I couldn’t think of a clever opening line, so take your choice:
So, um, where have you been?
Hi, have we met? I’m Geeding, nice to meet you, thanks for stopping by.
How does this thing work again, it’s not like riding a bicycle.
Hey babe, you come here often?
You mean they still haven’t found that plane?
Chuck Noland: We have a pro football team now, but they’re in Nashville?
Kelly Frears: Um…yeah. Oh, my God! Okay, they used to be in Houston. First they were the Oilers now their the Titans.
Chuck Noland: Houston Oilers are the Tennessee Titans.
Kelly Frears: Yeah. That’s not all, we went to the Super Bowl last year.
Chuck Noland: Well, I missed that.
Kelly Frears: I nearly died it was so exciting. They almost won by one yard. One lousy yard right at the end.
“Once again…welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.” ― Bram Stoker, Dracula
Did you think I’d forgotten you? Perhaps you’d hoped I had. Don’t waste a breath mourning Miss Barnes, every kitten grows up to be a cat. They seem so harmless at first–small, quiet, lapping up their saucer of milk. But once their claws get long enough, they draw blood, sometimes from the hand that feeds them. For those of us climbing to the top of the food chain, there can be no mercy. There is but one rule: hunt or be hunted. Welcome back. – Frank Underwood, House of Cards
[Boushh, a bounty hunter, has just freed Han Solo from the carbonite slab.]
Boushh: [distorted, gravelly voice] You have to relax for a moment. You’re free of the carbonite. You have hibernation sickness.
Han Solo: [shaking] I can’t see.
Boushh: Your eyesight will return in time.
Han Solo: Where am I?
Boushh: Jabba’s palace.
Han Solo: Who are you?
[Boushh removes the helmet, revealing him/herself to be Princess Leia]
Princess Leia Organa: Someone who loves you.
Han Solo: Leia!
I don’t want to start off with some long whiny tale of my time away, so I’ll just keep this short and whiny. The first few days were rough because I stopped checking my RSS reader and Twitter every 15 minutes and my normal routine of trying to find content was totally off. I was so off kilter that I couldn’t go to sleep the first few nights because I had that feeling that I was forgetting to do something or something was just left incomplete, but after time I really started to enjoy and take refuge in not taking this blog or myself so seriously and got a chance to embrace the real priorities in life.
A wise (county) blogging friend once told me that people keep coming back to a blog just because something new is posted everyday. I guess I’ll see how much of that will prove true.
It’s nice to be part of a small(er) church and actually get to know the pastor on a personal basis. My pastor, who knows I’m a devout U2 fan, emailed me in the middle of last week just to let me know that he was going to use a clip from a Bono interview in his Easter sermon.
I get a kick out of older ladies being upset at young men wearing hats in church and then seeing those ladies dawn an Easter bonnet.
I’m not as religious as most of you think.
I’m more spiritual than most of you would think, but then I’m sure I’m less spiritual than most of you think, and I think that makes perfect sense.
I had a lot of second thoughts after writing the check for my retaining wall. Since a neighbor was getting a pool and I got all the free dirt, I was kinda forced into getting a retaining wall sooner than later. I was thinking I’d pay around $5,000 – $6,000 but it was almost twice that once everything was said and done. However, one afternoon we got the t-ball set out and used some makeshift bases for a quick game. I wish I could put into words how satisfying it was just playing with the kids on a nice flat and level yard. At that moment I thought it was almost worth the cost. But, when my across the street neighbor gave me his wooden playground set, that his son outgrown, all for just a weekend of dog-sitting and then playing with the kids on that set, that made it all worth it.
If you’ve read a loyal reader for years you know I have some self-esteem issues and wish I could provide more for my family and nothing is ever good enough for me. On one hand I was glad to get a good used playset basically for free, but a part of me wished I could have bought a new one for the kids. Things got put into perspective after I assembled that playset while DaughterGeeding was at school and surprising her with it when she got home. Seeing her reaction when she noticed a playset was in her backyard, I realized she didn’t care if it was new or used, she was just thankful she had something like that to play with and call her own. As a parent, you can learn a of life lessons through your kiddos.
Seriously, being able to spend all this time interacting with the kids on a flat and level backyard has made me feel like a better father and has given me some kind of fulfillment.
While I’m on the topic of trading stuff, here’s something you TICKET fans will find interesting. Sean Bass came over to GeedingManor on Saturday to pick up my old mower. In exchange for the mower, he’s going to let me tour the TICKET studios and hang out with BaD Radio and The Hardline as well as pay for my lunch later this week. He said I’m welcome to take pictures and post them on the blog, and all I really need to do is be quiet when they are on air. Don’t be surprised if something “happens” to Sean and you hear a surprise Ticket Ticker from me. “And Vlade will be happy with that.” Yup, that’s a local joke.
It’s hard to find a nicer guy than Sean Bass. I thought he’d just come over, load the mower into his SUV, and be on his merry way. But he actually spend about 45-minutes at GeedingManor just chit-chatting about our family and our jobs. I was surprised at how open and trusting he was as he shared a lot of what I thought was intimate behind-the-scenes info. I wouldn’t say what he shared was juicy, but I think it would be wrong for me to publicly share them.
I did feel a weird moment of legitimacy when he put my name and number in his phone’s contact list. Sean did share one story that I think is suitable to share. While at Norm’s wedding reception, Sean’s girlfriend asked if one particular gentleman was the great Pat Summerall. Indeed it was, and indeed Summerall fell asleep in his chair with his head all lopsided resting on his shoulder.
Speaking of mowers . . . you know it’s officially spring time in my neighborhood when Doug Free is mowing his lawn shirtless. It’s so tempting to snap a pic just to prove it to all of you, but then someone would submit this to BaD Radio for the GNG segment. I actually ran into him at our local Home Depot last week and he said we should have saved gas and just commuted together. Hey buddy, you play a bit better than you did last year and protect Romo’s surgically repaired back and I might just consider it. Heck, if y’all win the Super Bowl, I’ll mow his lawn shirtless.
I did splurge a bit this weekend buying a Samsung Gear Fit watch. I didn’t want a smart watch that looked bulky, took pictures, or allowed me to speak into it; but I did want a watch that was small and light that could track my heart rate, change a playlist, and notify me of a text and give me an option for a quick reply . . . and that’s what I got. I’ve been bad at noticing when I get a text when my phone is in my pocket, and so far this watch has helped prevent any missed texts. All the DFW Best Buy stores were out of them and I was told I could reserve one and pick it up in three to five days. For the heck of it I check the availability online and the Willowbend mobile store had one in stock. The first text I got on my new watch was from my friend David, who was awfully proud to see his two daughters get baptized yesterday. Now that I think about it, I was also baptized on Easter.
One thing I made sure to do during my time off was go through a lot of my Mom and Dad’s old papers and discard anything that wasn’t needed. Dad has been gone for 15-years and Mom a little over seven-and-a-half (yup, some of you have been reading for over seven years). My folks had a bank account in which their original checks would be returned back with their monthly statement. That made me wonder what percentage of folks still do that or if that is even an option? It was weird coming across the last check my father wrote. Of all places it was to Eckerds for $44.71, exactly 16-years ago yesterday. I’m not sure why, but I kept that check as well as the last one he wrote to me when I was in college so I could have a little spending money. It’s a bit funny how you can forget something simple like how a parent writes your name, but I felt a real connection with that small piece of paper. It was also interesting seeing how Dad’s handwriting change on those checks his last couple of years, you could tell he was getting weaker and weaker. It was a bit macabre coming across the check my mother wrote for Dad’s funeral.
WifeGeeding also did some spring cleaning as she was going through her maternity clothes. It turns out some of my favorite shirts were hiding in there. Speaking of maternity, were are tapping the breaks when it comes to having more kids. Actually, last week WifeGeeding got some sort of IUD or UTI implant – I can never keep those acronyms straight.
A Christian alternative to Pinterest (in the UK) – Godinterest
Let’s say it’s your birthday and you want free stuff, you can check out this website for a list of freebies.
It looks like the future of the Baker Hotel in my hometown of Mineral Wells will be left with the voters. It’s funny seeing a 14 story building in such a small town. Speaking of the big MW, actor Kevin Rahm, who plays Ted Chaough on ‘Mad Men’, was born in Mineral Wells.
HBO Sports did a fantastic story on Team Hoyt a while back. It’s THE most inspirational father/son stories I’ve ever seen. If you’ve never seen their story, it’s a MUST SEE. Seriously. With that being said, this will be their last Boston Marathon.
Maybe it’s because I work in technology and there are a lot of similarities, but I’m really digging the new Mike Judge HBO series ‘Silicon Valley’. A lot of people aren’t aware that one of the main actors, Christopher Evan Welch, who is basically a Dallas product (and a University of Dallas product like myself), died of cancer.
Some ‘Mad Men’ thoughts in which I don’t think I will give away any spoilers:
The season premiere was so-so. I had a hard time getting my bearing about everything from where the show left off last season.
Last night’s episode was everything that I expected from that very talented writing team. I thought the conversation between father and daughter was genius as it ties up a variety of loose ends, rights the ship, and was even good character development. It was just a great format to use to reveal a lot of underlying details. And Sally’s last words to her father was more meaningful to Don than Sally would have thought.
It’s satisfying seeing Pete get picked on, isn’t it?
Lots of desk switching this episode, which means lots of characters carrying around cardboard boxes. When I worked at Fidelity Investments, we were told we could only pack but not move a thing. I think that was because of fear of some lawsuit or workers comp thing.
For the first time in my life I actually walked in a field of bluebonnets, which means I did the stereotypical white Texan thing to do – take pictures of your kids in a field of bluebonnets. You can see those pics below along with Easter egg coloring and egg hunting pics.
Welcome back, my friend! I hope your sabbatical was reinvigorating for the mind and soul.
I was worried you would like the break so much that you'd decide not to come back – or come back in a limited capacity – especially when the site went dark. Glad I was wrong – your daily commentary was missed.
They stopped returning physical checks when Check21 went into effect in Oct 2004. It became legal to transmit facsimiles instead of physical checks thus ending the mass migration of paper across the banking system.
Enjoy your trip to the Mothership, but be prepared to be underwhelmed. As an ex-radio guy I can tell you it's more theater of the mind than visual spectacle inside the studio. Your mission is to learn Line 4 Guy's secret identity.
Silicon Valley = More greatness from Mike Judge. Sad to hear of Chris Welch's death.
Mad Men= Starting slow, but expecting a huge finish. I'm getting a huge Helter Skelter vibe from Megan's bungalow. Really liking Don and Sally being honest with each other.
The bluebonnet pics look great. Not sure it's possible to take a bad pic of kids playing in a field of bluebonnets.
WELCOME BACK! Sounds like your Lenten Challenge was a success! I am so happy for you that you enjoyed those babies (??? not so much anymore HA) during your time away.
Glad to have to back! Also I’m glad you enjoyed the hiatus. My only request is you let us know when you’re go to The Mothership. I can’t get it out here in the woods during the day so I have to listen on my phone if there’s something on I really want to hear. Also, I’m totally +1ing he comment above about Line 4 Guy.
My husband gets IUD and IED mixed up – which can be hilarious whether he's implying a woman has a bomb in her uterus or a birth control device is endangering troops!
Would have been greatly disappointed if you did not come back. You've become a staple to most of our lives like a daily cup of coffee or you know…running to the bathroom after that said cup of coffee! We missed you!
I was really worried that you would not re-appear. Now I can get back to my normal routine.
I helped my son-in-law build a fence around his backyard, it appears to be about the same dimensions as yours. He used top quality wood, board-on-board, and capped the top. I think all of his supplies and materials, including a compressor, cost around 5K so I don't think you overpaid on yours after you include labor and all of the grading you did.
I visited one of the websites you recommended during your Lenten sabbatical. The site received a lot of comments, but the majority of them were crude, angry and generally ill-informed. Some of the posters seemed to sincerely dislike the guy who runs the blog. I don't why they return every day just to attack him… must be that whole anonymity-thing. I feel more comfortable back here at good old BON.
Welcome back, my friend! I hope your sabbatical was reinvigorating for the mind and soul.
I was worried you would like the break so much that you'd decide not to come back – or come back in a limited capacity – especially when the site went dark. Glad I was wrong – your daily commentary was missed.
Welcome back!
A shirtless Doug Free<1st robin.
They stopped returning physical checks when Check21 went into effect in Oct 2004. It became legal to transmit facsimiles instead of physical checks thus ending the mass migration of paper across the banking system.
Enjoy your trip to the Mothership, but be prepared to be underwhelmed. As an ex-radio guy I can tell you it's more theater of the mind than visual spectacle inside the studio. Your mission is to learn Line 4 Guy's secret identity.
Silicon Valley = More greatness from Mike Judge. Sad to hear of Chris Welch's death.
Mad Men= Starting slow, but expecting a huge finish. I'm getting a huge Helter Skelter vibe from Megan's bungalow. Really liking Don and Sally being honest with each other.
The bluebonnet pics look great. Not sure it's possible to take a bad pic of kids playing in a field of bluebonnets.
Did I say welcome back? Welcome back!
WELCOME BACK! Sounds like your Lenten Challenge was a success! I am so happy for you that you enjoyed those babies (??? not so much anymore HA) during your time away.
welcome back!
My morning is complete once again after reading BoN!
glad you are back
Welcome back, you've been missed.
Glad to have to back! Also I’m glad you enjoyed the hiatus. My only request is you let us know when you’re go to The Mothership. I can’t get it out here in the woods during the day so I have to listen on my phone if there’s something on I really want to hear. Also, I’m totally +1ing he comment above about Line 4 Guy.
Welcome back…..Boy, I Missed you!
Glad to see you back! Love the photos, you have a beautiful family!
YAY! And Coach POP is the best.
I hate to say it…..welcome back.
My temptations failed yet again. I had a lot more planned, but shutting down your blog threw a wrench in the works.
You are SUCH a devil….lol
Double Fake Satan
PS If you meet Corby, call him Kirby
Welcome back! I'm glad you took some time off 🙂
My husband gets IUD and IED mixed up – which can be hilarious whether he's implying a woman has a bomb in her uterus or a birth control device is endangering troops!
Welcome back bud.
welcome back
Welcome back. I missed the daily posts, but I am glad you enjoyed the time with your family.
Wow, you came back. Sure glad you did.
Would have been greatly disappointed if you did not come back. You've become a staple to most of our lives like a daily cup of coffee or you know…running to the bathroom after that said cup of coffee! We missed you!
Hmmm…took me almost the whole day to realize you might have returned. And sure enough, you did! Glad you're back.
I was really worried that you would not re-appear. Now I can get back to my normal routine.
I helped my son-in-law build a fence around his backyard, it appears to be about the same dimensions as yours. He used top quality wood, board-on-board, and capped the top. I think all of his supplies and materials, including a compressor, cost around 5K so I don't think you overpaid on yours after you include labor and all of the grading you did.
I visited one of the websites you recommended during your Lenten sabbatical. The site received a lot of comments, but the majority of them were crude, angry and generally ill-informed. Some of the posters seemed to sincerely dislike the guy who runs the blog. I don't why they return every day just to attack him… must be that whole anonymity-thing. I feel more comfortable back here at good old BON.
Welcome back dude. I have missed stealing, oops I mean, READING your posts. 🙂
Welcome back!, love reading your blog!,, happy belated Fridays,…. Happy boring Mondays.,,,happy belated Easter.
First change I've had to log back in. So happy to have you back into the daily mix!