Cut Grass

I cut the grass for the first time this year. The lawn was still pretty damp from all the rain we've been getting. It's suppose to rain later tonight and tomorrow. I wanted to get it down before it rains and gets too long.

Tripwire

I finished reading Tripwire

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jack Reacher washes up in the Florida Keys with his savings running out; he spends his days digging pools and his nights as the bouncer in the local strip club. But a private investigator intrudes upon his tropical refuge, seeking Reacher out. When he discovers the PI's lifeless beaten body lying in the street, Reacher heads north to determine who is trying to find him and why. Tracing the dead man's trail to New York, Reacher discovers the PI was working for Reacher's former commanding officer, mentor and close friend Leon Garber. Reacher teams up with Garber's daughter Jodie, a sharp Wall Street lawyer, to find out why Leon needed Reacher's help and they find themselves embroiled in a life-threatening search for the truth—and the deeper they dig, the more dangerous and twisted their path becomes.

She's The One

I watched the DVD "She's The One.

Synopsis

Mickey (Ed Norton) drives a New York taxicab since the breakup with his promiscuous ex-fiancée Heather (Cameron Diaz) two years ago. His younger brother, Francis, cannot let Mickey forget the tragedy of the "hairy ass": (Mickey's image of his apartment floor after walking in on Heather). Finding relief in driving his cab, Mickey finds an art student named Hope whom he marries after knowing her for only 24 hours. Mickey also meets his old lover Heather, and learns more about life itself as taxi fares in the course of a summer. Francis, a young Wall Street corporate raider, unhappy in his marriage to Renee (Jennifer Aniston) and led by his infidelity, continues his shots at Mickey throughout the film, only to find himself a plot device that lends humor and lessons about marriage and brotherhood when he meets and starts an dangerous affair with Heather, despite Mickey's warnings. Given Mickey's frame of reference on the past and his bride of 24 hours, it is no wonder that the two brothers, along with their father, a bigot and a chauvinist who does not allow women aboard his fishing boat, learn about the strength of women, and their own lives.

Soul Men

I watched the DVD "Soul Men." Bernie Mac's last movie.

Synopsis

Two former backup soul singers, Louis Hinds (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd Henderson (Bernie Mac) who have not spoken to each other in 20 years reluctantly agree to travel across the country together to a reunion concert at Apollo Theatre to honor their recently deceased lead singer (John Legend). Cleo (Sharon Leal), a beautiful young woman who is believed to be Floyd's daughter, accompanies them as a new singer.

Baby Mama

I watched the DVD "Baby Mama."

Synopsis

Successful and single businesswoman Kate Holbrook (Tina Fey) has long put her career ahead of a personal life. Now 37, she's finally determined to have a kid on her own. But her plan is thrown a curve ball after she discovers she has only a million-to-one chance of getting pregnant. Undaunted, the driven Kate allows South Philly working girl Angie Ostrowiski (Amy Poehler)to become her unlikely surrogate. Simple enough. After learning from the steely head of their surrogacy center (Sigourney Weaver) that Angie is pregnant, Kate goes into precision nesting mode: reading childcare books, baby-proofing the apartment and researching top pre-schools. But the executive's well-organized strategy is turned upside down when her Baby Mama shows up at her doorstep with no place to live. An unstoppable force meets an immovable object as structured Kate tries to turn vibrant Angie into the perfect expectant mom. In a battle of wills, they will struggle their way through preparation for the baby's arrival. And in the middle of this tug-of-war, they'll discover two kinds of family: the one you're born to and the one you make.

Bob Cohoon Invitational

We went to the 18th Annual Bob Cohoon Invitational Track Meet. My oldest son ran his best 1600 ever - 4:38. He was first in his heat. It ended up being a nice night after some rain right at the beginning. We saw some great races. His varisty team came in third. I worked as a timer for the whole meet.

Bob Cohoon Invitational Stats

Earth

We all went to the advanced screening of "Earth" at Hollywood Boulevard Theatre.

Synopsis


The story of three animal families and their amazing journeys across the planet we all call home. The film combines rare action, unimaginable scale and impossible locations by capturing the most intimate moments of our planet's wildest and most elusive creatures.

Trapped In Paradise

I watched the DVD "Trapped In Paradise."

Synopsis

Bill Firpo (Nicolas Cage) has managed to stay honest, but can't help but be dragged into things by his larcenous brothers, the clever Dave (Jon Lovitz) and the kleptomaniac Alvin (Dana Carvey) When the three find a bank in Paradise, Pennsylvania so easy to rob that they can't resist, the only question is whether or not they can get out of town before the big snowstorm hits. While the three brothers run around town with their stolen loot, they are beseiged with the kindness of the townfolk that might just set them on the right path.

In Memory Of My Father

I watched the DVD "In Memory of My Father."

Synopsis

A self-proclaimed (somewhat justifiably) film legend bribes his son to document his death under the unquestioning assumption that it will be historically important. The Result - In Memory of My Father, a twisted celebration of a Hollywood family narcissistically dealing with an eventfully frustrating day, regardless of the subtly distracting centerpiece which they're forced to endure; Dad's corpse. With the tinted tonality of Six Feet Under, and the inappropriate wit of Curb Your Enthusiasm. The movie steers us through Dad's wake, alongside his two brothers (Jeremy Sisto & Matt Keeslar) and Dad's fickle twenty-something girlfriend (Judy Greer).

Home Meet

We went to my oldest son's home track meet. He had his best time ever - 10:18 in the 3200. He ran against the second best runner in the state. I worked as timer. It turned out to be a good day for running, overcast with a slight breeze and mild temperatures.

The Girl Next Door

We watched the DVD "The Girl Next Door."

Synopsis

High school senior president Matthew Kidman (Emile Hirsch) is about to graduate and enter Georgetown University, when a beautiful girl moves next door. Danielle (Elisha Cuthbert) is housesitting her aunt's house for the next two weeks. Matthew has been an over-achiever his whole life who has never experienced any type of personal exciting or thrilling event. Danielle, on the other hand, is a porn star. The movie is about opposite worlds colliding. Matthew wants to go into politics and must maintain a proper and spotless life. Danielle is a free spirited girl who tries to break Matthew out of his shell. Matthew discovers that in life you may have to risk everything for the girl you love. Douglas Young (the-movie-guy)

Anything Goes

We went to the Downers Grove South High School production of "Anything Goes." We knew a lot of the cast members and had excellent seats. They did a great job.

Stingray Shuffle

I finished reading "Stingray Shuffle" by Tim Dorsey.

ABOUT THE BOOK

When serial-killing local Florida historian Serge A. Storms is off his meds, no one is safe - not Russian hoods, Jamaican mobsters, spoiled frat boys, women's book clubs, drug dealers, bad Vegas-rejected local lounge acts - especially when $5 million in cash in a bugged suitcase is still racing up and down the Eastern Seaboard. But in the oddball circus known as the Sunshine State, little things like astronomical body counts tend to get lost in the shuffle.

Outsourced

I watched the DVD "Outsourced."

Synopsis

Outsourced is a modern day comedy of cross-cultural conflict and romance. Todd Anderson (Josh Hamilton) spends his days managing a customer call center in Seattle until his job, along with those of the entire office, are outsourced to India. Adding insult to injury, Todd must travel to India to train his new replacement. As he navigates through the chaos of Bombay and an office paralyzed by constant cultural misunderstandings, Todd yearns to return to the comforts of home. But it is through his team of quirky yet likable Indian call center workers, including his friendly and motivated replacement, Puro (Asif Basra), and the charming, opinionated Asha (Ayesha Dharker), that Todd realizes that he too has a lot to learn - not only about India and America, but about himself. He soon discovers that being outsourced may be the best thing that ever happened to him.

Flu

I called in sick today. I think I had the flu and stayed in bed all day waking up every two hours. I tried taking medicine for an upset stomach but nothing seemed to help. It was pretty miserable. I had absolutely no desire to eat anything. I feel like I lost a whole day.

Heartbreak Hotel

I watched the DVD "Heartbreak Hotel."

Synopsis

Johnny (Charlie Schlatter), a 17 year old boy, succeeds in kidnapping Elvis Presley (David Keith) and thus convinces him to meet her mother (Tuesday Weld) who is a fan of his and has to stand difficult times at that moment.

What Happens In Vegas

I watched the DVD "What Happens In Vegas."

Synopsis

Joy McNally (Cameron Diaz) is driven career woman who is engaged but when her fiancé grows tired of her uptight attitude; he breaks up with her. Jack Fuller (Ashton Kutcher) is a guy who likes to goof off, which makes his boss who also happens to be his father, fire him. Feeling down they both go to Las Vegas to forget about what happened to them. When they get there, a computer error puts them in the same room. And after getting drunk, they wake up to discover they got married, which they both want to get out of. But when they win 3 million dollars, the ownership of which comes into question. When they decide to take it to court, the judge decides that they should remain married for 6 months and attend counseling sessions. So Joy moves in with Jack. And they both learn that if one of them asks to get out of the marriage, the other will get the money. So they each try to drive the other to want to get out of the marriage.

Track Meet

My oldest son ran his best mile ever 4:43 at the Hinsdale Central Varsity Outdoor Track Meet.

Family Room

I spent the morning of my day off cleaning and re-arranging the family room and blasting music on the surround sound which I finally got hooked up.

Bulls Game

We went to the Bulls game at the United Center. They played the 76ers. I won the tickets in an anniversary drawing at work. They were great seats by one of the baskets - Section 114, Row 7, Seats 1 & 2. The press was right in front of us and Jesse Jackson Sr. was in the audience. The Bulls won with over 100 points so we won Big Macs and they gave out lightbulbs at the end of the game. It only took us 35 minutes to get home. The Bulls wore green uniforms.

Famous Daves

Our whole department at work went to lunch at Famous Daves in Bolingbrook. I had the Texas Manhandler Sandwich to the left and the Hot Fudge Kahlua Brownie below for dessert. I ended up sharing the brownie with two co-workers because I was so stuffed.

My Little Brother's 50th

We went to my little brother's 50th Birthday Party. We ended up staying until midnight. We saw a lot of his old friends. His wife put together some old photo albums which brought back some great memories. My whole immediate family was there and there was plenty of food.

Something

"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once."- Calvin Coolidge, 30th U.S. President

Watching Detectives

We watched the DVD "Watching Detectives."

Synopsis

Neil, (Cillian Murphy) a self proclaimed film geek and owner of Gumshoe video, has always been content to live vicariously through his favorite films noir. But when he meets Violet, (Lucy Liu) a real-life femme fatale, his mundane world gets turned upside down and the line between reality and the movies quickly begins to blur. Will Neil step up and embrace a life full of adventure or retreat back to his comfortable couch?

Life

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it has to be lived forwards." — Søren Kierkegaard

She's So Lovely

We watched the DVD "She's So Lovely."

Synopsis

A romantic fable about Eddie 9sean Penn) and Maureen (Robin Wright Penn) young, married and passionately crazy about each other. Drunk, unstable and about to have a baby, they live in a world of funky barflys and colorful low-lifes, living it up on no money and their manic, co-dependent need for each other. When a neighbor attacks Maureen, Eddie snaps and it costs him ten years of his life in a mental institution. Upon Eddie's returns, he discovers that his wife has re-married (John Travlota) and she is caught in the middle between the past and the present.

Give Thanks

"Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot." - The Hausa Of Nigeria

A Happier You

The greatest goal you can set this year is to make peace with your life, no matter your circumstances. These 10 powerful insights from Eckhart Tolle will get you started.

1. Don't seek happiness If you seek it, you won't find it, because seeking is the antithesis of happiness. Happiness is ever elusive, but freedom from unhappiness is attainable now, by facing what is rather than making up stories about it.


2. The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it. Be aware of the thoughts you are thinking. Separate them from the situation, which is always neutral, which always is as it is. There is the situation or the fact, and here are my thoughts about it. Instead of making up stories, stay with the facts. For example, "I am ruined" is a story. It limits you and prevents you from taking effective action. "I have 50 cents left in my bank account" is a fact. Facing facts is always empowering.


3. See if you can catch the voice in your head, perhaps in the very moment it complains about something, and recognize it for what it is: the voice of the ego, no more than a thought. Whenever you notice that voice, you will also realize that you are not the voice, but the one who is aware of it. In fact, you are the awareness that is aware of the voice. In the background, there is the awareness. In the foreground, there is the voice, the thinker. In this way you are becoming free of the ego, free of the unobserved mind.


4. Wherever you look, there is plenty of circumstantial evidence for the reality of time - a rotting apple, your face in the bathroom mirror compared with your face in a photo taken 30 years ago—yet you never find any direct evidence, you never experience time itself. You only ever experience the present moment.


5. Why do anxiety, stress, or negativity arise? Because you turned away from the present moment. And why did you do that? You thought something else was more important. One small error, one misperception, creates a world of suffering.


6. People believe themselves to be dependent on what happens for their happiness. They don't realize that what happens is the most unstable thing in the universe. It changes constantly. They look upon the present moment as either marred by something that has happened and shouldn't have or as deficient because of something that has not happened but should have. And so they miss the deeper perfection that is inherent in life itself, a perfection that lies beyond what is happening or not happening. Accept the present moment and find the perfection that is untouched by time.


7. The more shared past there is in a relationship, the more present you need to be; otherwise, you will be forced to relive the past again and again.

8. Equating the physical body with "I," the body that is destined to grow old, wither, and die, always leads to suffering. To refrain from identifying with the body doesn't mean that you no longer care for it. If it is strong, beautiful, or vigorous, you can appreciate those attributes—while they last. You can also improve the body's condition through nutrition and exercise. If you don't equate the body with who you are, when beauty fades, vigor diminishes, or the body becomes incapacitated, this will not affect your sense of worth or identity in any way. In fact, as the body begins to weaken, the light of consciousness can shine more easily.


9. You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you and allowing that goodness to emerge.

10. If peace is really what you want, then you will choose peace.

Exerpted from Oneness with All Life by Eckhart Tolle. Published by arrangement with Dutton, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc. Copywright © 2008 by Eckhart Tolle