Norton's News, Notes 'n' Nonsense

National Pie Day

2009-01-23T07:43:00.002-05:00

"An Ode to Pie"
by Darren Norton
written in honor of National Pie Day
January 23, 2009

A day devoted to pie -
An event that makes me sigh
With joy, happiness, and glee
A piece for you, two for me!

Chocolate, cherry or cheese
Or any flavor you please
Baked in a round flaky crust
Coffee or milk is a must!

Pumpkin, pecan, peach or pear
Or papaya if you dare
Makes me shout from up on high
My favorite phrase, "I like pie!"

BINGO Again

2008-09-20T10:29:00.009-04:00

Kathy and I went to BINGO last night at St. Mark. It's been awhile since we have been since they were closed during the summer. The KoC ran last nights game, and there were only around 34 people. I thought our chances were going to be really good, but that wasn't the case. The night was a bust except for Kathy's $50 Super Hog! It paid for our date night and we got a chance to chill out.

Webkinz Crazy

2008-08-10T10:59:00.008-04:00

Our family and household has been taken over by Webkinz! What are Webkinz you ask? Well, remember the Cabbage Patch Kids of yesteryear? Webkinz are the the Cabbage Patch Kids of today. Available for purchase as cute little plush toys with a "secret code", Webkinz are logged into an account you create and begin to take on a life of their own in cyberspace.

The kids love them and Kathy and I even have a few ourselves. We have to log in and "take care" of them on a regular basis. Through different activities, we earn "Kinzcash" to purchase furniture, food, rooms, clothes, etc.

The online environment is very safe. Users are unable to reveal personal information about themselves, but are allowed to send email and chat, only with pre-selected phrases.

It is a great place to reinforce responsibility and to give kids a safe place on the Internet to go.

Coming Up.....

2008-05-18T12:05:00.003-04:00

Hopefully, once we got this moving thing under control and school finally lets out, I'll be able to post some more -

Coming up in....

Parties and Pictures:
Alec's 12th birthday party
Nicholas 12th birthday party
Bob's birtday
St. Mark Derby Day
Emily, Rebecca and Kathy at the Legends Game

Norton's News, Notes 'n' Nonsense:
Updates on the new house
Updates on my job hunt
Kids riding their bikes
Jim and Diane visit
St. Mark Middle School Play

My Catholic Reflections:
Emily's First Holy Communion
Gifts of the Holy Spirit Series
Fruits of the Holy Spirit Series
Favorite Catholic Podcasts and Videocasts

Principal's Pokes and Ponderings:
Family Fun Night II: Aloha Style
Reflection on my tenure at Madison County Alternative and Day Treatment Programs

Kids in the Paper for Making Cards for Pope Benedict XVI

2008-04-13T10:48:00.013-04:00

Nicholas and Rebecca were in the April 12th editions of The Richmond Register and Lexington Herald Leader for making birthday cards for Pope Benedict XVI upon his first visit to the USA. I scanned them and present them here (click on them to enlarge them):

From the Front Page of the Register:

From the Back Page of the Register:

From Page B3 of the Leader (Rebecca is 4 kids down on the right):

co-published in My Catholic Reflections

Catholic Schools Week: St. Mark School Awards

2008-01-31T20:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Emily for winning the "Best Teacher Caricature" in the 2nd grade!

Congratulations to Rebecca (third from right) on being on the Principal's List for getting all "A's" on her last report card!

Congratulations to Nicholas (first from right) for being on the Honor Roll for getting all "A's" and "B's"

(Also published in My Catholic Reflections)

2007 Family Vacation: Day 6

2007-06-03T23:59:00.000-04:00

Whew! This morning we packed everything up and met the wedding party and guests at ABC (The Atlantic Beach Club) for brunch. Brunch was buffet style and had all the normal breakfast items and also included a fish dish, salad, fruit, etc.

From Sightseeing a...

After the kids ate they went out to the beach for another look at the RI coast. Roger had some albums for Bob that we took and hid away in the van.

We said our good-byes to everyone, promissing to keep in touch once we got back to our busy lives. Jim and Diane took Bob and Gail to the airport to catch their flight at 2:30.

We left and went back to the little tourist stores to buy some souveniers. Since it was Sunday morning, there weren't many stores open. The kids got some little toys and shirts with RI on them. Kathy got a signed cookbook by a local artist - Behind Newport Doors: A Cookbook by Muriel Barclay de Tolly.

From Sightseeing a...

We drove around looking at the big houses on the coast before fueling up and heading to our second leg of the vacation - Cape May!

2007 Family Vacation: Day 5

2007-06-02T23:56:00.000-04:00

Today is wedding day! We slept in this morning and really took it pretty easy all day. We went by the Hyatt to see "the gang" who were hanging out by the pool, eating seafood and sipping Coronas.

We went back to the room and began to get ready for the wedding. Everyone needed showers, so that took awhile. We got to the lighthouse at the Hyatt at 4:30, a half an hour before the ceremony.

From Before the We...

Despite the pervious days' forcasts of rain, the weather was perfect. A little windy, but what do you expect right on the coast?

The ceremony was very beautiful and touching. After the bride and groom kissed, I'm sure everyone's mind was on the reception!

From Chris and Rac...

The reception was also held in the hotel. We were assigned a table with some of the bride's family, but were right next to the dance floor. The kids really got into it, dancing with everyone in sight! It must have been the Shirley Temples and Roy Rogers they were drinking that go them going.

From Reception

Bob was doing real well, out on the dance floor with Gail and every other pretty bridesmaid he could find.

From Reception

At about 11:00 or so, we followed Bob and Gail up to their room to get some breakables to take home in the van so they wouldn't have to worry about them on the plane. We went back to the Days Inn and crashed.

2007 Family Vacation: Day 4

2007-06-01T23:36:00.000-04:00

I got up early this morning (around 9:00) and got some Dunkin Donuts for the kids, picked up some milk and OJ at Shaw's and swung by Starbucks to get a couple Venti Mochas for Kathy and me.

We picked up Bob and Gail at the Hyatt around noon and drove them to the beaches and to Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge we saw the day before. As we were driving around, we noticed a castle-type building and followed the road to St. George's School. We drove around the campus until security started following us.

From St. George Sc...

On the way back, we stopped at the beach again and let the kids slosh around in the water. The water had to be 50 degrees! Freezing!

We decided to get something to eat, and Kathy noticed an ad in the Hyatt's map for a local brew pub just down the street from our hotel. Coddington Brewing Company had several tasty beers to go with our lunches. Even Kathy had one - the Blueberry Blonde. Wasn't bad, really.

After lunch we went to Walmart so Bob and Gail could get some munchies for their room. We bought an inflatable raft so Nicholas would be more comfortable on the floor.

We dropped Bob and Gail off around 4:30 and went back to the room to rest before the Rehersal Dinner at 7:00.

We got to Sardella's a little after 7:00 and saw Chris's brother, Todd and his wife Michelle for the first time in a few years. We found a table and mingled and ate appetizers for an hour. The girls were drinking Shirley Temples and Nicholas got hooked on Roy Rogers. All three kids found the other kids and were hanging out on the terrace.

From Rehersal Dinn...

Dinner was "family-style" and was served on a three tier platter. On the bottom was chicken with a red sauce, the middle had fish with a white sauce, and the top held cheese ravioli in an Alfredo sauce. It was really very good. At about 10:30, we took Bop and Gail back to the Hyatt, then went back to our hotel.

Tomorrow is the wedding and reception.

2007 Family Vacation: Day 3

2007-05-31T23:45:00.000-04:00

Finally, a day not on the road for umpteen hours.

We woke up around 9:30 and all took showers - once the hot water started working and I got extra towels from the front desk.

We ventured out at 12:00 to get some brunch, but really looking for breakfast. Rebecca had her heart set on a cinnamon roll, but McyD's wasn't serving breakfast anoymore. We were planning to go to IHOP, but decided on a what I thought was a local dive called The Creamery. They weren't serving breakfast anymore either, so we compromised and let the kids (and Kathy) get a waffle w/ ice cream and a topping. I had the clam chowder in a boule. I had hoped it was "authentic New England clam chowder" but I think it came from a can. Still, it was OK.

From Goat Island, RI

From there we went to Goat Island where the wedding/reception will be - and where everyone else is staying. We found it in within 15 minutes and walked out on one of the docks (once we found a parking place that wasn't valet or restricted.

We went into the Hyatt to look around and ran into Diane, Jim, Chris and Rachel. Everyone introduced themselves and it was the first time Chris had met the girls and the first time we had met Rachel. The bride-to-be had a hair appointment, so we promised to get together for dinner and Chris told us where the "beach" was.

From RI National W...

We drove down the Newport coast and found two beaches, both charging $10 per car to park. Public beaches but private parking? Whatever. We kept on driving to the end of the road and came upon the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. We walked around and found this wonderful rocky point where the kids collected all kinds of stones (good thing we didn't fly).

From Newport, RI B...

We did stop at one of the beaches on the way back to the hotel so the kids could get their feet wet in the cold Atlantic for about 20 minutes.

We drove back to Days Inn where the kids catagorized their rocks and shells while Kathy and I took a 30 minute nap.

Bob and Gail's plane arrved on time and we went over the the Hyatt to meet them at 7:30. We decided to go to the Black Peal Tavern instead of Chris's suggestion of The Red Parrot because they were still waiting in line to be seated (they arrived at 7:15).

Jim treated us to dinner. Kathy and I both had the bluefish with bernaise sauce, while Nicholas had the bacon cheesburger (go figure) and the girls each had a grilled cheese and cup of tomato brisque. Chris, Rachel and a few of their friends came by at the end of dinner and we talked for awhile before getting back in the Hyatt's shuttle.

We went up to Bob and Gail's room for a 10 minute visit and came back to the hotel by 11:00.

Tomorrow we drive Bob and Gail around and have the rehersal dinner at 7:00.

More tomorrow night.

2007 Family Vacation: Day 2

2007-05-31T00:15:00.000-04:00

From Day 2 - Misc

Destination:Days Inn, Middletown, RI 02842
Distance: 363 milies
Driving Time: 6 hrs. 27 min.
We knew when we left the hotel at 11:30 (on time really) that were were going to travel more miles than what we planned. A quick detour to Hershey, PA was in the agenda, but other than that we were going to wing it.

From Hershey, PA

We did get to Hershey, PA right at noon and went to Chocolate World for a free tour and some yummy samples (parking was free too!). We drove by the new, massive, Milton Hershey School which is still under construction. Back on the road by 1:15.

From Roadside America

On the way into New Jersey, we stopped at Roadside America, a tourist trap where a replica of "America" is constructed in miniatures and toy trains. Kinda neat inside. Very patriotic and leaned heavily on God's overseeing America's development. Very 50's.

It is interesting to note here, as I did to Kathy, the contract between Chocolate World and Roadside America. Hershey is very commercialized - an air of "Hershey is great, worship Hershey, make us richer.." Roadside America, while commercial in that it charged admission, it stopped there. The "city" was a labor of love and really focused on America's grit and patriotism.

From Byram, NJ

Kathy wanted to show the kids where she grew up in Byram, NJ, so we detoured 30 miles to go by her old house. When we got there, two people were standing out frot looking at the house. The street number had changed, so Kathy wasn't positive it was her old house. We pulled up to the curb and I asked if the house was for sale (hoping to get a tour), but the lady out front told us she and her husband purchased it a year ago and were planning on remodeling. We told her that Kathy grew up there 30 years ago. She offered to show us around, but Kathy declined. Too weird, she said.

We left New Jesey and drove straight through New York into Connecticut. Stopped in Stamford to find some snacks - bad move. Got a little lost in downtown Stamford. Added an hour to the trip. Ugh! Kathy did get a neat picture picture of a pair of signs that kinda spells my name.

From Day 2 - Misc

Got to the Days Inn at Rhode Island at 10:30. Checked in then got some McD's.

More tomorrow.

2007 Family Vacation: Day 1

2007-05-30T01:15:00.000-04:00

From West Virginia

Destination:Days Inn-East/Airport, 800 S. Eisenhower Blvd., Middletown, PA 17057
Distance: 540 milies
Driving Time: 8hrs. 32 min.

Today was the first leg of our trip to Newport, RI to see Kathy's cousin's wedding. Ideally, we wanted to leave at 10:00 or 11:00 am which would ideally get us to the hotel at around 8:00 or 9:00 pm with stops to eat, bathrom, etc. True to the Norton spirit, we left at 1:30 pm in the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan we rented.

With three kids, every rest area is a tourist attraction, so we stopped at (almost) each one. We got into West Virginia at 4:00 pm and stopped at the rest area to get a map and stretch. West Virginia speed limit is 70 mph, so we would have made really good time if there wasn't so much construction going on. Before we left WV, we stopped at a Subway and had dinner around 7:00 pm.

From Maryland

Crossed the border into Maryland around 8:00 pm. Stopped at the rest area, but the welcome center was closed. Stretched and left. Construction was heavy again. didn't make very good time.

Crossed into Pennsylvania at 9:30. No rest area because we were on a state road (US 220). We were supposed to go on US 220BR (Business Route), but road was closed. We backtracked 12 miles and finally made it to Pennsylvania Turnpike, where we were the only passenger vehicle on the road. More construction. Ugh!

Made it to the hotel at 12:00 am. We unpacked and are going to bed. Going to Hershey, PA tomorrow as a side trip before we end up in Newport, RI. Pictures and more blogging then.

In the Register

2007-03-14T22:39:00.000-04:00

Made the paper today by receiving a $500 grant from a local company for a construction class at my school. See the highlighted story here or the original Richmond Register story here.

Soccer Lessons

2006-09-01T16:16:00.000-04:00

I haven't been posting lately because the beginning of the school year has hit us like brick. With Kathy working as the cafeteria manager at the kiddos' school, and with me being at the beginning of the school year, we haven't had much time for anything but eating and sleeping (and not much time for those, either).

I have mentioned in past postings that Nicholas is playing soccer for his school's middle school this year, even though he is in 5th grade. Practice and games have taken up every other day and the weekends lately. However, this evening's game made me the most proud.

Keeping in mind that Nicholas is in the 5th grade and he's playing for a middle school team, he doesn't get much playing time. He averages 5 minutes at the end of each half if he is lucky. He doesn't seem to mind, and we have encouraged a "team player" mentality when it comes to sports. God bless him if he has inherited his dad's athletic ability.

Tonight's game was his crowning moment so far this season. And he didn't even play. There was anotherplayer who locked his uniform in the school today and was unable to play. Recognizing that this other player was an intergral part of the team, Nicholas offered his jersey and cleats to this other player so he could play. The coaches didn't ask him, the players didn't ask him. I truly believe that he knew that sacrificing himself would benefit the team. I actually was angry when I saw the other player with his jersey, until I found out it was a selfless act initiated by Nicholas himself.

Whay do we have our kids play sports? To learn teamwork? To learn sportsmanship? To learn empathy? Nicholas seems to have learned all that already. He didn't score a goal. He didn't block a goal. He didn't even play - but according to his coach, he was the hero of the game.

Norton Vacation 2006: August 4

2006-08-08T14:55:00.000-04:00

We all woke up at 8:30 so Nicholas and I could go to the lobby and take advantage of the "complimentary breakfast" and bring it back to the room. They didn't have much to choose from, but the kids loved it. Fruit Loops, Rasin Bran and Frosted Flakes for cereal. Pastries included chocolate, powdered and star donut gems. Orange and apple juice. Bread for toasting. You get the picture.

We ate in our room, showered, packed the van and checked out at 11:00. I bought the Zoo tickets at the front desk and got $1 off each. We stopped by Kroger's to pick up some batteries for the camera and a cooler for all the food we had leftover from the room. Disposable cameras were on sale, so we got each kiddo a camera for the zoo.

When we got to the zoo, the main parking lot was full, so we had to go to the Vine Street entrance. We walked through the gates at 11:55. We walked out of the same gates at 6:15 exhausted and cameras full of pictures. To see some of the pictures Kathy took, click here for the slideshow posted on Norton Pics. The main attraction at the zoo was, of course, the koala exhibit. When we first visited, both were asleep with their heads tucked in so we couldn't even see their faces. About four hours later, as we were on our way to the gift shop, we stopped by the koalas again, and they were eating, and very animated.

Before we hit the koala house again, we stopped by the Rhino exhibit. The zoo had an Icam on the rhinos, so I called Bobby in Oregon.....Read about our techno geek rhino cam cross-country collaboration and see some captured images here.

After the zoo, we wanted to stop and get something to eat, so we dropped by the Florence Mall again (for the culinary variety) and there was some kind of grand opening goinf on. The parking lot was full and clowns on stilts were walking around the lot. We (Kathy and I) decided to try something a little less adventureous, so we got back on I-75 towards Richmond. We ended up stopping on an exit with a variety of fast food places on it. Kathy and I got Skyline to go and brought it into Burger King while the kids ate burgers.

We got home about 9:00.

The end.

Norton Vacation 2006: August 3

2006-08-03T23:59:00.000-04:00

We all woke up around 9:30. The three kiddos slept (finally) in one double and Kathy and I, the other. Bed was hard and short. My feet hung over the edge.

We missed the "complimentary" breakfast because they only served it from 6am - 9am. Kathy supposed that it was a ploy to get guests up and checked out on time. Guess so.

We showered, dressed and left to for Bob Evans for "brunch" at 11:45. After we ate, we headed for the Newport Aquarium, about 20 minutes away. I went down to the front desk to buy "discounted" tickets for the aquarium, and while waiting in line, found a small pamphlet with a $2 coupon per ticket in it. The front desk only gave a $1 discount, so I declined. I did order a rollaway for the night, though.

We arrived at the aquarium at about 1pm (a few missed turns). Kids loved the entire aquarium. Nicholas's favorite part was the sharks. Emily loved the gift shop, and Rebecca fel in love with the penquins. Check out this slideshow of the some of the pictures Kathy took.

There were a couple of choices for dinner. Originally, we were going to eat right after the aquarium - possibly at Pompillio's, but since we had a snack at 4:30, we weren't very hungry by the time we got out of the aquarium at 5:40.

After the aquarium, we were unsure what to do. I wanted to see Pirates of the Carribean: Dean Man's Chest, but the next showing at any nearby theater was 90 minutes away. We ended up going back to the Wildwood Inn. I called Pompillio's to see if MB (B's ex fiancee) still worked there, and she actually answered the phone! I hung up without identifying myself, and we decided we shouldn't go there for dinner. The kids wanted to check out the play area in the "Dome" so we all got our suits on and we went swimming (we practically had the pool to ourselves!) for about an hour or so. We left right as it started to thunderstorm outside.

After we dried off and got dressed, everyone agreed we had worked up an appetite. Since Pomp's was out, we decided to try the place across the street, Shakey's Pub and Grub. It had just finished raining and all the tables outside had been moved inside, so the wait was about 25 minutes. They said they had a nonsmoking section, but it was really crowded and smokey in there. We ventured on down the road for another place.

I really wanted to find a place we had never been to, and that we didn't have in Richmond. We settled on a Macaroni Grill. We've never been, even though there is one in Lexington. We were so full after we finished, we went to Barnes and Noble to walk around a bit. Kids and Kathy got some magazines, and I got a double shot venti cafe mocha.

Came back to the Wildwod at 10 and settled down to go to sleep.

Zoo tomorrow.

Norton Vacation 2006: August 2

2006-08-03T23:57:00.000-04:00

We left Richmond at about 4:50. Arrived at the Wildwood Inn at 7:30. We got a 2nd floor NS, 2 dbl bed room for two nights. Rollaway beds were sold out. The front desk gave us these bright pink paper wristbands to wear so they know we are guests when we go to the pool. It had to be 98 outside. even with the air cranking in the van, it was still uncomfortable.

We checked in, got settled and took a "tour of the property.

The pool, or "Tropical Dome" as the call it is really neat. The "Dome" consists of an indoor pool (3ft-7ft), a hot tub, dry sauna, kiddie pool, two pool tables, gameroom, and a mini playground - all inside this tropical theme decorated glass dome. The neatest thing is a large "tropical plant" hanging over the pool with a shower of water falling into the center of the pool. Kids loved it.

We loaded up the van and went to the Florence Mall. Kids got a kick out of the escalator (we don't get out much). We walked around the mall for about an hour, buying the kids their dress shoes for school this year, and a few things at K&B toys. I got a multi pack of Wacky Packs (didn't know they still made those things)! Kids rode the carousel in the food court. We had a good time.

Came back to the hotel and the kids prepared for the pool. We went down to the pool at 9:30 or so, took some pictures, and let the kids swim for about 45 minutes. It was really crowded. Went back to the room settled back down. I left for Krogers to get some food (we have a fridge and microwave in the room) and picked up some deli meat and flour tortillas. Came back and made some roll-ups watched a little TV. Went to bed at about midnight.

More later.

Spring Break!!

2006-04-03T20:01:00.000-04:00

TGISB! Seems this break is long overdue. Finally, I have my break the same time the kids have theirs.

Things we are hoping to do do this week:

Clean Nicholas' room

Organize the dining room and kitchen

Work on the basement

Go to the zoo or Salato

Post on all blogs

Relax

Read

I'll keep you up to date!

Emily Loses First Tooth!

2006-03-23T17:23:00.000-05:00

Check it out here.

Walking

2006-03-08T22:02:00.000-05:00

Going walking every afternoon with the family at E.C. Million Park. A lap is a 1/2 mile and we have been walking 3 in about 30 minutes.

All those years of coloring in school must have paid off...

2006-02-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

... for Julian Beaver! I received an email today containing these pictures. Had to share them with you!

My Second Chance

2006-02-02T13:53:00.000-05:00

As some of you may or may not know, I returned from St. Joseph's Hospital yesterday afternoon after a 48 hour surreal experience involving two hospitals, one blocked artery, one stent and many many prayers. I tell this story to once again illustrate the power of prayer and of God's healing touch.

About 4:00 pm Monday, I was leaving a meeting at Madison Central High School, walking to my car and my chest started to ache. I had felt this earlier in the day, but not to the degree I was feeling it in the parking lot. I sat, relaxed and it went away. I went back to my school and by the time I got into my office, I felt the pain again. It was similar to a pain I felt 18 months earlier, which prompted me to get a "stress echo". Those results said I was healthy - overweight and out of shape - but my heart was healthy.

I called Kathy and told her I was going to swing by and pick up my insurance card and go by Pattie A. Clay's ER to get it checked out. I drove to the hospital and told the admitting nurse I was having chest pains. I was immediately taken to the back of the ER where they took my blood pressure, temperature and insurance information. The pains subsided before I got to the back of the ER.

Over the next 3 hours, they poked me for blood, prodded me for tender spots, and padded me to the EKG machine. They found that I was relatively healthy. Blood counts were fine, EKG was normal, cholesterol was a little high. By that time, however, they contacted the cardiologist I went to 18 months ago for the stress echo, and he recommended I stay the night for further tests.

I hadn't had anything to eat all day and by the time I got settled in my room, it was 10:00 pm and I was starving! The cafeteria had closed, but the nurses found a frozen dinner and warmed it up for me. As I was bringing the first bite to my mouth, the nurse walked backed in and said he just got word I was to be on a clear liquid diet. So they substituted the lasagna for orange jello. It was the best jello I ever had!

The next morning, my primary doctor came in at 5:00 am to let me know that my heart enzymes were a little high, I had very likely suffered several mild "MIs" and they wanted to do a heart cath to see what was going on. I agreed. My cardiologist came in about 7:30 am and told me that he thought I had some blockage in my right artery. They wanted to order a heart cath and if they found anything they could put a stent in at the same time. I agreed to be transported to St. Joseph Hospital where they could do both if they needed to. Plus it was a move to a Catholic hospital.

They took me by ambulance to St. Joe's where I was taken to the HISSU (Heart Institute Short Stay Unit). I waited for about three hours until they finally prepped me for the heart cath. Depending on what this new doctor found (my cardiologist was not in Lexington that day) a few things could happen: they could find nothing and I'd go home that evening; they would find some blockage which could be relieved with a stent; or they would find enough blockage to warrant open heart surgery.

Once they put the heart cath in, they began looking around. What they found was no blockage in the right artery, which the EKG mistakenly found - instead they found what my cardiologist would later call a "Widdowmaker".

A "widdowmaker" is a 99% blockage in the left artery coupled with a blood clot. The cardiologist said if I had ignored the chest pains a day earlier, I'd surely be dead right now!

He was able to clear the blockage, dissolve the clot and put the stent in. The rest of my arteries were OK and there was no damage to my heart! What a miracle!

I spent the next 12 hours lying on my back, not moving my leg, and not raising my head. A small price to pay for how fortunate I was!

I am convinced the outcome would have been different if it weren't for the prayers of my family, friends, and Church community. Not at any time was I ever nervous or concerned. I was very relaxed (even before the drugs) and calm because I knew I was in the Lord's hands. It is an amazing feeling to have!

My second chance at life begins now. My life changes now. I'm going to eat better, (no more 4-Ways) exercise more and stress less. And continue praying!

Thank you all for the prayers. They were answered!

Merrick Christmas

2005-12-21T08:16:00.000-05:00

Went to dinner last night with our parish priest, Father Jim, and the pastoral council and finance council at Merrick inn. It was nice to be able to go on a "date" with Kathy and even nicer that Father Jim was picking up the tab. We were seated upstairs in two separate rooms. Naturally the PC ate together and the FC ate in the other room, but as people came in, they really had to find seats where they could, so some PC members were in the other room.

I ordered the Blackened Angus Sirlois and Kathy had the Pork Medallions. The only downfall was that we ate at 8:00 and didn't get back to get the kids from the in-laws until 11:30. ade it pretty rough this morning wen we all had to get up for school/work. A good evening. Thanks Father Jim.

Catholic Guide to Disney's Narnia Film Now Available

2005-11-30T16:54:00.000-05:00

I'd like to have this kind of guide for every movie.

Herald Sun: Catholic Limbo ruling in limbo [30nov05]

2005-11-30T16:52:00.000-05:00

Herald Sun: Catholic Limbo ruling in limbo [30nov05]: "Catholic Limbo ruling in limbo"

Crowds Flock to "Crying" Virgin Mary

2005-11-27T20:20:00.000-05:00

One nun characterized it best: "It's a call for us to change ourselves, to love one another."

Read about it.

Most Quotable Comedy of 1989

2005-11-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure

As the last entry in this decade's Most Quotable Comedies, BTEA was a hard choice. By this time, I wasn't quoting many movies, nor did I have much time to watch them.

If I had to pick one from 1989, this is as good as any. Here are some great lines from this picture:

"Everything is different, but the same... things are more moderner than before... bigger, and yet smaller... it's computers... San Dimas High School football rules."

"It seems to me the only thing you've learned is that Caesar is a 'salad dressing dude.'"

"Excellent."

I hope this was an excellent adventure for all of you. It was fun for me to do.

If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments, please feel free.

Most Quotable Comedy of 1988

2005-11-25T09:20:00.000-05:00

Beetlejuice

This is one my wife's and my favorite movies. It's not just the quotes that make it great; the music is very god as well.

This is Michael Keaton's second appearance in my Most Quotable Comedies of the 80s list. I think he is a very underrated actor, both serious and comic.

Some of the great lines:

"Barb, honey... we're dead. I don't think we have very much to worry about anymore."

"Ah. Well... I attended Juilliard... I'm a graduate of the Harvard business school. I travel quite extensively. I lived through the Black Plague and had a pretty good time during that. I've seen the EXORCIST ABOUT A HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVEN TIMES, AND IT KEEPS GETTING FUNNIER EVERY SINGLE TIME I SEE IT... NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT YOU'RE TALKING TO A DEAD GUY... NOW WHAT DO YOU THINK? You think I'm qualified?"

"I'm the ghost with the most, babe."

"You can't scare her, she's sleeping with Prince Valium tonight."

Last movie - tomorrow!

Most Quotable Comedy of 1987

2005-11-24T09:10:00.000-05:00

Spaceballs

A spoof of Star Wars made by Mel Brooks was destined to be quotable. A hilarius parody that I often feel odd explaining to my 9 year old son. Nevertheless, some great one-liners:

"I'm a mog: half man, half dog. I'm my own best friend!"

"So, Lone Starr, at last we meet again for the first time for the last time."

"And may the schwartz be with you!"

"Prepare ship for ludicrous speed! Fasten all seatbelts, seal all entrances and exits, close all shops in the mall, cancel the three ring circus, secure all animals in the zoo!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Most Quotable Comedy of 1986

2005-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Didn't we all wish we could skip a a day of school like Ferris? Matthew Broderick makes it look so easy - being so cool.

"Hey, Cameron. You realize if we played by the rules right now we'd be in gym?"

"Pardon my French, but Cameron is so tight that if you stuck a lump of coal up his ice, in two weeks you'd have a diamond."

"Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."

Gotta go - short on time...

Most Quotable Comedy of 1985

2005-11-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

Better Off Dead

I use lines from this movie every week. Pretty pathetic, eh? John Cusack is a high school student with more problems than he can deal with. He's been dumped by a girl he's obsessed with, has been challended to ski the K-12 ("You ski the K-12 dude, and girls will go sterile just looking at you!") and is being stalked by the paperboy ("I want my two dollars!"). Great movie!

Most Quotable Comedy of 1984

2005-11-21T08:40:00.000-05:00

Johnny Dangerously

There aren't many people I know who realy liked this movie. I caught it on cable a few years after it came out in the theaters and thought it was the funniest thing I ever saw. Its slapstick of language. Full of one-liners. Satire and parody at its best.

This Michael Keaton's first mention in this list, but it won't be his last (forshadowing yet again). Joe Piscapo is great as the psychopath Danny Vermin. Some quotes of mention (they don't even need to be set up - they are funny on their own):

Danny Vermin: You shouldn't grab me, Johnny. My mother grabbed me once... ONCE!

Danny Vermin: Dames are put on this earth to weaken us, drain our energy, laugh at us when they see us naked.

Danny Vermin: I've been fulfilling a lot of people's prophecies about me; I've become a real scumbag.

Johnny Dangerously: You got those. I like those on a woman.

Roman Moroni: You fargin sneaky bastage. I'm gonna take your dwork. I'm gonna nail it to the wall. I'm gonna crush your boils in a meat grinder. I'm gonna cut off your arms. I'm gonna shove 'em up your icehole. Dirty son-a-ma-batches. My own club! (This is not edited. It's how he really pronounces them)

Most Quotable Comedy of 1983

2005-11-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

Vacation

This is a classic. I think my brother likes it much more than I do, but I still think it is very funny. Though there are many quotes from this movie worthy of being listed, I'm only going to share one (edited at that since this is a family-friendly blog). This quote sums up the entire movie and illustrates the tension which is typical of any long family outing:

Clark (Chevy Chase) to his family:
"I think you're all farged in the head. We're ten hours from the farging fun park and you want to bail out. Well I'll tell you something. This is no longer a vacation. It's a quest. It's a quest for fun. I'm gonna have fun and you're gonna have fun. We're all gonna have so much farging fun we'll need plastic surgeory to remove our goshdarn smiles. You'll be whistling 'Zip-A-Dee Doo-Dah' out of you're iceholes! I gotta be crazy! I'm on a pilgrimage to see a moose. Praise Marty Moose! Holy Ship!"

The editing is forshadowing..........

Most Quotable Comedy of 1982

2005-11-19T08:20:00.000-05:00

Fast Times at Ridgemont High

Fast Times came out my sophmore year in high school, and was, by far, the MOST quoted movie for those last three years. With one-liners like the following, FT was fodder for our limited time in the hallway between classes.

From Sean Penn's character, Jeff Spicoli -

"All I need are some tasty waves, a cool buzz, and I'm fine."

"Relax, alright? My old man is a television repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools. I can fix it."

"So what Jefferson was saying was "Hey! You know, we left this England place because it was bogus. So if we don't get some cool rules ourselves, pronto, we'll just be bogus too." Yeah?"

And Mike Damone's fifth point of his "Five Point Plan":

"And five, now this is the most important, Rat. When it comes down to making out, whenever possible, put on side one of Led Zeppelin IV."

Except, here was the problem with the movie at this point. I was a huge Led Zep fan and was was excited to hear the reference to this awesome album. Unfortunately, the scene immediately cut to a car scene with Zeppelin playing "Kashmir" which was off their 1975 album, Physical Graffiti.

Tomorrow we'll reveal 1983's MQC!

Most Quotable Comedy of 1981

2005-11-18T08:10:00.000-05:00

Stripes

Stripes is by far one of the best movies I have ever seen. This is Bill Murray's second movie in my Most Quotable Comedies of the 1980s series. He's 2 for 2 for a very good reason. With lines like:

"Lee Harvey, you are a madman. When you stole that cow, and your friend tried to make it with the cow. I want to party with you, cowboy."

Let us not forget the comic genius of the straight man, Harold Ramis when asked if he or Bill Murray are homosexuals by the recuiter:

"No, we're not homosexual, but we are willing to learn."

I cannot remember the fist time I saw this movie. I do not think it was in the theater, but it very well could have been. One of the finest comedies of all time.

And that's a fact, Jack.

Any ideas for tomorrow's movie?

Most Quotable Comedy of 1980

2005-11-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Caddyshack

This was the firstR-rated movie I ever saw at the theater. Granted, I'd had been sneaking late at night to watch Rs on the TV on Showtime in the family room. In 7th grade I was allowed to go see this film with an older kid up the street.

Quotes for everyday use abound in this movie. Quips like:

"That's the worst looking hat I ever saw. What, when you buy a hat like this I bet you get a free bowl of soup, huh? O, it looks good on you though." (then Dangerfield does his famous eyeroll)

Or who could forget Bill Murry's character Carl Spackler the groundskeeper's misunderstanding when he was told to rid the course of gophers:

"Correct me if I'm wrong Sandy, but if I kill all the golfers they'll lockme up and throw away the key."

This movie is full of quotes that still make me laugh even when I'm not watching the movie.

It's interesting that my taste for comedies began here, and continues throughout the 80s with some of the same actors. Stay tuned for tomorrow's installment. Can anyone guess?

What's Next?

2005-11-16T16:46:00.000-05:00

I am finding it hard to make my blog meaningful. Not just to me, but to others who may be reading it. I don't want to put up just anything, but I do want something substantial that someone may want to use or read.

In the many blogs I have been reading, I have found ones which are very informative, very entertaining, and very stupid. I'd like this to be a little of all of those. So, beginning today, I am going to reveal "The Quotable Comedy of 1980." Tomorrow I'll reveal 1981. Saturday, 1982; all the way through 1989.

I'd be interested to hear what you think - if you agree and why. Please comment. I'd like to know if anyone out there is really reading these things.

So, without further ado, I present the first in a series of "My Favorites".....

Fall Haul/Mercury Cleanup

2005-10-16T22:43:00.000-04:00

Helped Bob with the Fall Haul this past weekend. Actually, Kathy help out on Friday with feeding the crew helping out and the kids played at Safety City behind the firehouse.

Saturday I watched the kids on the playground most of the time while Kathy helped with the food again. It was a beautiful day and was nice to spend some time outdoors with the kids.

Swingset

2005-09-06T22:04:00.000-04:00

Went to Lexington last night and ate at TGIFridays. Went to Toys R Us afterwards and got the swingset. Started putting it together today and realized we didn't have the "ivory molded seat". Had to go back to TRU and pick up the seat from another box (26.3 miles one way = 52.6 miles round trip x 2.89 gal. @ 14 miles to the gallon = $10.89 to go back and get a seat we should have already had).

Mowing and Chilling

2005-09-05T14:53:00.000-04:00

I mowed. And chilled.

Labor Day

2005-09-05T10:54:00.000-04:00

What I'm doing on Labor Day: Mowing and cleaning this morning. Looking for (buying?) a swing set this afternoon. Grillin and chillin this evening.

Books I'm reading: Jesus Freaks and Jesus Freaks II
What I'm listening to: Adoration II and Wings Greatest
What's on the TV right now: Jimmy Neutron - Boy Genius

I know, I know. TMI. Procrastinating. I better mow. More later.

The BBC: Hillsborough

2005-09-02T21:32:00.000-04:00

An interesting blog by a guy in NC. Similar interests and views as mine. Worth Checking out.

Divine Intervention

2005-08-20T13:10:00.000-04:00

There was a reason I was not asked to be St. Mark's Principal. The Lord has other plans for me, and He unveiled those at the end of June.

I got word from Madison County's Day Treatment Director, Larry Curry that he was retiring and he asked me if I was interested in applying. I, of course said I was - so I did.

I kept this under raps, so to speak, this time. Not letting anyone in Clark County know until I knew. I had the interview on Friday, July 8th. I was offered the position later that day. I went n vacation the following week and let everyone know via the telephone.

I gave a two weeks notice and started on July 25. Everything happened so quickly that my head is still spinning.

It is more money per year (significantly!), shorter commute (about two minutes away by car!) and all that I had planned for Clark County is being initiated in Madison.

"Those who honor your name trust in you; you never forsake those who seek you, LORD." Psalms 9:11

Cable

2005-05-21T16:51:00.000-04:00

We got cable a couple of weeks ago. We haven't had it since Nicholas was born nine years ago and haven't really missed it. But they (kids and cable company) finally got to me.

But we had a reason to get it. And it was not for the 100 channels. Really. We got rid of our telephone and that plus what we normally paid in Internet access was about as much as cable was going to cost.

We analyzed the whole "what's the use of a land line since we have cell phones" argument and decided to go with high speed cable internet access as well. It was a pretty god package you know. At least for this year. And let me tell you, it had really improved the quality of life! Really. I'm serious.

Now I'm much more impatient. Since my internet works so quickly, even on my little crappy computer, I refuse to wait for any page to load in less than five seconds. Everything else in my life needs to happen faster too! Now people drive too slow. Conversations seem to bore me. Too slow.

I know my kids love me much more since we got cable! They must because the sound of my voice is all they hear. I repeat things more often to them when cable is on. Louder and louder and louder.

I'm eating better now since I have been watching the Food Network with my wife. Or at least I want to eat better. At least I feel more quilty getting fast food.

Most of all we are spending more quality time together as a family in front of the TV! But you know what? We are still watching what's on the main networks. We're still in a rut. It doesn't matter, though. I still fall asleep at 10:30, no matter what's on the tube.

Japan Today - News - Lucas jabs at 'Bush's empire' - Japanese Leading International News Network

2005-05-17T21:14:00.000-04:00

I need to start off by saying that I'm both a fan of Star Wars and President Bush. Naturally, when Lucas made some of the vague comments in the above article indirectly comparing President Bush to Darth Vader I was ticked.

I support what I believe to be Bush's honorable intentions in going to war in Iraq to bring a better quality of life and to go on the offensive on the war on terror. I'm not a stupid redneck blindly following a cause. I am educated, conservative, and for the first time in the last 20 voting years of my life, actually becoming involved and informed.

I have defined my political ideals, and while they do not always correspond to the Republican "right", they are more aligned with that party than any other.

As Hamlet would say, "There's the rub." I didn't buy Heinz ketchup during the election. I put bumper stickers on my car. I felt like I made a stand and drew a line in the sand. But now what am I going to do about the latest Star Wars movie?

I should have expected such comments coming out of the Cannes Festival, but not from Lucas himself. Do I boycott the movie? Stop buying cereal with light saber spoons? Take Yoda off my desktop?

No. Not today. Lucas isn't even close to that Fahrenheit 911 guy from last year.

What's Better - Not Being Picked, Or Being Picked Last?

2005-05-10T17:24:00.000-04:00

I recently applied to my former elementary school for a principal position opening next year. It is a catholic school, tied to the parish where my family goes to church.

I thought I had an "in" for the position, but as it turns out the Search Committe didn't even want to interview me. Confusing to say the least. As I mulled it over, though, I asked myself what would be worse; not being picked at all or being picked last?

If you remember back to the playground days when we lined up to be picked for kickball teams, the feeling of being picked last was devastating. There was no option of not being picked at all, unless teams were uneven, you really sucked, or the other kids were just mean. Here, though in this situation the latter option is there - and I think I like it better.

Not being picked at all validates to me that it must not be personal. It has to do with my minimal professional expereince, my lack of an elementary environment, or some other non-personal reason. However, if I was interviewed and not picked, then I think I would feel it was personal because I know the members of the Search Committee.

Actually, I think it is for the best. As I tried to justify in my mind that a move to St. Mark was a calling, a ministry for me. I think, though, that the Lord has reminded me of my ministry at Day Treatment.