Babies in First Class...take your ghetto baby back into steerage!!!

Ok...I promised 3 posts on our NYC trip.  #2 is going to be about babies in first class because I like to complain.

So...for Kim's birthday, our friend Tom gave us a couple guest upgrade passes for our return trip home from NYC.  Tom flies a bazillion miles each year.  Because of his status, he gets a certain amount of guest upgrades.

(Aside: my time at Climate saw me make it to Alaska MVP status...it's pretty darn rad, IMHO).

Kim and I were very much looking forward to our 6+ hour flight home to Seattle seated in First Class.

That is, until we saw the family of 4 take their three seats in first class.  Mom, a toddler and an infant in the same row from us, across the aisle.  Dad in the window seat behind them.

Now...you may have noticed.  I have a kid.  And, very soon, I will have another kid.  An infant, in fact.  Kim and I are discussing potentially flying this new kid at some point during the first year of his life.

Let me assure you...under no circumstances will we fly with Owen in 1st Class.

Why not?  I mean, either you pay for the upgrade or your dedication to the airline rewards you with the better seat.  Why not take advantage of the extra legroom, larger seat and attentive service?

Well, let me tell you.  Because everyone else in 1st Class has paid for the same thing.  And, one of the other perks of 1st Class is limited craziness.

I understand flying with infants is a pain in the ass.  I've done it.  And, generally, I sympathize with parents who do this.  I try to help them when I can with luggage or, if I am sitting next to them, juggling all the baby stuff.  And, I put all of my patience to good use because I know that no matter how annoying a crying baby may be to me...it is 100x harder, more awkward and often more embarrassing for the parent.  They have my sympathy.

When they sit in coach.

Flying with your kid is sorta like a right of passage for parents.  You have kids, you deal with the consequences of that.  You don't get to stay out late, anymore.  You don't get to take that extravagant vacation.  You don't get to go to the movies.  And you don't get to fly in 1st class.

Perhaps you are wondering if our 1st class companion was well behaved.  The answer is a big fat NO.  Not only that, but mom and dad we're rather on the annoying side as well.  The toddler would literally crawl over her seat to get to her dad.  The infant (who was dripping snot everywhere) was crawling up and down the aisle to the point that the flight attendant had to tell mom that she needed to keep the baby in the seat.  Crying, complaining, moving about.  You know...all the things that babies do that folks paying a premium for seats don't want to put up with.

Dad was almost no help.  He was sharing a row with a stranger who I have a ton of pity for.  At one point, Kim told me that mom and dad had switched seats, but both kids were still with mom.  So...three people sharing a seat next to a stranger in 1st class.

Not to mention that mom was making a ton of demands on the food.  "Is this gluten free?  Can I get another roll for the baby?  I know it comes with bacon, but please take it off before you bring it out."

This isn't Red Robin, lady.

You may be wondering at what point it IS okay to travel in 1st class with a kid.  So, for you, I now present:

Jason's Things to Consider Before Flying in 1st Class with Your Kid

1. If you say "Stop that" and your kid doesn't stop, you should not fly 1st class.
2. If your kid is a crier or a screamer, you should not fly first class. 
3. Kids occasionally need to move around to stretch their bodies.  If your kid does this on all fours, becoming an easily kickable obstacle in the aisle, you should not fly 1st class.  
4. If your kid is an asshole, you should not fly 1st class. 
5. If YOU are overwhelmed by traveling with your kid, you should not fly 1st class. 
6. If you have any intention of changing your kid's diaper at the seat instead of in the bathroom, you should not fly.  Period.  Practice changing in a small space.  Nobody wants to be next to your kid's exposed excrement. 

Basically, if your kid is old enough to walk, listens to you and is able to be at least somewhat self sufficient (here's your water, you hold it and pick it up if it rolls under the aisle), then you're good.  This can mean 3 years old.  It can mean 5 years old.  Heck, if your kid is a douche, it might mean 13 years old.  

Again, if you're in coach, you have my sympathy.  Kids need to fly.  I get that.  You can't go visit Grandma for Christmas without bringing Jr.  I get it.  But, that's what coach is for.  

When we fork out money or reward points for the fancy seat, that comes with an expectation that I don't have to put up with annoying babies or their annoying parents.  If you are one of those parents, you are totes rude!!!!  

New York City! (get a rope)

Just got back yesterday from my very first trip EVAH to New York City.  Took Kim with me.  Primarily, I brought Kim along because it was her 40th birthday and I thought it would be rude of me to leave her behind while I was enjoying myself in the Big Apple.

You are going to get 3 posts out of this trip.  The first is this one!  A basic run down of our trip.  The 2nd is my review of Aladdin, our first official Broadway show!  Finally, a ranting piece on how annoying it is when people bring their babies into first class.

Ok, part 1: GO!

So...Kim turned 40.  Months ago (I swear, it wasn't 2 days before her birthday) I started thinking about what to do.  40 is kind of a milestone.  I mean, I know people say 50 is really the new 40 and that you don't really hit middle age until 50.  But, I think that's BS.  I know darn well that I ain't gonna live to see much past 80, even if I make it that far.  So, let's stick with 40 being "Over the hill."
I bounced around a couple ideas.  Either, throw a big party in Seattle.  Maybe rent out a dinner cruise or a winery or something.  Or, maybe a fun trip somewhere.  Hawaii, again?  Europe?

Then, I had to remember that there was a good chance Kim would be pregnant.  Surprise!  That turned out to be true.  So, let's not do anything involving drinking (winery out) or anything that would be too difficult to do pregnant (long trip to Europe or even sitting around pregnant in the sun in Hawaii out).

Hey, neither of us have ever been to NYC.  Let's do that!  We can rely on cabs so we don't have to walk any more than she can handle.  And, everything is pretty darn close.  So, NYC it is.

Fast forward 6 months.  Her tri-cities besties decided to join us.  One of them currently lives in NYC so we also had a rad tour guide.  Here are some pics.



We flew into Newark, NJ.  Immediately on decent, I could tell that New York is just a little bit bigger than Seattle.


Since there were 5 of us that needed transportation, I figured I would just rent us a car.  That car became a limo.  After a bit, the driver pulled over so we could hit up the liquer store and the 4 non pregnant people could put back a couple bottles of bubbly on the way to the city.



Our first full day, we began by visiting the 9/11 memorial.  Now, I could not get a good shot of this to save my life.  For such a powerful monument, my little phone simply could not do it justice.  Here is one photo, but this scene was so so much more amazing than this crumby picture portrays.



We were discussing the significance of the memorial.  If you haven't seen it, I'll try to describe.  There are two fountains.  One in each of the footprints of the Twin Towers.  There are two layers.  The top layer, waterfalls splash down into the second layer.  From there, there is a square hole.  Water falls over the edge into the hole.

Someone suggested it symbolized the waste of life.  Someone suggested the emptiness left from the attacks.  I suspect it's both of these.  As well as the silence of death.  You couldn't hear the noises from the city in this place.  I admit...I teared up.  I don't believe I have ever teared up at a memorial.  Granted, this is the first tragedy of my lifetime that I have reflected upon at it's memorial.  But, it was very very powerful.

Then, there is the Freedom Tower!  The new World Trade Center.  Wow, what a building.



After the World Trade Center, we headed over to 30 Rock to see Jimmy Fallon rehearse his monologue for that night.  Pictures are strictly forbidden!  And, given that it was Kim's dream to make out with Jimmy Fallon, I didn't want to jeopardize their meeting, so I didn't take pictures.  The experience was fun.  Was it worth the hour and a half of standing in line to watch a 15 minute rehearsal...mmmmm, I'm not sure.  Maybe for Kim.  If we had been able to get into the show taping, it would have been worth it.  It was pretty cool to see Fallon.  He seems like he really loves his job.  He gave us a quick history of the Tonight Show and of the studio where it's filmed then went into his jokes.  Most were hilarious.  Some were so so...the best part was watching him strike a line through the ones that didn't get the biggest laughs.

That night, we had dinner at Buddakan.  Apparently, it was on Sex in the City.  Michelle (NYC friend) made us reservations.  I admit, going in, I was a little, "I'm probably going to spend a ton of money and leave hungry."  But, boy was I wrong.  I mean, it wasn't cheap, but it could have been worse.  And I was definitely NOT hungry after.  This place was Bomb!  Highly recommend it if you're in the neighborhood.

Ok, moving on.  Saturday morning, we took a 3 hour tour (just sit right back and you'll hear a tale) of  the Hudson River and New York Harbor.  Here are some pics:

NYC Skyline


Unfortunately, Kim couldn't see anything because her hair was in her eyes.



Not sure which lady is prettier, here.


Empire State Building


UN Building



I know, I know...I'm 12.  But, I couldn't resit.  #YuckTheFankees


We also saw Ellis Island, tons of bridges, the Bronx, Harlem, Brooklyn, and more stuff.  All while enjoying a 4 course meal and booze!

Hung out in Central Park for a bit after.  And, I managed to only take 1 stupid picture:


Why did I post this?  I'm not really sure.

But, one of the girls got this one on her phone from the fancy pants overpriced bar at the park:

The final noteworthy event...Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre.  Our very first "Broadway" show actually performed ON BROADWAY!!!

Overall...it was a total blast!  Kim handed it like a champ, despite being 12 months pregnant.  Great food, great sites...LOTS of people.  I had to close my eyes in some of the cab/Uber/Lyft rides because I was convinced we were going to crash or kill someone.  Would totally go again.  

Desmond really wants to go.  Very glad he wasn't there on this trip.  Not because I don't love to travel with him.  But, because I got detached from my adult counterparts at times in the crowd.  I would have a panic attack trying not to lose my kid there.  I told him maybe when he graduates 8th grade.  I still remember doing a tour of Washington DC in 8th grade.  Maybe we'll lump the 2 together.  

Speaking of Desmond...he's already 60% done with the gift we brought him.  The box says 12+.  But, that's not stopping him.  

 And, I shall close with this adorable picture of my lovely wife and me in Times Square.  Ain't she adorable!!!

Getting old sucks

In my reflections on 2016, you may have noticed that I said I am getting older, faster.  Let me shed just a little light on what the heck I meant by that.

My body does not like me so much, anymore.  I totally jacked up my back this week moving a changing table.  Granted, it was a large changing table.  But, it wasn't particularly heavy.  Still, somehow, while loading it into the hatchback, I threw something out.  Like legit threw it out.  Not a "ugh, my back hurts" kinda threw it out.  A "OMG!  I CAN'T MOVE!  I can't sit down!!!  I'm going to die!!!" kinda threw it out.

To emphasize how much pain I was in, I actually went to see a chiropractor.




I believe it was Ross Gellar who once said that Chiropractors go to the Community College of medical school.  I've just never understood why I need to pay someone hundreds of dollars to jump on my back.

Anyway, went to the chiropractor.  He jumped on my back.  Slowly, it got better.  Didn't fully go away, but it got better (was that my 3 chiropractor appointments or the heat/cold rotation and pity party my wife threw me?).

Then came Quincy's vet appointment.  Yes...a trip to the vet jacked me up again.  Quincy has eye problems.  This appointment involved a lot of prodding in his eyes, so I had to hold on to him.  The weird angle I was holding him at, bending just a little, not a lot, threw everything back into disarray.  I'm a total mess.

So, please send me your pity!  I need lots of sympathy!  It's been about 3 weeks now that I've been hurting.  Maybe a trip to Hawaii would help.
 

Just chatted with someone impacted by the travel ban

I just had a conversation with a fellow Amazon employee about the Trump Travel Ban.

As part of my job, I get to highlight stories of people at Amazon.  It's one of my favorite parts.  Interacting with employees and learning about how they got where they are and what they're most excited for next.

One question I always ask is, "What is something that makes you proud to work at Amazon."

Her answer to that invoked the travel ban.

Her highlight was the number of people from the company that reached out to her to offer their support.  People she hasn't worked with in years.  Her boss's boss from 2013, for example.

She says that, because of this ban, she is unable to see her family.  She can't return to Iran (she doesn't yet have her Green Card, but she's working on it) and her family can't come to the United States.  Oh, she also has a 2 year old son (an American citizen).

I live in Washington.  My family is in Arizona.  My mom visits about twice a year to see Desmond (and soon Owen).  It hard for me to imagine what it would be like if we were told we can't do that.

I know the people that agree with this ban say it's for safety.  I know that, deep down, they're intentions are good (although, I think Trump is a bigot and his intentions are to show off the fact that he is the most powerful person in the world).  But, it's clear to me that this isn't the way to do it.

We have just told 7 predominantly Muslim countries that they are not welcome here.  7 countries that haven't actually produced terrorists that have hurt us.  It seems to me that we're giving ISIS exactly what they want.  Another reason to hate us.  Another reason to rally young impressionable Muslims to their cause.  It seems like we are killing some of the freedoms we are supposed to love and cherish in the name of supposed safety.  Will this actually make us safer?  Or are we just adding fuel to the fire?
Either way...we're hurting our own people with this.  We're hurting our own friends, our own coworkers.  Our neighbors.  Personally...I think it sucks.  

Our Baby Registry!

Here it is!

https://www.babylist.com/kim-pankow

Oh, and I just learned that the nursery colors are Navy, Grey, Mint and White.

This registry is important for a few reasons. One...when people ask, what do you need, we can send them here!

Also...when certain people *cough*grandma*cough* discover an adorable little baby safe lava lamp or a collection of Elmo In Grouchland collector edition lithographs, we can point them to this and say, "We only need stuff on our list, please."

Poor Kim.  Kim doesn't like "stuff."  She doesn't like clutter of any kind.  She says her goal is to have a "minimalist baby."

I responded with "HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!"

So far, I have purchased a onesie set in Griffindor colors that says "Snuggle This Muggle," another with a Stormtrooper logo that says "Storm Pooper."  And a knit greet hat with Yoda ears.  Kid needs to stay warm, right?

Jason's view on Trump's Supreme Court Pick

Since I know you all are totally wondering!

Ok...first of all, how do I feel about the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court?

As a nomination, I don't have any problem with it.  I am a Constitutionalist in that I don't believe in the "living, breathing document" point of view that many liberals hold.  I maintain that the Constitution was drafted in a way that makes it changeable.  Therefore, if you don't like something, change it.  The amendment process isn't easy.  Nor should it be.  But it is possible and it has been done when circumstances warrant.  With the limited info that I have read on this guy, so far...it seems like he's someone I can get behind.

Hobby Lobby is a significant case in his portfolio.  I support his decision.  I don't think there is a fundamental right to birth control.  I don't oppose birth control.  I don't agree with the Catholic Church's position on it. If you want to use it, use it.  I have.  But, I don't support mandating that someone pay for you to purchase something that they fundamentally disagree with.  If you are that unhappy that you can't get birth control, go work at Michael's.  There is nothing in the Constitution that says your employer MUST provide your birth control.  If you want this to be required, amend the Constitution

Anyway...with all that said, let's discuss the actual issue being talked about now regarding Neil Gorsuch.  Should the Democrats filibuster because the Republicans blocked President Obama's nominee.

No.

But, wait, Jason...the Republicans were obstructionists.  They were the Party of No.

I agree.  Republicans have been stupid for a while.  The epitome of which is the election of Donald Trump.

But, here's the thing.  They played politics.  And I promise you that if the party roles were reversed (Lame duck president of the party not in the majority) the Democrats would have done the same thing.  Do I agree with their decision?  Not necessarily.  But, when I really think about it, my reason for that is that Merrick Garland was a moderate.  If he were in the vane of Ruth Bader Ginsburg or Steven Breyer, I probably would have sided with Mitch McConnel, if I am being honest.

But, Jason...Neil Gorsuch is super conservative!

Is he?  Maybe he is.  I don't know yet.  People say he's a lot like Scalia.  I, personally, think that's a good thing.

Here's a great article about "Originalism."  The view that the Constitution should be interpreted as written.  I share this view, as I mentioned above.  If you don't like what the Constitution says, change it.  Don't create a bunch of grey areas.  Originalism doesn't necessarily equal super conservative.  When justices go outside of this Originalism idea (saying that gay marriage is illegal, for example, when the constitution doesn't talk about this at all), it's hypocrisy.  Not Originalism.

My point doesn't have to do with how conservative he is, however.  It has to do with the Democrats being stupid.

"If Republicans jumped off a bridge, would you jump, too?"  That's what I want to say to Patty Murray and the other Dems who want to block this because the Republicans blocked Garland.

There will be many times much more important than this one when blocking may legitimately be needed.  A Muslim registry, anyone???  This is small potatoes.  I don't care how conservative you think this guy is.  Trump has 4 years.  Is the plan to block every nominee for 4 years?  That's a lot of blocking.  And, as bad as the Republicans looked, it will make the Democrats look worse.  Because, this can be one of those "coming together" moments.  Doesn't seem like this guy has much to complain about.  The Supreme Court was a major issue for people and a significant part of why Trump won.  He could have nominated someone much much worse.

Trump won.  To think he wouldn't nominate someone "conservative" is foolish.  And, it's probably time to admit that the overall country likes a conservative leaning court.  Rowe vs Wade isn't going anywhere.  So, stop with the fear mongering.

Now...it's still early.  Maybe the confirmation hearings will happen and something will come out that makes this guy look horrible.  (They're already trying to say he founded a Fascist org in High School due to a tongue-in-cheek comment he made in the yearbook).  I'm not saying you must support him under all circumstances.  But, this early talk of filibustering is frustrating.  You're not going to help us come together.  In fact, you will only further mobilize the right.

My bottom line point...this isn't worth it.  Be the bigger party here, Democrats.  You have a great opportunity here.  This is a prime chance to show all those centrists you lost that that you're actually listening.

Almost had it...

This morning, Desmond was super proud of himself.  He barges into my room as I am finishing getting myself ready to work.

He finished his breakfast, got his uniform on, brushed his teeth, prepped his backpack, put on his shoes and was 100% ready to go!  Normally, I am rushing him to finish after I am done getting ready.  However, today, he did everything and still had about 15 mins to spare before we had to leave.

Then...about 25ish minutes later as I dropped him off at school:

"Um, Dad...did you get my backpack?"

There's still a baby in there

Popped in for the something week ultrasound last week!  The tech confirmed that there is indeed a baby still in there!

This trip was a redo.  Owen doesn't love to pose for the camera.  So, they weren't able to get all the shots they wanted to at the last one.  Particularly the kidneys.  Last trip, there was no view of the kidneys.  Of course, to parents that means he has no kidneys and something is wrong.

But, it was just because he wouldn't get into the right position.  This last appointment, we confirmed there are kidneys.

Here are some photos for you to admire.

We brought Desmond along with us on this trip.  The tech printed out for him his very own photo.  He took it to school with him and, according to the principal, was showing everyone!  He was apparently very proud. :-)  He'll be a great big bro, me thinks.  

You should probably get a dog, first

I once had a friend tell me this:  Having a baby is like having a dog.  Only you can't crate them when you leave.

Truer words were never spoken.  Saw this today and found it pretty funny.

Conversation Pieces - To Be (sick) or Not to Be (sick)

The scene: Living room of the Pank.  Desmond has been sick for about 5 days.  We skipped out on Disneyland and spent our vacation in a hotel room. It was a 3 day weekend, but Des was holding onto a nasty cough and a low grade fever on Monday, so we had decided to keep him home Tuesday. 

Monday night: 

Me: "Ok, time to get ready for bed.  I want you in bed early tonight.  You need rest. 

Desmond:  "I don't think I'm sick anymore.  I feel fine!  I don't need to go to bed early."

Me: "You must be really excited to go back to school, then."

Des: "Huh?"

Me: "If you're not sick, you can go back to school tomorrow."

Des: *cough, cough*  "I'm still sick. 

Vacationing and running and getting sick and stuff

This past weekend, we took a bit of a mini-vacation.  A while back, in an effort to inspire me to start running again to lose weight, I signed up to run the Star Wars Light Side Half Marathon at Disneyland with my friend Joey.  Kim and I decided to make a little trip out of it.  Taking Des out of school for a couple days (the first school he has ever missed) and hitting up Legoland and Disneyland before running and heading back home.

Well, here's what actually went down.

First of all, I should say that the inspiration to run never really hit me.  The training I did for this half marathon was a fraction of what it should have been.  In fact, when I actually did run, I only made it to 7 miles.  To refresh your memory, a half marathon is 13.1.

Fast forward...here comes our long weekend.

Wednesday night, Kim and I pick Des up from school and head right to the airport where we find our flight is delayed.  That sucks.  But, it's not the end of the world.  However, by the time we land in LA, get our rental car and drive to Carlsbad, CA (where Legoland is) it's about 12:30 AM.  Desmond is super excited!  We stayed at the Legoland hotel (highly recommended!) and he was instantly bouncing off the walls.  The room contains a treasure box.  To find the code, you have to complete a bit of a scavenger hunt.  With some help from Kim while I parked the car, Des had all the numbers he needed.  He opens the box to find 2 Mixels and a Lego Magazine.  OMG!  He's never going to leave.

Finally, we convince him to go to bed.  It's about 1 AM or so.

6:00...he's awake and ready to get started!

Desmond doesn't really like it when I make him take pictures, but he was a trooper for this one.  And, in case you were wondering...yes...it did feel just like you would suspect lying on a pile of legos would feel.

We get breakfast and we hit the park.  Here's some pics.

Des and Kim at the Hotel, ready to hit the park!!!

Des and Kim picking Lego Einstein's nose. 

Lego Deathstar, just slightly bigger than the one Desmond built at home. 

These ladies asked to have their photo taken with me. 

This red guy has a name, but I don't know what it is.  Red Ninja Dude, or something. 

And...that's about all the pics I have from Legoland.  Why don't I have anymore, you may ask.  Well, around noon it started to rain.  And not just a little drizzle.  I can handle a little rain.  But, a "we're closing all the rides" kinda downpour.  Also about this time, Desmond asked to take a break from the park.  Which seemed weird to me.  He doesn't love rides, so I wondered if this was to get out of me pressuring him to go on a roller coaster.  But, he wasn't just asking not to ride the roller coaster.  He was asking to leave the park. 

Well, turns out the reason was because he was getting sick.  We went back to the hotel and Desmond fell asleep.  Again, we didn't yet think he was feeling bad.  We figured it was the late night/early morning.  We woke him up to go to dinner.  He didn't eat much dinner.  We went back to the room, stuck him in the bathtub and he was asleep by 7:30.  Out cold.  Woke up in the middle of the night crying.

Yup...totally sick.  Fever and everything.  The Legoland nurse came to visit him in the room.  Declared it the flu.  

(Side note...the Legoland nurse is an actual person...she did not look like this)

Our Friday pretty much involved resting in the Legoland hotel room for as long as we could and then driving to Anaheim.  Des seemed to recover a bit on the drive.  But...guess what...Kim got sick.

We were set to meet Joey and Andy for dinner.  However, Kim was down.  Des was back up, but that didn't last long.  At dinner, he looked like he was ready to keel over.  We got back to the room and he was out cold super fast.

The next morning, Kim was worse.  Desmond seemed to be better.  But, that was just an illusion.  Disneyland quickly got nixed.  Kim was bedridden for the day.  Desmond and I hit the pool for a bit, but not too long because I was concerned about his cold.  After the pool, Kim slept some more, Desmond pulled up his iPad and I snuck out to watch the Seahawks.  Daddy needed a break.

Oh...and the Seahawks lost.  That sucked.

Ok, evening rolls around...Des seems totally fine again!  So, we go the the Skinner's (Joey and Andy) for dinner.  No prob!  Des plays with the girls, I chat with my friends.  A fine evening.  We leave so we can go to bed.  I have a half marathon the next morning.

1:00 am...Desmond wakes me up.  He's whining in his sleep.  After a while, I get up and rouse him.  He starts to cry.  His nose is 100% plugged up.  And, he's been blowing it so much that it's raw.  We throw some vasaline on it, give him some Tylenol and put him back to bed.  He's asleep instantly and the next morning says he doesn't remember any of it.

4:30, my alarm goes off.  I start getting dressed to go run my run.  I look at my phone and notice I have about 5 text messages from Joey.  Turns out, Disney wants all the runners there by 4 am.  Oops.  Oh well, I still made it on time.

Here are some pics from the run.  These are from my phone.  They had professionals taking photos, as well.  Haven't seen those yet.

Joey and I at the staring line.  It's amazing how smiley we are at 5 am after such little sleep. 

Lots of people there for this race. 

 I confess...we cheated.  We used speeders. 

This is not the double chin you are looking for. 

 The line for BB-8 was long, but I made Joey stop.  

Capt. Phasma had her eye on us. 

R2D2

Part of the course passed our Hotel.  Kim and Des came out to meet us!

Joey probably could have ditched me 100 times.  But, she stayed with me and we finished together.  Thanks, Joey!  My knee wasn't very happy with me.  Of course, if I didn't have 40 extra lbs pounding on it...and if I had done the training I was supposed to, it might not have been so mad.  My bad.  

In the end, I finished and I didn't die!  That was my only goal.  I have no clue what my time was.  But, for runs like this, time is hard to determine because you stop for photos so often.  I walked more than I wanted to but I made it to the finish line.  

I don't know if I will do another Disneyland race.  Take all the sickness out of it.  I was surprised at just how much was spent outside of the park.  When I did the Goofy challenge 4 years ago at Disney World, the entire marathon (26.2 miles) was inside the Disney facilities.  That was awesome!  There were more character photo ops, there was more music.  It was just a more fun experience.  This one was great for the first 30-45 mins.  After that, it was just meh.  

We're home now.  Kim and Desmond both took Tuesday off of school and work because they're still sick.  I am surprised I haven't been knocked out, yet.  Knocking on wood.  

Verizon can Bite me

Saw this article today.  Made me decide to tell everyone how mad I am at Verizon, right now.

First of all, Kim and I don't come anywhere near 200 gigs a month, so while this article doesn't apply to us, it was painfully clear that Verizon is NOT a fan of unlimited data customers.

Kim and I were on one of those grandfathered in unlimited data programs.  We didn't really need it.  But, I don't like the idea of potentially being surprised by overages.  And, since our price remained the same (in fact, when we upgraded phones a couple years ago, it would have cost us MORE to go to a limited data plan), we stuck with it.

Until recently, when I upgraded my phone.

Verizon was offering a great deal.  Upgrade my phone (to a Google Pixel) and return my old Samsung Galaxy 7 (which was only a year old) and get a monthly credit that equals the cost of the new phone.  So...basically a free Google Pixel.  While I enjoyed my Samsung, the battery life was total garbage.  And the Pixel was getting great reviews. So...ok!

First, I called Verizon.  The assured me that if I either went with the monthly phone payment program OR bought the phone outright, my plan would NOT change.

I asked again to clarify.

Confirmed...if we went with the monthly payment program or bought the phone outright, the plan would NOT change.

Given the Black Friday deal regarding the monthly credit for the return of my Samsung, this means I was upgrading my phone for free (monthly charge for the new phone + a monthly discount equal to the charge for the new phone).  AND...I got to keep our unlimited data.  Also...we didn't need to renew our contract...I hate contracts.  Although, given that I was on a monthly payment plan for the phone, I kind of am in a contract.  Will need to pay the remainder of the phone cost if we leave.  But, for a great deal like this, I can look past that.

Ok, so assuming you got all that, moving on.

The next bill shows up.  It's about $100 more!!!!

WTF?

A couple things appeared to be one offs.  My old phone hadn't arrived, yet.  So, the credit hasn't kicked in.  Then there was some weird promotional credit the month before.  But...even after we remove that...our bill was still about $40 more.  And, we couldn't figure out why.  So, I called them.

After a long phone call, the customer service agent figured out that the reason my bill was higher was because they raised the price.  And, apparently they told me via email.

I let her know that I had no such email.  However, I acknowledged that because Verizon sends me an email literally every 2 days, there was a chance I deleted it without looking at it.  Unless it was somehow called out in the subject or the To: line, there was no way I would know it contained anything other than the usually sales spam.  She didn't have a comment for that.  However, given her voice, I feel like she felt my pain.

I complained about it and sent in a follow up complaint about how crappy I thought it was that Verizon raised my price and, in my view, didn't tell me.  Or, at the very least, tried to hide it in with everything else.

THEN...it gets even better.

A week later, I received multiple text messages and emails from Verizon.  Sounds like I had gone over my data limit.  And, each time I went over it further, they sent me another note.

Well, thank you, Verizon, for making an effort to make sure I see important information this time.  However, how does someone with unlimited data go over their data limit?

Another long phone call later, we figured it out.  I no longer had unlimited data.  I lost it when I upgraded my phone.  Now, I get 2 gigs a month.

Remember when I said I was assured my plan wouldn't change when I upgraded?  Yeah...well, it changed.

Funny enough, I was still paying for the same plan.  And, Verizon told me, I could not get my unlimited plan back. It was gone and she couldn't give it back.  So, I am paying for unlimited data that I am not getting and I am now on the hook for the overage charges.

But, she tell me if I "upgrade" to the 16 gig/month plan, I will still be within my data limit.

The only good-ish part about any of this was that it's now cheaper...sort of.  It will cost what I was paying before they raised prices without telling me.

I could leave Verizon, if I want, as I don't have a contract.  All I have to do is pay for the $700 phone which I upgraded to a month earlier for free.

Let me summarize these events:

1. GREAT DEAL TO UPGRADE MY PHONE, essentially for free while keeping my data plan the way it is.
2. Surprise rate increase on my unlimited data plan.
3. Data overages due to a plan change I was assured wasn't going to happen. 
4. Limited data plan at a rate equal to what I was originally paying for unlimited data. 
5. If you don't like all this, you are free to leave if you pay for the phone you just received for free.  

At the end of the day, Verizon got exactly what they wanted from me.  They got me off the unlimited data plan and essentially locked into a new 2 year contract without calling it a contract. 

One of the WORST customer service experiences I have ever had in my life.  And, I have had a few.     

Why I am mad you voted for Trump

As I have mentioned before, until recently I have identified as a Republican.  I have identified this way since High School.  My first ballot for President was cast for Bob Dole.

I live in Seattle.  I love Seattle!  It's my home, now.  Seattle does not have many Republicans.  In fact, I believe I have shared this story on the blog, the first caucus I attended in Seattle, I was the ONLY person there from my precinct.  I cast my vote for John McCain.  Meanwhile, down the street, there were hundreds from my precinct casting votes for Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.  

This shows that I am used to being friendly with people with whom I disagree with politically.  My best friends are Democrats.  

So, it's funny that, now, as I find myself in disagreement, not only is it with people whom I share many ideals...but, I disagree with them in a way that is more vehement than I have ever disagreed before. 

I disagree with people all the time.  Seattle, remember.  We elected an open Socialist to the city council.  The state primary went to Bernie Sanders, another self proclaimed socialist.  (Free college isn't actually free, people!)  But, disagreement is ok.  Disagreement is healthy!  I have always done it in a way that is respectful and (for the most part, but not always) that respectful disagreement has been reciprocated. 

Until now.  

I am legitimately mad.  I have been told that I am being a jerk.  That I should respect different opinions.  Shame on me for belittling people just for thinking differently than I do.  

That's not it.  It's not.  You can think differently than me.  I don't care.  Good for you.  I didn't oppose Trump because he differs from me politically.  

However, rather than sum up the reasons why I am mad at Trump voters, I will defer to this quote from Sparrow R. Jones.  I have never heard of Sparrow Jones until I saw this quote.  You may have seen it as well.  It was floating around Facebook for a while.  It very eloquently sums up what my problem is with Trump voters. 

"I am not mad at you that Clinton lost. I am unconcerned that we have different politics. And I don’t think less of you because you vote one way and I vote another. No… I think less of you because you watched an adult mock a disabled person in front of a crowd and still supported him. I think less of you because you saw a man spouting clear racism and backed him. I think less of you because you listened to him advocate for war crimes, and still thought he should run this country. I think less of you because you watched him equate a woman’s worth to her appearance and got on board. It isn’t your politics that I find repulsive. It is your personal willingness to support racism, sexism, and cruelty. You sided with a bully when it mattered and that is something I will never forget. So, no… you and I won’t be “coming together” to move forward or whatever. Trump disgusts me, but it is the fact that he doesn’t disgust you that will stick with me long after this election."

There you go. You want to think I'm a jerk because I have said, "Shame on you for voting for Trump," that's fine.  That is your right.  Just as it is my right to remind you of how vile this person you elected is. 

I feel like I have a personal responsibility to remain vigilant against him.  After all, I have spent years supporting, funding and standing up for a party that allowed this Tea Party, me before you mentality to take over.  Abraham Lincoln would be ashamed of us.  Ronald Reagan would be ashamed of us.  Jefferson, Madison, Eisenhower, Teddy Roosevelt...they would all be ashamed of us. 

I am ashamed of us.  

First Reconciliation - My how things have changed

Next month, Desmond will celebrate his first Reconciliation at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

One of the advantages of attending Catholic school is that this is all part of the curriculum.  We don't need to send him to special CCD classes.  There are a few additional Sunday meetings, but it's a drop in the bucket compared to the years of after school sessions my mom sent me to.

A part of Desmond's journey that I have enjoyed, however, is the parental involvement.  I honestly don't remember if my parents were involved in my first sacraments (outside of baptism, obviously) in the way that the Church is making us participate.  But, I have been grateful for the experience and the refreshers.  At first, I may have groaned a bit (UGH...I already did all this 25 years ago!).  But, I have actually found it pretty enlightening.

Mostly in regards to how Confession/Reconciliation has changed.

Or...rather, how it should have been at Our Lady of the Lake when I was growing up.  Turns out a lot of these "changes" that I am enjoying were part of Vatican II.  But, apparently the memo didn't get to Lake Havasu City.

Here's how I remember Confession.

You would stand in a line outside the room with a bunch of other people, silently tracking how long the people before you were in there.  At Our Lady of the Lake, the confessional was a small room, not like the "box" that you see at many churches.  It was dimly lit.  There was a screen with a kneeler.  There was also a chair across from the priest.  There was no screen in front of the chair.

Here's the thing.  I happened to have a pretty good relationship with my priests when I was young.  Fr. Rudy and Fr. Greg.  See, I was an alter server, I taught CCD classes to Kindergartners, I was a Eucharistic minister in my high school and college years, and I think I even joined the choir for a bit.  I had a particularly good relationship with Fr. Rudy.  The point is, they knew who I was, they knew my parents, the knew my grandparents.  For some reason, I felt like I had to sit in the chair facing the priest.  Although, there was one time that I used the screen.  Fr. Greg was on the other side.  About half way through my confession he says, "Is this Jason?"

 So, when you are 8 or 10 or 13 or 16 or, frankly, even 39...sitting across from someone you admire and who you want to think highly of you and telling them about all the things you did wrong...that's not really fun.  In fact, I hated doing it every single time.

And, I was one of the good kids!  In the grand scheme of ways kids can get in trouble, I was pretty lame.  I am pretty darn confident that I didn't have any "sins" to offer any priest that they haven't heard a bazillion times before.

Still...sitting across from Fr. Rudy and telling him that I said bad words (oh boy did I say bad words) or that I lied to my parents or that *GASP* I watched one of those late night nudie shows on Showtime...that S-U-C-K-E-D!  And, candidly, I think it scarred me a bit for confession.  Because I don't go anymore.  Not on an individual basis, at least.  I go to the congregational confession when it's held.  This is when the priest holds a confessional service.  As a parish, we ask forgiveness for our sins, pray and are absolved of our sins.  No one on one where I spew out everything I'm ashamed of.

Fr. Jack, my current pastor, is the greatest priest I have ever had.  He's a wonderful man who teaches the ways of Jesus in a way that focuses on love, forgiveness, service and grace...not in the "do this or your going to hell" way that so many other pastors focus on.  I have often told Fr. Jack that he sounds like a Jesuit.  His response is "I have been accused of that many times."  I have zero desire to show him what's behind the curtain.

So, back to what I have learned from working with Desmond on Reconciliation.

First of all...it's called Reconciliation, not Confession.  The focus is on Reconciling yourself with God.  The way Ms. Hoch (Desmond's teacher) teaches it, when we sin, God does not turn his back on us...we turn our backs on God.  He's still there, waiting.  Still loving.  Always loving.  The sacrament of Reconciliation is the act of acknowledging our poor choices and turning, once again, back to God.

With this in mind, no longer do you sit in front of the priest and regurgitate all your sins.  Apparently now, it's more of a conversation.  What's keeping you from being the best person you can be?  What's on your mind and heart that has become a burden?

Kim and Shaundar have also both been part of this journey.  Neither of them are Catholic, but they've both been very active in learning about all these sacraments.  That's been great for me, as well.  For Shaundar to be supportive of something in our son's life that is important for me.  And, for Kim to learn about my faith in a way she's never been exposed to before.

I have yet to go to confession...*cough* sorry...reconciliation with Fr. Jack.  I mentioned to him that I may have to bite the bullet and give it a shot.  He says he looks forward to it (in a very sincere, "I think that's a great idea" way).  But, I'm still terrified.  Again, I'm positive I don't have anything to talk about that he hasn't heard before.  And, I suspect my confession would be much less juicy than others he has heard.  But, the discomfort remains.  Maybe it's pride?  Maybe I should confess that as well?  Who knows.

First Reconciliation happens on Feb. 4.  I have made it a personal goal to attend Reconciliation myself, 1:1 with Fr. Jack, by that time.  Let's see if I pull it off.  If I don't, I guess I will need to confess that I just lied to both of my readers.

Goodbye 2016

I think everyone mostly agrees.  2016 was pretty stupid.

It won't go down as my worst year ever.  That still belongs to 2012 and will be hard to top.  But, 2016 was up there with years I won't miss.

There were some bright spots!  Kim and I spent (another) week in Hawaii to kick it off.  I started work at one of my favorite companies on the planet.  Baby Owen popped in the oven. 

What else?  Hmmmm...can't really think of anything.  I'm sure there is something. 

Here are my lessons from the past year:

1. No matter how much you are sure something can't happen, it can definitely happen. 
2. Hatred for one individual can blind every day people to even greater faults and flaws.
3. I'm getting older.  Faster than I ever have before.
4. Co-parenting doesn't have to be as hard as many people make it out to be. 
5. The sound of 7 year olds talking in baby voices is worse than nails on a chalkboard for me. 
6. Star Wars is still amazing and I am still capable of being a complete geek over it.
7. The fish market up the street doesn't taste as good when they jack their prices up.
8. I can miss coworkers like I miss family. 
9. Nobody is perfect.  Even the people you think are perfect are not.  It just makes it harder to handle when they show their imperfections.  But, it also humanizes them more. 
10. I need to learn how and when to say No.

So, there you go.  I am optimistic that 2017 will be better for everyone.  That is, unless Trump kills us all. 

Peace be with you!