SEAHAWKS ARE SUPERBOWL BOUND!!!! But...

Seattle Seahawks are once again heading to the Superbowl!  The first time in 10 years that a team has made it all the way to the big game in defense of their championship.

I am very excited!  SUPER DUPER excited!

So, don't misunderstand what I have to say here.

I am seeing a ton of posts from friends about this NFC Championship game being the best Hawks game, ever.  And, stats about how Russell Wilson has more playoff victories against Superbowl winning quarterbacks than anyone else.  And, other posts that seem to forget one thing.

WE WERE 2 MINUTES AWAY FROM LOSING THIS THING!

We were down by 2 touchdowns with only 2:09 to go before the Hawks went on their tear.  We were outplayed for 95% of that game.  And, an argument could be made that it was the coin toss that won us the game.  Nice job, Tavaris Jackson!!!

We have a Superbowl to win, now.  And, we ain't going to do that with 4 interceptions, a fumbled punt return and defense that isn't its normal ass kicking self.

Let's be excited!  But, unlike last year, we can't be cocky this time.  Green Bay played a better over all game.  We played a better 3 minutes.  I am proud of the team!  I am excited to be a 12th Man.  But, I also know how close that really was.  We need a much better game next week.

Check out Russell Wilson's post game interview.  He knows he struggled.  He's emotional, not just because they're going to the Superbowl, but because he knows they almost lost it.



Great job, Seahawks!  Great job, Russell Wilson!  I am so HYPED to watch my team defend their championship!  Let's just not have another game like 2 weeks from now.

Ben Franklin was my favorite president!

For a bazillion reasons.  But, this is article just solidifies my favoritism.

Ben Franklin wrote an essay about farting!!

Specifically, he was basically telling scientists that they needed to invent a way to make farts smell good.

Here's the best line from the essay: "Were it not for the odiously offensive Smell accompanying such Escapes, polite People would probably be under no more Restraint in discharging such Wind in Company, than they are in spitting, or in blowing their Noses."

Would you expect anything less coming from the guy who wrote the Constitution?

You see, Ben Franklin was very forward thinking.  He knew that some 230+ years later, some ridiculously good looking gentleman would be sitting in his office all alone.  He would know that this gentleman may be in his office, without visitors for quite some time.  This gentleman will perhaps suspect that he may not see a real live person for a good chuck of the afternoon because many of his colleagues are working remotely or tied up in meetings that day.  Therefore, this gentleman may just get comfortable enough in his closed surroundings to "let one go," shall we say.  It is not impossible, in fact science (aka...the number of times this has happened to this nameless gentleman) has shown that it is rather likely, that another person will indeed unexpectedly pop into this gentleman's office not 10 seconds after pressure was relieved leaving a noticeable cloud of odor lingering in the vicinity.

Ben Franklin, genius that we was, likely foresaw the awkward silence that followed the entrance to the office.  Where the colleague once had a smile, a funny sneer has appeared as the new arrival looks around the room, eyes finally settling on those of the gentleman who is sitting in his chair innocently trying to convey a look of "Nothing is wrong in this room...everything is completely normal and the air is totally clean and clear.  There is obviously no fart smell here...in fact, I don't even know why you may think that and I am certainly not going to outwardly suggest that you may be thinking it on the off chance that you weren't.  Actually, are you sure that's not your cologne?"

Thank you, Dr. Franklin.  Not only did you help found our country...you reminded us all that even giants among men occasionally need to cut the cheese.

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UPDATE: Ads are live!!!  Sorry for that, kinda.  But, not really. :-)  I'm mostly curious to see what they can bring.  Click away!  You know you really want that online degree!  Or, maybe that penis enlargement!
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So...I just signed up for AdSense to make $.25 to a dollar once in a while off this page.  Maybe just enough to pay for the annual renewal. :-)

I added a wiget on the side for ads, but the instructions aren't clear as to how I get final approval.  They sort of make it look like I need to place it prominently in the blog.  So...here goes!




Go ahead!  Click on it!  I know you want to!  In fact...click on it 100 times!

Not sure how much money I get for clicks.  Could be a penny.  Could be a dime.  Don't know.  We'll see, I guess.

In Case You Missed It, Michael Keaton's Golden Globe Acceptance Speech

I haven't seen Birdman, yet.  But, I really want to.  I'm waiting for it to come out on video.  Although, my buddy just hooked me up with a digital copy, so I will try to watch it this weekend.

Regardless...check out Michael Keaton's acceptance speech.

I love when famous people show their humanity.  I get tired of people thanking their lawyers and their agents and yes...even God.  This is the kind of speech that makes you happy.

Jason's Movie Review - Annie

Went to see Annie this weekend.  Here's what I thought.

First of all, a reminder.  I love musicals.  I almost always have a song going through my head.  I haven't seen Annie on stage since I was in High School.  However, I have seen the original movie a dozen times.

Whenever anything is rebooted, I try to judge it on it's own merits.  I try not to compare it to previous versions.  This was hard to do with the new Annie, however.  I think the fact that it's a musical makes it more difficult.  When a tune is changed or songs are added and eliminated, I can't help but find myself missing the old version.

Let me address Annie herself, first.  Since some controversy seemed to be stirred when the public learned that Annie and Daddy Warbucks...aka William Stacks in this movie...were *GASP* black!

The little girl who played Annie was quite good!  I enjoyed her performance a ton.  I thought she pulled off the sassy little foster kid (don't call her an orphan) to a tee.  I don't mind that she didn't have red hair.  If they had made her less sassy, I would have been annoyed.

Jamie Fox, on the other hand.  He's one of my favorite actors.  I can't decide how I feel about him as the Daddy character.  He was a fine actor.  But, I think my hesitancy to like his performance more is less about the fact that it's Jamie Fox and more about the fact that he is NOT Oliver Warbucks.  He's William Stacks.  Why is he William Stacks?

Warbucks is a billionaire industrialist.  Stacks is a cell phone CEO.  Warbucks has a HUGE house in New York.  Stacks lives in a penthouse apartment.  Warbucks has servants running all over the place (who contribute to a fantastic "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here" musical interlude).  Stacks just has his Chief of Staff (who tries to duplicate "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here" unsuccessfully).

Then there is Miss Hannigan.  Now, you know there is no way ANYBODY is going to be able to hold a candle to Carol Burnett.  Nobody.  But, come on...Cameron Diaz?  She can't even sing!

Obviously, when you take an original set during the depression and try to reboot it in 2014, there must be some changes.  Unfortunately, I think those changes took away from much of the warm-fuzziness that the original brought.

Ok, outside of that.  There are too many plot holes this time around, too.  I know we have to suspend disbelief, and I am usually cool with that.  But, some of these were just too glaring.

For example...the most annoying one that stands out in my mind.  Who the heck are these people they recruit to be Annie's "parents?"  In the original, it was clear.  It was Rooster and Lily, out to make some $$$.  In this one, it's clear who's trying to make money.  The political dude and Miss Hannigan.  But, where do they find a couple who is not just willing to commit fraud, but also willing to kidnap a child?  One could make the point that they didn't actually know it was kidnapping.  When Stacks showed up in his helicopter, they seemed surprised.  However...they were still running from the cops.  So...kidnappers they are!

Then, there is the fact that, after everything comes out regarding an employee of Stacks basically coordinating this kidnapping...not only is there no chance he'll be elected mayor, but if his company is publicly traded, you can bet he just lost his job, too!

Anyway, I wasn't a big fan.  It just wasn't a good enough reboot for me. All it did was make me want to go back and watch the old version.  In fact, I think I will do just that this weekend!




PS:  At about 3:10 in this video is the #1 reason why is was stupid to change the name from Warbucks to Stacks.  This part wasn't even in the movie.  *sigh*

My amazing 2014

I labeled 2012 as the worst year of my life.

How grateful I am that 2014 turned out to be one of the best!

While it was overall a great year, not everything was happy.  Below are the Top 10 biggest events of my year, in no particular order.

1. I got engaged!  Probably the most obvious. :-)  I've said before, after my divorce, I figured I would never remarry.  And then I met Kim.  And, this summer, we get hitched!
2. Hawaii!  I got to spend a week with my little man, my folks and the person who would go from girlfriend to fiancee on the trip.  An outstanding trip that will likely only be topped by next June's trip back to Hawaii!
3. Desmond starts Kindergarten!  KINDERGARTEN!  Can you believe it?  
4. I got a promotion and a new job!  Microsoft rewarded me this year with a promotion and a new role on the Global Recruiting team.  While I am sad that I can no longer call myself an "Xbox Recruiter," I just went from supporting one team to supporting the whole company.  
5. On the sad side, my Grandpa died.  I was very close to him.  His mind deteriorated very quickly.  I was able to spend some quality time with him just before he passed.  I am very grateful for that. 
6. I moved!  Kim and I are shacking up, now!  We moved into a house in an awesome neighborhood.  While the house is a little smaller than what I've been living in (and only ONE bathroom), it comes with a very nice backyard for kids and dogs.  And, there are no more stabbings happening in my neighborhood. 
7. I got to meet long time "Internet" friends Emily and Dom.  I've known Emily for almost 10 years now and met her husband Dom shortly after they got married.  Only, I never actually "met" them face to face.  Our relationship was all online via blogging and social media.  However, I consider them very close friends.  Finally, we got to meet in person in Colorado!  I plan to make this a regular meeting. :-) 
8. I got to visit my super good buddies, Joey and Andy, and see my Goddaughter receive her 1st communion!  I haven't visited since Maisie was little.  Maybe 4 or 5.  She's a big bad second grader now.  AND...starring in commercials!  She's famous!  While down there, we also went to Disneyland and even took a trip to Legoland with my cousin Laura!
9. Swimming with Sharks!  Now, technically, this could probably be lumped under "Hawaii."  But, it stands out as something particularly awesome.  I WILL be doing this again, sometime. 
10. And, finally...THE SEAHAWKS WON THE SUPERBOWL!  This is the first time I have ever had a championship team in my life!  It feels great!  And, they're on track to do it again!!!

So...thank you to everyone for being a part of 2014.  It was great.  And, you know what...2015 is on track to be even better.  

Hugs!!!

Conversation Pieces - Jesus...aka Cockadoodle Head

Was discussing Advent with Desmond. Telling him the story of when the angel came to Mary and Joseph.

In the story, I say, "And, the angel told them that they would name the baby Jesus."

Des: "I don't think the angel told them to name him Jesus."

Me: "You don't?"

Des: "No. I think they chose to name him Jesus. They could have named him Cockadoodle Head. Then, we would be praying to Cockadoodle Head."

Thank you, Lord, for my son. I pray this in the name of my savior, Cockadoodle Head. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving 2014 Edition!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year.  It's not about giving or getting presents.  It's not about hunting for eggs or firing up the BBQ.

It's about remembering what we have to be thankful for.  And, boy do I have a lot to be thankful for.

Here are just 10, in no particular order:

1. Life!  I am thankful for life.  Without it, I couldn't experience anything, much less the many blessings I've received.  I know life life is hard, harder for some than others.  But, overall, life is beautiful and I am thankful to be alive. 
2. My amazing little dude, Desmond.  His is such a gift to me and my family.  I know every parent is supposed to say things like that. But, I can't over emphasize how many times that kid makes me smile every day.  And, as a sub-note, I am grateful that I have an amicable relationship with Shaundar so we can co-raise this young dude to grow into a good, strong man. 
3. My family.  I have an amazing family.  They've been there for me through everything.  And my mom still drops everything to come up here and spend time with us in Washington.  I look forward to spending time with my parents again this summer!
4. My job!  I am about to celebrate my 10th year at Microsoft.  One of the life changing moments in my 37 years was when I started work at Microsoft.  It's been an amazing ride and I look forward to the next 10. 
5. My team!  I recently got reorged onto a new team.  Some people dread reorgs, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous going into it.  But...I landed in a great place, working with some amazing women that will make be better.  
6. My Kimmers!  It's no secret that my divorce was hard.  I never thought I would meet someone as amazing as Kim.  Someone who shares my same values, someone who is amazing with my son, someone who brings me happiness that I have been missing for a long time and, finally, someone who is an amazing freakin' cook!
7. My church!  I have recently rediscovered my Catholicism.  Not that I ever lost it, but I certainly didn't enjoy participating as much when I go alone and find certain things annoying.  My church, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Fr. Jack have reminded me that my faith is about love.  Not about judgement.  I am not your average Catholic (divorced, getting remarried, etc) but I am welcomed and accepted. 
8. My friends!  You can't pick your family (but, I still got really lucky) but you can choose your friends.  And, boy did I pick some friends.  People I know I can count on under almost any circumstances.  And, to make it even better, I am inheriting some great friends by marrying such a great lady!
9. The Seattle Seahawks!  Cuz, I man...come on!  My team won a Superbowl this year!  That was so rad. 
10. Our new house!  We have a big back yard for Mr. Blind Quincy Pants.  We are in a wonderful neighborhood and we are within walking distance of some of my favorite restaurants. 

I am grateful for a lot, and I know that I am exceptionally blessed.  I try to never take it for granted. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  Enjoy your holidays!

6 years ago today!

It's so funny to look back on my life over the last decade.  So much has happened.  Good, bad, great, horrible.

But, easily, the best thing to ever happen to me happened 6 years ago today.

My little man was born.

There is truly nothing that makes me smile more than my Desmond.  He makes me laugh so hard.  He cheers me up when I am down just by cracking up at his own jokes.

I love this little dude!  I am grateful he's in my life.

1st Day of Kindergarten pics!

As promised...here are some pics of my little dude's 1st day of school!!!

Here is the very first 1st day of school pic.  As you can see, he is revving and ready to go!

Here are more!

Bunny ears for Dad.

Getting a hug from his buddy, Conner. 

 Our new family!

With almost step-mom Kim.

With Grandma.

Getting a kiss from Mommy. 

 On the way!

Welcome to Our Lady of Guadalupe!

Big Day, tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the first day of school!  Not just the first day after summer, but the first day of KINDERGARTEN! 

The very very first day of school ever!  My little buddy is almost a student!

He's attending Catholic school in West Seattle.  And, I know I am biased, but DAYAM...he looks super handsome in his school uniform. 

Pics will be posted, tomorrow.

Getting Caught is not the same as Coming Out

I frequent the Huffington Post.  It often pushes my buttons because I frequently disagree with what is posted there.  Not always.  Maybe not even most of the time.  But, often.

Here is one of those article that pushes my buttons.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/18/husband-coming-out-gay_n_5689221.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

The headline that drew me to the article (not the actual article headline, but the headline of the link that drew me there) was "The Amazing Way This Woman Reacted When Her Husband Came Out as Gay."

Now, to be clear, before I get started, this is not a post about him being gay.  I am 100% pro-gay.  Those of you that know me know this.

This is a post about how it shouldn't matter if he's gay or straight or criss-cross. 

In the article, the wife (they are married with children) discovers that her husband has been carrying on an email relationship with a dude.  She had suspected that he was gay for a year, she says.  These emails confirmed it.  And, it helped them start their new lives together, not as husband and wife, but best friends.

There are a few things that drive me batty in the battle for gay rights (what is a gay right, anyway? Rights are rights...you have them or you don't).  One is when they compare the fight to the civil rights movement of the 60s.  Gays are not being forced to use separate drinking fountains.  I will fight for your right to marry, but being restricted to a civil union is not the same as sending gays to the back of the bus.  The other is when I feel like there is a double standard.  This is one of those double standard times.

Would we be writing an article about this if the wife caught him sending romantic mails to another woman?  Would we be talking about how amazing it was that they could start their new life as best friends or would we be calling him an asshole for going behind her back? 

Congratulations!  You came out of the closet...by getting caught having an emotional affair.  So HAPPY for you!

I'm not saying we should be writing that article about how this guy is a dick.  However, if we want to enlighten those that oppose rights for LGBT people, then maybe stop pretending that something is touching and amazing and courageous just because it involves someone coming out.  This guy didn't "come out."  He got caught.  And we're congratulating him. 

Nope...not me. 

Conversation Pieces - Eye Doctors and Tattoos

I have 2 today.

First, Took Desmond to his first eye doctor appt.  

Optometrist lady asks, "Do things ever look blurry when you look at them?"

Des looks at her straight faced and says, "Only when I do this..." before crossing his eyes.


The next one, Des flashes me his Despicable Me tattoo and says, "I'm tougher than you! I have a tattoo!"

I flash him my REAL tattoo and say, "Whatever! I have a real tattoo! That's like getting a million shots. You just put yours on with some water."

Des thinks for a second. Then says, "Well, the water was FREEZING COLD!"

Hobby Lobby

Ok...I am going to get political, today.

I do not understand why the SCOTUS decision on Hobby Lobby has so many people up in arms.  I would like some clarification.

"Corporate CEOs shouldn't have a say in the health care choices of women."

I agree...they shouldn't.  And, that's not what the ruling did.  The ruling was specific to small "closely held" businesses.  Business who's owners are so few that there is no distinction between the values of the business and the values of the owners.

"Viagra is covered.  Birth control should also be covered."

Ok...2 things.  1st, Viagra is used to fix a health problem.  IE: Dude is supposed to be able to get it up.  Can't get it up.  Needs medical intervention.  Birth control is a preventative.  Women are designed to get pregnant. 

Don't get me wrong.  I am not anti-birth control.  In fact, as a currently unmarried dude in a relationship, I am a big supporter of birth control.  My point though is that one fixes a problem.  Getting pregnant is the natural order of life.  The two are different.

2nd thing...birth control is still covered.  The case only involves forms of birth control that could potentially affect an already fertilized egg.  To many (including myself) this is an abortion.  It fits in another category altogether.

There's a ton in the social world right now.  Much of which annoys the crap out of me.  I support the decision and I am confused as to why more people don't.  The reason I support it is simple.

I believe that it is MORE dangerous to allow the government to FORCE an employer to pay for a practice he morally disagrees with than to allow that employer to abstain from the coverage.  Yes...an employer is having a say in a health care choice.  But, the birth control doesn't magically become unavailable.  It's still there.  It's still an option.  Go get it if you want it. 

There are cries that freedom is being eroded because women can't choose how to take care of their bodies.  I disagree.  Women can choose what they want.  But, their boss shouldn't have to pay for it.

What about Christian companies not hiring gays?

Different...that's discrimination. 
What about Christian Scientists not allowing organ transplants (or something?)

Different...an organ transplant is thousands of dollars.  Highly unobtainable to most of us without insurance.  Birth control is often cheap and easily accessible.

Blah blah blah, more and more excuses.

Really, folks.  Birth control is still available.  What's worse?  The government forcing someone to pay for something they are opposed to?  Or an employer making his employee pay for something herself? 

#NotMyBossBusiness...except I want him/her to pay for it anyway.

Conversation Pieces - I don't like chicken!

Des: "I don't like chicken!"

Me: "Yeah you do!"

Des: "No, I actually don't."

Me: "Since when?"

Des: "Since the day I stopped liking chicken."