In Beamer we trust.

This last weekend was a tough one for loyal Hokie fans. They surprisingly lost to ECU in the last few minutes on account of a blocked punt turned into a TD. We all knew this season would be a difficult one, but nobody really expected to lose the very first one. At first I was nothing but disappointed, looking for quick solutions to get the team back on the road to glory. But then I remembered that it's not my call, and Hokies have more faith than that.

I think what has drawn me to this team, aside from sheer amusement and talent, is their character. We win like Hokies and we lose like Hokies - with class and character. The easy thing to do would be blame coaches, question decisions and make the quick fix. Pull the redshirt off of Tyrod Taylor and trade shifts with Glennon. But they still have a whole season to find their rhythm and cohere. I'm sure Beamer put plenty of thought into his decisions, so I'll just shut up and support the team. Then. Now. To come. GO HOKIES!

As the dust settles

Today was my lazy day. I hardly did anything at all, much less leave my apartment all day, but it balances out with the rest of the crazy weekend I had going on. How better to cap it all off than tell the story?

I've got a brand new baby nephew now, Laurence Ryan Sexton. It's an amazing reminder of how small they start since it's been 2 years and change since I held a baby that size. And he's a totally clean slate right now, a whole story ahead to write.

I spent lots of my time wrangling Leah and trying to keep her entertained/distracted so other things would go smoothly. But she did get to spend some time with her little brother and is already very protective of him. I think it's gonna be especially interesting seeing a similar little-brother-big-sister pairing from the outside.

I also forgot how little we make home-cooked meals when a baby comes. Nearly 100% of eatings were bought elsewhere. Let's see if I can remember them all: 5 Guys, Chevy's, Panda Express, Wendy's, Uno's, Dunkin Donuts, Blimpie, Chipotle... I forget what else, but I'm surely 10# heavier.

I guess bad timing and seniority came into play a few times because I wasn't getting much arm-time with the kid. Some people only had one day there, then feedings and check-ups and other stuff was postponing me. But things settled enough that I got the time I was waiting for. Not sure if I'm the first to sing to him, but I'm surely the first to sing him a Skynyrd song. Actually, I played him the Shinedown cover of "Simple Man," but it's still very moving.

Homecoming was yesterday and all were very happy to be there, including Chris' spine on account of the craptastic chair-bed. I stuck around to make sure things were settled, then left the family to themselves for some peace and quiet. Of course further peace and quiet will come on the whim of their two children now. God help them. I am very happy to be back at my own home and working on my own schedule.

Blogger is being retarded about posting these pictures, but here's one for warm-up, and there will be hundreds more to follow. Ciao.

Blogger, meet Twitter. Twitter, Blogger.

I have recently been reeled in by the strange charm of Twitter and its microblogging ways. All thru the weekend I kept thinking of things I wanted to put on there, but haven't figured out the texting avenue just yet. So what follows are the short versions that would otherwise appear here:

Just because the Wii is kid-friendly doesn't mean it doesn't cheat - it just cheats and smiles.

I do not need to go out west to find a nice farm girl.

There's no nap quite like a Foof-nap.

Leah can kinda do figure-8s if you give her a bo staff... or retired curtain rod. Watch the crap out.

If dinner includes Buffalo Wings University, I'm in.

Saw the new Batman flick - it rocked. Leftover wings sat in my car - it smells great in there!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2?! Seriously....?

Bookbaaaaag? C'mere!........ please? (Frick!)

It's getting hot in here...

So shut the hell up now!

Our AC at the office is busted, at least the unit that blows over the larger, busier half of the gym. I personally called the mechanic and saw him come out to scope things. He told me our compressor (which is apparently 15 years old or something) is shot, and they won't have it around until next Wednesday. This is awesome... and by "awesome" I mean sucktastic. Not only does it mean I get to sit at my desk in the hot corner of the gym, staring at the rising thermostat in bitterness... BUT I also get to answer the same stupid questions from all the gym members!

"It's kinda warm in here today. Can we turn the AC up a little?"
"Do those ceiling fans over there work?"
"What's wrong with the AC?"
"When will you guys get things fixed for us?"
"Why is it taking so long to fix the AC?"

I had originally posted a note on our dry-erase board that was polite and apologetic, asking for patience while we sorted things out. Now the note has been edited into, "HOT? Broken part is coming next week. -CMR" Doesn't that say it all? It's not our fault, we're no more comfortable than you, it's not like we just haven't noticed, and we're not actively trying to screw you over! I was ecstatic today when one of the patients empathized for us employees, realizing we had to be here 8+ hrs. So I'm not crying for any fitness members that come in for 45 mins, whine half the time, then get to go home. Fuck off.

Here's how bad it is: Mike and I are wearing shorts until this gets fixed. Now if only we could sip pina coladas too...

Little things

I've been pretty behind on blogging lately, plus Nikki's last post has me trying to focus on some of the good things I've seen lately. For me, it really doesn't take too much, but I'm happy to find those moments of joy regardless. For example, my yogurt this morning... was fantastic. Usually it's just yogurt - y'know, whatever. But today the stars aligned and I tasted the best cup of cherry yogurt I'd ever had. It was still nice and cool, not warmed up from sitting in my backpack during my drive. It had the perfect consistency, nothing messy, chunky, drippy or anything unpleasant - friggin' sweet!

My old Physio-phriend Renee has been back in town, so I'm very happy to get time to hang with her. Monday night had several of us meeting in Fells Point at a cool little tavern called Duda's. Many drinks and laughs were had. Last night she stopped by the office, got the VIP tour, cooed over our boss' nearly 1-yr old son, then the 3 of us (son went home with Mama Schiller) went out for a little dinner. Nothing really fancy - just some good eats, a couple adult beverages and playing catch up.

That reminds me: with Independence Day coming up, everyone asks what my plans are, and it's become really simple. I decided that I only need 3 ingredients: a hot grill, a cold drink and good company. But in addition to holiday fun-ness, this weekend is also where it's at for Leah's 2nd birthday party, so that's gonna be rockin' times! I'm still shocked that it's been 2 years, and she's learned so much become so much fun and such a target of pride. I already know a post-party nap will be in store.

Renee might swing thru town again on Sunday before heading to NY. I still owe her a home-cooked dinner to prove my (non-)practiced kitchen skills, so maybe that'll happen then. That also means I need to clean my place up like crazy. Now.... who do I know... that likes to clean? :P

Later, y'all. Everyone have a safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday weekend. To end with a Simpsons quote, “Celebrate the birth of your country by blowing up a small part of it." Amen!

Lord, beer me strength...

I'm not typically one to complain... except that I totally am. Whatever. Lots been going on at work, some frustrating, some crazy, some just hilarious. I feel like Capt. Reynolds on a Firefly episode, claiming that I could use a little more boredom. Perhaps I'd just complain just as much. Anywho...

Mike has started up an early-morning class for the summer, so that means I get to show up at 7:00 to open the gym up. This means I also have to wake up at 5:30 in order to make a timely arrival. Even worse are the fitness members demanding that I show up at 6:45 for them to get an early start. I have the key and you don't - you lose. Nikki has a wiener-punching approach that sounds good in theory, but.....

Aside from grossly adjusting my sleep schedule, my body hasn't exactly been kind to me in my attempts to exercise. I've had a couple dizzy-spells of varying severity, and prolonged muscle cramping. This is strange since I've worked out several times before and felt nothing but great. Plus, how frustrating is it that I'm an EXERCISE SPECIALIST and I can't even get my act together. But I'm trying. And if I reach strike 3, I will consult a doctor. I've already got one of my patients calling me a retard for not having done so yet. Thanks, Pam.

And one of our cardiac patients surely topped himself today. I've already mentioned JP before about having some entertaining moments of mumbled honesty. He doubled us over with laughter a few weeks ago when explaining why he couldn't eat or drink whatever he wanted: his wife. We reminded him that he's a grown man and can do what he wants, but he replied with a hint of fear, "But she weighs more than me!" Ooooooh JP.... So yeah, today he couldn't find his car keys. I tell him I'll go look around outside a little later. Then I soon find out they're still in the ignition... engine running.... doors locked. All got fixed in the end, but I still worry about him, who can't even keep his days and visits straight.

To balance out my expressed woes and all with some joy, I'll simply post a new picture. My niece makes me incredibly happy and I'm pretty sure I do the same for her. This should serve as proof. Later, y'all.

Brinner is served!

I think everyone has had brinner at one point or another. Y'know, breakfast for dinner... brinner! There's something oddly appealing about breaking those meal boundaries, and I made the most of it tonight. Check this menu out:

Scrambled eggs mixed with bites of honey ham, topped with a melty slice of provolone cheese
Perfectly browned sausage links
Toasted cinnamon raisin English muffin with apricot preserves
Tall glass of smooth Sunny D

Man. Oh. Man. My kitchen skills aren't very extensive, but I do pull off a few impressive dishes. Now tell me you read all that and didn't suddenly want some brinner of your own.