Monday September 29th, 2014

My Favorite Moment of the Day: Waking up this morning and getting hugs and kisses from my family. Can't imagine something happening today that gets any better than that!

Thing that Made me Laugh Today: This didn't happen today, but often last week while we were on vacation in Atlantis. Many of the employees there, and the lady at the airport, said how young and good Kristin and I looked. Maybe they were just blowing smoke, maybe they were just trying to be nice, but you don't get compliments in everyday life very often, at least not as a grown up. So to get several each day, boy that was nice!

Thing that Made me Think Today: I'm amazed at how much I have changed over the years, with regards to competition and trying to "get ahead". When I was younger, as a young adult, I really wanted to make a lot of money, move up the ladder, go go go. Sometimes I feel that way about the kids, and I get competitive about the basketball teams I coach. Mostly though, I just want to spend time with the family, seeing the kids and Kristin smile and enjoy each other. I struggle with my desire for that, and realizing that the kids don't want to do only that, that they want to go go go and do do do. they do love spending family time together, but Olivia definitely already has gotten to the point where she needs more than that to be happy, and Claire is getting there. I suppose I'll be able to reconcile it at some point, and hopefully seeing them be happy doing the things they enjoy will give me the fulfillment that I've done my job right.

Wednesday August 13th

My Favorite Moment of the Day: Luke and I played mini-golf today, in the sweltering heat at Smuggler's Cove. We haven't done that forever, and it was nice being together with just him and I. We played golf, fed the alligators, had slurpees after, just a good time all around.


Thing that Made me Laugh Today: Luke made a hole in one, actually two in a row, but when he made the first one he went bezerk! It was so much fin to see him so excited. Then when he made the second one, his smile was a mile wide. I was so happy seeing him so happy, Also, it made me think about playing real golf with him, can't wait for that, just waiting for Fort Myers CC to reopen.


Thing that Made me Think Today: We had our first basketball meeting for the high school team today, we had 24 girls show up. They are mostly tiny, under 5'6", and several have never played basketball before. It really made me think about why I enjoy coaching, and what my focus should be, which is having fun with the kids that come out and not just about winning games. I also thought about coaching Olivia as she becomes a more integral part of the team, and hopefully that will be fun and not too stressful.

I also thought about my Dad today, as he turned 82. He's such a great guy, and I'm thankful for all I've learned from him about how to be a good person. Happy Birthday Dad!

Tuesday August 12th

My Favorite Moment of the Day: Today was my first day at home alone after the beginning of the new school year. Luke hasn't started school yet, but he spent the night at Gma and Gpa's house, so I after the girls went to school I was by myself. This is always a difficult day for me, and next Monday, when everyone is really gone at school for the day, will be tough I'm sure. I  reflected  on what a great summer we all had together, and that was a nice change. In the past I usually think about the kids not being around anymore, I was happy I was able to focus in a more positive way on what we did do while they were around.

Thing that Made me Laugh Today: Every night when Kristin and I go to bed, I walk to each room to kiss the kids good night and tuck them in. Most nights they are all asleep when I do this. However, even when she is asleep, Olivia wakes up, and sits up and gives me a tight hug. Boy am I gonna miss that, but it sure feels good now.

Think that Made me Think Today: Honestly, not much today, other than thinking about the summer.

Monday August 11th

My Favorite Moment of the Day: Today was Claire's first day of school, her last year at St. Francis Xavier. When I picked her up after school, she talked non-stop about her day for the next 30 minutes. She was so excited, and seemed to have a great day. It reminded me of when we used to drive around in the car together, just the two of us, before Luke was born, and all she would do was talk. She would ask to hear a particular song on the CD player, then talk throughout the entire song, and then ask to hear the song again "because I couldn't hear it because I was talking."

Thing that Made me Laugh Today: I played "war" with Luke and his buddy today. We all had different types of fake guns, and we chased each other around the house for about an hour. It was a lot of fun acting like a little kid again, hiding, jumping out to shoot someone, hustling to recover the bullets and hide again. We all worked up a sweat, until finally Luke shot me in the throat with the IronMan fist gun - thus killing me and ending the war!

Thing that Made me Think Today: It's been a little bit of a rough afternoon, and I'm trying to stay positive. Going back to yesterday, talking about the process, I need to not worry about things that I can't control. Maybe the things I'm concerned about will work out, and they aren't "real" problems anyway, they aren't major life issues. Sometimes I just feel like I don't have the stomach to deal with people, hopefully if I keep doing things the "right" way, the things I'm concerned about will not come to fruition.

Sunday August 10th

My Favorite Moment of the Day: We all attended 7:30am mass, and the girls both served. I always enjoy watching them work during the mass, particularly when they are processing in and out holding the candles. They both look like angels, so beautiful! Of course I also enjoy giving the peace sign to them from across the church, and watching them try to give it back to me without being seen by the priest.

Thing that Made me Laugh Today: It didn't make me laugh, but I enjoyed trying to explain the game of baseball to Anna today. We were all in the family room, and I was switching the TV back and forth from the Rays game and the PGA Championship. Anna was asking me the rules of baseball, and we kind of talked about the game. I actually did laugh when she suggested it would be more fair if the teams pitched to themselves instead of the opponent pitching to each other. I certainly had never thought of that!

Thing that Made me Think Today: As I mentioned, I watched the PGA championship today, and Rory McIlroy won again. Rickie Fowler came in 3rd, finishing in the top 5 in all 4 majors this year, but with zero wins. Afterwards he talked about how it was a good year, and how he just needs to keep putting himself in position to win, and one day he will. It seemed to me as though that was another way of saying I just haven't been lucky, and when I do get those couple lucky breaks, I'll win, as long as I'm doing everything else right. The last hole was a perfect example of that, as he had a putt lip out, and Rory had a tee shot miss the water by two feet. If those results were different, maybe Fowler wins. It made me think how much luck, good fortune, fate, destiny, whatever word you want to use, plays a part in life. I always tell the girls just make sure your process is good, whether it's grades, sports, friendships, whatever. The results take care of themselves, you can't control those. I need to get better at listening to that advice. Even when you do that though, the results don't always work out the way you want, sometimes that turns out to be a positive thing. But you have to keep doing the process right, because more often than not, in the long run, it works out in your favor.

Saturday August 9th

My Favorite Moment of the Day: I was watching NBA hardwood classics tonight, and the 1997 playoff series between the Heat and the Knicks was on. It made me reflect back to 1999, and the playoff series between the Heat and the Knicks. I don't remember the basketball, but I remember being on the phone with Rob, watching the entire final game of the series, talking about the players and the plays as the game wore on. We probably talked about fantasy baseball too. All the time I was on the phone, I was holding Olivia, rocking her, at 3 months old, trying to keep her asleep. That was her real intro to basketball. The old and broken fisher price hoop pictured above was a present on her 1st birthday. Good memories of holding her, watching her play on that little hoop, and talking sports on the phone with Rob was my favorite thing today.

Thing that Made me Laugh Today: Olivia had a little party tonight, with 11 people, including herself and Anna. It was pretty funny watching the interaction between all of them. Some of them know each other, some of them don't. earlier in the day one of the people asked everyone to send a selfie so they could see who they recognized. One of the boys actually responded "the lighting is bad where I am right now, I'll send one later". When Kristin read that to me, I started to laugh and shake my head, but Kristin started laughing hilariously! It was awesome!

Thing that Made me Think Today: Why the hell am I spending $100 on a calculator that I can get on the iPad, (that I am paying $1000 for), for free?? Then I thought maybe this is just another thing that I "don't get", and that this is a result of me getting old. But whatever, it still seems ridiculous.

Friday August 8th

My Favorite Moment of the Day: Today was the first day of school at Bishop Verot High School. Olivia and Anna began their sophomore years and seemed very excited about it. Last year, Olivia and I would always fist bump as she got out of the car, our compromise way of giving a hug to each other, without embarrassing her in front of her friends. I had forgotten about that over the summer. As they were getting out of the car, Olivia reached back and put her fist out for a bump. That made me feel good.

Thing that Made me Laugh Today: When the girls got back in the car at the end of school, they were talking and laughing about how the day went, about their classes, the kids in their classes, etc. It was fun hearing Olivia be so excited to be back at school, and to hear Anna's positive reaction to the day.

Thing that Made me Think Today: Anna's family was over today, and it was their last day seeing her until December 22nd. Yes, maybe they can skype, and they can talk on the phone, but they won't SEE her, or hug her, for almost 5 months. I wasn't there when they said goodbye, but Kristin and Olivia said neither of them cried, and they said Anna seemed completely unfazed. I know I mentioned it earlier this week, but I just can't grasp that. I guess I can kind of understand the child not crying, they are getting to go live the adventure. Maybe Mom was just doing a great job of holding the tears back. I just can't imagine letting my baby go out into the world just yet, and not feeling scared...for me, not really for her.

Thursday August 7th

My Favorite Moment of the Day: Was the picture above. It was Olivia's last day of summer, so the girls and I went out to Captiva first thing in the morning. Luke wasn't with us as he was spending the night at Oma's house. It wasn't very crowded, the water was beautiful, and the three of us just kind of floated in the water and on the sand while talking. It was a great way to spend the last day of summer together.

Thing that Made me Laugh Today: While we were in the water, a helicopter kept circling around the beach area, obviously looking for someone. I said to the girls that it felt like the chopper was gonna turn and start firing missiles and bullets at us (and I mentioned maybe we've been watching too many superhero movies this summer). Then I squatted in the water, and as the helicopter came around and faced us, I slowly rose from the water and threw up my arms as if I was deflecting said bullets and missiles away from us (like a superhero). Then I felt a twinge in my back, and I froze up, and we all started laughing.

Thing that Made me Think Today: I thought a little about trying to realize that I can't control most situations in life. I had a conversation with someone who experienced this harsh reality this week, and listened to how he handled it. It made me think about similar situations I may encounter, and how should I handle it. I think as I've gotten older I've gotten better at realizing this truth, that we have little control, and accepting things while not giving up on something that's important. I need to keep working on it, but I am trying to enjoy the gift of every day, not worry about what's next, and do things I enjoy, mostly which is spending time with my family. 

Tuesday August 5th

My Favorite Moment of the Day: We met Anna and her family today, which was very exciting. We had them over for dinner, and had a nice time talking about Luxembourg. It was nice to get to know them, and to talk to Anna.She seems like a very adventurous kid, a lot like Olivia. I think the two of them have a chance to get along very well.

Thing that Made me Laugh Today: When we were talking with Anna's mother and aunt, we asked them how best to pronounce Anna's name. We told them how it normally sounds in America, and the Aunt started saying it over and over, stressing the short A sound at the beginning of the name. It was funny because she sounded so harsh in a southern/country sort of way. Claire and I started laughing hilariously, and to make sure she didn't think I was laughing at her, I said it sounds much nicer the way you say it in Luxembourg.

Thing that Made me Think Today: We talked with Anna's mother and aunt for almost 5 hours, and I just couldn't get out of my head that she is letting her daughter, 14 years old, travel across the world and live with total strangers for 5 months. Obviously Anna is an independent kid, and she should be able to handle it, but I can't see myself not having Olivia in the house for 5 months right now. Does that mean Anna's mom is better adjusted to Anna growing up than I am? Is she more brave than me? It can't be that I care more about Olivia than she does Anna, so what is it? Maybe by the end of the 5 months I'll have it figured out.

Monday, August 4th

My Favorite Moment of the Day: One of the things I've tried to develop in each of the kids is the habit of regular exercise. So when I was coming home from my run today, and I saw all three of them doing sprints at the end of the street, cheering and encouraging each other on, it made me smile.

Thing that Made me Laugh Today: Olivia and I were watching a show about home renovations, and the person on the show said they liked the "complimentary back splash". So we started making jokes about how the back splash would talk to you, and say nice things. Then later in the evening, Olivia mentioned something about a rude awakening, and I said there should be an alarm clock app that insults you as the alarm to wake you up. We both were laughing a lot about the different things we thought each would say, and it was fun laughing with her.

Thing that Made me Think Today: Our exchange student is arriving tomorrow, we are picking her up after volleyball tryouts. I thought about the courage it must take for a 14 year old, alone in a new country, to walk into a high school gym, for tryouts, where everyone knows each other but you, and try to perform to make a team. I thought how cool it is that she has that much self confidence, and what a great experience it will be for us to meet her and learn from her over these next 5 months.

Sunday, August 3rd

It's been forever since I've written, so much has happened. Olivia finished her freshman year, made the varsity basketball team, is learning how to drive, finished in the top 10 of her class, etc. Luke started a new school, got placed in the gifted program, has learned some awesome songs on the guitar, Sweet Child O Mine and Enter Sandman as examples, etc. etc. Claire got all A's in 7th grade, and played great on her elite basketball team. We got to travel to Atlanta where she won one of the games for the team by making a bucket and 4 of 4 free throws in the last minute to win by 3. She also won a grant to FGCU based on her excellent science fair project.

As a family, we took an amazing trip to Seattle, and the kids all learned to ski. It was beautiful, I think we all really enjoyed it out there.

Going forward I am going to try to do a daily post, short, sweet and to the point. I hope to still add pictures as well, but I want to document our life together going forward.


So, for August 3rd:

My Favorite Moment of the Day: The family went to the beach and I went running, first time running on the beach in years. It was hot, but fun, and running along the water looking out to the horizon is just awesome. Running in front of people never hurts the motivation either, so that was good. But the best part was seeing the rest of the family waving to me as I arrived back at our spot on the beach...it's always nice when people are excited to see you!

Thing that Made me Laugh Today:  Claire and Kristin were walking upstairs, and Claire told a joke. Kristin kind of fake laughed, on purpose, then Claire fake laughed, then they both started really laughing. That made me laugh as I heard the two of them from downstairs.

Thing that Made me Think Today: I was thinking about family, we went to my parent's house for dessert tonight (awesome blueberry pie), and how there's always something new for the family to deal with. Everyone has their things going on, good stuff, bad stuff, and trying to figure out how to handle all of it, in the best way possible. I thought how important it is to be there for each other, whether it is to celebrate little things (fixing a ceiling fan), celebrate big things (meeting someone new after being by yourself for a long time), and support in tough times (being on your own for the first time in a long time, what to do with a family member who is now alone). I mentioned to my Dad and Kristin a few weeks ago, it kind of bums me out that there are so few people you can truly count on. You want to be someone people can rely on, good times and tough times. I thought I need to be that person, even if the person you are giving yourself to isn't returning the favor.