sit right down, take a seat....

Tell me what you want to eat.  Have a haircut and a shave please don't kill us........

Today's "Lunch Time" photo was all the justification Sarah and I needed to get Luke a long overdue haircut.  We talked about it.  Agreed it needed to be done.  Then took no action.

Following dinner, having only a short list of entertainment options, Sarah and I made the decision to cut Luke's hair ourselves.  First issue?  The only comb we could find was meant to be used on Savanna's barbie dolls.  Second issue?  The kitchen scissors were to big and the office ones weren't sharp.

The entertainment value associated with the task didn't last long.  Sarah and I both struggled to have any success.  In time, I began to slowly make progress.  I won't say I ever became really confident with what I was doing, but end the end I am pretty pleased with the results.

I have to give it a second try on Beckett in a few weeks.

back it up.... a little more....

that's perfect.

I was returning movies this morning at Blockbuster; across the street the owner of this Corvette took curb side parking to a new level. He was traveling south (opposite the direction his car is now facing) jumped the median, took out a tree, hit a retaining wall, spun around and "parked" on the La Madeline patio.

The driving display drew quite a post show audience. Fortunately, no one was injured (you can see the driver smiling just past the guy in the hat) and the restaurant stayed open for a busy Friday lunch.

Twitter Kids

Just a few days into my Twitter experience and I have a new market idea for them..... KIDS. Rather than a social networking service, this one is a parenting service.

Wouldn't parents love to have their kids answer the question "What are you doing?" I know I would. Text/Email messages throughout the day, with updates from Savanna, Beckett and Luke. How great would that be?

Now how can we get them texting at 12 months?

blog about blogging

I spent good part of Saturday night and Sunday afternoon sharpening my internet skills. The result was a full Blog overhaul. I never got comfortable with my last Blog format so it was ditched and replaced with a simple set up from Blogger. The burnt orange color is a complete accident.

Aside from the format, the biggest changes you'll find are on the side bar. A quick summary of the newest widgets.

• Twitter - answers the question "What are you doing?" expect my answers here. (I'm sad to say my sister beat me to this new social network.)
  
• My Blog List - a similar list as before with status updates on the blogger's most recent post.
  
• Recent Readers Map - this is a new widget from Lijit showing WHERE my readers are.
  
• LinkedIn - the net's best networking tool
  
• LastFM - my recent music
  
• MyBlogLog - not where but WHO is visiting
  

I hope you enjoy the new setup.

Get Connected

You know him as John, I call him... well I haven't actually called him. Last week, Republican Presidential Nominee, John McCain accepted the invitation to join my professional Linkedin networking group.

Congratulations! You and John are now connected.

View John's profile to:

• Download John's current contact information
• Write a recommendation for John
• Find opportunities through John's network
• See who you know in common
  

I'm not holding my breath for a personal recommendation but, if you see him with a new Sprint phone on the campaign trail you know why.

crossing the line

For all but 1 of the last 9 years I have managed to keep the Chevron gas station on the corner of Mockingbird and 183 between my home and office. A pretty amazing feat considering I've lived in 3 homes, 2 apartments and had 3 different work locations during that time.

Due to it's convenience, the Chevron combination McDonald's has become my favorite stop for breakfast. Over the years, I've averaged, roughly, about two stops per week at the site. Each and every time without exception... 1 breakfast burrito from McDonald's and 1 20 ounce Mountain Dew from the station... always to go. Yes, it's the breakfast of champions.

Why does any of this matter you ask? Way back in 1999, the burrito $1.09, the Dew $1.19 both after tax. A pretty good deal. Walk in with 3 bucks walk out with breakfast and a decent amount of change for the car's ashtray. To the best of my memory those prices held fast for several years. Then, this morning the unthinkable happened.

I walked in with $3. First stop today was at the Chevron counter. Mountain Dew $1.40. I thought to myself, "Wow, I wonder when $3 won't buy me breakfast anymore?" I strolled over to the Mickey D's counter taking a nice long swig of my cold Dew. "One burrito please....." "That's $1.61" they replied.

Having spent all of my $3, I "borrowed" THE extra penny from a guy in line next me, took my burrito, walked out to my car and while still in my parking space reluctantly ate what very well may be my last breakfast on the go.

weeeeiiiiii!

Last night Sarah and I had our first attempt at playing the new Wii Fit.

First a quick side note. I found it funny that hundreds of stores in Dallas - Fort Worth carried the Wii Fit but not one (that I could find) had any in stock. Yet good old Tarkio, MO had four, Yes 4!, of them on the shelf at the local Pamida. David beats Goliath yet again.

Anyway back to the point of this little blog post. The wii fit is quite good. Take your top of the line bathroom scale, make it wifi compatible, add some really amazing games and you've got a wii fit. I found that my BMI (body mass index) is normal, but surprise surprise I am "a little weak" for my age. It (the wii) put me on a three week training program to tighten me up a bit. Don't count on drastic changes.

The real fun was the balancing games. Here's Sarah attempting a ski jump. Nearly perfect form, huh? They also had tight rope walking, "heading" a soccer ball, slalom skiing and a few others I don't recall off hand. Even Luke played the soccer game and had a great time. Go get a Wii Fit.

the silver lining

After "too" full days as a juror in the 162nd Dallas Court I had a decent idea of some good cheap fun for the kids.

The idea didn't arise from any evidence presented during the civil case but rather from staring mindlessly, during breaks, out the 7th floor window toward the plaza below.

I suspected the plaza might be a good open space for the kids to cut loose. Tonight, just one day later, I put the idea to test.


The JFK Memorial was a huge hit. The fountain park across the street was an even bigger success. In addition, the kids were little angels while dining at the downtown Sonny Bryan's.

Who knew jury duty could result in so much fun.

jungle update

We opened the front door this morning and in darted this lizard.


It changed from black to brown to green before we finally caught it and had it hold still for a photo. Savanna wanted to keep it for a pet but we insisted it would be better off in the "wild".

welcome to the jungle

Living right smack dab in the middle of of Dallas you wouldn't expect to see much wildlife traffic in the area. Sure dogs and cats are in abundance... no surprise there. However, who would of thought we would see the following in our own yard.

Last June a little blue heron walked through our front yard. Turns out the heron liked what he saw and set up "shop" just a block over on Hall. He must be one friendly bird as this year there are 3 heron families on Hall.

I don't know if the herons will enjoy last week's visitor to the yard. Two mallards stopped by the pool for a quick swim and some time in the sun. Time will tell if they stick around.

I'm not sure last week's problem falls into the wildlife category but snails were showing up by the hundreds.


While the kids love them, the snails haven't been any help for the flowers. I don't expect them to last much longer.

Last but not least is Elmo's worst nightmare. A small family of opossums make a showing in our backyard once or twice each week. Mo goes absolutely crazy a few minutes before they actually show up for Sarah and I to see.


By the time I grab the camera they are either gone or hiding in a tree. You can just barely see the one above through the leaves.

The neighbor's yellow cat got a hair cut yesterday and I tried to tell the kids a baby lion was loose next door but they weren't buying it.

what to do...?

Have any of you rolled up to an unlocked ATM? Assuming it happened, what would you do?

Would you just push the lock back in and go about your business? I doubt it. You gotta at least look inside, don't you? I mean how many times do you get the chance to see the inside of a working ATM without any supervision? How much cash is in one of those things? Ten Thousand? Maybe Twenty? So many questions. Let's take a look.

Yes, that's right. I pulled up to an UNLOCKED Bank of America ATM at the corner of Beltline and the Tollway yesterday afternoon. Why do these things happen to me?

So I pulled forward out of the drive up lane, got out of my Jeep and opened it up. Inside I found a big roll of paper for receipts, a box full of deposit envelops, a clipboard with service log sheet and pen, a full on working computer (hard drive, keyboard, monitor) and absolutely no cash. It was all locked in the bottom part of the machine.

The best part of the experience was the look I received from the person who used the other ATM while I had mine open. He kept trying to see what I was doing without letting me see that he was looking at me. I just kept smiling at him like I'd just won the lottery.

My Very Best Willis Reed

I can see it now... fast forward 15 years. The Greatest Moments in Grapevine Softball history.

OK, it's a stretch. Let's do a quick comparison.

Willis: Game 7 NBA Finals
Smith: Game 1 Regular Season C League

Advantage - Willis

Willis: League MVP, World Wide of Sports Athlete of the Year
Smith: First Start as team Pitcher, Lead off batter with no power

Advantage - Willis

Willis: started game in front of thrilled audience - voted greatest moment in Madison Square Garden History
Smith: fewer than 15 spectators - overheard "what happened to him?" from spectator

Advantage - Willis

Willis: Champagne Shower celebrating Knicks 1st NBA title
Smith: Beer in parking lot celebrating 5th inning run rule and 1-0 start to season

Advantage - Tie

I think a tie might be the best I do. Last night, after giving up 2 runs in the top of the first, I "turned" my ankle in an attempt to leg out an infield single. I, rather awkwardly, fell into the dirt just past first but was called safe.

While it hurt really bad, I just couldn't take myself out of the game. I just kept moving around and made it through the end of the game... Going 4 for 4 while holding the opponents scoreless for the last 5 innings. Today, I am paying for it. I called "Dr." Levings and was told to rub some dirt on it, keep it elevated and ice often. Wish me luck.

3.....

Today marks the 54th anniversary of one of my favorite sporting events.

Once thought to be impossible. It was a nice round number. 1.4 seconds faster than the world record for a full 9 years.

The historic event took place during a meet between British AAA and Oxford University at Iffley Road Track in Oxford. It was watched by about 3,000 spectators.

The best part of the story is the way the stadium announcer teased the crowd after the race. He famously made the below statement, drawing out the announcement of Roger Bannister's first sub 4 Minute Mile for as long as possible .

"Ladies and gentlemen, here is the result of event 9, the one-mile: 1st, No. 41, R.G. Bannister, Amateur Athletic Association and formerly of Exeter and Merton Colleges, Oxford, with a time which is a new meeting and track record, and which - subject to ratification - will be a new English Native, British National, All-Comers, European, British Empire, and World Record. The time was 3..."

The roar of the crowd drowned out the rest of the announcement.

ducks on the pond

It appears pool season has started early this year. I'm far from ready to go for my first swim of the season, but a few visitors to the neighborhood didn't see to mind the cold water at all.

Quack! Quack!

Derby Days

It isn't the Kentucky, wouldn't even be considered at Lone Star Park. It is however, as good as it gets in our back"yard". They went round and round for a good 20 minutes. When I attempted to stage a race as you'll see from the below results, it was less than successful.

Two real professionals.... allowing a passing plane to completely halt the race.

My good friend Tom Hicks

Great time at the Ballpark yesterday... In a pitchers' duel, the Rangers took their 2nd win of the 3 game series with the Royals. The 2 -1 victory was the Rangers shortest game of the year ending in just 2 hours and 10 minutes. Thus leaving me at 3:30 in the afternoon with nothing to do.



My great seats were courtesy of Hicks Sports Marketing Group.

Royal Treatment

This afternoon, when I arrived home, I found the mail in its usual place on the dining room table. There stacked nicely on top of letters, the Pottery Barn and West Elm magazines was an average sized white padded envelope. My curiosity instantly rose.

I passed the stack on my way to set down my things and noticed it had my name on the envelope. What could this be thought? I don't remember ordering anything. Upon closer inspection, I found the package to be from the legendary Eric Levings. Ah, Yes. Eric had called me last week to let me know he had something he was sending my way. I ripped open the envelope to find.....

What a perfect gift! The Royals play the Rangers this week at the Ballpark in Arlington. I'll be attending the final game on Thursday afternoon. Thanks Eric, with the Sprint logo on the sleeve I hope to get away with wearing it to work.

Golf - Byron Nelson Style

Who says you can't hold a golf tournament without Tiger Woods? With great weather and a new course design, Dallas' annual golf tourney was better than ever.

Odds are half the people in this photo won't see a single golf shot all weekend. It's one of the 3 best weekends to live in Dallas.

Big Time

Big news from the Tarkio Awards' Banquet held this past Monday. My Mom was named Citizen of the Year! She was recognized for her many years of volunteer service to, and support of, Tarkio. She is currently active in Tarkio Renewal and the Tarkio Development Company as well as outreach work through the Tarkio Presbyterian Church.


I checked with my Dad and was told in spite of the award he is still the household boss. I'd say it's debatable.

Simply Lucky

Yesterday a milestone was achieved. After 6 long years and 10 attempts at managing a fantasy team, I FINALLY finished with a 1st place victory. Yes, I won my Fantasy NBA "Ohs" League.


As much as I would like to say I had the best team, it was lots of luck that left me at the top this season. It seems to me luck plays as much of a factor as any when lacing up the fantasy shoes. Granted good managers get their teams in position to win year after year, but most times it is luck that determines the winner. A few examples from this season.

My 3 Keepers (best players) Amare Stoudemire, Baron Davis and Rashard Lewis spent very little time injured. A few of my toughest competitors limped into the playoffs with their best men on the IL.

John Salmons. Never heard of him? It's no surprise, John was my last pick in the draft at #146. Then Ron Artest and other Kings went down to injury leaving my man John with loads of playing time. What Luck! He finished the 86th best player.

The last example happened to our league's best player, the atm machines. He's so money. On the last day of his semi-final game Mo Williams, averaging 6.4 assists, sat out with stomach pains. ATM finished the game in an "assists" dead tie 162 - 162. Then lost on the tie breaker, "most points". Ouch!

Without ATM's misfortunes I surely would have been left chasing my first title again next year.

I'll end with an old telecom saying.... "I'd rather be lucky than good any day of the week."