A “date night” and a movie night! What are the odds?
We’ve been rather busy with all the family activities that we haven’t had much “couple” time for ourselves. This Friday and Saturday, the kids went on their monthly pilgrimage to the nearby “Friday Nite Out” program, and the missus and I went out on the town. We hit a local bar/restaurant for early drinks (whaaaaa?), walked across the street to a Latin grill for dinner, then we relaxed at home to watch the latest episode of Fringe. Fast-forward to Saturday night after the kids went to bed, and we stayed up to watch Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) rented over Vudu. In hindsight, I wish I had rented the physical Blu-ray from Netflix, because I later read a review about the disc, and learned I could have taken advantage of the movie in 1080p/AVC, mixed in English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD audio. Ah well.
So, Mission: Impossible? This is the fourth in the Tom Cruise series. I was a big fan of the original Mission: Impossible television show with Martin Graves, Leonard Nimoy, Greg Morris, Lesley Ann Warren, and the rest. The first film wasn’t bad, but a little confusing. The 2nd film (the John Woo one) was over-the-top and nuts, and the 3rd film directed by J. J. Abrams wasn’t bad at all. MI 4 got lots of good reviews when it came out last December, but I couldn’t find anyone to go watch it with me in the theaters.
Interestingly enough, Brad Bird directed this film where Tom Cruise’s IMF team is disavowed after a mission in Moscow goes belly-up. After that, the rest of the folks with the Tom Cruise / Ethan Hunt character are on their own to stop the villain. The rest of the team is rounded out with Jeremy Renner Simon Pegg, and Paula Patton (whom I don’t know.) The villain was played somebody, and I didn’t think very much of the villain in this story. He was there, but you see very little of him. There wasn’t much development of what this villain wanted, except near-extermination of the human race. Did I give away the plot? Did it really matter?
Overall, I thought the film was worth seeing. Not for the villain per se, but the action is good, the story is decent enough, and the characters are interesting enough. It’s a fun little way to enjoy some action and adventure, intrigue, yada yada.
First vacation of the year, and it was well worth it. More expensive than initially expected, but still worth it to me. We all desperately needed the downtime. Not just downtime at home where we do a “staycation” but spend it doing laundry. An actual vacation where we go away, stay at a hotel, and have fun.
As usual, we had a mad rush up until Wed. So much work for us to finish at the office before we could turn on the out-of-office agents, then cleaning up, laundry, packing. We eventually left around 1pm after a brief-but-quick light lunch at home. The drive to Baltimore was quick and uneventful. Seriously, no traffic, no bad weather!
Once we checked in, we were pleasantly surprised at how nice our room was. Harbor view? Can’t be beat. Double beds, LCD tv, access to the Concierge lounge? Gotta love it.
View of the Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
We chilled out in the hotel room for a few hours, then walked over to Roy’s, which is an upscale Hawaiian/Asian fusion chain restaurant. Nums and I have dined at a Roy’s restaurant or two in the past, so we were looking forward to this. We all ate like kings and queens, and we’re extremely happy that the kids were open to eat something other than the usual kids menu fare, e.g. chicken tenders, hot dogs, mac & cheese. One of goals is to get the kids to eat and enjoy a wide variety of foods.
Dinner at Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
Thursday
Josh and I
Thursday was our big visit to Washington D.C. We had a nice breakfast at the Concierge lounge, then picked up the car and drove into the Capital. Driving in wasn’t bad, but finding parking was a little difficult. We parked at a municipal garage somewhat close to the Mall, then hoofed it to the Smithsonian Castle. We took a short break to snack on cheese and crackers, grapes, etc, then made our way our destination: the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. Btw, I had no idea the admission was free. Our plan was to spend the afternoon checking out the exhibits with Namita’s old friend Patrick, catch the “Hubble 3D” show, then drive over to Virginia for dinner with Namita’s high school friend Barbara and her family.
Patrick and the Ipes
The museum was very good, much like I remember, but mentally draining. I think all museums are. Why is that? Namita and I were talking about it, and we hypothesized that it’s because of all the stimuli — chasing after the kids, the exhibits, the sounds, the crowds of people all around you, the ticking of the clock and trying to see all you can see, planning what’s next, etc. Hmmm, sounds like the stress of being a parent and taking your kids someplace is the real problem.
We had a late/quick lunch at the food court there (McDonald’s), Patrick made his departure, and we went back inside the museum to see Hubble 3D on the big IMAX screen. It was crowded, we got stuck in two different rows on the extreme right, but it was still good. After the film, we made our way out and back to the car.
We wanted to see the famed cherry blosssoms, but we couldn’t see much from the car as we left Washington D.C. We were next on our way to Virginia to meet up with Namita’s friend Barb and her family at their house for dinner. Barb and family ordered out, and we had a swell Tex-Mex dinner. The kids ran around playing, I had some beer, and life was good.
Friday
Boating in the Inner Harbor, Baltimore
Friday was all about hanging out in the Inner Harbor area around our hotel, and being a bit more relaxed. I went to the gym in the morning and ran 4 miles. I immediately went upstairs to meet the rest of the family for breakfast. I later freshened up, then we went for a walk in the harbor area. We did a 30 min jaunt on one of the peddle boats (I did all the peddling with my still-very-sore-from-running thighs.) We wrapped up with lunch at La Tasca, a tapas restaurant right on the water. I wouldn’t have thought the food would be very good, but it was decent.
After lunch, we split up. I brought Lily back to the hotel (after buying more snacks from the local CVS), while Namita and Josh drove to pick up our niece Sophia. She would be coming to hang out with us at the hotel pool for a while. After the pool, we all freshened up, then we all went to my sister-in-law Anju’s place for dinner and wine and all sorts of conversation. The kids would be sleeping over at their place, which I could only assume would be rambunctious.
Saturday
National Aquarium
Saturday was our last day. Namita and I woke up fresh, and packed up our clothes and everything else that needed to be packed. We’d be driving back to Anju & Sunny’s to pick up the kids, then we’d all get a quick lunch, then hit the National Aquarium. We had lunch at this Haute Dog gourmet hot dog stand near Towson, MD. Then we drove back into Baltimore, parked again, and hit the aquarium. Still pretty cool, much like I remember from the last time we went in June 2009. Finally, we took the water taxi to Fell’s Point, had dinner and drinks at some bar/restaurant. Ice cream at Maggie Moo’s, listened to some fellow playing the guitar and singing, and water taxi back to the Inner Harbor East area. We said our goodbyes, and went back to the hotel and car.
We took the kids for one last rest break in the lobby restrooms, changed the kids into their pajamas in the parking garage, and then we were off back to NJ.
And that was the big Baltimore vacation. Next vacation won’t be until Delaware in August this year, so it’ll be a long while until we get to relax again.
What the hell is wrong with me? Have I learned nothing since last year? I’ve gained about 5 lbs since last September. Last year, I learned the benefits of regular exercise, and also that my bad habits of snacking and eating large portions would be the death of me. When I get bored, I look for something to nosh on, and give me that thrill.
After the accident, I couldn’t work out for two months — doctor’s orders. Since then, I’ve been out of my groove. Even when I could go back to working out, I didn’t want to. Either I was too tired at night, or succumbing to the inertia. I also went back to snacking way too often. I’ve gone up to 180-181 lbs since.
The good news is that I’m still fitting into my skinny clothes, but I noticed the pants feel a little snug. How stupid am I?
Okay, it’s time to go back to basics. I wanted to get down to 165 lbs anyway. Time to do it. 15 lbs to kill this year.
Spring is here, and the kids had their first soccer games of the season. Not only that, but I coached both games, I think I know all of the kids’ names, and we have a good team of enthusiastic boys. It went well, considering the weather, and my limited knowledge.
Saturday’s game was tough due to the weather. Cold, light misty rain/drizzle. First game, so people I didn’t know were showing up trying to find the field and me. I had most of my team show up, and it turns out one boy who wasn’t on our team after all. I got there early, tried to keep each child cheerful and active (and give them their red team shirt) when they showed up. I have 12 kids on the roster. I introduced myself to the other coach, the ref explained some of the rule changes to both teams, and then we played in the cold. Ended up tying 0-0 at the end.
Sunday’s game was at noon, so we had to leave church early, but at least the weather was warmer. Most of the kids from Saturday showed up, but we ended up losing 0-2. I was still happy because the kids are enthusiastic and energetic. They need to start practicing together and work on skills.
Is coaching that bad? Nah. My biggest challenges are to develop fun, exciting, yet meaningful drills during our practices, and also successfully rotating kids to all of the positions.
Today is Lily’s 4th birthday. Of course we all had so many things going on today — busy days at the office, Lily had a soccer game @ 5pm, Josh attended his first practice with me, I was helping to run the practice, parents showing up lost and confused, etc. So all of this going on, and today is her birthday. We had a late birthday dinner at the local Perkins, but Namita and Lily had to wait more than 30 mins for Josh and me to get from the field to the restaurant. All of this going on, and were shortchanging her?
I ask, because at times I worry that we aren’t giving each kid all of the necessary attention at all times. Josh was an only child for three years, so he received all the attention he needed or wanted. We played with him all the time, we read to him for hours, etc. He got our undivided attention.
When Lily was an infant, and to some degrees as she got older, I worry that she got our attention when we could spare it. I don’t think we read to her as much as we should. We let her watch tv earlier than 2 years old (but fairly close though.) I think I personally spent so much time early on taking Josh to places like museums, or having nice talks on how the world works. Have we done that enough for Lily? We took Josh to Jamaica and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, but we’ve never taken Lily out of the country on an extended vacation.
I worry that I spend more time telling her what not to do, instead of encouraging her growth. I think it stems from us having these hectic days that turn into hectic weeks, then hectic months. We rely more on the kids to play with each other. To entertain each other, while we try to clean up, or finally take a nap, or make dinner.
I should be reading to her more.
My wife will probably think I’m blowing things out of proportion, but I have this nagging suspicion that I’m personally shortchanging her as a father. We’ve gotten her into dance class and soccer, which I think she enjoys, so I don’t think I’m a bad father.
I think I can do better for my little girl. I should start today.
I had my first soccer practice tonight. It’s also Lily’s birthday today, so it was a fairly busy day. I have to be in the office fairly early (for me), and bring my change of clothes, so that I can change in the restroom, then catch a 4:31pm train, and still make it to the field by 6pm.
The EWPAL paired me up for this Wednesday’s practice with another experienced coach, which was a wonderful idea. Although I had begun reading online about all of these drills, it was helpful to have one experienced coach with me. I let him drive the joint practice for both of our respective teams, and I assisted him with lining up the boys, helping to set up portable goals, and trying to absorb his knowledge.
In the end, we agreed that while this was useful, we had too many kids to together to do more joint practices. I will need to reserve/schedule some practice time and a field through the league.
So……… Remember how I said that while I don’t know much about soccer, I kinda enjoyed helping out as a temporary coach? And that I would volunteer as an assistant coach to learn the ropes? Possibly be a head coach in the Fall?
Yeah, about that. You kinda knew it wouldn’t work out like that. That they wouldn’t have enough coaches. Well, it turns out they don’t have enough coaches for the weekend games. I asked the coordinator that I wouldn’t mind being a coach, except I don’t know a lot apart from what I’ve learned being on the sidelines since Josh started playing in Fall 2010. She said it was okay, and they will have training sessions with the coaches.
So….. Here we are. I’m coaching Josh’s team this season, and our first games are coming up this Saturday and Sunday. I submitted all of the background check paperwork, and I’ve been reading up on youth soccer coaching websites.
The weather was so nice this week, I felt serious irony and guilt each day. Irony and guilt that the weather is so nice, and I can only enjoy during the 10 mins I’m outside to pick up my lunch from Subway. Pathetic.
I decided earlier this week that it would be nice to take Friday off and go riding, taking advantage of the excellent weather.
Friday, I ran a few errands, and got the bike ready. The bike itself was in decent shape, albeit nearing air in the tires and a new battery for the cyclocomputer. I picked that up during my errand shopping (and lunch), got dressed in all my gear, and took off with no real plan or destination.
No plan or destination? Yes, that’s right, none. This week, I realized that, instead of excitement, I’ve felt some anxiety over the upcoming ride. You could call it the fear of falling. It seems last September’s accident left more than physical damage. I knew I had to get back on, but it wasn’t filling me with joy.
Still, I had to. I was contemplating riding the MS Bike Ride again. I still have trouble sitting on regular chairs. Could I ride long distances on a bike saddle? I had to get back on the horse. I started riding, and it wasn’t bad. I had to adjust a bit, but I could sit after all. I took a meandering path up through to Princeton and back, approx 33 miles. I found a few back roads and minor bike paths, and stayed away from major roads without adequate shoulders. I did consider riding down one major road without a shoulder, but got too nervous and turned back.
I even stopped and took a picture of myself at our favorite date night restaurant Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. I was so happy when I got back, I convinced my wife to have dinner with me tonight at Ruth’s Chris. Well, the food is so good there, neither of us needs much convincing.
So, success. I guess I can ride again. I can do the MS Bike ride again too next month.
We had Josh’s redo of a birthday party, our 1st of two parties today. This was the rescheduled party from last Saturday for his classmates and peers, same venue as last time. This time around, everything went smoothly, and I am under the assumption that everything went well. The kids played on the huge jungle gym, then played laser tag and climbed a tall rock wall. We had pizza and cake for everyone, standard fair for kids’ parties.
After everyone left and we settled up the bill, we went home to host our second party, a smaller gathering celebrating both Josh & Lily’s birthdays with our respective families. This included both sets of grandparents, our respective sisters and their families. We didn’t have a lot of time to cook this time around, so we ordered dinner from one of the many local Indian restaurants in town.
I don’t have any great stories to share from either party. Both went well, no hiccups. One more party left, this one for Lily. This one, after getting burned from last year’s RSVP debacle, will be a smaller (and simpler) affair consisting of pizza and cupcakes for lunch in her classroom. Thank goodness for simplicity.
I’m not going to go into a lot of detail about this film. Basically, the folks at Universal Pictures found writers who had a story to take Dr. Seuss’ book The Lorax and turn it into a feature-length animated film. Personally, The Lorax is one of my favorite books by Dr. Seuss. The original story concerns the danger corporate greed poses to nature, using “the literary element of personification to give life to industry as the Once-ler (whose face is never shown in any of the story’s illustrations or in the television special) and the environment as The Lorax.”
It’s a good story. It’s not a long story, but it’s short and to the point. It works as a book, and if I recall correctly, it also worked in the 1972 animated television special, which I remember watching in elementary school back in the 1980′s. It’s been recently remade, and filled out with additional story elements to get it to 86 minutes, and also appeal to a wide audience. The story has been modifed, and plenty of songs written for it:
A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.
What worked for me in this film?
The animation was top-notch. Colors popped, lots of detail.
Danny DeVito was kinda funny as the titular Lorax.
What didn’t work for me in this film?
I thought the songs were terrible. Sorry Ed Helms, I’ve had enough of your singing, both here and on The Office.
I didn’t care for the romantic subplot, and anyway, Taylor Swift’s character was such a minor character, she was almost nonexistent.
The 12-year-old boy in this film has a villain/nemesis of his own, and I that villain was rather lame. A short villain who looked like the male version of Edna Mode, and he’s both the mayor and a proprietor of a bottled oxygen company. Bottled air? Isn’t this ripping off President Skroob from Spaceballs?
As a person of faith, I believe it’s our responsiblity to be good stewards of our planet, and all of the animals that live on it. I like the book The Lorax. Even though it’s visually interesting, I didn’t particularly care for this recent film. Of course, the kids liked it, and my wife thought it was decent, so what do I know anyway. And why won’t those damn kids get off my lawn. Gosh, have I started transforming into some sort of curmudgeon?
