Ice Cream. (Blue Bell doesn’t count because it’s store bought ice cream!)

24. Duhon reminded me of this one: When Tate was born, Kelly went out and got a really frilly diaper bag that I was afraid could be mistaken for a purse on days when I had Tate by myself. So I went out and bought a diaper bag that looks more like a testosterone-packed messenger bag so people wouldn't think I was carrying a “man-purse”. I still use my DiaperDude even though Tate has pretty much grown out of the diaper bag phase.

25. One of my worst OCD tendencies is the one where I can’t fall asleep if the sheets and covers on the bed aren’t properly tucked in. I’d explain what I mean by “properly tucked in” but this post is long enough already as it is. But let’s just say that I have been known to momentarily kick Kelly out of bed as late as 11:30 at night just so that I can properly tuck in the sheets.

Alright then . . . tag, you're it!

Just One of the Perks to My New Job . . .

I decide what goes on the message board!

(No, I'm not still bitter or anything!)

Busted!

You may remember the "year in review" video I did after Tate’s birthday last month. 

I noticed a couple weeks ago that it was suddenly missing from my Facebook video file.  Not knowing what had happened, I had intended to reload it. But before I got around to it,  I got this notice directly from Mr. Facebook himself . . .
______________________________________

Hello,

We have removed your video entitled "Tate Turns Two!" uploaded at 8:06pm December 13th, 2008. We did this because we learned that your video might include copyrighted material owned by a third party, such as a video clip or background audio. 

(They're are referring to the background song Upside Down by Jack Johnson.  Oh whoops!  I just typed out his name!  Am I allowed to do that or is typing his name copyrighted too?)

If you are the copyright owner, or have permission from the rights holder to upload and distribute this material on Facebook, you may file a counter notice of alleged infringement by following the link below.

Please note that if you re-upload this video without filing a counter notice, or if you upload another video that infringes on the rights of a third party, our system will again remove the content . This could cause your access to the Facebook Video application to be disabled, or your Facebook account to be disabled.
_____________________________________

In other words, the email says:

Blah, blah, blah You can't show your really cool video of your really cute son. Blah, blah, We're the fun police blah, blah! Stop having fun! Blah, blah!

Whatever! The video is still posted on my blog! You know, the blog where people are allowed to have fun!!!

Speaking of which, click here to watch Tate Turns Two!

Ooooo, take that Facebook!

And the winner is . . .

. . . Tara by a landslide!

OK, then . . . I guess this will be my one and only Name That Tune bit.

Oh well. The answers are below for those of you who remain befuddled.

Name That Tune

Here's a bit I stole off of Jeremy H's Facebook page - I took a few liberties in tweaking it!

The Rules:

1. Set your MP3 player to Random and press play.
2. Copy down the first line of the first 37 songs that come up.
3. Laugh out loud as your befuddled friend try to guess the name of each song and the group who sings it.

The prize for the most correct answers: My everlasting respect and admiration.

Have fun!

1. She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene

Billy Jean by Michael Jackson

2. I met you before the fall of Rome.

It's All Been Done by Barenaked Ladies

3. Happy with no teeth, happy here in hibernation

Back Porch by Presidents of the United States of America

4. The heart is a bloom, shoots up through the stony ground

Beautiful Day by U2

5. Do you have a dime to listen to me whine

Basket Case by Green Day

6. When I was young I knew everything, and she a punk who rarely ever took advice

The Freshmen by The Verve Pipe

7. Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band

Tiny Dancer by Elton John

8. Where it begins, I can’t begin to knowing

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond

9. How long, how long will I slide?

Otherside by Red Hot Chili Peppers

10. She’s driving away with the dim lights on

Let's Go by The Cars

11. All around the world statues crumble for me

Fly by Sugar Ray

12. This is how it seems to me, life if only therapy

You Move Me by Susan Ashton (or Garth Brooks, don't know who covered who)

13. Flew in from Miami Beach BOAC, didn't get to bed last night

Back in the USSR by The Beatles

14. She is trapped inside a month of grey

Mercury by Counting Crows

15. Alone, listless, breakfast table in an otherwise empty room

Daughter by Pearl Jam

16. Once there was a way to get back homeward

Golden Slumbers by The Beatles

17. Hello darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk to you again

Sound of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel

18. Waiting for the break of day, searching for something to say

25 or 6 to Go by Chicago

19. Though I've tried before to tell her of the feelings I have for her in my heart

Every Little Thing She Does is Magic by The Police

20. Confutatis maledictis, Flammis acribus addictis, Voca me cum benedictus.

Requiem: Confutatis by WA Mozart

21. You say forever and I confess a shiver

Away by The Toadies

22. That young boy without a name anywhere I’d know his face

What's The Matter Here by 10,000 Maniacs

23. Now here I am again in this mean old town

So Far Away by Dire Straits

24. She grew up with the children of the stars in the Hollywood hills and boulevards

Lullaby by Shaun Mullins

25. Friday night I crashed your party, Saturday I said I’m sorry

You May Be Right by Billy Joel

26. You ask me if there'll come a time when I won't require you

Never My Love by The Association

27. Leaves are falling all around it is time I was on my way

Ramble On by Led Zeppelin

28. Cheat the odds that made you, brave to try to gamble at times

Jealous Again by The Black Crowes

29. You belong among the wildflowers, you belong in a boat out at sea

Wildflowers by Tom Petty

30. I keep a close watch on this heart of mine, I keep my eyes wide open all the time

I Walk The Line by Johnny Cash

31. Half a mile from the county fair and the rain keep pourin’ down

And It Stoned Me by Van Morrison

32. One time one thing occurred to me, what’s real and what’s for sale

Vasoline by Stone Temple Pilots

33. You cannot quit me so quickly, is no hope in you for me

Space Between by Dave Matthew's Band

34. Lonely feeling deep inside, find a corner where I can hide

No Sugar Tonight by The Guess Who

35. I'm a new soul, I came to this strange world hoping I could learn a bit 'bout how to give and take

New Soul by Yael Naim

36. Imagine me and you, I do, I think about you day and night

Happy Together by The Turtles

37. Now here’s a little story I’m about to tell about three bad brotha’s you know so well

Paul Revere by The Beastie Boys

Let me know if you use this idea on your blog and I'll play along - Thanks for the idea Jeremy!