You know how some stuff just sticks with you? Well, I remember driving in the car with my family one time. We were just cruising through a neighborhood. I must have been around ten or so. We were just going somewhere and we saw a man out cutting his grass. My brother got all excited and said "Look at that guy lawning his mow!" We all got a good laugh. Of course my brother had on his "Why Be Normal" hat at the time, so it all kind of fit.
I had high school summer adventures mowing lawns with my good buddy, Kevin. I also mowed the university grass in college as part of the maintenance crew, including a place called the coliseum. Those were character building times in my life. And that's all I'm going to say about that. I guess I have a weirdness about becoming a lawn guy. You know the type- the mow mid-week to keep the grass looking good guys. I'm referring to guys that talk about cutting their grass in in terms quarter inches. The guys who mow, then weed eat, then edge the sidewalks, then get the blower. These are the kind of guys that actually talk to other guys (usually other lawn guys) about their lawn.
If I had it my way, I'd be the opposite of a lawn guy. I want to be a dirt guy. I want a whole yard full of dirt. I want to get up every Saturday and go rake my dirt. One tool. One job. Neighbors would say "Hey Stortz, how's your dirt lookin'?" I'd say "Great. I think it's doing real well this season." I'd say that because it's dirt. How could it not be doing well? Nice and simple. I've got better things to do than worry about how my lawn is doing.
I've said in a previous post that my lawn was more "Malcolm in the Middle" than "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous." I'm pretty okay with that. And if my new HOA doesn't like it, I'll have a big pile of dirt they can help me rake.
I ran across this video over at Ed Young's Blog. Wow. Can you say convicted? I think my #@#$ and %$%& come out more in anger than in an attempt to be hip and relevant, though. This is definitely something to think about and pray about.
Big T was a little fussy this morning, but we both took an hour and a half nap on the couch. I spent the rest of the morning watching Law & Order: Criminal Intent reruns while pacing the bedroom with him on my shoulder. I'm really glad I have no expectations for these weeks. I am taking care of Titus, that's all. I just have to keep telling my self this.
He had a nice afternoon nap, and then I dropped him off with Nell after school. Pa had the boys today, so I was able to grab an hour nap in the parking lot before I got Selah. It got a little hot in car and it was definitely not the best nap I've had, but I've been feeling so tired lately.
I had the three big kids for supper- fish sticks and macaroni. Don't worry, as I had several granola bars to supplement.
This was the first day to have all four kids in the morning. I got everyone packed up and we headed out into the rain to load up in the car. I forgot I did not have the car seats arranged for everyone. Okay, no problem. I told them to wait on the porch while I played a bad game of Tetris with the bags, gear, and seats. Five minutes later, a very grumpy and wet dad loaded everyone into the car.
Of course Eli was sad. He is in a perennial state of unhappiness right now. He is Eeyore stopping to complain to Oscar the Grouch at the corner of Dissatisfied and Unpleasant. Selah was not too happy with daddy dropping her off either. Oh well, at least Titus cried the whole way to Zeke's school. Turns out I missed some gourmet coffee in the lounge for Teacher Appreciation Week. Happy birthday to me.
My sister, Jamie, came over and spent most of the day with me and Big T. It was nice. We talked about school and made fun of the air conditioner guy and his over indulgence of cheap cologne. Good times.
She also helped me get a couple of birthday gifts for a student of mine. Titus seemed to enjoy Guitar Center despite the noticeable absence of pimply faced teens rehashing old Metallica riffs with way to much mid range scooped out. I really need to spend more time with my sister.
I missed out on a free Sonic drink for an afternoon treat at school. Oh well. I had Wendy's for lunch so I won't complain too much and Titus had a small afternoon nap. That was almost better than the three granola bars I had again today.
Today started with some spewing from the little guy. It was not the kind that leaves a little wet spot on your shoulder, this was the nasty kind that gets on the floor and all down your back. Definitely a shirt changer.
He was pretty fussy for most of the morning. I'm not sure why. He seems to cry if I am not holding him up on my shoulder, pounding his back, and actively walking around. No real nap. I had a toasted cheese sandwich with a glass of water for lunch. I brought him up to Nell's school for his feeding. She told me she ate Market Street ribs with sides and dessert because of Teacher Appreciation Week. Hmmm. Maybe this wasn't the best week to take off.
The afternoon was filled mostly with crying. I'm not sure what I am doing to the poor kid. I'm beginning to think he doesn't like me much. I dropped him off with Nell for the rest of the afternoon when I went to go pick up Zeke. I got a call about 10 minutes later saying I forgot to buckle him into his carrier. Oops.
I also missed out on a free catered Mexican food lunch and some chicken strips at Chick Fil A. 3 granola bars later, and this is not my best day.
