Manual Labor/Good Karma

On Sunday, I helped a friend move into his new apartment. I didn't mind at all because I moved into a new place seven years in a row (during college, law school, and the move to Texas), each time using friends and family to help. I have lots of Karmic debt to pay off.

Birthday Fun

Saturday night, for the wife's birthday, we ate Top Notch burgers, went rollerskating, and then finished up with some karaoke (BYOB, private room, etc.). Lots of juvenile fun was had by all.

Baby Boy

Last night, instead of putting my son in bed while he was still awake, we rocked in a chair together in the still darkness of his room until he was nearly asleep. When I finally rose to put him into bed, he whispered "Let's rock some more, Dad." And so we did.

Guilty Pleasure

I watched Project Runway last night. I've seen every episode of every season. Despite it being a typical reality show in many (undesireable) ways, I really enjoy watching the spontaneous inspiration and creativity unfold each week. Maybe I need to give myself weekly challenges...

Quality Time

Today I snuggled on the sofa with my boy and watched movies. He fits perfectly in the crook of my arm.

Art (of sorts)

Tonight, I had an opportunity to draw, and created two giant posters for an educational presentation my wife is giving to some middle school kids tomorrow. The subjects? Anatomical renderings of the male and female reproductive system. Hurray for the vas deferens!

Food (and a sprinkler)

On Sunday, I went outside and grilled chicken and sausage and vegetables on my beautiful stainless steel grill. I also ran back and forth through the water sprinkler with my son. All in all, a great day outdoors.

Food

I tried out a new recipe - Swedish meatballs and buttered noodles with fresh Italian parsley. Pretty delicious comfort food.

I really like to cook and do all of the cooking at my house, but I usually rely on the same dozen or so recipes because I'm usually in a hurry to finish dinner so that I can spend time with my son (who rejects half of my food offerings anyway). I'd like to start doing more traditionally Southern meals - more gravies, more frying, more stewing. Sounds healthy, right? Anyway, I'm getting better at making gravy. The secret is Gold Medal brand Wondra Quick-Mixing Flour. And a whisk.

Live Music, Y'all

Tonight I saw a double bill of live music: the first public performance by Adult Sons (my friend's punk band, doing a record store show), and a CD release show by the Meat Purveyors at the Continental Club. Invigorating, all of it.

Obviously, one of the great things about Austin is the live music that's available. Tonight, I was able to take my son to his first punk rock show, and then put him to bed and go see one of my favorite local bands. I'm very fortunate.

Music (again)

Tonight I put on the headphones and listened to Puccini's La Boheme, as performed by Maria Callas. Highly recommended.

Book and Wine

I continued reading a very good history of Southern soul music (Sweet Soul Music) by Peter Guralnick, while enjoying a tasty Rodney Strong cabernet sauvignon.

I want to read a book each month or so, alternating between fiction and nonfiction. I just finished The Little Friend, by Donna Tartt, which was well written, with very accurate/evocative descriptions of the South, especially personalities and nature. In the end, though, it wasn't very satisfying, because of the dark subject matter and the unresolved plot threads. I know, I know, reader satisfaction is not the only virtue of a good book, but still...

Installment #1: Music

Yesterday I purchased some music, which is one of my great joys (both the music itself and the procurement thereof). My choices are pretty indicative of my broad musical tastes: old country crooner, Eddy Arnold; country music legend, Hank Williams; punk pioneers, Wire; and, the new album from indie popsters, the French Kicks.

I'm trying to beef up my collections of old country & western (1940s-1960s) and punk classics (1970s). The country stuff reminds me of my mom's parents, and just has such great melodies and harmonies. The punk stuff I totally missed out on as a young man, so I'm trying to catch up.

My 30Gb iPod is now over half full (notice I didn't say "less than half empty" - because I'm an optimist).

A New Beginning

So, today I am recommitting myself to this blog. I hope to use it to chronicle at least one creative, inspired, or unexpected act I have done each day. An act that gives me new insight, enjoyment, fulfillment, or perspective - that makes me a better citizen, a better friend, a better husband and father, a better person. It will also hopefully serve as a prompt to engage in such an act each day. This goal - wringing something creative and meaningful out of each day - is not new for me, but recent events have given me cause to focus more on the goal.

Last week, an acquaintance of mine, Jeff Wilson, died of injuries sustained after being hit by a drunk driver. Jeff was in his early thirties (like me), was married (like me), was an attorney (like me), lived in South Austin (like me), enjoyed music (like me), enjoyed cooking (like me), and often found himself prodding others toward FUN in an attempt to make the most out of each moment of life (like me). Not surprisingly, his death has been the source of a good deal of reflection for me lately, on my life, my choices, my future. Tracking my daily efforts at LIVING (rather than existing) is one way I hope to deal with my own mortality, the mortality of those I care about, and make sure I have no regrets in life.

I don't expect anyone to give a shit about this blog, or stay perched on the edge of their seat waiting to see what dull new adventures I have embarked on. I just want, each day, to grow as a person, and I hope to use this blog to help me achieve that goal.