More Camp

We are getting back into the groove of our lives in VT and just like that, we are shipping the kids off to clown camp, though this one is more manageable. It’s actually a great camp, they did it last year, where a lot of kids they know attend and they have a blast learning and performing. It’s only a half day, as well, so not only is it close, but it’s not as crazy.

I think we went a bit overboard with camp this Summer, but A&N had so much fun, and they are able to hang with their buddies and pursue/develop some interests, making it all worthwhile. I hate the idea of becoming the parent who over-schedules their child, but the process of discovering what interests them is exactly that, a process, and like any process, there is always an initial period of chaos before you find a direction that speaks to you. While this may be difficult to believe, it’s not just about farming the kids out to get them out of your hair. Anyone who knows us would know that this is true.

Either way, I think August will be a more sane month, but that could be just wishful thinking. Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Ben Smith for the pic.

Honesty is the Best Policy

Maybe I’m overreacting, it wouldn’t be the first time, but the kids showed flashes of honesty that just melted my heart, and made me once again feel unworthy.

First off, N was hanging with JD and my Mentor, and they got him some ice cream after the pickup. Now nobody would have known this if he had kept quiet, he could have pulled off the perfect crime, but he was honest. After JD and my Mentor dropped N off at HH’s, they ate supper, and then went to the farm stand to get ice cream. N said no thank you, because he had ice cream earlier. Can you believe that? How cool is that? I’m so proud of that kid. Later that night, before brushing his teeth, I snuck some chocolate ice cream to him, just to remind him what a cool kid I think he is, not that he needs reminding.

The week earlier, when the kids joined us at the market, A went to the Hogwash stand and got a burger and sausage sandwich. They gave her too much change, $7 instead of $5, so they went back and returned the money. The farmer, N, was so happy and appreciative of the kid’s honesty that she gave them both t-shirts from the farm.

They were excited, they’re cool shirts, and it just goes to show you that it pays to be honest. At the very least, you can be proud that you did the right thing.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Billy Alexander for the pic.

Reflections on Hockey

Now that we’ve wrapped up hockey camp for N, and I have to say, I’ve really enjoyed watching the kids play, especially N (naturally). It just looks like a lot of fun, and as I mentioned, it’s nice and cool in that arena. We really got to beat the heat that week.

N had a great time, and the coaches were really nice and supportive. I think N has a lot of athletic ability to make this work out, and he is a good listener and learner, and really tries his best. There are times when I watch him and he seems a little distracted and dreamy, but the places where I think he could use a little work are all areas where coaching and experience will come into play. I think the natural athletic abilities are there, they just need to be trained and molded. As long as he’s having fun and enjoying it, but also meets the challenge. There's a character lesson in there.

I met one of the dads whose son will be on N’s team, and he’s a good player. He’s been playing for a year or two, so he’s got a leg up. With all the skating and hockey that we've been doing, N's been able to catch-up a little. It’s nice now to have a break, but I will personally miss the ice time, especially when I get to play with him. For now, we get a break until the Fall, and then hockey will kick into full gear.

Some things we have to keep an eye on for N that are not critical but things he wants are a new helmet (he wants a black one) and a new hockey bag. There are equipment sales that the different hockey programs hold, so we’ll keep an eye out for those. Otherwise, we get to relax for a couple of months.

Until then, thanks for reading, and thanks to Adam Klepsteen for the pic.

Welcome Back, Mr. C

Since the meeting we went to was for R, the hotel was reserved in her name, so the placard that got us in (AZ is big on exclusivity and gated communities) was labeled with her last name (sort of) C. So, every time we pulled into the compound, since it was me driving, they'd say, "Welcome back Mr. C" They were probably thinking I was the strangest looking Mr. C they'd ever seen.

Either way, it was an interesting trip, and there is much to tell, though I couldn't blog at the time because I was under the gun, but I'll leave it at that.

First off, I just want to say that given the choice, I would not fly Southwest Airlines. Sure, they offer many convenient flights out west, but a couple of things really made it inconvenient. First off, they don't give you any food or entertainment. I realize this is a cost cutting measure, but other airlines at least give you a movie. A 5 hour flight is tough with kids when there's nothing for them to do. Also, the fact that they don't give you seat assignments is a complete joke. As a family, you run the risk of not getting to sit together. Granted, they have a family seating policy, but it applies to families with children under 4. So if you're child is 5, tough luck. In all fairness, most of the ticketing agents let us slide and board as a family, but one guy took it too seriously and wouldn't let us in at first. He kept saying it wasn't his rule, but the decision was up to him. A good example of a person letting power go to his head.

Either way, I won't be going out of my way to fly Southwest. Also, we got really bad vibes from Dollar Rent a Car, and again, we won't be using them, either.

We did, however, have a really nice time at our hotel. It's actually a resort called the Boulders, I can honestly say that it's the sort of place we would never in a million years stay at. We're not resort-like people, and the idea of being pampered completely repulses me. I can open my own door, thank you. I think the idea of staying at a resort feeds into people's insecurities of wanting to appear affluent and privileged. Unfortunately, when you leave the resort and go home, real life kicks back into gear.

Since it was July and nobody in their right mind would vacation in AZ, the rates were low, and we got to experience resort life to its fullest. The kids got a kick out of it, but again, I had my issues. First off, you don't have to walk anywhere, even if it's 10 feet away. They have a massive fleet of golf carts that will come to your door and take you anywhere on the compound. Like America doesn't need a little more exercise?

We walked everywhere, even though the kids longed to ride in the golf carts. We did ride them a few times, but I really felt embarrassed to be carted to our car. I guess it makes some people feel special. Speaking of special, the resort definitely works toward making you feel that way. You can sit by the pool and not move a muscle as they bring you drinks, food, and even a towel and sunscreen. It's a bit shameful, if not embarrassing. I'm guessing it makes people feel like royalty, but I thought it showed a lack of respect for other people. I realize people pay for this privilege, but isn't there a better way to get your kicks.

We ended up spending our days either in our air-conditioned rooms or in the pool, which was fine for a vacation, but how do people live there on a day to day basis. It was at least 105 degrees every day, even when the clouds rolled in. The food was good, and it was nice to have some Mexican food. Two places that really scored home runs for me were Rubio's fish tacos and In N Out Burger, my two favorite foods from LA. That alone made the trip worth it.

We ended up exploring AZ to some degree, and we went to some fun places, but I'll have to elaborate more on that later. For now, there are dumplings that need to made for next week. Until then, thanks for reading

Goodbye, AZ

Today is our last day in AZ, and I have to confess, as much as I'm disparaging of this state, we had fun. The kids had a blast, and the fact that they love it here so much bums me out a bit, but it's easy to love a place when all you do is swim, eat ice cream, and go to amusement parks. Daily life is when the truth comes out.

Either way, we are flying back to Vermont, and all I can say to that is hallelujah! Get me out of this heat. There's something not quite right about spending 360 days of the year in air conditioning. What sort of life is that? I realize there are reasons people love it here, just as there are reasons people hate living in Vermont. Different strokes for different folks, right?

It's been an interesting trip, with lots to tell, but more on that later. Just wanted to mention that it started out horribly, and ended well. I love when that happens. For now, thanks for reading, and thanks to gulekk for the pic.

Under Pressure

So sorry for my absence, but I'm working under the pressure of a deadline here, so I can't blog. Just wanted to mention that as much as I've disparaged traveling to AZ, we're having a great time, though it's still amazingly hot and I scratch my head as to how people live here. Oh well, live and let live.

More on AZ and my s0-called life later. Thanks for reading.

Blazing Arizona

Our trip to AZ has thus far been a challenge from the get-go, and yet another reason why I scratch my head and wonder how people live out here. This is a pic of the official state tree.

Before I get too far, bear in mind, I'm a first class whiner.

First off, we flew out of Manchester airport, which is smaller and more manageable than Logan, but I think for as big as it is, Logan is a very smooth operation. And you can't beat taking the Dartmouth Shuttle which drops you off right at the terminal. We had to do long term parking, which is expensive, and then you have to take the shuttle to the terminal, which adds another leg to your trip.

The second observation I want to make is that I will not be going out of my way to fly Southwest Airlines in the future. It's a bargain airline, no doubt, and the people are friendly and courteous, but you really get what you pay for. I flew Southwest in California when I was young, resilient and single, and it was perfect for a quick jaunt to SF from LA. Quick, affordable, and convenient. They dispense with small comforts and just get the job done.

Now that I'm older and more fragile, not to mention a father, the absence of those small comforts really had a negative impact. It was a brutal flight, 5 hours with no break for meals or even a movie. Plus, they do this lame seating assignment where people stand in line by number and once you're on the plane, it's a free for all. Does it really save them that much money to do this? I doubt it.

Plus, they don't have meal service, which I understand saves them $$, but when you have kids and are flying across the country, you need that break in the monotony, not to mention some food. We were starving. Five hours sure dragged on, coupled by the fact that we were totally un-prepared for this trip. Usually one thing that is at the forefront of my mind is how to entertain the kids on a long flight. This time we were too busy and somewhat complacent, and I forgot everything. Plus, we ran out of food. What a bummer.

The drama continued once we landed with the rental car. AZ has some of the highest taxes and fees in the country, and our bill literally doubled. R went nuts, and we were on the verge of just taking the bus. It really put a serious dark cloud on our trip. Add in the fact that it was 110 degrees outside, and we were not starting out so well. The crazy thing is, the guy at the rental counter was saying that it pretty much stays between 110-115 degrees from May until September. The coolest it gets is the mid-70s in February, and he seemed proud of this fact. I was shocked, and wanted to ask him how he lived here. What good are high temps if you just spend the entire time in the air conditioning. I asked how the baseball team survives, and he informed me that they play in a dome. Talk about wasteful, cooling a baseball stadium so they can play. Maybe they just shouldn't play professional sports in such a hot place. They had a hockey team here, a fact that completely baffles me, not just because of the heat, but nobody here likes hockey anyway. In an act of common sense, the team is re-locating to Winnipeg. Go Canada!

Oh well, I don't want to put too much of a damper on our trip, the desert is a cool place, and our hotel is really nice. The kids are loving it, though every time the mention how much they love it here, it baffles me a little.

Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to teresaday for the pic.