diadelkendall

Astros as division rivals?!

2011-11-16T14:04:00.000-08:00

I am upset about the apparently inevitable move of the Astros to the AL West. Probably for reasons different than most die-hard Astros fans.

I am a Rangers fan first and foremost. But when we moved to Houston, I was excited about being in the town of my favorite NL team. It is great to have a team to root for in each league without it EVER being a problem (save interleague mid-season games and the longshot hopes of a lone-star world series). I feel the same way about football. Remember hoping like crazy for a Cowboys Oilers Superbowl before the baby blues shit the bed against the Bills in '92? I do.

While my NFL allegiances have changed (Texans #1 with Saints being my NFC team), I know many who root for both the Texas teams with one being their favorite. Same with baseball. Now, not only are both Rangers and Astros gonna be in the same league, but the same division. And I don't like it. I guess a lot of people love the Rockets/Mavs/Spurs rivalries, but I would rather hate some out of state team like the Eagles or the Yankess.

That is all.

NEWS!

2011-08-24T19:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since the whole adoption thing seemed anywhere near this real. Check the news over at our adoption blog thanks to Catherine.

A drink of water and little pity

2011-08-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have an amazing wife. I don't get the chance to brag on her much these days as all of our friends appear to have moved from the wonderful, nurturing bosom that is Beaumont, TX. So I will brag here.

Sunday morning my back went out on me. All the way out. So bad that I couldn't walk to the bathroom sunday night. I literally could not walk for two days. Even today my walk strongly resembled all the grace and delicacy of Charles Laughton's Hunchback (pictured above).*

Most people only see the public "us." We are one of those couples that jousts and jests a lot in public and enjoy witty repartee, so much so that it makes people uncomfortable sometimes (which only eggs her on...it's okay folks - we've been together a dozen years - it's always been like this). But most people don't see how tender and maternal she really is. That is what makes my wife so amazing. One minute she can be busting balls so hard she puts the members of the Friar's Club to shame. Then, when I or the girls or a close friend need it, she instantaneously snaps into Nightingale mode.

These last few days she has taken care of all of her duties around the house, handled all my chores, took care of "your stupid dog," prepared CG for Kamp, sent care packages and letters to EG at Kamp, planned a last minute trip for the two of us to Mexico with layovers in Dallas and Branson (hard to explain - harder to do), packed for us and CG to be gone for 10 days in 3 cities, and all the while made sure I had anything my grumpy, helpless self needed, even

She really is amazing. It isn't that I can't imagine being married to anyone else. I am sure if I tried I could imagine it. But why would I want to. We aren't perfect. But we are perfect for each other - well, she is perfect for me.

*The title is a quote from the same film - Quasimodo's response to why he cares for Esmeralda enough to rescue her.

Fireballs Fly

2011-07-06T06:29:00.000-07:00

More years ago than I would like to admit, I started an Independence Day tradition with my friends - Roman Candle War. Up until last Sunday, it hadn't happened in years. But the stars aligned this year. We were in North Texas at my parents' house for their annual celebration; many of my friends were able to make it. Many other idiots were there as well. And we had roman candles. Lots of them. (and safety goggles for all - that started year 2...)

13 grown-ass men gathered in a 3 acre field. Each were given a lighter and 13-14 sticks with 10 shots each. That is and always has been the entire premise/set-up. as people spread out, somebody lights the first fuse and the war is on. Alliances were formed, which is rare. I was shot a lot, which is common. I got winded, which is new.

It is such a fun experience shooting flaming balls from a mini-cannon at your friends. Actually, I didn't know many of the people. That didn't make the shooting any less fun. But warring with friends makes for better conversation afterwards.

I thought about tying this up with some analogy or something else ethereal but decided against it. Roman candles stand alone.

Race at the Polls

2011-05-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning I dropped off my girls at their exemplary elementary school and headed to the voting booth. I had researched the candidates and knew who I would vote for. I also THOUGHT I knew how I would vote on the proposition to change the make-up of the BISD Board of Trustees. I considered all my thoughts on the merits of “yes” and “no” votes, because I do believe both sides do have merit. If you haven’t voted yet, the Enterprise endorsement and alternative view lay them out simply and well. As I stood there hovering over the touch screen, I recalled all of the talk I have heard and read from both sides of the issue. And this is when it got weird.

As I stood there my mind wondered to thoughts of how the two sides of this issue lie almost exclusively along either side of racial lines. All of the sudden, I wasn't thinking about the merits of the proposition, I was thinking about race. I was thinking about the comments on various blogs charged with accusations of race against one side or the other. I was thinking about my daughters and how wonderful their BISD experience had been under this divisive administration. I was thinking about the racial implications of the outcome of the election one way or the other. I was thinking about the distinct colors of BETTER and BEST. I was thinking about the lawsuits that had preceded this election, the ones ongoing and the ones that will likely follow no matter the outcome. I was thinking about whether a vote one way would be racist, or whether a vote the other way would be reverse-racism.

I was thinking about a million things, not one of them being the merits of the proposition. In fact, when I got home my wife asked me how I had voted. I honestly couldn’t and still don’t remember. I am embarrassed by that. I take my right to vote seriously and perform that duty proudly. But that is how confounded and distracted I was.

That is what modern racism does. It has become a tool. And nobody uses it better than Southeast Texas. Somewhere along the line a group decided to make our children’s public education a racial issue. Then the other side used accusations of racism to promote their position. And back and forth it goes, ad nauseam, until I am sitting in voting booths deciding whether it is racist or reverse-racist to vote for or against the proposition.

But here’s the thing - I think the people on both sides mean well. They all want a better school district. They want the best for our kids. I think that everyone would agree that They do. But racism got in the way of meaningful dialog and unified advancement.

How can we come together as a city and be all that our children deserve without our legacy of racism tainting the issues and clouding our judgment? This is something I will be giving a lot of thought to in the coming weeks. I hope you will as well.

The Year Round April Fools

2011-04-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

EG emails now. And texts. And IMs. We monitor her activity and want her to learn to use this technology responsibly. And she seems to be learning how to do that. Today, in response to a FORWARD!!!!, I sent her the following advice. Figured I'd share.

I love you. And I am proud of how smart you are. It is for this reason that I send this email.

As you venture into the virtual world of emails and the internet, I have a very serious piece of advice for you. It is a lesson all of us can stand to be reminded of.

TRUST NO FORWARDS. FORWARD NO FORWARDS WITHOUT VERIFYING.

For some unknown reason, people start these email forwards. They can be about anything. Like the one below, it has been forwarded so many times there is no way to tell who is writing it.

These emails usually claim to be about a close friend or relative. But even the ones that use real names of real people (usually famous people) are made up almost every time.

If you get one of these emails, you can read it, but do so with a lot of doubt. There is only a slim chance it is accurate or even true at all. If you think it might be true, you can research to try to verify it. For another unknown reason, some people started a website dedicated to verifying these forwards. It is snopes.com. There are others I am sure. I usually start with snopes.

In this case, a quick check of snopes shows that this email is not true. At best it is based on a singular incident out of India over 6 years ago. Just consider it an April Fools joke.

I love you.

WINNING!

2011-03-03T06:11:00.001-08:00

I have so enjoyed the insheenity of the latest internet meme of the last several days. But I don't think the grand wizard of gnarlyisms could be more wrong about his definition of winning.

On this, my 35th, birthday, I think about other men I know who are his age and WINNING! Really winning, running churches, touching lives, striving toward a heaven on earth. And I remember the impact they had on my life when they were this age. Thank you most to Norman and Doug. As 30-somethings, you both reached out so effectively to me during my formative years. And there were so many other Godly men who directed my path and the paths of others in their 30s. I am not the man you all were at this age. And sometimes I worry I have failed you in some way.

But as I look back at the major steps we as a family have taken over the last 12 years, I have no doubt we have followed the path He lit for us. But the small decisions, the little steps, have left much to be desired - not being active in a church, not reaching out in real ways to the least of these, not looking for ways to give back to the next generation. (That is a weird realization. The teens of today are literally a generation removed from me.)

So my hope for my 36th year (it's a weird thing from Catherine's family) is that time we spend on the path will be productive time, time moving forward with each small step.

Thank you all for your abundance of well-wishes. It is a wonderful reminder of the way each of you impacted my life.

2011-01-23T08:22:00.001-08:00

History is such a tough thing to deal with. If we hold it too closely, we can never grow. If we don't revere it, we are, as they say, likely to repeat it.

Today, and over the past few weeks, I am dealing with a particularly difficult and painful part of my personal history. It is something I cannot avoid due to frequent reminders. And it is certainly something I don't want to repeat. So that leaves me in a funk.

I want to grow. I want to mature. I want to simultaneously learn and forget. Is that an option? Should it be? Is this the cross we must carry in order to be disciples? If so, I have a long way to go. Because most of the time, I just want to drop the cross and run away from it. If I am being honest (which I guess I am), I want to drop all my crosses, all the history that weighs me down.

And I know there's forgiveness and grace and mercy. But it doesn't seem to be a license to take those blessings and run. So here I sit, in the midst of my history, wanting to move forward, knowing I have to bring it with me.

Bill White for Texas

2010-10-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

A few of the reasons I am voting FOR Bill White -

Generally, I do not think Perry has done anything remarkable for Texas. He is a friend of big business, but that isn't enough. Bill White is no enemy of businesses. In fact, when he worked for Clinton, his job was basically to teach other countries capitalism. I also think Perry is less than stellar at representing our state to the world. When the national press mentions Perry, it is usually because he has said something outlandish to get media attention, like secession or not accepting federal funds (which he always ends up accepting). But I am not simply voting against Perry. If that were the case, I would not vote.

I am voting for Bill White. I am voting for him because three issues I care about that the governor can affect are better entrusted to White. First, Texas courts have been closed down to countless victims of compensable negligence (probably the worst state at this point) by the legislature and supreme and appellate courts filled with Perry appointees. Then when people who champion those rights get legislation through both houses, Perry vetoes it. Bill White would allow the processes in place correct imbalance in the system.

Second, our state has fallen FAR behind in education. Having two daughters in elementary school, this is an issue I care deeply about. Bill White has championed education even as a Mayor with little influence on the process. This is his primary campaign focus. And I believe he will be in a position to encourage education by supporting teachers, refocusing funding and working with the local districts to encourage better performance.

Finally, Bill White has integrity the position needs and values I agree with. Long before seeking any political office, Bill Whitewas (and still is) a Sunday School teacher. The values that should accompany a committed Christian are evident even in his official actions. When Katrina ravaged New Orleans, he rallied the people of Houston to help. And they did. That type of compassion is missing from our current governor's office. Perry is much quicker to ask for help than volunteer to give it.

FINAL PLEA

2010-10-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

PLEASE DON'T VOTE FOR RICK PERRY!

EVERYTHING is on the internet. Everything except Perr

y's famous run-in with the DPS trooper. How did that vanish?

There is also no trace of the photos of as him as a yell leader. And we know how well publicized a pic of a proud yell leader is. Just check facebook!

Gig 'em? Hook 'em? Whatever keeps him in office.

I do have legit points as well. See below. Adios, Mofos!

Infamy!

2010-10-07T04:41:00.000-07:00

Arch nemesis. Has a nice ring to it. The pronunciation of my handle? Not so much.
(insert evil laugh)

Truest Self

2010-09-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

Profsler wrote today - "We are who we are, wherever we find ourselves, and those longings live very deep inside of us, calling out our truest name."

It has struck a cord even as I am in the busy midst of preparing for trial tomorrow. Yesterday the fam made it to church for the first time in months. It was so good in so many little ways. I long to return to my truest self, to be called by my truest name. The longing is all there is for now. But it is more than not longing at all.

Please keep calling, louder and stronger, Lord. I will follow the sound of your voice.

Linkback - Osler's Razor: Minnesota Monday: Running in leaves

New School

2010-09-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

E and CG are in a new school this year. We didn't move. We decided that the public school we are districted to is a better option for them than the private school we were in. This has proven to be true already. I am amazed at how superior it is academically to the "best" private school in Beaumont. Additionally, they are exposed to a MUCH more realistic cross section of our city (although still pretty white). All in all, very pleased. And the girls are adjusting well.

2010-08-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

New post at ANTCockrell. You can't have Lewis without Martin or Abbott without Costello.

Death and All His Friends

2010-07-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago, one of the men I was as close to over the last 10 years as any passed away. He was my father-in-law's best friend. And we spent every holiday together, and many crawfish boils, pig roasts and even a goose hunt in Canada together. He was a good man and a good influence on my wife growing up, and to my daughters, even if he was a "right-wing nut job" (a term I used with the utmost affection with him). I miss him.

The thing I have noticed about death is that it makes you re-evaluate everything. Carreer, attitude, faith, where you live, how you spend your free time and your money. I guess the impact of these things that are only important during our time in this skin is magnified when we realize how limited that time is (that is not a good LARC sentence).

So I have been re-evaluating. And it seems a bit premature since I have only been where I am for a year. Maybe it is too soon to consider a next step. Maybe the next step is to further engage where I am. Maybe not. I honestly don't know and have gone back and forth on this a million times. And when it gets overwhelming and dreadful, I remember that all of these worries and even faith itself are temporary. And that gives me comfort, and a sense of urgency, which leads to dread. Nice, huh?

Adoption

2010-07-22T07:28:00.001-07:00

Many of you know, some of you don't. Either way, you should check out our (well, she's done all the work) blog about our pending adoption.

http://antcockrell.blogspot.com/

K-Strass

2010-05-11T13:25:00.001-07:00

Brilliant. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBzWHudBoiA

Majors

2010-05-04T05:36:00.001-07:00

My cousin is a cadet at the Air Force Academy. She's also wicked smart. In spite of this, she recently asked me for advice on choosing a major. This question is really asking for career path advice, how to fulfill your calling. I gave her more than she probably wanted and decided it might be of use to others.

I was given great advice about every career I have dabbled in (ministry, radio and law). "If you can see yourself doing anything else, don't do this." I think that is a great way to look at life in general.

With that in mind, you don't have to be "pre-law" to be a lawyer. In fact, diversity is a VERY good thing to have as a lawyer these days. Most of the best lawyers I know weren't "pre-law."

If you are interested in all of those things (english, poli-sci/pre-law, civil engineering, or anything else), think about which of them you cannot learn on your own, or which one you NEED to have a formal education to pursue.

As far as English goes, the only thing you NEED that degree to pursue would be grad school in English, which you would only NEED to have to pursue a career in academia. If that is your certain goal, stick with that.

As for poli-sci degrees, I don't know the field that well, but my experience has been there is nothing (again, other than academia) that you can't learn from a couple of years of real world experience should you decide to go into politics in any capacity.

That leads to civil engineering. I really don't know exactly what that means, but it sounds technical. I know some civil engineers, obviously. It would seem something that you would have to have the formal training on your resume to get such a job. And while any of these degrees allows you to get into law school without a problem, there are a LOT of English and poli-sci majors applying, not as many civil engineer (or any engineer) majors applying.

Admissions folks want a diversity of degrees in each entering class. If you want to get into the most law schools, get AMAZING grades, have good intangibles (which being Air Force is a BIG one), and knock out the LSAT, which I think you could do.

If you were one of my girls I would REALLY encourage a science or business degree. I think there are fewer of them, and they are very diverse. You can also launch from those degrees into the arts with far less difficulty than going from the arts into the sciences or a business field. Further, EVERY field/industry has a place for business people and most have a place for science "geeks." Most of all, those degrees teach you a critical thinking that is more and more rare in our world.

FINALLY – What is your school known for? Which of their programs work well nationally? Which school’s graduates obtain success in their fields? Those degrees will give you the maximum “value” for your education. The best program will have the best network of well-placed people who will be able to help you get where you want to be.

It should be noted that all of this is coming from a radio/TV/film major, theater minor who may or may not have done it differently had someone given me the preceeding advice.

What are your thoughts?

Three months? Really?

2010-03-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

Wow. Okay. I know all five of y'all have been yearning for my musings. I apologize. In the last three months, I have had/won my first trial, seen my youngest turn 6, gotten a great recovery for my client in my first mediation (on my 34th birthday) watched the NBA All-Star game and Monster Jam from an owner's suite at Cowboys Stadium, officiated my uncle's funeral (another first), and had a ton of amusing thoughts. My lack of posts hasnt' been due to a lack of ideas or topics to wax poetic about. Problem is, you guys aren't a top priority. My evenings are spent trying to squeeze as much out of my 2-3 hours a day I have with the girls. Then I crash. Oh, and there is this.
Talk about burying the lead.

Grown Up Christmas List

2009-12-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

Amy can have her "love can heal our hearts." This is what I want.

I want Caroline to not become a mean girl.
I want Evie to learn how to manage stress.
I want to go skiing. It was so much fun last time...TEN YEARS AGO.
I want to not want so much stuff.
I want a home theater system worthy of our awesome chairs.
I want to actually use the elliptical I bought Catherine (and me) for Christmas (it's okay, UPS already told her about it).
I want to have time to read a book at least every two weeks.
I want to have the time to train a dog well so we can finally get and KEEP one.
I want to go to the movies without the kids.
I want our garage and sunroom and carport to be cleaned up.
I want to concrete our entire backyard.
I want a copy of Osler's new Christmas Mix.
I want to finally go see my best friend in Spain.
I want to be able to do the K and R Show again.
I want to be able to take the girls skating over the Chrismas holiday.
I want to go to trial before my birthday.

Civil Civility

2009-11-19T18:09:00.000-08:00

DISCLOSURE: My oldest has gone to Kanakuk for 2 summers. My youngest will when old enough.

Pete Newman, a former director at Kanakuk, a camp run by and for believers in Christ, has been charged with several horrific acts with kampers. Now it is alleged that some of those acts took place at kamp and even further alleged that Newman's bosses had received reports of incidents and counselled him about his actions. This Kanakuk dad/trial lawyer sees only one possible conclusion, Kanakuk will face lawsuits over this.
I am so conflicted over this. How would I handle it if these young men or their parents came to me wishing to recover from Kanakuk for their damages? I would represent them. That is my oath to the law. I know that some find this in conflict with God's word. I do not.
The bible says we should not drag each other into court over church matters. Is this one? What church leaders do you take this conflict to for resolution if it cannot be worked out among the parties? Who determines what will right the wrongs done to these
Is "Kanakuk" a Christian? I believe that many of its leaders are Christians. I do not believe any organization should ever be labeled as Christian. I think I have said here before that "Christian" make a great noun and a terrible adjective.
Does Kanakuk have insurance? Is that a doubtful faith? Absolutely not. It is prudent stewardship of its leaders.
What about their duty to protect the thousands who pay thousands to spend time at Kanakuk every year? I hope that Joe and the rest take full responsibility for any mistakes they MAY have made. And more than that, I hope that whatever lawyers the victims find to represent them will seek the Truth and represent them with dignity.
Do Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.

P.S. I just spent far too long posting this on way more websites talking about this than I ever expected to find. I hope fo the best in these conversations and know that Good will prevail. It just might take a while.

Civility of Children

2009-11-09T08:37:00.000-08:00

My in-laws have in their dining area an 11x17 of this poster except it says "You Lie" at the bottom in homage to the "patriotic act" of some knuckleheaded junior congressman. I got to stare at it all night as I ate the most delicious prime rib.
After dinner, E picked it up and said condemningly, "This is not funny." An adult retorted smugly, "You're right. It isn't." I am so proud of my little girl and sad for that adult. I am not proud that she stuck up for Obama's politics or beliefs. I don't expect her or any 3rd grader to understand or have a political opinion or affiliation. I am proud that she somehow at age 8 sees the disrespect of it all. I would hope she would have reacted the same when Bush was being raked over the coals.

There is truly little civility left in the world, and even less in politics. I pray that she can hold firm to her developing personal convictions with the due respect of people and position in the midst of extremists on both sides who would rather blindly identify with a network, party or dogma than consider the merits in the many sides of any public debate. And I hope she never forgets that behind every belief, there is a child of God.

Tomorrow

2009-11-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow - the word has never seemed more ominous. Tomorrow will either be one of the, if not the very, worst day of my life, OR it will mean that this mountain of work that seems to consume my being will not be ending anytime soon, if ever. Seriously, what kind of choice is that?

Tomorrow is a day many are rewarded with the single phrase "be careful what you wish for."

97% is no consolation today. Seriously, is it better to be one of the 2 or 3 from your school that missed the mark or one of the 15-20% that failed?

How will you know if I passed? If you see my resume posted on monster.com, you'll know I did not.

Growing up

2009-10-31T05:27:00.001-07:00

It has happened. A rite of passage no child believes will come, but every "adult" should experience.

I have an announcement to make.
Twinkies are no longer good.

More to the point, they are gross and have been for quite some time. At what age does this happen? Is it linked to a passage of years or certain life events. When does the goo-filled sponge become no more than a...goo-filled sponge? Even my memory of eating them as a child is tainted. I can't remember them ever tasting good. I don't even want to try one deep-fried.

Hostess, what deviltry are you performing on our innocent youth?

56 hours in NYC

2009-10-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

It was the girls' first trip
The people who run the statue tours STINK.
The statue is amazing
Shrek is alright.
Sutton Foster is A-MAZ-ING.
My cab should never be the first one stopped at a red light.
My cab was the first one stopped at red lights A LOT.
Mom got diagnosed with the flu Friday morning.
She couldn't join us for tea and (the best) scones at Alice's Tea Cup.
The girls loved upper west, Alice's, hot dogs in front of the NatHisMus.
Central park is A-MAZ-ING.
Tribeca Rooftop is about the most amazig wedding venue on the planet.
Seriously? The sushi, fois gras, crab claws lamb chops, etc. were just appetizers?
I managed to find room for half my fillet.
We were sad to leave the reception early, but mom was spent.
Meanwhile, the girls went with aunts gina and jeanie (times square will never be the same - and first subway ride!).
Who's filming this movie with the rain machines at the courthouse? MATT DAMON!
Managed to walk all through Chinatown without purchasing one knock-off.
Pastries in Little Italy were wonderful.
I literally ate an entire pie at Joe's of Bleeker. Best ever? Maybe.
49th and 5th (Home of American Girl Mecca).
Ice rink, times square (M&Ms deserve a 3 story store?) and one last cab ride.

Not bad for a short trip. Watching the girls was my favorite part. In E's words, "It was absolutely awesome."

My letter to the Alumni Association

2009-10-07T05:55:00.000-07:00

I appreciate the thought that went into the letter sent out by Mr. Lacey. I understand this issue and the difficulties it presents. I have no doubt that the BAA has Baylor's best interests at heart. However, I do hope that the BAA is seriously considering this measure.

When I became a life member upon graduation, I was proud. I assumed two things would result from my membership and the very existence of the BAA. First, I thought the BAA supported the university financially. Second, I thought there would be ways to support Baylor locally where I am through the BAA. It had NOTHING to do with an independent voice. Honestly, like many, I assumed the BAA was a part of the university.

What I found was that during the early years after graduation, when giving more wasn't really an option, the only thing I got out of membership was a magazine and lots of offers for a BAA credit card. Are credit cards really the most responsible thing to offer young alumni? I never heard of events in my area. In fact the only events I heard of were the extremely pricey travels that BAA organized. Not the best for the most numerous group of alumni, the under 30 set.

Then, I was hired by the Baylor Network to engage young grads. I realized soon that the money was going the wrong way, from the university to the BAA. That doesn't make sense. I would venture to guess that when the vast majority hear ads saying that the BAA has been supporting the university for 150 years, they assume that is direct financial support. The BAA doesn't say "cheering on the university," or "holding the university accountable." It says, "supporting." I believe that is misleading.

Another misleading communication found specifically in Mr. Lacey's letter is that the university took BAA staff to form the Network. I continue to be baffled by this. Those staff positions were funded by the university while at the association. They were hired by the university. The BAA resented thembeing in the building. President Sloan soon realized that any alumni outreach would be better done directly under the umbrella of the university. So, he moved UNIVERSITY FUNDED STAFF AND PROGRAMMING back to the university. Also, the BAA was one of the loudest voices for the removal of Sloan. It should be noted that no president has raised that money going in the wrong direction, from Baylor to the BAA more than President Sloan. I don't know if he needed to go, but he was no enemy of the BAA. Neither are the Regents or current administration. There is no conspiracy. This idea has been talked about OPENLY for years. And finally, why does Baylor need this independent voice more than any other private university in the country?

I have no idea if you are still reading, but I will add one parting thought. I was part of a dying church at one point in my life. Many proposals were brought forth to the congregation to seek new purpose, new direction, partner with other churches, etc. These ideas were brought by people who had a heart for God, that church and the community where the church was located. But what it really came down to in the end was that those who had been there the longest did not want to let go of their idea of what that church had always been. Nobody was willing to accept the imminent death of that limb of the Body of Christ. But even without their acceptance, it happened.

There is a season for everything. 150 years is a very long season. Regardless of what decision the BAA makes, you have had a wonderful season thus far.

God Bless,
Kendall Cockrell
BA 1998, JD 2009

Uncyclopedia

2009-10-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

Lookie what I found. Found it reserching a mispelling of Funyuns. I like Funyuns. Haven't had them in years. But I'm pretty sure I like them.

But back to that website. I like satire and wasting time. But this is too much. Where to people find the time, Sterling? Seriously. I can see the occasional funny blog, Winkler, but an entire deep site of nonsense? But it did look like something some of you would enjoy, Osler.

Independence is costly

2009-09-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Not talking about military strength or protecting the ____ amendment. Nothing so Fox/MSNBC commentary worthy. Just an old idea whose time is long past due. The Baylor Alumni Association (BAA), of which I am a lifetime member, needs to finally do what they should have done when asked over a decade ago. They need to become an entity of the university. I will give you a few of my reasons, but the Trib does a pretty good job of laying it out here and here.

I have a bias. I worked for the Alumni Relations division of Baylor University (Baylor Network) for 3 years. Most of you have no idea that this is a separate entity from the BAA, much less the contention that many at the core of the BAA have for the Network. Nor should you. There shouldn't be any animosity. There shouldn't be two organizations. There is no need in this day and age for an "independent" alumni association. For years Baylor gave BAA money (I had always assumed it was the other way around). And in return, the BAA demanded to be left alone without accountability, left to badmouth the sugar daddy as much as they wanted. and to publish it in a magazine funded in part by the university. Crazy, right? And when Sloan questioned this (while increasing the BAA's yearly gift from the university they were created to support"), BAA called for his head.

Then Lilley did one of the tough jobs he was brought in to do, cut off the spoiled child. That (only in part, to be fair) cost him his job. But it had to be done.

And now, finally, the BAA seems to be considering what was asked of it 15 years ago, come into the fold, LIKE EVERY OTHER MAJOR PRIVATE SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY.

So, yeah, I am for this proposal. I am for it because it will put an end to too much bickering that distracts from the school's mission. I am for it because the Network is flat out better at reaching alumni than the BAA. I am for it because the divided resources can better be spent on other endeavors. I am for it because it is the best thing for Baylor.

Sic'em

Homeownership

2009-09-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

has its ups and downs. Tonight we used our very cool teppanyaki grill with seated dining. Here's a pic of me when I was an Asian chef.

Food was surprisingly good for my first shot. But there is a MAJOR smoke problem. We bought the best vent hood we could get without going commercial. we should have gone commercial. As I type this in the furthest room from the kitchen, the smell of soy and oil permeates my nostrils as well as my skin. It would be all up in my hair if I had any. We'll have to fix that.

Then, just as I was putting the girls down and preparing to blog about something amazing, E informed me that her bed was wet. It's been 5 years at least since that was a problem for her. Well, the culprit was not a full bladder, but water dripping from the ac vent above her head. seems the drip pan drain was clogged. So, after some time moving her in with her sis and working in the attic which has blown insulation (WHICH I HATE!), I am clean and sleepy. I get to sleep in until at least 7 tomorrow. Soccer season is a cruel invention. No regrets

Positive Motivation

2009-09-17T18:53:00.001-07:00

I received many accolades during my time at BLaw. But this may be my newest favorite. Seriously, nothing was more a part of my daily routine during my time there than the Razor. Though I never had any of his classes, I got to do an independent study for Osler working on his awesome book and some other writings. He was also helpful in getting me a coveted internship with the Judge. and in putting me in contact with my now senior associate at PU. What a great guy. Just having him read is enough to make me want to be more faithful in keeping up with this.

The rest of y'all just don't really matter.

Just kidding, Alexis.

But seriously, the rest of you, I could care less.

National Enquirer Right Again

2009-09-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't really know if "again" is accurate, but this weeks cover was Johnny Castle going home to die. RIP PS. I will now admit something that only my mom probably ever even suspected. Swayze's role in Dirty Dancing was very inspiring to me at age 11. Why? Because I was a 1950's dance instructor/jigalo? I wish but no. I was, however, a pairs figure skater. Let that sink in. Yup. Figure skater from age 5 to age 18. And his portrayal of a strong, masculine ladies man that also danced was a nice role model for the boy who batted .000 in two years of little league but could do a double salchow and throw/catch a girl while skating at full speed.
So there you go. A little about me and Patrick.

Of course, nobody will read this since i've been outcast by the Oz. Who can blame him, really. I haven't posted anything as of late. I will try to be better, sir.

look how strong i am

2009-07-12T13:03:00.001-07:00

i could probably throw you through that wall.

FIRST LAST

2009-07-10T07:44:00.001-07:00

I have a lot of lasts coming up. Most of them really good. Last law school exam. Last day to study for the bar. LAST DAY OF THE BAR. Last day living in Waco (I'll miss it, but I miss the girls more). And last day to be unemployed.

Today is the first last. Last day of classes. Last law school class. Actually, this is kinda bittersweet. I have so enjoyed the learning environment here. I remember very well the first day of law school classes. It was truly invigorating. WJC and the Fuse. I can't think of a better pair to launch into this experience. Then Cordon and Salzmann joined the Four (way) Under Forty that led us through that rainy summer of 2007. The grass was unusually green. We were just the right amount of green - eager, envious of those further down the path and completely and expectedly inept. It was a good place to be.

I loved everything about that first summer, but most of all the classes. Preparing, learning. Staying on your toes so Counseller wouldn't destroy you. Watching Fusellier throw stuff at SterBur. Reminiscing about the fabulous carreer of Eric Stoltz with Salzmann. Talking Cowboys preseason and parental beatdowns with Cordon. And above all being stretched more intellectually than I truly thought possible. Yet even on this very last day, Benham (a terrific adjunct) mixes experience, antecdotes and brand new caselaw to show me how little I still know. Such is the law. All I can hope is that before it is all over, I will see more projectiles sent SterBur's way.

Bad is Better

2009-06-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

A lot of us are thinking back on the soundtrack of our younger years today with great fondness. I cannot tell you how many laps around the skating rink were accompanied by the funk and freak of MJ and Vincent Price. But as I really look at the King of Pop's discography, it becomes clear that the followup to Thriller was at least slightly superior. The scope of both albums is vast (from Beat it to The Girl is Mine and Smooth Criminal to The Way You Make Me Feel). He was just as rock as he was soul - that is what pop meant when he was king.

But if I had to choose to just have one album, Bad wins. Dirty Diana may not be Darling Nikki, but it's pretty freakin' good. Man in the Mirror is actually still a little moving to me. And Smooth Criminal may be my all time favorite MJ song AND video. Yup. Bad wins.

And I think I'd be okay without ever hearing P.Y.T again. Or ever seeing the Say Say Say video (I know it isn't on Thriller, but it deserves a pan).

2009-06-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

I have become re-acquainted with my fascination with tornadoes. They are crazy awesome. It is really just part of growing up in tornado alley (like hurricanes on the coast). I personally got excited any time that sky would get a green hue. You could see the fronts colliding in the evening sky. Just exhilarating. I have been withing a few hundred yards of a couple over my lifetime and seen several at the 2+ mile distance.

I think they don't get as much national attention as hurricanes b/c you can't track them for weeks and pontificate about where they may eventually cause destruction. You develop a relationship with a hurricane. Heck, they even have names. Tornadoes are like one night stands. You never know when one might spring up, and they'll be gone just as fast. If you are fortunate enough to experience one, you cannot back down. I mean, these regular guys drove right towards it. Just watching that video made my heart race a bit.

(as a point of disclosure, i have never in my life had anything close to a one night stand)

twitter

2009-04-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

I started a twitter account with every intention of being a productive part of the "twitterverse." But that crap is nonsense. So now http://twitter.com/diadelkendall is a haven for twitter's lone naysayer (or should i say "naytweeter"? no. i should not).

If you are on there, follow me to freedom. And suggestions are always welcome.

Here's some samples
Why twitter blows #1 - your mom does it.

Why twitter blows #3 - "Tweet"? Seriously? That's what they settled on? Dirt dobbers.

Why twitter blows # 4 (from Dave) - "if I'm on facebook, what does Twitter add for me-I've got an account, but can't figure out why I care."

Life in the New Reality

2009-04-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Easter came. Christ arose. The bunny died. And all is well.

One of the most astounding qualities of any living creature is the ability to adapt to incredible changes in circumstances or reality. It was every bit as true on that first Easter as it was for my little E today. Just hours later she has gotten over what was certainly the most tramatic experience in her first 8 years on earth. And now, she cannot contain the new truth. She wants to tell everyone. But since CG is still living with the bunny, E must be measured and patient sharing this new and now wonderful truth.

Imagine those disciples on Easter. The disappointment reached a low they had never imagined. Not only was He dead. But now? Now he was gone from the grave.

And this was devastating. Until they realized he was more than gone. He is Risen. A new, strange, frightening reality. A reality they weren't sure they could accept. A truth they didn't know how to live with. But it didn't take long. They couldn't stop themselves. They told everyone. And we still do. We tell everyone. Sometimes the wrong people. Sometimes to our own demise and peril. Sometimes with people who just aren't ready. But we still do it. We still tell the truth to anyone and everyone.

We have to. It's our reality.

Shattered Dreams

2009-04-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I did it. I have never broken her heart like this. Nobody had. The shock and pain washed over her face leaving a flood of tears as lasting proof. I thought she knew. I assumed she at least suspected.

But she didn't. She was floating along in that childlike wonder believing all was just as I had said. One sentence. Six little words formed a statement that would forever change our worlds.

It is my fault. I led her to believe this fairy tale. I was the one who told her it was true. But, how could she not have known? It was obviously too good to be true. I mean, seriously, a rabbit who can carry enough candy to supply all the children in the world? It's absurd.

But it was her reality. And it has been shattered and forever reformed. She's a little bit wiser, a little less naive.

And isn't that what Easter is really all about?

Economy Hits Sesame Street!

2009-03-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

So, what prompted me looking into the TV of my childhood (see earlier post) was a discussion about how even Big Bird is suffering in this economy. Sesame Workshop has announced cutting it's workforce by 20%.

Butch Henry is Muffin

2009-03-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

This one is for those of you who listen to sports radio in waco and who grew up within the signal strength of WFAA. All of you. Every last one of you who fit that demo. The rest of you can go eat cupcakes.

I have always been fascinated by the awful-ness of Tom and Butch's voices. Not their show, just their voices. And they have been on since the station started when I was in undergrad. For those of you who don't know, that was a looooong time ago. I am compelled to listen. Compelled in the same way that i am compelled on occasion to touch a 9 volt battery to my tongue.

In addition, I love Muffin. For those of you who grew up in the horrible outliers (Houston), you missed out on Muffin. Muffin was the puppet sidekick of Mr. Peppermint on Channel 8's Saturday morning show, "Peppermint Palace." They taught me how to make donuts with refrigerated biscuits and cooking oil. When I was 6. And my parents were still asleep. We all survived. The "donuts" sucked.

Anyhow, I discovered some old footage of the show of my youth (not college youth, the other - better - youth). And I realized that Muffin sounds JUST LIKE Butch.

That is all

editor's note: Mr. Peppermint's son is the lead singer for Butthole Surfers.

I have THE solution for the economy

2009-02-25T17:38:00.000-08:00

The fact is, I didn't come up with the solution. Others have websites devoted to implementing it.

But it so obtainable. The answer is right in front of our eyes. It makes so much sense I want to dropkick a Furby.

It has been brought up from time to time. Some major companies dabbled with it during the gas price crisis of 2008 (remember that?). A school district in Florida has it up for a vote. One entire state has experimented with it.

THE FOUR-DAY WORK WEEK.
It doesn't just fix the economy, it fixes EVERYTHING.
(slogan the sole property of kendall)

C'mon, people. This makes sense. All the productivity, all the consumer spending, 20% less utility cost to businesses, 20% less commuter pollution, 50% more days with the family, 50% more days to spend at the mall.

Imagine. Instead of rushing kids to after school activities in the 3 hours between school and bed, you could do all that stuff on Fridays.

Wednesday wouldn't be hump-day. We wouldn't need it. I don't even think we'd complain about Monday if we only have three more days to the weekend. We probably wouldn't ever complain about anything ever in this new 4DWW eutopia.

There is no downside. NONE. Point out the flaws. I dare ya.

Point out the downside. I dare you.

Lame Ripoff

2009-02-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

I have been convinced for years that THEY are monitoring my thoughts and using all the great ideas I never have the resources to set in motion. It normally hasn't bothered me because, again, I didn't have the resources to pull it off anyhow.
The ideas are always nearly identical to mine and are always successful. So I take it as affirmation of my ability to be a fabulously wealthy entrepreneur at some point. It's that first million that is holding me back. Once I have that, the sky is the limit.

BUT THIS ONE ANNOYS ME. It doesn't annoy me because I was ready to make money off of it. I didn't even ever plan to make money off this one. This one was for me and my friends. If any of you have ever had the chance to darken the lanes of a bowling alley in my company, you have probably had the honor and privilege of participating in the greatness that is Kendall Bowling. What the name lacks in panache, the game more than makes up for in unnecessary intricacy and arbitrary rules. Without getting into such minutia I will say this; the basic premise is to get the highest score possible without getting a strike or spare (either of which will eliminate you from the game) or a gutter ball (which subtracts points from your score). It is not as easy as it sounds. Most rounds end with only one person NOT knocking down all the pins.

Nobody has ever not had a blast playing this game. And with good reason, it is brilliant.

But now, the corporate big wigs are trying to profit from it. And like corporate big wigs always do, they have dumbed it down and sucked all the brilliance out of it for their own gain. GutterBowling IS NOT great. It is lame. It is sold as something that requires no skill. It lies. a skilled bowler can win this game every time. They just turned it into (with all due respect) white trash golf. Where's the chance? Where's the capreciousness? WHERE'S THE KENDALLNESS?

Whatever.

SPORK

2009-02-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Apparently one of our SBA executives had an idea to have sporks instead of spoons AND forks in the student lounge. And the reason given was to possibly save money while continuing to meet the needs of the students.

ALRIGHT, LISTEN. This is not logical. If I need a utensil, I need a utensil. Rarely, if ever, does anyone use both a spoon and a fork at the same time (unless it is a soup and salad meal). Therefore, they will be getting a spoon or fork or spork. The same amount of utensils will be used. The only way this plan works to save money is the rare occasion someone is eating soup and salad. But the frustration of trying to get a proper amount of ruffage on those tiny little prongs of a spork and likewise having the soup leak through the same useless prongs will lead to nobody using any utensils. As a slob of an individual with little regard to manners and etiquette, I have no problem with this idea. SBA, all the way.

Empty

2008-12-26T05:42:00.001-08:00

WARNING - MORE PERSONAL THAN USUAL.

I am surrounded by emptiness this morning. I am sitting alone in a large living room. The silence is hard to wear this morning, kinda like my belt on Christmas Eve. What a feast. But the feast turned to a gluttony of consumerism. And now I sit alone in the vomitorium. Too much?

But seriously. I have been wondering why I haven't felt Christmassy. I had chalked it up to stress and fatigue and a million other things. But I haven't felt that sense of overwhelming joy even one time this season.

Don't misunderstand. I have enjoyed spending so much time in Bmt with the girls. Great food. Good times. Good service on Christmas Eve. And there weren't even any major blowups. So that success should be acknowledged.

And yet I sit, surrounded by empty boxes, shreds of shiney paper and plastic package carcuses. I guess the lesson I must learn yet again this year - Exceess can lead to emptiness. Next year I promises to keep it simple in an attempt to keep it pure.

My '82 Berlinetta

2008-12-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

Today all over this country young men and women are being trusted for the first time by various governmental entities with the ability to traverse the treacherous blacktop trails of this great land. In 1991, when I received my "hardship" license, these kids weren't even conceived. I am old enough to wait the lifetime it takes to get to drive TWICE.
My first was a 1982 Camero Berlinetta. The thing would fishtail on dry roads. It didn't have a CD player for the first year. Which wasn't all that uncommon back then. When I finally got my CD player and installed it, the first CD I blared was...C&C Music Factory. I was just a squirrel... Actually, I don't think I even knew what that line meant. Ah, the innocence. Anyhow, here's a pic. It's actually an '83 but almost identical and for sale for only $899.

As Yakov Smirnoff says

2008-11-05T05:01:00.000-08:00

WHAT A COUNTRY!
I am one of the people who admits to race being a factor in my vote. Not the only factor, or even a major factor - but a factor nonetheless. And I thought about whether, with all that will be said, to say anything in this format or not.
But I do want to express the feeling of gratitude and grace that came upon me this morning.
Not last night as I listened to an amazing American calling for a united country to move forward after losing a hard fought campaign - although that was a phenomenal speech that almost made me tear up.
Not as I watched tears stream down the weathered faces of those who fought for the right to go to the same schools as my parents - although that brought many thoughts of my grandfather's character and the past that I come from, both positive and negative.
Not as I listened to out next president take time to talk about his daughters' new puppy. That just reminded me of Sugar Bear running down the hall screaming "Mommy" when Jade barked at him at my 4th grade birthday party.
It was this morning. It was the next day and the normalcy of it all. Peaceful transfer of power. That is democracy. That is freedom.
And I am extatic that my children live in a world where a PTA mom from Alaska can be the vice-presidential nominee.
And I am amazed that the past two democratic presidents have come from non-political families - single parent homes at that - while the past two republican presidents came from (the same) political families and old money. Maybe that is why I am leaning more towards the democratic party these days. I need some idealism. And they seem to live theirs out at proof.

Nothing wrong with a little hope and change

2008-11-04T14:50:00.001-08:00

I voted. It didn't take long. Now to study for my last final as a 2L.

First mention by Texas Lawyer

2008-11-03T14:26:00.001-08:00

http://texaslawyer.typepad.com/texas_lawyer_blog/2008/11/baylor-team-wins-national-competition.html

Separate Celebrations

2008-10-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

Confusing title, I know. But I don't have much time and really need to get this down. Today is Catherine's birthday.
I am not with her.
That stinks. A lot.
Especially since in addition to celebrating the special day in the life of my favorite person on the planet, I want to be with her to celebrate my national championship!
Yup. Four boys from little 'ol Waco went all the way up to the cold and daunting campus of Michigan State and beat out 25 other teams to win the National Trial Advocacy Competition. It was amazing. We got back today. And it is back to studying like crazy for PC (finals start in 6 days).
So, I am here in Waco. Catherine is there in Beaumont with the girls. And we celebrate apart. I want to include what I wrote to her this morning. I just want everyone else to know how much I love her, too.

I am so thankful to call you my wife. You are an amazing woman. I have thought about you so much this trip and really wished this tournament would have been any other weekend. You are my heart. You are the one I think of when my mind isn't "working". You are the one I remember when I need inspiration. You are the one I imagine when my heart is lonely. You are the one I rush to whenever I can. You are nothing I ever expected. You know that. You know how much I wasn't looking for you. And you know how absolutely blessed I am that, in spite of not looking, I found you. My wife. My love. My passion.

Alright. Back to work...

Signs of the End of Days

2008-10-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

1) "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" grossed $29 million, the best October debut in Disney history.
Even at $10 a ticket, that's still almost 3 million people that PAID to watch a feature length taco bell commercial.

2) I have posted to the blog two days in a row.

Parenting I can relate to

2008-10-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

I don't like to discipline the girls a lot when I am only seeing them on weekends. But I also don't want them forgetting the rules. Fortunately they are, for the most part, amazing. They "helped" us paint our bedroom in the new house today. Things are going very well on that front. The finished product will be worthy of HGTV. Too bad I have lost the charger for my fancy-schmancy video camera. We have a lot of before photos, though. Maybe I'll get a chance to post those somewhere on the www someday.

Blog Rec

2008-09-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Don't get excited. I have no time to write anything earth-shaking. PC is still hard. Ike has kept my family out of Beaumont for two weeks (no damage to houses). I am going to miss Cat's 30th because I am on a mock trial team and the tournament is that weekend.

But I did want to quickly recommend a good friend's good blog. I quite enjoy the openness and sincerity of it. http://marchingthroughthewilderness.blogspot.com/

Getting Edgy

2008-09-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, I love politics as a spectator sport. Seriously, what a bunch of whack jobs. I was so excited with the Palin pick. I thought it did away with many of the superfluous arguments about minority, experience, outsider/insider, etc. I thought we were going to have a real debate on the issues. Then Jamie Lynn Spears had to go and send Palin's daughter gifts of support. Anyhow, the thing that I have to say something about is the insanity from the RNC floor. Listening to Pouts '08 on XM (the best coverage around) is driving me mad. Every person they talk to, from Orrin Hatch to random delegates is OUTRAGED by the media "bashing" Palin. But I haven't seen that AT ALL. Bloggers and talk show hosts, maybe. But they are idiots. The pundits and the journalists (even using the word losely) have kept it about the issues related the story. And nobody is questioning her parenting. Obama has specifically said the kid's kid is not an issue reminding people that he comes from a single parent home (nice self promotion, by the way). Anyhow, XM started asking all the people at the convention who was doing the bashing. Nothing but the ubiquitous "them." I have a favorite new expression. I don't think I am stealing it, but I doubt I am the first to say it - THERE IS NO THEM! And while in politics there likely is, there isn't always a them. And without a single hard example, those attending the convention have slipped easily into the standard "the media is slanted" line that allows them to completely avoid confronting issues. It really is a brilliant strategy. Rove used it to perfection.
Alright I just had to write that down. done.

Time flies...

2008-08-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

When you're studying for finals, taking your last one on Thursday, moving temporarily to your family in Beaumont, getting reaquainted with your wife and kids, finally seeing the house you have a contract to purchase, starting a new job on Monday, working your tail off to impress possible future employers, working your tail off to secure financing on the house, figuring out how to completely remodel the house that was built in 1967 and not touched since, going to Houston to see your parents and faimily on Saturday, visiting new churches every Sunday, picking out cabinets, driving a Vespa to work in the rain for two weeks, going to Houston the next Saturday to pick out granite for the house that you still haven't secured financing on, teaching your 7-year old how to ride a bike, driving to a wedding in Bay City, billing 22 hours in 2 days as a 1L summer associate, finalizing financing (a whole other blog later, maybe), finalizing cabinet plans, single-handedly tearing out 2000 sf. of carpet, finishing up the temporary job on Friday, tearing out an entire kitchen on Saturday, moving back to Waco tomorrow and starting the most difficult quarter of a BLS career on Monday.

So. Sorry I haven't posted since before summer finals. But I don't know if I will be posting any time soon either.

Effects of being left to my own devices

2008-07-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

I am too busy now to be lonely. That is a good thing. But I am also busy enough to use that as an excuse not to shave. I have only been shaving once a week since Cat moved, usually the day before or the day I leave to see her. But it is now 11 days and counting. At what point does a man become furry, as in covered in fur, a woodland creature if you will. I mean, at some point the neck hair will merge with the chest hair. At this point there is only about half an inch keeping me in this particular genus specie.
pic added for cache (if you know what i mean)

Lonely

2008-07-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

I don't know that I have ever really been lonely. But this weekend, I think that is the best description of how I feel. I used to relish time to hang out with myself. But I am really missing my girls this weekend. I have studied a little, but spent way too much time just being sully and lonely. I guess it's just another sign that I am a different person than 10 years ago.
Don't get me wrong. I am not sad that I am lonely. I am actually happy about it. But I am not happy. I am lonely. That makes no sense. But it is true. I am so glad that my family is a huge part of my life. And I know Cat misses me a ton, too. The little ladies are too busy being little girls, riding bicycles and swimming, to miss me. So anyhow. It is a lonely, quite night in Waco. And did I mention it's raining?

Keep your hands inside the ride

2008-07-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Dateline Branson. Silver Dollar City. Lost River Ride.
So cat, carebear and ev, the levparents and myself were enjoying the wetness of this tube ride at the strangest themepark on the planet that happens to be in the strangest tourist town on the planet. Seriously. That place is odd. I had heard of three of the "performers" that headline the over three thousand theaters there. And I though all three of them were dead. I mean like really really dead. So there we were on the raft ride and I wasn't getting very wet. Ant this made me happy because I had an 8 hour drive back to Waco. But I was more happy due to the fact that everyone else was getting really wet - because this ride, like every single thing ever in the history of ever, is a competition. And I was going to win. I am a winner. So, when we rounded the fabricated rocks toward another dip in the white waters, I reached out to turn the vessel to keep my in the "dry zone." The boat was heavier, the rapids were stronger and the fake rock was jaggedier than I predicted. I ripped a nice gash in my wrist. But I kept the raft on the right track and stayed dry. I win.

Did I fail to mention the last words of Laura Ingalls as she loaded us into the contraption?

I hope to have one every day.

2008-07-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

We picked up E from camp with a k on Monday. I don't really want to go into all my impressions of campwithak. I may or may not do that later. She had a blast. She was immediately talking about wanting to stay for a full month next year. She won an award for being the hardest worker in tennis, her area of concentration. She also informed me that she had accepted Christ into her heart. I have very mixed emotions about this. On one level I am extremely happy that she is understanding more about the relational nature of Christianity. (side note: one kid had on a shirt that read "it's against my relationship to have a religion." i want that shirt.) On the other hand, I am not sure of the evangelical understanding of conversion. My favorite quote on this comes from Rich Mullins. When asked when he had his salvation experience, he replied, (paraphrased) "I hope to have one every day." A daily commitment. That is what I strive and fall way short of on many days in all my relationships. Without it, my marriage is susceptible. I am not as good a father as I could be. I don't study as well as I should. I forget to call old friends or spend time with those around me. My idea of commitment and understanding of God is so different now than when I first learned of who God is and what Christ means in relation to us. When I used to 'preach', I used to say that being a Christian is giving as much as you know of you to as much as you know about God.

One ticket to hell, please.

2008-06-27T19:33:00.000-07:00

I just registered for PC. That is Practice Court for those not familiar with Baylor Law and Hell for those that are. I am have been excited about it since I enrolled for law school. But clicking that button to make it real caused me to hesitate ever so slightly. Seriously. I thought for more than a second about not sending the request to be beaten into a better lawyer. But, like I mentioned with E on the bus to camp, sometimes the best thing is scary. The difference is she is out having a blast in the hills and lakes of Missouri while misery is all that awaits me. Ya like that little play on words there, did ya?

Six-Word Memoirs

2008-06-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Hey, ABW, remember when we got on haiku kicks? Well Osler has Haiku Fridays, so I don't need that from you any more. For some reason, this morning, it reminded me of this amazing experiment inspired by Hemingway. I heard about it on my second best source of all my best pop-culture information, Public Radio (Nobody can beat ABW at that game). WARNING. Don't click on the link unless you have at least a quarter-hour to kill.

Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh.

2008-06-25T07:51:00.001-07:00

Two posts in one day. Could be the total lack of sleep. Could be all my new nosy readers.
I took E to Dallas at 4 in the morning to get on the bus to camp with a k. She has been excited since Cat started talking to her about it in the womb. At 7, she is one of the youngest to go. her excitement was still in full force when we showed up at North Park Mall with all the other rich, white people to ship her off to THE Christian sports camp (endorsed by james dobson!). I am sleep deprived and any sarcasm is completely based on that. I am actually exstatic that we can afford to send her and that she will have an amazing experience. I know she will grow in so many ways in these 12 days.
Back to the story if there is one. We arrived and signed in. She got on the bus alone. One minute later she slumped off the bus in tears. Excitement and enthusiasm were replaced with fear and insecurity. It lasted about 20 minutes, until she felt really secure with the grandeur of it all. then it was back to the incredible, outgoing, confident girl she is.
Isn't it that way a lot. We think we are ready. We think we want something big. We prepare for the amazing. But it doesn't meet expectations. It is bigger, scarier, different. Instincts tell us to run to comfort. And it isn't a bad thing to hesitate - just so long as we eventually get back on the bus and let it take us to bigger things.

Restriction is the Mother of Creativity

2008-06-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

When Cat was at UHLaw, the SBA (if I remember correctly) would sponsor something with a legal pun name where they served beer on campus for free. That is a no go at Baylor. But the SBA does spend money on us. We get free breakfast and lunch during finals. And we have Immunity Day. Now I don't know if other schools do this, but I love the concept. On Monday and Tuesday there is a table set up where you can "buy" immunity. You donate the specified amount set by each professor to be immune from being called on in class on Immunity Day (or another day if the class happens to not meet on Thursdays). All the money goes to charity. Not-so-coincidentally, SBA also sponsors an off-campus party on the night before Immunity Day. That is tonight at my favorite bar, Treff's. This is my fifth quarter but will be my first time to attend the Immunity Day Eve party. I may or may not report the goings on.

side note - another example of how insane Practice Court is; the price for one day of immunity for the first quarter is $30 - and most people pay it.

Wordsmithery

2008-06-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

George Carlin is dead. I wasn't the biggest fan of the final products, but appreciated the depth of his work. Instead of recalling, a bit of wordsmithery from my own life.

On my way back from Beaumont Sunday, I saw a sign at a church that read,
"WHAT'S MISSING INSIDE OUR CH CH?
UR"
I passed by leaving the void.

Then, less than an hour I saw a sign reading,
"WELCOME TO WHATAB GER.
WHAT'S MISSING?
UR."
I stopped and got a burger. My void was filled.

M. Night

2008-06-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

I begin with full disclosure - I really dig M. Night. I like all of his movies. I just saw The Happening. And liked it - for the most part (more on that later). I think people are way too hard on him or don't know what to expect. The worst thing that he did was start with 6th Sense. It would have been like Hitchcock starting with Psycho. Seriously. A shock ending like that is so rare. He will never have another one, especially as long as people are looking. Hitchock built up to Psycho. The point of his movies wasn't to have a twist. It was to keep the audience in suspense for 90 minutes. And he succeeded. Even freakin' Birds is suspenseful as we worry if the stars will survive the killer crows. Is that any less believable than plotting plants? If everyone would go into M. Night movies with managed expectations, his movies would be better respected. Maybe we don't need another Hitchcock. Maybe all we need is more Asian baby screams. But I like a good ol' suspense movie. And I think M. Night does them well.
Now as for The Happening - The first 3 minutes, very solid. The next 25 was like he was trying to do something stylistic like make it look like a 12 year old directing his middle school friends all with middle school talent (seriously? a squirting head wound? and the tiger footage? c'mon, M). But then it gets good. It is a classic story of outrunning the doom. And with some good frights built in. Walberg settles into his role (or the audience finally buys into it). The story takes some interesting small twists. There's a creepy old lady which is always suspenseful. I give it a B-. And believe me, after 4 quarters at Baylor Law, I know a B- when I see one.

2008-06-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

A the risk of getting a HUGE "I told you so" from Catherine, I must disclose and warn. I am a Monday-Friday Bachelor now. I don't cook. Without a plan, I would eat EVERY meal at a fast food restaurant. So, I took Dan Marino's advice, Dan NEVER WON A SUPERBOWL Marino. I signed up for Nutrisystems.

This food is gross. And I have a month's supply.

My thought was that it would give me food to eat and I wouldn't have to go to the store or think about it. And, maybe, I'd loose a few pounds. I may as well have ordered some multivitamins and chalk.
I tried pretending I was an astronaut and that these were my space meals. Bruce Willis and Ben Affleck made it look so easy. But I would trade places with Bruce on that asteroid before eating just this for another day. So now to stomach it, I eat it until dinner and then eat something normal.
If you are thinking about Nutrisystems, just do yourself a favor and kill yourself, or at least have your tastebuds removed.

UPDATE**
Who in the world ever heard of beans in lasagna. But other than seeing the beans, the taste is similar to bad lasagna. I guess that is better than ____________.

Who needs the FRCP, I'm headed to the hoosegow

2008-06-03T06:56:00.000-07:00

There are an infinite set of complex rules that a person must follow in order to properly file a lawsuit in federal court, federal rules of civil procedure (frcp). They are THE rules for lawsuits. Anybody who thinks there are people just filing suits left and right doesn't realize the limitations that keep those suits from even getting in the door, at least at the federal level. As a learning, want-to-be, lawyer, these rules are just below the bible and the constitution as far as required reading. And tey are insanely complicated. Many a young lawyer (and sometimes even experienced ones) screw up early in the process.
There is only one group of people who don't have to meet this requirement, prisoners. The Supreme Court has held that so long as it is understandable what they are trying to claim, the courts will fill in the blanks.
This has led me to a difficult decision, but I only see one option. I AM GOING TO JAIL! That's right. As a pro se prisoner plaintiff, I don't have to worry about the frcp. I also don't have to take the bar. And with that out of the way, I will be free to sue the pants off any and every person and company on the planet and beyond, like this guy. You are welcome to join me. These court dockets aren't going to jam themselves up...
And if you aren't up for life behind bars, I am also taking suggestions on the best way to get put behind bars. Looking for a long sentence at a minimum security federal pen. And, if possible, one that can be repealed once one of my suits hits the jackpot.
It's good to finally have a plan.

Pains big and small

2008-05-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

I did that thing where you pull your fingernail back and pull it away from the skin just a little. no big deal. Unless you then clip the nail and expose that unskinned area. This itsy bitsy abrasion hurts a lot. At least compared to no pain at all, probably not compared to fighting cancer or leaving the boy you love. Which brings me to the real point of this note.
Ev and I are alone this week as Cat and Car(e) are already in Beaumont. Since Ev's bed is packed and the fold out couch is "between rooms," she's been in my bed the last two nights. Last night, about 30 minutes after I put her down, she wondered into the disaster that was once their old room (no worries, nathan. it's clean now). She said with much morose that she couldn't sleep. The conversation as she slowly wanders back to bed.
"What's the matter?"
"I'm just thinking and can't stop."
"What about?"
"I'd rather not say."
"Is it your friends?"
"Kinda."
"Is it a boy?"
Reaching the bed she sadly sluffs under the covers and lays her head on the pillow. I sit at her feet realizing that the drive to Bmt tomorrow may be flooded by her little tears. We talked about the boy and how long she has liked him. I shared my first grade crush and my second and third and so on. Surprisingly (or maybe not so considering her depth) Ev seemed to understand that there will be other boys and to enjoy the times she has and still will have in Waco. Either that, or she was finally tired enough to go to sleep.
The latter may have been the case because this morning she got upset on the way to school. When I told her to have a great day, she said, "Well even if I do, I'm not telling you." I really do cherish these days.

Iron Days

2008-05-21T08:47:00.000-07:00

So, I happened upon the new Superman movie from last year on TV. It seems like it was trying to tap into the same empowerment and hope that Ironman went after. Ironman worked much better at capturing the hearts of Americans in troubling times (I have no idea if box office numbers reflect this).
Is this because Superman was never narcissistic? We as modern Americans can't relate to someone with the virtues of Superman (even though they tried to make him more relate-able with the affair angle). We grew up just like Tony Stark - lookin' out for number one, my way and all that. But, we like to believe that when faced with ultimate truth of mortality and evil, we'd rise above while still having the luxuries to which we've grown accustomed. And the last line in Ironman was the best commentary. (SPOILER ALERT) Screw anonymity! We want the credit and the glory for anything we do for the greater good.
I am sure there is a lot more out there about this. But I haven't seen it. I am sure a lot more could be said about it, but I don't have the time.

Schizo Chat

2008-04-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

My friend (the one who just told me how to spell schizo without knowing my reason for needing the word) had this odd chat today.

Actually, we played a game while studying where he only typed and I only talked. very strange.

Schizo Friend: yes

mine

I don't remember. comedy is less funny the second time around.

8:45 PM Let's say one of the ones where I told wood off

that was good too

I should hope so

it'll annoy him sooner or later

8:46 PM He'll run and tell Anu

Yes

I'm thinking

yeah.. basic stuff

assets = liabilities + equity

8:47 PM it's mathematically equivalent

yes, but I wanted it to reiterate

8:48 PM I'd say know the ratios

It's not like they're difficult

8:49 PM It really pisses me off that she taught things that won't be on the test

If it's not important enough to test me whether I got it or not, don't waste my time in the first place

we can just assume I didn't and move on happily with life.

8:50 PM I am. I know less now than I did before.

"Honey"

"Schnookums"

I'm not going any further

I'm bad at role playing

8:51 PM Are you sure?

When I say know, I mean know correctly

what about naturally forgetting things?

If you don't have access to it, you don't have it

in the pragmatic sense in which I care

8:52 PM a gain realized by the sale of a capital asset

I heard last time nobody failed

what about sudoku?

8:53 PM I'm answering wood's question

or I was

cest la vie

does diet pepsi use nutriweet?

8:54 PM nutrisweet?

you know it chemically breaks down over time into formaldahyde

8:55 PM why does he think we're ahead of him?

8:56 PM I'm sticking with Baylor

Even thought I dislike Waco

8:57 PM that's what I've read. I haven't done my own chemical analysis, but it seems reasonable.

I don't look at the weather.

it's an artificial chemical, and they do weird things

8:58 PM excetpt I have the audio to piece with it

80% chance of not storms

you have to do three nets

long term I am an optimist: everything will work out for the best.

8:59 PM near term, I use murphy's law a lot

it gets me through life

not necessarily

9:00 PM okay. game over.

Actually, we played a game while studying where he only typed and I only talked. Reading it reminds me of Garfield minus Garfield. very strange.

I'm not an fancy theologian, I'm just a simple caveman.

2008-04-21T14:32:00.000-07:00

So, ev asked last night which came first; adam and eve or people who lived in caves. How in the world should i know? But parents have answers, or in the alternative, an entertaining distraction. So, I sat her down, turned on the TV and introduced her to a show that has most, if not all, of life's answers. I am sure you all agree.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YD36ZhpHPpE

Sleepovers and Pope Bubbles

2008-04-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

1. Ev had a friend over last night. Little girls whisper a lot. And why are people so obsessed with staying up late? I never understood that. I never liked it. When I had friends over in elementary school, I would almost always go to sleep leaving them up watching cheers re-runs or playing Super NES. And last night was more of the same. They were up and going strong when I decided it was time to go to sleep. So I did. Who knows when they'll wake up. For now, I will enjoy saturday morning news videos of the Pope Bubble US Tour 2008. I freakin' love that car. It must have been the inspiration for the Smart Car. I actually saw one (Smart Car, not Popemobile) on 17th Street this week. I guess they are catching on. I would buy one if I didn't have little girls who have sleepovers. And I would use it to go get donuts this morning.

Three lines

2008-04-02T18:30:00.000-07:00

Ev: Daddy is the paint on our bed l- leh
Me: No, it isn't lead paint
Ev: Hm, sure does taste funny.

State of Things

2008-03-22T05:37:00.000-07:00

Woke up early this morning with Car(e) and started thinking. I'll blame that on Prof. Osler's blog. That, and it seems that Easter weekend is always a time for me to take a hard look at where I am in relation to where Christ is. And honestly, I am not anywhere near there. I think I have slipped into being a good person. And there is nothing "good" about that. It is not what I am made for. I know that. Even during a time when I am questioning so much about so many things, I still know that there's something more. And not know exactly what it may be is no excuse to not pursue it with purity and passion. Saying more now would be rambling.

Well, what's so wrong with one little ramble. There are so many self-sufficient humans who live with no regard for any god or one other that God. Are they really self-sufficient or just unaware of the enabling they receive? Is that unawareness a hinderence here? Man, I can only imagine what they would accomplish without that handicap. Or is the setback waiting on the other side? That seems awfully sadistic - enabling someone to fail while not even knowing it.

End ramble

Anyhow, Happy Easter.

Home Phone

2008-03-17T12:31:00.001-07:00

We have one but never use it. We probably wouldn't if it weren't for our alarm system and Dish Network. This is the opinion of an acquaintance of mine. I like it.
I am still a fan of the home phone, but maybe that's because I'm home now. In fact, I hardly use my cell anymore. I like the idea of the family phone, a medium through which friends and relatives can reach us as a family, and a number that work people don't have. Alan's sister and her husband don't have a home phone, and I've always thought it was odd that I've never once spoken to her husband on the phone, even for two minutes. I also love a home phone because you don't feel compelled to answer it at all hours of the day. Plus, when I have a conversation on the home phone, I usually devote my full attention to the person on the other end. I think that's nice and polite.
What are your thoughts on the home phone? Old-fashioned? Outdated?

Intensive purposes

2008-02-25T18:41:00.000-08:00

My friend, The Cachinnator, frequently post conversations with his wife. They are always entertaining. Well, I don't actually talk to my wife. But sometimes when I am sitting in mock trial and she is home with the girls, I get to IM with her. It is just like dating - when you have been married for a while, you take things like communication, interaction and information for granted. Only talking through the written word takes it back to how it was in the early stages - limited interaction, limited information, lots of room for miscommunication.
We actually communicate quite well for a couple that has been through 7 addresses, 4 cities, 3 dogs and 2 daughters. So, we were IMing tonight about Carebear. She is in a stage of intervention. She's got the monkey on her back, big time. The last three nights, though, stone-cold clean. No thumb-sucking. This is not an easy fight. She wants to quit. She has for several months, but we knew that unless she was really ready to do it, it wouldn't work. Grandaddy got some sort of nasty tasting nailpolish on Saturday. So they had a big party apparently and everyone, including Grandaddy put on the the putrid polish. Caroline made me taste it. BLECH! So for two nights it was enough to keep her thumb dry. But this morning, she was sucking away. She had built up a tolerance to this awful taste so that she could get her fix. So tonight, again she is crying about how she can't stop but wants to. It is so sad. What we don't want to do, that we do. So, we help her through it. Actually, Cat is helping her through it. The kid kick way too much for all three of us to share a bed. And hopefully this episode of Intervention will end happily in a week or so, I hope. I miss my bed. Good night from the couch...

I am Robot

2008-02-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

I am having a conversation with nawinkler as I write this. He is sitting a couple of rows down in a virtually empty and quiet student lounge. But we choose to communicate basically in binary through a complex series of routers and servers hundreds or even thousands of miles away. He says it is like "the time-honored tradition of passing notes." I never passed notes, except to Jill Moeller in 5th grade a couple of times. I preferred to talk in class. My teachers did not prefer that. He did bring up the funny prank of "ghost-writing" notes in hopes they would get picked up and read aloud to the class. He is a funny guy. And so are you. Don't let anyone tell you different. If you care, below I am posting our conversation from last night - without his permission. Is it funny? I have no idea. I thought so.

Nathan: you have an exoskeleton?

me: no, hillary does

and it is sagging

so is mccain's for that matter

and yours

Nathan: I have one but you donme: correct, robot garbage

Nathan: why don't you have one?

me: because i am not indo-steel-scum

Nathan: When did I get an exoskeleton?

me: when you were manufactured, i suppose, r2jerk2

Nathan: I'm pretty sure I'm flesh and blood and skin and bones

with just enough muscles to keep upright

me: that's what you were programmed to believe

Nathan: What about being sick? Robots don't get sick.me: you have never been sick. just in need of a tune up

you bucket of bolts, you Nathan: What about being depressed? Do robots get depressed?

me: i would if i was a lifeless ventriloquist's dummy

Nathan: Clinton, McCain, and I are robots. What about Obama?

me: no way, man.

that dude is flesh and blood and blood

Nathan: What about Ron Paul?

What about Ron Paul?

me: he's part robot, like the million dollar man

Nathan: cyborg, then?

me: not really. you are kinda cyborg b/c of your "flesh" exo

Nathan: what about Kucinich?

me: alien

Nathan: I suppose there is a massive conspiracy to make everyone think they're human. Or at least make me think everyone's human?

me: yeah, it's just your chip. the humans, all of us, know. we just don't let on. i hope you don't have a total failure because of this new intel

Nathan: I think I'm okay. I'll just be like, "well, they're probably not human. who cares?" when I'm a jerk to people.

me: you'll be right approximately 32% of the time

Nathan: Is this assuming I'm a jerk to people randomly, or to only those people who have demonstrated they don't care about my feelings?

me: oh, if they don't demonstrate, they are always humans.

you slags are programmed to not by rude to other "humans"

Nathan: okay. I'll be like, "Oh well--they're human--who cares?"

me: if your programming allows

Nathan: Did you see that episode of futurama where Fry was convinced he was a robot?

me: no, we humans don't find that show entertaining

do you?

Nathan: I both find it entertaining and remember that episode

me: gross

and obviously you remember it

did your battery die?

Nathan: no. why?

me: just got quiet

i am witty right now, you tin-damned-can

Nathan: you were going on quite a rant. I didn't want to interrupt.

me: you skin covered candy machine you soft-shelled hard-headed heartless brainiac

you pre-programmed shim-shamming sleepless slag

you lifeless, liverless (did you know that you didn't have a liver)

as i was saying

Nathan: I can't say I'm suprised

me: you lifeless liverless skadumptydump

it does explain your low tolerence

tolerance?

which is it, c3peepehead?

Nathan: Am I a spellcheck robot?

Low tolerance for what?

me: all of you are

for alcohol, keep up, rosie the jetson maid

What ya got Johnny 5?

Did you leave? are you having some shots of oil with Tom Servo?

Nathan: Did you leave the Obama support group on facebook?

me: and Crow?

yeah. i was trying to find a more official one

he still has my support

i will not let another robot run this country

Nathan: you're just one voice among 300 million+

me: that is where you are wrong. i control the votes of approximately 32% of voting age american "citizens"

Nathan: what percentage of that percentage is registered? And how are they spread out compared to the electoral college? me: almost all. which makes it a majority of registered voters.

Nathan: Has Obama locked up the nomination yet?

me: all i can say about electoral college is that there are 5 registered robots in Wymoing and none in New Hampshire

Nathan: why do you refer to your exoskeleton in your status if you don't have one?

me: it is as if hillary is talking. your witchip needs an update

Nathan: does Obama have the nomination locked up yet?

me: no

but he will after march 2

there is no way hillary wins either tx or ohio

Nathan: If you control so many votes, how come he doesn't have it yet?

me: dude, i have control. i don't always shose to use it.

chose

it's like free will

but not absolute

Nathan: when it's something this important, why do you leave free will? me: for fun

but i will not allow the florida or michigan primaries to count

and i prefer to call the "superdelegates"- "break glass in case of emergency" delegates

Nathan: but with your control, what could possibly be an emergency?

me: if i forget or somethin

programming robots isn't my only hobby

i am trying to get a law degree after all

oh, and in the interest of full disclosure, ****** is a robot.

thus the A Nathan: any other professors?

me: I'd rather not say. But we have at least two right now.

and have had two others

Bates is certainly NOT a robot

again, alien

Nathan: okay, well spread the wealth with those A's please

me: robots are programmed to keep robots down.

i can't override that

it is part of my plan

Nathan: Did you get the tax worksheet done?

me: huh?

have to go be a neglegent doctor now.

I hope to not be back.

Is we ready?

2008-02-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

I was at the gym today-seriously, i was working out my muscles and everything. So this trainer lady and two older fellas (I guess that gives away that strengthen my body sculpture at WRS-i have no idea what that stands for) started talking politics behind the machine I had enlisted to turn my chest into two firm hairy mounds of manstrength. The lady gal said that there was no way Hillary or Obama could win because the country wasn't ready for a female or black president. How can she say that? Why would she say that?
Obviously, the democratic party is more than ready. The field started with several qualified white men, governors and senators representing a wide range of view within the party. They are all gone and the black man and white woman are all that is left. Not only is the party ready, but they are excited. Voter turnout is unbelievable for this primary season. Moreover, polls show that Obama leads McCain in head to head competition for the overall election. This isn't just young voters. Even those of us in the 30-45 range cannot remember a time before civil rights.
So why do people keep saying this? Because they are one of the few left that aren't ready.
Well get ready, folks or pack up because come this time next year, we will have an historic president, a first representing a group that wasn't allowed to vote at the start of this great experiment.
My brain muscle is sore. So are my pecks.

network tv blows

2008-02-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

I cannot imagine not having satellite television or cable. seriously, the vast majority of shows I enjoy are not on the big 4. Tonite I watched Whitest Kids U Know on IFC and Breaking Bad on AMC. Whitest Kids is from the producers of Kids in the Hall and has a very similar feel, only uncensored (and they do let you know it). I think the first season was on Fuse, the only channel less known than IFC. But the new season is strong. Check em out on youtube. But be warned, this stuff is rated very R.
As for Breaking Bad, three episodes have aired, but I have only seen the premier (will start episode 2 as soon as I post this). The show is amazingly realistic for a show about a chemestry teacher turned meth cooker EXCEPT that this guy who is portrayed so well by Bryan Cranston has a waxed back. Anybody who is that hairy doesn't have a smooth, hairless back. I know this. Just trust me. But anyway, outside of that, the show is really awesome.
That is all.

STACHED!

2008-02-10T20:23:00.001-08:00

Yeah, so I always suspected that while a lot of people look like idiots with mustachios that ddk could rock it like Frank Zappa. Damned if I wasn't right. So maybe I had a little too much time on my hands after finals.

ddk is a 2L

2008-02-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

Downtime is one of those things that you don't realize you need until you get it. The last few weeks has been hell. I am not saying that lightly. Seriously, Cat and Carebear have been sick, the girls have started violin lessons, Cat's been in Cat (on a Hot Tin Roof) at the Civ - saw it last night; she was great, the show was pretty good (it is showing next friday and saturday). And I have gotten onto a mock trial team. Oh yeah, I had 4 finals. I honestly don't remember a busier start to a year. And this is my 32nd time to do this.

Because of that, downtime became history. And today, the first relatively free day I have had in forever has been amazing. My spirit is revived. My attitude is much better. If I have offended any of you, other than the BLS IT guys, I am sorry. Let's hang out soon. I Promise a better me.

I spent three whole hours today by myself with no obligations. It was fan-freakin-tastic. Mountain biking, going to the WRS whirlpool, driving the long way home. And I am finally starting my blog. We'll see how long this lasts...

All of this was basically an excuse to reflect. I am so blessed. Cat is a great wife, not the best homemaker, but an absolutely wonderful soulmate. Ev is just about the most thoughtful and brilliant 1st grader on the planet. And Carebear is Hi-larious. She can make me laugh even when she is about to get spanked.

I am getting an amazing education that will help me provide for these three ladies better than before. And I love learning the law - no matter what I said last week.

So, there it is, 6 weeks of hell is over. I am done with my first year of law school. And I am blessed and refreshed. That pretty much sums it up.

ddk