Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 29, 2005
What?
I'm thinking the owner must be a body builder because nobody considers an Impala a muscle car. Seriously.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
I'm done with NCC womens basketball for a while
North Central College (67) vs. Calvin College (77)
So I watched a basketball game tonight that was a perfect example of why effort alone doesn't win in sports. It's all about execution.
It's really a bit suprising that this game was as close as it was for most of the game. NCC was dominated in the low post on both ends of the court. Calvin was able to get the ball behind NCCs defense consistantly in both half court and on fast break opportunities. I don't know why NCC chose to front the low post on defense as there was virtually no weak side help. And even when there was, which wasn't much, it's not hard for tall forwards to shoot over small guards. It seems to me that would be better to guard the entry pass from behind and make the opponent shoot over a tall defender, but what do I know.
NCC was pretty patient on offense for most of the game, with the exception of the low post and the entire team in the last 5 minutes. When their low post player (unnamed here but obvious to anyone that watches this team) gets the ball it's like watching a bull in a china cabinet. And dammit anyway, whatever happened to getting in rebounding position? You don't have to be able to jump to get rebounds! Just get in good position for God's sake. I couldn't count the number of times Calvin got uncontested rebounds. Sad really.
And in the last five minutes NCC's shot selection went to hell. What was a good effort, albeit poorly executed, became very difficult to watch at the end and therefor a very close game became a 10 point loss for the home team.
So why am I done with womens basketball for now? Well, at NCC it's me, a handful of students and parents in the stands. I'd guess 50-100 people. I get alot of odd looks, as I'm one of the few taking pictures.... I get the feeling the bubble subtitle over their heads is, "hey, who's the pervert". I know I shouldn't let it bother me, and I actually do enjoy watching live sporting events. I'll go to NCC mens games, and will probably go to another womens NCC game before the season's over, but for now I'll pick bigger venues and programs. BTW, I do kinda want to go see what U of C does to NCC this week, but I probably won't go
So I watched a basketball game tonight that was a perfect example of why effort alone doesn't win in sports. It's all about execution.
It's really a bit suprising that this game was as close as it was for most of the game. NCC was dominated in the low post on both ends of the court. Calvin was able to get the ball behind NCCs defense consistantly in both half court and on fast break opportunities. I don't know why NCC chose to front the low post on defense as there was virtually no weak side help. And even when there was, which wasn't much, it's not hard for tall forwards to shoot over small guards. It seems to me that would be better to guard the entry pass from behind and make the opponent shoot over a tall defender, but what do I know.
NCC was pretty patient on offense for most of the game, with the exception of the low post and the entire team in the last 5 minutes. When their low post player (unnamed here but obvious to anyone that watches this team) gets the ball it's like watching a bull in a china cabinet. And dammit anyway, whatever happened to getting in rebounding position? You don't have to be able to jump to get rebounds! Just get in good position for God's sake. I couldn't count the number of times Calvin got uncontested rebounds. Sad really.
And in the last five minutes NCC's shot selection went to hell. What was a good effort, albeit poorly executed, became very difficult to watch at the end and therefor a very close game became a 10 point loss for the home team.
So why am I done with womens basketball for now? Well, at NCC it's me, a handful of students and parents in the stands. I'd guess 50-100 people. I get alot of odd looks, as I'm one of the few taking pictures.... I get the feeling the bubble subtitle over their heads is, "hey, who's the pervert". I know I shouldn't let it bother me, and I actually do enjoy watching live sporting events. I'll go to NCC mens games, and will probably go to another womens NCC game before the season's over, but for now I'll pick bigger venues and programs. BTW, I do kinda want to go see what U of C does to NCC this week, but I probably won't go
December Skies
Well, Christmas has come and gone and my dread of the holiday has been justified.
- Credit card is max'd - just where do they get off automatically increasing the credit limit without asking me?
- Spent the day with the 5 of us in seperate rooms, with the excepetion of openning presents and dinner.
- Salvation army bell ringers still bug me, although I donate and they (Salvation army) do good work.
On the bright side
- it was relatively warm - in the 40's
- the Bears swept the season series with the Packers and won the division title
- I didn't have to work Monday
- Nobody I know died
The sunset sucked tonight, but suprisingly the sunset reflection on the clouds was fantastic.
- Credit card is max'd - just where do they get off automatically increasing the credit limit without asking me?
- Spent the day with the 5 of us in seperate rooms, with the excepetion of openning presents and dinner.
- Salvation army bell ringers still bug me, although I donate and they (Salvation army) do good work.
On the bright side
- it was relatively warm - in the 40's
- the Bears swept the season series with the Packers and won the division title
- I didn't have to work Monday
- Nobody I know died
The sunset sucked tonight, but suprisingly the sunset reflection on the clouds was fantastic.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Urban Hawk
I spend 3 hours tromping through the woods, and I get my hawk shot a block from home in my subdivision.... here he is sitting on a light pole.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Friday, December 23, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
How the heck did this get there?
This is the front leg of a deer. It is wedged between the branches of a tree about 6 feet from the ground. There are no human or animal footprints (other than mine) near the base of the tree. Clearly something has been munching on this as the hide and muscle have been removed up to a portion of the leg for which the fur remains to the hoof.
How did this get in the tree? Dropped from above? Some wildcat? I've not heard of any of these in Naperville. Large bird of prey? It certainly would have to be. Did some kid just fling the leg? But what ate it? Wolve? Coyote?
How did this get in the tree? Dropped from above? Some wildcat? I've not heard of any of these in Naperville. Large bird of prey? It certainly would have to be. Did some kid just fling the leg? But what ate it? Wolve? Coyote?
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
What planet is this?
Southern sky in Bolingbrook about 5pm tonight. Saturn? I wish I had a more powerful zoom
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
In loving memory
Grandma Katy passed away Saturday. We hadn't seen her in the last several years. In fact, the last time my wife visited her grandmother, Katy didn't recognize her other than saying "I'm related to you, aren't I?".
Alzheimers Disease is a cruel killer, and Grandma fought it hard.
I only knew her the last 22 years of her life. She was a proud woman, maticulous of her appearance. She was also very proper in the presence of company, but my wife tells stories of her running through the back yard of their farm with the grandkids in her nylons.
I'm so happy for my wife to have so many good memories of her grandparents. Many of us don't have that grace bestowed upon us.
We learned recently that Grandma had been diagnosed with breast cancer also. In a way, her sudden passing is a blessing, sparing her from the suffering of that dreaded disease, which could not easily be treated at her age, on top of Alzheimers.
God bless you Grandma Katy. Sleep as tight as you can pinch.
Alzheimers Disease is a cruel killer, and Grandma fought it hard.
I only knew her the last 22 years of her life. She was a proud woman, maticulous of her appearance. She was also very proper in the presence of company, but my wife tells stories of her running through the back yard of their farm with the grandkids in her nylons.
I'm so happy for my wife to have so many good memories of her grandparents. Many of us don't have that grace bestowed upon us.
We learned recently that Grandma had been diagnosed with breast cancer also. In a way, her sudden passing is a blessing, sparing her from the suffering of that dreaded disease, which could not easily be treated at her age, on top of Alzheimers.
God bless you Grandma Katy. Sleep as tight as you can pinch.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Crosscountry Skiers
My wife and I went to my company's Christmas party last night. She wasn't going to go at first, since we didn't have a sitter for the kids, but she agreed to go if she could return early.
As usual, we arrived late, but early enough to get a couple of cocktails and hors d'vours before dinner was served. Everyone looked great and there are so many new faces from last year, it was great to see.
Dinner was fillet mignon and sea bass which were absolutely delicious. The entree was complimented with double baked, mashed and seered potatoes and grilled veggies.
After two years of kareoke, I guess management wanted to change the pace and brought in a ventriloquist. I don't remember his name - the PA system wasn't working, and his material was ok.
My wife left after dinner so she missed the part where the ventriloquist had 5 of us, myself included, come up to help him perform a lame version of Old MacDonald Had a Farm. I had on elephant ears and a trunk - although i don't remember there being an elephan on that particular farm. It's a good thing I, and everyone else, was drinking.
About 10:30 my wife called me to tell me that she made it home safely and that her grandmother had died earlier in the day.
I was in the predicament that I had a limo scheduled for a midnight pickup, so I couldn't get out of there any sooner. SO I started drinking again and hoped time would pass by faster. And it did.
As usual, we arrived late, but early enough to get a couple of cocktails and hors d'vours before dinner was served. Everyone looked great and there are so many new faces from last year, it was great to see.
Dinner was fillet mignon and sea bass which were absolutely delicious. The entree was complimented with double baked, mashed and seered potatoes and grilled veggies.
After two years of kareoke, I guess management wanted to change the pace and brought in a ventriloquist. I don't remember his name - the PA system wasn't working, and his material was ok.
My wife left after dinner so she missed the part where the ventriloquist had 5 of us, myself included, come up to help him perform a lame version of Old MacDonald Had a Farm. I had on elephant ears and a trunk - although i don't remember there being an elephan on that particular farm. It's a good thing I, and everyone else, was drinking.
About 10:30 my wife called me to tell me that she made it home safely and that her grandmother had died earlier in the day.
I was in the predicament that I had a limo scheduled for a midnight pickup, so I couldn't get out of there any sooner. SO I started drinking again and hoped time would pass by faster. And it did.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Charging
yeh - so I'm the worst Dad ever. I had just served the kids some green beans before they were going to bed (it's wierd, but that's what they wanted) and they were being silly and one of them said "homo", or at least I thought they said homo.... Instead of just ignoring it, or telling them not to say it, I started walking around the kitchen with a limp wrist and a queer gait. They both seemed to be laughing at this, but then my 12 year old boy left the kitchen and hid under the desk in the den. I thought he was still laughing, but instead he was crying. I asked him what was wrong and he said that I was scaring him. I asked why and said that I was just being silly and he replied that if I act like one maybe I am one.
Well, I pulled him out from under the desk and tried to re-assure him that I was just goofing off and he told me to go "jack off".
I was offended by this so I yelled at him to go to bed and literally threw the bowls containing the beans into the sink, and of course one broke, which sent both kids into a fit.
My 13 year old daughter started cussing me out, saying "what the hell?" and "what the f'ing hell" and mom came downstairs demanding what's going on.
I went to the garage and had a cigarette. I came back in and cleaned up the sink and told mom what happened. She huffed, when to the bathroom for a cigarette and then went straight back upstairs.
About 5 minutes later, by son came back downstairs and said he was sorry. I said I was sorry too, and that I was only playing and that it was wrong and that I wouldn't do it again. I told him that I loved him and asked him if anyone had ever threatened him or touched him in a bad way. He denied it and asked why I broke the dishes. I said that I was angry and frustrated and was sorry for scaring him.
And so now, it's our 22nd anniversary today. My wife is pissed at me again and in bed. I scared the shit out of my son. My daughter thinks I'm a bigger freak than ever. My 19 year old isn't home yet , per usual. And I haven't spoken to my 21 year old son, except for one occasion, since February.
I was feeling pretty good about having bought my wife a nice Citizen watch for her anniversary gift, and having watched a nice basketball game, but now.... well... I can't stand myself.
Well, I pulled him out from under the desk and tried to re-assure him that I was just goofing off and he told me to go "jack off".
I was offended by this so I yelled at him to go to bed and literally threw the bowls containing the beans into the sink, and of course one broke, which sent both kids into a fit.
My 13 year old daughter started cussing me out, saying "what the hell?" and "what the f'ing hell" and mom came downstairs demanding what's going on.
I went to the garage and had a cigarette. I came back in and cleaned up the sink and told mom what happened. She huffed, when to the bathroom for a cigarette and then went straight back upstairs.
About 5 minutes later, by son came back downstairs and said he was sorry. I said I was sorry too, and that I was only playing and that it was wrong and that I wouldn't do it again. I told him that I loved him and asked him if anyone had ever threatened him or touched him in a bad way. He denied it and asked why I broke the dishes. I said that I was angry and frustrated and was sorry for scaring him.
And so now, it's our 22nd anniversary today. My wife is pissed at me again and in bed. I scared the shit out of my son. My daughter thinks I'm a bigger freak than ever. My 19 year old isn't home yet , per usual. And I haven't spoken to my 21 year old son, except for one occasion, since February.
I was feeling pretty good about having bought my wife a nice Citizen watch for her anniversary gift, and having watched a nice basketball game, but now.... well... I can't stand myself.
Faces
So I went to my first womens college basketball game tonight. They don't run as fast as the men. They don't jump as high as the men. They aren't particularly good shots, but I still enjoyed watching the competition.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Thursday, December 15, 2005
These people love bird houses
And so I had my weekly appointment with the therapist today. Some days I really hate going in. I know what the conversation's going to be beforehand. Something along the lines like "Nothing is going to change until you do something about it" and "You deserve better, more..." and "Medicine alone isn't going to make you feel better". I know that
- I need to stand firm with my friends and family for what I want to happen and not cave in
- I need to be more forceful with my family to live a lifestyle with them that I want
- I need to stop smoking
- I need to get more sleep
- I need to eat healthier
- I need to exercise
- I need to demand respect
But, oh... if were only this easy. If I only knew what I wanted in more detail. Just wanting to be happy doesn't cut it. Apparently you need a plan for being happy.
I'm going to start by getting a haircut tommorow. We'll see where I go from there.
- I need to stand firm with my friends and family for what I want to happen and not cave in
- I need to be more forceful with my family to live a lifestyle with them that I want
- I need to stop smoking
- I need to get more sleep
- I need to eat healthier
- I need to exercise
- I need to demand respect
But, oh... if were only this easy. If I only knew what I wanted in more detail. Just wanting to be happy doesn't cut it. Apparently you need a plan for being happy.
I'm going to start by getting a haircut tommorow. We'll see where I go from there.
Scrum
My company hosted an outing for one of our vendor partners at a Chicago Wolves game tonight. I hadn't been to a Wolves game before and I really enjoyed the game. I also like this shot alot - particularly having caught an expression on one of the players faces.
Standing in snow
Yeh, so it was snowing again this morning. I started the day thinking I needed to meet a customer at my office, but I discovered halfway there that she wasn't going to come in today, but tommorow. It was probably for the best as we had a couple of tasks to finish in order to be ready for her to be productive during her visit (I offered to let her use our lab to test some system upgrades).
I don't know if the new meds are helping yet or not. I doubt if I'll ever know for sure.
Anyway, I took this shot of a lady standing on a corner. I don't know what she was waiting for. Several busses stopped and started and she didn't budge.
I don't know if the new meds are helping yet or not. I doubt if I'll ever know for sure.
Anyway, I took this shot of a lady standing on a corner. I don't know what she was waiting for. Several busses stopped and started and she didn't budge.
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