When I was a kid, I couldn't wait until Christmas. It seemed like the distance from the current date to Dec. 25 was too long and would never pass. So I created a game. I'd figure out how much time was left between the current date and Christmas. Let's say it was one week. Then, I would go into the past the same length of interval to see what I was doing to see if that seemed like a really long time ago. So again, in the example, what was I doing one week ago. Then I'd say: "Well, that's not so long, I can make it!".
Now that I'm older and jaded, I do the same thing, but with unpleasant tasks. I think I started it on flights out west with the kids. As hours seem like days in that situation, I do it by hours and minutes..... "We only have 5 more hours on this flight. Five hours ago, we got up and started driving to the airport...." (Flight delays would really throw off this game, but fortunately, we haven't had any when traveling with the kids).
I'm playing the game right now. Toy Fair is next week, and while it's fun to be with the new toys and we work with great people, it's an extremely stressful period. But this time next week, it'll all be done. This time a week ago, I was searching for my desk, filing cabinet and other essential tools of being a bishop that had suddenly vanished from the bishop's and clerk's office. (There was a remodeling project at the chapel that I wasn't informed of....all is well). That doesn't seem like that long ago.....
So I can make it!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
From the mouths of kids...
Last week, Matthew said the opening prayer in Family Home Evening. He said "And bless that nobody gets killed during Family Home Evening." Some might say it's just a modern-day wording of "get home safely", but considering the full-contact nature of many of our family home evenings, I think it's more of a sincere prayer.
Happy to report that no deaths occurred either last Monday or this week. In fact, no animals or humans were harmed in the creation of our most recent family home evenings....
Happy to report that no deaths occurred either last Monday or this week. In fact, no animals or humans were harmed in the creation of our most recent family home evenings....
Monday, January 12, 2009
Christmas Summation
Last year, I did a quick round up related to the success of Christmas gifts...and their longevity. Not to brag, but I think we did pretty good!
• Basketball standard for Josh: A
It helps to have clients in high places (we do work for Lifetime based in Clearfield, UT, and I was able to get some help in getting a basketball standard). We had it shipped to a neighbor's house then snuck it in after hours on Christmas Eve. It came in a million pieces, and the best Christmas gift was having that same neighbor call on 12/26 and offer to assemble it. What a relief....it called for 15 different tools; 10 of which I had never heard of!
But we now have an adjustable hoop in our driveway and it's been a real hit with Josh. When the weather is nice, we've had some nice basketball playing time. That will only increase once we get into spring. But it's a perfect thing to keep him active, get off the computer and Wii and is enjoyable. Yea, yea!
• Little Pet Shop toys for Caroline: A
Again, it helps to have friends in high places. A friend from a fellow agency sent me their 'clearance' LPS stuff a couple of days before Christmas. We used them to round out Caroline's bigger gifts, yet she seemed as pleased -- if not more so -- with the Pet Shop stuff. In fact, she said at one point that Santa must read minds as she hadn't even told Santa or her parents she wanted some LPS VIPs, yet she got it. Lucky guess, so to speak!
• GeoTrax for the younger boys: A+
OK, it's made by our rival toy company, but it's awesome. Matthew researched it out and knew exactly what he wanted this year. The Toys R Us catalog came in late November, he saw it and never wavered. He learned about it online, and he told Santa it's what he wanted.
We set it up on Christmas Eve (we had 3 sets combined) and he was thrilled when he saw it. They played it so much on Christmas we went through a set of batteries in one day. He continues to love it and it's got great creativity to it. No Santa regret here.
• Webkins: A-
The older two love their webkins, and Kathryn found the hard-to-find ones they wanted. Plus, they did a gift exchange to each other to get one more. They got what they want, and it makes them happy.
• Littlest Pet Shop Guess Who: A-
Simple easy game that can be played in 5 minutes before bed.
• Big TV for Kathryn: A+++
Santa can keep surprises. I ordered it online and had it sent to the same friend who got the hoop. Kathryn didn't have a clue. In fact, we said no gifts to each other. She really thought I believed that and hadn't gotten her a thing. On Christmas Eve she said "I wrapped a couple of things and put under the tree with a tag from you to me".
I snuck it in with the hoop, then wrapped it after she went to bed. After we saw the Santa stuff, I took her downstairs to see the big wrapped gift. Even then, she had no idea what might be in the box. The surprise when she unwrapped it was worth every penny. And she deserves it! She's hinted and waited for a good TV for 10 years of marriage -- in fact, we were still using the same TV that I brought into our marriage -- and it was 3 years old then! Sometimes husbands get it right (but not often)
• "Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs" for Mark: A
I had asked for one gift, and it was this book. It contains personal memoirs from famous and not famous people of exactly 6 words. Almost like a haiku! They are extremely insightful and funny. Samples: "Afraid of everything; did it anyway." "She said nothing could go wrong". "Made some good choices; got lucky". Here's one I wrote through the prism of a bishop: "Everyone deserves a mulligan or two."
• Funky Winkerbean comic books for Dad: A+
My dad and both love this comic strip but haven't seen it for years. I found some collection of the comics on line and gave it to him as an early birthday present when he came out after Christmas. Major major hit!
• Basketball standard for Josh: A
It helps to have clients in high places (we do work for Lifetime based in Clearfield, UT, and I was able to get some help in getting a basketball standard). We had it shipped to a neighbor's house then snuck it in after hours on Christmas Eve. It came in a million pieces, and the best Christmas gift was having that same neighbor call on 12/26 and offer to assemble it. What a relief....it called for 15 different tools; 10 of which I had never heard of!
But we now have an adjustable hoop in our driveway and it's been a real hit with Josh. When the weather is nice, we've had some nice basketball playing time. That will only increase once we get into spring. But it's a perfect thing to keep him active, get off the computer and Wii and is enjoyable. Yea, yea!
• Little Pet Shop toys for Caroline: A
Again, it helps to have friends in high places. A friend from a fellow agency sent me their 'clearance' LPS stuff a couple of days before Christmas. We used them to round out Caroline's bigger gifts, yet she seemed as pleased -- if not more so -- with the Pet Shop stuff. In fact, she said at one point that Santa must read minds as she hadn't even told Santa or her parents she wanted some LPS VIPs, yet she got it. Lucky guess, so to speak!
• GeoTrax for the younger boys: A+
OK, it's made by our rival toy company, but it's awesome. Matthew researched it out and knew exactly what he wanted this year. The Toys R Us catalog came in late November, he saw it and never wavered. He learned about it online, and he told Santa it's what he wanted.
We set it up on Christmas Eve (we had 3 sets combined) and he was thrilled when he saw it. They played it so much on Christmas we went through a set of batteries in one day. He continues to love it and it's got great creativity to it. No Santa regret here.
• Webkins: A-
The older two love their webkins, and Kathryn found the hard-to-find ones they wanted. Plus, they did a gift exchange to each other to get one more. They got what they want, and it makes them happy.
• Littlest Pet Shop Guess Who: A-
Simple easy game that can be played in 5 minutes before bed.
• Big TV for Kathryn: A+++
Santa can keep surprises. I ordered it online and had it sent to the same friend who got the hoop. Kathryn didn't have a clue. In fact, we said no gifts to each other. She really thought I believed that and hadn't gotten her a thing. On Christmas Eve she said "I wrapped a couple of things and put under the tree with a tag from you to me".
I snuck it in with the hoop, then wrapped it after she went to bed. After we saw the Santa stuff, I took her downstairs to see the big wrapped gift. Even then, she had no idea what might be in the box. The surprise when she unwrapped it was worth every penny. And she deserves it! She's hinted and waited for a good TV for 10 years of marriage -- in fact, we were still using the same TV that I brought into our marriage -- and it was 3 years old then! Sometimes husbands get it right (but not often)
• "Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs" for Mark: A
I had asked for one gift, and it was this book. It contains personal memoirs from famous and not famous people of exactly 6 words. Almost like a haiku! They are extremely insightful and funny. Samples: "Afraid of everything; did it anyway." "She said nothing could go wrong". "Made some good choices; got lucky". Here's one I wrote through the prism of a bishop: "Everyone deserves a mulligan or two."
• Funky Winkerbean comic books for Dad: A+
My dad and both love this comic strip but haven't seen it for years. I found some collection of the comics on line and gave it to him as an early birthday present when he came out after Christmas. Major major hit!
Monday, December 22, 2008
I Love NY
So living in NYC has a lot of challenges, so when you find an "I love NY" day, you have to celebrate it. In this case, it was actually two days.
Friday, we had a gorgeous snow day. It wasn't so bad that I could justify staying home from work, which is fine, because a snow day in the office is fun, too. Madison Square Park looked beautiful as the snow fell. Certainly, snowy NY isn't so pretty a day or two after a storm. But while it's happening and right after, it's totally beautiful. I'm very fortunate to have an office with such a great view of a park.
The storm and closeness to Christmas meant the clients had really evacuated already and I could just get things done without interruption.
I had to walk home from the train station to the house on Friday night (about 1.25 miles) as I didn't want Kathryn out on the roads. But the neighborhoods were so quiet and festive with lights that it was kind of fun.
Then on Saturday morning, I left the house around 5:30 a.m. to do the first session at the Manhattan temple. One of the blessings of NYC is having our intimate little temple. And at that time of the morning, it's not very busy --especially after the storm. So you feel like it's your own private temple. The first session is Spanish, so I have to wear headphones, but that's OK.
I bumped into the temple president afterward, who greeted me by name. That's always nice. I worked with him exactly a year ago in helping a disabled member attend the temple for the first time, and somehow he remembers my name and face. Can't imagine a temple president in a Utah temple making a point of greeting me personally.
Then, I wanted to head to my office to get all the left-over toy samples to distribute to families in the ward. So I exited the garage on 66th Street and drove across Central Park. Again, freshly fallen snow in the park looks beautiful.
I decided to drive down 5th Avenue to reach my office. I thought it might be crowded with tourists o'plenty, but it was early enough, and NYers don't awake from their slumber til mid morning. So I drove down an empty 5th Avenue, and went past the decked-out Plaza Hotel and FAO Scwartz. Then, under the big star hanging above the street. Then all the very decorated department stores and their windows that make 5th Avenue famous. Went by St. Patricks, and even got a glimpse of the Rockefeller Tree. It was so fun that I actually think I should take the kids for a drive along 5th Ave. early morning as part of a new family tradition.
Passed the main library....for some reason, no wreaths around the lion's necks this year.
Coming up to the Empire State Building, you almost miss it. You would think the tallest building in the city would dominate the road, but it's kind of hidden and you have to make a point of looking for it or you'll miss it. I ended down by the Flat Iron building at 23rd street, which is my favorite 'hidden treasure" of the city.
Then I escaped into my office, loaded up the van with Star Wars toys and headed home. Later that day, Kathryn took the older two kids into Grand Central and a Nutcracker performance (not THE famous performance but a nice one all the same).
With all the challenges of NY, you have to recognize the good and the fun that makes living here so great. Quite honestly, I'm happy to put up with the tough things because the good moments are so awesome. I love NY!!!
Friday, we had a gorgeous snow day. It wasn't so bad that I could justify staying home from work, which is fine, because a snow day in the office is fun, too. Madison Square Park looked beautiful as the snow fell. Certainly, snowy NY isn't so pretty a day or two after a storm. But while it's happening and right after, it's totally beautiful. I'm very fortunate to have an office with such a great view of a park.
The storm and closeness to Christmas meant the clients had really evacuated already and I could just get things done without interruption.
I had to walk home from the train station to the house on Friday night (about 1.25 miles) as I didn't want Kathryn out on the roads. But the neighborhoods were so quiet and festive with lights that it was kind of fun.
Then on Saturday morning, I left the house around 5:30 a.m. to do the first session at the Manhattan temple. One of the blessings of NYC is having our intimate little temple. And at that time of the morning, it's not very busy --especially after the storm. So you feel like it's your own private temple. The first session is Spanish, so I have to wear headphones, but that's OK.
I bumped into the temple president afterward, who greeted me by name. That's always nice. I worked with him exactly a year ago in helping a disabled member attend the temple for the first time, and somehow he remembers my name and face. Can't imagine a temple president in a Utah temple making a point of greeting me personally.
Then, I wanted to head to my office to get all the left-over toy samples to distribute to families in the ward. So I exited the garage on 66th Street and drove across Central Park. Again, freshly fallen snow in the park looks beautiful.
I decided to drive down 5th Avenue to reach my office. I thought it might be crowded with tourists o'plenty, but it was early enough, and NYers don't awake from their slumber til mid morning. So I drove down an empty 5th Avenue, and went past the decked-out Plaza Hotel and FAO Scwartz. Then, under the big star hanging above the street. Then all the very decorated department stores and their windows that make 5th Avenue famous. Went by St. Patricks, and even got a glimpse of the Rockefeller Tree. It was so fun that I actually think I should take the kids for a drive along 5th Ave. early morning as part of a new family tradition.
Passed the main library....for some reason, no wreaths around the lion's necks this year.
Coming up to the Empire State Building, you almost miss it. You would think the tallest building in the city would dominate the road, but it's kind of hidden and you have to make a point of looking for it or you'll miss it. I ended down by the Flat Iron building at 23rd street, which is my favorite 'hidden treasure" of the city.
Then I escaped into my office, loaded up the van with Star Wars toys and headed home. Later that day, Kathryn took the older two kids into Grand Central and a Nutcracker performance (not THE famous performance but a nice one all the same).
With all the challenges of NY, you have to recognize the good and the fun that makes living here so great. Quite honestly, I'm happy to put up with the tough things because the good moments are so awesome. I love NY!!!
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Print Edition on its Way!
Hi all:
Well, I had to let the online version lapse a bit while I got my feet underneath me on that bishop calling thing -- and I had to focus my attention to creating the annual print edition of the newsletter. But it's written, printed, and the first wave is out the door. The final copies should be in the mail by the morning.
Surprisingly, several of you have stated in your Christmas letter to us: "Hey, what's the deal? Where's the newsletter?" I'm happy to see that it's been noticed that I'm running a bit late. It also helps reinforce whose list we are because they like us and who just sends us a return card out of guilt because they got our card first.
Let me warn you that -- in keeping with the cutbacks and layoffs -- the newsletter is perhaps 60 percent less funny than previous years. No, this is more than just me trying to be like a campaign manager who manages expectations before his candidate debate. I just didn't have the time or the creative energy to keep it to previous year standards. The clock was ticking too loudly. It's still got a funny note or two, but don't un-subscribe after one weak season.
If you want to be part of a marketing focus group related to this year's letter, feel free to post comments here as to what you like in this year's letter or what you'd like improved in next year's version. I'll try next year to follow the politicians and make a product that appeals to all and offends to none. After all Christmas newsletters by committee is where it's at! :)
Yours in holiday cheer,
Mark
Well, I had to let the online version lapse a bit while I got my feet underneath me on that bishop calling thing -- and I had to focus my attention to creating the annual print edition of the newsletter. But it's written, printed, and the first wave is out the door. The final copies should be in the mail by the morning.
Surprisingly, several of you have stated in your Christmas letter to us: "Hey, what's the deal? Where's the newsletter?" I'm happy to see that it's been noticed that I'm running a bit late. It also helps reinforce whose list we are because they like us and who just sends us a return card out of guilt because they got our card first.
Let me warn you that -- in keeping with the cutbacks and layoffs -- the newsletter is perhaps 60 percent less funny than previous years. No, this is more than just me trying to be like a campaign manager who manages expectations before his candidate debate. I just didn't have the time or the creative energy to keep it to previous year standards. The clock was ticking too loudly. It's still got a funny note or two, but don't un-subscribe after one weak season.
If you want to be part of a marketing focus group related to this year's letter, feel free to post comments here as to what you like in this year's letter or what you'd like improved in next year's version. I'll try next year to follow the politicians and make a product that appeals to all and offends to none. After all Christmas newsletters by committee is where it's at! :)
Yours in holiday cheer,
Mark
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Best Moments at Yankees Stadium
Well, the old stadium is really closed. Just yesterday I heard that they crated up Babe Ruth from Monument Park. We're excited about the new stadium as the old stadium really was archaic, but it does hold some great memories. In no particular order:
1. Josh's birthday party. Probably his best birthday EVER. School let out for the summer earlier that day, then all of his friends came to Yankees Stadium for a behind the scenes look. They got to sit in the dug out, walk on the warning track, visit the locker room, and sit in the press box. It was a beautiful summer day.
2. Best game I ever attended was July 1, 2003. In fact, when media and others sum up some of the best games ever, this was one of them. It was a Red Sox game (I think my only Red Sox game I attended). It was played as if it was Game 7 of the World Series. I went with Jason from my office, and it was magical. A batter was hit early in the game to start the bad blood. A couple of great home runs. But then it went wild as Derek Jeter charged a foul ball and ended up several rows into the stands. He came out bloodied and left the game. A-Rod moved from 3rd to his former position of shortstop (his first time to play SS for the Yankees). The Red Sox moved in an outfielder a couple of times to add an infielder to get a guy out at the plate...forcing players to switch gloves. They even had a play people thought was a triple play....before they realized that one Red Sox player was tagged out twice (which only counts once). In the end, the Yankees won in like 13 innings, and the crowd started chanting 1918 (the last time they had won the World Series). On a DVD we recently watched highlighting the Red Sox rivalry, this was featured.
3. First game at Yankees Stadium as an intern. It was against Oakland, and we sat in the bleacher seats. It was April 1993.
4. Mormon Night at Yankees Stadium. I think it was 2005 or maybe 2006. Matthew came and cheered like crazy, even though he was just a baby. My friend Mark was in town and came, too.
5. A game against the Twins on Labor Weekend when we had seats in the outfield. We were within a few rows of catching an A-Rod home run.
6. Yankees vs. KC on Friday night of Memorial Day weekend 2006. This was when Josh's Yankee fire got ignited within. My parents came and my brother, too, as he had just defended his thesis at NYU. The Yankees actually lost, though we left in the middle of the 9th due to a rain delay from a major cloud burst. But it all just clicked that night for him.
7. Perhaps the greatest game viewing experience we'll ever have. Our home teacher, who works for Sony (a major sponsor) got us tickets for Josh's birthday right behind home plate on the front row (though there were some "folding chair seats" added in front of us that were actually on the grass, but still.....) We actually didn't know our seats would be THAT good. It was truly, truly amazing.
But we're excited for the new stadium. If we can get tickets -- and afford them -- I'm sure it will be a great stadium. But it will be hard to match those memories....
Mark
1. Josh's birthday party. Probably his best birthday EVER. School let out for the summer earlier that day, then all of his friends came to Yankees Stadium for a behind the scenes look. They got to sit in the dug out, walk on the warning track, visit the locker room, and sit in the press box. It was a beautiful summer day.
2. Best game I ever attended was July 1, 2003. In fact, when media and others sum up some of the best games ever, this was one of them. It was a Red Sox game (I think my only Red Sox game I attended). It was played as if it was Game 7 of the World Series. I went with Jason from my office, and it was magical. A batter was hit early in the game to start the bad blood. A couple of great home runs. But then it went wild as Derek Jeter charged a foul ball and ended up several rows into the stands. He came out bloodied and left the game. A-Rod moved from 3rd to his former position of shortstop (his first time to play SS for the Yankees). The Red Sox moved in an outfielder a couple of times to add an infielder to get a guy out at the plate...forcing players to switch gloves. They even had a play people thought was a triple play....before they realized that one Red Sox player was tagged out twice (which only counts once). In the end, the Yankees won in like 13 innings, and the crowd started chanting 1918 (the last time they had won the World Series). On a DVD we recently watched highlighting the Red Sox rivalry, this was featured.
3. First game at Yankees Stadium as an intern. It was against Oakland, and we sat in the bleacher seats. It was April 1993.
4. Mormon Night at Yankees Stadium. I think it was 2005 or maybe 2006. Matthew came and cheered like crazy, even though he was just a baby. My friend Mark was in town and came, too.
5. A game against the Twins on Labor Weekend when we had seats in the outfield. We were within a few rows of catching an A-Rod home run.
6. Yankees vs. KC on Friday night of Memorial Day weekend 2006. This was when Josh's Yankee fire got ignited within. My parents came and my brother, too, as he had just defended his thesis at NYU. The Yankees actually lost, though we left in the middle of the 9th due to a rain delay from a major cloud burst. But it all just clicked that night for him.
7. Perhaps the greatest game viewing experience we'll ever have. Our home teacher, who works for Sony (a major sponsor) got us tickets for Josh's birthday right behind home plate on the front row (though there were some "folding chair seats" added in front of us that were actually on the grass, but still.....) We actually didn't know our seats would be THAT good. It was truly, truly amazing.
But we're excited for the new stadium. If we can get tickets -- and afford them -- I'm sure it will be a great stadium. But it will be hard to match those memories....
Mark
Sunday, November 2, 2008
New Calling
Well, for the first time in 10 years, I'm not serving in the stake.
I was finally released from stake service and was called to a ward calling. I am now the President of the Priest Quorum in our ward. There's a lot to learn with that, so I may not post any fun items or such for a few days. But I'll return, I promise!
Mark
I was finally released from stake service and was called to a ward calling. I am now the President of the Priest Quorum in our ward. There's a lot to learn with that, so I may not post any fun items or such for a few days. But I'll return, I promise!
Mark
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