Proud Father

When you have kids, you don't have any idea how things are going to turn out. You do your best when it comes to education, entertainment, religion, friends, family and responsibility, but at the end of the day, you just don't know how things are going to turn out.
Of all the goods and bads that exist in the wonderful world of parenting, I think that worrying about how your kids will turn out is the most ever-present fret.
That said, every once in a while, your kids do something that makes your heart swell with pride and gives you hope that maybe, juuuuusssst maybe, things will turn out okay.
Yesterday, my beautiful daughter Marion did one of those somethings.
For the last few years, she's been playing the flute. It took her quite a while to start getting "good" (my opinion). This year, she's made a marked improvement in her playing. It's been fun to watch (and listen) to her get better.

At the beginning of the school year, she signed up for Solo and Ensemble recital. Her (wonderful) Aunt Billie (yes, that Aunt Billie) signed up to help Marion by being her accompanist in the song.

Over the last several weeks, they've been practicing together every chance they get, and Marion has been practicing even more at home.

I don't recall ever seeing her pour herself into anything more than she has this recital.
Thinking about it, I think there are a couple of reasons for her effort: She's growing up and taking more responsibility (please God, let that be true), she likes to do things that make her parents happy (she's always been a people pleaser)...but most of all, I think the thing that has driven her the most is working with and pleasing her Aunt Billie (yes, that Aunt Billie).
So, all that hard work came to a head yesterday when they had their recital in front of one of the teachers. This seemed like a pre-test for the final grading that comes next week.

For their efforts, they received a 1!!!! SQUEEE!!! (I'm so proud)

I would be remiss if I didn't gush kudos on my darling SIL (yes, that SIL) for her hard work in her part of the duet. She is playing the piano part of the song that they are performing.
Mind you, she's not played the piano (other than for family) in 14 years or so (goodness, she must be getting old!!!). She's done a remarkable job getting back into it after sooooo very many years! (hehehe).
Seriously, thanks Billie! (yes, THAT Billie!)

Doctors Orders

A middle management executive has to take on some sport by his doctor's orders, so he decides to play tennis.

After a couple of weeks his secretary asks him how he's doing.

"It's going fine," the manager says. "When I'm on the court and I see the ball speeding toward me, my brain immediately says, 'To the corner! Back hand! To the net! Smash! Go back!'"

"Really? What happens then?" the secretary asks.

"Then my body says, 'Who? Me? You must be kidding!'"

950,663,000

Nine hundred fifty MILLION six hundred sixty three thousand miles!
That's how far the earth has traveled in it's path around the sun since January 11, 1969....the day I was born.
That's a big number (pick one..the miles traveled or the 39 years I've been around!)

39...Dear Lord! That's like, almost 40! Couple that with the fact that I know have two teenagers living in my house and I've got one foot in the GRAVE!!!!

950596000

67,000 more miles to go.
Anyone have to go to the bathroom?

950529000

getting bigger...and at a rate of 67,000 miles per hour!
Inconceivable!

948921000

whew...that's a big number....and climbing!

947313000

And counting.....

New Hero

First, there was Superman. Then Batman. Next came Spiderman. This summer, Iron Man is going to be released.
All cool, and all superheroes...however, none can compare with this story:

An 11-year-old boy demonstrated The Force when he defended his mom by hitting an attacker with a toy lightsaber.

11-year-old boy.
Defended mom.
Used a (toy) LIGHTSABER!!!

How cool is that?

Talk, Dream, Resolve

Indexed is one of my favorite blogs.
Today, she posted a New Years Day Index that I really liked:


Walk Your Talk
Work Your Plan
Live Your Dream

2008

blah, blah, blah...Happy New Year...blah, blah, blah

No, seriously....Happy New Year.
Here's to hoping that 2008 brings you all the desires of your heart!