Deep Dental Disturbances

Went to the dentist yesterday.  Sometimes things just go through your head while sitting in the chair waiting for their exploration.  I was hungry.  I got up late, brushed my teeth and casually considered having something to eat on the way there.  So, I had to ask the dentist:

"What percentage of your patients didn't brush after eating prior to their appointment?"

I mean, it was on my mind.  You don't really have to speak out what is in your head but for some reason, I had to.  She didn't take long to think about it and said 65%.  Which is a bigger number than I thought.  She then said, "The early appointments have less as most brush right after breakfast.  After lunchtime is another story."

My lesson for the day was that most people figure that a dentist is already going in looking for decay... might as well surprise them with something freshly chewed.

Yes - Fly From Here

Yes have returned with their first new studio album in a decade, Fly From Here.  The release also marks the debut of new vocalist Benoit David as well as the return of former keyboardist Geoff Downes and producer Trevor Horn.  Yes' sound is unmistakable and trace it back to vocal harmonies, arrangements, instrumentation or what many just call mysticism.  Many of their albums can be seen as growing things... let's go with the multiple limbs trees with a solid base.

Fly From Here is no different.  It is also the title of the 6-part trunk supporting a stand-out track like "We Can Fly" which branches off and reaches onward and upward for a bit more sun.  A direct extension of that melodic limb is the breathtaking "Sad Night At The Airfield."  I get chills from that one.  "Bumpy Ride" is frenzied and exactly as advertised -- taxiing you back to the "We Can Fly (Reprise)."  "The Man You Always Wanted Me To Be" is a solid song that someone could build a treehouse on.  "Hour Of Need" just fills the room and is quite a distinct path from the other tracks.  You could even call it a meandering branch.  "Solitaire" is a stunning little instrumental leading to the full-throttle "Into The Storm."

You may notice that I didn't cite specific stand-out performances by the band members.  I have to say that I just can't here.  This is such a cohesive Yes release with each piece so vital that I wouldn't want to pull anything apart and hear it as less than the whole.  No parachute nor Dramamine needed for this flight.  Fly From Here is a steady ride that soars!

4 out of 5

The Future Will Be Visualized

I have to say that the time I've had since ending Talking 80s Music has really given me a chance to step back and look at things.  The OCD spiral of news writing and hosting the show had to come to an end.  It was either going to be clean or messy.  One of the things that I've concluded is that my future with podcasts may be minimal.

I remember sitting in a conference room listening to a great keynote speech by Gary Vaynerchuk a few years back.  Of the many nuggets I got from him was in the form of a question, "Why aren't you doing video?"  If you are honest, personable and have a working knowledge of your subject, people would like to see you.  That thought sat in the back of my mind for years.

Recently, I started thinking about the future of 'the show' and know that it will never be back in that same form.  It was an amazing time and an unforgettable journey.  Yet, if CNN or USAToday ran a poll asking people what a 'podcast' was... it'd stump 80% of the readers.  Of the 20%, not all of them are regular listeners and many focus on niche markets.  Even as I type this, the word 'podcast' is showing up in my spellcheck as an error.  Heck, the word has been around for 7 years... get with it people.

So, I ask myself, why try to push into an area that is self-limiting.  Sure, changing the terminology from podcast to talkcast or blogcast can affect the numbers but we are innately visual beings.  During the last few months, I've been tinkering with video projects and in the future... it very well could be the path for a new show.  I can see it clearly but I have another goal in sight and I expect to talk about it next month.  Back to work for me.

American Pride

I mentioned several video projects in the works before.  You are going to have to get used to seeing them pop up here and there.  This Memorial Day, my assistant videographer woke up early with me to catch the sun rising over Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.  It was all part of the plan for creating a video for a terrific song called "American Pride" co-written by my friend Geno.  So, despite a few technical issues (that I see more than some others,) it went pretty well.  Hope you enjoy.

Night Ranger - Somewhere In California

Energy.  It's something we all seek in one form or another.  Sometimes it's from a restful sleep, a caffeinated drink, a second wind or pure inspiration.  Night Ranger have definitely found the latter for the release of their upcoming album, Somewhere In California.

The disc leads off boldly, yet brilliantly, with the keyboard-heavy first single, "Growin' Up In California."  The chorus is pure bliss and it reminds you of everything you liked about Night Ranger to begin with.  Not an easy feat.  "Lay It On Me" with its scorching guitars showcases their rock roots and begs to be heard live in an arena.  It'd be easy to mistake the slow build of "Time Of Our Lives" as a just some ballad.   Make sure you hear the whole song as the guitar solo here rips just after an emotional blues run -- stamping this as something special.  "End Of The Day" has some beautiful layering on what becomes a love song of perseverance. While those are some amazing stand-out tracks, there are some terrific journeys on songs like the thumping and wailing of "Follow Your Heart," past romantic reflections of "Bye Bye Baby (Not Tonight)," the high-flying "No Time To Lose Ya," the very catchy and possessive "It's Not Over," the rock tribute-laden "Rock N' Roll Tonite" and the slick closer "Say It With Love."

This is the album Night Ranger fans have been waiting for... no matter in which decade they loved them most.  It's also a great place for the uninitiated to dive in.  Somewhere In California is crammed full of catchy choruses, determination, self-aware production and it just rocks throughout.  Now, if we could only just bottle what Night Ranger has.

4 out of 5

And The Future Will Write Itself...

Lots going on over here. Some of it is even along my current direction... some not. I don't think that I'll ever be able to walk away from my love of music and my quest for knowledge surrounding many acts. So, while it looks like I've gone underground, I've been formulating a way to combine everything. As of now, you'll see more and more music-related posts from 'Classically Martin', reviews and other meanderings. There are multiple video projects that are in the works, some written work and I'll mention that in the future. But, I figured I'd need to prepare you for seeing CD reviews surface here at MartinHennessy.com (a.k.a. Rantings Of An 80s Nut.)

The Bella And Tulip Show: Caught In The Act

So, I've been spending a lot more time messing around with my video projects during my musical hiatus.  Today was a chance for me to test out some new software.  But I knew that I'd have to have something to work with as subject matter.  One thing we've been confused about is the mess we sometimes see in the kitchen when we've been gone for a little bit.  It's hard to punish one dog over the other without evidence.

Around noon, we set up a camera and left a banana peel and part of a PBJ sandwich in the trash.  We left for just over 11 minutes.  The video above is what transpired.  Hope you enjoy.  It was fun editing.  We've put velcro on the door in hopes to avoid this kind of incident again.

Caring 4 Kids

My friends and sister-in-law have been involved in a charity called Caring 4 Kids for quite some time.  I had been there a few times to help out but, this week, they needed it.  As you'll hear in the video, a local church donated 21,000 pounds of food.  (You may want to increase the volume on the video as it drops a little in the middle.)  It's amazing how much there was but more astounding is the work entailed to just organize the items.  Funny, as I had mentioned the charity the day before in a Facebook post.  I went with the wife to help sort for a few hours.  It's a bit of a blur but I also took a day off of work to help with the bagging and today helped hand out the food to the kids.

It isn't often that I'm able to help but I found myself wanting to get the word out a bit more about what they do.  So, here it is in a little video.  If you'd like to help them out by 'liking' their page on Facebook, you can do so here.  But, if you also happen to be in the Las Vegas/Henderson area and are looking for something positive to do for an hour or more on a Thursday around 6pm... call the people mentioned at the end of the video.  That's when they bag a lot of the items.  If you can imagine about 400+ bags being filled with 9 items or so and the assembly line that it takes to make it happen, you can understand why I mention it.  But, I can see myself spending more time helping them out.

Breaking Open Some Boxes For A Cause

Back a bit ago, I mentioned my wife's mission to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation through the 3-Day For The Cure event.  She's been doing great (although the moving did interfere with training a little but we are finding new routes.)  She has raised 17% of her goal so far (which she needs to accomplish by around August.  It also happens to be a big garage sale happening within our new community and... well, it just makes sense to use it to raise money towards her goal.  So, on Saturday Apr. 16th, you will find me behind a table maybe with a stereo going.  The location could be found here. 

Funny thing about moving is that we've been going through a lot of boxes recently and found that I still have an odd CD or two, some DVDs, lamps and other stuff gathering dust for the sale.  Here's the interesting part.  I know that not everyone has money to donate to a great cause like breast cancer research.  But it amazes me how we can all find junk we are close to throwing away (as we don't all have time to hold a garage sale... especially for just a few items.)  So, if you'd like to help me, help Kerry, help the Susan G. Komen Foundation by donating those items for the sale, we'd love to have them and would cherish your support.  Most of you have ways to get ahold of me (especially via Facebook) and if you'd like to drop something off (old plates, appliances... heck, this could be a long list) just drop me a line.  If you are in the area that day, feel free to stop by as well.  Kerry will also be selling some pink rubber-like wristbands (think LiveStrong meets boobies) and some bracelets specifically for the charity.

During the week, we heard from a member of our family that went through a breast cancer scare.  One of the hardest things about dealing with the disease is that it's hard to talk about when you are waiting just to find out how test results are.  Since starting this journey we've also found more and more family and friends that have fought this disease.  So, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for contemplating or even reading any of this.

Moving Can't Be Painless: Part 2

I have to say that after all that previous drama, it got kinda boring with the relocation.  We're starting to feel a bit at home.  Sure, you set one thing up and then break something else and now have to replace it... but that's the fun of organizing a new abode.  Put together a lot of shelves, ceiling fans, a television stand and set up the computers.  I'm sure that I'm forgetting something else.  We also started organizing the garage (which cleared out a lot of the boxes stacked taller than the wife... no, it wasn't intentional.)  The dogs are enjoying the new running room.  Our son is enjoying his new-found freedom to explore (it seems like his room isn't dangerous enough for him anymore.)  If his grades stay above water, he'll be picking up a new bike next week.  Kerry is back to reading (for enjoyment.)  And I'm getting closer and closer to starting a project that I expect to announce in July.

We still have a few home projects to finish (computer networking issues, a ceiling fan and a dishwasher) but there are less and less boxes stacked up and tools lying around (because at any moment... aha... needed that screwdriver.)  I think the only thing we really need right now is a bit of rest and a start on our new routine.  Probably going to start that by exploring the nearby restaurants and walking routes.

To The Missus On Year #3 Of Her Purgatory

I don't mention it often but I'm a very lucky man.  I'm not easy to be around for long periods of time.  I ramble on about bizarre things.  I listen to music some people wouldn't let their children hear.  I snore.  I talk in my sleep.  I am stubborn, out-going, opinionated and right most of the time... (Ok, that last part is a bit overboard.)  But, for some reason, I was lucky enough to find someone as caring, stubborn, patient and as loving as my wife.  She doesn't like the spotlight on her but I wouldn't be half of what I am without her.  Thank you for 3 wonderful years and making my family that much better for it.

Moving Can't Be Painless: Part 1

I know, it's been a bit.  Here is the Cliff's Notes synopsis.  We moved.  Computers remained unplugged for over a week.  (The shakes started wearing off after a few days.)  Moved crap around.  Broke things.  Fixed things.  Built things.  (It amazes me more and more how companies can send extra pieces for bookshelves... has to be a psychological trick to make us feel stupid as we re-read the instructions for the 49th time.)

I have to say that the physical move went great and a big Thank You goes out to my brother-in-law Greg and friend William.  Let's dwell on the move for a moment.  Kerry and I picked up the U-Haul early and went straight to a store to pick up some furniture we ordered.  We then headed to the house to start unplugging the computers, loaded up the delicate items in her car and prepped the big items for loading up.  Greg and Willie arrived and we loaded up a few items going to my Dad's house and then everything else joined the party.  We were mainly concerned about the big items as there were many and we left more than we should have (but didn't have much more room in the truck.)  We then drove to the new place and dropped off the goodies and ate lunch.  We then went to my father's and dropped off some big items for him and loaded up a lot of items that he'd been holding there for us.  Off we went to the new place to drop off the stuff.  I was able to drop off Willie and the U-Haul in time to not get charged.  (I'm not going to mention the turn signal light issue to save time.)  I then ran to the old house to see if there was anything we'd need for the night.  Called the wife and told her I'd call when I got closer to the new place to pick up food on the way back.

So, it seemed like a busy day already.  Right?  I take these items over to Greg's house and add two tired dogs to my cargo (as my sister-in-law Kelly watched over them during the move.)  I'm now heading out and I get a frantic call from the wife saying, "Head home!  Head home!," and, confused as I can be, I reply, "Which home?!"  It didn't help matters.  Needless to say, my son David was working as hard as a one-armed child could (seeing as he broke one in a scooter accident.)  While helping out by breaking down boxes, he cut his wrist open...  he screamed, ran towards where his mom was (and this is where I lose track of the story because from my later view of the crime scene... it looked like he ran circles around the house.)  Kerry took him to the emergency room while I continued to drive home.  I had a heck of a time keeping the dogs away from the puddles of coagulating fluid.  Oh, did I mention the nice new cream colored carpet at the new place?  No?  Well, I got acquainted with it for 3 hours as Spray & Wash with Resolve works wonders but requires a lot of elbow grease.  (Leave it to me to leave the steam cleaner at the old house.)  I finished moments before they got back from seeing the doctor.  David earned 3 stitches, a lot of praise for being a 'big help' and a wrapping covering his unbroken other arm... yes, his best hand for doing anything was at the end of a cast now.  Great for the upcoming CRTs.

I have a photo stashed away somewhere but... it was a painful but satisfying move.  David's cast was removed a week later and he still has the stitches in.  He's also getting to know the neighborhood really well.  Anyhow, there is more to the move but it'll have to wait.  Still have more stuff to get done around here but wanted to check in and let you know what's been going on.

20+

As much as I loathe moving, there is something cathartic to it.  It's a time for you to re-evaluate items you've been holding onto.  The last time I moved (almost 3 years ago when I got married), I discovered a stack of notes from a girl in high school.  I thought that it was funny that here were 20+ letters that were jotted down during a history class that I knew I read but they were scattered in a little paper bag all by themselves.  They came from my senior year and my correspondence with a classroom pseudo-pen pal.  So, I decided to look at the notes.  I told the wife about it and even read them to her -- partially to absolve myself of the contents but also to share in the discovery.  Yes, the girl (no names) was persistent and had a crush.  It even reminded me of a time when she came over (in a tight black leotard... my favorite color) and received a massage... and I didn't take it further.  To this day, I don't know why I didn't (because massages always lead me into trouble) but I do know that some things aren't meant to happen.  I tossed each of the letters away after reading them.  But, being 20+ years older and going over 20+ letters really reminds a man of how much he's grown and how oblivious to some things he can be.

So, it's funny that as I was doing some early pre-packing for the latest move, I discovered another set of letters --  this time from an ex-girlfriend.  You can say she was the first significant one after high school.  No, there weren't 20+ there but I let them sit on the desk for about two months and explained what they were to the wife (with the intention to do the same as before.)  It was as we were talking about the move and some logistics that the phone rang.  I looked over at the letters (post-marked 1991-92) and started opening them.  The wife was on the phone as I browsed the first one, ripped it up, browsed the second, ripped it up... and then just ripped the others up.  I came to the conclusion that sometimes there are reasons why the past is the past and the present is the present.  Holding on to some great memories of the past are fine.  Clinging onto them can be maniacal.  So, I'm feeling good.  Purging some things always lightens my soul and... I was able to share it with the one I love.  Back to packing but... I might have to be more selective of what I keep for now on.  B)

Leaving Las Vegas

The phrase 'Las Vegas native' has always been odd for me.  I mean, when you move to a town when you are 2 years old, you really don't remember enough of your old one to say that it was home.  So, after 37 wonderful years (minus a 6-month sabbatical in Reno), we're leaving.  We signed the papers today.  It's hard to do when you have a lot of great memories of the place and, yes, even the stigma of 'Sin City' on your back never seemed that bad.  Heck, I'm a huge fan of the weather.  I really can't stand the cold.  So, as I start packing up my things along with my wife and son, I say farewell to a city that never sleeps and never did me wrong... and say "hello" to Henderson.

She's In Training For A Cure

I might not have mentioned it previously but the wife and I have been doing a lot of walking.  Usually, we'll try to take the girls (dogs) out with us and have worked up to a 4-mile hike a few weeks ago (hours before Super Bowl.)  There has been a reason.  Sure, the health benefits are great (as is wearing out the dogs.)  But, Kerry has a goal and I'm going to support her every step of the way.

In November, Kerry is heading to San Diego with her BFF to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure event.  This isn't a simple little trip.  Essentially, they will head out and walk 20 miles, camp out, pack up, walk another 20 miles, camp out, pack up and walk the remaining 20 miles in what can only be called a 3-day endurance test.  So, she's in training.  I mean, it isn't often that anyone walks for 20 miles continuously or does so 3 days in a row.

Yes, training will be difficult but also difficult will be fund-raising.  Neither of us have really ever done that before either.  They have set a minimum of $2,300 in donations as her goal before she participates which means we have until September-ish to work on it.  I try not to use the web sites or my other ventures as a platform for asking for things... I am bad at that but, during the next few months, I will be trying to keep you up-to-date on Kerry's training progress and post a little link up.  We also hope to hold a few fund-raising events as well.

Right after signing up, a friend of hers told her that her other friend had just been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Cancer, itself, is scary but when it hits home, it hits hardest.  Men also get breast cancer.  One of the sad things about the disease is how it can destroy a woman's self-esteem.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I think breasts are one of the most amazing inventions and I can stare at them for hours.  Let's go save some boobies!

It might be good to mention now that unfortunately, donations from outside the United States are unable to be processed but we would like to thank you for even considering it.

Coke, Is It?

I can honestly say that I failed the Pepsi Challenge over 2 decades ago.  I just like the taste of Coke.  For the longest time, I was a 2 20-oz. bottle-a-day Diet Coke drinker (yeah, caffeine.)  Anyhow, I don't drink soda anymore but this article saying that they've finally revealed the recipe for Coca-Cola got me thinking.  First, it's hard to say 'finally revealed' as they say it was found in a 32 year-old newspaper.  It's like saying, "We can finally reveal the winner of the first American Idol."  It happened, was covered and it's done.  But can the recipe be real?

I'm writing this to say that I'm doubtful.  Just a few problems with the recipe that includes at least 4 different oils and 8 oz. of alcohol amidst 2.5 gallons of water and 1quart and 2 pints of lime juice.  Not only do the oils (which would be a fat) not register on the label as even a less than a gram but at no point is alcohol listed on the label.  Here's one label below:

So, if this this recipe is false, it is blatantly so.  If it were correct, it could be an issue with mis-labeling the product -- which could be a lawsuit.  It also must be noted that the above label has to be an older one as high fructose corn syrup is the major sweetener used today.  Could that recipe, printed in a newspaper 3 decades ago, be a very early one that was discarded, changed and rendered useless by the time it was published?  Something to consider.

Super Day 2011

I do not know if I can legally say Super Bowl or not but I spent a great day with my wife, son, nephew and dogs.  We woke up around 6am and had cinnamon rolls and packed a few sandwiches for a trip.  There is a section of this massive hiking trail around Boulder City near Lake Mead and we decided to give that a try.  Our plan was to try to get a good 4 mile hike in (with the dogs) before heading back home in time for church.  We figured out the directions and despite leaving late got there just about when we intended to.  With two boys and two dogs in tow, my wife and I started our walk/hike.  But, we wound up going the wrong way.  It really wasn't a bad thing, though.  You have a great view of Lake Mead and half-mile markers to give you an idea of distance.  The dogs did great and spent most of the day sleeping afterwards.  When we got back, we prepared for church and the Super Bowl.

David is a little funny... ok, a lot funny.  He has his favorite football team and can barely remember any of the players' names.  Part of what I believed made me a bigger fan of professional football was fantasy football -- where you have an investment in almost every game and particular players.  This prompted me to create a Super Bowl fantasy match-up for the boys (the prize being bragging rights, 3 packs of sugar-free gum and a Star Wars Pez dispenser with 3 packs of Pez.)  For anyone attempting a two-person fantasy draft, it's important to balance things.  There is only one QB and one defense which means that when one is taken, the other is pretty much given to the other player by default.  The draft went well.  My nephew wanted the Packers to win the game and went after only Green Bay players.  David was more selective but of course would have many of the default Steelers players after losing the coin-toss but also grabbed wide receiver Greg Jennings of GB.  By the time the game started, Jakob told us that he thought he made a mistake.  His second pick, running back Brandon Jackson, was hurt and he forgot.  I conferred with the wife and then asked David what he thought.  I asked my son, "What would you want to happen if we found out that your other running back was hurt and not going to play the game?"  With everyone agreed, Jackson was replaced with Starks... until Jackson caught a pass.  I had to tell my nephew that changing players during a game was already a bit unfair but the player he drafted was actually in the game and his replacement player would have to be switched back.  I don't think he took it well.  When offered dinner at Olive Garden near half-time... he was outta here.  But, I told him that we'd still keep score and the winner would still be the winner.  David watched the rest of the game (and we'd have to keep reminding him when his player scored points or screwed up.)   Final total was about 53 to 25 (I didn't keep the sheets so we are guesstimating here) in my son's favor.  We even ran the points with the replacement player -- which only got the score 4 points closer.

But, I think this was a growing step for the boy as he watched everything but the half-time show (to play outside.)  Had a great time with the wife and it was a great day.  We passed out earlier than normal as well.  I'm sure that I had nightmares about replacement players.

Teamwork And Homework Pay Off

This will be a rather long update but it's a few stories that intertwine.  I might have mentioned elsewhere that we were getting our son back on his educational path by adding some new structure to his after-school hours.  This came after seeing quite a few missing homework assignments.  He now spends at least 90 minutes at the kitchen table doing homework before anything else.  He has actually noticed how much better his life has been around this new change and how breaking away from it feels so disorganized and confusing.  Anyhow, he spent two late nights catching up on late/missing homework assignments that brought his Science and English grades up.  (As he had A's on most everything but many zeroes on homework brought the grades down.)  I might have also mentioned his teacher and assistant dean approaching us about having him represent the 7th grade in the Science Bowl.  This is actually a state-wide competition over science and math that is now in its 4th year.  Most likely... this wouldn't have happened if he didn't bring those grades up.

So, on Thursday (the 27th) David broke from the previously mentioned structure -- with our consent.  He went to play with his cousins that he hadn't seen in awhile but promised to get to his homework right afterwards.  That didn't happen.  While playing on his scooter, the rusted handlebars gave and he went tumbling to the ground.  All in all, he wound up with a buckle fracture of his right radius (near his wrist) leaving him without the use of that hand for the time being.  He tried writing with his left but switched back after getting his full cast.  All homework has caught up but it's been quite an experience for him as he's learning how much he depends on using both arms.

Fast-forward to 4:40am this morning as the wife woke him up to get ready for the Science Bowl.  Heck, I even went to sleep early and got up to go with them.  We arrived at the Henderson International Campus at 6:30am and turned in some last-minute paperwork for his participation.  Worth noting here is that writing out anything is a slow painful process during the healing and hardly legible (and never really considered how important that may be for math questions.)  We weren't allowed to see the first 2 contests but we got a phone call from David around their lunch break to tell us that they had won both their first head-to-head battles.  Arriving quickly afterwards, we just made it in as they started against their next opponent.  They won and had a little breathing room.  I found out that my old junior high school (that I participated in Varsity Quiz for) was also competing... and was the team to beat.  They would meet them in the finals.  By the first half of the game, they were down by at least 20 points and came back to a nerve-wracking finish but lost.  David had some tears in his eyes but I reminded him... it's a double-elimination tournament.  The team would play their sister-school from Reno for third place and beat them in what was called a North-South battle by moderator Nate Tannenbaum.  The next would be a rematch with my former school which had remained unbeaten.  David's team dealt them a more than 50 point beating.  I can't put it any other way.  So, they would play against each other one more time...  The other team would bring payback by topping them by 100 points.  It was a slugfest... well, mentally.  What has to be said here is that the main team consisted of four 8th graders (and a 7th that rotated in on the second half) and David's had an 8th grader, two 7th graders and a 6th grader.  Pretty darn good for a team just put together that could only get better next year.  So tonight, I remain a proud parent of a child that gave his all and learned to enjoy this competition.

I'd feel bad if I wrote all this without saying how nice Mr. Tannenbaum was.  Kerry and I have fond memories of watching this meteorologist's forecasts and on-camera wit.  But to have him moderate the final rounds was great.  He even too a moment to pose for a photo with the boy.  It gives David someone to look for on the news in the morning when he fills in for Ted Pretty.

2011: The Year Of Projects

I've always liked the word 'project' (unless it is related to living space) and, with the new time I've freed with the end of the show and discontinuation of Web sites, I have a bunch in the works.  I'm going to spill a little about them now but will hold onto a few others to mention later when it's more appropriate.

Since June of last year, I've switched to a vegan diet for 5 days of the week.  I figure that my choices at work lead me to some bad choices... so why not control them.  Pretty much, it's a dismissal of all animal products and by-products.  The days that I'm not at work, I enjoy but don't pig out on the items I can't otherwise.  When I first did this, I saw my cholesterol drop from over 300 to around 150.  Yes, cut that sucker in half but didn't add oatmeal to the diet until this week.  I may re-introduce seafood (like tuna) after my next bloodwork comes back.  But, I feel really good.

I've also gotten more involved with my son's schooling.  I saw him doing the same things that I was:  acing tests, not turning in homework and upsetting my parents with my grades.  After a lot of thinking on this and much frustration (as this happened once before) we are working on structure.  He now sits at the kitchen table doing homework for at least an hour and a half each night.  If he doesn't have homework, he'll have to read ahead or work on a school project.  So far, so good.

I have been picking up some new tech gear for a new video project that I'm starting focused on my family.  I can't say much as it includes more than myself and I don't want to overstep my bounds.  It's a great chance for me to enhance my interview and add new film skills to my arsenal.  All I know is that it is going to be fun and get me to spend more time with my family... and that's pretty important.  Now, if only those new microphones get here by Saturday.

Lastly, exercise.  It's been difficult to work in work out (boy, is that a weird phrase) time with my odd schedule.  I try something and lose interest.  My wife has set a goal.  There is a cool event coming up in November supporting the Susan G. Komen For The Cure foundation for breast cancer in the form of a 3-day, 20-mile per day walk.  We are trying to build her endurance up to this goal.  So we started last weekend to go walking one day and yoga/stretching the next.  We even found an interesting site called GeoDistance that allows you to see areas that you already have around you (as well as alternate routes) and measure them to figure distances.  This worked well for our hikes and other areas and have set the plan in motion.  So, my exercise is going to increase and I support her goal.  I'll be giving you updates as she gets closer to the November event.

So, I'm not spending all my free time sleeping in... those rumors are entirely untrue.  I have a lot of new stuff on my plate but feel that it's not only going in the right direction but the best direction.

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Today we had a proper ceremony to bid adieu to Talking 80s Music.  I did discover that once you get the idea in your head to do something in the future, it's really easy to accelerate the process.  First you come up with a list of things you want to accomplish before the end of the project.  Then you start whittling it down into 'must have' and 'possible' columns.  Then, you impose an even shorter deadline than before.

Regrets will always happen in life.  You could have always said something better, done something quicker or taken a short-cut but one thing I'm sure of is that we ended things on our terms.  Sometimes regrets are the areas of your life you put a curtain around and occasionally look at to say, "I'll get to that.  I will."  Well, the curtain has been drawn aside as I now try to incorporate my family into these future projects.