clayford.net

Tuesday, September 24, 2002

 
Things that bug me:
1. People who walk down the street, singing aloud, staring at you as they sing. Sing as loud as you want, any song, I don't care. But quit staring at me.
2. That tall thin font used at the bottom of movie posters to list production credits. I can't read it from a distance greater than two feet.
3. People who reheat left over meals at work consisting of brussel sprouts, garlic, vinegar, or some combination thereof.
4. People who complain about stupid things.
11:58 AM

Monday, September 16, 2002

 
This past weekend we finished painting Garrett's new bedroom. Three walls are white and one is blue. I wasn't sure I'd like it when Mina told me her plan, but it turned out nice. She also bought him a dresser. It, too, will need to be painted. It's unfinished and needs to be sanded and sealed (or whatever you call it). Now if we can just find a bed for the G-man, he'll be set. He appears to be ready for a bigger bed. He can just about crawl out of his crib.

The parking space at the Marshall game was very convenient. Our walk to the stadium took only a few minutes, allowing us maximum tailgate time. The bratwurst was good, the beer was plentiful, and my Hokies dominated. On the downside, I nearly fell asleep driving home. I stopped off for some truck stop coffee, and it helped for about 20 minutes. But outside of that little pep session, I was a driving zombie. Even slapping myself in the face proved fruitless. I pulled into my driveway at 2:30, quickly (and perhaps rudely) bid my friend good night, and somehow made it to bed. The next thing I knew it was 7:00 am and Garrett was awake at full volume.

Mina turned 30 on September 11. We celebrated by going out to dinner and having a few friends over for some assorted cakes and sweets. Pretty low key. I bought her a new portfolio bag for work, which she really seems to like. I also bought her some flowers. She certainly doesn't look 30. Patients at the hospital still react with surprise when they find out she's married, has a child, and has another one due in February. I'm not even sure she realizes that she's 30. I guess with work, school, Garrett, and her high-maintenance husband, she hasn't had time to give it much thought.
4:39 PM

Thursday, September 05, 2002

 
One of Garrett’s new favorite activities is to spin himself dizzy. About four rotations are all it takes to get him stumbling. This not only induces him with hysterical laughter, but us as well. What’s funny is watching his eyes as he turns. They wander and cross and roll in his head. When he falls, he gently plops onto the floor and lies flat on his back. After a few deep breaths he’s at it again, giggling and twirling.

Thanks to a friend of mine, I have an actual reserved parking space for the Marshall/Virginia Tech game next Thursday. Usually I park in a designated lot. This time I have my very own space. I feel very important. Of course, it may or may not be better than what I can get in my normal lot. There, I can choose from a variety of nice spots, each located near some grass, which I use to dump the beer used to boil my bratwurst. For all I know, this reserved space may be in the middle of the lot, close to nothing, not even restrooms. We’ll see. If I don’t like it, we’ll move.

Speaking of Virginia Tech football, my beloved Hokies soundly defeated LSU last Sunday in front of a national audience on ABC. I had a great time at the game and again boiled some mighty tasty brats. But I found myself complaining afterward that our offense wasn’t dynamic enough, not passing the ball well, too conservative, etc. In fact, I bitched and moaned about that for almost an hour to my friend. It wasn’t until the next day I realized that, you know, I may be a little too into Virginia Tech football. We just beat a very good team and all I did was complain? Cripes, what’s the matter with me? So I immediately decided to impose a ban on all my Hokie internet destinations. It was obvious I was too immersed into my Hokies. Only coaches complain after a huge win like that, or obsessive fans who are never happy unless we dominate 62-0. I needed a break. So I’m on one and it feels pretty good. As Marshall game time draws near, though, that may all change…
9:04 PM

Wednesday, August 28, 2002

 
My favorite part of the year is now underway. I speak of course of college football. Last Sunday my beloved Virginia Tech Hokies opened their season by mashing Arkansas State like a crunchy roach. Likewise, I obliterated two magnificent links of bratwurst boiled in Molson Golden. This weekend the competition increases by a factor of 100 when LSU comes to town. The game will be televised coast-to-coast on ABC and will feature a sold-out, newly expanded Lane Stadium. To say I’m excited is like calling Natalie Portman pretty.

My boy, Garrett, is doing so many new things I couldn’t possibly name them all here. The highlights include feeding himself, helping place dirty dished in the dishwasher, and lying still at times. The last is my favorite. I love it when he lies on the couch with me as we read “Trucks” for the 38th time.

Mina is doing well with her new job, new classes, and new pregnancy. I’m not quite sure how she juggles them all, but I know that it involves lots of caffeine-free soda and hot chocolate. Classes started today and she is curled-up on the sofa reading.

I have neglected my bass playing as of late. Tomorrow I have jazz practice with my band, the first time in over a month, and I suspect it will show. I try to practice when I can, but I either get interrupted or just goof off the whole time playing stuff I already know. I should try to create a practice schedule with goals and timelines. I have no idea what (or when) I would practice; I guess figuring that out would be productive by itself!

I have a new favorite movie: Kung Pow. Directed by the guy who did Thumb Wars, it is a truly meaningless, tasteless comedy that speaks to my soul. It defies explanation or interpretation and must be seen to be appreciated. It’s just that stupid.
8:51 PM

Wednesday, August 07, 2002

 
Today I'm meeting with an exterminator to address unwanted ant farms in our walls and yard. I've tried spray, bait stations, vinegar & water, baking soda, and boiling water with no success. Now it's time for the last resort: money. Actually, I called this exterminator over a year ago to take care of the ants. But instead of ants, the guy found termites in our backyard. So we had a Sentricon termite system installed around the perimiter of our house for too much money with the understanding they would take care of the ants free of charge. However, we later learned that, no, that was for one free ant treatment, not free ant service. So the termites are being held safely at bay, but the ants continue marching in...

I received my Tech season tickets yesterday and learned that I have much better parking this year. Last year I was in spitting distance of the public lot. This year I'm on the other side of campus, closer to the stadium, surrounded by other Tech donors. It's going to make for great tailgating!

Last night my propane grill died on me. It's about 6 years old and due for the dump. I looked at the burners and they were crumbling with rust. My only concern about buying a new grill, besides cost, is assembling it. I spent a whole day putting my old grill together and almost had a nervous breakdown. I'm not sure I can handle it again.

Garrett has a cold. He woke up this morning with rivers of snot running down his lips and chin. Wiping it off does little good because that seems to make him sneeze which produces another snot blast. Last night he was awfully grumpy and cried the last hour he was awake. Now we know why. I hope he feels better by Sunday. That's when we take off for the beach.
11:45 AM

Tuesday, July 30, 2002

 
Lately I've been surfing the 'net for more information on sore knees. In the last few years I've developed a dull pain under both knee caps, complete with popping and grinding. It hurts the most a few hours after I've done any athletic activity. For instance, last Thursday I jogged across a parking lot to my car. I ran for probably 20 seconds, if that. Light jogging, not running. Bad idea. The next few days my knees ached worse than they ever have before. I couldn't make it down stairs without wincing in pain and walking like a 2 x 4 was up my butt. I'm starting to worry I'll never be able to run again without feeling like my knee caps were blown off with .45. I'd like to think that I'll able to run around and play with Garrett when he's a little older. Anyway...

I found out that what I probably have is Chondromalacia. The symptoms and causes describe me to a T. I should probably go see a doctor and confirm this, but I'm not that active to justify the visit and $$$. I just want to minimize the pain and be able to occasionally run or jog. Two things I've found for treatment include (1) stretching and exerise and (2) some type of knee brace. Thanks to this lady's personal site, I'm tempted to try a Cho-Pat brace. It works well for her and she REALLY uses it. I'm just looking for something to wear should the need arise for physical exertion, which rarely happens. For only $15, they're worth a shot. Cheaper than a doctor visit anyway.

House re-organization update: Four new blinds are installed in the Sun Room. Only two more to go -- should Lowes ever get them restocked. I also finally moved all my music equipement into the old utility closet...er, room. It fits, barely. There is just enough room to sit down and play my bass. Just a few more items remain to be moved and Garrett's new room will be ready.
5:03 PM