I wrote this on Sunday, May 11, 1997

Sunday May 11, 1997

Today I begin anew my goal of writing a journal for me and my posterity. I will not attempt to go back in time to relive past events, though this may occur as I freely write this journal. Instead I will dwell on the present. Of particular importance to me is to produce a journal that will give additional insight to myself, and also to provide information to others about who I am. This is not because I am particularly important. Instead, it is because I feel there is a definite benefit in having this information when determining what someone is like. I want you to know me, and I want to better understand myself.

I hope this is a successful endeavor.

Today is Mothers day 1997. Maija has been visiting us this week and today we celebrated her birthday and Mothers day with her. We had an interesting adventure that is worth noting. We went up into the mountains, through Provo canyon to a spot called Squaw point. Just as we arrived at the top there was this man para-gliding. He through his chute out to catch the wind and took off right in front of our eyes. Unfortunately, the wind pushed him back and slammed him into this solid rock wall. I swear I thought he was dead, or at least seriously paralyzed. It was such a tragedy. Luckily he was fine, and was talking and doing well. It was exciting and scary, and was a definite adventure.

In conclusion, as it is Mothers day I want to say something about my mother. Never in the history of the world has there been a better mother. Mom has always been so sweet and caring and has always sacrificed herself for the good and benefit of us children. I think what touches me most is that through all of the sacrifices, trials, and weaknesses she has had to face she has always kept us close. She has never pushed us away but has gathered us in under her wing to teach and uplift. Any weakness that she has had, any failure she may feel is hers, any opportunity she has given up, she has done so for her children. Gracious, kind, sacrificing, humble, faithful, honest, trustworthy—these are virtues that honestly and accurately describe my angel mother.

A Hoader's Christmas

‘Twas the night before Christmas,
And all through the house.
Lay a hot dirty mess,
Full of droppings of mouse.


The children were nestled,
In their beds oh-so-bare.
As they dreamt of the hoard,
And its mount of despair.


In the dark he appeared,
That big saint, Santa Claus.
He looked at the home,
Held his nose with a pause.


He peered down the chimney,
Down its sooty, black hole.
And knew in his heart,
This way he shant go.


The back door was jammed,
It simply was stuck.
Stacked with litter and trash,
Like an old garbage truck.


The windows were frosty,
Piles of junk strewn around.
Cobwebs in corners,
Food scraps on ground.


All around him was trash,
Up to his head, then some more.
He stepped on the rubbish,
That doubled as floor.


Something moved under foot,
Mice running fast on the go.
He sprinted outside,
And yacked in the snow.


He wiped the mess off,
And composed him anew.
But heaved one more time,
This time it was stew.


Back in the house,
He went to the tree.
To leave lots of presents,
For this hoarding family.


He cleared off a space,
Under that scant little tree.
And laid the gifts down,
For all them to see.


The deed was now done
The toys delivered with care.
He picked up the cookie,
And milk they left there.


The cookie he lifted,
To his mouth he did press.
Not realizing that he,
Was standing in dog mess.


“That’s the last straw”
Said the humble, old man.
And he wiped off his boots,
With some rusty old can.


With a twinkle in eye,
He said with a nod:
“I can do nothing for them,
Have mercy, dear God.”


He jumped in his sleigh,
He shot off to the border.
And yelled as he left,
“Merry Christmas dear hoarders”

Words of Life

I heard this poem first in 9th grade. My teacher read it and I was touched deeply by the words.

The Lake Isle Of Innisfree 


I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:
Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honeybee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the mourning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.
I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.


William Butler Yeats

I wrote this on June 29, 1997

This is turning out to be a great summer. First of all I have two great jobs, one at Restaurant Roy, the other at Seven Peaks. Both jobs have been really good about paying well and that is a relief to me.


This week I received word that I was awarded a scholarship for $1200.00 this academic year. It makes me so glad namely because I struggled for so long as a poor student and am now am seeing the rewards of being a good student. I love school and miss it very much this summer. Actually I am enrolled in one class this semester so I’m not missing it too much. This summer really is nice.


This week we went to Disney World and had such a blast. I will not endeavor to discuss it here but instead will do so in a lengthier journal Melanie and I will write.


Well, this week I don’t feel particularly moved to write so I will stop now. Ciao!

Love Letters to My Girls

Dearest Melanie,

Being away from you is so hard on me. You are everything to me. My advocate. My cheerleader. My counselor. My lover. My friend. You fill me with such hope and happiness. As long as we are together, I believe we can do great things.

Holding you this weekend gave me renewed energy and vive to keep moving forward. It’s tremendously hard and depressing being away from you, so that time together is so essential to me. It fills me, satisfies me, and reminds me why I’m doing this in the first place.

You have blessed me in so many ways. I know that I’m a better man because of you, and I hope that I can make you as happy as you make me.

I worry that sometimes I’m slow to show you love. That I’m more doting on the girlies. That I neglect you for them. If so, I’m sorry. I try to be a good husband and father, but I think it’s sometimes hard to be both at once. Hopefully you know how I feel; that you believe that I love you. That you know that I would do anything for you. That you’re continually in my prayers, and that you have fulfilled me completely and utterly.

I can’t wait to hold you again, to feel your loving arms and the comfort they bring. Until then, know that I love you and continually pray for you my sweet wife.

Dearest Abby,

My little Abby, I miss you so much! You’re the apple of my eye. You are so special, so unique, and so lovely in every way. I loved dancing with you tonight, and can’t help but think that someday I will be dancing with you at your wedding. That will be a bittersweet moment for me.

I can only find comfort in the fact that today you are mine, and that we can dance together and share our happiness and love together.

Abby, when you were a baby I blessed you to always be kind and loving to others. You’ve lived up to that blessing in every way possible. I hope you continue to always follow God and Jesus, and do what’s right at all times. Doing what is right will make it possible for us to all be together forever. Nothing matters more to me than that.

As much as it makes me sad to see you cry when I leave, it makes me happy to know that you love me that much. I have to tell you, I cry when I leave you too. I try to be tough and not show it, but I know exactly how you feel and can’t wait to see you again.

Give Mom a huge hug for me. Give Maddie a big kiss. And squeeze yourself and pretend that’s me holding you tight.

Dearest Madeline,


I want you to know that I love you so much. You are such a little princess, and I’m so lucky to be your Dad (and I guess that makes me a King too).

Spending time with you this weekend made me feel so happy. You are a joy to be around, and have such a sparkly personality. Everything you say or do is funny, and your personality is so happy and sweet. We’re all lucky to spend time with you each day.

I’m so proud of you for being so strong about stopping to suck your thumb. I know you love it so much, and that it gives you great comfort. I know it’s hard, which is why I’m so proud of you. You’re doing it! When I see you do great things like that, it makes me feel like I can do great things too.
You need to know that you’re prettier than any princess I’ve ever seen, and that Heavenly Father loves you so much – more than Mom, Abby, and Me. It’s hard to believe that someone could love you that much, but it’s true. No one loves you more on Earth than your family, and we’re one lucky family.

I love you my little Budsie. I love you so much.

My Dad

It’s funny what stands out to me these days. I know that there are hundreds, thousands of memories that I could share about you Dad. But these days I’m more touched by the memories that defined what it means to be a great Dad.

Some of these are like a colorful, pleasant collage. Here’s what I see.

You’re there in the football stadium bleachers or at the band concert, cheering me on. Next, you’re behind me as we hike on some long scout hike, probably with biting flies, but you don’t seem to mind. I also see you camping at the father’s and son’s campout, sitting with me around the fire. In another one you’re next to me helping me build a diorama of Hailey’s comet for the science fair – the comet looks funny, but it doesn’t matter - we did it together. In another picture you’re picking us up, honking the horn in your usual way to announce your arrival, taking us to your house for visits or to Dairy Queen for ice cream. One of my favorites is going to pick apples, and of course driving us around the orchard and letting us take the wheel. What fun!

But there are other images too. Harder. Less pleasant. But still important.

You’re giving mom the child support checks, week after week, year after year - they represent a lot of sacrifice, and none of the kids really understand how much. Another moment in time...you’re trying to decide how to stay in Ypsilanti so you can be near us, but the jobs in that area stink. No matter, you’re going to make it work - you need to be near your kids. In another we’re at Meijers. It’s back to school time, and you’re trying to figure out how to buy shoes for a bunch of kids on a tight budget. It means saying “no” to the fancy new shoes, and yes to the generic ones. You have to make it work, and you do.

A lot of people think being a Dad is easy, but it is actually very complicated. Like you, I want to provide the best that I can for my family. So we do mundane jobs, we make sacrifices, we put away our dreams, and we do it with a smile.

The older I get, the more I realize that the role of a Dad is to teach, train, guide, and lead. You cannot force your kids to be something that isn’t them. You can only recognize their potential and help them be the best they can be. You did that for me. You encouraged me to take a different path, and you supported me along the way. And I think it’s worked out for me. I’m happy and doing well for myself, in my own way. Without a parent who is willing to say “it’s ok to take your own path”, I don’t know that I would have done it. But you said it was ok, and you held my hand along the way.
I love you Dad with all of my heart. Thank you for the good you gave me, and for sheltering me through the storms of life. Thank you for being such a wise, thoughtful, talented Dad.

The Kennedy Christmas Poem

Twas the night before Christmas 

And one little mouse 

Was gathering his friends 

To run through our house. 

As they ate at our food and watched 

And ran at our feet 

I took in my hands 

An old baseball Cleat 

As I watched them move to 

I watched them move fro 

With swat on my hands 

I let that shoe go. 

Smack went the shoe 

Against the mouse head 

I laughed to myself 

And hoped it was dead. 

I looked at the corpse 

Dead on my floor 

And sat in my chair 

Waiting for more.

Twelve years ago Abby would...

Things I wrote down in March 2004 about my dear Abby!

Dear Sweetheart,

I thought I would take a minute to express how much I love you. I cannot believe you are a little over 2. If you could see yourslef, you would be amazed, as Mom and I are, at the level of intelligence and the depth of your spirit. You are doing things that I did not expect for a long time…it is a great blessing to be a witness to your life.

Each morning when Mom or I come into your room you say “good dreams.” I think that is because we always ask you if you had good dreams.

You say the funniest things:

• Watch raccoons 
• Mommy I love you… 
• Come on Daddy… 
• Sings “where oh where is shadow”, ring-around-the-rosie, wheels on the bus 
• Prayers, “Heavenly Father, thank you for this day, love mommy, love daddy, thank you for Jesus, name of Jesus, Amen.” 
• Maybe tomorrow 
• Please (making the sign language) 
• Elephant behind the TV 
• Dolly wants Disney 
• You are such a good talker. So smart. 
• Dinosaur shakes 
• Barney & ernie 
• Dolly 
• Haircuts 
• Baths 
• Play with play doh and draw 
• Watching TV 
• Somersaults 
• Hide and seek 
• “Do you have any crackers?” I don’t have any crackers! 
• Dora the Explorer 

Bedtime routine: brush your teeth, prayer, music (muffin man music), white blankie, doggie blanky, elmo blanky, and yellow banky”

Breakfast of cereal; help mommy get your makeup on; alwasys wants to help with the chores (including the silverware)

Read books (parts, pirates, )

Abby pooped in the potty for the first time – twice in the same day – on Wednesday May 12.

Abbs told me a cute story the other day…Once upon a time there was a girl named abby. She played games. The end. We have a lot of fun telling stories together.

Yesterday, May 16, Abby seemed really quiet. I kept asking her what was wrong, but she wouldn’t say. Finally, she said really quietly to me, “I’m angry”. It was really cute.

Abby got her first water wings in Las Vegas on May 11, 2004. She loved to wear them and play, and is a real water lover.

Daisy

A yawn and a sleep
and a lay lay lay
That's how Daisy and I
Spend our day

A lick and a leap
And a run run run
That's how Daisy and I
Play in the sun

A yip and a bark
And a bite bite bite
That's how Daisy and I
Spend the night

A letter to Maddie

Dearest Maddie,

Hi. At certain times it’s good just to drop you a little note. So much has happened lately for you, and it would be a shame to let it pass by without a note or two from your Dad.

You are quite a wonderful girl, Maddie. You are bright and cheery. I’m amazed at how quickly you’ve gone from toddler to girl. It seems like just yesterday you were learning to walk and talk. Now, at 5 you are just doing it all. I think Mom and I are most amazed at your drive and determination. It seems like overnight you’ve learned that you can do anything with enough time and practice.

Like riding your bike. One night we were outside and you saw Campbell riding her bike. A switch went off, and immediately you wanted to try it. So we pumped up Abby’s bike tires and got you practicing. You just wanted to keep on doing it. Literally in a matter of minutes you were zipping up and down the street. You couldn’t get enough of your little purple bike. It was so awesome to witness you take it on head first.

Same with reading. When I first started teaching you to read, probably a year ago, you were just a crazy little kid. It was so hard focusing you on the words. It must have been boring to you. But now, a year later you are a little reading wiz. Last night we sat up in the flower chair in our bedroom and you zipped through 15 lessons in less than an hour. You didn’t even need me there; you were just reading and practicing your sounds. But I was glad I was there - I loved holding you and watching you grow right before my eyes

The monkey bars were the same thing. You wanted to do monkey bars, but couldn’t for the longest time. Remember how frustrating it was for you? Then one day – breakthrough! You could do them, no problem. What changed? I don’t know. Everything and nothing. But you told yourself you could do it, and with enough work you were able to do it Maddie.

It was the same with learning to ride your scooter and learning to swim. Neither was easy, but once you figured it out you just loved it.

As your Dad, it’s not so much about the actual activity; it’s about the qualities that make it happen: hard work, confidence, persistence, and practice. Even last night as we were at a badminton tournament for my work, you wanted to learn to hit the birdie. It’s not easy. It requires timing and coordination – something kids don’t always have a lot of. But you stood there with your little racket and swung and swung and swung at that little birdie. Even one of the other Dads said “she is so determined”.

Maddie, I want you to know that I am so grateful you’re my daughter. When I think of the waiting for you to come, and the realization that you might not be here had a miracle not happened scares me. Our lives would have been so different. But you are here, and you are part of our family. And we’re all better because of it.

You are a special girl. You have so much to offer the world. You have talents and abilities that are unique and awesome. God saved his choicest daughters to come to the Earth in these last days, and you and Abby are perfect examples of that.

Please know that I love you with all of my heart. You are so beautiful, smart, talented, and thoughtful. I pray that God’s choicest blessings will be with you forever, my dear, sweet daughter.

Love,

Dad

Vacuum, Vacuum

The other day Mel was driving with the girls and listening to Natalie Merchant. The song "Thank you" came on, and they all were singing. But Mel noticed that they were singing it a little differently.

The usual chorus of:

I want to thank you, thank you...

Became

I want to Vacuum, Vacuum.

Hilarious little moment with the girls.

The Seven Trials of Love

I decided this weekend that I'm going to create a literal "trial of fire" that I'm going to put possible suitors for my babies through prior to approving any requests for a hand in marriage. (This is in addition to a background and credit check) Yes, I know this is a while off, but there's no time like the present to plan ahead. While this is a placeholder, I'm more than happy to take suggestions for how I can literally test someone on these (I've got a couple of ideas already, but would love yours).

THE SEVEN TRIALS OF LOVE - A PROCLAMATION OF FATHERHOOD

Young men of the world, behold and listen! Any and all who desire to win the heart and mind of my daughters must pass "The Seven Trials of Love" before you are deemed worthy of such an honor and responsibility. You will be tested and measured at the time and place of my choosing on these merits.

Faithfulness – do you love my daughter with all of your heart, and will cling to her and none else all of your days?

Righteousness – do you love God and your fellow men and cling to the truth of the Gospel?

Intelligence – are you wise to the things of the world and the ways of the streets?

Courage – are you willing to defend those you love, even in the face of dangerous threats?

Creativity – are you unique and interesting, or dull and boring?

Prosperity – do you have the drive, ambition, and intellect necessary to earn a suitable living?

Humor – do you make her laugh?

Only the man who has shown himself able to pass these may ask for my daughter’s hands in marriage. Let he who is worthy approach!

Spy Girls

This morning Mel and I lay in bed, enoying the opportunity to sleep in. As I began to stir, I could hear the girls laughing and giggling downstairs. Of course they didn't bother us (thanks girls), but of course I was interested to know what they were doing. So when I got downstairs, I was surprised and delighted to see how creative and crafty they had been.

They had become...the Spy Girls. Mission: Spy on Mom and Dad. Here's what I saw:

Communicator - tethered high-fi communication device for communicating between spies only.

Spy camera - micro-camera, used for spying on Mom or Dad when working in the office. See the pic of the girls above...that little white thing hanging on the door...that's the camera. I barely could see it!

Finally, for transportation they built this - Part car, part airplane, part boat - all weapon.

A conversation

As Maddie and I were walking around the Polynesian resort the other night our conversation went something like this:

"What are your dreams, Maddie?"

"Oh, I have a lot of dreams. I think alot about my dreams, and I really really want them to come true. Sometimes when I think about my dreams I can't sleep, I'm just thinking about them. They are special to me, so special. And I always want to believe in my dreams, always."

She then told me that one of her dreams was that Peter Pan would come.

This is as much as I can remember.

But, I will say this: She was so passionate and deliberate in her voice that it took me by surprise and reminded me that I really have a special little lady here. I was totally taken aback, really. It was one of those short coversations that you wish could last a lifetime.

I'm so fortunate to have such amazing girls :)

About the Sabbath...

Today while I was feeding the girls breakfast at the bar, Maddie said, "Sunday's are boring. We never do anything fun."

Trying to be a good dad I sad, "We have fun, just a different kind of fun."

And she said,"yeah, like God fun."

It totally made me laugh. Yeah, I guess on Sundays we have God fun.

My Little Girls’ Purse

I love being a father to girls, and I love the sweet innocence of my two lovely daughters. As a father, often I will end up carrying their little purse. And many times they will show me the sweet inner working of their purse. When they do, I marvel at the sweet simplicity of my girls, the innocence of their childhood. I wish I could press pause, that I could freeze these moments in time. That their little girl purses would never change. That they would always be full of innocent things. That they would never have lipstick, pictures of boys, cell phones, car keys, and credit card. But it isn't possible. So I decided to write a simple poem, which I rarely attempt (and even more rarely succeed in). It is from my heart, and it's my acknowledgement that someday they will grow up. But today they are mine, and this poem is also a reminder to me to treasure each day, each moment.

My Little Girls' Purse

Someday a ladies purse,
You’ll carry, you see.
That’ll prove that you’ve made it,
That’ll show you’re so free.

But today you’re a girl.
My daughter, so fair.
And when I look in your purse.
I see girl things in there.

A white blankie to hold,
While you fall fast asleep.
A little girl doll,
To play with and keep.

There’s a little fake phone,
For the call that’s not there.
And Scriptures to read,
Of His sweet gentle care.

I see erasers and pencils,
To write and to draw.
And a little stuffed animal,
With soft padded paws.

There are coinies, and gum sticks,
And stickers and lace.
There are buttons and candies
Such things in that space!

The colors are bright,
The items so sweet.
Everything’s in there,
So quiet and neat.

When I look at your purse,
I think “Life’s moving fast.
How I wish it weren’t so
How I wish this would last.”

So let’s hurry less, darling,
Time's moving so fast.
Let’s wait, let’s not rush it,
So quickly it’ll pass.

So come here, come sit,
Bring your purse and let’s play.
And forever remember,
The joy of today.

Someday life will be hectic,
It happens to all.
But today little sweetie,
Let’s play with your dolls.

Two funny things...

During Family Home Evening (which Maddie calls Family Home Meeting), we asked the girls to name some kind things they could do for others. Among other things, Maddie says:

"Bring back someone from deadness."

Hilarious.

Today while Maddie was talking to Mel in the bathroom while she did her hair, Maddie said, " I want a hammock." Then she says, "Hold on, I have to go in here and tell myself a secret." She goes into the closet, closes the door, and begins talking to herself. Melanie could hear the whole thing.

She's a dreamer and a creative kid. And she's laugh out loud funny!

Comic Con 2010 Report

Had a really fun time at Comic Con this year. I love the creative energy and general geek goodness that goes on. Some of the highlights for me:

Roaming the exhibition floor is one of my favorite things to do. There is so much to see and take it. The people watching is very fun. I always wonder about the people who walk around wearing really intense outfits - dressed as Batman, Master Chief, or hundreds of other characters - it just seems so very hot and uncomfortable. But I realized that these people really like the attention and like to be looked at. They like to feel like they are with their own people...I think we can all relate.

Plus, I love the different sections of the floor. The big production studio sets are always really cool and fun...interesting swag and things to see. For instance, today at the Warner Bros booth was the cast of Green Latern. But equally cool are the smaller, more independent sections where graphic artists and comic book artists hang out and show off and sell their work. I did my best to not buy any more prints, since Mel reminded me that I have a whole stack of them that are yet to be framed. But I'm constantly amazed at the level of creativity and sheer talent. I also really love the small toy manufacturers, for much of the same reason.

For some reason I also really like to wander through the autograph sections to see all of the has-beens hanging out waiting to pick up $20 here or there for an autographed picture from fans. These are stars from the 70s-80s-90s who are well passed their prime. Lindsey Wagner (Bionic Woman), Erin Gray (Buck Rogers), Dirk Benedict (A-team), and tons of others, sitting behind a card table hoping that a few fans will see them. For me, I like to simply watch them...no longer beautiful or in demand - they look so ordinary. But I remember them when they were the big deals, and it's a reminder that we all have our glory days, and that even the beautiful people lose their luster in time. It's both funny and sad at the same time.

For me, the big events in Hall H are what it's all about. Today I saw some great panels, highlighed by Green Latern. Looks very cool. Honestly, I am not a huge fan...but it looks like a great comic book movie, and the energy was great. Favorite moment was when a little kid...must've been five, asked Ryan Reynolds "What does it feel like to recite the Green Lantern's Oath." He said, "It sounds like this," and began to recite it.

"In Brightest day, in blackest night
No evil shall escape my sight
Let those who worship evil's might
Beware my power...Green Lantern's light!"

Boom! The crowd went nuts, and they panned to the little kid who was just standing there looking amazed. It was a fun moment.

Also saw some great Harry Potter footage and the preview for a movie called Sucker Punch. The other day I sat through the Stallone movie preview for "The Expendables" as well as a movie called "Don't be afraid of the Dark". Saw previews for "The Other Guy", and a bunch of other stuff (I wish Wil Ferrel weren't so crude, because he can be very funny).

But I believe the point is that I really like the feeling of seeing stuff first. I also like the energy in the Hall. And it is fun to hear about how these movies are made. It's always fun to me, and if the other stuff weren't so good I'd sit in Hall H the entire time.

What I don't like. I felt like there was a level of crudeness and profanity that I had not heard before, and I don't like that. I walked out of the Penn & Teller show...they gave me a bad feeling, and the language was very offensive. It is also a good reminder that the Hollywood types are not good people. They are not people to look up to. Although this is something I've felt for years, it's a good reminder. Don't get me wrong...I like the charaters and their portrayals a lot of the time; but I do not respect the people who portray them. It also made me uncomfortable to see these people idolized and to see so many other people (6,000, to be precise) get so excited by every words that came out of their mouth. There is nothing overtly special about these people...and yet there's an element of hero worship that goes on that made me concerned and frankly disappoints me.

As I said, I really didn't like the celebs...with three exceptions this time. I really liked Ryan Reynolds...seemed like a good guy. Also, I really liked the kid who plays Malfoy in Harry Potter. Seemed so excited to be there, very gracious, and like he had his head on straight. And I thought the Director for Scott Pilgrim was hilarious...maybe a little crazy, but hilarious at the same time.

Final thoughts:

I think I need a year off from The Con. Not that I don't like it, I do. But it's super crowded, not relaxing at all, and the offerings didn't seem very novel to me. I think I probably need to take a break from it and go back in 2012 to relight that spark.

Celebrity watch this time on the floor yielded: Wesley Snipes (Blade), Michal Dorn (Worf), Brent Spiner (Data), Marina (Trois, from TNG), the big tall guy who played Chewbacca, Ryan Reynolds, Elizabeth Mitchell, the Alien lady from "V", Blake Lively, etc, and Sergent Slaughter (from G.I. Joe fame). These are the people I was within feet of. The rest I saw from a distance.

I need to book my hotel early...being so far away made it all less intimate and real. I like walking down to it, grabbing some food with Mel, and spending a day there. So I think I need to plan better ahead to stay at the Westin or something.

Did I like going alone. Yes and no. It works fine when I'm just goofing around looking at stuff - I can't imagine many people would get as jazzed to look at the diorama featuring the G.I. Joe figures or Marvel Universe figures as I do. Don't get me wrong...obviously I would love the company; but this little experiment told me it's not necessary. That said, if anyone wants to go in 2012, let me know!

`Nuff Said.

Catching up...

It's been a while since I've written on the old blog. Some random catching up.

Kennedy Family Reunion

Almost 2 years of planning and waiting were worth it. I think the first official Kennedy Reunion was a smashing hit. Fun and laughter dominated the party, and the level of drama was low. Success!

Highlights include:

For me, the Kennedy Jeopardy game was a real highlight. Mom had pulled together a bunch of great questions and it was a laugh fest for all of us to relive some of the finer times of our growing up. The rat incident, famous Christmas poem, etc...great memories of some hard times.

As silly as it sounds to people, playing Xbox with the Bros is just a really fun way to spend the night. It was like going back in time when we were younger playing Atari. Plus, it's fun to put a knife in a brothers gut, virtually :)

We watched the Jedi academy stage show (one of my favorites) and afterwards stumbled upon Darth Vader for a photo op. It was really cool to stand next to him and have him choke me with the force. Very fun and a cool memory for all of us to get photos with him.

Riding Tower of Terror with all of my siblings was a real treat. A great thrill ride for the Kennedy's to enjoy. The only thing that would have made it any more special would have been if we were all kids doing it. But that would have only made it more "magical", not more fun.

Playing in the pool at night, with the pretty waterfall next to us was great. I know that Mom especially liked stretching her leg out. The Kennedy water olympics were entertaining, and watching Nate and Jake fight it out in a throw down wrestling match never gets old.

For my bros and sisters who read this blog, what were your favorite moments?

Writing class

My "writing for children" class wrapped up this week, and I must say that I really enjoyed it. It was a great mid-week distraction for me, and pushed some fun creative buttons for me. Plus, I think I have some great starting points for some good stories that I could develop. I have often said that I don't really have 'talents' as many people think about them, but I can see developing this muscle a little more to see what happens. It's not going to replace my full time work, but it would be a good way to relax.

Working out

My buddy Harry and I have been going to work out at the Pro Club for more than a month, and it's been fun to get into the groove of it. It feels good to release some tension 2-3 times a week and work this flabby body. I don't look a lot different, but the scale says I've lost 6 lbs. Not much...would be a lot better if I adjusted my diet more. I think that will be the next step for me. Right now I just want to have a routine and get over my fears of trying. Now that I'm developing that, it will be easier to make bigger and bigger changes in the coming weeks and months.

Notes about Maddie

Yesterday Maddie and I were going to gymnastics (Bimnastics, as Maddie says it). She was telling me about the Shrek 3 commercial she saw, and she said the Fat Cat was sitting on the neck of the Eeyore. Eeyore? Oh, she meant the donkey. So cute.

My Writing Class

I'm taking a writing class at the local community college. It's called "Writing for Children", and it's a funny experience to be doing something like this. First, it's basically me and a bunch of women although last night two other guys were there. Second, the writing style and approach is totally different from what I normally write - which is the point.

Each night our teacher gives us an introductory sentence and then gives us 10 mins to write a quick story. Here are my first attempts; the bold sentence is what she gives us.

Story #1

She was surprised to see it there in a tree. There are no such things as fairies. She knew that. Yet there in front of her, sleeping in a branch of the tree was a fairy. It was the size of a butterfly and looked as light as a feather. She had a leaf covering her like a blanket. Her wings, tucked beneath her, shimmered in the sunligh and her little blond hair fell down her shoulders.

Maddie took her hat and put it gently under the fairy, covering her quickly with her other hand.

Instantly she felt her wings flutter under her hand, and then a sweet little voice:

"Please, please let me go."

"What is your name?" Maddie asked gently, and "Where did you come from?"

"My name is Abby, and I am a fairy princess from the kingdom of ____. Last night I was flying home when a terrible storm blew me off course and landed me here in this tree. When daylight came I fell asleep, as all fairies do. I am lost, cold, hungry and scared. Won't you please help me?" She pleaded.

Maddie's heart beat faster. She loved reading fantasies and adventures, and she was on the brink of having her own.

"Of course I will, Princess Abby. Let's get you to my room where I'll get you nice and warm."

She carried the little visitor carefully into her room. It was hard to know what Mom would say, and that's why this must be kept a secret.

Story #2

What was that crunching sound? She couldn't see a foot in front of her in the dark of the dungeon, but the sounds under her feet told her that was a good thing. Were they bones? Bugs? Or worse? The best thing to do was to press on. Much was at stake, and if she failed now He would win.

Her mind flashed back a mere 12 hours ago, a lifetime it seemed. The day had been such a normal birthday. Friends, fun, cake, and presents. Totally normal. Until it arrived. That box. That dreaded box.

It had arrived from her Uncle Fizz. Great old Uncle Fizz. He was looney, that was well known. The black sheep of the family. Always a little on the outside, always a little different. But she felt that way too in this family of overachievers sometimes, and they had always been close as a result.

Looney and quirky was one thing...but in danger too? She would never have guessed it.

When the package arrived, she assumed it was for her. There was no name, and it was her birthday after all. And even though Uncle Fizz was never on time with anything in his own life, he always sent her a special package every year. Why would this year be different?

Had she known what it contained and where it would lead her, she would have run the other way. She never would have guessed that opening the box would lead her her - a normal 12-year-old girl - into this predicament. It was hard to believe; and yet, here she was.

"This way" he called.

She looked over to see her best friend and partner in crime, Jack. She couldn't do it alone, and she was glad he was here. The one person she could trust. The one person who never let her down. She was lucky to have Jack, especially on an adventure of a lifetime.