Ok, since I've just been listed as a blog she follows on my wife's new blog, it's time to shake some dust off this one.
I don't have much to say at the moment, but this is an update.
I'm about to begin a journey of working out and trying to get back in some shape, mainly cardiovascular health. Going to the gym now. Will speak with you later.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Thrashers Game
OK... the scene is again @ Philips Arena. This time for the Thrashers game vs. the Phoenix Coyotes. We had a blast. The live games are such an experience. Following the team on TV games is enjoyable, but being there is the best. What was really amazing was having my entire family there this time. Although we lost in a shootout, the game was a good one. The best was when we scored our 2nd goal. Amazing play by our guys.
It was great for the older kids. They both got jerseys (30% off that night!) and were loving it. Afterwards, we ate dinner @ Taco Mac. Upon leaving, Zoe had left her Thrashers hat in the restaurant. We drove back, Laura went in to check and..... she found the hat. Zoe was really grateful.
All in all, a wonderful time. I hope to return again very soon. We just need to win then.
It was great for the older kids. They both got jerseys (30% off that night!) and were loving it. Afterwards, we ate dinner @ Taco Mac. Upon leaving, Zoe had left her Thrashers hat in the restaurant. We drove back, Laura went in to check and..... she found the hat. Zoe was really grateful.
All in all, a wonderful time. I hope to return again very soon. We just need to win then.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Circus Reflections
Well, we've made a trip down to Atlanta to see the circus. That's one under our belts.
I remember going when I was a kid. Really young. I remember it being dark. And I think we saw the motorcycles-in-the-cage thing. Also, I remember looking at the massive, collector's edition Program when I got home.
When we first got there today, we headed directly to Will Call because we hadn't gotten the tickets in the mail. Laura was worried she had maybe thrown them away by accident. Anyway, on the way to the ticket window, we passed through the PETA demonstration. Received a brochure. I shake my head writing this. I don't know of another group of protestors who I think is a bigger waste of time. They have nothing better to do. The next time a group of animals gathers together to protest their own "mistreatment," give me a shout. Until then, I hold onto the belief that animals don't think. They wouldn't be able to tell you whether they were living a dream life or a life of abuse. As to whether Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus is abusing animals.... I don't think so.
The main thing I took away from the event is that they certainly don't want any lawsuits. The title of the show was, "Zing Zang Zoom!" but the subtitle could be, "AKA, "Don't Try This at Home!" I heard, "Don't Try This at Home!" sung in a cute, harmonized, choreographed manner even more than I did, "Zing Zang Zoom!" I'm trying to imagine the circus back in the day, when my parents were kids. I don't think they would've had all the disclaimers worked into the show like we have it nowadays.
Two funny things happened when we got home. First, I got the mail. Our tickets for the circus were in an envelope. Yes, that's right. The circus we had just attended. Hopefully Ticketmaster is hiring a new mail coordinator as I type. Secondly, the kids were hot to trot and began performing their own circus in our living room. While they jumped off little chairs into a pile of pillows, pretending to be shot out of a cannon, Zoe sang at the top of her lungs: "Don't Try This at Hooooommmmeeee!" I tried to get her to see the irony, but she just gave me a blank stare. I love her innocence.
Ah, the circus. Memories aplenty.
I remember going when I was a kid. Really young. I remember it being dark. And I think we saw the motorcycles-in-the-cage thing. Also, I remember looking at the massive, collector's edition Program when I got home.
When we first got there today, we headed directly to Will Call because we hadn't gotten the tickets in the mail. Laura was worried she had maybe thrown them away by accident. Anyway, on the way to the ticket window, we passed through the PETA demonstration. Received a brochure. I shake my head writing this. I don't know of another group of protestors who I think is a bigger waste of time. They have nothing better to do. The next time a group of animals gathers together to protest their own "mistreatment," give me a shout. Until then, I hold onto the belief that animals don't think. They wouldn't be able to tell you whether they were living a dream life or a life of abuse. As to whether Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus is abusing animals.... I don't think so.
The main thing I took away from the event is that they certainly don't want any lawsuits. The title of the show was, "Zing Zang Zoom!" but the subtitle could be, "AKA, "Don't Try This at Home!" I heard, "Don't Try This at Home!" sung in a cute, harmonized, choreographed manner even more than I did, "Zing Zang Zoom!" I'm trying to imagine the circus back in the day, when my parents were kids. I don't think they would've had all the disclaimers worked into the show like we have it nowadays.
Two funny things happened when we got home. First, I got the mail. Our tickets for the circus were in an envelope. Yes, that's right. The circus we had just attended. Hopefully Ticketmaster is hiring a new mail coordinator as I type. Secondly, the kids were hot to trot and began performing their own circus in our living room. While they jumped off little chairs into a pile of pillows, pretending to be shot out of a cannon, Zoe sang at the top of her lungs: "Don't Try This at Hooooommmmeeee!" I tried to get her to see the irony, but she just gave me a blank stare. I love her innocence.
Ah, the circus. Memories aplenty.
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Return
Hello blogland....
It's been awhile (emphasis) since words were last typed on this forum. I'd blame a mixture of busyness, burn out, and a third go-round of Fatherhood on the blog-bernation (blog + hibernation, to borrow a trick from my blogging friend, Annie Downs). Speaking of a new baby, I need to reveal the newest Kirkland to those who haven't already heard......
Griffin Everett Kirkland (we're calling him "Finn")
He is surely the "easiest" baby we've had yet. He's very low-maintenance. After he eats in the middle of the night, very rarely do we (who am I kidding? Laura usually deals with him overnight. I try to pitch in sometimes, but I've got to give credit where it's due) have to do an hour-long routine of trying to get Finn back to sleep. He just does it. With three total children, this is a wonderful grace God has given. Finn is a blessing. He's super-cute (am I biased??) and reminds me of Zoe when she was a newborn.
It's been funny lately. Around the house, the kids are all "doing their thing." Zoe pretty much dresses up in nearly a dozen costumes on any given day, sings, dances, and puts on "shows." She also draws and makes crafts all the time. All. the. time. I love her little creations. Both the older kids know I'm a huge Thrashers fan, as I watch almost every game on TV (looking forward to actually attending a home game in the near future again). Henry LOVES to "play Thrashers." We have a little soccer/hockey mini-goal in our house and some plastic hockey sticks. Various balls/wooden toys compete for their chance to be the "puck" we use. If I'm home, Henry wants to play. When I walk in the door from work, Henry is quick to say, "Let's play Thrashers!!" We even throw down the sticks and get into "fights." It's hilarious. And I love it. Even though I do sometimes just need to go straight to the restroom and pee when I get home from work.
Laura's artwork and her creative output is still going strong. I'm amazed when I think of all the things she does.... Mom for 3 kids... creator of a multitude of products.... wife to me....... she is hard to believe. I'm so thankful for her. And have I ever said what a great cook she is?? Amazing! Lately, I often take a mental step back and observe what God has given me, with our growing family. It's almost too much to take in. Even with things being more hectic and busy, I find myself energized and tapping into a hidden well of strength to make it through the day. My family are my inspiration. That might even be a cheesy Hallmark quote. But, in this case, these words couldn't be more true.
Anyway, I intend to get back to semi-regular blogging. True, life is busy. There are so many things going on. However, to share a thought, an idea, or a recap of recent life events is quite an amazing treat. I don't want to miss the opportunity.
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Al Franken, Senator
Is it just me...
or is it too much of an irony that Al Franken - former comedian - is now a confirmed U.S. Senator? Surely, this must be a joke.
Sadly and surrealy, it is not. If it's a joke, I'm not laughing.
May our nation be kept as safe as possible from the monstrous damage that will come during, at least, the next 3.5 years. Franken must be singing praises to the gods of legal manipulation and truth distortion as I type.
or is it too much of an irony that Al Franken - former comedian - is now a confirmed U.S. Senator? Surely, this must be a joke.
Sadly and surrealy, it is not. If it's a joke, I'm not laughing.
May our nation be kept as safe as possible from the monstrous damage that will come during, at least, the next 3.5 years. Franken must be singing praises to the gods of legal manipulation and truth distortion as I type.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Deja Vu, in part
Laura's family had a terrifying experience early Sunday morning. At 4:35am, we got a phone call from a family friend in St. Simons' Island. It was about Laura's brother, Wes. He had been in an auto accident and, since it was very early in the proceedngs, we didn't know much information. We were told a very similar story to that of when Laura's sister, Rebekah, had been in a fatal accident 2 Summers prior. It was eerie.
Since Laura was on the phone getting information, my heart was beating in what seemed like my throat. I wanted to know what was happening and feared so badly that the unthinkable might be possible. Pacing around from bathroom to bedroom, I heard bits and pieces. Finally, I knew that it was serious and we had to get in touch with Laura's parents. Laura initially thought she might not be able to do it. Quickly, she dialed the number. She prepared her Dad and delivered the news. They were ready to leave the mountain cabin in Cherry Log almost immediately, even though they had just only arrived the evening before.
Now it's been 3 days since then. I sit here writing these words in a completely different environment than I would've been 2 years ago. Wes is alive. He has a journey toward complete recovery, but his injuries are all concentrated around his face. He's already speaking, comprehending, and adjusting (albeit groggily) to his post-accident surroundings and conditions. Laura was commenting on how "fascinating" it was to listen to what Wes said and what he was doing. She was almost giddy about it. I believe it's because this is the reality that was nonexistent when Rebekah was in an almost identical situation. This is what might have been, in her case, that Laura never got to experience. Most certainly, it's an arena of redemption and grace this time around. A collective, deep sigh of relief is palpable amongst everyone involved with her family and this community.
Since Laura was on the phone getting information, my heart was beating in what seemed like my throat. I wanted to know what was happening and feared so badly that the unthinkable might be possible. Pacing around from bathroom to bedroom, I heard bits and pieces. Finally, I knew that it was serious and we had to get in touch with Laura's parents. Laura initially thought she might not be able to do it. Quickly, she dialed the number. She prepared her Dad and delivered the news. They were ready to leave the mountain cabin in Cherry Log almost immediately, even though they had just only arrived the evening before.
Now it's been 3 days since then. I sit here writing these words in a completely different environment than I would've been 2 years ago. Wes is alive. He has a journey toward complete recovery, but his injuries are all concentrated around his face. He's already speaking, comprehending, and adjusting (albeit groggily) to his post-accident surroundings and conditions. Laura was commenting on how "fascinating" it was to listen to what Wes said and what he was doing. She was almost giddy about it. I believe it's because this is the reality that was nonexistent when Rebekah was in an almost identical situation. This is what might have been, in her case, that Laura never got to experience. Most certainly, it's an arena of redemption and grace this time around. A collective, deep sigh of relief is palpable amongst everyone involved with her family and this community.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Ponderings
Had some time to think. Here is the result:
Why do we chase and sprint after all these ghosts? You live a life full of intrigue and expectations that yield a rare sum of light. Beauty pulses all throughout, haunting the edges of days like the tick of a clock. Effort presses onward to finally grasp that thing – that one thing – which will finally bring resolution and bliss.
This is the losing battle. If anything, we discover ourselves to be easily fooled. Like hamsters on the treadmill, it’s a neverending emptying of the pockets to the dealer at the table. Yet, we try and try. It must be noble in the judgement of someone’s eyes, we hope.
Gorgeous sadness. Many have made fortunes mining the misery of our kind. They say if you can’t laugh at it, then you’d weep. The laughing may be a coping mechanism or just a method to stave off the brutal reality of our collective loss. The laughter is rich, however. Humor is a kind balm. The most honest is the dark variety. Here we marry the grim consequences of our actions to the wisdom gained from humble reflection. We can stare ourselves down in the mirror and smile. That’s a victory unto itself.
For all this mess we place ourselves in, how do we find a meaning to it? Almost as a gut instinct, we can flail in the pool of excuses and dish out accusations in all directions. No one is safe from these. The last target we would dare to put in our sights is our self. Claiming responsibility is a massive direct hit to the pride we all own.
If, in a lifetime, this level can be reached, there is truly hope. Tragically, we have a blind spot preventing us from achieving it, most of the time. If we treasure the perspective of an outsider, and step outside our own window view, the closer to freedom we would be.
Why do we chase and sprint after all these ghosts? You live a life full of intrigue and expectations that yield a rare sum of light. Beauty pulses all throughout, haunting the edges of days like the tick of a clock. Effort presses onward to finally grasp that thing – that one thing – which will finally bring resolution and bliss.
This is the losing battle. If anything, we discover ourselves to be easily fooled. Like hamsters on the treadmill, it’s a neverending emptying of the pockets to the dealer at the table. Yet, we try and try. It must be noble in the judgement of someone’s eyes, we hope.
Gorgeous sadness. Many have made fortunes mining the misery of our kind. They say if you can’t laugh at it, then you’d weep. The laughing may be a coping mechanism or just a method to stave off the brutal reality of our collective loss. The laughter is rich, however. Humor is a kind balm. The most honest is the dark variety. Here we marry the grim consequences of our actions to the wisdom gained from humble reflection. We can stare ourselves down in the mirror and smile. That’s a victory unto itself.
For all this mess we place ourselves in, how do we find a meaning to it? Almost as a gut instinct, we can flail in the pool of excuses and dish out accusations in all directions. No one is safe from these. The last target we would dare to put in our sights is our self. Claiming responsibility is a massive direct hit to the pride we all own.
If, in a lifetime, this level can be reached, there is truly hope. Tragically, we have a blind spot preventing us from achieving it, most of the time. If we treasure the perspective of an outsider, and step outside our own window view, the closer to freedom we would be.
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