Nov
18
Remember back in elementary school on Valentine’s Day when everyone passed out those playing card sized valentines? There would be a certain time on that day when we’d all walk around the classroom and distribute the valentines to our classmates. Invariably I would get valentines addressed to “Brain.” Looking back, that’s kind of cute and understandable.
Never did I imagine the same thing would be happening once I was in my thirties. No,
we don’t pass out valentines at work. However, at least once per week I receive email addressed to Brain. If it didn’t happen consistently, I’d chalk it up to typos. But my email address contains the proper spelling of my name, so it really wouldn’t be too hard to verify if you’re unsure.
On a recent work trip, one of my teammates saw Brian the Brain in the SkyMall magazine. Seems only appropriate that I get one for my cube.
Nov
13
a growing appreciation
Filed under holidays, military, family at 11:09 pm | Leave a Comment
We’re in the midst of what is often referred to as Federal Holiday season. It’s a stretch of several months wherein there are multiple federal holidays. I won’t deny I enjoy the three day weekends. At the same time, having a break from the normal routine is enough to actually cause me to pay more attention to each holiday.
Yesterday was Veteran’s Day. Rachel and I didn’t have much planned, other than some catch-up work around the house and perhaps a nature hike to see some of the fall colors. Through the normalcy of the day, however, I was thankful for some reminders about the reason for this particular day of observance.
The first reminder involved friends of ours that lived across the street. We were getting to know them fairly well, and enjoying having someone close by that was raising a family, appreciated similar things in life, and shared many of our same values. It was great having some neighbors with which we could share tools, ladders, and toys, and even help each other with kid duty. However, he is in the military and last week they moved to Germany for three years. We’re selfishly disappointed we didn’t get to know them better, or have more time to spend with them. While I’m sure it will be an exciting time for their family, it is a huge sacrifice for them to leave friends and family and move to an unknown part of the world. And yet that’s a common occurrence around here, impacting all areas of life (housing market, church membership, friendships kids make at school, the number of home schoolers, etc.).
The second reminder came at the Prince William Forest Park, where we went to see some of the brilliant fall colors. It’s a gorgeous area, and definitely a great time of year to visit. While we saw various people throughout the park on the scenic drive, once we got out and walked down one of the paths, we had the place to ourselves. It was enjoyable time as a family (even Moby came along). And though we seemed removed from all the noises and sights of everyday life, there was the ominous sound of artillery rounds coming from the neighboring Quantico base. It was hard to shake the fact there were men and women training for combat while we were out enjoying the colorful leaves.
It was an enjoyable Veteran’s Day, and living here in VA my appreciation for those willing to serve and sacrifice continues to deepen and grow.
Nov
5
a winning weekend
Filed under sports, soccer, U of M, Detroit at 9:51 pm | 3 Comments
It was a good weekend for this casual football fan. Not only did both the Wolverines and the Lions achieve victories, but I was able to watch them do so from the comfort of my own home (i.e., they were actually televised in my area).
First, Michigan came from behind to beat Michigan State. After an embarrassing start to the season, the Wolverines have now won 8 in a row (including 6 in the Big Ten), getting them ranked in the top 20 once again. I don’t want to take too much credit, but they haven’t lost a game since my last post on the subject. Coincidence?
Second, the Lions looked like an actual NFL team when they walked all over Denver 44 - 7. I was surprised CBS was showing the game here, but who am I to ask questions? With about 5 minutes to go in the third period, CBS interrupted the announcers mid-sentence and cut over to a tied Minnesota vs. San Diego game … and never switched back. Obviously, the Lions beating up on Denver isn’t quite the same as switching away from a game with actual consequences. Even so, the Lions are more than capable of blowing a comfortable 3rd quarter lead, and the Minnesota/San Diego game ended up not being close at all (35 - 17). Nonetheless, I was happy to see part of a game wherein the Lions looked impressive.
And lest you think I watched football all weekend, we painted our entry way, front hallway, and one kitchen wall this weekend.
Lastly, since we’re talking about “football,” I need to say congrats to the soccer teams at both my high school and college almae matres (is that really the plural of ‘alma mater’?). The East Kentwood High School boys soccer team won the Div. 1 boys state soccer title last week, marking the first time a school from the west side of the state has won. I’d like to think I helped lay the foundation for the soccer program, but who am I kidding. And on the college side, the Calvin College Knights wrapped up the MIAA and are heading to the NCAA tournament once again.