The Big Chill

Dena has been nesting, as we prepare for our new arrival- We now have the baby’s room in shape and the crib and a new changing table constructed with Alexander’s help.

I have been amusing myself with some smaller projects- getting my parents computer back up, consolidating our music collection (turns out we only have half of it online), writing a music cataloging script (so that we know what we have online), implementing a full backup strategy for our 3 home computers and cooking dinner. The last item is an important part of relaxing for me and will become and integral part of my life when our new edition arrives. I start by cycling to one of the two nearby (super)markets around 5:00pm and review what is fresh and what is on offer that will fit tonight’s menu- driving there just doesn’t cut it. Meal chosen and purchased (with wine as appropriate), I then ride home and construct it in 15-60 minutes. The goal is to have a freshly cooked meal on the table preferably by 6:00pm and not later than 6:30pm.

Building the Future

Alexander got a lot of Lego from Christmas and has been building all kinds of vehicles and dinosaurs. I have lent a hand as required, but in general he has done it all by himself. A couple of days ago I took him to see the Bay Area Lego Users Group (BayLug) train display in Palo Alto, which I think he found quite inspiring.

Christmastime

We spent Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and part of Boxing Day at Bob and Marty’s. Alexander disappeared off with his cousins and we adults got to play cards and chat: a most relaxing time. Marty outdid herself with the feast of roast beast this year and I think we all put on a few extra pounds, ready for our New Years resolutions to remove them.

Chat up Line?

This weekend Alexander went to his friend Dominic's younger sisters birthday. We always encourage him to make card for whoever's birthday he is attending. To little Giana he wrote:

"I will love you if you let me in your room."

Hmmmm....A timeless message that I am sure he will use again and again on the women in his life.

Sigh!

 

Getting the Paper

"Hello.....Hello?"

"Good evening Sir, my name is Michael Martinez and I am calling you this evening to tell you about a really special offer we have to enable you to receive the Dallas News Gazette for just $49.99 for one whole year."

"I see."

"Who am I having the pleasure of speaking to this evening?"

"I'm Rod Crawford."

"Well let me first ask you Mr. Crawford: Do you receive the Dallas News Gazette right now?"

"No, I have never received this publication."

"Well, we have a really great offer where if you sign up for one year you can receive this paper for just $49.99. It's a really great deal. But let me ask you first: how is the weather in Dallas?"

"Well it's a little cold out right now, kinda crisp which I like."

"Hmmm.... sounds quite nice Mr. Crawford, but let me tell you why I am asking, I am phoning all the way from New Mexico which is where our head office is, so I was just wondering how the weather was over there."

"I see, how interesting."

"So Sir, can I interest you in our special offer, would you like to receive the Dallas News Gazette for just $49.99?"

"Yes, this sounds like a great offer."

"Grrrreat! Can you tell me what your zip code there is?"

"Er, I'm afraid I really don't know what the zip code here is. Sorry."

"No problem sir, no problem, we can find that out for you. Can you tell me the name of your street."

"Well I think I am off Highway 121. I think the best idea would be if you address it to:
Rod Crawford
The 3rd Pay Phone
Gate C37
Terminal C
Dallas Fort Worth Airport
Dallas."



:-)