Being A Dad

I can't think of a more wonder thing to be than a Dad. Sure, there are times when you get frustrated with your child, but all that is erased when they laugh or hug you.

Reflecting on just the last few days sums it all up. The other night Lilli helped me make banana nut bread. She went and got her trusty step stool and was standing at the counter helped mix it all up. She loves to help out in the kitchen.

Saturday was a family Thanksgiving Party and she was having so much fun running around, giggling with her cousins (needless to say she fell asleep in 6 seconds flat that night).

Yesterday, she was a big help with raking leaves (in her own way of course). She wanted to help, so she got her Little Tikes shovels and used them as rakes (quite creative). Unfortunately she raked away from the pile, but its the thought that counts. Then when we were picking up leaves to put in the bag, she would spread it out on the lawn instead - "to help the grass grow" she said - hard to argue with that.

Then last night we got her suitcase and backpack out to get her ready for our trip to Florida. She actually started folding her clothes and placing them in the suitcase! With some additional help from Mom, it got packed. Then Lilli filled her back pack up with dolls and toys then proceeded to walk around the house with back pack on, pulling the suitcase behind saying that she was ready to go, even though we aren't leaving for a couple of more days.

Moments like these make being a Dad such a wonderful experience. These are the memories I'll have to remember the rest of my life.

oh so tired...

I got home a little early yesterday from being on a job site all day, so I was able to finish priming the toy chest and even got a first coat of accent paint on the drawers and lid. I did notice some remedial patching and sanding that needs to be done, but nothing too labor intensive, just delays starting the final coat of paint. It felt great to get another step ahead on that project.

This morning, I was supposed to do a 35 minute tempo run, but due to lack of sleep last night (a certain someone got up crying at 1:30 am and didn't go back to sleep until 4:30 - poor little tired girl) I did not run this morning and I don't think I'll even try this evening. I guess I'll get to it tomorrow morning...

A friend of mine just got back into the office today. He just turned 40 on Saturday. To celebrate he ran the Pikes Peak Ascent. I am quite envious and it sounded like it was an amazing time. Even though I still have a few year yet, I looked into when my 40th birthday fell to see if there is a race that I might participate in to celebrate. Unfortunately it falls on a Monday, so I could either run the Sunday or Saturday before as my "last hurrah" before turning 40, or figure something else out. I'll be on the lookout for races and seeing what I can find. Until then, I am enjoying my 30's while I can.

I may have to grow old, but I don't have to grow up...

motor city madness

We just got back from our Detroit wedding weekend. We had a good time seeing some old friends, and saying goodbye to some for awhile... as the couple getting married are moving to San Francisco this Thursday... they are quite the crazy couple. Not only did they get married last night, she was graduating from Med School today and they are moving to San Fransisco for her to begin her residency. All of this occurred in the span of about 4 months... we wish them the best of luck. They are a great couple.

Detroit is an interesting city - certainly not what I expected. Admittedly, I expected it to be grittier, but it was actually not bad. With that said though, the planning that went into the layout of that city sucks. I have never encountered a city whose roads were all at angles, many not at right angles to one another.

But, there were some real gems there like these:

Amazing buildings with some great detail. Almost a shame they are in a city that seemed to lack some life... There were no attractions, nothing to be downtown for except perhaps at night. Many of these building were vacant.

This will probably be the only time we visit Detroit (unless I give their marathon a try), so I was glad to get the chance to go, but I wonder if there will be a rebirth of this city? It sure has a lot of potential.