 |
| From Hollands at Home |
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Nice hiding spot
Sometimes, Max will open the corner cabinet in our kitchen and plop himself down inside. On occasion, he goes in there to pout. Other times, he does it to be cute. Either way it's amusing, but only one is worthy of a picture.
Another chance for right decision
Column originally published Nov. 17, 2009
In May, I used this space to suggest the federal government use the 1,600 vacant maximum security beds at the Thomson Correctional Center to house detainees currently stationed at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
I wasn't the first person to make this argument, nor was I the last. But I was nevertheless tickled pink Saturday and Sunday when the front page of the Chicago Tribune proclaimed the plan is under consideration.
As I wrote in May, I would hope we are the only state in the union with an asset like the Thomson prison, a state-of-the-art super maximum security prison with a capacity of 1,600 that has never been used. President Obama helped create this problem. He was in the General Assembly when lawmakers decided to build the Thomson prison, and also when the state couldn't find money to open the facility.
Even after Obama ascended to Capitol Hill, Springfield was still fumbling year after year with the Thomson problem, considering everything from closing old prisons and moving inmates to leasing the facility to the federal government or other states. None of those actions ever came to fruition, although the people of Pontiac got rightly angered when their prison was on the chopping block.
The prison was built because the other maximum security facilities exceed capacity. But just like everything else in Illinois, there is not enough money to follow the common sense course of action — ease overcrowding elsewhere by opening Thomson.
I won't rehash the entire argument. But as a journalist who worked near Thomson, and an American with scores of in-laws who could drive to the prison's front door in less than 30 minutes, I'm painfully aware that something needs to change. Somehow, some way, Illinois lawmakers owe it to the state's taxpayers to get this prison open.
Continue reading "Another chance for right decision."
In May, I used this space to suggest the federal government use the 1,600 vacant maximum security beds at the Thomson Correctional Center to house detainees currently stationed at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
I wasn't the first person to make this argument, nor was I the last. But I was nevertheless tickled pink Saturday and Sunday when the front page of the Chicago Tribune proclaimed the plan is under consideration.
As I wrote in May, I would hope we are the only state in the union with an asset like the Thomson prison, a state-of-the-art super maximum security prison with a capacity of 1,600 that has never been used. President Obama helped create this problem. He was in the General Assembly when lawmakers decided to build the Thomson prison, and also when the state couldn't find money to open the facility.
Even after Obama ascended to Capitol Hill, Springfield was still fumbling year after year with the Thomson problem, considering everything from closing old prisons and moving inmates to leasing the facility to the federal government or other states. None of those actions ever came to fruition, although the people of Pontiac got rightly angered when their prison was on the chopping block.
The prison was built because the other maximum security facilities exceed capacity. But just like everything else in Illinois, there is not enough money to follow the common sense course of action — ease overcrowding elsewhere by opening Thomson.
I won't rehash the entire argument. But as a journalist who worked near Thomson, and an American with scores of in-laws who could drive to the prison's front door in less than 30 minutes, I'm painfully aware that something needs to change. Somehow, some way, Illinois lawmakers owe it to the state's taxpayers to get this prison open.
Continue reading "Another chance for right decision."
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Weekend at How's
We spent a long weekend in Fulton (left here Thursday night and arrived home late Sunday), and a mostly good time was had by all. Neither boy slept great, and Max had a bit of a meltdown at Kristie's grandparents' house in Fulton Sunday afternoon, but really, their disposition was nearly as fantastic as the weather.
The main purpose of the trip was for a family photo shoot with Bill Delp. In addition to being a family friend (a high school classmate of How), Bill is a fantastic photographer who shot our wedding, plus a great session with Jack when he was a few months shy of where Max is now. Bill not only produces amazing art, he's also great to work with — always an important consideration when our kids are involved.
I wish I'd brought our camera to get video of Bill trying to get both boys to sit down in the same door frame, but I lacked the foresight. I'm just thrilled we were able to do an outdoor shoot. I know the shots of each kid will be spectacular, and perhaps he got a few great frames of both boys. Whether or not we succeeded in getting a good shot of all four of us is debatable.
I don't need to recap the entire weekend, as it was mostly spent enjoying time at the Workman compound. Very relaxing, lots of good food and one angry cat. Did I mention the weather?
Here's some photos. The first is actually form our last trip to Fulton. It was on How's camera, and I finally snagged it for my computer.
Since we pulled Jack out of school Friday, his teacher asked us to keep a journal of our trip (yes, his kindergarten teacher...). That's why we took this picture of Jack and How playing Wii (Max helped). Maybe How will get her own Wii for Christmas so she can practice and get good enough to beat Jack. Then we won't have to pack ours every time we head west. Of course, then Uncle Kyle might get really, really good and break all of Kristie's Wii Sports Resort records.
It actually was neat for us to do the journal project (and when I say us, I mean Kristie and Jack) because it let How see Jack's writing "skills." He actually impressed all of his us with his drawings of the events. It's not that they were great drawings, but that he was able to sketch something and we all knew what it was — een picking up small details — was pretty impressive, especially for a guy who inherited my lack of fine motor skills.
The next shot is Max smiling over Saturday morning breakfast.
Just like the rest of us, Max goes to How's house to eat. He was in and out of the chair time and again. He can climb in himself, which is not quite a blessing since he thinks the tray is as sturdy as the one in our high chair in Gurnee. No major or minor spills, but at least one close call. Also, this may have been the day he threw oatmeal all over the kitchen while I was checking on Jack in the computer room.
Another photo of Max eating. Note the fork in his left hand... and the food (mac and cheese) in his right. Way to grasp the concept, buddy.
We close it out with a great photo of Max and Pop playing in the living room. Max was very, very happy during this time. Hopefully the picture conveys some of that elation.
The main purpose of the trip was for a family photo shoot with Bill Delp. In addition to being a family friend (a high school classmate of How), Bill is a fantastic photographer who shot our wedding, plus a great session with Jack when he was a few months shy of where Max is now. Bill not only produces amazing art, he's also great to work with — always an important consideration when our kids are involved.
I wish I'd brought our camera to get video of Bill trying to get both boys to sit down in the same door frame, but I lacked the foresight. I'm just thrilled we were able to do an outdoor shoot. I know the shots of each kid will be spectacular, and perhaps he got a few great frames of both boys. Whether or not we succeeded in getting a good shot of all four of us is debatable.
I don't need to recap the entire weekend, as it was mostly spent enjoying time at the Workman compound. Very relaxing, lots of good food and one angry cat. Did I mention the weather?
Here's some photos. The first is actually form our last trip to Fulton. It was on How's camera, and I finally snagged it for my computer.
 |
| From How's House |
Since we pulled Jack out of school Friday, his teacher asked us to keep a journal of our trip (yes, his kindergarten teacher...). That's why we took this picture of Jack and How playing Wii (Max helped). Maybe How will get her own Wii for Christmas so she can practice and get good enough to beat Jack. Then we won't have to pack ours every time we head west. Of course, then Uncle Kyle might get really, really good and break all of Kristie's Wii Sports Resort records.
 |
| From How's House |
It actually was neat for us to do the journal project (and when I say us, I mean Kristie and Jack) because it let How see Jack's writing "skills." He actually impressed all of his us with his drawings of the events. It's not that they were great drawings, but that he was able to sketch something and we all knew what it was — een picking up small details — was pretty impressive, especially for a guy who inherited my lack of fine motor skills.
The next shot is Max smiling over Saturday morning breakfast.
 |
| From How's House |
Just like the rest of us, Max goes to How's house to eat. He was in and out of the chair time and again. He can climb in himself, which is not quite a blessing since he thinks the tray is as sturdy as the one in our high chair in Gurnee. No major or minor spills, but at least one close call. Also, this may have been the day he threw oatmeal all over the kitchen while I was checking on Jack in the computer room.
 |
| From How's House |
Another photo of Max eating. Note the fork in his left hand... and the food (mac and cheese) in his right. Way to grasp the concept, buddy.
We close it out with a great photo of Max and Pop playing in the living room. Max was very, very happy during this time. Hopefully the picture conveys some of that elation.
 |
| From How's House |
Missing forest for some yummy trees
Column originally published Nov. 10, 2009
A week ago today, news broke at the Ottawa City Council meeting that a Culver's restaurant will open on the town's north end.
Predictably, the complaints from those who seem to complain about everything began to roll in nearly immediately. The newsroom posted a note about the item to Facebook at 8:14 p.m. Two minutes later, the first commenter said, "Really, can't we get good food?" Agreements followed in rapid succession, with many people suggesting other restaurants they'd rather see set up shop in the Friendly City.
It reminded me of when I wrote for the newspaper in Clinton, Iowa, when news of any new restaurant opening was quickly greeted with a chorus of people calling for a Red Lobster or an Olive Garden. Such sentiments get real tired real fast, and they say more about the complainer than anything else.
Why isn't Ottawa getting a Red Lobster? The same reason Ottawa isn't getting an indoor water park or a new golf course or a Porsche dealership: the economy won't support it.
Developing commercial real estate is not a complete game of chance. There is risk involved, to be sure (exhibit A: the late Ottawa Starbucks). But the companies and developers that last in this country do so by smart growth, not just plopping things wherever they please.
Furthermore, the people who develop commercial real estate really, really like to make money. So if someone thought an Olive Garden would be profitable in Clinton or Ottawa, it would already be open. Before you complain about what restaurants we don't have, consider how expensive such places are to operate, and how many people must walk through the door each night just to break even. How much of the bottom line are you willing to account for personally?
Continue reading "Missing forest for some yummy trees."
A week ago today, news broke at the Ottawa City Council meeting that a Culver's restaurant will open on the town's north end.
Predictably, the complaints from those who seem to complain about everything began to roll in nearly immediately. The newsroom posted a note about the item to Facebook at 8:14 p.m. Two minutes later, the first commenter said, "Really, can't we get good food?" Agreements followed in rapid succession, with many people suggesting other restaurants they'd rather see set up shop in the Friendly City.
It reminded me of when I wrote for the newspaper in Clinton, Iowa, when news of any new restaurant opening was quickly greeted with a chorus of people calling for a Red Lobster or an Olive Garden. Such sentiments get real tired real fast, and they say more about the complainer than anything else.
Why isn't Ottawa getting a Red Lobster? The same reason Ottawa isn't getting an indoor water park or a new golf course or a Porsche dealership: the economy won't support it.
Developing commercial real estate is not a complete game of chance. There is risk involved, to be sure (exhibit A: the late Ottawa Starbucks). But the companies and developers that last in this country do so by smart growth, not just plopping things wherever they please.
Furthermore, the people who develop commercial real estate really, really like to make money. So if someone thought an Olive Garden would be profitable in Clinton or Ottawa, it would already be open. Before you complain about what restaurants we don't have, consider how expensive such places are to operate, and how many people must walk through the door each night just to break even. How much of the bottom line are you willing to account for personally?
Continue reading "Missing forest for some yummy trees."
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Still trying to understand insurance reform
Column originally published Nov. 3, 2009
Longtime readers know I'm a lifelong Cubs fan, which clearly means I'm a glutton for punishment. On a completely unrelated note, time for another look at the ongoing health-care reform debate.
The more I read about the current state of health care in America, the more I'm convinced the health insurance industry is at least as confusing as the subprime mortgage "scandal" that contributed to the ongoing economic slump. I have a mortgage, and I have health insurance, but I really understand very little about either. Maybe that's simply a reflection on my effort and intelligence, but I doubt many average Americans can fully explain their own health policy and completely understand what their provider will and won't cover.
That's a leading reason why it's difficult to make simple arguments. Gregg Easterbook, a writer I've long admired, argued recently for a switch to a model similar to how we handle car and home insurance, "in which most people carry only catastrophic-cost insurance, then pay other health costs themselves."
With my house and car insurance policies, I pay a premium to AllState. For the house, it's rolled into my escrow account with property taxes and the mortgage. For car insurance it's due every six months (or I can pay in monthly installments so long as I pay $3 each month for that convenience).
When the paperwork comes in the mail, I look it over to make sure everything is spelled right, as well as to eyeball the benefit and deductible amounts, then I stick it in a file cabinet and hope to high heaven I never need to use either policy.
When I need an oil change, I pay out of pocket — the same price everyone else pays. When I need a new furnace filter, I buy one off the shelf. Again, same price as everyone else who needs the same filter. If my water heater breaks, it's my job to call the plumber and have him install a new one.
Continue reading "Still trying to understand insurance reform."
Longtime readers know I'm a lifelong Cubs fan, which clearly means I'm a glutton for punishment. On a completely unrelated note, time for another look at the ongoing health-care reform debate.
The more I read about the current state of health care in America, the more I'm convinced the health insurance industry is at least as confusing as the subprime mortgage "scandal" that contributed to the ongoing economic slump. I have a mortgage, and I have health insurance, but I really understand very little about either. Maybe that's simply a reflection on my effort and intelligence, but I doubt many average Americans can fully explain their own health policy and completely understand what their provider will and won't cover.
That's a leading reason why it's difficult to make simple arguments. Gregg Easterbook, a writer I've long admired, argued recently for a switch to a model similar to how we handle car and home insurance, "in which most people carry only catastrophic-cost insurance, then pay other health costs themselves."
With my house and car insurance policies, I pay a premium to AllState. For the house, it's rolled into my escrow account with property taxes and the mortgage. For car insurance it's due every six months (or I can pay in monthly installments so long as I pay $3 each month for that convenience).
When the paperwork comes in the mail, I look it over to make sure everything is spelled right, as well as to eyeball the benefit and deductible amounts, then I stick it in a file cabinet and hope to high heaven I never need to use either policy.
When I need an oil change, I pay out of pocket — the same price everyone else pays. When I need a new furnace filter, I buy one off the shelf. Again, same price as everyone else who needs the same filter. If my water heater breaks, it's my job to call the plumber and have him install a new one.
Continue reading "Still trying to understand insurance reform."
Monday, November 02, 2009
Max the Spider
As we showed Saturday, Jack was a super-adorable Mario for Halloween. He was very excited to trick-or-treat this year (after really learning the concept last October) and had plenty of energy despite the brisk weather.
Unfortunately, his energy waned as we were far away from our home in our subdivision (Kristie's initial plan to loop was sound, but the loop was to small for Jack). Good news, we had the wagon for Max, so both boys enjoyed a ride home... which included going past what can best be described as a tailgate party in one family's driveway. Card tables lined with food, gas grill going, portable campfire, TV with rabbit ears and college football and so on. Many neighbors had signs directing people to the party ("Candy, three houses down") and sure enough, there were people with big bowls of candy right at the sidewalk, perfect for two boys in a wagon. (Moral of the story? We need to be friends with these people.)
And what was Max, you ask? Only the cutest spider in the history of time. Want proof? Do I ever disappoint?
Here also is a video of Max not quite understanding how things work.
Here's a shorter clip of Doodle walking and saying "Hi" to Kristie. Quick, but cute.
One of the snags in the system is that we started the day by giving out treats, so Max started to think that's how Halloween works. Which means when we did get him up to someone's door, he'd reach into his bucket and try to pass candy to the homeowner.
He also somehow learned to be possessive of his stash. We were walking down a sidewalk and I reach into his bucket for a Snickers. He stopped, looked at me and gave me the whine face until I put the candy back. Well excuuuuuuuse me! (I stole it again a few minutes later when he was more distracted, and it was delicious.)
We'd planned to have dinner at Pops & K's Saturday night, so we headed south around 4:30 p.m. (Gurnee trick-or-treating is from 2 to 6 p.m., in Libertyville it's 4 to 8 p.m.). Both boys passed out in the car, so we left them there in the driveway for at least 45 minutes. But we eventually brought them inside (both cranky) and worked on dinner. Then it was back on with the costumes for another quick candy run on McKinley and Drake, which was a pretty good haul for Jack despite not every house being "open."
All in all, a fantastic day. We'll just not discuss the effect of Amoxicillin on Max's digestive system and pretend this was a perfect weekend.
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
Unfortunately, his energy waned as we were far away from our home in our subdivision (Kristie's initial plan to loop was sound, but the loop was to small for Jack). Good news, we had the wagon for Max, so both boys enjoyed a ride home... which included going past what can best be described as a tailgate party in one family's driveway. Card tables lined with food, gas grill going, portable campfire, TV with rabbit ears and college football and so on. Many neighbors had signs directing people to the party ("Candy, three houses down") and sure enough, there were people with big bowls of candy right at the sidewalk, perfect for two boys in a wagon. (Moral of the story? We need to be friends with these people.)
And what was Max, you ask? Only the cutest spider in the history of time. Want proof? Do I ever disappoint?
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
Here also is a video of Max not quite understanding how things work.
Here's a shorter clip of Doodle walking and saying "Hi" to Kristie. Quick, but cute.
One of the snags in the system is that we started the day by giving out treats, so Max started to think that's how Halloween works. Which means when we did get him up to someone's door, he'd reach into his bucket and try to pass candy to the homeowner.
He also somehow learned to be possessive of his stash. We were walking down a sidewalk and I reach into his bucket for a Snickers. He stopped, looked at me and gave me the whine face until I put the candy back. Well excuuuuuuuse me! (I stole it again a few minutes later when he was more distracted, and it was delicious.)
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
We'd planned to have dinner at Pops & K's Saturday night, so we headed south around 4:30 p.m. (Gurnee trick-or-treating is from 2 to 6 p.m., in Libertyville it's 4 to 8 p.m.). Both boys passed out in the car, so we left them there in the driveway for at least 45 minutes. But we eventually brought them inside (both cranky) and worked on dinner. Then it was back on with the costumes for another quick candy run on McKinley and Drake, which was a pretty good haul for Jack despite not every house being "open."
All in all, a fantastic day. We'll just not discuss the effect of Amoxicillin on Max's digestive system and pretend this was a perfect weekend.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween!
We'll shoot for pictures and videos of trick-or-treating, but here's a great look at Jack's home-made costume (except for the shirt and gloves). Hope you enjoy!
That's right, he's beloved video game character Mario!
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
That's right, he's beloved video game character Mario!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Halloween through the years
On the day before Halloween, I thought we'd take a quick look at Jack's costumes over the last five years. We'll have fresh photos of the 2009 costume posted tomorrow.
2004: Winnie the Pooh
2005: Scarecrow
2006: Skeleton
2007: Mom is pregnant, Jack is sick... no costume.
2008: Ghost (school costume)
2008: Handy Manny (real costume)
2004: Winnie the Pooh
 |
| From Jack's First Seven Months |
2005: Scarecrow
 |
| From Clinton Life |
2006: Skeleton
 |
| From Clinton Life |
2007: Mom is pregnant, Jack is sick... no costume.
2008: Ghost (school costume)
 |
| From Ottawa Life |
2008: Handy Manny (real costume)
 |
| From Pops and K's |
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Blog, blurg
You've noticed a lack of postings. The reason this time is not me not having the time to get cute pictures and videos uploaded... it's the lack of cute pictures and videos. Why?
Dating back to Monday, Oct. 19, everyone at our house has been somewhat ill. It started with Jack, who stayed home from school that day with a fever (I think he was coming down with it all weekend) and got progressively worse until he went to the doctor Wednesday afternoon. Verdict? Ear infection, though that doesn't explain his horrendous coughing fits.
Kristie and I started feeling less than 100 percent Thursday morning, and Max started crashing hard over the weekend. He went to the doctor Monday afternoon (strep throat) and Kristie went to her own doctor Wednesday (ear infection, plus something the requires prescription eye drops). I'm the only one who's managed to stay above grade with only OTC meds, but it's been a less-than-pleasant fortnight for this particular Holland crew.
Summing up all of our feelings is this picture of Doodle, sporting the pose he adopts every time he sees a dropper full of neon pink Amoxicillin.
Dating back to Monday, Oct. 19, everyone at our house has been somewhat ill. It started with Jack, who stayed home from school that day with a fever (I think he was coming down with it all weekend) and got progressively worse until he went to the doctor Wednesday afternoon. Verdict? Ear infection, though that doesn't explain his horrendous coughing fits.
Kristie and I started feeling less than 100 percent Thursday morning, and Max started crashing hard over the weekend. He went to the doctor Monday afternoon (strep throat) and Kristie went to her own doctor Wednesday (ear infection, plus something the requires prescription eye drops). I'm the only one who's managed to stay above grade with only OTC meds, but it's been a less-than-pleasant fortnight for this particular Holland crew.
Summing up all of our feelings is this picture of Doodle, sporting the pose he adopts every time he sees a dropper full of neon pink Amoxicillin.
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
Counting life's little blessings
Column originally published Oct. 27, 2009.
Since I used my space last week airing a collection of grievances, I thought I'd do a reversal and take some time this week to highlight things that delight me to no end, perhaps even more than they should for a person who claims to have a proper perspective on life in 2009.
For starters, my digital video recorder. I know I've expounded on the virtues of a DVR before, but the wonders of this technology — especially for parents of young children — can't be overstated.
You can have your independent films, your cutting-edge music, your great American novels. My cultural addiction is television, and the DVR keeps me connected. I never miss an episode of "Jeopardy!" I can pause a baseball game at a crucial moment because it's time to put the kids to bed. I can zip through an hourlong drama in 40 minutes. I can fall deeply in love with a new sitcom and yet be totally unaware of what time it actually airs.
For me, the DVR is the ultimate "how did we live without..." development in recent years. This is not to detract from things like cell phones, microwaves and Facebook, which all have impacted me in profound and lasting manners. But the DVR, to me, is like indoor plumbing. Sure, I could watch TV the way I used to. But I'd no sooner revert to that than I would trade out my three toilets for a nice collection of chamber pots.
Another thing I've been reveling in lately? The afternoon walk. Weather permitting (and I'm willing to tolerate quite a bit on that front), tacking a 15- to 20-minute stroll through the neighborhood at the end of the lunch hour has gone from a fitness concession to an almost essential element of overall happiness.
Continue reading "Counting life's little blessings."
Since I used my space last week airing a collection of grievances, I thought I'd do a reversal and take some time this week to highlight things that delight me to no end, perhaps even more than they should for a person who claims to have a proper perspective on life in 2009.
For starters, my digital video recorder. I know I've expounded on the virtues of a DVR before, but the wonders of this technology — especially for parents of young children — can't be overstated.
You can have your independent films, your cutting-edge music, your great American novels. My cultural addiction is television, and the DVR keeps me connected. I never miss an episode of "Jeopardy!" I can pause a baseball game at a crucial moment because it's time to put the kids to bed. I can zip through an hourlong drama in 40 minutes. I can fall deeply in love with a new sitcom and yet be totally unaware of what time it actually airs.
For me, the DVR is the ultimate "how did we live without..." development in recent years. This is not to detract from things like cell phones, microwaves and Facebook, which all have impacted me in profound and lasting manners. But the DVR, to me, is like indoor plumbing. Sure, I could watch TV the way I used to. But I'd no sooner revert to that than I would trade out my three toilets for a nice collection of chamber pots.
Another thing I've been reveling in lately? The afternoon walk. Weather permitting (and I'm willing to tolerate quite a bit on that front), tacking a 15- to 20-minute stroll through the neighborhood at the end of the lunch hour has gone from a fitness concession to an almost essential element of overall happiness.
Continue reading "Counting life's little blessings."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Jack! Wake up!
What happens when it's time to go to small group on a Friday night and your big brother is asleep on the couch? You crawl right up there and climb on top of him and let him know it's time to get in the car and go play with the other kids.
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
Some things just drive you bonkers
Column originally published Oct. 22, 2009
Pardon me if I come across too much like Andy Rooney, but do you ever just want to complain about things?
I'm far too young to be considered a crotchety old man, but some things just drive me bonkers. Like seeing Christmas merchandise in a store weeks before Halloween. I understand retailers are probably just giving the people what they want, but I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with the commercialization of a supposedly religious holiday.
Of course, we just had Sweetest Day this weekend, and I can't stand Hallmark holidays, either. Maybe it's just that after all these years as a Cub fan, I've decided to don't like celebrating anything.
I'm also annoyed with political advertising. The next gubernatorial election in Illinois is more than a year away, yet the primary campaign is in third gear. It's a fine time for us to watch same-party opponents blast each other and to take note of what they say, since the loser probably will support the winner when it comes time to actually decide who's in charge.
Not to mention how much money is spent producing advertisements full of mudslinging and half-truths, all for the chance to run a state so broke it makes Humpty-Dumpty look spotless. Could those resources be better allocated? Yes, yes they could.
I'm also fed up with political extremism from people who ought to know better. We spent the better part of eight years hearing people on the left complain about how George W. Bush was an insult to the Oval Office, and now the right is saying the same about Barack Obama. The funny part is both sides seem unable to comprehend how anyone could hold an opposing viewpoint.
On national issues, I tend to look at things from an isolated standpoint — not judge based on which party is advancing the cause. And yet I feel those of us in the middle are perceived as just being wishy-washy, when the truth is we're simply fed up with closed-minded loudmouths from both sides of the aisle controlling all the soapboxes.
Speaking of things that make me angry...
Continue reading "Some things just drive you bonkers."
Pardon me if I come across too much like Andy Rooney, but do you ever just want to complain about things?
I'm far too young to be considered a crotchety old man, but some things just drive me bonkers. Like seeing Christmas merchandise in a store weeks before Halloween. I understand retailers are probably just giving the people what they want, but I don't think I'll ever be comfortable with the commercialization of a supposedly religious holiday.
Of course, we just had Sweetest Day this weekend, and I can't stand Hallmark holidays, either. Maybe it's just that after all these years as a Cub fan, I've decided to don't like celebrating anything.
I'm also annoyed with political advertising. The next gubernatorial election in Illinois is more than a year away, yet the primary campaign is in third gear. It's a fine time for us to watch same-party opponents blast each other and to take note of what they say, since the loser probably will support the winner when it comes time to actually decide who's in charge.
Not to mention how much money is spent producing advertisements full of mudslinging and half-truths, all for the chance to run a state so broke it makes Humpty-Dumpty look spotless. Could those resources be better allocated? Yes, yes they could.
I'm also fed up with political extremism from people who ought to know better. We spent the better part of eight years hearing people on the left complain about how George W. Bush was an insult to the Oval Office, and now the right is saying the same about Barack Obama. The funny part is both sides seem unable to comprehend how anyone could hold an opposing viewpoint.
On national issues, I tend to look at things from an isolated standpoint — not judge based on which party is advancing the cause. And yet I feel those of us in the middle are perceived as just being wishy-washy, when the truth is we're simply fed up with closed-minded loudmouths from both sides of the aisle controlling all the soapboxes.
Speaking of things that make me angry...
Continue reading "Some things just drive you bonkers."
Max likes leaves
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
Max likes to play with leaves. I'm not sure how he learned this is a fun activity, because last fall he was too young to participate, and I doubt he remembered Jack's excitement.
We did have a summer night (early August) where I had enough leaves to scrape together a decent pile (far, far too early in the summer for that to be possible, but the weather was weird this year) and I had both boys outside enjoying the results. Still, I don't recall Max being so excited about the experience that he would beg to repeat it (as he does with wagon rides, blowing bubbles, etc.)
But last Saturday, my first real leaf attack of the fall, I brought the Doodle outside with me and left Jack inside on the couch (his choice). While Max isn't overly fond of the leaf blower (we've been noticing him covering his ears a lot lately when we sees a big vehicle, probably an aftershock of fire trucks in the homecoming parade), he knew exactly what to do with a big ol' pile of leaves.
Jack did come outside after Kristie came home from her haircut. Kristie took this picture, which proves we did a good thing by getting Jack's hair cut later that day.
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
The weather in the Chicago area was gorgeous Wednesday. And while most of our family is sick (Jack has an ear infection and hasn't been in school all week, Kristie got an hour of sleep last night and Max went to bed with a fever), Max and I took advantage by doing more leaf work. The Waste Management leaf vacuum comes Thursday, and the trees had dropped a lot more since Saturday afternoon, so there was about 30 minutes worth of work to do.
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
I guess it could have gone faster if I hadn't stopped so often to watch Max enjoying himself. What can I say? The kid loves leaves.
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
Friday, October 16, 2009
House Project update
It's been too long since I posted photos of my parents' house project. Here's how the landscaping looks:
This is the parking pad directly to the east of the driveway. It was installed two or three summers ago, but had to be reworked after the driveway was repoured.
This is a look from where the landscaping ends in the side yard on the west of the house, looking south toward McKinley Avenue.
 |
| From House Project |
 |
| From House Project |
This is the parking pad directly to the east of the driveway. It was installed two or three summers ago, but had to be reworked after the driveway was repoured.
 |
| From House Project |
 |
| From House Project |
This is a look from where the landscaping ends in the side yard on the west of the house, looking south toward McKinley Avenue.
 |
| From House Project |
 |
| From House Project |
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
How and Max
 |
| From How's House |
Jack taught Max to say a bunch of words in the car on the way to Fulton (including How), but Max decided he'd rather say Kyle's name. Still, it didn't keep them from enjoying some quality time together.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Jackspeak
Two quick beauties from Jack this weekend (in ascending order of cuteness).
1. Said to one of Uncle Kyle's golf teammates, who was selecting a Mii for a game of Wii Golf, and pointing at the Max icon: "That's our baby, Doodle."
2. Saturday morning, I came out of the bathroom and found Max (previously in bed) standing in the living room. "Where did you come from?" I asked. Jack chimed in: "Mom's tummy."
1. Said to one of Uncle Kyle's golf teammates, who was selecting a Mii for a game of Wii Golf, and pointing at the Max icon: "That's our baby, Doodle."
2. Saturday morning, I came out of the bathroom and found Max (previously in bed) standing in the living room. "Where did you come from?" I asked. Jack chimed in: "Mom's tummy."
Friday, October 09, 2009
Max likes to read
 |
| From Hollands at Home |
In the last two weeks or so, Max has discovered books. He's always had them, of course (we own more children's book than a small public library), but Max never seemed too interested in doing anything more than turning the pages as fast as possible and moving on to something else.
We read to Jack from almost the day he was born. At first it was because I had nothing to say to the kid, but I wanted him to hear my voice. I used to read him stories from the Chicago Tribune sports section. I remember clearly one night, very early in his life, putting him in his baby swing and reading to him from a Mother Goose book the Ergangs gave us as a baby gift.
From there, though, I seem to recall us reading to Jack a whole bunch. We read some of his books so often I still have them memorized. Books have been part of his bedtime routine for years, and I simply can;t recall if it started before he was 19 months old (Max's current age) or not. But generally, my perception is Max hadn't shown the same interest in books as Jack, at least up to this point. Part of the problem is Jack being largely unwilling to be read to unless it was part of a bedtime routine, so Max didn;t get as much exposure as he does to other fun stuff (bikes, video games, baths, etc.).
Max's interest level began to increase once he started to realize Kristie reads to Jack every night before bed. In fact, he started a tradition (unwelcome, if you ask Jack), of climbing into Jack's bed and sitting squarely between Kristie and Jack and listening to Jack's story. Amazingly, he would sit through an entire Dr. Seuss book without interruption. Jack, of course, just wanted his one-on-one time with Mom, so now we have a nice routine of me reading to Max while Kristie reads to Jack.
The first couple of times Max and I did this routine, he got out of my lap at the end of the last book and hopped into bed. The last two nights, he's decided three stories is not enough and ends up crying himself to sleep after I turn off the light and shut the door. But hey — that's his choice.
Short story long, Max likes to read. And now he wants to read on his own. And he's also picking up some of the things we do with each book and acting them out himself. (An example here, from the "Going to Bed Book," is the last page where the animals "rock and rock and rock to sleep." Watch the video and it makes sense.) It makes me think of the time I saw Jack first go through all of the motions associated with "Pat the Bunny." Good times.
So enjoy the video. The little guy is talking a ton these days, and hopefully we can get some of those moments on video, too. He's at a really fun age right now (fully interactive, but pre-tantrum wars), and it's hard to remember everything he does for blog posts. Sorry we get to hog him!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
More from TMQ
I also enjoyed TMQ's link to this story from the Helena Independent Record, because it made me think of my uncle, a game warden for the state of Montana. A sample:
A young buck near Fort Harrison, who might like Christmas even more than Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, is ushering in the holiday season a bit early this year.
The mule-deer buck somehow got mixed up with a string of Christmas lights, and they're now hanging from his antlers and body, according to Kevin Cook, a game warden with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. He said the agency started receiving reports about the decorated deer last week.
"We get reports about once a year regarding a deer with something in its antlers. One had a swing-set swing; once one had a clothesline with clothes still on it; and tomato cages aren't unusual," Cook said. "Last year, about this time, another buck with Christmas lights in his antlers was reported on the south end of town. I don't think it's the same deer." ...
"If he were to get entangled in a fence with the lights and become immobilized where we could get to him, we would do that. But trying to catch him without darting him is near impossible," Cook said.
He added that the only tranquilizer they have doesn't work well on deer and elk, and could do more harm than good.
"The mortality rate is high with this drug ... and puts them in a high-stress situation," Cook said. "The only good drug has to be used by a veterinarian, is extremely expensive, and is 10,000 times more powerful than morphine — if you get a drop on your skin you're dead. The last time we used that was for the moose that was hanging out by the Home Depot for a month."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
