Summer Bummer Fragments

Well, as soon as you realize it, the summer is on the way out.

Here are some random family updates:

C is getting ready to move out and attend Texas State. It's so close to home, I will likely meet her for lunch on a few Fridays. It's just a short trip up the road....but no doubt about it, this is a big deal. Of course, I am proud and excited for her.  The last two years have been a good transition for us; some weeks we barely see her....But I would be lying if I said I'm not sad. I have to admit there's no going back and that she's growing up. 

Speaking of growing up, E is about to enter her senior year. K and E visited SFA a couple of weeks ago, and we may visit at least one more university this fall. We got a car for her this summer, but it's a long story, and honestly, it's already a stress......(yikes, I know). She's also "dating" a guy. I say "dating" because she would say she is only talking to him....but they are going on dates. Weird generational definitions going on here.... There is sooo much at stake for E this year: choices to make, possible scholarships, going for All-State Choir, auditioning for plays and musicals on and off campus. I am hoping, praying, and wishing on a star for an amazing senior year for her.  

H is about to be a HS freshman. He will be playing football, and also, there seems to be a lot at stake for him as well. New school, new coaches, and a new set of people and friends. He is joining choir again after a two-year absence. This could go either way, and I hope it goes well... it could be a game-changer for him. He's grown taller than his sisters now, and he loves it. He's a good kid, but I look forward to "middle school" moments becoming less frequent. 

K is headed back to her school; this will be her third year as co-director. Given budget cuts and the destruction of Texas public schools (Thanks, Texas Republicans!!) we are thankful she has a job. That said, we don't know how sure we are she will be back in 2027-2028.  Luckily, she is at a big school that feeds into her district's most popular school, and they run an amazing program.  Still, one more year would be great.....given the extra expenses of auto insurance and all the costs....I am not sure what we would do without her being full-time. We just can't worry about that right now or our heads would explode.  

We took a family cruise back in June. It was the first time I had been on a cruise since our honeymoon back in 2003. I was a little hesitant; I am not a huge cruise person....but it was great! We literally didn't have to plan much at all, and we both admitted it was great because we actually came back feeling rested, which doesn't always happen on vacation. 

YouTube Creator Rant/Fragements:

I haven't gotten into it here on the blog, but my little YouTube channel has taken a nose dive of late. It's basically comic book shorts. I review or comment on a particular comic book for one minute.  I try to lean into the silly nature of comic books, but I review everything, not just "it's so bad it's good" comics. It's really "old school YouTube" in short form.  It's been a roller coaster; I was consistently getting 1,000-1,500 and sometimes 2,000 views per short. Sure, these were small; my kids were laughing at my numbers, but it felt good to me.  Now I am lucky to break 600 views per video.  

My original goal was 100 subscribers, which I achieved early last fall. My goal for 2026 was to get to 250 by the end of this year (which I am on track for). The logic was building subscribers and a community rather than views. Still, when you try different methods (I posted every day for 32 days back in April) and see numbers dip, it's not a great feeling. 

I have 208 subscribers, so maybe....I am just not that good at it? Or the algorithm doesn't like me?  Or old people that like weird comic books don't watch YT Shorts?   I think I need to get to a full two years, just for pride's sake...that would take me to March 2027.  It's still fun making the videos, and it's given me an excuse to buy weird comics....but my patience is wearing a little thin. 

Anyway, if you like weird old comic books, give it a try! 

Other Fragmented Updates:

It hasn't been all that hot this summer. Wow, what a relief. It's been hot the last two weeks, but I think we hit over 100 once so far. I'll take it; when it's just 100 degrees all the time, it just zaps your will to do anything other than stay at home. 

My Study Abroad program for 2027 to Spain was approved, but now, with looming budget cuts, including summer pay cuts (Thanks, Texas Republicans!) and the possibility that K might not have a job, it now threatens whether I will be able to do it.  I might pick up another class at another university....we'll see. 

So, a new Weezer album is coming out, and every song so far that has come out is, well, pretty terrible. So, what else is new? lol 

The Spurs Finals run was both the best and worst of sports fandom: it was unexpected, full of shocking and memorable moments, heroic deeds, and then, heartbreaking disappointment. I was in the process of writing a HUGE blog about the Spurs during the run and had to rewrite some of it. I'll finish it up the week before classes start; it's a great blog idea, but it involved a ton of research. 

I was cast in another play this summer, at a different local theater. It's a well-known play. I have quite a funny role, but I also get to stretch my acting chops and cry at the end of the show. It's a new and rather small theater, but the production and cast are top-notch. The set is incredible....but we have a total of 14 performances (including the preview night). We start up our second week of shows this Thursday. 

It's been a great experience and very different from the theater I usually act in. I'm also exhausted already with this particular story and role. As stated above, while my role brings some humor, it's a heavy storyline with tragedy at the end.  I bring it every time, though. 

I felt good to make an audition that wasn't at my usual place. I wanted to see if I could hang elsewhere, and the answer so far has been, hell yeah I can. It feels good to work in a talented cast of people that (for the most part) did not know me. I have received compliments from the cast as well, and I really appreciate that.. 

I enjoy the collaborative nature of acting but....being in a show eats your life. I'm ready to get back into my own life. 

Anyway, the fall has already started...which means I am very busy. Gotta go....but take some time and enjoy the sunset today. Take a deep breath. If you're reading this, it means you are alive. Enjoy it. 

End of a Tough Year Fragments

It's been a tough year, but ya know what? It's almost over. 

I decided to make one huge post of fragments, updates, and thoughts on my 2025. 

Fam Fragments

In January, K and I were in a musical in the local theater; it was good for us not only to be in a show together but also because our good friends J &J were in the show too! My character was featured in a few songs, and I did pretty well with my solo lines in the songs. I was an evil character, so I had to really work on my mean, evil, demented face. No, it didn't come naturally. Why do you ask?? 

Currently, K, E, and I are cast in another musical (premiering this coming January), and we are having a blast because we really love this show. K has a big role, E is supporting, and I have a very minor role, but it's really fun to be a bit player.  E plays my stepdaughter, so that's extra fun.   Usually, I have been a supporting character in our theater company...definitely, less pressure and stress this time around....still the music is tough!! 

Some other Fam Updates:

C is finishing up her third college semester at the college where I teach. This summer, she was able to do a Study Abroad in England, this past summer and she earned a partial scholarship (which my bank account appreciated).  It's been fun to see her excel here at the school; she has a role in student government as well.  Sometimes we grab lunch, or she will just swing by my office. I will definitely miss that when she transfers.

She's excelling in so many ways, it's exciting to see what she will do next. She is still running her non-profit, working part-time, is part of the speech team, part of the student government, and she also has to study and spend time with her bf!  She will transfer, maybe to Texas State, in the fall. Oh boy, here we go! 

E had a tough semester in some ways, but she's excelling too. She got her driver's license a few weeks back. It was fun to train her. I did most of the driver's ed just like I did with C. She has so many friends, and I am so glad she has been active in the choir and theater. I think she has made friends for life with some of these folks. Her struggles this fall have been largely out of her control, and they revolved around the unfairness of subjectivity. That's a tough one because it happens to you for the rest of your life...it hurts! I can't believe we're gonna have another senior next year! I am NOT ready for the emotions this time around. 

H had a rough spring (long story) but a pretty good fall. He was on the A football team but played less offense this year (last year he would get some action as WR in the second half of most games). He was slotted as safety a lot last year, but mainly played CB this past year. At times, he struggled with tackling but in his last game with high school coaches watching, he had a huge 4th down tackle and later had another good tackle. He has matured in some ways, but he's still a kid at heart. 

I love to be a dad, it's easily the hardest and best thing I have ever done (and continue to do). 

My Top Ten(ish) Songs of the Year 

Here were my favorite songs of the year. Most of them were on my “most played” list, but some weaseled their way into my head one way or another and deserve a spot because they were in my head more than I played them:  

• Fountains of Wayne – “I Know You Well”
• Nujabes – “Feather”
• Almost Weezer – “Rosemary”  (note: this is not Weezer)
• Butthole Surfers – “What Did You Do in My Room Last Night?”
• Ramones – “Life’s a Gas”  
• Robert Pollard & Kim Deal - “Love Hurts” (the most beautiful cover)
• Skin Shape – “I Didn’t Know”
• Monrovia – “City on the Hill”  & “Heavy Foot”
• Rivers Cuomo – “Bottle of Wine Song” (it's a demo, but it's pretty sweet)
• Jesse Welles – “Will the Computer Love the Sunset”/ & “I Ain’t Got None of My Friends Left”

 And the song of the year (and I definitely want this song played at my funeral): 

•  Cat Stevens/Yusef – “Oh Very Young”

 Job Fragments

As I wrote in my last post, things at work are a 'changing. It's been a roller coaster of emotions since early October. I went through the stages of grief: shock and disbelief, rage, gratitude for what has been, to now...possibly....maybe... acceptance. 

Kinda sorta. 

In some ways, I am "over it' but I think that stems more from emotional exhaustion and boredom.  I am detached, for sure, but my personality never stays in an extreme position for too long. Somehow, I was lucky enough to be born into a brain that can compartmentalize, and my brain desires balance. 

I feel like I am done being angry about it, even if I am not done being sad about it. 

To be honest, I was feeling a bit burnt out and ready for a bit of a break. I was released from many of my teaching duties, but now I am going back 100% to teaching (with the extra classes that come along with it)>  As the weeks went by, I realized this change can bring about opportunities I haven't yet dreamed about. 

For years, I believed this was what I was going to do until I retired or died. Now, new doors are opening, new possibilities, new dreams....including even leaving higher ed if the right opportunity came around. 

I have seen my projected pension, and while it's best if I at least work another 6 years (at a minimum), I am open to something else. I will probably stay put, but I find it simply amazing that one year ago, I would have never even entertained the idea. Crazy times. 

In other news, there is a very slim possibility I go to Northern Ireland this summer, but it would only happen if someone else can't go (or something else goes wrong).  I really want that opportunity to be shared....even if this is the last time we could do it!! I have a deserving faculty member in mind to go, I hope he can do it!! 

Finally, I am planning a study abroad for 2027 in Spain and Portugal. We'll apply to make it happen in the spring, and then hopefully get enough students to sign up. 

Art Update

I haven't really done much art since last winter. Maybe nothing?! The main reason for this is I found a creative outlet doing something else.....

YT Channel/Comics 

Yeah, I became the dreaded "content creator" this year. Maybe I will write another post about it in early 2026. It's a comic book channel, and it's been a fun hobby. 

Pathetic Year-End Reading List Fragments 

I tried to read a little more this year (BESIDES comics/graphic novels). I did okayish.....here's my list from Libby (the app).

What can I say? I got into a Tolkien spin that I found comforting late at night. 

• Return of Shadow - Tolkien
• The Treason of Isengard - Tolkien
• The War of the Ring - Tolkien (did not finish)
• Children of Hurin - Tolkien (did not finish, but I've read it before) 
• The Castle- Kafka (did not finish but will come back to it)
• Dark Matter - Blake Crouch (pretty okay but kept me reading)
• The Journey: Big Panda & Little Dragon - Norbury (does this count?!?!?) 
• 1984 - George Orwell (currently re-reading, first time since high school, I think)
• Dracula - Bram Stoker (currently reading, pretty great) 

TV/Movies End of Year Fragments (Wow, I guess I don't watch that much TV)

I watched Twin Peak....but I think I actually watched most of it in 2024....but hey, here is my chance to say I loved it, especially the first season. The last season from Showtime or whatever.....not so much, but it was okay, and I am glad it was made.  

I think I watched the last few of The Beast in Me with my wife (it was fine). 

Pretty sure we watched some Mormon documentaries and that one about that influencer mom who is horrible and abuses her children. Terrible! 

We watched both Wicked movies and loved them. Fantastic Four was okay enough. I re-watched a bunch of Star Trek: Next Generation before I cancelled Paramount+ because of their new owners (fuck them). God, I love that last episode of TNG so much. I already miss putting STNG on while I do laundry or wash dishes. Oh well, life goes on.  

Photo Dump from the 2025 (in reverse order) 

I remembered I used to post memes and photos, so why not do it again? 

My colleague brought a space heater to work the other day.  I think it likes me! 

Sometimes ya just gotta color. This wooden craft Santa was packed with four little markers and was at the bottom of a box full of ornaments. We have probably had it for at least 5 years, so I figured I would complete it before those little markers dry up. I hid it deep in our tree, and I plan on sneaking it into our tree from now on (don't tell anyone).

Just a cool bug in the parking garage at work. Cool.

I was at a sports card show with my son at a "Hermann and Sons" lodge, and it had this '70s era bar attached, and it was like going back in time. I loved every second sitting in there. I got crazy nostalgia for this style. It had a back pool room too. It just smelled old. 10/10 experience. 

This was in a park I was walking in this fall. Ya know, it's the little things that bring you a little joy. 

This is my garage. At one point, I was going to write a blog just about what is in this photo and all the memories associated with it.  I dunno, maybe I still will? 

In January, I visited my best bud who lives outside of Chicago. We went to the Spurs-Bulls game (we had planned on doing a little more in town, but my flight was delayed by a few hours).  It was a good game, but damn it, we lost. Still fun and an interesting experience as it was the first time I had been to an NBA game NOT in SA. A good visit, and it wasn't even that cold! 

Spurs Fragments (because YOU care about them) 

I love the Spurs. Just fun to be relevant again, it had been TOO long. The joy is back. Now, we just have to figure out how to integrate Wemby back into the offense. 

Housecleaning/Goodbye Fragments 

Just discovered this is my LEAST prolific blogging year. I am taking it in stride. I am a busy man.  Lately, I haven't really felt like writing, let alone blogging at all. I suppose when the spirit strikes me, I'll be back. Maybe even before the end of 2025. I will definitely write an update in March at the latest. 

Anyway, that's all for me. I hope you find time this holiday break to spend time with family, friends and even yourself. Read something you've been putting off and cozy up with the book on a cold winter's night. 

Until next time.....

Being Grateful in Dark Times: An Ode to the Morning

There is a lot to be said for all shit happening in the world today. There is a malaise of cynicism and hopelessness in the air of late. It would be there no matter what my personal experiences but....

It's now interfering with my job and how I do it. I am learning to navigate in choppy seas, learning how to ride the waves the best I can while retaining a sense of subversiveness and integrity.  K might lose her job because of politics, cruelty, greed, and ignorance. 

One of the things keeping me from being black-pilled is knowing that’s what “they” want me to feel like.

Here’s a small list of what I am grateful for off the top of my head: 

• Mornings that are a bit on the cool side
• Petting a cat in my lap or nearby
• A good cup of coffee
• Watching people from my office window
• Reading late at night (currently on the Libby app on dark mode)
• Bean and cheese tacos
• Cooking
• Dates with my wife
• Driving E to school in the mornings, we have our little routine
• Hoping for better times
• Planning for traveling (work or family) 
• Knowing my workplace is a bit like Cheers, I feel safe there
• Listening to an NBA podcast as I get ready in the morning or driving somewhere

I noticed how many of the items and things above are morning-centric. I don’t feel like a morning person, but I suppose I am in some ways. Heck, I even associate bean and cheese with the morning. 

In the morning, I feel hopeful, a bit in wonderment of what the day might bring. The world is fresh and full of possibility. While I get ready, there is a sense of purpose and action. 

As the afternoon wanes, I begin to realize time is running out, and I begin to see what won't be crossed off the to-do list (or sometimes what was even started). Plans are made to end the day at work, pick up or cook dinner and pick up the kids. 

By the time the evening comes, I've gotten comfy and maybe a bit tired, time is running out to get things done. 

In bed, I sometimes stare up at the dark ceiling and think about the mundane, the sublime, and everything in between. It is in this space I often remember, time is running out, even on my life. So I am grateful for the little things and the hope that the morning light brings. 

I am planning to blog a bit in May when I have more time (ha ha). I would like to do another “Confucius Didn’t Say That” blog post, finally finish a video game retrospective (80% already done), and there was ANOTHER found art object on campus the other day that I took a photo of. 

In the meantime, don’t lose hope and don’t forget to turn the lights out when you leave your home. 

Lists (Fragments of Lists)

I was recently perusing the old blog here and it really inspired me to try to write another easy post this month. In the past, I used to frequently create lists on the blog. So, why not?  

Current Favorite Fast Food Pizza (Top 4) 

1. Marco's (the new #1 is pretty darn good)

2. Papa John's (I actually don't like it that much)

3. Domino's (currently on strike from this chain, it's a LONG story).

4. Little Caesars (recovering from the trauma of years of hot and ready pizzas with the kids). 

All-Time Favorite Spurs Role Players 

1. Malik Rose (there was just something about the guy - all hustle, all heart)

2. Bois Diaw (one of the most unique players in NBA history)

3. Robert Horry (he's an asshole but I can't argue with the results)

4. Patty Mills (gotta love him)

5. Danny Green (will always remember Danny's penchant for chasing down blocks on layups)

6. Antonie Carr (the big dawg, awesome)

7. Frank Brickowski (just a tough son of a gun)

Current Favorite Diet Sodas

1. Diet Dr. Pepper

2. Diet Coke

3. Coke Zero

4. HEB Diet Cola

5. Diet Pepsi (I mean, if I have to) 

Favorite Roles I have played (as an adult) 

1. Jonathan/Charles Haversham - The Play That Goes Wrong

2. Professor Marvel/Wizard - The Wizard of Oz

3. Elisha Whitney, Anything Goes 

4. Phineous Trout, Willy Wonka 

5. Franz, The Sound of Music 

5. Doctor Spivey, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest 

Other countries I have visited for a "significant amount of time" in chronological order: 

1. Mexico (7 days)

2. China (22 days)

3. Ethiopia (13ish days, two trips)

4. Peru (13 days)

5. UK/Ireland (31 days, two trips) 

My dream trip locations I would like to visit (in no order and I could go on for days, to be honest)

1. Red Wood Forest National Park  
2. Pacific Coast of US/Canada 
3. Spain
4. Jordan (Petra)
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina
6. India
7. Vietnam 
8. Egypt
9. South Africa
10. Kenya
11. Peru (I would go back in a heartbeat)
12. Japan 
13. Anywhere in Europe 

Current Favorite Candy Bars (I am pretty sure I listed this before)

1. Almond Joy

2. PayDay 

3. Chocolate PayDay

4. Peanut M&M's 

5. Reese's I guess 

Marvel Comics I look for when at a comic shop/used book store

1. Any Spider-Man before 1991, especially with the black costume.

2. Fantastic Four 250-300 (I have MOST of these but I am on the lookout to complete the run)

3. Excalibur (1-75, I have most of them but looking to finish the run).  

4. Transformer (extremely unlikely to find but I would pick it up).

5. Micronauts (either run, they are awesome)

6. Dr. Strange (you just don't see many of these out there)

7. Any pre-1990 Marvel but I tend to avoid mutant titles unless it's X-Men. 

Ranking SW Droids 

1. BB-8 (most of those movies sucked but this droid was cute and the design was neat)

2. The little black thing that was probably a remote-controlled car with a black box thrown on top of it (I think it's in Empire) - cute and COOL. 

3. C-3P0 - he's funny and underrated. Great performance by the actor. 

4. IG-88 (in Mando) -  he's funny

5. The droid in that one movie that is about stealing the Death Star plan (it's boring) - he's funny.

6. R2-D2 is overrated and annoying but he has his moments 

7. The cool Empire droid that shoots at Luke and Han in Empire in the snow at the start (badass) 

My Favorite Lazy Stuff To-Do on Weekends 

1. Staying up late 

2. Sleeping in (no later than 9:30, I promise, and rarely after 8:30) 

3. Sneaking in a nap on a quiet Saturday or Sunday afternoon

4. Making breakfast tacos in the morning

5. Going to the store early on Saturday or Sunday to pick up just a few things and NO one is there, that's nice. 

6. Reading quietly in the morning before anyone else gets up,

7. Same time as reading, directing the reflection off my phone and letting the cat chase it around the living room. 

8. Making grilled cheese sandwiches for Sunday lunch (tradition)

9. Thinking about doing something and then not doing it

That's all I can do. That's all I can handle for now. 

Until next time, think about an old memory that makes ya smile. See ya. 

Finally, Family Fragments

Here are some fragments on the past year: 

As an academic, I view my "years" as framed by the academic year. This framing comes despite teaching every summer,  full-time, every year I have been full-time. Having three kids reinforces this framing. 

Personal Fragments 

This year was crazy busy with my additional duties at work, I was released from some of my teaching load to help with the other stuff I do on campus, which was great. It was suggested (in a speculative fashion) I do this full-time....which sounds great, in theory, but giving up a tenured position doesn't sit well with me. Then again, another person at this meeting said, "We have trouble getting rid of bad employees! Don't worry about it too much"....Time will tell. 

I am also going on a workshop around the US South again and taking some students to Northern Ireland.  It should be a lot of fun. I might post some pics of Northern Ireland with some commentary but don't get too excited, I might not.   

This year I have really tried being more present every day. I am partially succeeding. Even a simple walk outside, a sip of coffee, and a laugh with my child feels better this way. I ain't Zen yet but I'm doing alright. 

I bought one of those little devices that has thousands of games on them.  Deleted some of the worst roms, added a few missing and added a ton of Mario hacks. Awesome move, do some research, get a good one and enjoy.Two Big Thumbs up. 

One day last week I turned in all my pennies and change (about 25 bucks) and blew it all at a pinball joint and some tacos. It was so fun to "play hooky" and just hang out playing pinball for an hour. Incredible. Also, two big thumbs up.

I loved playing Godzilla and Indiana Jones but I really loved playing Congo. What a terrible movie and a great pinball machine!! 

I have planned a Film Festival next week for the family, a few friends and C's BF. All are invited to the all-day event that will start at 7:30 AM and go non-stop until early the next morning (sometime after midnight). I think I will post about that experience the week after. 

I had a few beers with an old friend about a month ago. That was great. I love that guy. I actually drank quite a bit less this year, not that I had a problem, but it kinda lost its appeal (so did taking Delta 8 and 9, which I wasn't a big fan of and I am kinda done with THC products at this point). Most of my drinking is limited to having one at dinner at a restaurant or if I am offered one at a friend's house. 

This year was a year of transitions, my wife went back to full-time teaching, and....it was kinda a disaster. Of course, she was great, she's a hard worker and a caring teacher but she was stressed and this school was not a good fit for her. It was the first time she was teaching students who were forced to be in a music class. She will be moving jobs to a different school but it is a dream environment working as a co-director with a friend (and she will make more money). Super excited about this move! 

I tried to read more this year but it didn't really work out (I blame YouTube). I read Arabian Nights, Kafka's The Trail (amazing),  The Motorcycle Diaries,  I am Legend, a book that reprinted a ton of old Spurs articles and of course, a slew of old comics. I am sure I read something else but that's all I can remember in this moment. I just started reading Wool and so far, I am impressed! 

Interruption of Personal Fragments for some Spurs Fragments: 

I never talked about winning the lottery last May on the blog. My son and I watched the lottery together and when the Hornets came up #2, I started whooping and screaming, it was unbelievable. E told me later she thought somehow the family had literally won the lottery.  The Spurs somehow did it again, I understand the Lakers, Celtics, Warriors and Bulls have more championships and blah, blah, blah,  but I have to think God likes the Spurs a little bit too.  Wemby did not disappoint. I had placed his floor at like 15-17 ppg, 7-8 rebounds, 2-3 blocks and I was glad he went above that,and in less than 30 minutes a game. Now, let's hope we strike gold again. I am so excited for the next chapter of the Spurs history.

Okay, back to Fam Fragments 

H started 6th grade this year and boy, he's embraced middle school life. He loves vintage shoes and fashion, wears too much cologne and holes up in his room more often than I like. He did well in choir but hates the director, so that's done (maybe). He's been playing soccer a lot but will be wanting to play football next year, which we reluctantly agreed to (and hope he quits after middle school). He continues to be smart, curious and always asking us questions that he could spend the night, start a business, buy more shit that he said he was going to save, "So, hear me out....." We are going to miss hearing his quick footsteps come down the stairs one day, in a rush to go play outside with the neighbors down the street. In the fall, H and I were walking around the block together when a man said, "Is this your son?" My heart kinda stopped but being that he is Black and I am white, this isn't a completely random question, even still my heart stopped. Had he done something when he was playing outside (on a Saturday when we barely see him in the house)?? "Yes" "I love seeing him and other kids play when I get home from work! I love seeing the lemonade stand, the bikes, etc. you just don't see enough kids outside playing these days". I breathed a sigh of relief. 

E started HS and excelled. She's been loving choir, and earning amazing awards in competitions as a freshman. She loves HS and choir and just earned two academic awards last night. Typically I take her to school in the mornings as she has an early choir that starts before school so her older sister can't take her. That means we have spent a lot of time together this year. Sometimes we're quiet and I'm listening to my music (usually to stop her from singing some musical in the car), sometimes we're chatty and friendly and occasionally we pick her friend Wade up to school. She's worked so hard on music this year and it's paying off. Sometimes she still rolls those eyes and can give a little attitude but she has a hear of gold with her homemade cards for teachers, friends and even her mom and I. Good memories for a great year for E.  

C was is graduating high school in a couple of weeks and I am full of pride, excitement, nostalgia, happiness, and a healthy dose of sadness. 

She had a great year, she quit marching band to focus on debate and her job but ended up quitting her job (got a new one but barely works more than once every other week) and downshifting her debate schedule to prioritize her very own advocacy non-profit....which is crazy amazing. She is following her heart and learning a lot of lessons. I have been able to help a bit here and there and she has a heart for justice. She also has a serious boyfriend as well. He's a great guy but it's too early to tell what will come of it, I am a little uneasy about the possible fallout of all this, as you start to think crazy things at this age and don't realize there should be no hurry to move in or get married. The world is different though, the rent is too damn high. 

Back in December, I found myself alone in the house one Saturday morning.  I was washing dishes, listening to music or maybe a podcast when I received a notification on my phone. It was my good friend Google Photos, and it told me it put together a slide show of my oldest, C. I decided to take a quick break from my kitchen duties and watched the slide show. By the time it ended, I was in tears, sobbing.

I guess what I am saying is no one said watching your kids grow up would be so hard. 

There's something tantalizingly hard to describe the experience....remembering your own senior year and the choices you made that lead to the creation of the adult version of you. There's a lot at stake in these next few years, she knows it and we know it. 

That's life in a nutshell. I love my life and I wouldn't trade it for anyone else's (although I do wish my salary was double what it is). Stay cool if you're in the heat and don't forget to water that plant outside! 

Bunch of Stuff Sitting in my Photos (or Google Photo Fragments)

Hey, it's been a while everyone! 

To be clear, when I say "everyone" I mean no one, probably just me in the future, happening to be scrolling into the past, revisiting the good old blog. So, hello future me! 

I am working on two huge blog posts, most of which have been worked on in various forms for the past few months but could just never get around to finishing them. The longer one is a post on the 2013 Spurs team and it included re-watching their playoff run, so, it's taken a good while. I would like to say it's been worth the wait, but really, no one's been waiting for them.  

So, it's coming soon....? Sometime in the next year for SURE.  

In the meantime, I was perusing my Google Photos app tonight and thought, why not make it a blog? Here are some random photos from the last few months of my life. 

Last fall, our little kitty Kirby never came home he was almost two years old.  He was basically my cat, he loved me the most and everyone knew it. I finally caved and we got a new kitten this past summer. We named her Wemby, after ya know, Wemby. I guess I finally like her more than I used to I can be stubbornly loyal. I still miss the Kirbster though. This photo was taken this past Saturday. 

I'm ready for mushrooms, just gotta find someone I trust to get some and find someone I trust to watch me as I take them. 

Does this mean I have to write a blog post about this dumb shit? I kinda want too and kinda hate the idea. 

Just a meme I sent my buddy.

So this bumper sticker was on a van in front of me last month. If you can't read it, it says "hey babe, i farted". I don't know why any reasonable human would get this bumper sticker. Nonetheless, I support this bumper sticker and it made me happy. 

I was reading a small reprint of Peanuts and sent this one to my oldest daughter C. I dunno, I like it.

We were in downtown SA a few weeks back and I saw this mural. Just makes me love SA a little more.

I was almost attacked by a bobcat in Colorado.

I saw this frozen waterfall in Colorado. Cool!!

As part of our winter trip was also visited Meow Wolf. This little piece spoke to me. 

That's all for now folks, stay warm, stay dry and enjoy a hot chocolate with marshmallows before the spring comes! 

Fragments, Sweet Summer Fragments

Well, I guess I should blog since I am still alive and kicking.

The spring semester finished up. My fam and I were finally back in a local theater production ("The Sound of Music") all together since the pandemic. K, E, H and I were all in it while C was just too busy with work and band to join us (not sure she wanted to, either).

I was the butler, which isn't a huge role but I had a ton of entrances and stuff to do. While the housekeeper and I did a German accent, no one else did. I know that doesn't make any logical sense and yet, it worked. K was a nun (one of the featured nuns) and E was a novice, H played a kid at the party scene (he did some fine dancing with one of the Von Trapp kids), and later an alter boy at the wedding. We had a blast. It felt good to be back on stage since the fall of 2019 for me. I might audition for the fall show, we'll see. 

Fam Update

C is still working her first job. Given the job market, she could leverage that power and she only worked 1-2 days most weekends, last weekend not at all. She might quit the band to focus on debate for her senior year....kinda makes me sad but also, how could I argue with someone who wants to focus on something to get better at it?? She's dating a new guy...so far, so good. They are going very slow, he seems like a good dude. 

E had major surgery on her hip last week. I would explain it but for a stranger on the internet, you really don't need to know all that. She's quite a trooper though, hopefully, this will spell the end of her hip issues. She's been doing great at school and is bummed about missing out on the summer play but she will be going to drama camp with friends and is excited for that. 

H is always up to something. Building a fort with the neighborhood boys or playing football with them, playing Fortnite with his buddies online, trading football cards, etc. He is about to "graduate" from 5th grade. Wow, what a trip. We've been at this elementary school for 12 years. We're sad to lose our little community. So many memories. We're going to miss knowing all the teachers, knowing what's going on, the swim team (H doesn't want to do this year), all of it. We're entering middle school and we already know how that goes, you don't really know the teachers and I suppose it feels like our baby is growing up. And that means we're getting older too. 

K is going back into the classroom full-time in the fall. She got the job back in early April and it will be quite the challenge for her and for us but we're excited  (and a little scared) for the challenge she will be teaching choir to 8th and 9th graders. It's gonna be a huge change and we won't be ready for it, but it is what it is. Here goes nothing....

Spurs Update 

Holy Shit, they did it again and won the lottery. As H and I watched the lottery and the Spurs name wasn't called, the sweating began. As they went to a commercial for the top four remaining, my heart was beating out of my chest. It didn't even feel possible. Instead of running around the house like I did when we won the lottery for Duncan I just kinda stared at the screen in disbelief and screamed and scared everyone in the house.  Life feels pretty good. I had been watching Wemby highlights trying not to get too excited but now, I can be exicited....no matter what the Spurs will be relevant next season. 

Fragments of the Fall

I haven't posted since late June cause mainly I don't care and..... you guessed it....I'm busy. I have a job, I am a parent...blah, blah, blah. 

Here's some stuff that's been going on or happened: 

I painted a lot until August/early September and ran out of supplies and just recently started back up again.  I buying some more stuff and painting more during the holidays. Here is maybe one of my favorites from September. Cuz, why not?

Have a cool project at work that has happened and now I can't share much about it because I don't wanna dox myself. It has taken up a lot of my time and changed some of my duties at work. It's cool, trust me. 

Media Fragments

Read Kafka's The Trail at some point. Loved it, might be in my top ten books. Re-reading Catch-22 now first time since high school and it hasn't held up thus far. Also, just get tired at night, look at it and I am not inspired. 

Watched the new The Mole on Netflix with the fam back in October. I missed that show so much. The only reality show I ever loved and it's back in 2022. Cool, I recommend it. 

Watched The Rings of Power and I liked it. I need to re-watch to set in. Did it hit a home run? No, sometimes it was kinda boring in a Tolkien way. Sometimes the series could even be sublime, but in other ways it feel flat. However, overall I liked it. I am not a purist....so, I was okay with most of the changes but whatever floats you're boat. If you're a racist, I hope it made you infuriated, ya snowflake. 

The Fam

Our oldest C is now a high school junior, it's all sinking in. She's almost done with school and I don't know where all that time went. All the clichés are true. She switched schools, is still in the marching band and now she's doing fantastic in debate. She's grown quite a bit intellectually this year and that's been neat to see. She's making all A's and making me proud of her character as well. I can't believe we're months away from making college decisions. Yikes.

Our middle child E is doing well in 8th grade. She's been loving choir this year even more and I think really finding her niche in doing so. Some injuries have set her back in ballet and in some ways, it's made choir more of a focus....we'll see.... We've been watching Gilmore Girls when we're hanging out together and that's been fun, we also slowly working our way through Lord of the Rings as well. She can drive me little nuts as she is a true 8th grader but yah, know, that's expected. She's an amazing person. 

The youngest H is in 5th grade of course, doing exceedingly well. He scored in the top 10% of 5th graders in the nation on his math scores but he's a strong reader as well. This year has been weird as he is starting to act a little more like a middle schooler and....well, that's always cool. He has loved playing flag football with his buddies and if you give him all day to play outside with the neighborhood kids, you won't even see him all day. 

K is working more this year and that has led to less of me cooking. I gotta plan better in the weeks ahead. Overall, life is pretty good. We recently talked with an older couple who mentioned we are going to miss these busy days one day and I don't doubt it for a second. 

Other Stuff

I got some sweet old 80s comics a few months back. Love me the 80s Marvel....they are becoming more and more rare to find in "the wild". So when I do happen to find them, it makes me even more happy than it used to. It's the little things in life that make it that much sweeter.  

I find out if we get a huge grant in December for a cool project at work and I am on the edge of my seat. If this project happens, it will definitely be a highlight of my career. 

Bummed about Josh Primo and the Spurs. It's weird to feel so disappointed in the organization, but I was.....I was not impressed how it was initially handled but the case has been settled. Anyway, I hope they continue to lose and get in on the sweepstakes for Weby. That guy is an amazing prospect. 

One of our cats never came back, it's been a month and a half so, pretty much all hope is lost. I am so bummed. I never thought I would connect with another pet again...not in a real way and yet, Kirby loved me so much, he made me care about him. I am really sad about and it still hasn't sunk in. 

That's it, the semester is pretty much over and I'm glad. 

I should post again soon, as I have another post more than halfway done from October. That will tie me for the lowest total for a year, so maybe I will post twice just for the sake of feeling more productive...I dunno, that's the way my brain works. 

However you have stumbled upon this little tiny sector of the internet, I hope you are doing okay. Don't forget to write down you dreams and hum a little song as you walk. 

It's That Time Again Fragments

I was meaning to post fragments last month but I just wasn't motivated. I think it was a holiday hangover. 

Here are the latest and greatest fragments from my life:

Did We Get COVID? Read and Find Out 

Sometime in December I saw this gif on Twitter and thought, "yeah, that's it!"

We prepped for the holiday season as I knew there would be more possibilities for getting exposed to COVID.  I got boosted the week of Thanksgiving while my wife was boosted a few weeks later. Of course, we wore masks at work and out in public and we never eat inside restaurants but in early December we went out to lunch with another couple at an empty restaurant. I felt a little naked. A week later I took the kids to Spider-Man: No Way Home (it was fine) of course we still wore masks. 

Part of this renewed risk activity was because we were boosted, and Omicron hadn't hit yet, part of it was just being exhausted with COVID, like everyone else. 

It felt as if we were tempting fate but we decided to hold our annual holiday party for the first time since 2019. We felt pretty safe as the Omicron surge hadn't hit our area yet (at least not in a big way).  Almost all the adults and children were vaccinated and/or boosted, and one family had just had COVID ten days ago. So, all things considered, we felt pretty good about having the party. We had about 10-12 adults and 15 kids attend the party.  It was a lovely time and it almost felt normal if not for a sinking feeling I would get when I would look out across the house and wonder if we were hosting a mini-super spreader event. 

As it turned out, everyone was fine. 

On New Year's Eve, we decided to once again take a big risk and we attended a wedding. It was a little too hard to pass up as some good friends were going and it was a young couple that we really like. Besides, there was gonna be an open bar and a lot of our theater friends would be there.  

Most people were masked during the ceremony but once things really got going at the reception, there were only a few masks. I would haphazardly wear mine at the reception...but....again, remember there was an open bar so I possibly wasn't using the best judgment all of the time. That said, once again, we made it out okay. Last I heard the pastor did get COVID but the event was not a super-spreader event at all. A good and memorable time was had by all. I have to say the fact that they brought out tacos right before midnight was just so awesome and so San Antonio. 

Maybe we shouldn't have been so risky, but especially after the wedding, we steered clear of our parents for a week or so, just in case. 

But like Mario above, we somehow made it to the flagpole safely. We've had a bunch of close calls, taken various members to get tested but so far, so good....(not sure it can last forever)....

Friend Fragment Update

I was reflecting on this old post the other day. 

I don't recommend reading it, so to sum it up, it's a pathetic post about how lonely I was as I neared turning 40. It seemed like I hardly had any more "active" friends and of course, making friends as an adult is always hard. Well, I suppose I should update the blog and tell you since that time I have made some new friends. 

Instead of just having one good friend at work I am happy to report I  now have two additional really good friends. All three are so different and bring something different to the table.  My wife and I also found,  almost-the-impossible: we made friends with another couple....and we like both of them! We met through the church theater group we are a part of. Look, I am not saying I have some super busy social life but it's made all the difference for me and I feel much more happy friend-wise than I have been in a long time. So, if you're a lonely adult, there is hope...but ya gotta get a little lucky too. 

Fam Update

C (almost 16) has a boyfriend. They have been dating for about 3 months now, which feels even longer to me.  He seems like a good kid and yet.... well, there's too much to say in this blog about him. So, it's better left unsaid (it's complicated).  He goes to another school on the other side of town and neither can drive so that's been easier to control. Still, you can't help but worry for her heart. 

Also, C starting up dual credit/college applications and worrying about driving soon. She was looking up colleges and universities tonight.  It's a weird place to be. Sure, it felt a lot easier building pillow forts and having sock battles, telling bedtime stories and going for walks together on beautiful days but being a dad of a teen has its pleasures too. She's a smartie and I am proud of how passionate she can be about doing the right thing. We have loved being a good "second home" for her friends. The other day her best friend said we were the best parents....hey, not too shabby, that made us feel good.  

E is doing well in the 7th grade. She's a ballet dancer and I feel like half our week is driving her to her lessons or prepping for her dance performance for the school. She just got braces and refused to even show me for the first day! She's such a good kid...lately, we've been watching LOST together. It's my first re-watch of the show since it aired and that has been so much fun, watching it together.  I might even write a blog post about it at some point (yeah, don't hold your breath). 

H is once again obsessed with Pokemon, this is his third iteration of being Poke-crazed, which is fine by me (it's gotta be something and right now it's Pokemon and Minecraft). Now he watches YouTube videos of box and pack openings and we even tried to sell one on eBay (it was bought but the dude never paid). He is also playing flag football, the league is pretty competitive and he is having a blast. Good coaches and that's the key. Competitive but good hearts and good sportsmanship.  His team is very good and while he is new, he caught his first pass last week for 25 yards. He was filling in for the injured center the last week and did a great job. This week it was too cold and the game got postponed. :/

Comics Update

Did I ever tell you I have some comic goals in my life? Yeah, my life is that shallow and nerdy. I mainly collect old Marvel's, mainly late 70's to the very early 90s. But I also love old Disney (Dell/Gladstone) or the occasional DC also, you gotta spice it up sometimes. 

I will never collect a whole run of something, but I do have a few goals. 

Here's what I usually buy on the spot if the price is right:

All Black Costume pre-Venom Spider-Man (I probably have about half of these as is)...these are now almost impossible to find at the used book stores, so I might pick up a few in the coming years at the comic shop but we'll see how the prices are....

Any 80's Marvel...I think my heart skips a beat when I can find a Dr. Strange, Defenders, Fantastic Four, Avengers, and especially Spider-Ham, Rom and Micronauts. Basically, any weird stuff is a bonus and I will usually buy it if it's reasonably priced. About the only thing 80's I will shun is New Mutants (heck even the first year is kinda cool but after that, forget about it...I could just never get into them).  

I picked up Fantastic Four #140 last week and thought damn, the Thing 
was talking about orgies in a comic from 1971. Just kinda blew my mind.  

Special collections I am building towards: 

I am hoping to complete a run of 265-300 of Fantastic Four,  I have about  2/3 of it already. I just like to pick up what I can find in the wild. It's more fun that way.

Anything with Kang, time travel, alternate universes, etc. 

I am also trying to collect Excalibur 1-75. I have 1-26 and much of the later run but I probably need another 20 or so to go! A really underrated comic, especially when Alan Davis was at the helm. Funny, smart, and usually fun. 

The whole point is I try to find these organically and on the cheap it makes life exciting, yeah, I said it. 

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I have some blog ideas but they are on the back burner. I also started editing a paper for possible publication but every time I think of it, I just feel ill. I have a lot going on at work that is non-teaching related and it's very exciting. I may find myself back in Ireland in the years to come but the soonest would be 2024. We'll see....

Well, that about does it, folks. Until next time,  stay safe, stay warm and when you hear that old song you haven't heard in a long time in the car, let go and sing like you've never sung before, I won't tell a soul. 

Chillin' & Vibin' Fragments

It's been a while, amigos. Here are the latest and greatest fragments. 

I am back on campus after a year and a half of being away. Weird feelings but I am glad to be back. Most students are masking up and the positivity rate is on the downward trend where I am at. Good to see people. I am still doing a Zoom class, and I am doing two more in the spring. I think they will be a fixture from here on out. 

I started writing my fantasy/YA novel again, I had to stop as I am working on an important project at work that involved writing but I was really going at it for about six weeks. Tons of progress and I feel good about starting up again. It's a solid idea, the question is the execution and my talent (which, I wouldn't bet on). I am hopeless it will ever be published but I am ready to fight the good fight to try to finish it and see how I feel about it once I am done. 

The weather is finally changing and I am so happy about it. Even if the afternoons are a little warm (sometimes not even hot), the mornings and evenings have been so nice. At the football game last week, it was downright perfect. 

I think I said I was going to post some pics from our vakay but I dunno, man, too much effort. 

I made a list, but this time it was a playlist

Long-time readers (um, just kidding)...I love lists so when my daughter got Spotify it was only a matter of time, when I would craft the mother-of-all 90's playlists. 

So far it's well over 1,200 songs. I like it, so maybe you will too. My taste would be described as indie/college/alternative rock. With some mainstream rock and pop hits thrown in with some weird stuff because you just can't do a 90's list without "Waterfalls" from TLC,  nor the Kids in the Hall theme song nor a cover of the Moon theme from the DuckTales NES game. 

Ya just can't I tell ya. 

It was fun to build, I would add songs that pop in my head, album by album or by searching through the recommended list and unearthing treasures that I would have played on our Paba Free radio show on our college radio station had I known they existed. 

It was quite a nostalgic trip, I recommend it for any and all old people to do for the particular era they grew up in.  I would spend just an hour scrolling through the 90's. It was lovely. 

I don't think I am completely done with the list...it will likely top out over 1,300 when it's all said and done. Although my guess is, new discoveries await....

 I was blown away by including The Grays (their entire output), Velocity Girl (a bunch of songs) and "Drown" by Sonvolt. 

 

Really surprised how much I love the first Counting Crows album and how many good songs the Gin Blossoms had. 

Yeah, I really am getting lame in my old age. 

FAM Fragments 

C is playing every week in the marching band. It feels like she's burning the candle from both ends but the season can't last forever. She took to the Tuba because they needed Tuba players (she's usually a flute player)...what a leader. She's bringing over the boy she's been talking to this Friday to dinner. Oh boy, yeah, it's happening. I hope he's nervous. 

E is going to ballet what feels like every night but it's only three nights a week. She's growing up more and more each day and it kinda makes me sad. 7th grade is the time you really see them change. She's still a unique person but I am interested to see her in a few more years when she cares less about what people think (having a weird dad will help). 

H is doing great in the 4th grade and we just went camping a few weeks ago with the scouts. The other day he told me he had to write about three people he admired and he picked MLK, Abraham Lincoln and me. 

Wow. just wow. I was honored and it made my day. 

K (the wife) is keeping busy as usual but she was able to go out for a ladies' weekend and I was happy we didn't burn the house down and she had a great time.  

I have enjoyed cooking again, trying my hand at some grilling...trying out some delicious Penang Pork Satay (success) and the even better Ping Gai chicken. I tried out a Toad in a Hole and that also turned out pretty great too (at least the wife was impressed with my bread). I can't recommend Food Wishes channel on YT enough. Chef John, you make me so happy. 

I just have to say I love life. It's not always hearts and flowers, E and H fight or I worry about the van breaking down but I have so much to be thankful for and it feels great to just be here for the ride. Whomever you are and wherever you find yourself, I hope you're doing okay and hanging there too. 

Until next time folks, don't forget to take the trash out and take that extra umbrella with you in the car, just in case. 

Breakfast Taco Fragments

Holy smokes, it's almost my birthday and I haven't posted in a while. I live in South-Central Texas and it's a shame that it's isn't known as the Taco Mecca of the world...because it is. 

There are many reasons to despise living in Texas. The heat, the stupid and pointless Texas "pride", the politics, etc., etc. but one of the wonderful things about living in this neck of the woods of Texas is the ubiquitous nature of tacos; and the star of the taco show, to me, must be breakfast tacos. (that's a lot of commas in a sentence....I might have broken a record).  I think in the past 20 years or so, the rest of the nation is starting to catch on to the fact that beakfast tacos really are one of the best things on earth.

If I am trying a new place, I gotta try a bean and cheese, it's how I judge a taco place. It's how I roll. It's also my favorite taco. 

Here are my favorite breakfast tacos: 

1. Bean & Cheese (this is a little like saying the Beatles are your favorite band so shut your filthy mouth). 

2. Bacon & Egg 

3. Potato, Egg & Cheese

4. Papas Ranchera

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My wife is a pico girl but I can be a little all over the place, I am very flexible when it comes to salsa. If a roasted salsa is available, I'll usually go for that but a fresh red salsa is fine too and a hot green salsa can never do me wrong either.  I have been absolutely obsessed with Cholula sauce of late....but I'll use anything in a pinch and it's a cardinal sin to judge someone's salsa or hot sauce preference in my estimation. It's very personal. 

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The pandemic made me miss a ton of things from work, but one of the small pleasures of work was coming into the office kitchen and catching free donuts or tacos that someone had been nice enough to bring in.  You knew your day was off to the right start, especially if I had been in too big of a rush to eat anything before leaving for work. Ahhh...the old days....

Here are TWO taco stories (two for one).  

It was the late 90's and it was late at night. I was at a place called Chacho's. It has always been overrated but the late 90's was their heyday. Somewhere, my wife has a photo of me with a tortilla on my face (with holes cut out for my eyes) at Chacho's (this was before we were dating, so it's pretty incredible she ever wanted to date me after this happened). Anyway, this was a different time from that, and  I was hanging with my buddies. I don't remember who was all there but it was likely the usual suspects. We might have been drinking or coming from a bar. Chacho's had a jukebox and one of us got an idea. An awful, evil idea. (hat tip to the Grinch). 

This was also the heyday of the "Macarena". It was everywhere. I mean freaking everywhere. It was at the point where it was almost a joke when it came on and most people were "over" the song. Well, our idea was to purchase the song at least 10 times and just leave the restaurant, leaving the other patrons to suffer. I honestly don't remember how many times we bought the song but it was a lot. Some could say it was cruel, it still makes me laugh, imagining how people reacted. 

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This story was sometime post-2000....I believe it was my friend Phillip, Toby and Jeff. We all went out to a dancing club. I remember making eyes at a  girl but we didn't dance, I was too chicken to ask.  It was one of those fancy clubs, where I always feel out of place and they made you have your shirt tucked in.  Anyway, Phil said we JUST HAD TO TRY this incredible hole-in-the-wall restaurant for tacos afterward. 

You see, here in South Texas, if you're out late at night dancing and/or drinking, the proper way to close out the evening is with tacos (many of which will be breakfast tacos). It's not required but it's pretty much standard procedure, an expectation to be sure. So, we get to this tiny little place called Los Brazos. It must have been at least 1:00 or 1:30 AM when we arrived. The restaurant was indeed tiny, it had room for maybe, five or six tables. Easily, the smallest restaurant I have ever been to. I was impressed but then again, I was also probably drunk. Anyway, we were all perusing the menu when something terrifying occurred. I looked down to find that a cockroach had crawled from my leg into my lap. I panicked. I immediately jumped up and I used the menu to hit the roach off my lap while yelling, "Oh, Shit!" The roach scurried off in the direction of the kitchen. We should have definitely left the restaurant as we hadn't ordered but we were kinda drunk so we all laughed and ordered our tacos anyway. 

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Anyway, I am set to get some tacos for my birthday in the morning. It will hit just right. So, go on, go get some breakfast tacos or at least go make some and text an old friend you haven't talked to in a long time, you probably won't regret it. 

Stumbling Back Home Again Fragments

Well, what can I say, I've been away from the blog for a while. 

Pandemic life peaked and we had an unexpected snowstorm that shut down pretty much the whole state. We got vaccinated (as well as our two oldest children) and of course, things are starting to get back to normal (albeit at a slow and steady rate). 

In the meantime, I toyed with the idea of starting a Spurs podcast (focused on re-watching old playoff series/old games a la my blog of the 2007 championship, in particular, my deep dive into the 2007 Suns series). I did a ton of research into Spurs, podcasting, etc. recorded half an episode and just felt like it was boring and no one in their right mind would listen to it. I abandoned the project, although it honestly might come back as a blog at some point. I dunno. I have a hundred different ideas for future projects, so I just can't say. 

I honestly struggled this last semester, it felt like every day was a Groundhog Day and like most people, I felt stuck and circling down in a swirl, with the drain nowhere in view. 

A few bright spots along the last few months:

• The fam. Despite the fighting amongst the younger two, I take much pleasure at being a "Dad" or "the husband" definitely a way to escape your own brain for a while and focus on caretaking.
• As stated a few months back, I have really taken to cooking. My favorite dishes include New Orleans (BBQ) shrimp, Chicken Paprikash (Hungarian) and Karachi Chicken (Pakistani). There are more but those are my faves off the top of my head.  
• I planned out a big trip out West this July. We are headed to Colorado, Utah and Arizona. I'm looking forward to a ton of it....so many highlights. I'll have a blog series/post on that (probably). 
• I finally presented my research at an academic conference this week.....and it went really well. I wish we had been able to be in person but it was still a great experience overall. I may look into publishing my research but time will tell. 

I had the last two weeks off and I don't really think I have taken advantage of it in a big way. I thought about painting but just ended up doodling, I thought about a "real" blog post, and ended up writing this, this past two weeks have been restful but also in-between and indecisive. It has been nice to not have a grading or other stuff hanging over my head. This past week I spent gearing up for my summer classes (starting next week) and for the conference presentation, so it wasn't wasted. 

I may do some blogging this summer, I have an art post to get to of a painting I did a few years ago but never got around to sharing (I also lost it during our move last year). And I will at least get back to blog a bit about our travels. 

In the meantime, look up a neat recipe on Youtube and give it a shot. Oh, and text an old friend this week and say hi. 

Fresh Startin' Fragments

I had been planning on doing two posts a month...so here ya go, the obligatory post just in time before February  (so just to check your expectations). 

My Ranking Spurs Championships blog was off to a great start (well, at least wordy start) but I found a place online that sells games and now I think I have to kinda watch some of those games before I move on. It will happen, but it is a bump in the road and it's just too important to half-ass.

That's a joke btw but I desire to be detailed and I love doing some original research. 

Blog-wise, I am concentrating my efforts on the next Spurs blog, I don't have anything intelligent to add or say or even think. I am floating upon the sea, only soaking up what comes my way and trying not to sink. But I do have a goal to post another Confucius Didn't Say That! post by May. 

Other posts to finish include my high school retrospective and another underrated 90's albums post! 

Pop Culture Fragments

Weezer's new album (OK Human) is surprisingly good. Yeah, at or near White album quality. Pretty sweet, it's a relaxing album to listen to.

My oldest daughter was dressed like the 90's tonight. Kinda threw me off, it was weird. Sometimes she's so much like me it's scary (and I like myself too). She's so laid back, weird and reflective. 

I am in the middle of reading Dune. It took a few hundred pages but I am finally enjoying more than in the first 300 pages. The Hunchback of Norte Dame is next on my list. 

I have been watching the LOTR trilogy on HULU and watching the DVD extras on YT. I dunno why. Why not?  It's been about 3-4 years since I've done a re-watch. 

Random Fragments

I have been missing my old buddy who moved to Illinois (hi Eric!). Just found out a new set of friends might be moving (in town but further away). They just came over and we had a few beers....there just aren't many friends we have like that. So, it goes. Eric, if you're reading this you have better read that 2007 Spurs blog post. Get to it. 

School started and I now it feels like the old normal will feel abnormal whenever that day comes (mid-fall? - next spring???). I feel like I am all alone. Email and a few Zooms just don't cut it. I am alone with my classes. Weird and yet, it's not.

Wondering about traveling this summer. We missed our annual trip to WI to visit K's fam because of the pandemic and now we're left wondering what to do. We're hoping to get the vaccine by late spring/early summer....but not sure how comfortable K's family will be with us coming up...? Also might plan a trip west to the Grand Canyon and CO but not really sure...we'll see. 

We have had many close calls with COVID. My sister's family got it, and now my sister-in-law has it....I am not convinced everyone will get it...and I don't want it. Hoping and praying we avoid it in the next few months before we can get vaccinated. 

Fragments and Musings on Aging and Traveling

When I think back to what I want to with my job (which is travel), of course, 2021 is gone and given the constraints and people's well-founded concern and caution, 2022 will be strictly limited if not crossed off as a possibility. I had planned on traveling every other year so this means that a good chunk of my 40's is gone right there. As each travel opportunity takes a year of planning in the process, this means if a trip doesn't "make", it means two years were lost in the process. 

Of course, I am thankful I traveled in the summer of 2019 for school and then the fam had a quick early trip in 2020, but now this means the first part of my 40's was wasted (as far as traveling for work). At this point, the earliest I can travel will now mean, I will be in my mid-to-late 40's (sigh...I sure am getting old). 

Ultimately, I shouldn't complain given many have lost so much more but it's my blog and my time to bitch, so give me some space, will ya?  It's all the more shocking that now I am old enough now, I plan in terms of decades. Good thing I am not on planning on retiring until I am in my late 70's or early 80's (God willing). In my head, I had always imagined a flurry of travel in my 40's-50's as I (in theory and hopefully) retained my health. Then again, I am greedy.... I will likely travel professionally into my 60's, even in all the possible alternate time-lines, anyhow. 

Whomever you are, I hope you are doing well and staying safe.  Don't forget to take a hot shower (if possible) and turn your brain off for a bit and forget about all your troubles (at least for 10 minutes or so). 

Until next time....

How 2020 Didn't Suck (a personal and incomplete list)

2020 has been a terrible and tragic year. My condolences to anyone reading this that has lost a loved one due to COVID. My wife's grandmother was a victim this past summer. 

That said, 2020 could have been worse. One of my constant strivings is to have more gratitude in my life. So here are the ways 2020 didn't suck for me (somewhat in chronological order). 

We moved into our new home the first week of January. Hard to believe it's been almost one year. We had a ton of help from wonderful people. So glad we were here during the pandemic. We needed the room when all the kids were here for school. 

We went to an amazing Ben Folds concert in February. He played a great set, basically, what I thought a Ben Fold concert would be...he was funny and we had a blast.  It was a bit of an indulgence but he is one of the last performers I want to see before I die (still have Sloan to get to one of these days). 

We were able to take a family trip to New Orleans right before (or as) the pandemic was starting. In retrospect, if we knew then what we know now, we would have never gone. However, the world was different and it all felt so far away. Our trip included a visit to the Whitney Plantation. I whole-heartily recommended it to all Americans.  It is the only plantation in the US that focuses exclusively on the lives of slaves, it is ugly and sad but also beautiful. Check it out if you ever find ourself in NO, it's just a little ways out of town.  We also got to eat really good food and had fun exploring the city including getting caught in a rain storm one evening.  We had a lot of fun taking the trolley from our hotel to the city park and had a lovely time there (including riding a two-person bike that carried our whole family).  We were soooo lucky we were able to have a family trip before the pandemic. It was a family trip that we'll remember forever. 

It feels like a different world doesn't it? 

The pandemic hit and the first few weeks, we made the most of it. We had our own art show in the house, had a Chip Dinner, with pretzels, chips, nachos, etc. (this will become an annual event at our home) and had a fun game night with prizes. 

I also let my oldest daughter shave my legs for five bucks. Yeah, I charged her for that.  

We were outside a lot more. The natural world was my wife's refuge and she and my son bonded over fishing in a park about 40 minutes away. They went there nearly once every two weeks at some point. Closer to home, we explored our nearest park and discovered a back trail with a ton of wild blackberries (dubbing the path "Blackberry Way").  

I admit I do not know the name of this variety but they were delicious. We made several trips over late March-early April. Stuff just tastes better when you are finding it yourself! 

I watched some good television. My favorites included The Plot Against America and The Watchmen (which was outstanding). I started The Good Place and it's fine but I kinda got bored sometime in Season 2.  I'll finish it up soon (maybe). The Mandorlarion season 2 was just okay, too much fan service at the end though. 

Another photo from a Mother's Day outing. 

This photo comes from a nature walk June. This was a serene, lonely walk I was able to take as I snuck away from the fam for a few minutes. I could hear the echoes of people far away as I sat down to enjoy the view of the water. It was wonderful. 

I was able to write about Carl freaking Barks for a graduate course and I will be presenting that paper on a panel this summer at a conference (crossing fingers we can still go). I might post about this when it happens. 

I was also able to write about Confucius for my second class, which was great. It felt good to dive into something I know well and I learned a ton as well. I wrote about the relationship between Yan Hui and Confucius for those scoring at home. 

Overall, my wife planned many outings and I have to say she was definitely one of the better things of 2020. 

We went to the beach in June and later in July to celebrate my wife's birthday. Both times, I must admit, I had a great time. Usually, I am not a huge fan of the beach but these trips were special. We splurged a bit on the second trip at a stay at a very nice Airbnb (although we spilt the cost with my inlaws). 

At sunrise, me and the boy (age 8).

I did a lot more of the cooking the last 10 months, in part because I wanted to and in part, because my wife has more voice lessons in the late afternoon/early evening. I think the best thing I made was Chicken Parmesan. I did some other stuff that was good but just not as outstanding as this dish...shoulda taken some pics! 

Oh yeah, Trump lost. Think of it, the guy has lost the popular vote in two elections by a combined total of over 10 million votes. What a big, diarrhea-faced baby. I don't usually wish bad things to happen to people, its kinda of a personal value of mine, but I'm not rooting for this guy's health. Trump is a dangerous cancer to our society and I'm hoping the patient undergoes chemo and radiation soon. 

I played a bunch of retro games since the pandemic and I added some Genesis classics to my SNES classic. I finally beat  Rocket Knight Adventures. I had that game as a kid and it beat the crap out of me back then. Why were games so hard back then???  Of course, I beat it with save states, do you think I am insane and I have the time to dedicate my life to the game? 

I broke down and got the little Game&Watch: SMB this fall.  What can I say? I own the portable Oregon Trail and a mini-key chain Galaga. It's right up my alley. It was too expensive for what it is, but I had a blast with it and my kids and I are still fighting through SMB 2.  

I think the family has gotten closer in many ways (sometimes too close) but it's been a blessing to spend more time with the kids. I have a freshman in HS for goodness sake, she won't be here forever. I am a little sad she didn't get the full experience (she's in marching band which just wasn't the same) but also, it's cool to eat lunch with her or check in on her day randomly at 2:30. 

I have been starting to feel hope for next year and started planning (at least in my head and a few peeks on Google Maps) to the Grand Canyon, Colorado, etc. We'll see. 

It's been a tough year and I didn't list all the sad stuff or challenges we have faced. I hope you can also find gratitude for the good in your life this year, stranger. In the meantime, call your Mom this week and don't forget to do that thing you keep putting off.