Yeah, like I'm going to write about the whole week on this blogger. Sometimes I wonder if people actually read this stuff. Then I realize that I've kept up with Tim Cooper, Josh Smith, Jeremy Bear, Eric Robertson, Derrak Ostovic, and several others just by checking their blogger.
Sure, it seems impersonal, but it's not. When I see these guys, it's like we haven't missed a beat. It's probably time to call out Jeff Becksfort at Oregopia.com, for having the coolest site name but never updating his blog. Here's the problem with these things - I'm more likely to e-mail Becks to tell him to update his blog than I am to call him and ask how he's doing. Here's to breaking the trend and calling Becks later today! (Then I can personally ask him to update his blog!)
Jennie and I were at a cookout on Sunday with 86 people. That has to be some sort of record for Northeast Ohio. Probably ranks just short of a Firestine pig roast. Boettler Park in Green was the place, and somehow the rain held off for what was an extraordinary day for our young marrieds group.
Okay, when i say "86 people," I am including the 35 kids. No, I did NOT include the growing babies still inside their mothers, which would have pushed our total to 90.
Firestine pig roast? Well, Dave Firestine turned 30 the other day (yeah, like two months ago now, or something), and his wife Kasey threw a pig at him. They are expecging their first child in about a week. I think she's due on Labor Day. (Insert cheesy joke here.)
Well, Jennie and I are celebrating our anniversary this weekend by going to the Ohio State football game against Cincinnati! What a great wife I have! Seriously, it was her idea. Jennie's favorite football player is Justin Zwick (Ohio State's new Quarterback), because she saw him play at high school at Massillon.
Actually, Jennie's favorite football player is Brett Favre. But the facts remain, she didn't go to any of Favre's high school games.
Zwick's Buckeye debut comes just ten days after my small group went to the Indians game to see them lose in the 9th inning - what are the odds of that? I am really enjoying my small group, and we're studying the book of James. We're developing some pretty good friendships, and they can all beat me in basketball. But at least I'm updating my blog.
Speaking of odds, I am hosting a fantasy football league (can't figure out WHY), for the second year in a row. Some guys will be drafting from out of state, via instant messenger, cell phone, and pre-ranked lists of players.
Did someone say "players"? Pandora Cunningham and the LION players just returned from ministry trip to Athens, Greece. Rumor has it some athletes had been drawn to Greece lately. Anyone see the Olympics?
Rob Hardy got me a pin from the Olympics, and I still wear it! Thanks Rob!
Okay, now to the real reason you're here - Allison updates. She's cute, and she talks. She's not saying words, only vowels. "aah" "eeo" "ooe" But it is so incredibly cute and amazing to see her grow. She weighs about 13 pounds, and I'd like to lose about 13 pounds.
This morning, I walked into her room, and she was wide awake, looking at the ceiling. Shaking her arms a little. I leaned over and smiled at her, and she smiled at me. She smiled and she kicked.
Now that's something to blog about.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Golf, Grill, and Groups.
The other day, I happened upon some free tickets to the practice round of Golf at the NEC Invitational here at Akron's Firestone Country Club.
I am not a golf fan. I don't even pretend to be. But it was a beautiful day, and I'd never been on this famous course that is right here in Akron's backyard. So I went.
Of course I got a huge sunburn, but it was worth it. I remember thinking, "Man, this is beautiful, relaxing, and hey - there's Tiger Woods!" Tiger Woods is a pretty good golfer, and I took several pics of him - see our photos page.
Earlier today, I was busy peeling layers of sunburnt skin off of my forehead when I stumbled haplessly upon a couple of free passes to today's final round at the NEC Inviational.
Yes, real golf. Real tournament golf. Fifty of the greatest golfers invited to this World Tournament event. I decided that, just a day after hearing our "dream team" lost to Lithuania in basketball, I needed a day at the golf course.
Usually, I need a day at the golf course like I need a hole in my head. I golf about once a year, and I don't know what words like "handicap, slice, or divot" mean. But on this 80-degree, clear day in Akron, I figured I didn't have much to lose.
My Dad and I had a great time, bumped into Jonathan Wiley, and saw Tiger and others up close. I wanted to see a pretty close finish, but Stewart Cink wouldn't allow it. Stewart, you see, is a golfer, and he pretty much shut down the competition again today. Tiger had his chances, but couldn't put very well. I remember whispering once, "Bad shot, Tiger," and thinking there's no way I could have shot that well at any time on any course in front of thousands of people either, so I have no reason to talk.
I can't golf, and a I can't grill. That's right, my grill is broke. So Jennie and I celebrated yesterday by going to two cookouts. One was for Scott Lambert's 30th birthday in Stow, and the other was our small groups cookout in Green. My grilling motto goes something like this: "Have Tabasco, will travel!"
That's right, I like it hot. I had delicious chili con queso dip at the Lambert's, which I hear is a family speciality. Then, at Dan & Jill Bahry's, I had a terrific burger off the grill.
I can't golf, and I can't play volleyball. We had volleyball at both cookouts. Dan and Jill's version was in the pool, which was a blast. (Here's about the time in a normal blogger entry where I wonder "Is this really so interesting that I have to put it on the internet?" Then I am quickly reminded by another voice inside that says, "You know, there's a lot of stuff on the net that's not interesting at all, so my post about backyard volleyball will fit right in.")
After pool volleyball and burgers, we watched the Browns pretend like they can be a good football team. I love the Browns, but I don't believe it. I think they'll be lucky to win five or six games. Then, on to to foosball table. I reflected momentarily on my college days, where we'd all hang out in the "student union" gameroom after dinner, and let the seniors thrash us in foosball.
Seemed like an eternity of getting beat on by Bryan Matheny, Gossard and Henderson, and maybe even Chris Radloff. Can't remember what that guy looked like, but I remember he was a mean foosball player. They were all mean, that is, until Dave Matheny and I got together. This is the part where I tell you that Dave and I went on to win the Grace College Foosball Fiesta Bowl or something.
I can still play foosball. Just not as good as Dan Bahry.
(Note: As this entry is coming to a close, Allie is giving me her opinion of this post, loudly filling up her diaper. She's the cutest!)
I am not a golf fan. I don't even pretend to be. But it was a beautiful day, and I'd never been on this famous course that is right here in Akron's backyard. So I went.
Of course I got a huge sunburn, but it was worth it. I remember thinking, "Man, this is beautiful, relaxing, and hey - there's Tiger Woods!" Tiger Woods is a pretty good golfer, and I took several pics of him - see our photos page.
Earlier today, I was busy peeling layers of sunburnt skin off of my forehead when I stumbled haplessly upon a couple of free passes to today's final round at the NEC Inviational.
Yes, real golf. Real tournament golf. Fifty of the greatest golfers invited to this World Tournament event. I decided that, just a day after hearing our "dream team" lost to Lithuania in basketball, I needed a day at the golf course.
Usually, I need a day at the golf course like I need a hole in my head. I golf about once a year, and I don't know what words like "handicap, slice, or divot" mean. But on this 80-degree, clear day in Akron, I figured I didn't have much to lose.
My Dad and I had a great time, bumped into Jonathan Wiley, and saw Tiger and others up close. I wanted to see a pretty close finish, but Stewart Cink wouldn't allow it. Stewart, you see, is a golfer, and he pretty much shut down the competition again today. Tiger had his chances, but couldn't put very well. I remember whispering once, "Bad shot, Tiger," and thinking there's no way I could have shot that well at any time on any course in front of thousands of people either, so I have no reason to talk.
I can't golf, and a I can't grill. That's right, my grill is broke. So Jennie and I celebrated yesterday by going to two cookouts. One was for Scott Lambert's 30th birthday in Stow, and the other was our small groups cookout in Green. My grilling motto goes something like this: "Have Tabasco, will travel!"
That's right, I like it hot. I had delicious chili con queso dip at the Lambert's, which I hear is a family speciality. Then, at Dan & Jill Bahry's, I had a terrific burger off the grill.
I can't golf, and I can't play volleyball. We had volleyball at both cookouts. Dan and Jill's version was in the pool, which was a blast. (Here's about the time in a normal blogger entry where I wonder "Is this really so interesting that I have to put it on the internet?" Then I am quickly reminded by another voice inside that says, "You know, there's a lot of stuff on the net that's not interesting at all, so my post about backyard volleyball will fit right in.")
After pool volleyball and burgers, we watched the Browns pretend like they can be a good football team. I love the Browns, but I don't believe it. I think they'll be lucky to win five or six games. Then, on to to foosball table. I reflected momentarily on my college days, where we'd all hang out in the "student union" gameroom after dinner, and let the seniors thrash us in foosball.
Seemed like an eternity of getting beat on by Bryan Matheny, Gossard and Henderson, and maybe even Chris Radloff. Can't remember what that guy looked like, but I remember he was a mean foosball player. They were all mean, that is, until Dave Matheny and I got together. This is the part where I tell you that Dave and I went on to win the Grace College Foosball Fiesta Bowl or something.
I can still play foosball. Just not as good as Dan Bahry.
(Note: As this entry is coming to a close, Allie is giving me her opinion of this post, loudly filling up her diaper. She's the cutest!)
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Blogosophy?
The other night, my good friend Jeremy Bear and I were discussing our varying approaches to doing this thing called a blogger. A "blogger" is what you are now reading - a "web-log" of whatever someone feels like writing.
Anyhow, lately when writing this (or not), I have been hesitant and pensive, wondering if I have anything to say that is really worth reading. I mean, how many times can I write stuff about my cute baby, the latest movie I saw, and other frivolity that only the dearest friends would admit they don't care about?
Tonight, we had Bob & Lori Siffert over for dinner. Good friends of ours here in Akron who are moving soon to Ocala, Florida. I wonder if they have a Coldstone Creamery there. Anyhow, props to them for taking the plunge and heading for warmer pastures. Note: the Sifferts also think Allison is very cute. I'll have to post a couple of the pics we got tonight.
Salsa Update: Well, yesterday I made about seven batches of my incredible salsa. I try to be humble about a lot of things, but my salsa isn't one of them. This batch was made mostly with FRESH VEGGIES from Jennie's garden in our backyard - tomatoes (roma, cherry, and, uh, "Better Boy" brand or something), jalapenos, onions, and, of course - cilantro! For all you readers who think you want to try making your own salsa someday, I highly encourage the appropriate dosage of cilantro. Not cheap to buy at the store, but very cheap to grow in our yard - and it adds a BURST of flavor. I also throw in a few other additives, but no preservatives. Go figure.
I have been eating out a lot lately. Today it was "Smokin' Joe's" in North Canton. I'd never been there before, but they told me about their "hot wing" challenge. What is up with these places? They said "if you can eat a dozen of our hottest wings, you get your meal free, ten bucks cash, and your name written on our wall over there by the mirror."
("uh, you mean I could be in the smokin joe's wall of fame?")
Yeah, it's their Habanero wing sauce, and they let me try a sample of it on a toothpick. Reality is, it wasn't THAT hot. I know I could eat a dozen, and it would probably set my stomach back a few days. But why? Is this a test of my manhood?
I think there is something in us guys where we just can NOT refuse a DARE. Like the old "Truth or Dare" game. Why even play? Because we love the dare. Doesn't matter if I hate Habanero wings. Doesn't matter if my tongue would take three days and fourteen gallons of milk and sour cream to recover from the madness. Doesn't matter if my stomach burned, my hair sweats, and my throat shakes. I'm sure all the side effects in the world are worth it, just to get my name up by that mirror at Smokin' Joes.
A real man would do it.
Whatever. I'll stick to my salsa.
P.S. Allie is still a cute baby, Collateral with Tom Cruise was average and a little disturbing, and all the other frivolity has already been written.
P.S.S. Are you a Mac guy or an IBM guy? Please comment. I dare you.
Anyhow, lately when writing this (or not), I have been hesitant and pensive, wondering if I have anything to say that is really worth reading. I mean, how many times can I write stuff about my cute baby, the latest movie I saw, and other frivolity that only the dearest friends would admit they don't care about?
Tonight, we had Bob & Lori Siffert over for dinner. Good friends of ours here in Akron who are moving soon to Ocala, Florida. I wonder if they have a Coldstone Creamery there. Anyhow, props to them for taking the plunge and heading for warmer pastures. Note: the Sifferts also think Allison is very cute. I'll have to post a couple of the pics we got tonight.
Salsa Update: Well, yesterday I made about seven batches of my incredible salsa. I try to be humble about a lot of things, but my salsa isn't one of them. This batch was made mostly with FRESH VEGGIES from Jennie's garden in our backyard - tomatoes (roma, cherry, and, uh, "Better Boy" brand or something), jalapenos, onions, and, of course - cilantro! For all you readers who think you want to try making your own salsa someday, I highly encourage the appropriate dosage of cilantro. Not cheap to buy at the store, but very cheap to grow in our yard - and it adds a BURST of flavor. I also throw in a few other additives, but no preservatives. Go figure.
I have been eating out a lot lately. Today it was "Smokin' Joe's" in North Canton. I'd never been there before, but they told me about their "hot wing" challenge. What is up with these places? They said "if you can eat a dozen of our hottest wings, you get your meal free, ten bucks cash, and your name written on our wall over there by the mirror."
("uh, you mean I could be in the smokin joe's wall of fame?")
Yeah, it's their Habanero wing sauce, and they let me try a sample of it on a toothpick. Reality is, it wasn't THAT hot. I know I could eat a dozen, and it would probably set my stomach back a few days. But why? Is this a test of my manhood?
I think there is something in us guys where we just can NOT refuse a DARE. Like the old "Truth or Dare" game. Why even play? Because we love the dare. Doesn't matter if I hate Habanero wings. Doesn't matter if my tongue would take three days and fourteen gallons of milk and sour cream to recover from the madness. Doesn't matter if my stomach burned, my hair sweats, and my throat shakes. I'm sure all the side effects in the world are worth it, just to get my name up by that mirror at Smokin' Joes.
A real man would do it.
Whatever. I'll stick to my salsa.
P.S. Allie is still a cute baby, Collateral with Tom Cruise was average and a little disturbing, and all the other frivolity has already been written.
P.S.S. Are you a Mac guy or an IBM guy? Please comment. I dare you.
Friday, August 13, 2004
The Summit of things...
This week, I'm spending 2.5 days at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. It's a yearly conference hosted by Willow Creek Community Church (www.willowcreek.org) in Chicago, but then sent live by satellite to 80 locations and about 50,000 different leaders around North America. I'm having a great time being challenged, sharpened, and getting to hang out with some terrific friends. I always look forward to this time of year.
I do tend to ramble on this blogger. Believe me, I have a lot of important things to say, I'm just not ready to say them yet. Ever felt that way? Sometimes life is like that.
Right now, I can tell Allie is like that. She has so much to say, but at only 7.5 weeks old, she really can't say any of it. What we have here is a failure to communicate. If you've seen the pictures, you know she's cuter than all get out, but she sets a new standard for "cute" every day. That is, except when she cries incessantly, which we knew would happen with our little angel. She seems to be quiet whenever we go out somewhere, which is amazing, but returns home to a world of noise.
We've got to pray for Florida right now, Hurricane Charley looks pretty incredible. Amazed to hear of a friend's relatives who are having to relocate right now, and all the chaos that is going on down there. When you see a movie like "The Day after Tomorrow," the weather effects are cool, but when it's reality, it's obviously terrible. I've always said I would love to see a real Tornado live someday, but I doubt I'd really mean it if it happens.
They are evacuating Myrtle Beach right now.
I like Columbus. Have I ever mentioned that on the blog?
Have I mentioned that this site for my journal is free, but now I have found one that might be even better? Xanga.com is very cool, might be easier to use, and is also free. I love doing Gary and Jennie.com, so we'll keep that.
I haven't written in a while, and life has been pretty busy. This past weekend, I was asked to be the "relief preacher" at The Chapel's Akron Campus, if needed. Well, I was needed, and spoke four times on Sunday. Loved every minute of it. Exhausted the next day. Stopped including subjects in my sentences.
When I write, I sometimes feel this humorous need to express myself. Sometimes, though, I wonder if my life is all that interesting. I mean, who do I think I am to have people read these random thoughts online?
But bloggers like this are becoming more and more popular, and are easy ways to keep in touch with people. Less personal, perhaps, but somewhat of a journal therapy too. I've been doing this for five months, and it is fun to look back and think about each part of the journey we've had.
Jennie is doing great as a mom. You can tell that "Mom knows best" isn't just a saying. It's amazing the connection and burden of love that a mom feels for her child. Never underestimate it. That goes for Allie, and for the child we lost last year, Laura. Allie is such a great gift, and every minute of every day is very special and just loaded with fun moments.
Like today, when I held her for the first time, and she threw up all over my dress pants. Uh, I mean, like the time when she hears my voice over the phone and broke out into a huge smile. Yes, that really did happen.
I am looking forward to the start of football season. Is there any surprise in that?
Lots more to say in future blogs, when I feel creative. Sometimes I just ramble. It is funny to find out who is reading these things. Have a great weekend!
I do tend to ramble on this blogger. Believe me, I have a lot of important things to say, I'm just not ready to say them yet. Ever felt that way? Sometimes life is like that.
Right now, I can tell Allie is like that. She has so much to say, but at only 7.5 weeks old, she really can't say any of it. What we have here is a failure to communicate. If you've seen the pictures, you know she's cuter than all get out, but she sets a new standard for "cute" every day. That is, except when she cries incessantly, which we knew would happen with our little angel. She seems to be quiet whenever we go out somewhere, which is amazing, but returns home to a world of noise.
We've got to pray for Florida right now, Hurricane Charley looks pretty incredible. Amazed to hear of a friend's relatives who are having to relocate right now, and all the chaos that is going on down there. When you see a movie like "The Day after Tomorrow," the weather effects are cool, but when it's reality, it's obviously terrible. I've always said I would love to see a real Tornado live someday, but I doubt I'd really mean it if it happens.
They are evacuating Myrtle Beach right now.
I like Columbus. Have I ever mentioned that on the blog?
Have I mentioned that this site for my journal is free, but now I have found one that might be even better? Xanga.com is very cool, might be easier to use, and is also free. I love doing Gary and Jennie.com, so we'll keep that.
I haven't written in a while, and life has been pretty busy. This past weekend, I was asked to be the "relief preacher" at The Chapel's Akron Campus, if needed. Well, I was needed, and spoke four times on Sunday. Loved every minute of it. Exhausted the next day. Stopped including subjects in my sentences.
When I write, I sometimes feel this humorous need to express myself. Sometimes, though, I wonder if my life is all that interesting. I mean, who do I think I am to have people read these random thoughts online?
But bloggers like this are becoming more and more popular, and are easy ways to keep in touch with people. Less personal, perhaps, but somewhat of a journal therapy too. I've been doing this for five months, and it is fun to look back and think about each part of the journey we've had.
Jennie is doing great as a mom. You can tell that "Mom knows best" isn't just a saying. It's amazing the connection and burden of love that a mom feels for her child. Never underestimate it. That goes for Allie, and for the child we lost last year, Laura. Allie is such a great gift, and every minute of every day is very special and just loaded with fun moments.
Like today, when I held her for the first time, and she threw up all over my dress pants. Uh, I mean, like the time when she hears my voice over the phone and broke out into a huge smile. Yes, that really did happen.
I am looking forward to the start of football season. Is there any surprise in that?
Lots more to say in future blogs, when I feel creative. Sometimes I just ramble. It is funny to find out who is reading these things. Have a great weekend!
Monday, August 09, 2004
The Melting Pot...
On Thursday night, Jennie and I celebrated our fourth anniversary! I am fortunate to have such an incredible, beautiful, and friendly wife - who laughs at everything I say. Allie is cute, but she is a distant second to Jennie, and always will be.
So we went to "The Melting Pot" restaurant up in Beechwood. This is probably our favorite restaurant of all time. They have a fondue burner at each table, and our whole meal was ours to cook! First, we had a cheese fondue (appetizer), with nacho/fiesta flavored cheeses. We dipped vegetables, bread, and tortilla chips there, and of course I added the recommended daily allowance of Tabasco. Then came the California salads, which were fare better than I had imagined. When the main course came, we could hardly believe our eyes or taste buds. A full tray of great meats (peppercorn tenderloin, chicken, salmon, steak, shrimp, and beef sat temptingly in front of us. We cooked each one in the fondue pot, and then had about 17 dipping sauces at our service. Dinner was amazing.
Dessert was not bad - a mint-chocolate fondue that was warmed up and primed for us to dip strawberries, cheesecake, brownies, and other fruits in. Totally amazing.
Truly an anniversary night out to remember. The Melting Pot can be found at www.themeltingpot.com. They have great deals and specials for anniversaries or other occasions. There's one in Cleveland (Beechwood), Columbus, and Cincinnati. I think South Bend has one too.
Mom and Dad watched Allie, but of course we called several times while we were gone. Can't get enough of that baby.
Allie has been doing great, and had a healthy doctor checkup last week, weighing in at 10 pounds, 8.5 ounces. She is starting to "coo" and seems to like to carry on that sort of conversation. It is awesome to hold her and interact with her on this basic level. We have found a way to get her smile pretty much on demand. If I hold her about 12 inches from my face, stick my tongue out, and make some silly noise, she smiles.
She smiles HUGE. And my heart melts. Love that kid.
More later on what turned out to be a pretty wild weekend for the Underwoods...
So we went to "The Melting Pot" restaurant up in Beechwood. This is probably our favorite restaurant of all time. They have a fondue burner at each table, and our whole meal was ours to cook! First, we had a cheese fondue (appetizer), with nacho/fiesta flavored cheeses. We dipped vegetables, bread, and tortilla chips there, and of course I added the recommended daily allowance of Tabasco. Then came the California salads, which were fare better than I had imagined. When the main course came, we could hardly believe our eyes or taste buds. A full tray of great meats (peppercorn tenderloin, chicken, salmon, steak, shrimp, and beef sat temptingly in front of us. We cooked each one in the fondue pot, and then had about 17 dipping sauces at our service. Dinner was amazing.
Dessert was not bad - a mint-chocolate fondue that was warmed up and primed for us to dip strawberries, cheesecake, brownies, and other fruits in. Totally amazing.
Truly an anniversary night out to remember. The Melting Pot can be found at www.themeltingpot.com. They have great deals and specials for anniversaries or other occasions. There's one in Cleveland (Beechwood), Columbus, and Cincinnati. I think South Bend has one too.
Mom and Dad watched Allie, but of course we called several times while we were gone. Can't get enough of that baby.
Allie has been doing great, and had a healthy doctor checkup last week, weighing in at 10 pounds, 8.5 ounces. She is starting to "coo" and seems to like to carry on that sort of conversation. It is awesome to hold her and interact with her on this basic level. We have found a way to get her smile pretty much on demand. If I hold her about 12 inches from my face, stick my tongue out, and make some silly noise, she smiles.
She smiles HUGE. And my heart melts. Love that kid.
More later on what turned out to be a pretty wild weekend for the Underwoods...
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