Today went great for Aidan. Preschool was good for him, but boy did it stress him out - big time. He didn't nap. He was so excited to see his Mom and explain everything to her. She was at work doing professional development sessions on Assessment for Learning (I'll be doing my presentation there tomorrow).
Tonight was also karate practice. Aidan was a mess. He started crying twice before we left over little things. So I knew he was exhausted and he might really struggle at karate. Then Master Peavey was not there. So we were both crossing our fingers. During warmups Aidan just started crying. The kid who was filling in for Master Peavey was nice about it and told him to go get a drink. I walked out with him to the water fountain and Aidan said, "Dad, I just want to go home."
These are moments in the life of a parent where you either make the right decision and it leads to big breakthroughs, or you mess up - big time. I asked him to go back in and finish. He started balling. So I took him into the observation room and explained why he needed to go back out there. I said, "Don't worry if you mess up - just do you best and we will be proud of you." He looked at me like I was killing him. So I pulled the McDonald's card. I said, "Do you want to go to McDonald's after karate?" He nodded through the tears. Then I said, "let's finish the lesson and we'll go." He said, "No Daddy, now, plllleaaase."
I took him by the hand and led him back out to practice and said, "I will stand here on the side and watch. When you get worried or upset - look my way. I will give you a thumbs up and let you know you can do it." He just looked at me and slowly walked back out to the floor. I was scared to death that he would quit.
Having been through hundreds of practices, sessions in the weight room, runs around the track, and 100 degree days of football camp... I know it's hard. I know there are days when you just want to run home. But, you can't. You have to keep going. If Aidan was ill, if he was hurt, if he was throwing up... different story. But, he was just tired. He was stressed from the first day at preschool. He needed to keep trying.
Aidan cried a couple of more times, but he stuck it out. Afterward it was like he won the world series. He was so excited and proud of himself. I was proud of him, too. He really grew up a lot today in my eyes. He learned a valuable lesson - if you have a commitment - you stick to it.
If my Dad taught me anything it was not to quit. He encouraged me. Hell he even bribed me. Just like I did with McDonalds, Dad used to pay me money for football games when I did not lay on the field hurt - like many little kids would do to get attention.
My little guy is growing up. Preschool, karate, and learning big time lessons. Even at 3 years old it is essential that he understands - life is not always easy. But, we have to keep trying.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
PreSchool Preview
Tomorrow Norma is heading into school for her session of professional development. It was supposed to be today, but the tropical storm delayed things. We decided to take Aidan in for his preview of preschool tomorrow. So I am going to stay home, take him in for a few hours and then pick him up. It's his test run.
Aidan is pretty excited. He is going to have a ball with his teachers and all the kids his age. I am so happy to see him going through this. It is totally what he needs right now.
He's not our little baby anymore.
Aidan is pretty excited. He is going to have a ball with his teachers and all the kids his age. I am so happy to see him going through this. It is totally what he needs right now.
He's not our little baby anymore.
McMeltdown
This video is scary.
"You use the first nine seconds as the best ad Obama can run," said Keith O.
The problem McCain was having is that the crowd was equal parts cheering and booing. He has a pretty legendary temper. So he was getting worked up and crossed up. ("We are going to win the war by... errr, winning the war...")
The sad thing is that SNL is just gearing up their "Grandpa Simpson" parody of McCain right now.
A crazy side note to the craziness: McCain Gaffes, Volunteering Wife For Topless Contest
"You use the first nine seconds as the best ad Obama can run," said Keith O.
The problem McCain was having is that the crowd was equal parts cheering and booing. He has a pretty legendary temper. So he was getting worked up and crossed up. ("We are going to win the war by... errr, winning the war...")
The sad thing is that SNL is just gearing up their "Grandpa Simpson" parody of McCain right now.A crazy side note to the craziness: McCain Gaffes, Volunteering Wife For Topless Contest
"I was looking at the Sturgis schedule, and noticed that you had a beauty pageant, so I encouraged Cindy to compete," McCain told an audience at the rally. "I told her [that] with a little luck, she could be the only woman to serve as both the First Lady and Miss Buffalo Chip."You can't make this stuff up! Wow.
Ok - this is funny! (or not)
See more funny videos at Funny or Die
I give Paris credit. It was funny. But, the sad part is that we have REAL PROBLEMS in this country to solve. These silly distractions are just sad. This is America though... so this is what we get.
no internet here, but the
no internet here, but the storm isn't too bad. lots of rain, wind and thunder... but we are fine. there is a break in the storm band r
Monday, August 04, 2008
Astros 4 - Mets 0 ... Astros Sweep!
We had a great day yesterday at Minute Maid Park and at Discovery Green. Aidan didn't get a nap, but he did go to sleep early and exhausted. A full day.
Aidan at that whole hot dog. Norma and I had NO ballpark food. We are being so great with our new diets. I am seeing a big difference. It's funny. We spend all day begging Aidan to eat and all day trying not to eat anything ourselves!
Discovery Green is wonderful. It's not as big as I had hoped. They are building two new huge skyscrapers right around the park. Which is kind of messed up. Struggling economy? Not in Houston! But, the area that they put the park on is awesome. It just isn't big enough. Houston is a huge city and the number of parks is so small. Sad. But, why am I complaining about something that they did a great job putting together. After all, it wasn't even there a year ago.
The day didn't cost us very much money either. (Not that it is the most important thing but...)
Tickets - $15 (7 a piece for Norma and I and $1 for Aidan)
Food - $20 (which is pretty ridiculous that a hot dog, 2 drinks and cracker jacks are almost 20 bucks. We also picked up 2 drinks at Discovery Green)
Parking - $10 (we parked very near Discovery Green, walked over to the game and then walked to DG afterwards. Worked out perfectly.)
So all told - around $50 bucks. Can't beat it. Before we left Norma and I loaded up on salad so we were 'kind of' full. We are both getting a little tired of salad. But, we are doing our best to motivate each other. I am definitely feeling great. So that is motivation alone.
Anyway, a great day. As summer boils to an end (and Edouard rolls towards us!) we are very pleased with what a wonderful summer we have enjoyed. We are so lucky!
If anyone wants to see all the pictures from the game and Discovery Green:
Astros Game Pictures
Aidan at that whole hot dog. Norma and I had NO ballpark food. We are being so great with our new diets. I am seeing a big difference. It's funny. We spend all day begging Aidan to eat and all day trying not to eat anything ourselves!
Discovery Green is wonderful. It's not as big as I had hoped. They are building two new huge skyscrapers right around the park. Which is kind of messed up. Struggling economy? Not in Houston! But, the area that they put the park on is awesome. It just isn't big enough. Houston is a huge city and the number of parks is so small. Sad. But, why am I complaining about something that they did a great job putting together. After all, it wasn't even there a year ago.
The day didn't cost us very much money either. (Not that it is the most important thing but...)
Tickets - $15 (7 a piece for Norma and I and $1 for Aidan)
Food - $20 (which is pretty ridiculous that a hot dog, 2 drinks and cracker jacks are almost 20 bucks. We also picked up 2 drinks at Discovery Green)
Parking - $10 (we parked very near Discovery Green, walked over to the game and then walked to DG afterwards. Worked out perfectly.)
So all told - around $50 bucks. Can't beat it. Before we left Norma and I loaded up on salad so we were 'kind of' full. We are both getting a little tired of salad. But, we are doing our best to motivate each other. I am definitely feeling great. So that is motivation alone.
Anyway, a great day. As summer boils to an end (and Edouard rolls towards us!) we are very pleased with what a wonderful summer we have enjoyed. We are so lucky!
If anyone wants to see all the pictures from the game and Discovery Green:
Astros Game Pictures
Sunday, August 03, 2008
DD
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Astros winning 4-0! Lots of fun. A dood just asked his girl to marry him on the big screen, she said yes. Lucky for him. Man, I would have to be SURE. ;)
Go Stros!
DD
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DD
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Aidan in my AVID hat
My crazy boy in my AVID hat!
Today we are heading downtown to go to an Astros game. We haven't been all year. I was about to purchase tickets online for $1 seat for Aidan and $7 seats for Norma and I in the nose bleed sections... but the extra costs were more than the prices of the tickets! Ridiculous. So I think we'll walk up to the stadium and buy them. We should be ok. The Astros are not doing so well, even though they are pulling in great crowds still, it shouldn't be sold out.
Plus, we have Discovery Green to go to if the game is a no-go. It is brand new and there is a lot for kids to do. He would have a ball... but it is going to be close to 100 degrees today. So I doubt we would be there long. Still our trip downtown would not be a waste of time.
It is really great that downtown Houston is growing like it is. There is so much more to do. When we first came to Houston in 1994 there was nothing happening downtown on the weekends. Heck after 5pm on a weekday it was a ghost town. I am really happy I had a chance to work down there for 4 years like I did. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the city and understand the dynamics of it. How many people out there are just too nervous to drive into a city and navigate their way? And how much are they missing out on?
We put up with a lot of crap living close to a city - pollution, traffic, etc. So I think these kinds of things - Discovery Green, Astros, Rockets, Texans and Aeros games, the many museums, and all the shopping - gives you something to balance out the crap parts. :)
Minute Maid Park is really a great place for kids. The Astros have done a remarkable job with it. Obviously they aren't playing well this year (but they will be going for a sweep of the Mets today!) but they are still pulling in big crowds. That is because of the Train (See a video of the conductor here), there Minute Maid Squeeze play zone for kids, and of course, Junction Jack!
I'm sure we'll have a great time today.
Today we are heading downtown to go to an Astros game. We haven't been all year. I was about to purchase tickets online for $1 seat for Aidan and $7 seats for Norma and I in the nose bleed sections... but the extra costs were more than the prices of the tickets! Ridiculous. So I think we'll walk up to the stadium and buy them. We should be ok. The Astros are not doing so well, even though they are pulling in great crowds still, it shouldn't be sold out.
Plus, we have Discovery Green to go to if the game is a no-go. It is brand new and there is a lot for kids to do. He would have a ball... but it is going to be close to 100 degrees today. So I doubt we would be there long. Still our trip downtown would not be a waste of time.
It is really great that downtown Houston is growing like it is. There is so much more to do. When we first came to Houston in 1994 there was nothing happening downtown on the weekends. Heck after 5pm on a weekday it was a ghost town. I am really happy I had a chance to work down there for 4 years like I did. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the city and understand the dynamics of it. How many people out there are just too nervous to drive into a city and navigate their way? And how much are they missing out on?
We put up with a lot of crap living close to a city - pollution, traffic, etc. So I think these kinds of things - Discovery Green, Astros, Rockets, Texans and Aeros games, the many museums, and all the shopping - gives you something to balance out the crap parts. :)
Minute Maid Park is really a great place for kids. The Astros have done a remarkable job with it. Obviously they aren't playing well this year (but they will be going for a sweep of the Mets today!) but they are still pulling in big crowds. That is because of the Train (See a video of the conductor here), there Minute Maid Squeeze play zone for kids, and of course, Junction Jack!
I'm sure we'll have a great time today.
Friday, August 01, 2008
NCAA Football 09 Video
I have been playing as the Temple Owls for the past two seasons in Dynasty mode. My objective is to be ranked in the top 25 and win bowl games. Then move on to a new school and work my way up the ladder.
Fun game. This is a TD pass from my first season Bowl Win. Sweet!
Fun game. This is a TD pass from my first season Bowl Win. Sweet!
Pictures at Lake Houston
Tonight we went to a Bar-B-Que place that we love - Spring Creek. But, Norma and I did not have any bar-b-que. :( Instead we had monster salads. We are sticking to our diet. It was nice though to eat a salad out and not have to make one.
Afterward we took a drive and I took a few pictures.
This last picture is one that Aidan took! Amazing. Most of them didn't come out because he was screwing around. But, this was a nice one.
Afterward we took a drive and I took a few pictures.
This last picture is one that Aidan took! Amazing. Most of them didn't come out because he was screwing around. But, this was a nice one.
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