Piano Girl

There is a cool new development with A, and it’s right up her alley. She has been taking music lessons at the school and she is also part of the school chorus. There are a few different age levels, and A is singing with the 5^th and 6^th graders, but there are chorus’ for the younger kids. A’s piano teacher is also the chorus leader, and she asked A if she would accompany the younger kids on piano, so she will be a busy girl for the next few weeks.

I think it’s too cool that she’ll be performing on piano, but also that her teacher was nice enough to consider her for the part. A loves to perform, and she’s right in her element there. Now all we have to do is practice, because we have many things coming up on the horizon, including her own performances, auditions for the big musical, and a karate test.

The fun never stops. Then again, that’s just how we like it. Until the next time, thanks for reading, and thanks to Alexander Nicholson-Ward for the pic.

Massive Playdate

We had our homeschool book club, and there is a new participant in the mix. He’s a really nice boy, I think he’s 11, and all the kids really jive. After book club they all get crazy, but it’s not really the proper thing to do in a library, so it was decided that everyone would come over to our house to play. The funny thing about his development was that I was the last one to find out about this plan, I kid you not. The other parents were thanking me for having the kids over for a playdate, and my first question was, what playdate?

I’ve said this in the past, I don’t mind having all the kids over. The more the merrier, and what’s great is that it’s only for a couple of hours, and they have so much fun just doing whatever that I don’t even have to provide drinks or snacks. They just take off on autopilot. A&N love it because they enjoy having friends over, and I can get things done, like make dinner before N’s hockey. The other parents are cognizant of the responsibility of watching over so many kids, so they don’t take advantage and show up promptly.

I for one think the arrangement works out perfectly. DE can get to work, CH can get some things done, and all the kids have fun. It’s a good mix of boys and girls, too. This past time I got hang out with D and J, who are both from So Cal, and it was nice chatting with them. All in all, a good time was had, and I for one wouldn’t mind if we made it a regular thing.

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

Getting the Hockey Groove Back

It makes me immeasurably happy that N is excited to get back in the swing of playing hockey. It’s not just that I think hockey is cool, which I do. I really do, but it’s more about him having something that hee feels passionate about and loves to do. Stemming from this is the willingness to work hard at it and the desire to excel. It sure beats being apathetic about life and wanting to just watch TV and play video games. I see plenty of that.

I don’t deny that I think hockey is cool, and the coolness factor is not a bad thing for a boy approaching adolescence. More importantly, however, is for a child to find a sense of place, especially if it really speaks to him. Now I’m not an advocate of the whole jock environment and mentality, but there’s no denying that sports can often play an important role in a boy’s life.

Besides, something about hockey in particular that I find appealing, at least at this stage in life. They really promote and expect good values and behavior, more so than other sports I’ve seen him take part in. The coaches go well beyond just going through the motions, and they constantly expect the players to exhibit character and pride. It shows in the kids, who are well mannered, for the most part.

Anyway, we’re getting back in the groove. Stateline Sports finally got N’s away game socks to match his away game jersey, which the coach still has. N has also exhibited his eagerness by playing hockey constantly in the house. It’s probably best the mom is not around, because it can get rather lively. He and his big sister also made a makeshift goal out of a cardboard box, and it even comes with a goalie that moves. How cool is that?

Clearly we can’t wait to get back on the ice. Until then, thanks for reading, and thanks to Kriss Szkurlatowski for the pic.

Karate Test on the Horizon

We had a big turnout for our first class back, and there is a test looming on the horizon. Master H is really keen on getting as many people tested as are ready, and you can feel the energy in the classroom. People are looking good. It’s funny because I have a bit of anxiety about having to spar with certain aggressive individuals, and am trying to mentally and physically prepare for the big bouts, but it seems we’re so busy in class that we never get around to combat. In certain ways I’m relieved, but in others, a little disappointed. I have a real love-hate thing with sparring.

There will be a black belt test, and a couple of us will test for out second brown, which is one step away from black. Hard to imagine. One of our former senseis, MG, showed up, and it was nice seeing him. He will be there for our test, and it’s always an honor to see such esteemed teachers showing interest in our progress.

The test should be good, though it’s always a little tense. A and I will do our best to get as much practice in as we can in the coming days. R will want to come and take pics, so our time will be officially documented, and of course we’ll have to bake some brownies or cookies to celebrate.

Until then, thanks for reading, and thanks to Kriss Szkurlatowski for the pic.

Hitting the Snow

When we were on the beach I saw the local home forecast, and it called for a bit of snow, but when we returned home, it was clear that there was probably about 5-6 inches of the white stuff. Enough to cover the ground and do some sledding, or better yet, snowboarding.

N was ready, and he grabbed his “new” snowboard, which is now complete, and rode it most of the afternoon down the small hill. The beauty of it is that he has to work hard to have fun. Carrying that board back to the top after every run is a workout. It’s like sledding, there are no chairlifts to do the wrok for you, but the reward for your efforts is the cool ride down. This also affords kids a chance to get some badly needed exercise, not that our kids are badly in need.

It was fun, and I get a huge kick out of seeing A&R get a grasp of a new activity, especially when it’s fun, and more importantly, cool. For the record, the snow has all melted, which is a bummer, but I’m hoping that we’ll get more. It’s been known to happen.

Until then, thanks for reading.

Getting Our Feet Back

Now that we’re back in frigid New England, it’s time to get used to cold weather activities, though the weather has been unseasonably balmy since our return. In fact, when we landed in Boston, it was 60 degrees and we didn’t need our jackets. What’s up with that?

Though we really enjoyed our time in Florida, it’s nice to be back home, and I figured since N missed so much hockey, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hit the ice one time before he starts practicing and playing. A and mom went and had girl’s day out, so me and N decided to get our feet back onto the ice. There are ample opportunities for this at all the local rinks, and over the weekend we decided to head over to Union Arena. It’s usually busy over the Thanksgiving weekend, and that sure was the case this time around. Usually we’re one of a handful of people on the ice, but this time around, the place was packed. It makes skating a little more challenging, but also more interesting and dare I say, fun?

There were several of N’s buddies out there, so he got to hang with them while I skated and chatted with the adults about school, power tools, and professional sports teams, not to mention how the holidays were going. It was nice, and I personally like it better when there are more people on the ice, it makes it much more intersting. I feel the same way about skiing, surfing, and almost every other activity. Maybe I’m a social guy, but being the only ones out there can feel sort of lonely.

It was a fun time, and again, it was nice seeing friends and neighbors. Good to see a good crowd at the ice rink, as well. We scored the last two pieces of pizza and hung out with the families while a group of Pee-Wees practiced on the ice. It’s funny because a few weeks back I played open stick with some of the Pee Wees out of Hartford and they skated circles around me. I was relaying this story to a friend when one of the kids who was practicing after the public skate called out my name, and sure enough, they were in the group. Really nice kids, I have to give them credit for being polite and humble.

All in all, a good day back on the ice. I even wore my helmet, not only to try to look cool as a pseudo-hockey player, but also to protect my melon as I practice skating like a hockey player. Did I mention that it reminds me of when I first started playing ultimate frisbee? The analogy is interesting, to say the least.

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

Goodbye To Florida and The Road Back Home

It was with a heavy heart that we said goodbye to FLA, not just because we had such a great time, but because we hate saying goodbye to family. Adding to the fun was the fact that it was a bit of a fiasco getting to the airport, though this time around we were all together as a family, which makes all the difference. It ain’t easy being a single parent and getting everyone onto that plane. I see it all the time, almost always it’s the mom with her kids, probably going off to meet dad somewhere. Funny how that works.

We had an afternoon flight back to Boston, and having some time is a good thing, but it also lulls you into a false sense of security where you often procrastinate until the zero hour. This time was no different. We were enjoying our last moments on the beach and before we knew it, it was time to go. If anything, we should have left a little earlier considering that we didn’t even know where the airport was, how long it would take to get there, and we had to return the darn rental car. Bummer.

To compound the matter, the kids were a bit disgruntled that they didn’t get a FLA souvenir. They usually get some memento of their trip, and that’s fine by us as long as it’s nothing big. The upper limit is usually $10. We were on the cusp of leaving, and when this fact sunk in with A&R, they were not happy because we kept putting them off when they brought it up. “Not now... we’ll see... they have stuff at the airport.” Truth be told, they didn’t have stuff at the airport, but we couldn’t have know that.

Either way, we were short on time, but stopped at the kitschy souvenir shop for one last hurrah. You can’t disappoint your kids all the time. This does not mean you should spoil them, but parents should also keep their word to their kids. The shop was actually perfect because there was so much stuff, and it was cheap. Plus, a lot of it had Florida on it, so it came with memories. A got a little mood-robot necklace, cute like her, and N got a FLA pocket knife with his name on it. Perfect.

We bolted out of the store and hit the road. Again, we were not sure about where we were going, just that we needed to get on the highway and head north. We figured there would be signs indicating an airport, and there were. The airport is actually right next to the Daytona 500 speedway, so that was kind of cool. Cars seem to be a big deal in FLA, not unlike Cali. We found the rental car return, went to the terminal and found out that the plane was about the board. The clock was ticking! We rushed through check in, got to our gate with some time to spare, and then boarded. It was fairly smooth sailing from there. We stopped in Atlanta, which is huge, then boarded our connection to Boston.

Like the knucklehead that I am, I forgot to mail my postcards in FLA because it was a scramble and I sure as heck couldn’t find a post office or a mailbox for that matter. I thought Atlanta would suffice, but there’s not a lot of time between connections, and I forgot to look for a post office. My final option was Boston, which is not as cool, but I’m guessing a lot of people won’t even look at the postmark.

We landed around 10:00, caught the shuttle to the hotel, and hit the sack. The plan was to wake up early, catch the first bus to NH, arrive home around noon, and then drive to N’s hockey game at 1:00. This plan, as you might have guessed, completely fell through, because were tired and didn’t want to miss out on the buffet breakfast at the hotel. Oh well, we’ll just work a little harder on the ice when we get back.

Until the next time, thanks for reading.