Critters - Picture Of The Day - January 25th

So I took a picture this morning intending on using it for my picture of the day and someday it will be but not today. I checked my photo stream and found not only the picture I took but one I did not take. Here is that picture:

Now it's no great mystery who took this picture. It was my oldest daughter, she's 5 years old and the only one of my kids who really knows how to use my phone. But I wonder why did she take this picture? She's never done it before so I'm guessing this scene was somehow different or special. I can really only guess so that's what I'm going to do.
So the question is what's this scene depicting? I have two theories. First, I think these cute Calico Critters might be playing a game of whodunit by putting on a stage production of the 80's movie Clue.  Second, its possible they all went went up to the lab, and saw what was on the slab and now they are all shivering with antici......pation which kinda makes them look like they are all doing the time warp. The problem is both of my theories lead me to an even greater question. Which one of these cute critters is Tim Curry?

Breakfast January 24th Picture

So I got to work today and what did I find? A basket of muffins! Yeah for me!  With the death of free doughnut Friday I've learned to appreciate free breakfast food in the office so much more.  I think I'd become a bit spoiled.  The muffin was average at best but hey a free muffin is a free muffin, I'm not going to complain.  The best part of the muffin though was the plates.  Somebody brought Zoo Pals plates and I'm all about eating my free muffin off a dogs face plate.  The only concern I have is my dog plate seems sad.  I dont know why? Did I not eat the muffin quick enough? Or was it too quick?  Did the dog come into this relationship with issues? I have no idea but I'm determined to see this dog face plate through whatever it is thats troubling him.  So until he turns his frown upside down, he's staying with me.

Changing Gears - January 23rd Picture

So I've come to the realization that I'm not that great at blogging.  I don't seem to have instincts for a consistent flow of quality material.  Why? Could be that four kids suck up almost all my home time.  Maybe I'm horribly mired in the greatest case of writers block ever or most likely I'm just a terrible writer.  Whatever it is I feel like I can't get good momentum going so I've decided to change gears.  What I'd like to  do is post a picture everyday for the rest of the year.  Some days there will be a story to go with the picture, some days all I'll have time for is the picture.  I have no clue where it will go but I hope for anybody checking they will somehow get a bit of insight into me.  I figure at the very least it will be interesting for me to look back on at the end of the year.

So today is my first picture then.  Nothing crazy, just a hat....well my very most favorite hat ever.  I found this hat today while going through my closet.  I was crazy excited because I haven't been wearing hats much for the past two years and I had forgotten about it.  I just got my haircut Thursday and I chopped off a lot of hair, maybe another day I'll do the before/after photos. Anyway, while my hair was longer I didn't wear hats, they didn't feel comfortable.  So when I found the hat it dawned on me that I could wear it again, made me happy.  So here is it is, enjoy.

Frustration

January should be a great month, a fresh new year to work with.  The problems of last year are in last year, the new ones haven't surfaced yet.  Holidays are finally over which means one of two things.  Either you had such a great time you are exhausted mentally and physically from all the fun or your family drove you crazy to the point that you are exhausted mentally and physically and your eye is permanently twitching.  January gives you time to rest, relax and recharge.  The NFL playoffs are underway and Hockey seems so much more fun once January comes around.  January has always been great down time for me, but not this year.

This year one nagging problem followed me into the new year, my knee.  I started running in July because I made the decision to take better care of myself.  Having runners in my family I figured Id give running a go.  I signed up for a 5K and started training.  The first time out I couldn't even run a half mile, it was pretty pathetic.  I kept at it and by September I was able to run a 5K which for me was an accomplishment.  I wanted to keep at it and sign up for another 5K before the year was over.  That plan got shot down by my knee.  I felt a pain in my knee while running one night and since then I haven't been back out.  My doctor looked at my knee and referred me to a physical therapist. 

Knee bursitis is the diagnosis I was given.  Basically I have a build up of fluid in my knee which is causing my knee to float around, not good for running.  I've been in physically therapy for about a month and it seems like things are worse than when I started.  The worst part is I really enjoyed running.  I've tried other forms of exercise but nothing has pulled me in like running has.  Maybe its getting out of the house, away from the wife and kids for a small time.  Maybe its just getting outside in the open air listening to music.  Maybe its just having a small amount of time to myself, with four kids I don't get a lot of time for me.  Whatever it is I enjoyed my runs, looked forward to them and now I miss them. 

So now I'm frustrated, wondering when I can get back out.  I know if I go out and start running again I'll just do further damage to my knee so I hold myself back.  I cant help but wonder if I've already lost all the momentum I built up over the last six months.  Will it be as hard as it was the first time?  Will a half mile feel like running a marathon?  I hope not and I don't think so.  I'm starting from a different point, I'm stronger now than I was last time and I'm 15 pounds lighter. My brain knows that I'm stronger and a bit lighter but still I cant help thinking I need to get back on that horse as soon as possible.  I cant help looking out at the street at night and feeling like I'm missing an old friend.  I cant help but feel like Ill be much happier once I get back to it.  Even writing this now makes me sad, wishing I could head out tonight.  Instead I'm left with frustration.  Frustration because I cant get back to it but more frustration because I don't have any clue when I will be able to.     

Hope

Its never easy being a Vikings fan, today was a perfect example of this.  The Vikings had to win today, a loss and the season was over.  Actually, the season is still probably over but at least for one more week all Vikings fans can hang on to the shred of hope that there will be a miracle turn around.  So heading into this game against the Cardinals I was hoping the Vikes would come out and crush the Cards.  Silly me expecting the Vikings to make it easy.  No, they decide to get behind 24-10 with six minutes left.  At that point I told my brother the season was over and Childress, the head coach, needs to be fired.  Thats when the Vikes started to play football.  Six minutes later the scored was tied and over time was starting.  The Vikings made quick work of the Cardinals in OT and won on a Longwell field goal.  After the game I was telling my brother how its soooo possible for the Vikings to get back in the division race.  Its funny how thirty minutes can so completely change your perspective.  So now as I sit here writing this I feel good about my Vikings, got some easy games coming up and two with the Bears.  This could happen...they could make a run!  The only thing left for me to figure out is if I'm delusional or just plain stupid...thats what the Vikings do to you.  

My Blackhawks Game Routine

Last night was a blast.  I went to the Blackhawks game, the second game Ive been to this year.  The first was opening night which was so beyond cool.  I'll never forget seeing the Stanley Cup Banner raised.  This is my third year of having Blackhawks season tickets.  Before that I had season tickets for twelve years with the Chicago Wolves (AHL).  I've seen a lot of hockey live, I tried to add it up once and I stopped around 300 games.  Needless to say I love hockey.  Last night the Hawks played the New Jersey Devils.  Kinda boring game made fun by having my brother and his girlfriend there.  What I noticed is I've really fallen into a pattern with these games, I do the same thing everytime.

MY ROUTINE:

Step 1:  Parking
I always park in the same lot.  I've found the easiest lot to get in and out of so it makes sense to keep going back there.  There is this homeless guy who watches everybodys car.  I usually give him $5 dollars and chat a bit.  He is a nice guy and helping him even a little bit feels good.  If anything I figure its good Karma.

 
Step 2:  The Committed Indian
There are these wonderfully funny people who make an unofficial blackhawks program called The Committed Indian.  Any older Hawks fans reading this might remember it as The Blueline.  I highly recommend any Hawks fans pick this up at the game.  There is always something that has me laughing my ass off.  You can find the people selling it outside the United Center before every game, they also can email it to you.  Any out of state Hawks fans should check it out.  Very funny and gives you a feel of what Hawks fans are thinking.    http://www.secondcityhockey.com/  I always get my copy and head up to my seat but not before I pick up Step 3.

Seriously funny shit!

Step 3: Nachos + Nacho Lady
Even if I don't want them I always find myself with nachos.  I am fully aware they are a terrible hot mess of cheese like substance but I still cant help myself.  Every game I stop at the same place, get in the same line and get my nachos from the same lady.....My nacho lady, I love her.  It's gotten to the point that we have 5-10 minute conversations about the kids and life during these purchases.  One time she saw me in the next line, hers was really long that night, and she said "Oh no you don't! Get over here in this line."  What I love is that she remembers me!  How many people does she see doing that job? Thousands?  I'm sure she works other events.  Through all of that she remembers me, she remembers I have four kids and she knows if I haven't come to a game in a while.  I love my nacho lady, she is very good to me.....yep, I get extra cheese.

Step 4: Get to my seat
Once I have my nachos and program I head up to my seat.  I'm usually a little early so I eat my nachos while reading my Committed Indian.  About the time I'm finishing up my friend and his dad arrives.  We chat a bit before the game.  The actual game is pretty easy.  I watch the game, almost never go down for anything.  It's nice to hang out and watch hockey.  I don't really get crazy yelling or anything.  It's more a calm experience for me.........except for playoffs.  Playoffs are a whole different animal.  I swear I must have had 14 heart attacks and 78 ulcers from last years Cup run. 

Step 5: Go home
When I leave depends on how the game is going.  If it's close I'll stay, if the Hawks are winning or losing by 2 or more goals with ten minutes left I leave.  I know, I know, I can hear people now saying a true fan stays.  All I can say is I've been to tons of these games and sometimes you just want to get home.  It's a lot easier to leave that Wednesday night game early when you know you will be back on Friday. 

Well thats it, pretty much all there is to my Hawks routine.  It may not sound like much but I'm happy with it.  Of course, Go Hawks!   

Suede - Everything Will Flow - I absolutely love this song.