Changing it Up

For years now I've been a loyal FitBit User, and even in the face of the Fitbit force fiasco (Google it), I kept my Force.  Lately the thing has started to crack and the step counter doesn't seem to be as accurate as it once was.  I have been researching where to go, and I've landed on the Misfit Shine.  It is still working out integration with other sites (like myfitnesspal.com, etc.) but I think it will work well for my needs.  It's weird, but something as trivial as this makes me nostalgic. I've had a fitbit for so long, but what did I do before that?  I counted each step in my head.  If I lost count I would stop walking and lay down and go to sleep where I laid. True story. Except for the part about counting my steps and laying down and going to sleep.

10 Years.

I've not posted in a while, and I'm sorry - but I will have you know that I did have a draft that I kept adding to, but then it got incoherent and rambled on for way too long, so here is this one.

Today (May 29) Lyndsay and I have been married for 10 years. Wow. A lot has happened. We've bought a house, bought cars, sold cars and had three children. It's been a ride, with our ups and downs. It's been worth it, all of it.  From a blind date in high school to 10 years of marriage, it's been fun.  Sure we've gotten bigger, but that's just the newlywed weight gain, we just haven't gotten rid of it. Yep.  Technically we've been together for 15 years, but that's just splitting hairs.

Enough about me, how are you? Did you have a good break from reading my rants? Well, buck up buttercup, I'm back.  Look for a really good episode of Regular Dad coming up. It's awesome.  Don't forget to follow my YouTube channel. Click Here. It's going to be interesting making these videos, I didn't realize how much time went into a short video like this, so hopefully I'll speed up with the production.

Remember, When you feel like your life stinks, think of the Titanic passengers, be glad you didn't go on that boat.

Wow, I've Neglected You

So it's been a few weeks since I posted anything. My bad.  Actually I take that back, I don't like the phrase "My Bad" so I'll say, my sincerest apologies, it was indeed my fault.  A bit longer, but I bet you felt better reading it. I know I felt a better connection with you when I wrote it.  So, There will be a big event this weekend, The Scarborough Renaissance Faire in Waxahatchie, Texas.  My clan is going along with my mother and father in law.  This year I am sporting period attire.  Watch out for photos this weekend of a lovable portly innkeeper, it might be yours truly.  I say portly because it makes me feel less self conscious about myself, also it sounds neat.

To explain a Renaissance Faire to those not in the know, it is a place where people can pretend it is the 15th or 16th century (depending on the venue) and act like fools while staring at the scantily clad people in costumes.  The Scarborough Faire is a great one, it's size is just perfect and the environment that has been created is just plain awesome.  It's fun for the whole family, the girls love going and it's always a blast to watch them.

In my few travels to events such as this, I have learned that some things are essential to take. Here are a few things that are on my list.

1. Money (As with most things like this, things add up - bring your shillings)
2. Gold Bond (Spray or Power, but beware and be prepared)
3. Portable Battery Charger for Phone (especially if you are using it as your camera)
4. Underwear (Even if they didn't always have it back then, you should wear some)
5. Money (Bring extra, just in case)
6. A sense of humor (the players\actors may give you a good ribbing, so be prepared to take it in stride)

We try to hit a couple of these a year, and we are always looking for more to go to and people who want to go, so be sure to throw suggestions at me.

I think it might be timeth for me to goeth, so pleaseth stayeth tuned .. eth.

Regular Dad, In Your Face

Sorry for being a week late, I've been so busy that I didn't have time to finish anything really.  As an apology, here is a quick video preview on Regular Dad.

One thing I'm trying to do is shoot this series mostly with an iPhone\iPod\iPad. If that doesn't work out, I have other cameras to use, but I thought that this would be an interesting and challenging way to get it done, plus if I get any quick video while out and about I don't have to worry about the quality edits or aspect changes, or anything like that, so there's that.

The first episode should be out soon, so don't get your knickers in a knot. Unless you like them that way, in that case, don't untie them.  I'm always open to suggestions and feedback, so let it rip.

I'm sure you've been wondering about how my diet has been going, well it's going.  I have cheat days more often than I should, but I have non-cheat days almost as often.  I exercise on a regular basis, if walking counts. I mean, it's hard to go throughout the day without walking, I don't see why people make such a big deal of it. As far as my weight, it's been up and down, and I'm blaming it on medication. Yeah, that sounds good.  I know what you're thinking, "Well James, why don't you stop your medication then?"  I can't.  You wouldn't like my off my meds. James Smash.

Have you ever had a dream that all your goals in life we achieved?  Yeah, me neither.  I usually have dreams about running away completely naked from a Klingon. Go figure.

Structure, We All Need It

So here's the deal. Structure.  I've decided that the blog needs a bit more structure.  I am going to try out having regular sections on it, and see how that goes.  Feedback is appreciated and mandatory.

I was looking on Groupon the other day and saw that there is a murder mystery dinner on there.  It's at the Stone Lion Inn in Guthrie.  That is supposed to be one of the most haunted places in Oklahoma.  My interest peaked.  There is something about having my wits scared out of me that is awesome.  This is also the reason I ride with Lyndsay when she drives.  I am on the fence about just getting the tickets and then Lyndsay will feel like she has to go or it will be a waste of money, but as I have just explained about the Inn, odds are good that she will read this and stop me.  If she isn't up for it, would anyone else be?

I have always fancied (yes fancied) myself a brilliant actor with a wide range of acting abilities.  However, after reading about this murder mystery I thought about myself as an actor in it.  I would be be nervous so close to the 'non-actors' (it's what we call them in the biz) that my timing would be all off.  I have created a lovely comic to demonstrate:

See, I'd blame the first child that walked into my line of sight.  I think I'll skip on being an actor at one of these and stick to be an over acting bystander.

The Regular Dad series is going well, I did take a break from it for a few days, but I'm back on it and soon the first episode will make you laugh so hard you might rupture a bladder.  Seriously though, if you do rupture anything while watching or thinking about it, don't blame me, my lawyers Mr. Mason and Mr. Matlock assure me that they can get me out of it in less that 60 minutes.  I'm finding the hardest part so far with creating the series is figuring out how to get the girls to act on command.  Madison especially does not want to be on camera, and Victoria jumps in the camera as soon as it starts recording. Alexandria is neutral most of the time.

Ok, so I'm one more thing to add to today's entry, and that is a thought.  My youngest, Madison, turned 4 on the 12th.  I now am the proud father of 4, 5 and 8 year old girls. Little by little I am coming to terms with my aging, but it occurred to me that in addition to my aging, I have to cope with my daughters aging as well.  Some advice I receive all the time (and on several occasions from complete strangers) is to cherish each moment because you won't get a second chance and they pass so quickly. I have realized it is so true, and everyday with them is a gift, and not everyone gets three gifts a day like I do.  So even with all the yelling, screaming, fighting, and groin hitting (them hitting me of course) I love every minute of it, even if it is not apparent at the time. Being a dad is awesome and heartbreaking.

Ok, so I'm like an Apple Strudel, Crusty and flaky on the outside while sweet and gooey on the inside. I don't have any apple chunks though, I mean unless I've eaten an apple and got sick and barfed up some apple chunks, but I probably won't be sweet when that happens.  Forget the strudel thing. 

Thank you everyone for reading, and remember - when life gets you down.  That's it. Just remember it.

Realizations That I Didn't Know Some Things

First off, I know, I know - you're thinking "James, surely there isn't anything you don't know!" Normally I would agree, but I've been reading and thinking - I've learned a few things that were new to me.  I'll share a few of them.

• Driving 5 miles over the speed limit won't get you there a lot faster, and driving 5 miles under the speed limit may get you there a little slower, however, the difference in MPG is definitely worth the longer drive.  (I knew this, but I was shocked at some of the statistics)
• Carrots don't actually help you see better.
• Kale Chips make me gag a little.
• I enjoy making my lunch way too much.
• Eggs are delicious, but they are also a super fast laxative for me, just fyi.
• Sometimes it's better to give than receive, especially stomach viruses and colds and flus, etc.
• I am way too busy to play my Xbox One like I should. Just saying. It was expensive.
• Little boys from down the street that come over to play with my daughters are annoying and I will eventually smite them.
• Telling someone you will smite them doesn't have them same effect it did in ... the 15th century or so.
• I like telling someone that I shall smite them. Try it.
• I really enjoy updating my blog.

According to my traffic indicator, I have a lot of loyal readers who check back every week to see what nonsense I've posted.  I think you guys are awesome, and I thank you.  I think I'm going to stop this blog entry with that serious thank you, I don't want to keep going and screw up the mood. Oh crap.

Basking in the Glory

First of all, I don't actually bask. The definition is: 'to lie exposed to ..." whatever, it doesn't matter. I just don't lie exposed. anymore. Court Ordered.

The blog will be changing visually over the next few weeks. I'm working on getting the best fit, so until I find it, you will have to suffer. AND you will like it.

Now I would like to take some time to talk about my new web series, Regular Dad. I've gotten a few of them in the old noggin and I'm actually about to release episode 1 and I'm already happy with it. I mean I haven't finalized or rendered the video and I haven't had anyone view it and tell it me it's great, but I'm an optimist.

Speaking of being a dad, this past week I had the honor of taking each of my daughters on a date. I like to take them out and get them a little toy once in a while, so sue me.  I enjoy the daddy daughter time and they enjoy the toy.  I will however, space them out like I used to.  I mean I can't do the whole restaurant and shopping thing 3 nights in a row again. I mean ever. I won't.

I know, it's late, but hey, look at it this way - you get twice as much of me this week. :)