Called in

Outside of my children being born, I've never missed work unexpectedly. Well, maybe once back in 1999 in Urbandale when I couldn't get off the shitter. But that's the only other time. I hate it when people call in sick. I understand when people are really sick, but you know people call in when they're not sick. Lazy bastards. I've been a "boss" far too long already. When people call in, I never believe them. Bottom line is, the work has to get done. When you're not there, the slack has to be picked up.

I wasn't sick this time, Ellen was. Our power was out on top of it all. So here's Ellen barfing in the middle of the night, and we can't turn the lights on to see her. Poor thing. The power outage extended into the next day (yesterday). Our baby sitter is right next door, so her power was out as well. Stacey had to get some work done, so that left me having to call in. I hated to do it, but what can you do? I ended up paying dearly for it today as I knew I would.

Xmas is coming

Well, Thanksgiving came and went. And here comes Xmas. Another insane time of the year. We'll pack up the family truckster and scour the state with our two daughters and every fathomable piece of clothing and child rearing equipment in tow. Our van bursting at the seams, we'll arrive with crying children. We'll take an hour to unload the van, a day to get acclimated, just to turn around and go home the next day. I love the holidays, I really do, but next year I swear to all of you, I'm not doing it anymore. That is, unless Stacey makes me of course.

Mara continues to expand her vocabulary. She even has a favorite song she likes to sing. She's said a few naughty words that she's heard along the way. Her first swear word was the grand-daddy of them all. I was on the phone with Stacey with the girls in the van. I realized I forgot something at home. I said "Aw F**k." Without missing a beat Mara repeated it perfectly. I tried not to laugh, and did a good job for the most part. But, I did giggle a little. Speaking of giggling, what is it about farting that makes us giggle. This is something I've been pondering for quite some time lately. I ponder these things because it's painful to think about things I normally think about outside of my wife and kids. Biking, hmmm. Not riding much. Chicago Bears, hmmm, Suck. Iowa State Cyclones, hmmm, REALLY SUCK. Work, busier than a one legged man in an ass kicking contest (quote stolen from Mr. Roy Ritter, bless his soul).

Ellen is amazing. She's developed quite the temper. It's different than Mara's. Mara is whiny when she's mad. Ellen is just flat out pissed off. Take that toy away and I'll make you regret it kinda mad.

We had an ice storm last weekend. At the height of my wisdom, I decided to hand Xmas lights outside. I decided it had to be done. I already had a lighted Snoopy in the front yard, but needed to add more. I went with Icicle lights this year. They look pretty damn good I must say. I'd love one of those giant blow up snowmen for the front yard. Sure they're cheesy, but the kids (and I) would love it. And isn't that what it's all about after all.

Gotta go to work for a little while tomorrow. I think I'll ride in. Putting on the fat knobbies for snowy fun.

Threw in this photo for the hell of it. It's a picture I like of me and by siblings. I miss you guys. See ya soon.