And there you have it

I just learned something...  I learned that yet again, I had my eye on a job, (mind you, I have a job but was approached and really wanted this other one) and yet again, I confidently went through the process, pictured myself successfully performing this particular job, thought for sure it was mine, then was told they're going in a different direction.  Mother.  Fucker.  I'm in a spot right now with my current position where I know I can succeed, have a plan to succeed, and will ultimately be successful.  That said, I hate it.  "You gotta love what you do" - that's what they say right?  Well, I don't.  I really need some spiritual guidance on this one.

Insanity

Day 1 - fit test

Just wanted to document my first day of Insanity.  Yes, I caved to the hyped up commercialism that is infomercial fitness DVDs.  I'll post before and after pics at the end of 60.

I almost threw up during the fit test.

Back in the day, which was a Wednesday

When I was awkwardly feeling my way through my early teen years, I would ride my bike, (without a helmet, mind you) everywhere. One summer I spent an exorbitant amount of time down at the Santa Anita Mall. Don't truly know how that kept me so entertained, but I really enjoyed hanging out, strolling in and out of the stores, harassing the security guards, and wishing I had the balls to talk to some of the teen women I passed along the way. One time in particular, I think I was out shopping for a gift of some sort. It was for an adult, like my Mom or Grandma or other maternal type relative. I had found my way into a small store that specialized in camera stuff. As I was browsing, I found some really nice picture frames. The one that caught my eye was unfortunately a bit pricey for my 13 year old budget. I stood and stared at it for a bit, then realized I had yet to see anyone behind the counter or anywhere in the store. Since this was quite a few years before I actually got caught for my occasional indiscretion, I decided I was going to take the frame. I quietly picked it up and began sliding it under my shirt. Just before I began to turn around to leave, the store owner walked in and before he realized what I was doing, flashed a courteous smile and asked if he could help me. After he figured out what was going on, but not before I could get the frame back on the table in a flash, his demeanor dramatically changed. He had a young thief in his store, but a quick enough thief that he hadn't actually busted me with the loot in hand. We spent a few very uncomfortable seconds looking at each other and I quickly darted out the door never to look back.

I share this story because I think of that store owner sometimes. I wonder what he must have felt when he found a young hoodlum about to steal a piece of his merchandise. I wonder if he's ever thought about me again. If he maybe figured I was in prison by now, if I ever made any changes in my life, or if I followed a life of crime without being caught. I wish I could see him and say I was sorry. And that I did make some changes. And that I'm not a complete degenerate today but rather a boy that meant no harm.

Our little one

Or at least what it would look like right now.

We're baking a person

Don't you know

Take away the 'weird' factor...

Polar Express is a pretty awesome Christmas movie.

Yeah, I said it.

Get it done

I don't recall ever offering advice. I'm pretty much a self proclaimed moron. But now is different. This is sound advice. Please heed it if you're able.

Get a house with an extra room. That's it. Sounds too simple, right? Let me explain. I posted "Housealicious" last year when we moved into my favorite house ever, (see the Housealicious post if you would like to see more pics). The house was so big, we didn't have enough furniture for the Formal Living Room, so it sat vacant. Vacant with a barrier across it to inform anyone who came over, "yes, we know the room is vacant, and we like it that way."

Well it's no longer vacant. A couch, a love seat, coffee and end tables, a Grandma's chair. And bing bam boom, it's a room. The reason I mentioned 'extra' room earlier is because it's really a room to do almost nothing in. And that is exactly what I do. Nothing. I light a fire, sit down, and do nothing. No T.V. no smartphone, no stereo, (tunes might be nice eventually) just sitting. And it centers me. And the cats. And the kids.

I guess it's our first siting room. I wanted to call it the situation room, but that sounded like some pretty intense things need to take place in there.

So it's a damn sitting room.

And I love it. I'm gonna go sit in it right now.

5 minutes from the House

I love our city