Let's see...Wednesday. What I did do Wednesday? Kind of nothing. Weird day at work, as everyone seemed quite cranky. I did, however, get a call from the insurance company. They've cut the check for $280 to help cover taxes on the new car, and they're going to reimburse me $96 for the tow of my old car from the accident scene. So, that's cool. It'll help pay for the garage (still waiting to see if the buyer will also help pay).
Oh, wait. My wife is late. Two things about this. First, she's never late. She's on the pill. That's stuff regulated. She's never been late when on the pill.
Second, we done did it but once over the past month. She's on the aforementioned pill. I use the rubber devices with the spermicidal lubricant. So, the chances that this is anything other than stress or whatever are quite slim. But her telling me that led to two immediate thoughts, in the following order.
1. Shit. We can't afford another baby.
2. Hey, if she's late, that means we can do it tonight.
Kick to the end zone. Touchback.
Life's ball: 1st and 10 on their own 20.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
April 28th - 3-10
Another day with mostly nothing going on. No news or movement on house related issues. Steady, but uneventful day at work. I guess the only thing of note is that I bought my wife this bracelet object she'd be asking me for for some time, but gave up on a few weeks ago. Figured it'd be more of a surprise now than for Mother's Day, and it's a thing you keep adding things to, so we'll add some things for Mother's Day.
My wife loves me. She said so on Facebook.
The coincidental thing is that I bought in Beachwood, Ohio, and the lady who sold it to me not only used to live in Mogadore, but used to live on my street. Considering that Mogadore is a town of around 3,500 people, most of whom have never even heard of the town in which they're living, it's exceptionally rare to find someone outside of the Akron area who knows anything about the place. And that's for the best.
Field goal try is good. We're finally on the board.
My wife loves me. She said so on Facebook.
The coincidental thing is that I bought in Beachwood, Ohio, and the lady who sold it to me not only used to live in Mogadore, but used to live on my street. Considering that Mogadore is a town of around 3,500 people, most of whom have never even heard of the town in which they're living, it's exceptionally rare to find someone outside of the Akron area who knows anything about the place. And that's for the best.
Field goal try is good. We're finally on the board.
April 27th - 0-10
Got two quotes on the garage yesterday. A bit lower than expected, but still not something I want to do. One came in at just over $1,300, the other at just over $1,100. Now, it's a matter of seeing whether we'll be able to get the buyer to help pay.
Beyond that, nothing to report. Spent the evening helping a client with his Mac, so I didn't get home until the chitlens were in bed. Played some Pikmin. Went to sleep.
Three yard draw for better field goal position.
My ball: 4th and 16 on Life's 22.
Beyond that, nothing to report. Spent the evening helping a client with his Mac, so I didn't get home until the chitlens were in bed. Played some Pikmin. Went to sleep.
Three yard draw for better field goal position.
My ball: 4th and 16 on Life's 22.
Monday, April 27, 2009
April 25th-26th - 0-10
Decent enough weekend, I suppose. Drove to Ashland Saturday to get my haircut (it's a loyalty thing...get off my back) and spent the afternoon at Brookside Park with the kids where I found what I believe to be a headless, racist swing set.
Tieraney tells me it used to have an Indian head. I don't recall that, although it certainly would've been there when I was a kid, too. Regardless, I enjoy the Ashland Parks and Recreation response to racism...chop off the head, so you can no longer identify the race.
Spent Sunday out at the old house finishing work on the garage and mowing. I'm really looking forward to not having to mow out there anymore, but it's looking now like this sale won't go through. Taking a closer look at the garage, it's in worse shape than I though. The entire back half of it will have to be re-roofed. Not repaired, mind you, but redone. I'm fucked.
Incomplete pass, way overthrown as the QB was under pressure.
My ball: 3rd and 19 on Life's 25.
Tieraney tells me it used to have an Indian head. I don't recall that, although it certainly would've been there when I was a kid, too. Regardless, I enjoy the Ashland Parks and Recreation response to racism...chop off the head, so you can no longer identify the race.
Spent Sunday out at the old house finishing work on the garage and mowing. I'm really looking forward to not having to mow out there anymore, but it's looking now like this sale won't go through. Taking a closer look at the garage, it's in worse shape than I though. The entire back half of it will have to be re-roofed. Not repaired, mind you, but redone. I'm fucked.
Incomplete pass, way overthrown as the QB was under pressure.
My ball: 3rd and 19 on Life's 25.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
April 24th - 0-10
Exactly what I didn't want out of the loan. The buyer's lender caught the garage trouble, and won't do the loan until that's addressed. I have to get a roofer out there to say it's fine with no leaks (which it's not), or repair it, or completely redo this roof. This will be big money. And what's worse, the lender is demanding a 20 year warranty on the work. 20 fucking years! I have a brand new house and I don't have a 20 year warranty on the roof. It's absolute bullshit what banks can demand these days. Is no one allowed to purchase a fixer-upper anymore (not that our old house is one, but I have to wonder)? What the hell do they think this lady will do with that $8,000 price break she's going to get? It really, really pisses me off.
So, we'll get an estimate. It'll be more than we can afford ($17 is more than we can afford), and we'll see if buyer's interested in helping to pay for it. I mean, she wants the house, right? If not, we can't sell. We don't have $2,000 to sink into a new garage roof when we're already selling at a $13,000 loss.
QB hold onto the ball too long looking for a TD. Sacked.
My ball: 2nd and 19 on Life's 25.
So, we'll get an estimate. It'll be more than we can afford ($17 is more than we can afford), and we'll see if buyer's interested in helping to pay for it. I mean, she wants the house, right? If not, we can't sell. We don't have $2,000 to sink into a new garage roof when we're already selling at a $13,000 loss.
QB hold onto the ball too long looking for a TD. Sacked.
My ball: 2nd and 19 on Life's 25.
Friday, April 24, 2009
April 23rd - 0-10
Out at the old house early in the morning to see if I let a receipt there, and there's a sign in the front yard. "I was sold by Howard Hannah!" Does the sign make it so? Is it happening? Can I get comfortable? Likely, no. Even if it goes through, it became apparent last night just how ugly the finances are going to be for a while. What a crazy loss this'll be. Crazy. I wonder if that'll help out come tax season next year.
Got the insurance money, deposited it, and turned right around and wrote the check out to Kia. It was fun to actually have money in the bank for a few hours, though.
And the guy who did our landscaping last year dumped a pile of mulch in my driveway yesterday. I mean, yeah, we asked him to, but I didn't want it this early, and not that much. Despite the dangers, I went ahead and got it in place last night. It's too early in the season, so we've got to hope there are no more frosts or my plants could be in trouble. Plus, there's a lot left, and I have no idea what to do with it. It's still sitting in my driveway, blocking my access to the garage. Maybe I can get someone to buy it from me. Or, maybe I'll try to do some landscaping around the utility boxes in the front yard. I don't know. I'm such the homeowner.
QB sneak is good for three yards and the first down.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 16.
Got the insurance money, deposited it, and turned right around and wrote the check out to Kia. It was fun to actually have money in the bank for a few hours, though.
And the guy who did our landscaping last year dumped a pile of mulch in my driveway yesterday. I mean, yeah, we asked him to, but I didn't want it this early, and not that much. Despite the dangers, I went ahead and got it in place last night. It's too early in the season, so we've got to hope there are no more frosts or my plants could be in trouble. Plus, there's a lot left, and I have no idea what to do with it. It's still sitting in my driveway, blocking my access to the garage. Maybe I can get someone to buy it from me. Or, maybe I'll try to do some landscaping around the utility boxes in the front yard. I don't know. I'm such the homeowner.
QB sneak is good for three yards and the first down.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 16.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
April 22nd - 0-10
Here's where we're at. The Realtor(r) called to say that the appraisal was fine, so the loan will go through, and we'll sell our house. BUT...there's always a thing. God forbid I should ever feel comfortable with anything. The bank dude doesn't like the condition of the garage roof, so he wrote that into the report. It's not a contingency, so it's possible the underwriter won't even see it. That's our hope. If the underwriter does see and decides the cost of a roof repair will push the value over the sale price, then everything is put on hold until:
a.) We bring in a roof dude to say it's fine, or
b.) Roof dude says it's not fine, but not expensive to fix, or
c.) Roof dude says it's not fine and very expensive to fix, and we have to fix it.
In addition, we got the papers from the title people. Things to sign, stuff to do before we close on May 15th. I'm wondering if I'll be able to relax a bit when this whole thing is over. Not likely, as I'll need to keep working the miner hours in order to stay afloat, but it'll sure be nice to not have two yards to mow.
That reminds me. I have to mow two yards this weekend.
I did a charity thing. One of those lock-ups for MDA. My jail was a posh country club. I ate anchovies and called people to raise $400 to help make sure kids won't have to talk to Jerry Lewis.
Yikes. Is that even really Jerry Lewis?
Pass to the end zone is covered, so the QB dumps the ball off to the HB for six yards.
My ball: 3rd and 1 on Life's 19.
a.) We bring in a roof dude to say it's fine, or
b.) Roof dude says it's not fine, but not expensive to fix, or
c.) Roof dude says it's not fine and very expensive to fix, and we have to fix it.
In addition, we got the papers from the title people. Things to sign, stuff to do before we close on May 15th. I'm wondering if I'll be able to relax a bit when this whole thing is over. Not likely, as I'll need to keep working the miner hours in order to stay afloat, but it'll sure be nice to not have two yards to mow.
That reminds me. I have to mow two yards this weekend.
I did a charity thing. One of those lock-ups for MDA. My jail was a posh country club. I ate anchovies and called people to raise $400 to help make sure kids won't have to talk to Jerry Lewis.
Yikes. Is that even really Jerry Lewis?
Pass to the end zone is covered, so the QB dumps the ball off to the HB for six yards.
My ball: 3rd and 1 on Life's 19.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
April 21st - 0-10
Still no word on the appraisal of the house, but the electrician did his thing. Came to $325, which is considerably less than the Realtor(r) said it would be. I hope this guy did enough. If not, I guess we just pay more. We're so far in debt, that adding to it doesn't really mean anything at this point. It's going to get much worse before it gets better, but at least now I know it's going to get better.
Not much of note beyond that, so screw the game for now. I'm going to go play Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles.
Sweep is good for three yards. The fans are getting bored, but we're driving.
My ball: 2nd and 7 on Life's 25.
Not much of note beyond that, so screw the game for now. I'm going to go play Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles.
Sweep is good for three yards. The fans are getting bored, but we're driving.
My ball: 2nd and 7 on Life's 25.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
April 20th - 0-10
Not a whole lot happening the first day back to work after buying the car. In fact, nothing happening. Got to work, went home, did some Appletell work, played some games, went to bed. The electrician didn't get out to the house because his wife had a concussion, or something, so he's going out today. Still no word on the appraisal, but I expect that either today or tomorrow.
Oh, one bit of good news. My top writer who announced he was leaving Appletell last month has decided to stay with us. Why? Because he has a girlfriend now, and girlfriends demand time, and he doesn't think he'll have that time writing for a bigger Apple blog. So, cool. Not sure it'll last all that long, as he will get other offers, but so it goes.
Two yard run off tackle.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 28.
Oh, one bit of good news. My top writer who announced he was leaving Appletell last month has decided to stay with us. Why? Because he has a girlfriend now, and girlfriends demand time, and he doesn't think he'll have that time writing for a bigger Apple blog. So, cool. Not sure it'll last all that long, as he will get other offers, but so it goes.
Two yard run off tackle.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 28.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April 18th-19th - 0-10
Behold the new car.
Yes, that's how I'll be getting to and from Beachwood for at least the next five years. Long process to actually get the thing on Saturday morning, which surprised me. David Temple went with me to get it, since I wanted to get to the dealer early before they got busy, and there's no way Tieraney could've had the kids up and ready by then. Good thing, too. It wouldn't have been pretty if we'd had the kids at a car dealership for three hours.
So far, I'm digging it. The engine is loud and you really feel the bumps in the road, but it's a decent ride. Drawbacks? The tinted back window makes it useless to hang up my Seahawks cling. Also, the front design is a slaughterhouse for bugs. I caught more bugs on the front grill and windshield in one trip to Ashland than I did in 11 years of driving the Civic, which is a total lie, but you get the point.
Regardless, it's my new car, and I hope it serves me as well as the Civic, God rest its engine.
Rest of the weekend? Well, I spent Saturday in Ashland taking the car for a ride. Sunday, I was at the old house doing more garage work. Rain made it so I couldn't hang the new piece of wood that divides the two garage doors, so I tried to clean them instead. That was futile. They're now free of fecal matter, but will have to be sandblasted if I want to really get them clean. That's not in the contract, though, so I'm hoping it won't be an issue.
The joy of a new car = 8 yard pass (monthly payments made a TD saving tackle).
My ball: 2nd and 2 on Life's 30.
Yes, that's how I'll be getting to and from Beachwood for at least the next five years. Long process to actually get the thing on Saturday morning, which surprised me. David Temple went with me to get it, since I wanted to get to the dealer early before they got busy, and there's no way Tieraney could've had the kids up and ready by then. Good thing, too. It wouldn't have been pretty if we'd had the kids at a car dealership for three hours.
So far, I'm digging it. The engine is loud and you really feel the bumps in the road, but it's a decent ride. Drawbacks? The tinted back window makes it useless to hang up my Seahawks cling. Also, the front design is a slaughterhouse for bugs. I caught more bugs on the front grill and windshield in one trip to Ashland than I did in 11 years of driving the Civic, which is a total lie, but you get the point.
Regardless, it's my new car, and I hope it serves me as well as the Civic, God rest its engine.
Rest of the weekend? Well, I spent Saturday in Ashland taking the car for a ride. Sunday, I was at the old house doing more garage work. Rain made it so I couldn't hang the new piece of wood that divides the two garage doors, so I tried to clean them instead. That was futile. They're now free of fecal matter, but will have to be sandblasted if I want to really get them clean. That's not in the contract, though, so I'm hoping it won't be an issue.
The joy of a new car = 8 yard pass (monthly payments made a TD saving tackle).
My ball: 2nd and 2 on Life's 30.
April 17th - 0-10
Worked from home today. The old home. True, 'dat. Because I had so many people coming to the house, I just took the MacBook out there and set the porch furniture in the dining room. Updated the Pierre's Ice Cream website while people fixed my garage and toilet. Who says you need Internet to develop websites?
The results...toilet was $150. Could've been less, but I figured that while I had the guy out there I may as well have him take the thing apart to verify there are no problems. And there aren't. So, that's good.
Garage was a meager $100. Dude fixed and oiled the springs, fixed and oiled the runners, and suddenly we have two garage doors that actually move and stay put when raised. Makes me wonder why I never spent that money when I lived there. Trouble now is that the garage doors are filthy. Beyond filthy. Imagine garage doors that are opened for five years straight, and the dirt/dust that would accumulate up there. Now also imagine birds and raccoons making their homes up there. That's my garage doors. Not looking forward to that at all.
Electric is still in the air. If we just need to install a new box, we're taking $400. If the city decides we also need to fix the wiring to remove the hanging wires in the basement, that's an additional $500. We'll know Monday when the guys does the work. Right now, though, it looks as if I get out of the day spending less than $1,000. I'll take that.
The bank appraisal was this afternoon. Won't know about that until early next week. But this day is still good enough for the measurement to indicate first down.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 38.
The results...toilet was $150. Could've been less, but I figured that while I had the guy out there I may as well have him take the thing apart to verify there are no problems. And there aren't. So, that's good.
Garage was a meager $100. Dude fixed and oiled the springs, fixed and oiled the runners, and suddenly we have two garage doors that actually move and stay put when raised. Makes me wonder why I never spent that money when I lived there. Trouble now is that the garage doors are filthy. Beyond filthy. Imagine garage doors that are opened for five years straight, and the dirt/dust that would accumulate up there. Now also imagine birds and raccoons making their homes up there. That's my garage doors. Not looking forward to that at all.
Electric is still in the air. If we just need to install a new box, we're taking $400. If the city decides we also need to fix the wiring to remove the hanging wires in the basement, that's an additional $500. We'll know Monday when the guys does the work. Right now, though, it looks as if I get out of the day spending less than $1,000. I'll take that.
The bank appraisal was this afternoon. Won't know about that until early next week. But this day is still good enough for the measurement to indicate first down.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 38.
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 16th - 0-10
Odd day at work. We're upgrading our network, I guess, and switching over to a new server for back-ups, so most of the day was spent backing up files to get them off the network. While driving to Microcenter to buy PCI cards for PC users amongst us, I realized I'm going with the Soul. Just costs too much to upgrade the Fit to what I want, the Soul has a better warranty, and it has 2.9% financing. We'll need to upgrade Tieraney's Matrix within a couple of years, and that's the family car. That's the one we take to Ashland and on trips. I just need one to get me to and from work, and the Soul will do just for that. It has decent gas mileage, excellent safety features, and a kick ass stereo system. I won't be able to push it for another 11 years like my Civic, but within 5 to 7, hopefully I'll be at a place financially where I can trade it in for another Civic.
After I decided this, I took the test drive. Decent enough. It actually felt more natural to me than the Fit, mainly because the clutch behaved more like my Civic. The fit, I kept revving to high. Did better on the Soul. Now, I just need to secure that 2.9% financing, which shouldn't be a problem. Despite the debt and the horrors of two mortgages, I've still got outstanding credit. We'll find out soon enough. If everything goes well at the house tomorrow and financing comes through, I'll have a new car this weekend.
Pass over the middle is caught at first down marker, but the receiver is quickly dropped.
Official measurement.
After I decided this, I took the test drive. Decent enough. It actually felt more natural to me than the Fit, mainly because the clutch behaved more like my Civic. The fit, I kept revving to high. Did better on the Soul. Now, I just need to secure that 2.9% financing, which shouldn't be a problem. Despite the debt and the horrors of two mortgages, I've still got outstanding credit. We'll find out soon enough. If everything goes well at the house tomorrow and financing comes through, I'll have a new car this weekend.
Pass over the middle is caught at first down marker, but the receiver is quickly dropped.
Official measurement.
April 15th - 0-10
Still debating between cars. Fit or Soul? Three letters or four? Car named after a Wii accessory or an ultra-rare Queen B-side? I really want to go Honda, as I’ve made clear, but I’m not sure it’s practical at that this point. The randomness of the universe forced me to play my hand too early, or else I’d definitely be going Fit in the fall. Damn randomness...all the time being random.
An uneventful day, beyond thinking about cars. I was hoping to get the Soul test drive in, but the sales guy was off. Will try again for tomorrow.
Short run.
My ball: 3rd and 5 on Life's 43.
An uneventful day, beyond thinking about cars. I was hoping to get the Soul test drive in, but the sales guy was off. Will try again for tomorrow.
Short run.
My ball: 3rd and 5 on Life's 43.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
April 14th - 0-10
Ends up, I may be going with the Kia Soul. I prefer the Honda. I like to fancy myself a Honda man. But I'm told there's this thing called Electronic Stabilization Control that likes to stop people from losing control of their vehicle on icy highways and careening into concrete dividers. I think I would be a tremendous fan of such technology, but it's not available on a Honda I can afford. Seems that only Hyundai and Kia have it on their lower-end models, and that includes the Soul. So, I'll test drive the Soul now. Unless that goes poorly or Honda makes an amazing deal for me, looks like my money will be heading to Korea instead of Japan.
I miss the hockey. Playoffs start tonight, but it won't be the same without my team in there. Less stressful to watch, but less exciting, too. Lemaire has definitely retired. Hockey will not bring me as much joy next season.
In football, the NFL schedule was announced, and Seattle does not get a single prime time game. Thanks, NFL. Love ya. Our game in Minnesota is on November 22nd, which is certainly hockey season. It the Wild has a game that Saturday or Sunday night, I just may be going to Minneapolis for the weekend.
And finally, spent a bit yesterday calling repair people for the old house. This Friday, I've got a plumber, an electrician and a garage door dude all coming out to take care of the contingencies. It'll be an expensive day, folks. Very expensive day.
QB can't find anyone open, but scrambles for three yards.
My ball: 2nd and 7 on Life's 45.
I miss the hockey. Playoffs start tonight, but it won't be the same without my team in there. Less stressful to watch, but less exciting, too. Lemaire has definitely retired. Hockey will not bring me as much joy next season.
In football, the NFL schedule was announced, and Seattle does not get a single prime time game. Thanks, NFL. Love ya. Our game in Minnesota is on November 22nd, which is certainly hockey season. It the Wild has a game that Saturday or Sunday night, I just may be going to Minneapolis for the weekend.
And finally, spent a bit yesterday calling repair people for the old house. This Friday, I've got a plumber, an electrician and a garage door dude all coming out to take care of the contingencies. It'll be an expensive day, folks. Very expensive day.
QB can't find anyone open, but scrambles for three yards.
My ball: 2nd and 7 on Life's 45.
April 13th - 0-10
Okay, things are moving. Got the housing inspection back, and aside from the garage door issue and the electrical box, their only contingency was on the toilet plumbing upstairs. The said there's some water damage to the soffit and interior cupboards of the kitchen just under the restroom, but this is cool. That's from three or four years ago, and we've already taken care of it. We'll have to bring in a plumber to prove we've already taken care of it, but fine. I'll do it.
So, all that's left now is for the buyer to get final approval on the loan (she's been pre-approved), then for the bank to appraise the house to make sure it's worth what we're selling it for. That won't be a problem. If it's not worth this selling price, I'm just going to have to bid everyone farewell and drive my car into the river.
Defense bites on the handoff, opening up a nice pass play over the middle. 12 yard gain.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 48.
So, all that's left now is for the buyer to get final approval on the loan (she's been pre-approved), then for the bank to appraise the house to make sure it's worth what we're selling it for. That won't be a problem. If it's not worth this selling price, I'm just going to have to bid everyone farewell and drive my car into the river.
Defense bites on the handoff, opening up a nice pass play over the middle. 12 yard gain.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 48.
Monday, April 13, 2009
April 11-12th - 0-10
Last bit of Wild hockey for the season; they won their final game, 6-3, over Columbus. So, if the Blues or Ducks had cooperated, we'd be in the playoffs. Instead, no post season, and we're likely losing our head coach and Marion Gaborik, who's pretty much our top scorer when healthy. And so it goes.
In car news, I test drove a Honda Fit Saturday. I like it a lot. It's easily my favorite of the cars in the question, but it's the most expensive. The least expensive, the Toyota Yaris, gets the worst ratings from critics. I guess that's how it works. Not sure which way I'll go, because I still don't know if our house is definitely selling. Haven't heard the results of the inspection and the radon test, but I expect to get those today.
Easter was yesterday. Now, I'm all about the Christianity and the Son of God dying for my sins (thanks, buddy), but am I the only one who is maybe a little concerned that zombie Jesus was up walking around the Earth for a while? Didn't anyone else see 28 Days Later? It only take a couple zombies to send things south quite quickly.
Anyway, good time with the families on Easter. Good time the night before, too, when Sophie and I watched some John Fogerty concert footage on the TV. Sophie had all kinds of questions about the songs and who was doing what, before finally saying:
Sophie: I want to do this when I grow up.
Kirk: Well, it's a lot of hard work, and it's very risky, but if you can make your living doing that, I imagine there's just nothing better.
Sophie: Why's it hard work?
Kirk: You have to practice a long time to learn how to play an instrument, and you have to learn to write songs.
Sophie: What if no one likes my songs?
Kirk: Some people won't, but some will, I bet. Your mom and I will like your songs.
Sophie: I'll sing you one (Sings.) I love my dad. I love my mom. I love Sammy. I love Londie.
Kirk: Yeah, that's pretty good. But I prefer that one about the blimp explosion.
End run gains five.
My ball: 3rd and 3 on my 40.
In car news, I test drove a Honda Fit Saturday. I like it a lot. It's easily my favorite of the cars in the question, but it's the most expensive. The least expensive, the Toyota Yaris, gets the worst ratings from critics. I guess that's how it works. Not sure which way I'll go, because I still don't know if our house is definitely selling. Haven't heard the results of the inspection and the radon test, but I expect to get those today.
Easter was yesterday. Now, I'm all about the Christianity and the Son of God dying for my sins (thanks, buddy), but am I the only one who is maybe a little concerned that zombie Jesus was up walking around the Earth for a while? Didn't anyone else see 28 Days Later? It only take a couple zombies to send things south quite quickly.
Anyway, good time with the families on Easter. Good time the night before, too, when Sophie and I watched some John Fogerty concert footage on the TV. Sophie had all kinds of questions about the songs and who was doing what, before finally saying:
Sophie: I want to do this when I grow up.
Kirk: Well, it's a lot of hard work, and it's very risky, but if you can make your living doing that, I imagine there's just nothing better.
Sophie: Why's it hard work?
Kirk: You have to practice a long time to learn how to play an instrument, and you have to learn to write songs.
Sophie: What if no one likes my songs?
Kirk: Some people won't, but some will, I bet. Your mom and I will like your songs.
Sophie: I'll sing you one (Sings.) I love my dad. I love my mom. I love Sammy. I love Londie.
Kirk: Yeah, that's pretty good. But I prefer that one about the blimp explosion.
End run gains five.
My ball: 3rd and 3 on my 40.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
April 10th - 0-10
Well, my hockey team did what it had to do last night to remain in the playoff hunt, beating Nashhvlle 8-4. Have we ever scored 8 goals in one game? Certainly not this year. Even last year when Gaborik got 5 in one game, we only ended up with 7. Granted, two goals were empty-netters in last night's win, but I'll take them.
Sadly, the NHL did no cooperate. St. Louis and Anaheim both won their games, so they're in, and we're out. It's fine. As I've mentioned, I wasn't looking forward to another first round elimination. But there's talk of our coach leaving (where else has that happened recently), so who knows what we'll look like next year? I'm glad I didn't pay for tickets for the tonight's game against Columbus, that's for sure.
Looked at cars yesterday. I don't know why I'm doing this, as I'm getting my hopes up for possibly nothing. Still haven't heard back on the home inspection, and I can't be getting any of these vehicles if I don't sell that house. Regardless, I'm got a test drive scheduled for the Honda Fit. That's where I'm leaning, simply because I loved the longevity of my Civic. I trust Honda. But the Toyota Yaris is quite a bit cheaper, and it's not like Toyota isn't a respectable company. The Kia Soul is the dark horse, simply because I really like the look of the little dude. Plus, a better warranty and you get more features at a lower price. I have until next week to decide, so there's time to mull it over.
Draw play fools no one. 2 yard gain.
My ball: 2nd and 8 on my 35.
Sadly, the NHL did no cooperate. St. Louis and Anaheim both won their games, so they're in, and we're out. It's fine. As I've mentioned, I wasn't looking forward to another first round elimination. But there's talk of our coach leaving (where else has that happened recently), so who knows what we'll look like next year? I'm glad I didn't pay for tickets for the tonight's game against Columbus, that's for sure.
Looked at cars yesterday. I don't know why I'm doing this, as I'm getting my hopes up for possibly nothing. Still haven't heard back on the home inspection, and I can't be getting any of these vehicles if I don't sell that house. Regardless, I'm got a test drive scheduled for the Honda Fit. That's where I'm leaning, simply because I loved the longevity of my Civic. I trust Honda. But the Toyota Yaris is quite a bit cheaper, and it's not like Toyota isn't a respectable company. The Kia Soul is the dark horse, simply because I really like the look of the little dude. Plus, a better warranty and you get more features at a lower price. I have until next week to decide, so there's time to mull it over.
Draw play fools no one. 2 yard gain.
My ball: 2nd and 8 on my 35.
Friday, April 10, 2009
April 9th - 0-10
Bit of good news yesterday. The insurance company called, and it seems they're giving me just over $4,000 for my Civic. After my deductible, that comes to about $3,500, but it's double what I was expecting for a '98 Civic with 220,000 miles on it. If the inspection on the house went well yesterday and the sale goes through, that means I'll have enough to get a new car. Granted, an uber-cheap new car, but that's the way I likely would've gone, anyway.
So, this?
Or this?
Heading out to look at both today, so we'll see.
Now, regarding hockey, Minnesota has to win tonight to stay in playoff contention. In addition, either Anaheim or St. Louis have to lose. Preferably both. If these things happen, we'll have at least one more night to discuss.
Kick received at the 7, returned to the 33.
My ball: 1st and 10 on my 33.
So, this?
Or this?
Heading out to look at both today, so we'll see.
Now, regarding hockey, Minnesota has to win tonight to stay in playoff contention. In addition, either Anaheim or St. Louis have to lose. Preferably both. If these things happen, we'll have at least one more night to discuss.
Kick received at the 7, returned to the 33.
My ball: 1st and 10 on my 33.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
April 8th - 0-10
Things you learn from crashing headlong into a concrete barrier at around 50 mph:
1. Seatbelts are painful, but they do their job.
2. Air bags are stinky.
3. Air bags are somewhat girlie. Why were mine the colors of Delta Zeta?
4. The police officers can sometimes be quite fair and understanding.
5. You're at a bad place in life where all that's running through your head as you're spinning wildly out of control on a highway are dollar signs.
But yeah, I won't bore you with details. Hit some ice on the highway Tuesday morning, and immediately lost control of the car. Crashed into the barrier dividing the highway, and came to rest in my center lane. This is where the "could've been worse" part comes in. I hit no one, and no one hit me as I sat in the middle of the highway just past an icy bridge. I immediately got the car pushed to the side of the road, right next to two other cars who were just involved in an accident because of the same ice patch. Another person had already hit it and smacked into the barrier, but kept going, then another person did the same right after me. When the police officer came to the scene, he hit it, too, but didn't crash. Because of this, Constable O'Malley (not his real name, likely, but I prefer to believe all policemen are named Constable O'Malley), didn't cite any of us.
My insurance company, however, likely won't take that into consideration.
They didn't even want to see the car. Considering its age (I got it in December of '97) and its mileage, they just told me to clean it out so they could send it down to Columbus for appraisal. I await that number with dread. I can't afford a car payment.
Sadly, all of this completely overshadowed a Wild win to keep us in the playoff hunt, and the fact that I'm getting back an additional $2,200 in taxes (although not for two to three months).
As for yesterday, nothing happened that would prevent a successful PAT.
Life extends its lead to 0-10.
1. Seatbelts are painful, but they do their job.
2. Air bags are stinky.
3. Air bags are somewhat girlie. Why were mine the colors of Delta Zeta?
4. The police officers can sometimes be quite fair and understanding.
5. You're at a bad place in life where all that's running through your head as you're spinning wildly out of control on a highway are dollar signs.
But yeah, I won't bore you with details. Hit some ice on the highway Tuesday morning, and immediately lost control of the car. Crashed into the barrier dividing the highway, and came to rest in my center lane. This is where the "could've been worse" part comes in. I hit no one, and no one hit me as I sat in the middle of the highway just past an icy bridge. I immediately got the car pushed to the side of the road, right next to two other cars who were just involved in an accident because of the same ice patch. Another person had already hit it and smacked into the barrier, but kept going, then another person did the same right after me. When the police officer came to the scene, he hit it, too, but didn't crash. Because of this, Constable O'Malley (not his real name, likely, but I prefer to believe all policemen are named Constable O'Malley), didn't cite any of us.
My insurance company, however, likely won't take that into consideration.
They didn't even want to see the car. Considering its age (I got it in December of '97) and its mileage, they just told me to clean it out so they could send it down to Columbus for appraisal. I await that number with dread. I can't afford a car payment.
Sadly, all of this completely overshadowed a Wild win to keep us in the playoff hunt, and the fact that I'm getting back an additional $2,200 in taxes (although not for two to three months).
As for yesterday, nothing happened that would prevent a successful PAT.
Life extends its lead to 0-10.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
April 6th - 0-3
We're past the first hurdle with the house. Pest inspection went fine. They found "evidence of previous treatment" in the garage, but no actual pests. We never treated anything, so I guess that kind of stuff must really linger. Take that, environment!
The house inspection is Thursday. That's when they're also checking for radon. If we get past those two points without any surprises, this may actually happen.
No point in talking hockey. My team didn't play, but it really doesn't matter at this point that we do. Pretty much just going through the motions now.
QB checks down to the tight end, but he can't get to the first down.
My ball: 4th and 2 on Life's 16.
The house inspection is Thursday. That's when they're also checking for radon. If we get past those two points without any surprises, this may actually happen.
No point in talking hockey. My team didn't play, but it really doesn't matter at this point that we do. Pretty much just going through the motions now.
QB checks down to the tight end, but he can't get to the first down.
My ball: 4th and 2 on Life's 16.
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 4th-5th - 0-3
Got a lot done this weekend, but none of it all that much fun. First of all, there was the Wil Research Easter egg hunt on Saturday. This is the medical research facility in Ashland, at which my mother-in-law works. They do outsourced research on animals. Dogs, mainly. Beagles. How 'bout that? Come to where they kill they dogs and find yourself some chocolately goodness. Bonus if you find the eggs with the lip gloss or cure for cancer.
Anyway, I don't like the Easter egg hunts. They're not hunts anymore...they're pick ups. You don't have to hunt for the eggs at these things...they're everywhere. Just laying in the grass. You just have to pick them up. And there are a hundred screaming kids with they're doubly annoying parents. But my wife makes me go every year. So, I do. The kids enjoy it, too, obviously, so that's cool.
And Sam won the coloring contest for his age group. Last year, Sophie won. Sadly, neither prize was a scholarship.
Sunday, I spent the whole day...see below:
That's some before and after action, bitches. That lady interested in buying our house is going with an FHA loan, and FHA won't provide that loan if there's any work to be done, including painting. So, I had to strip and paint the garage. My buddy David Temple helped, which is good because he always works much harder than I do. I still have the back to do, and there's some wood that needs replaced, but I'm pleased with how much better it looks now. Between that and the kitchen work last week...
...that old place is starting to look pretty good. Hopefully, good enough for the inspectors this week.
And while this work was going on, the Wild lost a heartbreaker to the Red Wings. We came back from an 0-2 deficit in the first to tie it 2-0, and it looked as if we'd at least get a point, but Detroit scored with 55 seconds left to win 3-2. Mathematically, we're still in it. Realistically, good night.
Oh, and never watch The Transformers. There's so much wrong with that movie that I can't even begin to take it apart. It's Saw-like in its total absence of plausibility, even after you've accepted the robots from another planet.
Pass to the end-zone is incomplete.
My ball: 3rd and 6 on Life's 20.
Anyway, I don't like the Easter egg hunts. They're not hunts anymore...they're pick ups. You don't have to hunt for the eggs at these things...they're everywhere. Just laying in the grass. You just have to pick them up. And there are a hundred screaming kids with they're doubly annoying parents. But my wife makes me go every year. So, I do. The kids enjoy it, too, obviously, so that's cool.
And Sam won the coloring contest for his age group. Last year, Sophie won. Sadly, neither prize was a scholarship.
Sunday, I spent the whole day...see below:
That's some before and after action, bitches. That lady interested in buying our house is going with an FHA loan, and FHA won't provide that loan if there's any work to be done, including painting. So, I had to strip and paint the garage. My buddy David Temple helped, which is good because he always works much harder than I do. I still have the back to do, and there's some wood that needs replaced, but I'm pleased with how much better it looks now. Between that and the kitchen work last week...
...that old place is starting to look pretty good. Hopefully, good enough for the inspectors this week.
And while this work was going on, the Wild lost a heartbreaker to the Red Wings. We came back from an 0-2 deficit in the first to tie it 2-0, and it looked as if we'd at least get a point, but Detroit scored with 55 seconds left to win 3-2. Mathematically, we're still in it. Realistically, good night.
Oh, and never watch The Transformers. There's so much wrong with that movie that I can't even begin to take it apart. It's Saw-like in its total absence of plausibility, even after you've accepted the robots from another planet.
Pass to the end-zone is incomplete.
My ball: 3rd and 6 on Life's 20.
April 3rd - 0-3
The pest inspection on the house already happened yesterday morning. I hope everything moves this quickly. I haven't heard how it went, but I'll assume that's a good thing, right?
I had one of those awesome days at work where everyone was gone in the afternoon. Just me. That used to happen quite frequently, but now that we're up to five full-time employees, I don't get that joy nearly as often. It's great being able to crank up my music while I work, but there is the drawback that I have to answer the phones again. I hate answering phones, but that's mainly because I don't really enjoy talking to people.
And last night, the Wild proved they want to make the playoffs with a 4-0 domination of the Calgary Flames. We still have to either win out in our last four games or get a lot of help, so it's unlikely we'll go, but it's good to see the guys playing hard.
Four yard run.
My ball: 2nd and 6 on Life's 20.
I had one of those awesome days at work where everyone was gone in the afternoon. Just me. That used to happen quite frequently, but now that we're up to five full-time employees, I don't get that joy nearly as often. It's great being able to crank up my music while I work, but there is the drawback that I have to answer the phones again. I hate answering phones, but that's mainly because I don't really enjoy talking to people.
And last night, the Wild proved they want to make the playoffs with a 4-0 domination of the Calgary Flames. We still have to either win out in our last four games or get a lot of help, so it's unlikely we'll go, but it's good to see the guys playing hard.
Four yard run.
My ball: 2nd and 6 on Life's 20.
Friday, April 3, 2009
April 2nd - 0-3
Tieraney and I signed the offer yesterday on the house. Now, we await the inspection. Last February, we hit this point before and the buyer pulled. We think this wasn't because of the inspection, but because the buyer had a change of heart. She wasn't willing to work with us at all on repair negotiations. Since then, most of the problems have been taken care of, so the list won't be nearly as long. No more than a buyer should expect, anyway. I hate this part, since I can't get past the disappointment from last year, but I can do nothing other than wait. My hope is that everything goes smoothly and we're able to get this done by April 30th, which would mean we're already done paying for that old house. This would be pleasing.
Hockey again tonight. Anaheim and St. Louis both won last night. Edmonton loss. That leaves us in 10th place, four points out of the playoffs. But we're a game behind St. Louis and Anaheim (8th and 7th respectively), so a win tonight would see us just two points back with four games to go.
Ruling was upheld. Receiver in bounds. Life is charged its second time out.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 24.
Hockey again tonight. Anaheim and St. Louis both won last night. Edmonton loss. That leaves us in 10th place, four points out of the playoffs. But we're a game behind St. Louis and Anaheim (8th and 7th respectively), so a win tonight would see us just two points back with four games to go.
Ruling was upheld. Receiver in bounds. Life is charged its second time out.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 24.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 1st - 0-3
It reads like a Fools joke, but it's not. The kind of day that gives me hope for the future of Hinerkind, but sets me up for major disappointment.
First, I'm pushing to get my own office at work. I'm in a room now with two other chaps who are friendly enough, but who talk as much as I do (when I don't want to), who hold meetings behind me, and who chew food.
I'm not joking when I say this...there's nothing on God's previously green Earth that annoys me more than the sound of food being chewed.
So, I want out. Problem is, the only other open room is the lunch room. Our lease is up, and Bruce (the boss) is using the lease renewal to negotiate for new carpeting and paint, when the owners suggested that there's an open office in their area, just past my wall. They can add a door, close up theirs, and bam. I've got my own office with a window (which the lunch room doesn't have), and it's being built specifically for me. My boss likes the idea. I do, too. Will it happen? We'll see.
Second, offer on the house. This is the third, so I'm not about to get my hopes up again. It was painfully low, but our Realtor(R) assures me these people have room to negotiate, so we are. They're coming in about $12,000 below our asking price, plus $3,400 in closing costs. I want to jack that back up to $3,500 below asking, and I'll give them the closing costs. We counter-offered with that, and now we wait.
Third, I finished the game I've been working through on the DS for the past three months.
It all adds up to a 24-yard pass play, but Life is challenging the ruling that the receiver was in bounds.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 24 (play under review).
First, I'm pushing to get my own office at work. I'm in a room now with two other chaps who are friendly enough, but who talk as much as I do (when I don't want to), who hold meetings behind me, and who chew food.
I'm not joking when I say this...there's nothing on God's previously green Earth that annoys me more than the sound of food being chewed.
So, I want out. Problem is, the only other open room is the lunch room. Our lease is up, and Bruce (the boss) is using the lease renewal to negotiate for new carpeting and paint, when the owners suggested that there's an open office in their area, just past my wall. They can add a door, close up theirs, and bam. I've got my own office with a window (which the lunch room doesn't have), and it's being built specifically for me. My boss likes the idea. I do, too. Will it happen? We'll see.
Second, offer on the house. This is the third, so I'm not about to get my hopes up again. It was painfully low, but our Realtor(R) assures me these people have room to negotiate, so we are. They're coming in about $12,000 below our asking price, plus $3,400 in closing costs. I want to jack that back up to $3,500 below asking, and I'll give them the closing costs. We counter-offered with that, and now we wait.
Third, I finished the game I've been working through on the DS for the past three months.
It all adds up to a 24-yard pass play, but Life is challenging the ruling that the receiver was in bounds.
My ball: 1st and 10 on Life's 24 (play under review).
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
March 31st - 0-3
The first quarter ends with a Wild OT loss, 1-2. Happy we got the point, but it's a game we should've won. We outshot and outplayed Vancouver, especially in the third, but just couldn't score. This doesn't bother me as it did earlier this year, though, as I've mentioned. I'm in straightforward hockey mode now, not Wild mode. I'm just looking forward to the playoffs, and they're easier to watch when my team's not in there getting their collective butt handed to them in the first round. Go Canada!
Another uneventful day, beyond that. Fitting close to an uneventful first quarter. I know these quarters are long, but I gotta stick to the format. And besides, I'm going to need all of these plays in order to put any points on the board. It's obviously going to be a battle of field position.
No play. We just let the quarter end.
My ball: 2nd and 7 on Life's 48.
Another uneventful day, beyond that. Fitting close to an uneventful first quarter. I know these quarters are long, but I gotta stick to the format. And besides, I'm going to need all of these plays in order to put any points on the board. It's obviously going to be a battle of field position.
No play. We just let the quarter end.
My ball: 2nd and 7 on Life's 48.
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